Here I come 2011!

Let's see, I am supposed to set goals for the New Year. Well I am a goal setter and I do accomplish my goals. I can honestly say 2010 was a great year for me. Each year I look back and take check of what I did accomplish and what I want to this year. Last year mine were a lot different than what I am going to write down this year. So where do I begin?

1. I am aiming to grow my home based businesses. I believe in what I do and want to share the opportunity with everyone. I will work harder than I ever have.

2. Love more, laugh more, play more!

3. Get more sleep, I tend to be like the energizer bunny and don't slow down.

4. Become closer to God, he has been so good to me.

5. Simplify my life.

6. Organize my life better.

I know there will be more but these are just some of the basic things I have been thinking about.

Happy New Year!

Recap of 2010! What a journey!

I still cannot believe that a year ago I was recovering form major cancer surgery, wondering what 2010 would be like for me. I didn't know how I was going to be feeling and didn't know if I would still be here today. Hearing the diagnosis of cancer in the fall of 2009 is still like a blur to me. I have come so far since that day and feel blessed beyond all means. My life means more to me now and I have become closer to God and the ones I love.
January I was fresh from the surgery, having my whole abdomen split open, removing 2 large tumors, 3/4 my stomach, 2 sections of my intestines, my right ovary, rerouting my intestines, 19 lymph nodes and burning the cancer from my liver, I wasn't sure what was next. To my amazement I healed wonderfully, I am doing great, take an injection every 3 weeks and live a very full and active life. Right then and there I decided there would be nothing I could not do and nothing was going to be left undone in my life. I have done so many new things in my life and have had some great adventures. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have explored all my options in life.
February 4th I had my 55th birthday. I didn't think I would be here to celebrate it. It was probably one of the best birthdays I have ever had.
March, spring is in the air. I felt like I was born a new person, breathing the spring air and preparing for the summer to come.
April, not a fool, just someone who loves to have fun and appreciates every day of my life.
May, the smell of new grass, flowers popping out the ground and the birds singing. It felt like I had never felt this way before.
June, digging in the dirt, planting vegetables and flowers. I have done this in the past but never had this energy before.
July, having friends over for BBQ's, watching the garden grow, mowing the lawn, feeling the heat. Grandchildren coming to visit. I loved every minute of it.
August, the crops are mature, almost ready to harvest. The grass is changing, signs of fall are approaching. Haven't I noticed this before? Feels like the first time to me.
September, children going back to school, crops being harvested, trees turning colors, the smell of autumn in the air. Loving the cooler temps and all of God's glory as our season changes. My eyes can hardly take it all in.
October, my husband Gordon and I celebrated our 29th anniversary together. He has been so supportive of me and loves me. He has been there for me when I didn't know if I would be here to celebrate another anniversary. Taking the grandchildren to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins, I felt like a child myself.
November, one year after my surgery I had in 2009. Spent 8 days in Iowa City, doctors were unsure of my kind of cancer until the surgery was done. It is such a rare kind, I was in advanced stages of cancer since it had spread to my liver. Eight days later I walked out of the hospital feeling like a new person. They got it all they said and no chemo, only an injection which prevents new cancer cells from growing. Tears of joy, thanks be to God. Thanksgiving this year was wonderful.
December, Christmas is here, I am here. Spending time with my family whom I love so much, I didn't know if I would be here today to be with them all. God is not done with me yet. Watch out 2011 because it is going to be more glorious than 2010! Peace and love be with you all.

How I Make Granola

I love cooking and making my own food, it is so satisfying to me. I make just about anything home made. My husband loves my cooking and every day is a new experience eating in our home. I also take great pride in how the finished product looks and tastes.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Cooking healthy and using the Watkins products that I love make all the difference to me. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
4 c rolled oats
1 c wheat germ
1/2 c flax seed meal
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c raw sunflower seeds
1/2 c chopped pecans
1/2 c sliced almonds
1 tsp Watkins Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp Watkins Sea Salt
1/3 c Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
1/4 c honey
1 tsp Watkins Vanilla extract
1/2 c water

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, wheat germ, flax seed meal, brown sugar, sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, vanilla and water. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry, and mix until evenly blended. Spread in a greased 9x13 baking pan or roaster.
3. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, stirring every 20 minutes, or until toasted. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

