Peach and Lichen sclerosus

 Peach is our #3 Great Grandchild, her parents are Maddie and Brenton.

Last Winter Maddie said "Grandma look at Peach's bottom, the skin is turning white."  We talked about what it could be...maybe vitiligo.   Peach has Eczema and has been using a special soap for several years.  Maddie scheduled an appointment with the Dermatologist in March.   The skin on her bottom was white and in an hour glass shape that encompassed her entire bottom....think bikini like. 

The Dermatology appointment in March was cancelled because of a snowstorm and rescheduled for mid May.  On May Day Maddie said "Now Peach has a sore on her vulva."  Indeed she did...we were all feeling really uneasy now. 

Finally the day came in May and not with good news.  Peach has Lichen sclerosus and possible Vulvar Cancer. We were all shocked and scared. 

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition with thin white wrinkled patches of skin that causes itching, pain and burning.  The skin tears easily and can have blisters or sores. Ongoing inflammation can break down the skin.  If untreated it can become skin cancer.   It is thought to be genetic and or autoimmune....like having an overactive immune system.

Treatment:  Special creams that are applied twice a day.  It is a lifelong treatment. Maddie says there are two types of creams and she keeps track of which cream is used on each day.

Peach was three years old on her birthday...she loves The Lion King and I was lucky enough to find an outfit for her. 

Maddie, Brenton, Peach and Jen went to the Mayo Clinic on July 7.  The Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis of Lichen sclerosus.  The special cream was doing a really good job and the blister that I saw on May 1st was almost gone so no biopsy was needed.  We all breathed a sigh of relief that there is no Vulvar Cancer. 

Peach enjoying the pool.

I asked Maddie's permission to write about Peach and she agreed that it is important to share with others.  I asked Maddie if she wanted to write something and she did. 

Maddie wrote:

 To the parents of children with lichen sclerosus:

I know there are days when your heart breaks because you can’t take away your child’s pain. You question if you’re doing enough, research late into the night, and carry worries no one else can see. But never underestimate the power of your love. Every hug, every doctor’s appointment, every tear you’ve wiped away, and every moment you’ve spent advocating for your child is shaping a future where they know they are deeply loved, never alone, and stronger than this diagnosis. Lichen sclerosus is part of their journey, but it will never define their worth or limit the beautiful life ahead of them. Keep believing, keep fighting, and keep hoping—because your child couldn’t ask for a stronger advocate than you.

Keep your faith, trust in God, and trust in your instincts.

Maddie and Peach

 We love our Great Grandchildren so very much.  It is difficult to see them struggle with health issues especially when they are just three years old. 

But they keep smiling! 

Far Side

Chokecherries

 The Chokecherries along the driveway are ready to be picked...or left for the birds.

The foliage of the Chokecherry bushes looks all beat up...probably from the heat. 

When the berries are this color they are ready to be picked...they will strip off easily.

Yippie for the birds...sadly I do not have the energy to pick them.  Picking is only half the work...

We had a quiet day on Saturday.  I did some laundry and almost finished my current book. My other baby brother and she who sees robins first visited along with their Grand Lola. 

What's Cooking?   Smoked Pork Chops, Green Beans with Bacon and a Baked Potato. Yummy!

Minnesota Weather:  High 82F or 28C  Low was 61F or 16C  almost a perfect weather day! We could still use some rain!

Far Side

Tomato Report

 Our one little Yellow Pear Tomato plant likes the sheep tank and being next to the garage. 

Even the parts that fell over in the wind are doing okay.  I will need a ladder to pick tomatoes before long.

Right now we get about two sometimes three ripe tomatoes per day.

We had a quiet day...we did a few errands in town and then went to our usual Sunday Lupper Patio spot because this Sunday that little town will be full of people...so we did Sunday on Friday and will try out a different place on Sunday.  That is a win win for cooking!

Minnesota Weather:  We got about 1/3 of an inch of rain...enough to perk up the brown lawn.  High 78F or 26C   Low 57F or 14C

Far Side

Sunflowers and Seven Sticks

 The Sunflowers are just starting to bloom.

It was easy to stop by this field as it is off the beaten path....and there was an approach with a turn around...meant to be. 

Far Guy's fav Nurse is on vacation so his usual one stick for his IV became seven...uffda he looked like a pincushion when I picked him up. 

I ran the usual errands..Aldi, Walmart for the order pickup, Hugos for stuff Walmart didn't have, Walgreens and the Bank.  I made it in record time and was able to get 20 minutes of reading in the parking lot of the Clinic before Far Guy messaged me to pick him up.

