Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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Dh, and DS both have the upper respiratory situation that I have. Ugh. The doxycycline seems to work pretty fast, but does have some weird side effects. I can't take my Tamoxifen at the same time, because it makes me too tired. I had to stop the Tamoxifen this week for a few days, while I let the other meds do their work. I probably will restart the Tamoxifen on Monday. Alot of people do not tolerate the docycycline, but I have to push through and get it done. Hugs to my girls and hope you are all well....
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Got in a great ride today and can tell I am getting stronger as hills are smaller and distances shorter. Should be just fine by the time the STP rolls around. Then I went to the farmers market and bought veggies, rhubarb and strawberries. Off this evening to see a performance with my two friends who are divorcing. The good news is that the husband is getting custody of their son as my friend is headed off to Spain and "true love" in August.
Called the husband to confirm logistics, and was able to pay it forward. He had let something drop while all the unpleasantness was happening, and now needs to get his work mojo back as well as finish the project. He needed someone sensible to talk things through with, and I was more than happy to help out.
Need another ride tomorrow. So great to be planning my future as the miles whiz by. One month ago, I never thought I would get there. I also have some work later on this summer from my old client. Helped her out with something recently as well.
I am off dressed a bit badass in my vintage YSL moto jacket, moto boots, a white dress shirt, and tailored trousers. Have a lot of grey tones in my eye makeup. Of course, I am carrying my Sac Muse.
Still celebrating.…. - Claire
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Claire, when you get "bad assed" dressed, take pics..... It is so fun to see fashion...
Hope everyone had a great weekend, (cough, cough, cough)
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I am having my lumpectomy rt breast on WEdnesday 6/27/18. I have concerns about hormone therapy - I have heard stories that tamoxifen can cause uterine cancer. What other HR+ treatments are out there?
Thanks in advance!
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Jonug, for now, don't worry about hormone therapy. You need to stay focused on your upcoming surgery and recovery. Are you doing radiation? You need to put your stats in, like everyone else has, so we can see what you are dealing with. There is nothing that you can do today about the eventual choices of hormonal therapy, so don't stress. I am taking Tamoxifen and doing amazing. Every medication has side effects, you just have to choose the one with the least amount of downside.
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Back from vacation and wanted to share the happiness from last week.
My view for most of the week
Wild Horses of Corolla
Favorite NC Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras
Wright Brothers Memorial
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Beautiful scenery.....including the legs....where do I get some like that? Even when I am stick thin, which is not now, my legs still scream, "I am German legs." The horses on the beach are stunning. Does that occur often?
Happy Monday girls.....
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Michelle, last time we were at the OBX we didn’t see the horses on the beach. We took a tour that year as well, but only found them back in the pastures and roaming the yards. It was particularly hot the day we went this year and our guide told us that is the most likely time to see them on the beach or in the water cooling off. You have to stay at least 50 feet away from them and there are strict rules about that and not feeding them. But they are wonderful to see!
I’m half Lebanese and also part Cherokee, I keep a bit of brown all the time, but I was sure glad to get rid of my “pasty whites” this time. It has been too long since my last trip to the beach. I was getting pale.
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Those horses are in great shape with glowing skin....must be something about the water. My family is Jewish, Muslim, and we are the Catholics in the middle. The niece and nephew that are 1/2 Pakistani have great color. The Jewish (Russian German descent) are very pale. The Italian/Irish/German's seem to tan pretty well. As for me, I don't go into the sun, as I am protective of my skin.
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The horses certainly do not lack for food. Quite the butterballs. Gorgeous sight though. Reminds me of the Exmoor ponies that I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of when touring the West Country. Not to mention the horses who emerged from the fog on the Long Mynd in Shropshire.
I am working through the logistics of my exit from the nonprofit and realized today that I need a number of other documents. But no matter. I will make it all work. Next step is organizing the new office so that it's intelligible to the next inhabitant. Realize that I need to create a calendar of upcoming events which may also create consulting work for me.
A truly exciiting time in my life as I dream of cycling the Rhine and Danube. Not to mention the Patagonia and the South Island of NZ.
Smell my dinner of Beer Brats and roasting veggies.
Marvelous adventures await. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Plus will be nice to devote the time to the rest of my business ventures. - Claire
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Claire, just saw the update. We, girls, have to live our lives to their fullest. Just yesterday, my husband's uncle passed on very suddenly, completely unexpected. His other uncle was the one not in good health.
Tonight, we celebrate my son's 22nd birthday, at our club. It should be alot of fun, with my sisters/bro in law/niece joining us, plus some other friends and my dh family. It is also the 4th of July celebration. DS wanted to be in Chicago for his bday, so I booked him train tickets this morning.
