November 30, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Leaves.

Autumn leaves are different in the south. The large oak tree in my front yard just drops it's leaves after they have turned brown. No bright orange leaves as I saw on the oak tree in front of my house in Maryland. And the leaves come down over a long period of time. It will be late in January before all the leaves are on the ground. I miss the autumn foliage. There is nothing as good as the Ontario Fall with the red leaves of the maple trees. And the oranges and yellows are equally as beautiful in Maryland. All the hills at the farm in Pennsylvania were a thing of beauty. And I miss them. People in Mississippi often comment on the changes of the leaves in the fall. I just agree to be polite but I do not really see the difference. One ginko tree in my subdivision turned a beautiful yellow. I had not noticed it in the past. That is because folks tell me that the ginko tree does not turn yellow every year. Sometimes the leaves just turn brown and drop to the ground. But here we have had many chilly nights when the temperatures were at freezing. And the ginko turned a beautiful yellow. I always feel sorry for Lanny, the young man who tends to my yard. He blows and rakes the yard for months. Perhaps I will get to see Autumn foliage next Fall on my train trip across Canada. But for now, the only images are in my mind.

November 29, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Dangerous Living.

I knew it would happen and today it did. Every day I do something dangerous. And every day I come out unscathed, until today. I keep a large glass of water beside every chair. With my shaking hands, that is living dangerously because at any moment I could knock over the water. In addition, I drink my orange drink in the TV room. If that glass tips over I would have a big mess on my hands. So far, I have been extremely careful and have not spilled a drop. I also often drink a glass of milk with lunch. That too would be a mess if I spilled. But until today, all was well. I ate lunch watching my travel programs with a full glass of water on the table beside me. At 2:00, after the second program ended, I jumpd up and hit the full glass. I had sent the big glass flying with water everywhere in sight. My first thought was gratitude that I spilled only water. My second thought was how to sop up the water. My vision is terrible so just finding the water on the floor is difficult. In addition my pants and the chair were soaking. But I figured it out. I used a large bath towel to put on the floor to mop up the water. And I used a thick hand towel to wipe up the table and the rest of the water on the floor, at least the water I could see. Next I took a nap in Ken's leather recliner chair, and covered myself with a quilt to keep me warm. I figured out that over time I would dry, and I did. The towels are draped over the bathtub to dry. By tomorrow, all the water will be dry. But I was fortunate that I spilled water and not my orange drink or milk. Some days you just get lucky even when I live dangerously every day.

November 28, 2021. Madison, Mississippi.. Nature.

Wednesday evening PBS shows a series they call Nature. Here in the central time zone it comes on at 7:00 which is a perfect time for me. The photography is always excellent. But some programs are down right remarkable. Just this week they showed a program about a man who lived a full year with wild turkeys. The whole thing started innocently when a farmer friend brought a bowl of wild turkey eggs on his porch. He quickly borrowed an incubater and after putting the eggs inside, he proceeded to turn the eggs twice a day, which is what the mother turkey would do. But for two days before they hatch, the mother stops turning the eggs. His problem was timing. He did not know when the eggs were laid. The whole hour was fascinating. He became the mother of the chicks and they followed him everywhere. Fortunately the chicks were born with a lot of instincts, such as eating immediately and communicating with each other. At every stage of the life of the chicks, they knew what to do. At first he had made a roost for them, in a type of room. But one evening they refused to go inside their roost but instead took to a tree where turkeys stay the night. Eventually they all returned to the wild but it was a fascinating year for the man. And I enjoyed the hour program on PBS. He has also written a book about him and the turkeys. I am always amazed to know what people do with their time. This is a perfect example.

November 27, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The Modern World.

"The good old days",is a term you hear all the time. I see videos of life in the 50s, as if everything was better before the inventions of cell phones and social media outlets. But I am not buying it. We live better lives now than any one has ever lived. Even Kings and Queens did not enjoy the comforts that we take for granted. Texting is the most useful tool. I noticed this year that many of my friends have moved. They are of the age when they are moving into retirement homes. I know they have moved but I do not know the new addresses. I could call them. Or I could wait to receive their Christmas cards with their new address. What I did was text asking for the new adress. And boom. Immediately I have all my cards addressed. The whole thing took me twenty minutes. It was then I decided I live in a pretty good world. Texting alone is a bonanza. Christina and I text all the time when we need decisions. It is faster than using the phone. I ask a question and she texts me back immediately. No fuss no muss. Problem solved. I know we have problems in our world in North America but there is nothing we can not solve. For my money, I will take the modern world over any other period of my life. Even the cars are better. And of course the communication. I may sound like a Pollyanna, but I like life today. And that is my story today.

November 26, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day Activities.