We came home, unloaded the groceries put them away, had lunch and a nap. 

Minnesota weather: Hot  High 87F or 31C   Low 65F or 18C

It has been a very warm July...I wonder what August will bring? 

What's cooking?  Breakfast for supper; eggs, sausages and potatoes.

Far Side

Alrighty then

 The new vehicle was much easier on my back and legs as we traveled back and forth Up North to medical appointments. As with any new vehicle we have much to learn about the features.

Far Guy saw his Primary Care Doctor for a follow up after his hospitalization earlier this month.  He still has a nagging cough that is concerning so he will be on steroids for about a week.  Hopefully that will get rid of his cough.  Between the heat, humidity and wildfire smoke...good outside air is not here. 

I had test injections for a Medial Branch Block...my facet joints in my back are unhappy.   I did not have a good enough result to continue with another round of test injections.  You have to have 80% improvement and I only had about 60% improvement for the six hours that the test injections last for.  They have cancelled the tests in August ..so we are back to square one....or maybe it is square zero. 

Then I saw the Gastroenterologist to discuss my side duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (SD IPMN) on my pancreas.   It is considered precancerous.  Because of the size of the "cyst" (more than 5 cm) the Doctor recommends   1) MRI to watch what happens next  2) Referral to Mayo Clinic or the University of Minnesota  for surgery.   I have a MRI scheduled for the end of September and then we will evaluate the situation.  It is a nasty big surgery...many days in the hospital and a very long recovery.   I am not thrilled about that option. 

I had a video visit with my Rheumatologist...take prednisone he says ...he can do nothing for me. 

Yesterday was son in law Andy's birthday!  Now that is something to celebrate! 

Far Side

Hark! Back! Issue#14

 March 26, 2008

The Good Towels

Why do we have stuff that is too good to use?

My Mother had seven "good towels" in her bathroom, two not so good and one towel you could actually use folded neatly near the sink.  Mom always had good towels. Shortly after they finished building the house at the lake she went towel shopping.  She purchased a set of white with tiny pink and blue flowers...and proudly displayed them over the tub.  I recall her dismay when they were used by some little boys who did a quick wash in the sink, quick enough to moisten all the dirt which in turn was deposited on her beautiful white towels. 

I don't have any too good to use towels, I don't have any towels that could remotely be called a "set" of towels.  You know the ones with a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth all of the same color or print.  I  have two categories of towels...light and dark.  The last time I had a whole set was in 1969.  I am still working on wearing out all those hand towels that we got as wedding gifts.  The bath towels are long gone ...but those hand towels remain.  Maybe one of these days I should make rags out of them and then go out and celebrate and get a matching set!

***********

I still don't have a good set of towels.  All those hand towels made fine rags!

Too good to use...I use most everything I have.  I do save a few blouses for good...not sure why...incase I need to dress up some day. 

Far Side

Hark! Back Issue #13

February 27, 2008 

Frozen Oranges

Gosh it has been years since I have thought about one of my favorite snacks...the good old frozen orange.  I would take an entire orange and throw it in the freezer, take it out an hour or two later, slice it in fourths and eat it...yummy.  Be really careful when cutting it, I would grab the biggest butcher knife I had, put the orange on a bread board and then work with the knife to get a good bite into the orange...those suckers are a little slippery when frozen...so again be careful. I injured a toe once when an orange went flying off the counter, perhaps you could actually peel the orange and freeze it in sections, or cut it in fourths before you freeze it...I am sure that would work too...I guess I like the novelty of freezing the whole orange.

Oh, how I miss the Florida tree ripened oranges...nothing compares...what we get up here in Minnesota resembles an orange...but you have never really lived unless you have had a Florida orange right off the tree.

Sometimes I miss living in Florida, the sunshine, the sand, the waves, 24 hour a day Bingo, fresh seafood and hush puppies.  Being asked if I would like grits with my breakfast (no thanks).  Going to a filling station, getting an all change and my tars checked.  Instead of toting my groceries around in a store I would use a buggy, Ya Reckon?  Where Goobers are peanuts and they sell the boiled kind, it is a taste I have yet to acquire.  I kinda like the idea of mashing buttons instead of potatoes.  Going to the Washateria down yonder dreckly.  Where soda is a pop, and a Coke is not a coke...it could be 7 UP or Pepsi (I like Coke and when someone asks me if I would like a Coke...I expect one).

Well I reckon that you as readers are hoping I am pert'near done...Y'all have a great day!

****

I still miss the Florida Oranges.