Nothing very exciting, except taking the remaining days of my doxycycline, which has been so effective, and oh, yeah, buying Lularoe leggings.....what started as one pair has developed into several pair compliments of inexpensive items on ebay. I love the leggings, can be layered up in the winter for walking, or worn in the summer for leggings or pjs. Also brought some new dresses from American Eagle, as my washer ate my dresses.
Well, have to wrap a present and then get my makeup on.....toodles, girls, big hugs to all.....
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Did a wonderful 42 mile ride on the Foothills Trail and amazingly escaped the rain. A full day, as I needed to drive over 50 miles each way, and a fair amount of traffic on the way back. Absolutely fascinating as the runoff from the snow fields and glaciers on Mount Rainier looks absolutely spring like, while the waters originating at lower levels are crystal clear. There was a lot more water in the streams on the way back which indicates that it was really raining further up in the mountains.
I tooled around Buckley, ending in a Teriyaki place which was marvelous. They had obviously slow-roasted the pork which was even better than most ribs are. Stopped my a farm stand on the way back and got strawberries, raspberries, beans and squash. The funniest was how they were amazed that I could fit everything into my paniers!!!
Alas, was denied a view of Rainier. This makes three rides this year with no view. One day.....
Feeling the effects of the ride. Had the rest of my steak dinner with some fresh berries. Ate the strawberries which wouldn't have lasted. Season is now over.
Home to a bath, dinner, and now bed. Feeling the burn about now. More tomorrow. Washed my cycling gear in the interest of air quality.
Glad that the doxycycline did the trick, Michelle. I have taken this, but thankful not have needed anything similar recently.
Off to bed as a girl needs her beauty sleep. Thankfully, can sleep in tomorrow. Ride will be close to home. Will do another long ride on the 4th. Can't wait to be 12 for 12 for the Seattle-to-Portland!!! - Claire
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Claire, when you talk of beans, which kind are they and how do you prepare them?
So, what is everyone doing for the 4th? I celebrated my son's birthday early, on Saturday. He is a firecracker baby - July 4th. At the time, my husband said, "could you just hold him in for another day?" I replied, "no." DH wanted him to have his own special birthday. Heck with that, July 4th is an amazing birthday. When he was younger, he thought it was all for him. Imagine what that must have felt like???
Today, was the final day for the doxcycline and time to start my Tamoxifen again. I just could not take the two of them together. Doxy is hard for me to tolerate and there is a contraindication with Tamoxifen and a zpack. I don't take chances where meds are concerned.
This weekend, I learned that some of the more "affluent thinking" persons in our family, do not have health coverage. My family, working class teachers/educators, know that the first thing you need in this country is health insurance. My family may not have the same social status as my in laws, but they know you don't skimp on the most important part of your life....your health. We have always paid more for our health insurance than most people, but it is necessary. It is irresponsible to not have coverage.....omg...
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hi everyone, Well it's official I am 53! B-day was yesterday. Got breakfast in bed, went to church, had grill out lunch then went to Iowa City's fireworks. Today my older daughter treated me to a manicure. I tried dip nails. Dont know if any of you have tried it yet or not, but I am super impressed so far. I didn't get a very dark color because of my job, but I will try to post a picture. It is pale pink sparkle. I look forward to hearing what everyone is doing for the 4th. We are going to our town parade at 10am. We are bringing our Chinese student and her mom and sister who are here visiting from China. Then back to our house for a good old American grill out complete with the all important bomb pops! Nothing says Fourth of July like a good old Bomb Pop! Then off to the fireworks!
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Happy Birthday! I was 53 a few weeks ago. My DD had a night surprise birthday party for me. I was truly surprised! Love the nail color! I rarely get a manicure due to the LE. If o do get one to one nail tech who is experienced with BC clients. I do my toes once a month. Getting them done tomorrow.
We will have the entire family over on the 4th around noon. I went to Sam's yesterday, Aldi, Walmart and the local produce stand today. Tomorrow I'll make a deli tray full of sandwiches in croissants, I have my potatoes boiling for potato salad now and I'll make it in the morning and tomorrow afternoon I'll make a pasta salad. Wednesday morning I'll make my red white and blue cheesecake dessert, a Cherry Berry cobbler, get all the condiments sliced diced and ready to serve. I also have chips and dip and I'll make a veggie tray. I have most of my flags and decorations out now. I'll try to post pics tomorrow it's too dark now.
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varga, looking forward to the pics. Especially that red, white and blue cheesecake! Sounds amazing!
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Everyone sounds so festive. I am doing a 60 mile training ride as the BIG RIDE is drawing near, which could include a swim in the Stillaguamish River if a hot day. I did a run this evening. It's cool out and the fresh air was just delicious. Making beans again for dinner. Just regular string beans that I got when I stopped at the farm stand during last Saturday's ride. I bought the $5 bag of beans, gave some to a neighbor, and have lots left.
