Thursday August 28 2008

Young Buck Deer - Autumn

5x7 Oil Painting

by Lynn Thomas

Off to town in about an hour, me dentist, Joe haircut, grocery shopping, lunch, getting the chemo pump taken off. It looks like it will be a busy time for the next few weeks with appointments and going to town. Trying to get them all organized will be interesting. At least today won't have to hear the convention stuff all day. Slept pretty good, despite many trips to the bathroom in the night. Up early, same reason.

Some friends have mentioned that their eye doctors had suggested washing their eyelashes with Johnson's baby shampoo to help with irritated eyes. Bonnie confirmed that she has tried it too, so I started doing that. Although just doing it a couple of times so far, I think it might help. Eyes are still very irritated, I'm sure mainly from the chemo.

It's VERY smoky this morning, from the New Fork fire which has flared up again, otherwise its a nice day. By the time we got home the smoke is much less, but you sure could see the great pall over the mountains when we were in town.

From http://www.pinedaleonline.com/ (see more pictures) : New Fork Fire flares up -The New Fork Fire reached Pine Mountain and made a dramatic show as it consumed trees on the west face of the mountain. Firefighters are monitoring the blaze, which is burning in the wilderness area. This is the view looking across the valley from Mt. Airy on Wednesday afternoon. Fire danger has been elevated to Very High. Click on this link for more photos of the fire on Wednesday, August 27: New Fork Fire revives . They are calling the size about 14,000 acres. It looks many miles wide north to south and is spreading east to the continental divide, reaching way back from the foothills where it started. It is only 19 miles from Pinedale.

It's very big and burned a lot of country

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Got all the town chores done. I couldn't believe the dentist wouldn't let me pay for my filling. What a special gift. I was just bowled over. Maybe I can give him a small painting in appreciation. Over to the grocery store, and saw Joe's niece Joslyn. She was sitting with Joe having coffee and suggested we go to lunch together. Got the groceries and the checkout was just a circus. I came home with 28 paper bags for a weeks groceries, and about 10 pounds of dry ice to keep the cold things cold!!! I tried to check through the bags for just such a thing, but they still didn't get ice on all the cold things, one whole bag of meat without any ice at all, and milk and cream in with the can goods. I was very close to loosing my patience with it all.

Joslyn and Howie came to the Patio to have lunch with us and that was nice to visit with them. Then to the clinic and got the chemo pump off. We went and had a milk shake after that and it was just too much. Neither one of us wanted dinner tonight but Joe finally ate some leftovers. I guess we got back home about 3:30 or so. Sweet Amy at the clinic called as I walked in the kitchen and said Jackson wanted me to leave the pump at Pinedale so they could get it back up there to use for someone else. She hadn't checked her messages or we would have known when I was there. Amy always calls me "honey" and I just sort of melt while she's taking care of me. I called Carol at the hospital and she said it was o.k., that they didn't need it after all..... thank goodness. But she still wants me to take it to Pinedale Clinic if I go to town and they can mail it. I guess I can mail it, I don't know.

It's the birthday of one of the greatest German writers ever, born in Frankfurt in 1749. He worked on his greatest drama, Faust (1832), for about 50 years. When Goethe was 74, he fell in love with a 19-year-old woman, whom he chased but never succeed in winning. He wrote a long, sad poem about his failed attempt, and died soon after, in 1832. He said, "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being."

Wednesday August 27 2008

Horses at Silver Creek

coming home the other day

Got up early, showered and got ready for the day. Drove to Bonnie's house to pick her up about 8 a.m. , a little earlier than we planned but she was ready. I still hadn't gotten an answer about where and when to meet the shuttle, so we made a few phone calls and found out that there had been a glitch in the scheduling and it wasn't running today. So we just drove my car to Jackson. Very nice day for driving, uneventful, noticing how the natural gas pipeline is progressing.