In years past, we always went to the farm and as we had no television, we watched no football. Since we now live in Mississippi, our Thanksgiving day activities never change. First I watch the Macy's parade while I eat breakfast. If dinner is later, I always look at at least part of the dog show. And the rest of the day I eat dinner and watch football. I watch very little football these days but on Thanksgiving, it seems unpatriotic not to watch football. It is such an American thing to do. I enjoy being a couch potato for one day a year. One year when the boys were in junior high school and we were staying in town for Thanksgiving, they were invited to play in a turkey bowl, hosted by their friend Billy. It was one of their family tradition to host a turkey bowl. The father had one as a kid so Billy kept the tradition. David and Andrew had been invited before but we were always out of town but this one year, they went to play. But they were never invited again. They were laughing and happy when I picked them up because their team won. Billy's team did not win. David and Andrew ended up on the same team and as they were both tall boys, their team had the advantage when catching the ball. Over the years, they laughed about the game every Thanksgiving day. Now, I do not need to wonder what I will do on Thanksgiving day. I dine with my family and I watch television. Some good.

November 25, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day.

We have started our own tradition. For the second year in a row, we boycotted turkey. Instead, we ate steak. And we liked it. I have served turkey and all the trimmings all my life. Even when I was not really cooking, I would buy the turkey dinner at Primos, a local restaurant. Then follow their directions for heating all the food. But last year, because of Covid, the only family at Thanksgiving dinner was going to be Christina, Mary Frances, Molly and me. Kate was working. When Christina and I were discussing what to eat at our feast, she admitted that she did not really like turkey so we decided to eat steak. And we made our menu: I would order steaks from Allen Brothers Steak House and Christina would prepare cheesy potatoes and green beans. We were set last year. Our dinner was easy to prepare and easy to clean up. Plus we were not loaded down with left over food. So we were so successful with our Thanksgiving dinner last year that we decided to do it again, except this year Linda Creath joined us as well as Nelson, Christina's brother. We gave them no choice. We just told them we were eating steak. I ordered the steaks from the same place as last year and Christina cooked my favorite cheesy potatoes and green beans. Again our dinner was a hit. We also ate at Christina's house again. She reported that compared to preparing turkey and all the fixings, preparing our dinner was easy. Now we will always eat steak for Thanksgiving. No point breaking our tradition.

November 24, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Outing # 2. Flora.

Once upon a time, Flora was an important town. My friends Eleanor and Jim live close by. In the middle of the 20th Century, it was busy but then the highways improved and the small town died bit by bit. By the time we first visited Flora in 2009, it was on its last legs. There was still a few places but it was dusty and quiet. But not today. It was buzzing with activity. Chris, my Lyft drive, and I took our second outing today. He had told me about three restaurants just opening in Flora and a butcher had relocated from furthur south, so we decided to check it out. Chris picked me up at 11:00 and we drove on back roads all the way through the countryside. The weather was glorious: sunshine and 68 degrees. We drove past the driveway of Eleanor and Jim and we drove into Flora. I was astonished with the activity. There were cars all up and down the street. It was busy. It looked nothing like 2009. First we visited the butcher store. It is a family run operation and the meat comes from their family farm. I bought sausage but other folks were buying beautiful looking steaks and chops. It was an amazing modern yet old fashioned butcher shop. Next we went to a barbecue place for lunch. It was busy too. The food was delicious. Chris brought us home another route, equally as charming and always on back roads. I enjoyed the drives in the country and I enjoyed seeing Flora thriving. My second outing was another success. Next time we want to go and see Mississippi potters. Chris will look them up.

November 23, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Another Celebration.

Today I had the last of 10 radiation treatments. To celebrate the end, Kashina and I went out for breakfast to a Waffle House. It is not fancy but the food is good. I am always interested that from the outside, the place looks exactly the same with lots of yellow. But inside the place is black and white tiles and is spiffy. They must think that the old look appeals to people but for my money it just looks dowdy and old fashioned. Inside is nifty and modern. I received a diploma for being an excellent patient. All the staff bade me a joyful goodbye. I am pleased to be finished even though the staff were excellent. My plan of action to survive the radiation worked well. I took the anti nausea when necessary, which ended up to be only four times. I rested twice a day, thirty minutes in the morning and sixty minutes in the afternoon. And I distracted my self by keeping busy. Kashina bought chicken broth and chicken noodle soup, which I was forced to eat a year ago but I did not once need them. So compared to last year, I did very well. Also Kashina worked each day I had radiation which helped. So now I am finished which you must agree is a great blessing. To celebrate I ate a waffle, sauged patties, hash brown potatoes and coffee. Delicious.

November 22, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Cards.

