One at a time

 One day or dog at a time.

Sadie says hi.

It is Monday and nothing is new here. I sat up for a while in the movie theater, Jen and I watched Barbie, I even laughed a few times.

Thank you for encouraging comments.

Far Side

Chest cancer

 Let’s go back to a few weeks ago. 

Far Guy had a funny (not ha ha funny)looking spot on his chest.  We had numerous conversations about it…make an appointment soon.  He refused to have it looked at until I had a date for spine surgery.  Once I had a date…he had a biopsy.  He thought it was a cyst, I hoped it was a cyst. Results would take 7-10 days.

As I was coming out of surgery last Tuesday June 10th Far Guy’s phone rang.  It is CANCER. CHEST CANCER.  Far Guy and Jen are together when they get the news. They decide not to tell me right away…good decision as I have to have the simplest of things repeated many times. They shoulder the news alone but together. Decisions are made when and where to see Doctors. They made decisions exactly as I would have.

Grand Forks ND is a no brainer as Jen and Andy live close by. The Oncologist can see Far Guy on Friday. We head North. We met the oncologist on Friday June 13th, he seems like a kind man…Dr B.

The CHEST CANCER is Stage three because it has come through the chest wall.  More testing will be done this week on Wednesday and Thursday with a Dr B appointment on Thursday afternoon…to make a plan.

Prayers are appreciated. We trust that God is in charge. BUT it is still hard. We are scared, discouraged and mad all rolled into one emotion.

I will return as I am able.

FarSide

Slow but sure

 Yesterday the little Grandgirls visited. A baby to cuddle and a almost two year old to .play “eyes,nose,mouth” with and Cee Cee. 

I slept quite a bit yesterday. Double maybe triple naps. 

Hollyhocks at my parents old place in town.

I will be back when I am able.

Far Side

Ok

 We are doing okay.  Friday was a very hard day, but we got to see two of our Grands Thursday night and Friday and one great Grand on Friday afternoon to cuddle close…although when I twisted a bit eagle eye Jen scooped up the baby because I am not supposed to twist. 

Pain is being managed and ice bags are the best! They calm and cool everything down in my back. 

Random photo from my I pad.

Bleeding Hearts outside the front door.  Sadie is being such a good girl, I tell her “touch” and she touches my hand to be petted. When we first arrived she was very excited but has calmed down nicely. She is a good comfort for me.

I shall be back when able.

Far Side

Friends

Thank you for being such caring friends, how wonderful to have so many people that care about me and my wonderful husband. 

 This beautiful gift was waiting for me when I got home.  Thank you so much dear friend Linda. 

Yesterday Jen took Far Guy to his infusion and after we had some lunch we all headed North. 

I cannot drive when I take the good pain killers.  So far the pills are working as long as I stay on a schedule.  Ice packs really help the most and I can walk without difficulty and go up and down the stairs as long as I go SLOW. 

(How many words can I misspell in one sentence?)  Thank goodness for spell check.

I shall be back when I am able.

Far Side

It went well

Surgery went well.  Recovery will be slow.  I am well taken care of and I appreciate all your prayers and good wishes.  My pain is much less after surgery than before surgery, the doctor removed much more arthritis than he anticipated.  All good...now to heal.

We have a change in plans and I will do part of my recovery in East Grand Forks at Jen, Andy and Sadies home.  

I finally finished my Mosaic Afghan "Hush" the day before I had surgery.

It is just as pretty from the front as it is in the back.  I am very pleased with it and have started another project to replace it. 

I will be back when possible.

Far Side

Surgery Yesterday

 My long awaited surgery hopefully happened yesterday.  The Neurosurgeon is doing a Lumbar Laminectomy at L4. Basically I have a whole bunch of Arthritis that is pinching off my spinal cord and causing my lower back pain, left buttock pain, left leg pain and numbness.  He will remove all the arthritis.   I hope it all goes off without a hitch.  And if there is a hitch...God is in charge!