Got to Oncology a little early, vitals taken and right into the chair. There must have been gremlins at work today because my port would only let fluid in and they couldn't draw the blood samples needed out. After much time consuming trying Carol took the first samples from my arm, then the lab called and said it was clotted, and she took another from my arm which took two tries to get a vein, same thing, then another in my hand. That made four tries and lots of time and supplies. Received the results and I was good to go for the treatment, but by then it was after 1 p.m. Carol got the chemo drip going.

I showed Carol my hands and how the skin has peeled off my thumb, very sore, and told her now the skin is coming off my feet with deep cracks. I thought I was keeping after them pretty well, but I'm sure the chemo is working on them. The blood test results showed that my protein was low, and I believe it was low last time too. So Carol suggested taking a protein drink supplement. So bought some whey soy protien drink at Smiths later. Food just hasn't been tasting right and gradually I've ended up settling for something carbohydrate, sweet or salty crunchy or spicy, just something with more taste to it. I never know if what I'm cooking tastes good or bad. Joe keeps eating it though. Everything else seemed as usual, so nothing new there to report.

Bonnie and I ordered some lunch at noon. I had an omelet and cheesecake (ate half and saved half for later), Bonnie had a fish sandwich. She was able to visit some with people there for treatment, and other friends out in the waiting room, so that was good. I fell asleep in the chair under the warmed blankets and had a good nap. I woke myself up with those loud snores a couple of times and everyone in the room was laughing. I apologized, but it was pretty funny. That's the longest I've slept there.

Bonnie drove us to Smiths afterwards to get my prescription filled. They had the best price yet for my pain medicine - $1.31 for 2 months. We did a little bit of shopping and I got only the necessary things. Bonnie drove us home and a good thing because I was pretty drowsy. The ride was nice and so good to visit with Bonnie and get to know her better.

Between Pinedale and Boulder, I noticed two horse back riders moving a bull, and before I knew it I recognized they were Gina and Bob. It was a fun surprise. We were past so fast that I wasn't sure if they were riding Nube or not. I will find out.

We got back to Bonnie's place maybe about 6-ish. She gave us more produce from her greenhouse and garden - fresh picked raspberries - which we polished off today - YUM tomatoes, zucchini, new red potatoes just dug that morning, cucumbers. I got to see Craig and their son Cheyenne with his two cute little boys - they came over on their ATV and he said he would come over one evening and tune up my computer. So I was glad to have a plan for that. I'm sure he will be very good at it. Mike who fixed the laptop never did call so this is good.

I guess after picking raspberries and all, I got home about 7. Joe had leftover spaghetti for dinner, and I microwaved myself a plate of that. Went to bed pretty quickly.

Tomorrow Joe has a haircut appointment and I have a dentist appointment to get a filling. I will get some groceries. Have to get the chemo pump off too. Sheral and I were going to dinner and the movie hopeful to see Mama Mia tomorrow night, but its not on after all. So we will go another time. I'm still trying to get all the Harry Potter movies seen without falling asleep though most of it.

Tayler's Off to College

Tayler and Friend Going to Prom

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I would let you all know that we got Tayler off to school last weekend. It was a good trip. Tayler's best friend Angela from Vegas will be her roommate in Reno. We left on Tuesday. Both the girls drove their cars and Curtis and Alan (Angela's Dad) drove our vehicle. All three cars were full, it took about 8 hours to get there.We went to the University on

Wednesday and began the check-in process; 1st line for a student ID, second step getting signed into the room and a room key. Then we were able to pull up to a loading area and the students in the fraternity's and sororities came and carried all the stuff to the room. WOW was that nice, we were so glad for the help. There was plenty still to be done, the room was not very clean and we had yet to get cleaning supplies. So we took inventory and "The Dad's" went off to Home Depot, where they bought a cabinet for the bathroom and two curtain rod's and wall mount for the TV. Jennifer, Angela, Tayler and I went to WalMart, and got the cleaning supplies, and some curtains for the closet, a lamp for the table between the beds and some other items they needed. It turned out to be a very long day, but they have a nice comfortable room.

