Happy Independence Day!

Oooh, aaah!

Had some fun with my point-and-shoot again this year. Love to get a fancy camera and a tripod, but whatever.
Went to two fireworks displays ~ one in an urban setting and one in a suburban setting.
The photo below is the urban one...as if you couldn't tell.

25 years and counting ...

Well here we are ~ the old married folks, renewing our wedding vows Sunday. A totally unexpected event, and one Ralph and I will never forget.

I hinted about this here on Monday, but I was waiting for a photo to illustrate!

The occasion ended up being kind of a blur, but I'll share what I remember.

We were invited to the Baptism of seven-month old Noah, the first child of Ralph's boss and friend, Marc. We arrived early and found a spot on the aisle in the last pew.

The Rev. Thomas F. Lynch (above) came over and smiled and welcomed us to the church. He struck up a conversation and asked Ralph what his illness was; Ralph told him he has Muscular Dystrophy and then mentioned I have cancer.

Father Lynch, an incredibly friendly man, seemed taken aback.
He asked, "Are you two friends?"
We said something like, no, we're married (hahaha) and told him we had just marked our 25th wedding anniversary.

He asked us if we had celebrated or renewed our wedding vows. We said no we hadn't. He told us to see him after the Baptism and he would renew our vows. It was our turn to be taken aback!

After the Mass, Father Lynch announced to a crowd of about 200 people (there was also a First Communion that day in addition to the Baptism and the sanctuary was filled with proud parents) that there were two visitors from Ansonia who had just had their 25th wedding anniversary.

Ralph and I just looked at each other.
We thought he was going to renew our vows privately, after everyone had left. Nope. That was not to be.

He called us up to the altar, asked us to take each others' hands, and we recited our vows.

My voice got a bit shaky, as I saw Marc and his lovely wife in the first pew beaming at us.

After the brief exchange of vows, everyone applauded! I was overwhelmed, and I do believe Ralph was too.

We walked (and rolled) back down the aisle to lots of smiles, and one elderly man got up and shook my hand and said congratulations. Ralph's co-workers were beaming, and surprised, as were we.

Afterward more of the parishioners came up and congratulated us.

I told Marc (who fortunately has a great sense of humor) that we didn't mean to steal his thunder! It was his special day!

He told me, "I feel like I should get you a gift." I said jokingly, "Don't worry about it, we didn't get you one."

At the luncheon afterward we got more congrats and best wishes, from Ralph's co-workers as well as from people we didn't know.

I'm grateful to Ralph's colleague, Chris, who was quick with the camera and got a few photos of the moment for us.

Words escape me ~ I can just say it was wonderful. We went to the church Sunday not knowing we were going to get married again.

But we did.
And sealed it with a kiss.

Ruby Tuesday ~

Ralph used a photo of a sign from our local street festival that I was going to use for Ruby Tuesday, so I found others with some red in them that I took Saturday at the 14th annual Derby Day.
I'll forgive him this one time. ;-)

Lookit all the rubber duckies. I should have gotten another for my collection.

I posted this photo below of the Sterling Opera House on Sunday but I figure why not re-use a photo I like? As you can see the weather was beautiful Saturday afternoon.

This is a friend who is part of Above the Realm paranormal investigative team. He was one of three members who were giving tours of the historic Sterling Opera House throughout the day.

I haven't participated in a while in Ruby Tuesday, but I'm back. See more photos featuring a little or a lot of red each week at Mary T's Work of the Poet.

Simply amazing

Something wonderful and unforgettable happened yesterday to me and Ralph. It was a beautiful day.

I'm going to write about it, but I'm hoping we'll get a photo e-mailed to us that I can use to illustrate the post.

And no, we didn't win the lottery. It's more important than that.

Balloons, crowds, and general silliness

As I mentioned here yesterday, I spent Saturday at the 14th annual Derby Day.

I had never been at a venue an hour before a festival started, so it was interesting to see the vendors hurriedly getting ready for their day, that feeling of anticipation in the air. (I'm easily amused I suppose).
At that point the skies were overcast and I thought that rain was on the way. Fortunately that wasn't the case. It turned out to be a lovely, sunshiny day.

I thought there was a good turnout, but I'll have to find out this week from the organizers what they thought about the how the day went.

Above you see the stately Sterling Opera House standing in the center of all the activity.
It's the same historic (and haunted?) 19th-century building that was investigated a few months ago by SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" team led by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson.
People were lined up throughout the day to get a chance for a free tour. It generated a lot of interest. I love that building.