I know many folks no longer send Christmas cards. But that would not be me. I enjoy receiving cards. I have a pattern which makes no sense. First I look at the envelope to guess where it comes from. Return labels makes it easy. But I also look at the stamp and the official stamp from the post office it was mailed. Then I open the card and read the pictures. Finally I look at the name. I especially like the notes and the family pictures. Every card takes me at least 5 minutes to enjoy before picking up the next card. If I am in a rush, I just do nothing with the cards and wait until a quieter time. Kashina wants to help with my cards which I am working on right now. As I leave on December 15 I must get busy. She has already put on the address labels and she wants to stuff the envelopes. But I write a note on every card and as I am still addressing envelopes I am not ready for the cards. I think I will ask her to read the adresses to me from my list. My vision is difficult so perhaps she can help. I love reading the notes people send so I think I should return the favor. I am not in love with long letters included with the Christmas card, the ones who give me way more information than I need. I like the notes to be short and hand written with just the main details of the past year. I have just re-read all the cards from Christmas 2020. And I enjoyed them every one. And I know I will enjoy receiving the cards from Christmas 2021. I hope my friends enjoy my cards and notes too. But first I must buckle down and write those cards. I am trying.

November 21, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Scam Artists.

Who knew there were so many crooks in the world? Every week I receive calls on my cell phone trying to trick me into providing them information about my accounts. They are a big nuisance. In addition, my phone alerts me that a scam artist is on the line, so I do not answer the call. Or my phone will tell me that a telemarker is calling. So I click off the line. But some times a call will get through. Just this week a man called telling me that he was from Amazon and asking me is I had just ordered something from Amazon that cost $999. Of course I did not. So he told me that in order to get rid of this person using my account, he wanted me to log into my Amazon account. I was suspicious so started to ask questions, such as what credit card was used and why could Amazon not correct the charge. After a few minutes of questions from me, he hung up. I immediately contacted my Chase Visa folks who connected me with Amazon. I learning good information. Evidently Amazon never phones a customer unless they are making a follow up call. They would e mail if problems are spotted. Of course, no charges had been placed on my Amazon account. The crook on the phone just wanted to learm my credit card number and my Amazon number too. But I fooled him. Almost every week i receive calls wanting me to sell or rent my two weeks in Vidanta, a resort in Nuevo Vallarta. They are eager to send me an offer to buy my ownership. I do not really know if this is a real offer or not because I never speak to these folks. Several years ago the person on the phone would tell me that they were from Vidanta but now they tell me they work with a real estate brokerage and that they have several million dollars to buy the time shares. And they tell me that my owndership is worth a lot more than I paid for it. I am told by Vidanta that they never sell or lease so they tell me this is a scam. Evidently what they want is to send me an offer via e mail. If I accept their offer, they send me a deposit, which of course would be to my account. But I do not play their game. I quickly say NO. I never knew that so many people out in the world are crooks, wanting to steal other peoples money. An old lady such as me must be constantly on alert to these crooks. Certainly, they are a nuisance.

November 20, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Celebrations.

This evening we officially began the holoday celebrations. Molly turns 14 on Wednesday but we celebrated her birthday tonight when we went out to a family dinner at Elys, a wonderful steak house. Kate was off work and both Molly and Mary Frances are out of school so the timing was perfect. A birthday is always worth celebrating but a 14th birthday is especially noteworthy. And we celebrated in style. Molly selected the restaurant. She had only been to that place once when we all went there with wonderful Wendy and friend Ken. Molly remembered the food and the ambiance. The place was special as was the event. So all except Molly drank a gin and tonic. Next, Molly opened her gift from me, which was a surprise to her: a set of soundproof ear phones and case. Mary Frances bought herself one last year and Molly has wanted one ever since. She thought that she would buy it with her gift card from Amazon, the one she receives for me for Christmas. So she was surprised. All through dinner we told funny stories about Molly when she was young. When we ran out of Molly stories we told stories of all the girls. Both Kate and Mary Frances were full of tales about each other and of course Molly. Only with immediate family can these tales be told and the dinner tonight was perfect for such renderings. And of course, the food was supurb. When you add it all together we started the holidays in style. The whole evening was festive. But most importantly, Molly was pleased. And so was I. Molly's birthday dinner was delightful and delicious just as we had hoped. Sometimes things do not seem festive or special but tonight it did. We all had fun.

November 19, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Threes.

All my life i have been told that bad things come in three. I have no idea if this is merely superstition but over the years when I hear about two people dying, someone always says that you will soon hear of a third. Mostly it seems to be the case. This week, I was told of three good friends who had trouble and I immediately said to myself that no other friends would have trouble because now I have had three. And I laughed. These troubles did not occur at the same time but I heard about them on the same day, so I counted the three together. My friend Freddie broke his leg in Switzerland. He was parking his motorcycle and it tipped pinning his leg against the lamp post and crushing his leg. He spent 6 weeks in the hospital and six weeks in their apartment in Switzerland. Finally they returned just last weekend to Maryland. He will gain leg strength before they drive to Florida for the winter. My friend Pat fell in her home and broke her leg so she ended up in the hospital. Just today she has gone home which pleased her. Now she must also gain strength. And she must try to never fall again. My friend Marg had a stroke. She was in the same hospital as Pat in Barrie. In fact for a couple of days they were in adjacent rooms. When the nurse learned that Pat and Marg had known each other since kindergarten she moved their beds into the hall so they could eat dinner together. Marg has also now at home and is doing well. Recovery after a stroke takes time. It must be my age that three good friends had recent troubles. Fortunately, all three friends are doing well. Whew.