Recovery will be slow...the first month I can walk and talk...that is about it.  Then after the first month another two months of restricted activity.  So it goes. To be rid of the horrible pain would be a step in the right direction!

I will recover at home in the woods.  Jen and Andy will be helping out for the first while.  Jen will make sure we are well taken care of.  My baby brother is taking over my lawn mowing duties. 

I am not the easiest patient in the entire world...probably not the worst either..however there was that one time when I had been in the hospital a really long time and tried to escape into the sunshine in my wheelchair...some broad at the desk grabbed my chair and turned me around...I gave her "the sign" and told her to go F herself.  Yup...swore at her and everything...right out loud in front of an entire waiting room full of people.

I will be back or Jen will write something for me in the days to follow. 

Prayers are appreciated!

Far Side 

A Bird Feeder

 Next door neighbor Steve made us a bird feeder.

He came over and sawed off the top of a dead Oak and the stump makes a perfect spot for a bird feeder! 

Now if the squirrels and the bear leave it alone! 

Thanks Steve!

Minnesota Weather on Monday: High 60F or 16C Low 45F or 8C.  It was cloudy, smoky and spit rain a bit. 

Monday Far Guy made Impossible Italian Sausage Pie for supper.  I gathered ingredients for him and did the dishes.  We both had two naps...morning and afternoon. 

Hope you are all having a wonderful day! 

Far Side

Best parts of last week

 We got to hold our newest Great Granddaughter when she was a week old, and got to visit with her Mama.  Baby K may end up being known as Klark...as that is what a number of people called her prior to her birth.

Behind her is the blanket I crocheted for her last Winter.   She slept the entire time we were there!   She has her own look.  I cannot truthfully say that she looks like anyone else... just herself.  We are blessed to have her in our family!

Great Grandson Hey Mikey's dog Sam.

She is a beauty who loves attention...I could have pet/scratched her all day. 

And of course Sadie smiling, she was overjoyed to see us on Friday.

Sunday in Minnesota:  High 57F or 14C Low 48F or 9C.  It spit rain most of the day, not sure if we even got an inch.  It was smoky in the morning but it cleared up a bit in the afternoon.  We went out to lupper at our fav Sunday spot in the mid afternoon...I came home and had a four hour nap. 

Far Side

Note from a Nurse

 Far Guy gets to have coffee with his Infusion every week.  The nurses sometimes take time to have "Coffee with Gene."

They take really good care of him. 

Lynn said "Gene is so smart" so he asked for it in writing. 

He handed it to me and said "Here's proof!"

We over did on Friday early Doctors appointment and 7 hours in the car....and paid for it Friday night into Saturday.  We missed our Great Nieces Grad Party on Friday night and our neighbors Barn Dance on Saturday evening. 

We are old.  No I didn't say getting..we are old. 

Minnesota weather on Saturday: High 75F or 24C  Low 49F or 10C eh.  We had some thunderstorms that dropped a bit of rain Saturday evening....they disturbed my evening nap.

Supper was what is in the freezer.  Far Guy had Jambalaya and I had scalloped potatoes. 

Far Side

Book Club 2025: June

 I picked the book for June.  

The Passing of the Night by Colonel Robinson Risner.   I read it a number of years ago and I read it again.  Colonel Risner gave the sermon on Thanksgiving at MacDill AFB in 1973 when we were stationed there.  I was impressed by his strong faith that endured for seven years...and that one Thanksgiving he was thankful for a toothbrush and a sliver of soap.  

Kinda puts everything in a different perspective. 

I give the book a 9.5 on my scale of 1 -10. Vietnam was hell...for the soldiers and especially for the Prisoners of War.   Was it a happy feel good read..no...but he told it like it was. 

Far Side

Almost done

 I am almost done with my Mosaic Crochet "Hush".  I did not make my goal of a finish in May, hopefully it will be a June finish. Fingers crossed.

Since Mosaic crochet is worked one row at a time from right to left one row/yarn color at a time there are many ends to tie. 