These two wine bottles that Valley Arts Council member Billiejo of Prospect, Ct. transformed into incense holders were on display at the council's booth. Eye-catching!

So after helping at the booth a good part of the day I started to get tired, and by late afternoon I got out the camera to pass the time. These photos are what I call my balloon series:



Silly enough for you? There were more pix but I decided that was enough of that!

There also was a Mustang convertible being raffled off..here are Allegra and Ralph checking it out.

I think our daughter would like a vehicle like that. She sure looks comfortable in it. ;-)

Let the festivities begin

Squirrels are running around on the roof at the moment and poor Linus is going nutty. He keeps looking up at the skylight.
Go away squirrels!

In other news, I'm going to be "working" today at Derby Day, a street festival, here in southern Connecticut (for my out-of-state friends).
I'll be at the Valley Arts Council booth.
There will be live entertainment throughout the day, craft vendors, kids' activities and art exhibits in two indoor locations and more.

And free tours of the historic (and haunted?) Sterling Opera House. (pictured above)

Boo!

I hope the skies don't open up. The clouds look threatening. Go away rain!

Being lazy today ~ something from the e-mail bag

There was a whole bunch of church signs in the e-mail, but this was my favorite.

asdfghjkl;

Did that get your attention?

If not, maybe this will: QWERTYUIOP.

Being silly.

I can't seem to get into writing my online health journal these days. What I do know is that last chemo treatment 10 days ago knocked me for a loop.
Just so exhausting.

But I'm really grateful that I feel fine. And that I have an appetite.

So to sum it up, the side effects I've experienced are exhaustion and food cravings. And I know it could be worse.

{The online journal about my cancer journey doth continue...}

Sepia scenes ~ wheelin'

After I took this photo as we were leaving the Vintage Vehicles Antique and Classic Car Show at the Shelton (Ct.) Historical Society I thought it might just work in sepia.
The annual event is held on Father's Day, and dads get admitted for just $1. Proceeds benefit the educational programs sponsored by the historical society.

Here's Ralph, my classic car buff, rolling back to our mini-van on his own set of wheels. It was a perfect weather day for an outdoor event. It couldn't have been nicer out.

Ralph wrote about the car show here, for Ruby Tuesday.

I haven't taken part in Sepia Scenes since November, and I thought this week I'd make a comeback. It's good to get back into a photo meme.

You can see many more sepia-fied photos by visiting Mary T's Sepia Scenes blog.

Happy day after Dad's Day

Hope everyone had a fun Father's Day..we did.
Ralph even went out Saturday to get us a tablecloth for the patio table. Woo hoo!
We is FANCY.

This is about as festive as it got here. I posted on Facebook last night about the troubles Allegra and I had getting the grill going..we are convinced it's "a guy thing"!
But the coals were finally ready and we were able to make steak for dinner. And actually dine outside, the first time this year.

Dessert was Ghirardelli chocolate brownies with walnuts...yummy. Yes, it was a mix.

Happy Monday to all!

Not sure which is worse!

Feeling exhausted from this last chemo treatment I had Monday or...

having to go through almost two hours with no Internet this morning. Yikes.

It was frustrating. It must have been the heavy rain we had earlier that caused a "disruption in service."

Glad that's over.

Cue the violins

...because I am zonked.

My third chemo treatment Monday was a doozy. I feel OK but I'm just so tired.

I have several blog post ideas in my head, but I can't seem to write them. I feel like I need to save my energy to focus on work these days.
I've been trying not to complain, but I thought I would today...

The good news is that I only have one more chemo-fication to go...on July 5. Woo hoo!

{And so my online journal about my cancer journey continues.}

To end on a happier note, I once again share my guardian angel. She is on the wall right above the computer monitor, watching over me.

She's the creation of my artist friend Rich DiCarlo of Derby, Ct. I wrote about her here four months ago.

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ Showered with hats

Last Sunday I was given a "hat shower" at church. Several friends brought hats - nine of them - for me to wear now that 98 percent of my hair has fallen out.

It was so much fun to open the bags and find hats of every description waiting inside!
I've worn a few of them this week, but still haven't gotten to them all.

I want to thank Mary R., Mary M., Evie, Anne, Jeanmarie and Donna for the wonderful surprise and for your thoughtfulness! It was a Sunday morning I'll always remember.

To join in the shadowy fun visit our awesome Aussie friend, Tracy, who hosts this meme at her blog, Hey Harriet.