November 18, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Guest Rooms.

Years ago when we lived on Franklin Street in Chevy Chase View in Maryland, we had a lot of company. Our guest room was on the lower level, but above ground. The pool was just outside. Before guests were coming, I checked the space to be sure that all was in order. Then I read an article about guest rooms, which said that everyone should sleep overnight in their guest room and shower too just to be sure that everything was comfortable for guests. Ken thought it a good idea but I said it was a waste of time. But Ken prevailed and we slept overnight in our guest room. Much to my great surprise, I discovered deficiencies. The shower curtain had two broken hooks. The lamp beside the couch was not plugged in and one bedside lamp had no bulb. I certainly was wrong. I should have used that system here in Mississippi. After company left this past weekend, I now have a new higher toilet sitting ready to be installed. The old toilet was so low that a normal person struggled to get up, let alone my older friends. The sink is no longer attached to the wall so it will be fixed. And no lights worked in Ken's office. No problem during the day time because there are windows all across the side but at night, the only lights that worked were in the bathroom. So that too will be fixed. My guests had to put up with inferior accomodations. The next time they come, all will be well. No one had mentioned these things in the past, but fortunately, my friends spoke up. Repairs will be made, but a little too late. The next guests will find the guest room better. And that is all that matters.

November 17, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The French Open.

Today I spoke to my friend Lahn, a good friend who I first met playing tennis at the Aspen Hill Tennis Club. One of the things we spoke about was their trip to attend The French Open, obviously a few years ago just before Covid. Her husband Mark spotted tickets on the internet so he bought them, even though they were expensive. They organized their flights and a place to stay and off they went, tickets in hand. Trouble started when they went into the stadium. Everyone was asked for identification when they turned in their ticket. Then they were both asked to come with an official into an office. They were there for 30 minutes. Immediately they were told that they had done nothing wrong. But the person to sold them the tickets broke the law. The officials wanted to know everything about how they obtained the tickets from the first internet offer to getting the tickets. Evidently, at the French Open, the only way a person can obtain tickets is from the official site of The French Open. No one was allowed to resell their tickets. My immediate question is who made that policy? It seems ridiculous. What is the matter with making a little extra money, especially if you are unable to attend? Lahn and Mark enjoyed their French Open experience but they did not enjoy their 30 minute interrogation. Although they were told repeatedly that they had done nothing wrong, the whole tone was uncomfortable and they did not like it. But most importantly, they were missing 30 minutes of the tennis match. Now that was not fair.

November 16, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. A Comedy of Errors.

The ovens were not working so when I returned from Nova Scotia, Chantes came to measue, then went to buy the ovens at Lowes. Our system has been for the cahier to call me when Chantes is checking out and I would give them my credit card number. We had used this system many times in the past with no trouble. I used American Express and the charge was denied because the computer thought I was still away. I used my Chase card with no trouble. When I called Am.Ex. they explained the issus and after my explanation, they said they would approve the charge. Of course it had already been paid. They also told me they would send me a new card with a new number, which they did. Within an hour of using my Chase card, someone tried to buy something in Target. The Chase folks called me and denied the charge. So they sent my a new card. The next day someone tried to pay their AT&T bill, which was denied because by then I had a new number. The same day, my AmEx card number was used to buy something at a fashion place. After all this, Chantes and I decided that we could not use our old system to buy supplies. In place, I would write a cheque for the correct amount so he could pay the bill. The ovens took four weeks to arrive. When Chantes and Michael went to install them, they discovered that the ovens were too wide. Chantes measured correctly and ordered properly but the ovens that arrived had to be returned. Lowes were not able to obtain the proper size for months. Chantes ordered the correct size at Home Depot and he came by with the bill. I wrote him a cheque but Home Depot rejected it. I have no idea why. This evening, Michael and I drove to Home Depot to pay for the ovens which are supposed to arrive in 10 days. At every step of this process, errors have occured so no telling what will happen next. I am hopeful that the ovens will arive in a timely fashion and that Chantes and Michael can get them installed. I am optimistic for no good reason except habit. Stay tuned.

November 15, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Outing Number One.