One Year

One year ago, September 9th I found out I had cancer. My life flashed before my eyes, remembering my life, the good and bad. Why me? I have always tried to live healthy and not put my body in danger. What have I done wrong to deserve this?
For 2 months I went through test after test, fatigue racking my body and trying to live a somewhat normal life. Most of the tests did not hurt, but some really did. I was scanned by every imaginable type of scan, needles inserted trying to do biopsies, blood tests, etc. People kept asking my why it was taking so long. I was becoming immensely stressed until one day I could not take much more.
I decided then to turn my life completely over to God. Sure I am a believer and thought I knew I needed to pray. What I didn't know is how to turn my worries and troubles over to God. I was at a very low point at the moment I cried out to God to take over my life completely. I told him I would trust him in everything. If I wasn't going to live then I knew it was his will. I was ready for that. I succumbed to totally releasing all my troubles and a weight came off my shoulders. I no longer feared the outcome. Sure I wanted to live and I wanted to be healthy again. I wanted to see my grandchildren grow up and know that my son was going to be OK. At that moment that I broke down, turning over everything I knew in my heart that I was going to be okay, whether it meant I was not going to get better or I was going to be whole again.
After that day I never feared any of the tests or diagnosis that the doctors were telling me. I had times of good news and then the next visit was the complete opposite, but I never ever gave up believing that no matter what that God was in control. I never let fear creep in again, not even on the day that I went in for surgery on November 17, 2009. The doctors still had not come to any conclusion how this was going to turn out until they did the surgery, either it was going to be removable or if not they would close me back up and give me a 12% chance of living.
My surgery was 5 hours long, I remember waking up with 5 doctors looking down at me to see if I was going to come out of it or not. The surgeon told me how long it took and they got it all. I know I smiled but not once did I doubt that I wasn't going to be OK. I praised God for all of his glory.
After a 6 week recovery period at home and scans every 4 months since then I have been doing great. I take an injection every 3 weeks that prevents new cancer cells from growing, which is a small price to pay for life.
My last visit to Iowa City they said I didn't have to go back for 6 months for my next scans. I am feeling like a new person today, loving and living life to the fullest. Each day and moment I am thankful for, never taking life for granted again. Praise be to God.

My Pot of Gold

I was driving home one day last week and this beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky after it had rained. I pulled over to take a picture. I love seeing nature at its best. The picture doesn't do justice but I wanted to share.
I kept thinking, where is my pot of gold at the end of that rainbow? I keep waiting to find it. What would I do if I did suddenly find it one day? I have so many things in my head that I would like to do with that pot of gold.
You know what? All the gold in the world cannot buy happiness. I know you say "But it sure would help". Temporarily it would probably help, but God, my family and friends are my pot of gold. I love them all and they bring me the most happiness that can be found.

Watkins Cinnamon

Let's talk cinnamon. I love cinnamon so much I use it on as many things as I can. I have tried many brands before finding Watkins Cinnamon, there is no comparison. It is so good, you don't have to use as much in a recipe. All of the natural oils are in the cinnamon, no ground up twigs, branches or leaves, just pure cinnamon. Want a sample, I will send you one just for asking.

Cinnamon is one of the world’s oldest and most
popular spices; it is used in cuisines around the
world and is the most important “sweet spice.”
There are two kinds of cinnamon: Ceylon
cinnamon and cassia.
Ceylon cinnamon (sometimes called “true”
cinnamon) is native to Sri Lanka. It is a pale tan
color and has an exceptionally mild flavor; very
pleasant, but so delicate that it seems weak to
the North American palate. Most of the Ceylon
cinnamon imported into the United States is
re-exported to Mexico.
Almost all of what we in North America call
“cinnamon” is actually cassia, which has a
more intense flavor. Watkins purchases the best
cinnamon available on the market…specifically,
Korintje cassia. When the cinnamon is received,
it is inspected for cleanliness and freedom from
foreign matter before being ground. It is our strict
attention to detail that makes our cinnamon the
very best available.
• Korintje cassia: The strongest in flavor; Watkins
Cinnamon contains a minimum of 2% essential
oil; many others on the market contain 1 to 2%,
and inferior brands have as low as .5%.
• Strict quality control: Each shipment is tested
upon arrival for quality.
• Carefully ground and sifted: To assure uniform
particle size and quality.
Enjoy Watkins superior cassia cinnamon in apple
pies and on apple sauce, on ice cream and in milkshakes,
in French toast and pancake batter and on
cereal or oatmeal.