The following two days were filled with various orientation events for both the students and the parents. Curtis had a meeting to go to in Lovelock on Friday, so I skipped the second day of orientation. Friday night Curtis and I took Jeremy (Tayler's boyfriend)and Tayler to dinner at Harrah's to a Japanese Steak House that was really good, they did the table cooking. We had two other families at our table who had new students at UNR. It was fun meeting and talking with them. Thursday and Friday evening Curtis and I walked along the "River Walk" a real nice path that follows the Truckee River. They had people enjoying the outdoors; kayaking, swimming and fishing. The temperatures up there are so much nicer than Vegas, it was great to be outside.

Saturday Curts and Alan rented a couple of dual-sport bikes (on/off road) and went on a ride for the day. Alan got stung by two bees and Curtis pulled his back, he is still recovering from that. Jennifer and I relaxed and went to the spa -- a much safer place to spend the day.Curtis and I drove home on Sunday and Al and Jennifer flew home Sunday evening.

Curtis made the comment to me that it has never been just the two of us. In the beginning it was Curtis, Justin and I. So now, I guess, we will see what that is like. I came home and started some packing, as it looks like we may have our house either rented or sold, so we will move onto the property while the new house is being built. That will be interesting; 2 dogs, 1 cat and 2 adults in our trailer for 6-9 months. Life is such an adventure!

.Love, Deb

The "Other" Judy Meyer

.
.

DEAR JUDY

.

GET WELL WISHES.
know you're having your surgery today, and sending best wishes for you to get well really soon. You will be on my mind until I hear how you're doing - well ..... after that even.

LOTS OF PRAYERS, LOVE AND HUGS,

.

Judys hair

She just cut it and sent 25 inches

to be made into wigs for Cancer Patients.

PS Judy wrote the Gizmo and Mr. Bumble Bee Murder Mystery.

Her web site is fortmeyer editions on the sidebar

if you want to see her beautiful artwork.

Tuesday Evening

JUDI'S IN WONDERLAND!

OR DID SHE SAY KANSAS?

ANYWAY YOU CAN CHECK HER BLOG.

.

It reminded me of this photo I took of her a couple of years ago

at one of our SCAG member's ranch where we met for luncheon

that I had titled "Judi in Wonderland"

.

Judi always finds wonder and delight in so many things.

Tomorrow she can say:

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Vicky."

NOTE: Back from Chemo a few hours ago, and everything went o.k. I'll write about it in the morning. Guess it always makes me a little goofy for a while, but I wanted to show you this photo. I didn't take any pictures today. So will talk to you later.

A Monday Update

8x10 Pastel Sketch of Aspens

Out the Window at RHR

by Lynn Thomas

MONDAY EVENING UPDATE; Got my largest pot down and made a big batch of spaghetti sauce today - probably 11 quarts - 7 of which went into the freezer. So I invited Sheral and Dick to come to dinner. We had a nice visit. The dinner menu included MC Key Lime Pie that I've had in the freezer just waiting for a good opportunity for dessert and not having to make anything myself. Sheral made us a salad and we had garlic toast. It was a pretty good meal for me being drastically out of energy. Joe washed up the pot afterwards.

Sheral and Dick brought back more CD's of the slides, the project Zane has been working on. I'll probably stick them in on Wednesday and take a look at what he's done with them. Maybe even more good photos to share now that the slides are digital.

Well, I don't know why, but Raven got sick big time on the carpet after her dinner. I'm sure she was trying to tell Joe she needed to get out, but he was asleep. So then I had to clean up the mess and get the carpet cleaner out, but that didn't take too long.

Then there was a nice surprise phone call, and Bonnie asked if I'd like her to go along with me to Jackson tomorrow, and I said "YES!!" And I'm really looking forward to getting to spend some time visiting with Bonnie. How great is that?? I'll pick her up at her house on the way in to Pinedale in the morning.

One of the phone calls I procrastinated making - to check on when and where to meet the shuttle - didn't get made, so hope the clinic knows in the morning. I'm sure they said 9 a.m. at the Pinedale Clinic. Did not get the list of phone calls accomplished, but did get Joe a dentist appointment.