We drove on the Natchez Trace. The weather was perfect for a drive in the country yet we met almost no other cars. Our destination was Lorman, a tiny town with a country store famous for their fried chicken. They advertise that their fried chicken is the best in the world. Chris had never been there and neither had I so were both keen to go. And we had a good time. It was my first outint with Chris and I hope it will not be my last. The country store is in a very old building full of objects to sell. Scattered around the large space are tables big and small. In an adjacent room is a buffet loaded with food, including their famous chicken along with everything else you could ever eat. A couple run the restaurant. Their 2 year old daughter was there too. Their food was good. Lots of soul food and we enjoyed our meal. One interesting aside occured when we walked in. We were told to go to the rest room and wash our hands. One couple objected and were told that the health department required them to have everyone wash their hands before getting food from the buffet. The husband said that the health department allowed them to stay open but only if everyone washes their hands. Interesting and unusual. Next we drove the backroads of Lorman, none of which were paved. Then we drove around Alcorn State University, right down the road.. The campus was lovely with beautiful buildings and dorms. Alcorn State is 150 years old but we discovered an older College called Oakland College, which had just one large building and is now a part of Alcorn Col State. We drove home on Natchez Trace and enjoyed it just as well. I got home just before 3:00 which meant we had been gone 5 hours. I enjoyed my first outing with Chris. Next Monday we will drive to Flors and poke around that area. Several restaurants have opened up in Flora so we will hae lunch. Fortunately Chris enjoys going to new places which is a blessing for me. Today our outing was perfect. We both agreed.

November 14, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Bragging vs Truth.

My Mother always said that if what happened was true, it was not bragging, it was just atating a fact. So I am not bragging about Mary Frances. I am just stating the facts. Today we celebrated. On Thursday, Mary Frances successfully defended her senior honors thesis. Not only did she pass, but she received a 100 points. She was thrilled. And exhausted. Mary Frances is an English major. The honors program required her to do it in two parts. Half was research and the other half was original writing dealing with her topic. Her topic was Paradise Lost and Frankenstein. Evidently she compared and contrasted the writers attitide on women. Now who ever thought about that in those books? We celebrated at Saltines. Last week Mary Frances could not come to brunch because she was working on her thesis. But today her thesis is behind her...and she is thrilled. So we drank Samosis. In addition, Molly was accepted at Jackson Prep, the same school attended by Mary Frances. In order to be accepted, the prospective student must take an adnission test, which Molly did not enjoy. So she was a bit anxious. She is also concerned about the school because Mary Frances had such a stellar record that she is fearful they will expect her to meet the same standard. Christina and I assured her to just be Molly, and do the best you can. Very few students could ever keep up the standars set by Mary Frances. Once again in her academic program, Mary Frances has passed the test with a perfect score. I am so pleased for her..but I am not bragging. I am merely stating the facts. But the best part of Mary Frances as far as I am concerned is that she loves her Grandmother. And for that I am grateful.

November 13, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Winter.

At night, winter comes to Mississippi. Tonight the temperature will drop to 36, which is as cold as it usually gets. During the day, the weather is perfect, with temperatures in the high 60s and the sun shining the whole day. But at night I feel pleased that I switched to heat on the thermostats. I feel as if winter has arrived because for the first time this year I put on my evening attire. I look quite a sight. I wear thick wool socks that come to my knees. And I put on the large flannel plaid nightshirt that Ken purchased many years ago. He bought 2 but he never wore them. They were too hot so they were left in his drawer. I took them over after he died and I wear them in the evening when I am watching TV. I keep the thermostat in the bedroom lower than the main house. As my TV room is adjacent to the bedroom, the room is chilly so I don my big flanned night shirt and heavy socks and stay warm and cosy. But I must look ridiculous. I never wear Ken's plaid flannel nightshirt to bed. It is too hot. But I use them as my evening gown. Just calling them my evening gown makes me feel special even though I look odd. Now I know for sure that Winter has come to Mississippi because I am now wearing my evening gown. Nifty.

November 12, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Marilyn & Tuppen.

Marilyn & Tuppen have come to visit. They live in Houston. On the way they stopped in Baton Rough to visit friends. They arrived here juat around 1:00. First they ate lunch of rotissery chicken, tomatoes and cucumber. And Marilyn drank a cup of coffee. They sat at the breakfast table while I sat in my corner chair. And we talked. We have been talking ever since. We had a lot of catching up to do. The last time I saw them was when they visited me at the lake house this Spring. Our arrangement works out well. Tuppen is thin and fit so is a very helpful person to be with. She is the only one of us who has excellent mobility so she is the one who brings us wine and takes the dishes to the kitchen. She brings both of their belongings into the house and takes everything down to the guest room. And when we went out to dinner I held her arm. Marilyn walks with either a cane or a walker. So Tuppen is a huge help. We decided to go out to dinner and I suggested Amerigo but when we arrived they had a waiting list so we went to Sal&Phils which we all decided was a superior choice. It was not crowded and our meals were great New Orleons food. Delicious. We all three met in Galveston. This evening we tried to figure out how we got to be friends in 1967,68 and 69. We never did figure out how we got together but we did. And we have been friends ever since. I always enjoy talking with my old friends and I am delighted they have come to visit me. Tuppen still works full time as a phsical therapist but we all agreed that we were slowing down. But we are still walking and talking and making plans. And we are still pleased to be together.

November 11, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Lights.

