Breaking the Silence

That's a partial truth. While I'm making noise on the blog after five days of silence, I've not been very vocal the last 24 hours thanks to a bout with laryngitis; a bad condition for someone who works in the field of communications!

That aside I am feeling pretty good (if a little tired), busy with work, and very much looking forward to Christmas -- both for the brief respite this time of year brings and the peace-filled celebration of Christ's entrance into our dark world. The greatest gift I can think of asking for, besides that which his birth promised, is good health for me and those I love.

Pic o' the Day

My Christmas Crib.
I'm just one of many in the Schneider family
that carries on a tradition started in 1907 by my Grandpa,
Edward Joseph Schneider

Backward and Forward, Past and Future

I took a journey down memory lane today, traveling south of Columbus to visit with a childhood friend, Jana. We grew up next door to each other in our east side, post-war brick ranch houses on a street where the phrase "idyllic childhood" was coined. We ran in and out of each others houses and yards as if we belonged to both. Our families played cards, grilled out, went to the pool, watched fireworks, and celebrated holidays together. Our mothers, both stay-at-home moms, were friends and the love of that friendship flowed around their two little girls.

After our lunch today, Jana and I went to the assisted living facility where her mom is in hospice. Julie is, in Jana's words, "... transitioning into that final journey of her life."  Julie was weak and her voice soft, but she knew who I was and the three of us sat around recalling life on Shamrock Drive.

This evening had me journeying to my niece Amy's house where her dad and mom (Kirk & Kath) were babysitting little Audrey Madison and Ellie Sophia.


Backward and Forward, Past and Future: Life.

Time Keeps on Slippin' into the Future

Where does time get to? Back in February, when I was looking at the year ahead through the lens of breast cancer treatment, December seemed so very far away. I am grateful to be viewing time through a different lens now, but that doesn't mean the speed in which it is passing is any slower!

On another note, I enjoyed a sugary Sunday with Riley baking cookies and making other Christmas projects. The cut outs were delicious thanks to a recipe from my pal Donna. The secret? Almond extract in the cookie dough and icing - Yummy!

And, on Tuesday, I had a house full of holiday cheer when my home church peeps came over for our annual Christmas party. Lots of good food passed through the door and even better, wonderful fellowship.

Drooping eyes. Bed time.

Pic o' the Day

Nothing wrong with looking,
just no touching! :)

Many "Parks" are Edible

As Sedona and I walked along a path at the park today I noticed for the first time an engraved paver identifying the tree above it as Diospyros virginiana, aka the American Persimmon. On the ground were several crushed fruits. Looking up, I saw a few survivors clinging to the bare limbs. That's when I put on my Euell Gibbons hat, found a stick, knocked down a few of the fruits, and sampled. They were a little past prime, but still a treat. Here's to hoping the tree was not misidentified! ;)

Getting ready for a fun day tomorrow: spending time with my goddaughter. We're going to do some Christmas crafting and cookie baking -- tis the season!

Pic o' the Day

Mixed Bag

What a week. Worked late every night and at home. And, instead of my usual equanimity, I got frazzled and was abrupt with a colleague and friend. Argh. Yet, with the stress came the good: an excellent therapeutic arm massage and getting to see my favorite volunteer, Kay, at the Spielman Center. While visiting with Kay I talked with three women who were there for treatment. One was just getting started with radiation, another nearing completion, and I was humbled by the third who told me she was in for her second go-round with the CBitch.

Talking with them renewed my hope to someday do more volunteer work with women going through the battle -- how and when, only God knows!

Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 80.
She's now 87. Talk about an inspiration!

And the Unasked for "Bonus?"

Copious amounts of peach fuzz. So, o.k., the salt-and-pepper coverage atop former old baldy is unquestionably welcome. However, less so is the fine peach fuzz that is robustly growing on the side of my face. I hadn't really noticed it until the last week. Yikes, I'm telling you, it's not my finest look! I researched the topic on Google, of course. According to the women who shared their stories, the fuzz stage eventually goes away. Well, I sure as hell hope so and when can I expect "eventually" to take place?!

The potential pre-lymphedema symptoms or possible post-taxol neuropathy seem to be abating. If I were more diligent about my physical therapy, I imagine the issues I'm experiencing would be further reduced. Sedona, though ever loving and loyal, is not my greatest motivator on that front. We do so enjoy our couch time together!

Pic o' the Day

I don't think I've shared this picture yet.
If I have, oh well, it's one of my faves!

Rung Out

According to my radiation oncologist, Dr. Quick, all is looking good one month (and eight days) out from my last shake-n-bake. While I was there I heard the sweet peal of the victory bell -- another sister in the battle celebrating her final treatment. A happy sound, a good way to start the day.

Pic o' the Day

Two of the sweetest and finest people I know,

my neighbors, Clark & Betty Biddle.

This was taken last Christmas at the Governor's Residence.

Clark got a real kick out of meeting Gov. Kasich!

My Day

It was an auspicious day today -- I had my first haircut since early July! Crazy, huh?! Just a little clean up: a trim around the ears and at the nape of my neck. A bit ambitious and a little amusing, I suppose, to call it a haircut considering the fluff of hair that fell to the floor. Ah, well. It's a start. :)

We started the Christmas decorating this evening. Well, Sedona observed my efforts from the comfort of her lounging couch. My wee tree is up along with Santa and his reindeer. Tomorrow I'll set up the crib. I would have finished tonight, but got distracted watching Harry and Tonto -- damn TMC!

Pic o' the Night