Survivors celebrated

A visit by these adorable four-legged volunteers, the pet therapy brigade as I call them, was just one of the highlights of a National Cancer Survivors' Day celebration Ralph and I attended this afternoon at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Ct.
The theme was "Another Year of Birthdays." We were treated to sandwiches, cookies, and cupcakes as well as a "birthday" celebration.
Our daughter stayed home with a bad cold, and missed the festivities. But there is always next year.
We won some door prizes, including a complete DVD set of the Indiana Jones movies, and candy-filled loot bags, just like a little kids' birthday party.
My surgeon, Dr. Zandra Cheng, was keynote speaker. She inspired me, as she always does.

According to the hospital's Web site: "A cancer survivor, as defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, is anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the rest of their life. "

So I'm one of those now..and have been for almost four months.
It's my new claim to fame, along with some 12 million other cancer survivors nationwide.

~ And so my online journal about life after a breast cancer diagnosis continues.

Wearing a hat inside

Yep, I been wearing mon chapeau in the house, except when I sleep.

haha!

That's because these ~~ flyaway~~ hair strands are driving me wacky.

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ melange

Some pinkness in our front yard.

Some purpleness next to the gazebo on the Derby, Ct. Green.

Outside the food court at a mall..I rarely go to malls; I was there on assignment Tuesday.

Shadows from a fence on the Derby, Ct. Green.

If you want to take a walk on the shadowy side of the street, visit our awesome Aussie friend Tracy's Hey Harriet blog each weekend and join in the Shadow Shot Sunday fun.

To shave or not to shave

NO...not my legs or other areas.
I do that routinely.

Rather, my quickly balding scalp. These strands of hair are bothering the crap out of me. They fall out and stick to my skin and clothing.

I guess it's time for a buzz.

Any thoughts?

(And so my online cancer journey journal continues)

Vietnam War vigil stirs emotions

I attended a Vietnam War vigil Saturday sponsored by No Vet Left Behind, Inc., a non-profit organization based in our hometown of Ansonia, Ct.
Founders George and Mary Porter of Derby, Ct. have made it their life's work to do what they can to assist needy veterans.
The vigil was part of the non-profit organization's Memorial Day weekend celebration, which included a six-mile "Warrior Spirit/Ruck March."
I wrote a story about the event, which you can read here. I took several photos, and the one above was published with the story.

Below you see the solemn ceremony held when the first "POW," portrayed by a Vietnam veteran, was replaced by a second "POW," who also served in Vietnam.
They sat blindfolded, on the ground in a replica of a bamboo cage for an hour, in memory of POWs from Connecticut.
When the second man started his hour-long term, participants joined hands and formed a circle around the cage. They swayed back and forth as Billy Joel's 1982 song, "Good Night Saigon" played.

...or maybe not

I took a picture of the top of my bald head to post here.
It was depressing so I decided not to use it. I'll just keep that one to myself.

I wear hats all the time. Not sure yet about the wig idea...maybe I need to be talked into wearing one.

In happier news, I bought a pink ball cap at Wal-Mart today for only $2.50.

My collection of chapeaux continues to grow!

I've neglected this online journal of my health journey. Must get back on track.

Kickin' kemo in the butt

That's what I'm doing.
I had the second of four treatments yesterday. So far I've taken two of the three extremely expensive anti-nausea pills. Thankfully I have no nausea, so I'm able to function.
I actually have a big appetite.

That's about it from here.


And so my online journal about my health journey continueth...

Down the drain (almost)

This is what happened when I washed my hair yesterday morning.

The good news is I'll be saving money on shampoo and conditioner. And on water for that matter.

I bought a second hat; it's a red cloche-style chapeau. I need to take pix of myself in the hats and post them.

Today Ralph, Allegra and I are meeting Duchess Linda of Norwich-Upon-Thames for lunch and laughs. At least I hope we laugh!

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ spring evening

I snapped these as we made our way to an art gallery reception on Elizabeth Street in Derby, Ct.

The theme was Art Takes Wing, and I just happened to have a photo (see below) that I took in February 2010 that kinda fit the theme.
So I made an 8 x 10 enlargement and framed it and it has been on the wall there for three weeks. I think the exhibit is coming down today.

As you can see I did a lot of tweaking, to give the photo that 'artsy' effect. haha

See lots more shadow shots at our awesome Aussie friend Tracy's Hey Harriet blog. And join in the shadowy fun!