Will make with leftover scallops from last night's dinner and a salad. Need to use up some lettuce and avocado, plus a red pepper I have lurking in the fridge. Will have squash from the farm tomorrow with some other veggies I need to use up. Thinking that I will make with some of the oregano. I have a bumper crop of the stuff. Which reminds me of the cannellini bean and oregano salad I sometimes make. I have a fresh Walla Walla onion that would be fab in it. Use my own vinaigrette for all these salads.
I think I snapped the perfect picture for dating sites during my run this evening. Online dating is something I think I need to do again once I finish the Big Ride. I can see that I could do with a haircut, but after the Big Ride as only too happy to have the hair protect my neck from the sun.
Two more weeks at the nonprofit. Already working on my upcoming business ventures. Lots to do, as I have neglected things a bit. So excited to be at this juncture in my life. FINALLY got there. That's my new story, and I'm sticking to it. - Claire
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Free Rick Springfield concert in my town tonight! 20,000 people in our park!
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sorry posted one of the pictures twice
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GK, wow, you were right by the stage!!! Always really liked Rick Springfield. So glad to see everyone having a great start to July. June weather was weird in Illinois. It was either rain, extreme heat, or storms. I wanted a nice mild June, we had August weather instead. Our corn crops are over 7 foot tall....
Not sure what I have going on tomorrow. It is my son's birthday, and he is out of town. I am a little sad that he is not with me. At 22, he deserves to do what he wants on his birthday. He, my daughter and their friends will be at Lollapallozza for my daughter's birthday. I love my kiddos so much, but it is hard to watch them grow up.
Started back on the Tamoxifen last night, tonight at regular dose. Feeling a little extra tearful coming off of the doxcycycline and hopping back on the Tamoxifen train.
Hugs to all my girls....
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This was tonight after a brief misting of rain. It’s a huge one right over my house
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TaRenee - beautiful! Hope everyone has a beautiful 4th. We had a wonderful time with our family. We are waiting on the fireworks to start. Nothing like watching fireworks in your pajamas in a convertible with the top down!
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Feeling the burn post 60 mile ride. The most gorgeous cool summer day with cloud cover. Had a couple of deer cross my path. Looked in vain for food in Arlington, and settled for a strawberry smoothie at the Espresso place next to the Junkyard Grill (which was closed). Chatted with people and saw a very odd bicycle seat which has the plus of diverting the pressure away from the tender spots, but the downside of making bicycles even more tippy. I wonder how the dude did as this was his first time out.
Was rescued when I had a flat by a guy who enjoyed the challenge. The first time out on a tandem for him and his sweetie. I was more than happy to take pictures for them. (I need a new rear tire.)
Stopped by a lake (pond really) on the way back and got some amazing pictures of the yellow water lilies. Was thankful to make it back with no more flat tires. Have fresh veggies roasting in the oven (with fresh herbs from my garden) to go with the string beans and steak I have planned for dinner. Rhubarb for dessert. The most perfect day.
In other news, I have the London trip coordinated with my friend, so now can book the Airbnb portion. This will give me a week in Central London which means that I will be able to explore on foot which I love doing. I may sign up for a cycle hire to help with getting around. We shall see.
There is still snow on the middle peaks which is unusual for this time of year. Lots of water in the rivers. Hope to get in another swim this coming week. Then it's off to Portland. A fitting milestone for a summer of adventure. More to come. Happy 4th everyone!!! - Claire
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Getting re established on the tamoxifen. I had to go off of it while I took the antibiotic. It takes awhile to level out in my system and be at a steady state. I did make some really cute pendants with pictures and german glass slivers for my sisters and my husband aunt/cousin. I will post a pic when I get them done. I have a party of teen/early 20 somethings in my backyard right now and hear the boom boom boom of the music. Oh, yeah, my kids have a fire pit going....Dh went upstairs and the dog and I are waiting for them to wrap it up.
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This weekend was fairly quite. I used the time to work on some memorial projects for a funeral coming up this weekend and for my sister's birthday presents. I am working with mixed media and a clear thick acrylic covering. The shards of glitter are German glass and are covered with about 1/4 of an inch of crystal clear domed resin. I am going to try another one today and embed pearls into my mother's wedding pic of just her. She is seen below with my father in the black and white colored heart.
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Lovely Michelle. You are so talented!
I am doing the countdown for the BIG RIDE plus moving forward with my own business. For anyone who needs this information, you can do an export of your LinkedIn contacts.
I have an air mattress/camping pad on its way to me. One time the Amazon reviews were really helpful, especially the part about does not lose air (not to mention easy to inflate, comfortable to sleep on, and stores in a small space). I also ordered a much smaller duffle bag to replace the behemoth I have been lugging around with my camping gear. Should arrive tomorrow. Decided to red my bright red jacket for the early AM, if chilly. Going for flattering.