Those tied ends are sticking up and the envelope border has been worked but not closed yet. 

Here I folded it over so you can see how it looks as a finished border.

I have already decided what will replace this project...and it involves using up a considerable amount of left overs from other projects.  

I ran errands while Far Guy had his infusion yesterday, the usual grocery pick up at Walmart and a quick trip into Aldi and even a quicker trip into Hugos.  Gas for the car was $2.99 a gallon but if you told the cashier it was your lucky day you got 15 cents off every gallon.  A little old lady passed that info onto me...and I in turn passed it onto a young lady with lots of kids in her car. 

Supper was a ham sandwich and cherries. 

Minnesota Weather: High 71F or 22C  Low was 47F or 9C eh!  It spit rain in the morning.

I mowed the yard in the afternoon and killed some corn field ants..the buggers. 

Far Side

Late

 The Late Lilac is in bud.

Yesterday I got just about zero accomplished, yet I was busy all day.  Odd and ends all day long that needed to be dealt with, some organizing, putting some things away in their proper place.  I sold some old photos on ebay so I got them ready to go to the Post Office.  So there ya go. 

I finished this months read for book club.

Supper was BLT's. 

Minnesota Weather: High 72 F or 23 C Low 47 F or 9 C eh. 

Far Side

A bit better

 Air Quality was a bit better yesterday...we still had moderate particulate pollution due to the Wild Fires in Canada.   I wish they would put the wet stuff on the red stuff. 

We limited our time outdoors.  Wednesday the air should be better...we hope. 

There is a patch of Pussytoes in our yard, also known as Antennaria neglecta.  It often forms a dense mat...it poisons its neighboring plants so it can expand its territory.  It is a plant Native to Minnesota.

Yesterday I took a look at the canned goods in the pantry and organized it so I know what I have.  I did a couple of loads of laundry.  No nap. 

Minnesota Weather: High 71 F or 22 C Low 47 F or 9 C eh!

We had a Doctors appointment in Detroit Lakes yesterday so we went to KFC and picked up chicken and biscuits for supper. 

Far Side

 

Holy Smoke!

 Usually you have to go out of our trees to see the smoke.  Well not yesterday.

I took photos from inside the house. 

Looking murky out there. 

Needless to say the wildfire smoke covered up the sun.

We stayed indoors all day...again.   I read a bit and then had a four hour nap.  

Minnesota Weather: High 82 F or 28 C  Low  47 F or 9 C eh.

We had pork chops, rice and peaches for supper. 

Too many days inside is discouraging...at least when it is 40 below we can stick our heads out in the fresh air.  Canada please put out your fires!!

Far Side

Trillium

 The Trillium are in bloom. 

This is a nice patch that extends off in to woods who knows how far..I guess as far as the eye can see:)

Such a simple pretty flower!

Minnesota Weather; High 86 F or 30 C and the low was 60 F or 16 C eh.  Wild Fire Smoke from Canada filled the air so we did not go outside the house.  We have two air purifiers going inside the house all the time.

We had a quiet Sunday. I cleaned out the bathroom closet and my bathroom drawer that holds everything I need daily.  Laundry and deep cleaning the bathroom kept me busy in the afternoon.   My other baby brother and she who sees robins first stopped by to visit. 

Supper was Tri Tip Steak and baked potato. 

Far Side

 

Welcome Baby K

 On Friday evening our newest Great Granddaughter was born.  She was a May baby instead of a June baby.  She and her Mom are both doing well. 

I got to visit her via facetime shortly after she was born. 

She is a blessing!  We are looking forward to holding her soon!  

She is the fourth child for our Granddaughter Maddie and her husband Brenton. 

How about that...we are Great again!

Far Side

Tomato Update

 The tomatoes are surviving! 

The Patio tomato.

The Yellow Pear and the Cherry tomatoes in the sheep tank.  The old dog kennel works great to keep the deer out!

Far Guy will put some tomato cages up and wires for support soon before they get too tall.