So now I'm going to bed! I've been trying to watch the three Harry Potter movies, but you sure have to listen to every word to know what's going on and follow the story, so might switch to something else - like Babe or 101 Dalmatians.

Maybe no blog tomorrow.

Monday August 25 2008

Photos taken by Ruth at Round Hill
Thanks, Ruth!

The Round Hill Mixed Media Painting Retreat was wonderful. Being with the artist friends is always such a special blessing. We had a fun and productive four days together.

Attending were Melita (it's through her that we have the opportunity to go to Round Hill), Kay (who did all the shopping and organizing), Ruth, Dee, Justine, Lois, and me. Hank and Tom opened the place up, got the generator, the gas stoves and waterheaters working for us and then came back afterwards and shut it down. Propane and diesel were delivered while we were there, and another friend came up to make sure we got the oven pilot light going, While the men were there the gas hadn't gotten to flowing through the lines yet. So Lois got down on the floor later and got it lit. We were afraid we'd have to cook over a campfire or something.

We all worked very hard. I'm not sure how many pieces the others got done - lots - but I finished two older paintings, got a new small pastel scene of aspens done, worked on one of my commissions and got it nearly finished, and started a large oil painting of a pack trip in the high country. It's probably half done. Several of the artists like to paint outdoors - plein aire - and they did lots of that. I worked inside this time. I'll photograph the new paintings and show you later.

We had our usual gourmet meals, and way too much of it. We all tried our best to get it all eaten and not have to take any home, but it was not possible. Everyone took turns preparing a meal. I took fresh strawberry glaze pies and a big spinach dip in a bread bowl, and the four dozen muffins, two kinds. Everyone brings food to add to the larder.

After painting hours, they played Farkle. Don't know if you ever have, but its fun.

The weather was mostly cool but nice. We had a front go through the first night when the wind really roared through the cabin eaves and trees. A couple little sprinkles of rain was all we ever got, clouds and sunshine came and went daily.

The wildlife is fairly tame. We saw quite a few deer - there were four bucks together in the pictures today - one was big, lots of birds, antelope on the way coming and going, a treat of seeing a weasel, and squirrels who were bombarding the ground with pine cones the large reports sounding through the quiet. Funny that the largest buck deer was already gray and the smaller three were still in the brown summer coats.

Round Hill is a private lodge. Melita's neighbors own it as a place for their family and friends to come and vacation, hunt and fish, and they just invite us to use it nearly every year. We figured we have been coming to Round Hill for ten years now. Very special thanks to them for such a wonderful opportunity. We made them a small book of original art, two pages done by each artist and bound into a book form.

I got back home about 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon. I paid attention to about how far it is from home - around 90 miles and two hours straight driving - it's across the Green River Valley over in the Wyoming Range to the west, and very remote.

Joe and the dogs seem to have done fine without me. I've already got the laundry done up and put away this morning and a big chunk of the email taken care of. I need to make us some appointments - Joe needs his teeth cleaned and an eye appointment in Rock Springs, and I need a haircut. Guess I better check on when the TV repairmen are coming, and call the man who said he would come to tune up my computer and get the scanner going. Didn't get the photos from the weekend downloaded yet so will do that and post a few in the next week or so. Today's photos were taken by Ruth when we were out photographing the four buck deer.

I finished the book "Pushing My Shadow" about a lady who spent WW II in the near east and Europe, trekking and teaching at schools. Also "Teton Tales" by Paul Petzolt - interesting about the early climing history. Now I'm in to "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. It's very good and I wish I had read it 40 years ago, and 30 and 20 and 10.

Boy what a wonderful day out this morning. I'm sorry to think the summer is nearly over. Maybe I can paint today. Tomorrow is chemo day again. I'll meet the shuttle in Pinedale. My friend Judi left yesterday on her winter's sojourn to Houston. Hope she and Vicky have a good and safe trip.

Sheral and Dick are coming over this afternoon. They just got back from Denver.