Fun Fact:
If you stacked all the containers of Cinnamon
Watkins has sold since 1895, it would be 15,766
times taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Independent Watkins Associate #300500

Watkins Black Pepper

There is no doubt a difference in peppers. Watkins is by far the best. Did you know it is sneeze proof? It is, all of the natural oils are left in the pepper and it is not ground up twigs, branches, leaves, etc. Just pure pepper. Want a sample? I will send one to you just for asking.
Black pepper is, without a doubt, the world’s most
popular and important spice. Of the total spice
usage nationwide, about a third is devoted to pepper.
It is used in virtually every cuisine in the world.
Its versatility and popularity have earned it the title
“The King of Spices.”
Watkins has been famous for pepper for over a
hundred years, and has always purchased the best
peppercorns available on the market. These top
grade peppercorns are always clean and uniform,
and are carefully screened for twigs and other fillers
before being granulated.
Once granulated, the pepper is immediately
packed into our trademark black tin.
• Malabar and Lampong peppercorns: The strongest
in flavor; preferred for processing because
they retain more flavor. The Malabar variety
comes from the coast of India; Lampong is from
Indonesia.
• Exclusive granulating process: Watkins exclusive
process granulates each berry into distinct
particles rather than crushing or grinding them
into dust. Our process doesn’t create as much
friction, which can evaporate the essential oils
by generating heat. The result is better flavor
retention.
• Carefully screened: Stems and other debris are
meticulously removed to ensure the purest pepper
flavor.
Fun Fact:
If you stacked all the containers of Black Pepper
sold by Watkins since 1895, it would be 35,106
times taller than the Empire State Building.

Benefits of Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil

This is one of my favorite and most used products from Watkins. I am going to share some of the benefits for you. I have been a Watkins Independent Associated since 1982 and love using the products.
Grapeseed oil is enjoying a rapid rise in popularity
today. Although this oil is relatively new to
our market, it has been produced and enjoyed in
Europe for many years—sold not only as a cooking
oil, but also in French pharmacies as a remedy
for high cholesterol. In fact, grapeseed oil is
one of the only foods shown to not only lower
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but also increase HDL
(“good”) cholesterol—a distinct advantage over
other oils. This wonderful oil is now available
from Watkins for the home cook concerned with
good health and great taste.
Our grapeseed oil is available unflavored or
with natural flavoring oils, and enhances your
favorite cooking:
• Original as a wonderfully light, neutral flavor
that complements any cuisine.
• Delicious: Unlike canola oil, grapeseed oil has a
wonderful, light flavor; unlike olive oil, its light,
neutral flavor won’t clash with certain foods.
• Versatile: Excellent as a dipping oil, on pastas,
for sautéing and stir-frying; as the primary oil in
salad dressings and marinades; anywhere you
would use cooking oil.
• Low in saturated fat: At 8%, it has only half the
saturated fat of olive oil; the lowest of all oils
except canola.
• Highest in polyunsaturated fat: (72%), all as
linoleic acid (Omega-6), which has the greatest
effect in raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering
LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
(fat carried in the blood).
• Environmentally friendly: Pressed from grape
seeds in Italy after wine production, it requires
no new farmland or water to produce.
• Contains antioxidants: Contains vitamin E,
and a group of bioflavonoids known as proanthocyanadins,
some of the most powerful known
natural antioxidants.
• High flashpoint: Highest flashpoint of all cooking
oils; less smoke, less danger of burning.

Help, my Refrigerator Died!

You know, I just wanted to come home, sit in my lawn chair and relax. Well, that isn't happening. I had a feeling things were only going to get worse as the day went on.
Got up this morning and the stuff in the freezer was all mushy and melted. Didn't have time to clean it before heading out the door to work, so just shut it and hoped it would kick back in. Was I ever dreaming. Got home, slowly opened the freezer door expecting a miracle to happen while I was at work today. Are you kidding me? Everything is melted and it stinks, so now I am cleaning it out. Throwing away some really good stuff that I had frozen and was going to use some day. The refrigerator isn't cooling like it should either so hope that by not getting into it it will last until the repair man comes.
I was just thinking last week I should clean that freezer section out. Well by golly I am doing it tonight. Next time I will not think about it so hard. Did I put karma out there?
So better get cleaning, that's why Denise Thinks Green.