Far Side

Quiet Sunday

 We had a quiet day that was appreciated.  We went for our usual Sunday lunch out on the patio...it was warm, but there was a breeze and we had the patio all to ourselves. 

I started a new afghan with a new to me pattern. It is call the Granny Square Shell Pattern.

It is interesting after I figured it out...the joins were not well written in the pattern or perhaps I am easily confused.  Not sure if I will continue the entire afghan with the light colored shells and the different color outlines or if I should mix it up! 

Minnesota weather: High 94F or 34C   Low 68F or 20C.  In town the car said it was 99...who really knows for sure. 

We have a very busy week coming up with 7 appointments.  3 appointments are Up North. 

Far Side

Picnic

 My baby brother and his bride hosted a picnic for family.  It was a good turn out.  All the little kids had a blast on the slip and slide on the hill. 

This Blue Spruce is on the edge of my baby brother's yard. 

Anyways the food was great...I made potato salad.  

It was a very warm day. 

Minnesota weather: High 89F or 32C  Low  68F or 20C

Far Side

Kids and a car

 Far Guy got Tilly ready to go for a ride.  A quick call to my baby brothers yielded two adults and five kids that wanted a ride!

Being captivated by the window that rolls down. How many kids can ride in the back seat?  Well five!

Maz,Otto, Jordyn, Lulu and Xavier

Five of my baby brother's Grands from Washington, Oregon and New Jersey.  11 of my baby brothers grands are here out of 13. 

#13 was born last Winter.  I got to meet him the other night, he is a happy kid!

Here is Keon with his Dad...Keon loves the front pack and walking puts him to sleep. 

Fun to see all the kids...most everyone got taller this year.  They are busy busy kids!

Minnesota weather: High 81F or 27C  Low was 65F or 18C

What's cooking?  Ham and turkey buns and potato salad. 

Today is my sister's birthday  Happy Birthday Julie! 

Far Side

Seeing Red

 Far Guy and I have been thinking about a different vehicle.  Although we like our Buick the seats are very uncomfortable in a longer (more than an hour) trip.  After an hour I have to get out and walk around, my left leg and back get so sore that I have to move around.  

Jen's vehicle has seats that support your whole leg up to your knee.  Of course it is a larger vehicle...but hey I might be worth it.  

So we have been talking and looking...thinking.  Sunday we drove past the dealership and looked at vehicles...they had two red ones.  

Finally yesterday we took the plunge.  Took it for a test drive and talked with a salesman.  We got the one without the moon roof.

It has what we needed ...comfortable heated seats and a heated steering wheel.  It is a 2026 Ford Explorer.

It won't get as good of gas mileage as the Buick and it fills up the whole garage.  We should be good for another three years. 

Love me a red car!  

Next week we have numerous Doctors appointments Up North so we will see how we like it for that trip.

Minnesota weather:  High 79F or 26C  Low 63F or 17C  We have wildfire smoke again.

Far Side

Slush

 Recently I ran onto this old recipe.  Rhonda gave it to me about 1977 or so.  It brought back some sad/good memories.  Her penmanship is very distinctive.

I made something similar using a can each of frozen orange juice and lemonade using whatever water is called for and about 1 1/2 cups vodka.  I also put it in an ice cream pail and let it get slushy.   Take out enough to fill your glass and then add 7 Up to brighten up the drink. 

Rhonda has been gone a long time, she was a good friend. She graduated from High School with Far Guy and we lived next door to her and her husband back in 1970.   She had MS and died from an infection in 2009, she lived her last years in a Nursing Home. 

Far Side

Afghan

 I have a crochet project that is finished.  It has been washed and dried in the dryer.  The yarn washes beautifully.

I used Stylecraft Special DK in all shades of purples and beige.  I used a 3.5mm hook and the pattern is Study of Reality which was a free pattern on Ravelry. 

I learned some new to me stitches with this blanket and I also learned not to go rogue...and when you think there is a problem...stop and re evaluate.   The edges of the blanket tend to roll.  I can do better...but someone will love this blanket someday. 

I had a busy day...some cleaning and dusting happened and some laundry.  Far Guy is feeling better...he still has a nagging cough...he sees his Dr next week for a follow up after his hospital stay.  He is woodcarving most days. 

What's cooking?  Ribs and corn on the cob.  Yummy!

Minnesota weather:  HIgh 73F or 23C  Low 50F or 10C

Far Side

More cards

 I have cleared the second card project off of my desk.  I had a drawer that had lots of photos that were meant for cards. 

It took me several days to complete the project.  I was either slow or had too many photos! 