They are standing nice and tall and not flopped over anymore:)

Thursday we had a nice visit and supper with Jen, Maddie, Benton, Hey Mikey, Cee Cee, Peach and Sadie.  We had pizza and breadsticks...those kids all like Ranch with their pizza. 

Minnesota weather High : 81 F or 28 C  Low 56 C or 14 C eh.

Far Guy had his infusion on Friday this week.  I picked up groceries and went to the bank. I finally made it through round one of lawn mowing. We are supposed to get heavy wildfire smoke this weekend.  Supper was Chicken Salad sandwiches and raspberries.  Clean up was easy! 

Far Side

Gone to a dog

 We went to see this dog.

Isn't she a beauty?

I think she missed me:)

She retrieved my house crocs from under the desk in the computer room. 

Far Side

Time to plant

 Finally the weather outlook is good as it may not freeze anymore. 

I am done rotating the seedlings in the kitchen window and saving them when the sun was too warm and blowing on them to simulate wind they will encounter when planted out doors.  

We have one patio tomato, one yellow pear and one cherry tomato.   The yellow pear and the cherry were planted out in the sheep tank and the patio tomato in a container out on the patio.  The seedlings were all very sad after planting...I sunk them really deep into their new soil ( lower leaves can be stripped off...each little hair on the stem will become a root)  I will take photos after they recover from their transplant shock!

Cross that project off our list. 

Wednesday was a quiet day with a long nap for me. 

Minnesota weather;  High 68 F or 20 C  Low 48 F or 9C eh.

We had over easy eggs for lunch and spaghetti for supper. 

Far Side

A view

 The places I mow sometimes have a view...mostly I mow in places surrounded by trees and not much of a view.  So a view is appreciated.  This is at the end of our old driveway...we don't use it anymore...it fills up with snow in the winter...the snow comes flying off that field. 

It was a good afternoon to mow.  I am not yet done with round one. I mow a number of areas.   

The weather was good; High of 71 F or 22 C  low of  46F or 8 C eh.  Almost a perfect day to be outside. 

Supper was a freezer meal...Chicken & stuffing hotdish.   I  can report that it freezes well.  Far Guy says the recipe is a keeper and we can make it again.  It made six large servings.

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole  Hotdish

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts)

2. 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (e.g., Stove Top)

3. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

4. 1/2 cup sour cream

5. 1 cup chicken broth

6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

7. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

8. Salt and black pepper, to taste

9. 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)

10. Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

1.1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Casserole: Hotdish

2.1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the optional butter for extra richness.

3. Bake the Casserole: Hotdish

3.1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

3.2. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

3.3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

4. Serve:

4.1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

4.2. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavor

Yes we call it Hotdish in Minnesota.  FYI I didn't add the onion powder, garlic powder, butter or parsley. 

Far Side

8

 Our Great Grandson was 8 years old yesterday!  

Hard to believe Hey Mikey is that old already!  He is the best big brother to his sisters!!

Happy Birthday Dude!  Love you lots! 

Great Grandma

Memorial Day 2025

 We remember those who died while fighting for our freedom.

My Dad's brother Arthur died on May 20, 1944 and is buried overseas in the Sicily Rome American Cemetery.   

I wonder when my Grandparents received the news...was it before or after Decoration Day in 1944?

My Grandmother is a Gold Star Mother.   She had 12 sons and 2 daughters.  Five of her sons would serve in the military...one died and two carried wounds for the rest of their lives. 

We visited the cemetery where my grandmother is buried.  Someone moved her Gold Star Mother marker over onto my grandfathers grave.  Well you can bet I moved it right back when it belongs. 

My Dad does still not have a Veteran's flag holder but someone left him a flag. 

Far Side

Birds

 A Indigo Bunting visited us for a few days.

Such a pretty guy! 

Yesterday we noticed a Bluebird at one of the nesting boxes.  Fingers crossed for a good hatch. 

The latest flag.

Minnesota weather; High 66 F or 19 C eh, Low was 40 F or 5 C eh.