Avon Lady Calling

Many of you know I like to dabble in home based businesses and one that I have been with along with Watkins is Avon. I am an Avon Representative and I absolutely love Avon and the products. It is a great company and I meet so many new and interesting people with this part time business.
My main reason for joining Avon was because the jewelry is nickel free and I have skin allergies so I cannot wear anything but nickel free. Plus I love the price and I love the styles. I also use the makeup, I have sensitive skin and Avon works the best for me.
One of my favorite products is the Skin So Soft Bath Oil. There are so many uses for this product besides bathing with it. I do have a list if you want one that lists over 100 ways to use Skin So Soft Bath Oil so please visit www.youravon.com/dpassehl
Check out the great deals Avon has also. If you order online I have a gift for you. Have a great Avon day and that is why Denise Thinks Green.

I Need Your Help

Has God ever put something in your heart and you know you just have to do something about it? Well he has done that to me and now I am on a mission to help someone. This is not for me that I am doing this so please read it and think about what I have to say. I have so many friends that have richly blessed my life and have done things for me when I least expected it. I call them God's angels and they show up right when I need them. What I am asking is for you to listen to your heart and if you can help me with this project please do. I would appreciate it so much.
I have a friend who lost his computer, his connection to the world. It got damaged in one of our many storms last week and he has been without his computer that connects him to his many friends and work that he has begun on his computer. He has a very high deductible on his insurance and his funds are just not there to purchase another one at this time.
I loaned him a small laptop that I have to help him get by. He is so happy to have that and I can see it in his face that he appreciates it. I could also see in his face before I loaned it to him how down he was and lost. Being someone who uses my computer all the time I could feel his pain.
What I am asking is this. If anyone has a computer tower that they no longer want or would like to donate please contact me. I have a monitor so all I am asking for is the tower and I want to be honest. If it isn't working or isn't in good condition I do not want it. If you don't want it then I don't want to give someone something that doesn't work or needs work or lots of upgrading. Please pass this onto your friends, forward my blog.
Your life will be blessed by helping someone who needs it. I believe in pay it forward. I have been blessed so many times and didn't feel like I deserved it, God is so good.
That is why Denise Thinks Green.

Forgiveness

How does one go about asking forgiveness? First I pray to God to forgive me and for others to forgive me when I have done something I am not proud that I did. I had a bad day yesterday and in the midst of it all I was so upset I did things I am not proud of. I acted in a way that I should not of and I cannot say anymore than I am sorry.
I am a very tender hearted person and I don't like to make people upset. I tend to be the person who wants to fix problems and try to take on more than I should. I want peace and love, but some days just don't work out that way.
I also know that until someone has gone through major health issues in their lives like I have with my cancer you can never quite be comfortable with anything again. Every little ache or pain or issue that might make you think of cancer will always be in the back of your mind. I am getting closer to August 4th when I go back for my second set of scans to see if everything is still normal since my surgery in November. I pray daily all will be good. One can never get that thought out of their mind.
I pushed myself this week and became very worn down and fatigued, I think that is what made me act the way I did this week. My shot that I get for my cancer also has a side affect that it can lower blood sugar if you are diabetic. I had my shot last Friday and it takes about a week for my blood sugar to stabilize. I am diabetic and have been since 2008. When my blood sugar is messed up I tend to get very emotional and I cry easily.
Since my surgery for cancer I have become more sympathetic towards others who have had the same. I can relate to their feelings. I wish there was a support group near for my type of cancer, carcinoid. So many emotions run through your mind and body.
So if I am having a bad day, please understand it is not you. What would make things better for me is to just talk to me and ask if there is something you can do for me. An ear to listen, a hug, or just a smile to say you understand.