My outside Christmas lights were installed yesterday. I am like a child in a candy store. Every time I look at them I smile. I know it is early but the lights are all white so they kind of look like ordinary lights. And I am leaving on December 15 to spend Christmas with my family in Ontario, so I wanted them up early. I got my wish. They come on automatically at 5:30 and go off at midnight so all evening, I see them from inside the house. And I like them. Ken loved outside Christmas lights. He installed them early. And every year, after Christmas, he bought more outside lights when they were on sale. Our houses were always decorated to the hilt. Sometimes they were a bit garish but Ken did not mind. The more the merrier in his mind. This home in Mississippi was the first house Ken did not install the exterior lights. Even in the condo he spread lights outside on our little patio. But by the time we moved into this house, he was unable to install any exterior lights. And it made him feel bad. Bradley installed out regulat outside lights. When we moved in, no outside lights worked. There were wires and lights everywhere, but nothing worked. So we hired Bradley, a nie young man who specializes in exterior lighting. And he did a good job. When he stopped by, I casually asked if he did anything with holiday lights. He laughed and said that he has a separate company to install Christmas lights. So I hired him on the spot. And I also asked him to put up holiday lights for Christina. He uses his own lights. He sets them up and removes them and stores them for the rest of the year. When Suzanne heard of the gift of the light instalation for Christmas she thought it a great gift, so I found a company in San Antonio to install their lights too. It is a nice gift to the families and they appreciate it. But no one appreciates the installations more than me. Ken wa delighted when the lights went up here at our Mississippi home. I like them too.

November 10, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Doing Better.

I am determined to do better this time. The first time I had radiation years ago I did fine. I worked every day so had many distractions. The only thing I did was to put a cot in the bathroom so I could rest if necessary. I breezed through. Last year when I was required to have radiation I thought it would be the same, but it wasn't. I did not do well. My stomach hurt. I was nauseated much of the time. I was pretty miserable and actually had to cancel a couple of lunches. This time, I thought a lot about what happened and I have made some plans. This is my plan. I will rest more during the day. This morning after my first treatment I lay down for an hour before lunch. And I took an hours rest in the middle of the afternoon. I will continue my walking and exercises, no matter what. And I am organizing distractions. I am taking an outing with Chris on Monday and I am having lunch with friend Lisa next Thursday. Tomorrow I am having lunch with my neighbor Donna. I am starting to work on my Christmas cards. Kashina will work every morning of the work week and will drive me to every radiation and also help me at home. She rememberes that last year, I ate a lot of chicken broth and chicken and rice soup. She will be sure to keep nourishing food in the fridge all ready to eat. So far, my plan has worked. I have completed treatment one with nine to go. I am all set to do well. So here we go... Now I will see how if it all works as planned.

November 9, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. A Disease to Manage.

The Oncologist in Mexico was the first person to speak about my disease over the long haul. I had just met her and I was in her office to have my infusion chemotherapy. She was young and optimistic. And she mapped out my future. She told me that in the world of today, breast cancer is a disease that can be managed, just the same as diabetis. Her English was understandable but I had to listen carefully to her words. But she mapped out my plan. "First you will continue your infusion, which is strong. When your pleural effusion has gone along with the mass in your chest, you will switch to an oral chemotherapy, which you will be on and off for the rest of your life. But you will have a full, active live while you manage your disease". No one else had said that to me but she proved to be correct. While I was in her office, a lady came in to pick up a package. The good doctor told me that the lady was picking up her oral chemo. She looked healthy. She had her hair. I was looking at my future. She also told me that at the moment, there was no actual cure for my disease. But she pointed out to me a long list of other dieases in the same category. Even headaches she told me. There is no cure. But we manage our headaches. And she told me that my disease would be managed too. So now I continue along my path to manage my disease. I continue on Ibrance which has removed most cancer from my bones. And a year ago I took radiation treatments which removed a big cancer from my spine. Now tomorrow I will go for radiation to get rid of the new cancer in my sternum. All the while I live and enjoy my life. My disease is not cured. But it is being managed. My young Mexican Oncologist was correct.

November 8, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Meeting with Radiology.

One of the side benefits of being forced to undergo medical procedures is that I get to know new people. Last Thursday I met with the chief of radiology at the Cancer center of Baptist Hospital. I had met her last year too and I liked her this time all over again. She is another of these young lady doctors that have been looking after me. When Ken was in medical school, only two ladies were in his class. Now over 50% of medical students are women and I have enjoyed their competence and their enthusiasm. Dr. S., the radiology chief, showed me on the computer the spots that were glowing on my bone scan. And she told me the problems. Right behind the part of the sternum that shows the cancer is part of the heart so she will perhaps use a type of rays that do not penetrate all the way through the body. So I was told that I would have 10 treatments but it will take a few days to figure out what to do. Then we will begin. But first I must have a CT scan on the same day, not to be read by a radiologist but to use the location of my internal organs. The young man who gave the test is also pleasant and helpful and told me what will happen. And he marked my belly and my sides. I still have the marks on my belly from my first radiation from years ago, the one that clipped my carotid that caused me to lose my speech. I am a bit sensative about radiation. For some reason, the technitions are all men. I wonder why? As soon as I get the phone call from the radiologist, I will begin my treatments. Fortunately, I have great faith with all the people helping me. So now I await the phone call. And then I will begin.

