Pretty Fall Day...before the freeze!

This is the last pretty day for a while. A cold front is coming through tonight and it might even snow tomorrow. Temps were in the mid-60's today, so Rick and I went out mountain biking. It was really great and I didn't even hurt my knee that bad.

Good news for Christmas...I just got a plane ticket for A.J. and he will be flying out to Beth's on Christmas Eve so we can all be together for Christmas! He has never seen Beth's house, so this will be nice to have the whole family together.

Hope you are all well,

mommy

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope all of the followers of this blog are in good health, have plenty of good food, and are surrounded by those who love you (and your cats!). Since there are no children at our home any longer, Rick and I opted to come to Wichita,, Kansas. His son, Jonathon is here visiting also, so it was a good meeting place. Rick and Jon went out bowling last night while I finished up an article I am working on.
My knee is better with the Naproxen and I had an MRI yesterday, so I will find out next week what the damage is on the thing. I really don't think it is anything horrid. Hopefully, just a little therapy or something.
I will be finalizing everything for my doctorate on Monday the 30th and then the hooding ceremony on Dec. 11th. Donna, you should go to your ceremony! You worked hard for it. We are going to get a video camera and I will post the clip.
Have a very wonderful day and enjoy your Tofurky,
love, mommy

New Ortho lady!

I went to the ortho today and I love her!!! What a true test of a quality doctor when they know that your birthday on Oct. 20th is on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio? I had X-Rays done and then saw her. She did all the bendy, poky, things to my knee and she heard how it pops (and HURTS) when I bend it. She said that the X-ray is perfect and the bones look great so it must be something with the meniscus or perhaps a piece of cartilage is catching on something. So I go next week for an MRI and then see her again on Dec. 9th. She recommended no walking, running, or biking if it hurts, but to start swimming again. I have to do something to keep the weight off because the more weight I gain, the worse it is for the knee....jeez.
Hope you are all well,
mommy

Not such a bad week after all

The antibiotics are finally working on my sinus infection and a week off from running has helped. I went bicycling a little this week and it didn't hurt my knee too bad. Then tonight, I decided to try a walk at the airport. It was such a lovely day that I needed to get out. All in all, my knee doesn't hurt too much. I'm going to keep babying it though. I finished the edits on Chapter 4 and all I have is 5 to go. Then I should be able to file it with the grad college. I hope it goes well because I bought my velvet tam for graduation. Hope you are all well, love mommy

Repressing the Daylight

-Today we turn back our clocks an hour for Standard Time. Yes, we get an extra hour of sleep, but it's 6:00 P.M. and pitch dark outside. When I am able to get back on the bike, it will have to be right after school.
-In keeping with this darkness, I have had a rather heartbreaking month, of sorts. My mom, who had a stroke in September, is in a rehab/nursing home to recover. She is slowly making progress, but her mind still fights for moments of lucidity. As of today, she does not remember the stroke and thinks that I concocted a scheme to have her put in a nursing home and taken away from my sister. This is so horrific for me, because no matter what I say, she believes what she thinks is the truth.
-So for my children, I am feeling so far away from all of you. I know you are strong, independent, and wonderful and I am proud of you all. However, as life marches inexorably onward, I hope you remember one thing from me: I love you all so much. I hope this video always reminds you of how much you all mean to me.
love mom

Turn 50 and the warranty expires!

Happy Halloween to all! It is a beautiful fall day here and the temps are gorgeous. Rick and I went out on the mountain bikes, but my knee is swollen and painful. Had to stop after 2 miles. I just woke up on Wednesday with my knee hurting and swollen. I also have a lump in my breast that the doc is investigating and my eye sight is going! My mini-me icon from Nike will not be happy, but I need to take a rest for a while until the swelling goes down. Ah... getting old...well, it's better than the alternative.
love you all,
mommy

Beautiful Fall Day

Well, it didn't begin quite so beautiful, but the clouds and the gloom finally gave way to a gorgeous sunny afternoon. This is my favorite time of year and all the leaves are falling and the brilliant colors of the trees are just stunning. However, it was still a chilly 57 degrees when I decided to go for a run around the Airport. And of course, it's windy there too. But the sunshine made it well worth the effort. I got news today that a manuscript I sent in to a journal has been accepted for publication! It should be printed by summer. That makes six articles in print. If I can just finish up the dissertation by Dec. 4th, maybe universities will be adequately impressed and give me a job! Hope you are all well,

love, mommy

Birthdays and more birthdays!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Mother-in-Law - Gail! And Happy Birthday to my good friend Dr. Donna Maynard! All the brightest people are Libras!

A Wonderful Fall Break!

It's Sunday night and I have finished scooping litter, refilling food bowls, and starting laundry. Yes...back to reality. After 4 days in paradise, I guess it's good to be back home with my furry loved ones. We spent two days in HOT San Antonio and then travelled down to the border to South Padre Island. It was so gorgeous!!! We brought the bikes and rode all over the island. They had the Castles in the Sand contest going on. You will notice everyone in masks and coughing? That's due to Red Tide. It's a nasty algae that blooms abundantly every now and then. Come to find out, I am quite allergic to it! I was coughing and sneezing quite a bit, but the beauty of the place was worth it. It was a nice birthday vacation. Will post more pics later.

love,

mommy

2 Donna's, 2 Doctors

While it might not look good to most people, this is a plate of the most delicious food on earth...Cheese enchiladas with mole. We went to Rosario's Restaurant in San Antonio for my birthday dinner. You can see the Mojito at the top of the plate. But the best gift was a sunny sky and 92 degree temps. After a week of cold rain in Shawnee, this was very nice.

Another doctor! My friend, Donna Maynard (yes, like my adorable grand-kitten) just successfully defended her dissertation and is now a doctor. I met her when we were both finishing up our Master's. Congratulations Dr. Maynard!