Mowing Lawn Again

You know I love mowing the lawn, can't wait to start in the Spring. I have it all figured out that I will have to mow at least 26 times during the season. I have a very large yard and it takes me a good 4 hours. Those 4 hours give me lots of time to think and hash out things that I am thinking about. It is the best therapy for me to sit on that mower and dream, think and plan my days. Not everybody likes to mow like I do and I take great pride in making my lawn beautiful so I can enjoy it when I get done. I love to walk around the yard and look at all the things that I have planted and how good my garden is growing.
I am thankful that God has given me another summer to mow since I love it so much. When I found out I had cancer last fall I kept thinking of all the things I would not be able to do or would miss doing. He gave me another chance at life so that I can do all that and more. God is so good. I try to take care of his creation to the best of my ability. That is why Denise Thinks Green.

Coffee

I love coffee, I cannot even start my day without it. I love the smell and the taste. I cannot even think without at least one cup of coffee first thing when I wake up. My favorite time is early in the morning hours on a sunny morning as I sit on my porch watching the sun come up, listening to the birds greeting me. I cannot pass a coffee shop without being drawn into it to get my favorite cup of java. I enjoy being with friends as we have our coffee, trying to solve the worlds problems. I cannot have the same feelings with a soda or tea, what about you? What is your favorite way to drink coffee and when do you enjoy it the most? Want to join me for coffee soon? Name the day and spot, I will be there.

Mother's Day 2010

Today is Mother's Day. I am so blessed to have a loving son and 2 beautiful twin grandchildren that mean so much to me. There is an unconditional love that goes with being a mother. Nothing in this world compares to the love you receive from your family.
My own mother has been the best mother in the world also. She has always been my strength when I needed advice. She taught me how to be a mother and what love is all about.
My mother is still living and I am blessed to have her in my life yet. She now resides at the Care Center in Hampton. She suffered permanent brain damage in 2008 due to lack of oxygen to the brain after surgery. She was a normal functioning person until the day of September 21, 2008. I lost the mother I knew the day before to a person who cannot be on her own anymore. She is like the child now and I grieved my loss for a long time. My sister and I are now the mother and she is like a child. I shed so many tears for her because she does know something went wrong and we cannot fix her.
I have asked God what my lesson is with this situation with my mother. He comes back to me often, the word is Patience. I never was a good one with patience, now I have learned how to be more patient with others and especially with her. I have had to learn a new way to communicate with her and loving her is so easy. She appreciates what we have done for her, I can see it in her face.
Today, love your mother as if there is no tomorrow. Be thankful for her. Give her a kiss and hug and tell her how much you love her. Being a mother is the hardest job there ever will be in your life but it is the most rewarding.

My New Facebook Page

I decided to start something new, been wanting to do this since I watched the movie Julie & Julia so finally got it together and here I go. I am going to post recipes and make them, plus take a picture of everything I make and post it on Facebook. The thing is, since I am an Independent Watkins Associate #300500 I use only Watkins products so everything I make is made with Watkins. I hope you enjoy this as much as I am doing it. I love to cook and I love to share what I make. Cooking has been in my family on both sides so I come from a long line of great cooks, even my father was a cook (his birthday would have been today, he passed away in 1997).

So please visit my Facebook page, 365 Days Cooking with Watkins Products. I will give you the item number if you would like to order it from me. The products are great and 100% guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the ride for the year. If you use Watkins products in any of your recipes please post it on the Facebook page and share it with us. I love trying new recipes and I know lots of other people do too.

The Dreaded Colonscopy

Yep, that is what I am talking about. Had my very first one today. Started the prep yesterday of eating nothing and only drinking clear fluids. At 5:00 P.M. I started drinking that very "tasty" concoction. I was really glad to finish the last sip, but it wasn't that bad. I won't go into detail about the rest of the evening but it could have been worse. The actual procedure this morning wasn't that bad either. I heard too many people talk about theirs but to tell you the truth it is not that bad. I am happy to say I do not have to have another one for 10 years and all is well. So please, don't put this off because of other peoples stories.

The Spice Connection

I recently took a trip to an Amish community and visited many of their stores. I love how you can buy in bulk and I could get about anything you could think of.

