Best Of

carole, thank you so much for your comment. I, too, miss Jackie, and while I realize I could never fill her shoes, I would like to think picking up the gauntlet of the daily quotes, is an homage to her spirit.

My DS and his baby sitter were best buds. Both of my children called her Mrs. and her surname. However, she always addressed her husband as "Hon" and they adopted this as well. She did explain he was the Mr., but they were not buying it, he was "Hon". When she died unexpectedly, my DS was very angry at her. When I asked him why he was angry at her, he said "because she never said good-bye". He was only 8, and had been with her since he was 3 months old, so the attachment was really strong. I did explain that she really never had the chance to say good-bye to anyone, he understood, but it still left him bereft. Now, I can understand why he felt that way.

I need to finalize packing today, so I am doing last minute laundry so there is none waiting for me on return. I still have to do the jewelry packing, but that won't take long. I have my carryon to pack because it contains medications, jewelry and a book and crossword puzzles for the plane. Plus, I have to change purses, which only requires moving somethings from my wallet to the travel wallet, since the bag itself is always prepacked with necessities. I also pack a genealogy folder that I am trying to finalize revisions to one family story on. We have sea days and I use them for this project. I work in short spurts and hope to finish this one on this cruise.

Yesterday, I finished vacuuming and mopping the laundry room, powder room and kitchen. So today, my back hurts. I mailed my ballot, renewed some subscriptions, and took care of all things needing to be mailed. Watering all the plants today so DD doesn't have to do it for at least a week.

We leave early tomorrow morning for San Diego and board the ship for our cruise through the Panama Canal and an extra week in the Caribbean on Thursday. I won't be able to post daily quotes from 10/8 to 11/2. I will resume on my return. I will most likely be able to read posts on my phone, but may not be able to respond. We'll see since we are supposed to have computer/ internet access this trip. However, it is supposedly very slow and difficult to access.

It is a sunny day with temps in the low 70's but humid. A slight breeze and the leaves are falling, but the canopies are still full. They haven't really turned colors yet.

I hope everyone has a great day and I am waving "hi" to all.

Betrayal, enjoy your trip! It sound like a great way to see the canal.

I puttered outside today. It was overcast, and windy but 78. I picked up giant pine cones and tossed them in the yard waste bin. Then I investigated why a low voltage spot light wasn’t working. I was afraid it was from me digging out the invasive grass, maybe I had caught the wire. But I opened it up see the light bulb had broke. Fortunately I had and extra, so I removed the old one and put in the new. Fingers crossed it works tonight.

As I key this I realize I need to rest the timer on the yard lights. Last night I think it went off at 8; I’d like it about 6, but feel that too will switch to 5 as it gets darker earlier. So maybe I’ll set it for 5 and be done until I’m back in May.

I also wrapped Christmas gifts. Laugh as you may, I leave some gifts here and I’m trying to organize “stuff.” I feel like I have a handle on it now, so less stress for me.

I may put up some Halloween stuff before it’s too dark. After I come in from resetting that garden light timer!

PS - timer went off, spot light still not on. Investigated, it looks like the wire is rusted - coating is gone in a spot. I’ll need to replace it.

I am enjoying the mountains and my little cabin. I hiked for 6 miles yesterday. I am heading to another trail today. I have pictures, but need to down load them.

Welcome to the new folks. I have the mutant gene, but did not have a complete mastectomy.

Betrayal, that quote is so Jackie. Her philosophy of life. I'm still somewhat in denial. Her passing took me so by surprise.

Welcome to our newcomers. You have gotten good advice from some on our thread. Don't rush into a decision about surgery. With time, the panic will ease, and you will make peace with the new normal. I recommend finding or creating a group with your similar diagnosis, surgery, treatment. A support group of women in the same situation is wonderful to have. Meanwhile we are glad to share your experiences.

Hi to all.

Bopsie and chdr919 - hang in there and do your best to distract yourself. We’ll be here for you. Most breast cancers are slow growing so an extra week or two or three will not likely impact the stage or treatment. I was where you were 5 years ago and my anxiety was through the roof, so I get it.

Taco - our small food bank is in the same situation - need is up and it’s harder for the FB to get food. We are running out every week.

Betrayal - I believe you are leaving on vacation in the next few days - have a fabulous trip!!!

Welcome Bopsie and Chdar919. The time waiting for a definitive diagnosis and a treatment plan can be the hardest. Hang in there. We'll be here, hopefully with answers for your questions but always with support for your journey. I agree that age and other health issues should enter into your treatment plans. I would make different decisions today than I did 8 years ago just because I'm 8 years older. Don't let anyone talk you into something that you aren't sure about - and then don't look back. I suggest you take someone with you to your doctors' appointments to take notes and help you get clarity about what is suggested. As someone already mentioned, you will see at least 3 specialists in pulling a plan together.

Chris - I noticed the difference after you mentioned it but how wonderful your computer can do that. I don't think mine can.

Harley - how scary for your family! Our daughter is also adopted but isn't biracial.

Carnarycat - loved the pictures, especially the one where your cat was posing so perfectly.

Betrayal - are you going through the Canal? I seem to have forgotten.

Did a Cosco run for our food bank while Ella was skating. Lots of protein. We'll drop it off on Wednesday. I was out of there before I remembered that I had intended to also get cereal. Not only do more folks need help but it's harder for the FB to get food.

chfar, I had DCIS and IDC. I saw 2 surgeons for their opinions and a medical oncologist, before any surgery (lumpectomy). I second, or third, the other ladies to get a second opinion.

Harley, that’s a horrible thing that your son went though years back. I can understand your fear now. It’s such uncertainty. While we vacationed in DC, daily we saw ads on tv recruiting for ICE. In conversation with another guest, she said similar ads are running in NYC recruiting for cash bonus money for sign ups. We’re in upstate NY and had never seen such ads on tv, and were frankly shocked.

Betrayal, SO & I both got our flu shots today too. We usually wait until 2 weeks before we leave, but checked online and CVS had an appointment at 4 so we took it.