I had fresh pesto last night for dinner for the first time in a couple of years. Not something I planned, but I had to do something with that enormous bunch of basil I got at the farmers market. Just delicious. Something you have to make yourself, as I have yet to meet a commercial version that didn't cut corners.
More handoff work. I am moving to being a pure contract, so leaving the nonprofit day-to-day work next week. I am so excited. I have work out there that I need to get paid on, plus stoke the pipeline (mine and the nonprofit's - note the order).
Enjoying having a rainy morning. It should be clear and hot for the BIG RIDE, but hopefully a tailwind out of the north which usually accompanies these weather conditions. Lots of hydration needed. BTW - a reminder for everyone outside in very hot weather of the need to hydrate, and by this I mean electrolytes in addition to water. I gave my business partner in NYC the electrolytes lecture as she had leg cramps, avoidable with electrolytes. It's worse for long distance cyclists. I have seen more than one on their way to the ER for IV to replace electrolytes and fluids.
I am well stocked and there will be more along the way. Gatorade was invented for a reason. Can't wait for that beer at the finish. Then more celebration! - Claire
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Thanks, Claire....
Girls, I need ideas of how to get the most out of my summer days. It is so hot, extreme heat warnings, in Illinois. It is just so oppressive. I try to go out with the dog in the AM and later evening. I have had my sister calling upset because of the loss of our mother, and my husband's relative calling who is a widow and having the coughing virus. I finished my resin pieces yesterday and will take more pics. I did the dishes, went to Macy's and am netflixing (yes a verb) now.
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Oh Michelle! I think you need a summertime "to do" list. Things that give you pleasure and that you have always wanted to do. They can be silly things such as skinny dipping in a remote stream, or more serious such as making pesto. Such things keep us sane and keep the "small stuff" in perspective.
I am off to Portland in 30-something hours. An annual goal that keeps me focused. I picked up my packet earlier today, so it's real. Got to chat up a table of 20-something guys as I sipped my beer. Great fun. Really doubt that they considered I am the age of the 'rents. We were chatting about things such as avoiding heat stroke and making sure that we get soaked by the kind people who will have hoses out for us. (Soaked, not sprinkled!!)
When I lived north of NYC, I found that exercising in the early AM made the rest of the day much more bearable.
Just finished some leftover pesto with wine and watched the sunset. Cascade foothills are spectacular about now. More amazing vistas to come.
Still working through the logistics of the rest of the summer. Friends are coming to Seattle and we will repair to the wine bar. I plan to make Rillettes have received rave reviews in the past. In fact, the bar manager says he dreams of my rillettes, as nothing else ever measures up. Will invite the old gang as they kept me sane 5-7 years ago.
More to come. Thinking of trying tubing one day soon, and a swim in the Snoqualmie River as only a few miles from here. Thinking of combining the latter with the Thursday market and microbrew.
On the "making headway" side, my new air mattress works like a charm and everything fits into my new, much more compact, duffle bag. Major progress. Took the remains of the old setup to the dumpster earlier this evening. Will be ever so much easier to walk to my hotel in Portland. Not to mention camping when I do the Tour de Lavender and a trip to Naches Heights (vineyard camping) over Labor Day.
Rambling, but I think the upshot is that you have to create your own memorable moments.
Will let you know how it goes. Fabulousness rules!!! - Claire
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Jun 16, 2018 03:50PM Michelle_in_cornland wrote:
[...] Anyone else chime in too....looking for opinions.
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Icietla writes:
I am opinionated. They are on my mental list of Body Parts That Should Be Removed At Birth.
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I like opinions....so there.....
We are surrounded by 8 foot tall corn, that draws humidity to our area. I don't live in the country, but it is the nature of Illinois ..... just not gigantically tall corn... Should be knee high, but it is almost one story high. That humidity drawn into the plants, eventually rests on their leaves and is carried off into our atmosphere, leaving very hot and humid conditions. We are about one month early in our weather conditions and crop conditions.
I have been homebound with my 14 year old schnauzer most of the summer. I just can't bear to leave him by himself. My husband comes home most days, and gives me an hour or so to get out of the house. My dog has been there for me, through breast cancer, a head injury from a ride at Universal Studios (concussion) which caused severe headaches, panic attacks and any other kind of general illness going around. If something happens at night, I do not wake up my husband. I just simply "hunker down" with my miniature 25 pound schnauzer.
I am going to try to drink more water and I did take some robitussin to get the stuff moving and thinned out in my chest. All of the corn haze, causes me to cough, so I am mostly in the air conditioning. It will be better in a month or so, where I live. But, until then, it is outfit creation time in my closet and jewelry design in my studio.
I hope the rest of you are not having this incredible corn cloud of mugginess.
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