I found the section of spices and it would have been tempting to pick up some of their plastic bags of spices and plastic containers of spices but being that I am an Independent Watkins Associate and have been since 1982 just didn't seem right to me. In the back of my mind I was being tempted by the devil to do it, but I am very proud of my business and what products we have. I am proud of how they are made right here in Minnesota and the quality is the best. Why would anyone want to bake or cook something that doesn't use the best products for their guests or family?

I am not only talking about their stores, you can go into many other stores and find spices in plastic containers. This of course is all my own opinions and from what I have read on the subject of keeping spices fresh. I get asked this question a lot because of what I do.

What you put into food and your emotions reflects on the person who eats it, if it is made with love people know it. I love the Watkins products and the quality they represent.

I just received the May/June AARP Magazine and ran across this paragraph:
" Supermarket Guru's Spice Advice--Most spices will last 6 to 12 months, if they're stored properly. The longer they sit in the cupboard, the more likely they will lose their health benefits. So always store spices in glass jars, says Phil Lempert (aka the Supermarket Guru)-and transfer those that come in plastic to glass."

Ah, so how long have those spices been sitting on their shelves in plastic bags and plastic containers? We will never know. Furthermore, if you do buy them and have to go and buy the glass jars is that really saving you money?

Watkins spices are so fresh and put in glass jars to begin with. I don't have to worry about their freshness, plus if you are not happy for any reason the products are 100% money back guarantee. Would a grocery store do that?

I can show you how to save 25% on the products you buy from Watkins and even how to start your own home based business from one of the oldest and first home based business companies around. Watkins is still in business since 1868 and still thriving. Let me show you how.

Knit, Knit, Knitting Away

I love to knit, I love to knit anything and everything that I can do. Right now I am knitting a very cute baby blanket for a friend who will be having a grand baby real soon. I am making this baby blanket with love.
Knitting they say is very good for lowering your blood pressure. My blood pressure has always been good, but now it is even better since I picked up my knitting needles and can't seem to put them down.
I go in every store that has yarn and walk up and down the isle, feeling the yarn and visioning in my head what I could make with it. I love the feel of it and the smell of the yarn. I can hardly wait to get home to start my project, actually one of many that I have started and can't wait to finish.
I love watching how the project turns into something to wear, use or display. It is amazing how fast the needles fly and how comforting it is. I learned to knit when I was in Girl Scouts and have knitted various projects over the years but nothing like I am doing now. Does this mean I am getting old or more into making my own gifts and clothing. Whatever it might be I love it. So if you don't hear from me for awhile or wonder what I am doing in my free time it is knitting. I take it with me everywhere that I might have to sit for a few minutes or longer. It also is a great conversation started. I pull out my knitting and before you know people are asking me what I am making and admiring my project.
If you see me somewhere, ask me what I am knitting and I will pull it out of my bag and show you. I am addicted to knitting and loving it.

A Day at the Cancer Center for Me

Today I went to Mason City to the Cancer Center for my Octreotide shot that I get every 3 weeks for the rest of my life. The shot doesn't hurt and I have had no side effects. I am grateful for such a drug that will prevent new cancer from growing. The cost is very high for the shots, to be exact they cost $7,723.80 per shot, I have a $5,000.00 deductible on my insurance so that comes out of my pocket. It is not easy to come up with that amount and will have to do this every year, but I am thankful I have insurance.

The picture above is what I see when I am waiting for them to mix the drug that is injected into my hip. Since it is so expensive and it has to be mixed I have about an hour to wait for it. There are several units to sit at and you have a great view out the window. Each unit has a tv if you want to watch it but I prefer to watch the ducks in the pond and the squirrels chase each other around the tree or chase away the ducks so they cannot eat the corn. I take my knitting with me and just relax, the nurses bring you whatever you want to drink and are so kind.

Before I have my shot I have to have blood work taken each time. Then I have a visit with the nurse and she takes my vitals. My cancer doctor in Mason City is Dr. Bate and he is so good. I look forward to visiting with him each time because I learn so much more about the type of cancer that was removed.

When he is done he sends me back to the unit where they do chemo and my injection. As I sit there watching the squirrels, ducks, knitting and listening to the other people I wonder what their story is. We each have our own story in life. What I have learned throughout this whole process is to have more compassion for others and to love them for what they are. We are all loved by someone and important in our own ways. I quietly say a prayer for them and myself and thank God for the advancements that have been made with cancer treatments.