The cat and the hat

I posted this photo of my new hat on Facebook Tuesday when it arrived. Next I will have to model it and pose for a photo...bwahaha.

Keeping a sense of humor as multiple strands of hair continue to fall out of one's head is a necessity, at least in my book.

A close friend wants to buy me a wig. It's a wonderful offer, but I'm not sure if I want one yet.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions on wigs, give me a holler. And I may give you a dollar.

Hat's off to online shopping

I ordered a hat Sunday night and it looks like it is going to arrive via UPS today.

Woo hoo.

It's one size fits all. I hope I like it.

I'm shedding!

I now understand our cat's situation this time of year. We are finding tufts of his feline fluff all over the house.

Although I knew it was going to happen, now that my hair is actually coming out in clumps I'm getting a bit freaked out.

Oh well...it will come back. I keep telling myself that.

Hair today, gone ... tomorrow?

So the hair is gradually thinning ~ you can read yesterday's post about this latest side effect here.

Soon my thick tresses will be history, I imagine. At least temporarily.

To be honest I have been more anxious waiting for this part of my new health journey to unfold than I was when I was facing the two surgeries I underwent in March.

Sounds silly, but what can I say?

Oh, and did I mention I've become an eating machine? Well I have. It's the prednisone I was given intravenously, I'm told. I had no idea this would happen.

Pass the tortilla chips and salsa, please.

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ ooh la la

I'll call this one "April in Paris." I left the date stamp on it so you can see I'm not making it up.
haha

If you like shadowy photos I urge you to visit our awesome Aussie friend Tracy's blog, Hey Harriet. And join the weekly fun!

Here's to hair

I have a lot of it, but yesterday it started coming out. When I comb my fingers through it, loose strands come right out.

Boo!

But 90 percent of what is coming out is the gray!

Yay!

My breast cancer saga continues.

* 25 Years *

Twenty-five years ago today Ralph and I tied the knot. Where does the time go?

At least we seem to get along pretty well. ;-)

I guess it wasn't a McGoofy idea after all!

I met McGoofy in May, 1986 on my first and only visit to Disney World.

Thoughts on care: giving and receiving

So now with my status as someone undergoing chemotherapy (I had my first treatment a week ago today) we sorta have adopted new roles in our household.
The caregiver (that would be me) has become the caregivee.
And the caregivee (that would be Ralph) has become the caregiver.
Sorta.
Kinda.

Ralph says it's a symbiotic relationship. He's right about that.
Now I get to play both roles: I still have the role of caregiver for him, but I am also getting a chance to be the one getting some care. Even if it's only lots of emotional support!

Oh, the challenges. But thus far we are are up to them.

Tomorrow we mark a major milestone. More on that later...

Nauseous? Not really, just a bit woozy

Not sure if woozy is a word. In an effort to not be graphic, and lose the few dear readers I do have, this online journal will remain rather non-descript.

I hope. ;-)

I have some minor flu-like symptoms, as I was told to expect. Slightly achy and tired.

Would love to go back to bed for a few more hours before facing the day.

But I've got things to do and people to see (or at least call).

I am trying not to take any pills. I do have an appetite..trying to figure out what is for breakfast.

Happy it's Friday!

More later..

First one's the charm

First side effect I've noticed is wakeupinthemiddleofthenightitis.

For the past two nights I slept for four hours and woke up. Me no likey.

It took so long to get back to dreamland. You know how your brain starts working overtime and keeps you awake?

Me no likey.

OK, I'm done with this morning's complaining. Let the day begin!

Things I don't want

1) Chemo brain. Several people have mentioned it to me. I don't want to develop it!

2) Nausea. I knew about that side effect decades ago..no need to warn me about it. I'm keeping fingers crossed...and taking medication.

3) Hair loss. I have a lot of hair, thick tresses for sure, so maybe it will take a while to thin out. I was advised to get it cut really short, so that if it does start falling out I can get it shaved off easily. Woopee!
~~
And so my online journal about my breast cancer journey continues..

First treatment went really well

My journal about having breast cancer continues...
I got home an hour ago from my first chemo treatment. I was so happy that it went well. I was really hungry so I had to eat lunch before sitting down to write a quick post, and before I take a nap. haha
Eating and sleeping. What a life! For today anyway. Tomorrow back to work.

I don't feel nauseated. I have been given lots of anti-nausea stuff today, both orally and intravenously. I hope that it does the trick.

Tomorrow afternoon I go back for a shot to boost my white blood cells.

More later. Time to rest.