The cards are safely incased in see through card sleeves... so it is practically like shopping when I am looking for a card OR when someone runs across the three boxes of cards they will appreciate how neat and organized I was:)

I ordered this box from some mail order place years ago and it is full of all kinds of cards. 

What's Cooking:  Philly's and corn on the cob!

Minnesota weather:  High 83F or 28C  Low 58F or 14C  

Far Side

Rudbeckia

 The Rudbeckia was doing really good until the heat spell.  We need a little rain soon ...the grass is turning brown.

We had a quiet day on Sunday.  Far Guy did some woodcarving until it was time for our Sunday afternoon date on the patio of our favorite place to eat.   I did some laundry and worked on another of my card projects and then some stuff that no one notices.

We came home and watched Grey's Anatomy...we are on season 12. We watch it most afternoons...sometime I nap through it and Far Guy has to give me an update. 

Minnesota Weather: High 86F or 30C  Low was 67F or 19C.

Far Side

First Tomato

 It is always something to celebrate when we get our first tomato of the season...luckily I found two so we can each have one.  

We like the Yellow Pear Tomatoes the best...less acid and great flavor.

Far Guy went out and found two more so we each had two!!

We are real exciting people when the highlight of our day was a couple of tomatoes:)

Far Side

30

 How can it be???  Our oldest Grand is 30 years old today.  Hardly seems possible. 

Savannah and me in 1996 the day she came home from the hospital.

Savannah and Far Guy in 1998

A couple of photos with Chance.  He loved Savannah she was a great water/ball thrower!

Savannah was throwing water in the air for Chance...this is most likely Namaken Lake or Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs National Park in way Northern  Minnesota in 2008.

One of my favorite photos of Savannah on her birthday when she was 20 years old! 

Happy Birthday Savannah...Grandpa and I love you now and forever!  

Grandma

A Puzzling Book

 Jen had a book and showed it to me.  Needless to say I ordered a couple from Amazon...one for me and one for my friend Susie.  I hope she is still talking to me after working in the book.

It is a murder mystery with clues and 46,600 possibilities.  

Jen solved the puzzle...I have not...it is all consuming...but I put it down a couple of days ago to give it a rest!  Noah also has a book.  

The Wildfire Smoke is awful. It gave me a headache. We are lucky to have Air Conditioning and two air purifiers in our home. 

Far Guy had his weekly infusion and I ran errands...paint for the trim around the new screen door, to the accountant for tax advice, Aldi, gas and a car wash, the bank, Walmart for a grocery pickup and the Meat Market.

I saw a gal holding a sign that said 20 ribeyes for $39.99 on a street corner.   There was a truck in a nearby parking lot...called Backyard Butchers.   Well they try to upsell you from the tiny paper thin ribeyes...dinkiest rib eyes I have ever seen.   If it sounds too good to be true it probably is...lesson learned.  What a waste of time....I know where to buy good meat at the local meat market.

Minnesota weather:  Smoky air.  High 87F or 31C   Low 71F or 22C

What's Cooking: Far Guy made eggs and potatoes:)

Far Side

Wednesday happenings

 I had lunch with Susie a very old friend from a long time ago when we both had small children.   It was good to catch up and give her a hug.  Life throws us curve balls from time to time and it is good to have a friend that you can call anytime night or day.  Anyways we had a great visit with lots of giggles!   It was a girls lunch out as her husband was busy and Far Guy wanted to get some woodcarving time in before the smoke from the Northern Minnesota Wildfires  invaded our area. 

Our Niece Rachael and family left Ely Minnesota when the smoke got heavy and ash began to fall out of the sky.  Pray for rain, a good soaking rain!

Our nephew Jacob and family are here for the summer from Japan. 

Henry is four driving the green car...assisted by his Dad, Jacob. 

What's Cooking?  Nothing...I brought home a burger for Far Guy from the lunch place.

 Minnesota Weather:  High 86F or 30C      Low 66F or 19C We have an air quality alert until Friday.

Far Side

Still Hot!

 Not much happening here.   A little cleaning, cooking and crocheting...that is about it.

Far Guy managed to sit outside and woodcarve a bit in the morning. Then it got too warm for him.

I trimmed around the bird feeder and around a couple of trees...that is an on going project.

Rudbeckia or if you wish a Black-eyed Susan. 

What's Cooking?  Pork chops and rice.

Minnesota weather:  High 94F or 34C      Low 69F or 21C  We are in a heat advisory and a Air Quality Alert due to the Wildfires in the Boundary Waters.  Sure hope it rains.

Far Side