Sunday, October 11, 2009

SORRY I'VE BEEN AWAY SO LONG

The past two weeks have been pretty difficult! Our sweet Holly finally got to the point that she couldn't get herself up from laying on her side. Above seven years ago she slipped a disc in her back and has had difficulty using her back legs. At one point we thought we would have to put her into a doggie wheelchair but she regained use of her legs after several steroid shots and a couple of months of Rimadryl. Lately though she had trouble getting up and even going out to do her business. She was after all 151/2 years old. I think she has been senile for at least the past six months but she still loooooved to eat. Her vision was failing, too. So, as hard as it was, I made the decision to put her down. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. We used to call her Hurricane Holly when she was young. She loved to play escape artist and you could chase her for blocks before you could get her cornered! Then there was the time she stole the roast off the dining room table...She was quite a gal!!

Secondly, we've had our flu clinic at work and that was 2 grueling days. I've been having problems with my left arm (I'm left handed and that is my mastectomy side) so I didn't do as much shooting as I did drawing up a lot of the vaccine. I guess all the painting and wallpapering finally caught up to me. I even went and had a mammogram of that side and an ultrasound of the area to be sure there was nothing dangerous going on. October is, after all, Breast Cancer Awareness month and I encourage all of you, if you haven't done it this year, to get your mammograms. It saved my life five years ago. I guess no matter how long it has been you always carry that little spark of fear around with you and especially if you have any disturbing symptoms such as I was having. Luckily, the tests were negative. I am so thankful for this.

The photo above is one of my Grandmother when she was 18. It is sitting on the chest in my bedroom. (It's on loan from my Mom). Beside the picture is a small jewelry box that I received when I was 18. Some pearls that were given to me as a child and a pin that I made from vintage buttons. My grandmother was a very elegant lady. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, cook and all things domestic, except she couldn't bake a cake to save her soul! Wonderful pies, biscuits but never cakes. My Mom on the hand couldn't make a pie......

Well, I FINALLY decided what to do with my dressing room. I chose the trellis wallpaper in one of the previous posts. I ordered it yesterday but will have to wait to see if they have it in stock.
So hopefully, if they do, I'll be able to put it up next weekend. So, keep your fingers crossed.











8 comments:

Peanut-Butter Kitty said...

What a beautiful picture! Sorry you had such a trying week, hope all is well. Glad you test is negative. My sister went through chemo and rad last year, but everything is fine now. When she was going through chemo, her friend would take her and I would pick her up. Sometimes I would bring lunch but most often we would sit and discuss where we would eat when she was done. We started planning a trip to Europe which was another favorite topic. Now she thinks she wants to do Ireland, Scotland and England, I'm thinking just Italy would be fine.

Penny Sue said...

Hey Girlfriend...

Welcome back! But I understand the need for time off. I dread having to make those types of decisions with my girls. But, you will always have fun and fond memories of Holly... she sounds like she was a fun puppy and doggie. How's Molly handling it?

I love the old photographs... with that sepia color. Beautiful... and your grandmother was beautiful too. Just look at all that hair. Gorgeous! What is in the foreground in that pic? I can't discern what it is.

Do you have any type of compression garment for your left arm? You should wear that when you are doing something that overworks your left arm... especially since you're left-handed. (Not trying to be bossy - hahaha!)

Glad to see you back...
Hugs,
xo, Penny Sue

Jean Tuthill said...

Hi Sandy, Boy, you've had a lot on your plate. I'm so glad your tests came out negative. I, too, had breast cancer about 6 1/2 yrs ago and I am OK so far. I agree about those mammograms, although I found my lump by self exam. So, I think that is important, too. Your Grandmother was a beautiful lady. I love the little vignette that you made in her honor. Again, I'm so sorry about Holly. They truly do become our children. Dusty is a little better each day. He still can't walk for long distances, but goes a little farther each day on his walks. Take care, my friend.

Lezli said...

Sandy, so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet dog. I hope that you and your daughter are coping well. I am sure that this is a busy time of year at the clinic, too! I remember those flu shot days! I miss all of you!

Stella said...

your grandmother was a beautiful lady. How nice of your Mom to share with you. I know how heartbreaking it is to make the decision to put a pet to sleep. We always second guess outselved after we do. But I know you have lots of lovely memories locked up in your heart to take out and treasure.

Unknown said...

Hi there....just popped in your blog and wanted to tell you how great it is! I love the vintage pictures on your background. And I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have a little white schnauzer and know how they so quickly become part of the family.

Neabear said...

Beautiful picture of your grandmother. Interesting that she could not do cakes, but do all that other stuff. Just goes to show everyone has their talents and their flaws. My flaw is that don't really enjoy cooking. It is a "have to" thing. I would rather do crafts and sewing.

Nishant said...

love the old photographs... with that sepia color. Beautiful... Work from home India