I will be having my first CT scans in another week and then I will be going to Iowa City for a checkup with the doctors there that performed my surgery. I am so grateful to them and their knowledge. I have been given a second chance at life and I am making the best of it.

The picture below is the squirrel who looks to be well fed. He is boss it looks like to me because he chased the ducks right away from his food. It makes me laugh at how much they remind me of humans in a way. Truth is he provides great entertainment and makes people smile. We all need a smile, don't we?

Knitting, Knitting & More Knitting

Today I had the pleasure of visiting Old Country Yarn Store in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The owners name is Cindy Maroney and she has the neatest yarn store I have seen. She has a wide assortment of yarns and all the items you need to make your favorite item. I was so excited and my mind was just spinning with all the ideas I could make. Knitting is my favorite past time now and I just can't seem to stop.
I bought several different kinds of really cool yarns and some new catalogs for some new patterns. If only I had the time to do them all. I find knitting to be so relaxing and calming. I don't want to put down my project at the end of the day.
Right now I am knitting for my twin grandchildren. They will be 4 in March so I am making them each their own pullover hooded sweater top. I have a boy and girl so I have green camo yarn for Thomas and pink camo yarn for Keagan. I hope when they put them on they will feel the love that grandma put into them as I knit each stitch.
If you ever get a chance visit the unique store in Iowa Falls, Old Country Yarn Store. You will be glad you did.

Which Hurts The Most, doing Taxes or My Octreotide Shot?

Earlier today I posted on Twitter and Facebook that I wasn't sure which was going to hurt the most, getting our taxes done or my cancer shot Octreotide. I am happy to say I am glad our taxes are done and that my shot went really well today.
I get my shot every 3 weeks for the rest of my life. It prevents new cancer from growing. I have already had 4 shots since my surgery in November and this has been the best one. The others were painful and hurt afterwards and today I found out why. I had a different nurse administer the shot, she had me lay down on my side this time and felt on my hip where to give the injection. The other times the nurses just had me lean over and they would do it that way, well that would hurt and I would be in pain for a couple days. I asked her why she did it this way and she told that this is the correct way to do it and the goal is for no pain and not to hit a vein. It did not hurt and I do not feel that I had a shot today. I asked her if I could ask to have it done this way every time and she assured me that I could. So from now on I am going to tell them how I want it done. I didn't know I had this choice until today.
So I guess I have to say the shot didn't hurt and I really don't know how much we will have to pay into taxes yet but I am praying it will be as painless as my shot was today.
On a different subject I got results from the psychologist that evaluated my mother and ran some tests. She has been in the nursing home since November of 2008. She suffered brain damage after a surgery she had. The surgery went fine, but due to lack of oxygen after her surgery she suffered brain damage leaving her unable to be left alone. She went from a vibrant, active woman to someone who cannot take care of herself or remember from on minute to the next what is going on. My sister and I have noticed that in the last few weeks our mother has been getting worse. The results today told us why. The nurse from the nursing home called and I went into visit with them. The psychologist said she has cognitive impairment and it is one of the worse cases of brain damage he has ever seen. She is regressing and thinks she is in her 20's now. That explains to me why the day I went to see her and it was my birthday, I asked her what happened on February 4, 1955. She had no clue. Do you know how it felt to know my mother didn't know my birthday anymore? It broke my heart. I love my mother so much and I miss the mother that I knew who called me or I called her everyday just to say hi.
We never know when we sign those papers in the hospital telling us these things can happen.
So enjoy your parents and love them with all your hearts. I have a different relationship now as a daughter, I am the one along with my sister who is the mother now. She is in a special unit at the nursing home that takes great care of her, 24/7. I do not have to worry about her because she has the best care there is. I am grateful to them all.
Live each day to the fullest and love with all your hearts. My cancer surgery has changed me also. Never will I take life for granted, life if fragile.

Valentine's Day 2010

For me this year every day and every holiday are wonderful. Since I had my cancer surgery in November and have been blessed with good health I am grateful for each and every day of my life. I feel my life started over once I woke up from surgery, it has been like a new beginning for me and I am enjoying life to the fullest.

