Mid-September Already???

I can't believe that it's already the middle of September and over two weeks since my last posting. I must have really been into that Vacation spirit.

Before I get to how much fun I had on vacation, I want to give you an update. I just finished Cycle 3 of Chemo (on 9/12/07) and the doctor has declared me in a "Partial Remission". I'm on Cloud 9!! Please keep those prayers and/or good wishes coming for a "Durable Remission" with Cycle 6, followed by the dreaded CT and PET Scans.

I had a wonderful time vacationing - no set plans, no alarm clock, I enjoyed my garden, worked on my current embroidery project, treated myself to a French Manicure and soaked up lots of sunshine (hey, it's Vitamin C, right?) The weather was picture perfect everyday.

I think Bailey was glad to see me go back to work, since I interfered with his nap schedule. He did get a day at the spa -- a grooming appointment -- and he looks so cute with his new haircut, and just a little bit tired, too.

The "Garden Buds" got together for a birthday celebration at a local tea house and we had a wonderful time at lunch. I was the lucky one, I didn't have to go back to work afterward.

Black-eyed Susan vine

My garden is thriving with the cooler temperatures and a little bit of rain.

The Hyacinth Beans are taking over -- there is actually a chain link fence behind them.

I'm hoping that my "Quilting Mojo" comes back with these cooler temperatures, too. I have actually washed and pressed some FQ's in the hopes of embarking on a new project -- "Some Angels" by Cinderberry Stitches. I have the design all traced and I'm ready to start piecing the patchwork before I begin stitching. I ordered this pattern from my friend, Jenny at The Stitchery in New Zealand. Jenny offers great service with a personal touch. If you get a chance, check out her shop http://www.thestitchery.co.nz/?x=21&y=14.

Saturday In The Park

The next part of this song should say, "I think, it was the Fourth of July". In actuality, it's Labor Day. Where has the Summer of 2007 gone? In my eyes, the summer is officially over on Labor Day or when children go back to school, which is kind of sad. Well, Labor Day Weekend is here and the children started back to school this past Monday.



I don't know if I'll look back and fondly remember the Summer of 2007. Or will I? I have made many life-style changes this summer. I'm perfecting the art of kicking back and relaxing - it's really highly underrated. As I sit on the front porch with my feet propped up, I watch other people acting like moths beating themselves against a flame and I remember that I used to be one of them. If I don't get something done today, it's still going to be there tomorrow or the next day. Is this the "new normal" that they talk about?


My Dear Granddaughter started Middle School this week. When did she grow up to be such a beautiful young lady? Doesn't she look like she should be a model for "Back to School" shopping? It seems like just yesterday that she was just a child. When I look at this picture, I am just filled with awe.



I had a rather unusual visitor in the yard. I was sitting in a lawn chair with my feet propped up on the brick wall (yes, relaxing again), when I thought a twig had blown through my legs. Imagine my surprise, when I bent down to pick it up and saw this guy, just mugging for the camera.


Physically, I showed up for work last week - mentally is still debatable. Sleep still does not come naturally - I have to will myself to sleep. This has my doctor puzzled, so I'm going to let him worry about it. I have a week of vacation scheduled for this coming week and I'm feeling pretty good, too. Time off for good behavior??? I don't have any plans, per se. No alarm clock, no watch, and a nap in the afternoon with Bailey -- he knows all of the coolest spots in the house. Then, it's back to work for two days and my 3rd round of chemo -- the Half-Way point!! Woo-Hoo!