Last night supper was BLT's and raspberries. 

Far Guy continues to recover...slowly...he feels a tad better than a few days ago. ( Probably due to the Prednisone)

Far Side

Green

 The tomatoes may be planted out this weekend.  I started them from seed back in late April.  They sit in the kitchen window and I turn them around a few times a day...and blow on them...simulating a wind:)

I grew some for my brothers and sister...nice to share. 

The belt slipped off my lawn mower, my baby brother came to fix it...I need to become more mechanical.  Then my other baby brother sent Mason over to fix it...I have a village surrounding me! 

Yesterday I saw a Dr for a sinus infection and got meds.  After that I had a four hour nap.  What is the time limit on a nap anyways?  You can guess the color of drainage...yuk.

Far Guy and I took Ranger Blue and went to recycle...stopping off at the cemetery where his parents are buried.  Flowers were left.  Friday before Memorial Day and the grass has not been mowed yet this year...buggers anyways.  I noticed that a few people brought their own mowers and mowed their own. 

Far Guy had a quiet day...he managed just fine the 70 minutes I was gone to the Dr.  He is resting and taking it slow and easy.

Minnesota Weather;  High 65 F or 19 C  eh  Low 40 F or 5 C eh.  

No cooking happened...supper was whats in the freezer already prepared..lasagna. 

Far Side

Frustrating Day

Thursday is Infusion Day for Far Guy...he needs the infusion once a week to protect his fragile lungs.   After his infusion it was imperative that he see a Dr.  Something was just not right this entire week.

They ran blood tests and did a Cat scan...he has infiltrates in his lungs but not pneumonia... yet.  

FYI a pulmonary infiltrate is a substance denser than air and can be blood, pus or protein.  Until it is investigated further who really knows what is going on?   Is there a plan in place?? Nope the ER Doc gave us no direction...see your Primary Care Dr or Pulmonary Specialist for a follow up.  

They sent him home with yet another course of antibiotics and steroids after a four plus hour wait in the ER.   ( He has had two rounds of antibiotics and steroids in the last month. )

I thought they should give him IV antibiotics and steroids...but what do I know...well probably more than they do about his lung problems. 

Far Guy is discouraged, I am discouraged.  Far Guy feels crummy.  I feel crummy cause he feels crummy. 

One day at a time. 

Far Side

26

Our oldest Grandson Noah is 26 years old today!  They grow up so fast!

Back in October of 2000 he was 17 months old.  

Noah with his very young looking Dad, that is Noah's Great Grandmother ( my Mom) holding out her hands for Noah to come.  I am not sure he did as he was a shy kid. 

Happy Birthday Noah, we hope you have the best day/year ever!  

Love you always and forever!

Grandma

Rainy Day Craft

 I can multi task...as in do laundry and stamp a bunch of cards to watercolor.

The project had a number of stamps.

 New stamps that I got for Mother's Day from Jen and Andy.  

This one may or may not be a Christmas card...time will tell.  This set of stamps were $1 at a garage sale.

And one of my favorite stamps of all time. 

I love this bouquet of flowers in a mason jar, I can do all kinds of color combinations and I hope when I mail the cards out people feel like I sent them flowers! 

It was a great rainy day project and kept me out of trouble for the afternoon...I missed my afternoon nap...but I had a morning nap...so there ya go. 

Minnesota weather; High 45 F or 8 C eh  Low was 38 F or 4 C eh  It was a chilly rainy day.  What a big change from last week at this time. 

Supper was a baked chicken breast on top of a salad (mine will be on a separate plate) and fresh baked bread, raspberries for dessert.

Far Side

Red

 I made the 50 rows on my Hush Mosaic Project in a week..the rows are 160 stitches long.  That is many stitches in a week.  I put the stitch marker in place again. I have five new rows. 

I am not sure if it needs 50 more rows this week...I keep holding it up..it still needs more. I will see how the week goes.  Then I need at least a week to do the envelope border to enclose all those ends.  Progress is slow but sure.  I am using a size 4 mm crochet hook and Stylecraft Special DK. 