Today was nothing romantic for Valentine's Day. My husband took me to the Latimer Firemen's Omelet breakfast and that was great. I didn't have to cook and got to visit with so many people that you don't see very much. Good company and good food.

We then went out to Dudley's Truck Stop before church since we had an hour. We had coffee and found more people to spend the morning with. More great conversations and friends.

Next stop was church and we had a great sermon today. Seems like the pastors have eyes in the back of their heads and know just what I need to hear on that Sunday. More visiting and more friends to see. Another great moment in life.

Now onto a wedding reception in Hampton. A good friend and his bride got married during their church service today and then had a reception afterwards. Great food and more people to visit with.

After I was done at the reception I went to the nursing home to visit my mother who has been there for a few months over a year. She suffered brain damage after surgery in 2008. She has since developed Alzheimer's and has been getting a little worse each day. I lost the mother I had before her surgery, she was a vibrant active person in society. Since the brain damage she is now like a 2 year old or less. I no longer have the conversations a mother daughter have. I am the one who takes her by the hand when I am there and watches her with her bizarre behavior. I long for the days when we could visit and laugh. I cherish the moments I am with her but miss her so much. She doesn't even know what is going on anymore. I visit with the women who take care of her, they are like family now because they take care of my mother and do a wonderful job. I don't have to worry about her because she is in good hands.

All the activites are over for the day, but the best part is coming home to my husband who loves me. If I doubted it before my surgery I shouldn't have, he has been so supportive of me and truly loves me. We are making the best of each day we have together. We laugh more, visit more, and enjoy each other more. Life started over for me November 17, 2009 when I woke up from surgery and they told me they got it all. I am blessed.

Happy Valentine's Day.

It's Complicated (My Health Care)

Why should a person have to be concerned about the cost of their health care?

As most of you know I had surgery for cancer in November and if you saw me today you would not know that I had cancer removed and will be taking a special treatment for the rest of my life. I look very healthy and am very healthy now. They got all the cancer and to prevent new cancer from growing I have to take a special injection every 3 weeks for the rest of my life. The drug is a sandostatin drug and it is called Octreotide.

Do you know what this injection costs? Are you ready? $7,723.80 each injection every 3 weeks! I am in shock. My insurance has a $5,000.00 deductible that I have to meet first. None of this is a typo.

I am thankful there is such a drug but does it have to be so expensive? How can the pharmaceutical companies sleep at night knowing that most people cannot afford this and don't have insurance?

I am trying to find some kind of assistance to help me with the $5,000.00 deductible. Does anybody know where a person might go? I do think our Health Care programs need an overhaul, what do you think?

"Hardee's" Great Service with a Smile

Friday, January 15, 2010 I went through the drive through at Hardee's in Hampton, Iowa. I had already ate supper so I decided to take home something for my husband. I placed my order and headed for home. When he opened the bag an item was missing. I live 15 miles from Hampton so going back to get the missing item was not something I would do at 7:00 p.m. on a snowy evening with slick roads.

I wasn't upset because I know how these things can happen. I simply called and talked to the manager Paulette and explained the situation. She was so pleasant and told me they would honor the missing item and to come in to get it when I was in town the next time. I knew she would do that because she is a great manager and we live in Franklin County in Iowa "where everybody knows your name". I am proud to be from Franklin County, small town businesses with a smile.

Next time you are in Hampton, Iowa stop in Hardee's and tell them how good of a job they do. We all need a smile and encouragement. I support our local businesses. By spending my money in Franklin County our tax dollars stay here.

Hats off to you Paulette for being a great manager of Hardee's!

Snow Day

Today I have a snow day at home. I hate to admit it but I am really enjoying it. I just took a great nap already. Going to do some other things that need done and just relax.

I went back to work this week after being home for 6 weeks recovering from surgery. I knew I would be tired because I was used to taking naps and we need that rest to recover. What I didn't realize is how tired I would be. It has been a challenge keeping up my energy, but what is more of a challenge is when I get home from work at 5 p.m. I make supper, get the dishes in the dishwasher, sit down in my recliner and I am asleep before you know it. So then I get up and go to bed. I have been sleeping so soundly at night and before you know it it is morning again. I wonder how long it will be before I am not so tired?

So I am going to get caught up on some sleep today. Have a great snow day!