November 7, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Excursions and Chris.

Ken and I had many drives into the country where we took the roads less traveled and poked around to see what we could find. We did this everywhere we lived. And we enjoyed every one even when we did not come upon interesting things. We always found places for lunch. In Mississippi, the smaller highways are excellent and the towns are charming, so Mississippi is a great place to wander around. But now Ken has gone. When Kashina started to help me, I asked her to take me on excursions. She is an excellent driver. And I had a book telling places to visit. We took several outings but her idea of an excursion is to drive the interstate highways to see something specific, then come home immediately using the shortest way. She will do anything to help me but her anxiety is high meandering around in the country. So I gave up. Also she asked to work three short days, which eliminated excursions into the country. Chris, my Lyft driver, helped me into the Mills house for the Halloween party. I introduced him to Eleanor when she came outside to greet me. Later in the evening, she asked if I had taken recent excursions with Kashina and I told her my problem. She asked if Chris would be interested which I thought was a good idea. So the next time he drove for me I asked him. I was delighted with his response. And he even came up with two or three places I would enjoy. Now I am waiting to find my radiology schedule and then we will make a date for our country excursions. My friend David N. in Nova Scotia was a perfect person to take me out because he also enjoys driving on the roads less travelled. Now I find out that Chris does too. I am very excited with the prospect of getting out into the Mississippi countryside and just poke around. We have not yet figured out how to compensate him but I am sure we will. Chris is a good driver and is willing to hit the road with me. Whoopee.

November 6, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Treating Myself.

I got quite a lot accomplished today. I opened and organized the boxes that arrived yesterday. And I took the cardboard boxes to the recycle bin in the garage. And I took the containers that were full of frozen meat to the garage too, ready for Kashina to take them out on Wednesday for the trash collector. All that takes time and energy and I was pleased to be able to clear out the kitchen. For lunch I ate a bowl of soup but I noted that the fridge was empty of cooked food. For dinner, I was going to need to cook something. I have a freezer full of frozen cooked vegetables. And I have boxes of frozen meat from Omaha Steaks. But late this afternoon, while drinking my orange drink and watching a football game, I decided to treat myself. I just did not feel like cooking so I looked through a drawer holding advertisements from restaurants, expecting to find a Pizza place. But first I came upon the chinese restaurant that is closest to me. I called them to see if they would deliver. When she found out where I lived, she said YES. So I ordered. The food arrived in 20 minutes, which pleased me even though I would not be ready to eat for an hour. All evening I indulged myself. First I ate half of the hot and sour soup. After a hald an hour, I ate Kung Pow chicken with rice. I ate a third of that dish. And lastly, I ate the salad they sent. I had ordered a salad with shrimp but I left the whole box for another day. I figure I have enough food for two more days. All evening I enjoyed my food and complemented myself with every bite. My friend Butch always orders his meals from restaurants, but I do not. I heat the food from the fridge. But not tonight. I treated myself.

November 5, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Timing.

Some days I just get lucky. Yesterday and today my timing was perfect. Yesterday my Lyft driver Chris, brought me home from meeting the head of radiology. We pulled in my driveway just after 3:30. On the way in, I had spotted a UPS truck and I wondered if packages had been left at my front door. Sure enough, two large styroform boxes are at my door along with a small cardboard box. I knew exactly what was in those two big boxes. Frozen vegetables. Immediately I knew I would have difficulty getting them into the house. Christ saved the day and took the boxes one by one into the house and up on the bar. Whew. Problem solved. Today, as I was walking up the walkway after getting out of Linda's car, a young man spoke to be from behind me. He starlted me but when I turned, I could see his Fed Ex truck. And I could see that he was holding a stack of boxes. I quickly opened the door and he kindly took all the boxes on the bar, which fortunately was empty. So once again I did not need to carry all those boxes into the house. Lifting heavy boxes from the ground level is not easy for me. Sometimes it is impossible. Just opening the boxes and sorthing things out is hard enough, but for two days in a row, I had help. And for that I was grateful. Timing is everything.

November 4, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The Surprise Prayer.