We had  vibrant visitor.

My best photo through the window...a male Scarlet Tanager. 

Yesterday I mowed the front yard, cleaned one bathroom, scrubbed some floors and did some laundry. 

Supper was pulled pork, jambalya, green beans and a biscuit. 

Minnesota Weather: The wind was cold. ( I should have dressed warmer when I mowed and wore gloves.) The high was 50 F or 10 C and the low was 36 F or 3 C. 

Highlight of the day: The mailman brought a couple of deliveries...new projects,  a morning nap and our June great grand baby just may be a May great grand baby.  Prayers for Maddie and baby. 

Far Side

Quiet Sunday

 I think we are enjoying the quiet two nap days too much.  

The Oak danglies have turned brown and will soon fall off.   The rain what little we got less than an inch helped to wash down the pollen.  The Oak leaves are getting larger every day soon we will have dense shade. 

Mowing will be on my agenda this week. 

I will leave the dandys in the side yard yet for the bees. 

Minnesota weather; the high was 53 F or 12 C  the low was 37 F or  3 C   it was a chilly morning. 

We went for a Sunday afternoon drive to our favorite Mexican place it was too cold to sit on the patio but the place wasn't too busy so we sat inside.  Lupper was great as usual. 

Far Side

Cool Day

 What better activity than to color and glitter up some fronts for cards.  They will be trimmed matted and attached to cards some day. 

It was a cool day. The high was 43 F or 7 C.  

We had a quiet day, supper was steak and green beans...Far Guy sauteed a bunch of mushrooms for his steak...I do not like mushrooms so I had a baked potato. 

I organized some of my ideas for birthdays coming up...getting my ducks in a row and a few things ordered for the two great grands that have birthdays soon. 

This week three great nephews and a great niece graduated from two year programs; Hailey with a degree in Forestry, Jordan with a degree in Butler/Caterpillar Service Technology and Mason in Diesel Technology.   Always fun to see these young adults going to school, doing the work and graduating!  Onward and forward to adulting! Congratulations kids!( All are grands of my other baby brother and she who sees robins first)

Far Side

My Red Basket

 My red basket has been full of yarn for a good long time.  It is Mosaic Crochet and it is called Hush.  This is my second blanket in this pattern.  

This is how it ended up when we lost power early Friday morning.  I had to get out my book light and read... finally gave up and went back to sleep...even though the security system was beeping telling me that the power was out.

Hush in Fall colors.   I started on this afghan November 18, 2023...uffda that was a while back.

Last Monday I put in a stitch marker to see if I could crochet 50 rows before a week is up (I have 42 rows added now)...and then possible 50 plus or minus rows the next week and then it could be enveloped in the border.    

I guess I made it a priority to finish up in May.  A goal. Keeping my fingers crossed!

One thing I finished this week was the final drawer #17 in the kitchen...the spice drawer.  Now to finish the rest of the cupboards in the kitchen...several are done...a few more to go and that project will be done too.  All in good time.

 It finally rained here and our high temperature yesterday was 52 F or 12 C  that is a whole lot cooler than it was earlier this week. 

For supper we made lasagna together about noon and put it in the fridge to marinate a bit so it was easy to throw in the oven by who ever was awake prior to supper (Far Guy) he woke me up when it was done and the table was set.  Rainy afternoon calls for double naps!

Far Side

Preschool Milestone

 The smile says it all.   Preschool is behind our oldest Great Granddaughter Cee Cee...onward and forward to Kindergarten in the Fall.  

Photos by Maddie. 

What a great graduation cap! 

Cee Cee will be a big sister again this Summer before going off to full day Kindergarten in the Fall. 

Do you recall...back in the day?  Kindergarten was either mornings or afternoons every day or sometimes on a Full Day M W F one week and T Th the next week it was hard to keep track of.   

Congratulations Cee Cee you made it! 

Far Side