This morning at 9:15, Chantes, the handyman called to say that he was at my house. His son was on the way with the ovens. I was pleased and while we waited we sat in the living room and chatted. Chantes has been our handyman since we moved in, Spring, 2015. He has become one of the family. Or rather, I have become part of his family. His son Michael works with Chantes, along with Michaels wife. I know that Chantes is a good Christian and works at the church. Michael is overtly Christian and is sometimes a lay minister at their church. I like them both and they like me. Chantes ordered the ovens four weeks ago, to be delivered in two weeks but now at four weeks they have arrived. We are all pleased. They will install the ovens on Monday. When Michael arrived, Chantes and I had been talking about my prospective radiology treatments, so when Michael came into the living room, he asked about it. So I told him. By then both men and the daughter in law were standing while I was sitting on the couch, still wearing my night shirt. When Michael heard that the cancer had returned to my bones, he immediately said,"This is a need for prayer. Let us bow our heads." And he immediately said a prayer for me, right then and there. And not a short prayer either. He spoke a beautiful prayer and I thanked him. But after the ovens were left in the garage and they left, I thought about the fact that for the first time in my life, I had my handyman and his crew say a special prayer for me in my own home. We had just held our own little prayer meeting. I must admit that it was a big surprise.

November 3, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Brunch.

I am never sure if doing the same thing each week constitutes a rut. If so, we are in a rut. Every Sunday, Christina and the girls meet me for brunch. Sometimes the older girls are not able to join us. Kate works night so if the is working Saturday and Sunday nights, she must sleep. And Mary Frances works at a coffee shop close to her dorm so sometimes she can't come. But we always enjoy our brunch with Molly, Christina me. The conversation changes depending who is at the table but brunch is always enjoyable. Ken and I started the routine the first time we visited Mississippi. And we have never stopped so I guess we are in a rut. But it is a pleasant rut. For instance, last Sunday we selected Sal&Phils because we wanted to have oysters. We always select the restaurant during the week. I got there first and ordered oysters on the half shell. Just as the oysters appeared, Christina and Molly appeared so we downed those oysters quickly. They were big and juisy and delicious. We all three ordered red snapper. Our meal was wonderful and we enjoyed discussing things important to an eighth grade student. Every Sunday we go to a different restaurant. And we ususlly meet at 11:15. Kashina has taken to dropping me off, then going on to her own home. Her eating patterns mosly do not include the food we like to eat. She enjoys the company of the girls but mostly she does not like the food. Our routine with brunch is a splendid idea. This coming Sunday perhaps we will eat Thai food. We know just the right place. But no matter where we will go, I know we will have a good time. Everyone enjoys our Sunday brunch, especially me.

November 2, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Radiation.

On Thursday I have a meeting with the head of radiology at the Baptist Hospital Cancer center. And they will do a mock up as to what will be done. Yesterday I met with Dr. Sheehan, my Oncologist, and she recommends radiation. The bone scan showed a lesion on my sternum plus another spot on my back rib. I Ibrance does not seem to be making them go away so she suggests radiation. It worked last time so we hope it will work again. The last time I had radiation was not so easy for me. I was not expecting to have difficulty. I assumed that I would get tired so I was not ready for an upset stomach and other side efects. This time I will be better prepared. And I will probably get more rest. I will find out my routine on Thursday. Last time I had two weeks of treatment every day except Sunday and Saturday and I expect it will be the same. But no matter what, I will soldier on. I am not prepared to give up. So here we go.

November 1, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Habits.

I have been taking the same medications since I had the stroke and lost my words. That was a long time ago. I have a box for the morning meds and another for the evening. To keep them straight, my evening meds are in a blue box. I take the pills first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Just last week when taking my evening pills,, I noticed that my morning container for the day was still closed. In other words, my carefully cultivated habit of taking my pills first thing in the morning let me down. I had not taken my required medication that morning. Habits are helpful but every so often those habits let me down. And I have no reason why. Last evening I had a similar experience. Christina drove me home. It was late. I immediately took my evening meds. And then turned on the baseball game which was just beginning the 8th inning. Much to my pleasure, the Astros were ahead. I watched to the end of the game, took my Ibrance and crackers and promptly went to bed. Since I turned 70, I have been writing my little blog late every evening. But last night I forgot., which has only happened once or twice in the past. Unfortunately, I did not fall asleep so at 2:30, as I was reviewing the events of my evening to try to figure out why I was still awake, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my habit to go to the computer to write my wee web log. So I got up and went to the computer and completed the task. Habits are useful but last evening my good habit let me down. And I have no idea why. Interesting.

October 31, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Halloween Party.

Every year, Greta Barbour and John host a Haloween Party. They invite all their friends and family members along with their children to their home for dinner. While the children go out trick or treating, the parents talk and eat and drink. I have attended their parties each year and enjoyed every one. John cooks something southern, each year something different. And they serve hot mulled cider. Because they live in Mississippi, the weather is pleasant so most of the time is spent on their porch. Their neighbors up and down their street are also invited. The young folks love it as to the adults. It was a splendid party. I sat in the corner of the porch and enjoyed the action while I ate, drank and talked. This year John cooked chile made with smoked meat. It was delicious. And every year Eleanow bakes ginger cookies which seem to be better every season. Last year the party had to be cancelled but not this year. The children got to go out for their trick or treating while the adults enjoyed themselves. I drove to the party with my Lyft driver, Chris, and was driven home by Christina. It was 10:30 when I got home, happy as a clam.