Author: robin

Nine Years Ago

- robin

Nine years ago, this week, (2012) I was diagnosed with breast cancer. (aggressive ductal carcinoma, stage 2) My life has never been the same. My faith is stronger, my relationships are wonderful and I get the chance to remind everyone to get their yearly screenings. (hint, hint)

I was diagnosed for the second time on a Friday morning in October 2019. Remember? It was the weekend that a tree went through our roof during straight line winds. To be honest, the second diagnoses has shaken my world. That was two years ago and nothing feels quite right yet.

Larry reminds me that I am older this time…I love Larry!

My days are wonderful, I adore my husband, my daughters are truly gifts from God. Maybe I am just expecting to much? Maybe it is because I have dodged the cancer bullet twice when so many women are struggling with their first diagnoses.

I feel guilty when I ignore my cancers and I feel guilty when I talk about them. We are all so different…and handle things in our own unique way. There is not a right or wrong way, is there?

Nine years sounds so long ago…..but the 3,285 days have whizzed by me like a fast train…..

I refuse to say happy anniversary today.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Sunday Dinner On The 4th Of July

- robin

Yesterday, Larry and I did not leave the house. We rested and read, I worked on a miniature project, knitted on a cardigan I am making and cooked. Larry did some work, vacuumed and dusted and set the table. The table was my favorite thing about dinner!

We had baby back ribs, potato salad and corn on the cob for dinner. Dessert was a home made ice cream cake. (it was FUN to make) Our movie was Gidget Goes Hawaiian.

We watched that movie, to celebrate the finalization of our beach trip. I am excited. (The cottage that we have rented each year for ages…….is owned by a nice lady. Well, to be honest, she was nice, until something unfortunate happened. I am always surprised at what people will do to others because of money) We are staying in a different place this year. We will report back with a review after our trip. I am excited. Wait, did I say that before?

Since I was a child, the 4th of July has always felt like the middle of summer. Does this mean that summer is half over?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

On This Day, July 4,1826

- robin

Just a bit of TRIVIA for the holiday weekend……..

 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps America’s most famous pair of feuding friends. Their storied relationship began in 1775 and ended abruptly on July 4, 1826, when the two ex-presidents died within hours of each other – on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Happy 4Th of July!

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

The Antiques

- robin
Photo: Larry and Robin

An antique is anything old…with class.

~John Bartlett~

I am not sure about the “class” part , but I am still here painting and taking care of business.

It looks like it will be a lovely day today…..

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Local TV News Woman Turns Forty

- robin

The morning anchor-woman on our regular TV channel, is having a birthday this week. She is having people share with her, positive adoration about turning 40. (is that because 40 is so difficult?) I have been watching this and wondered if I am the only person who wants to scream….40? I LOVED being 40! Just wait till you turn 67 that’s when you need positive vibes!!!!

Today’s happy birthday episode was about mammograms. She has a family history and I am so glad that she did this segment. She had a successful mammogram and with a happy, high five ending that it was all clear. No cancer! BUT. She forgot the second half of the story. The part that happens after the radiologist sees a spot on your mammogram.

About one out of eight ladies are diagnosed with breast cancer. I wish that TV News Girl would have forgotten the 40 year old baseline mammo tripe and shown what happens when the radiologist sees something on your mammogram. It happens at all ages…..

I have had so many mammograms I cannot count them….the ones where the radiologist finds something suspicious…. numbers two. But it is what happens AFTER that is what is important. I wish someone had shown me what happens AFTER the suspicious mammogram. It would have been wonderful to know what exactly was ahead of me. I have had breast cancer twice. A different cancer in a different breast, 7 years apart. (2012, stage two-2029 stage one-early detection)

I know the routine now. Every woman should know the routine, because if it happens to you, you do not have time to think…and if it happens to one of your friends, you have an idea of what is going on and you can support your friend.

I really loved being 40. It was wonderful…and yes. I love being 67 too. (I guess)

Oh yes….GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM. Early detection saves lives. It saved mine twice.

To the 40 year old news person out there. Happy Birthday! Larry and I send our love.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Where Did The Shells Go?

- robin

I finally gave in. The book below is my memory book. (The pen was given to me by son in law Josh) I jot things down that I want to remember. You know the things…like a recipe to look up later, questions for my next DR appointment, a treat to pick up for Matilda or a wonderful quote to write in my journal. I carry the book with me very often now.

I am planning an ART project for Camp Robi this Friday and had been saving a huge bag of shells I had collected for a special project on canvas …..but where did the shells go? I really do not want to buy any but gosh, where did they go? (I should have noted their location down in the memory book, right?)

What do you do when you want to remember things?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Two For The Road

- robin

Today’s music is playing but it does not seem to help my mood at all. Maybe it is the music that is making me blue?

Two for the Road…..

If you’re feeling fancy free
Come wander through the world with me
And any place we chance to be
Will be a rendezvous Two for the road
We’ll travel down the years
Collecting precious memories
Selecting souvenirs
And living life the way we please summertime the sun will shine
In winter we’ll drink summer wine
And everyday that you are mine
Will be a lovely day As long as love still wears a smile…

Sunday dinner……..

Sunday Dinner, Larry prepared dinner yesterday. What a wonderful treat that is. He made us a Cheese Board. (the board was a Fathers Day gift from his son in law). Dinner was wonderful. Salad, cheese and fruits…

Photo: Cheese, Fruit and saolad

It is a BRAND NEW WEEK. Are you ready?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

To The Soul

- robin
Photo: The Zinnia by Robin June 20, 2021 (Fathers Day)

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.”

~ Luther Burbank~

Some days are just so… difficult, aren’t they? The good thing is that they do not stay that way forever. There is always something good around the corner. The only thing is, sometimes we must be looking for it or might miss it.

I have good news. (It is good news to me.) My voice seems to be getting better! Yesterday around noon, I could talk! It was not normal, but it was at least 50% better than it was for the past 9 weeks. This morning, it is still doing well. I am almost frightened to say anything. My prayers have been that the damaged nerves would heal…..maybe?….

My devotional yesterday was impactful. I took a photo on my phone, of the scripture, so that I could read it during the day. Today, I share it here.

Photo: One of the scriptures from my devotional yesterday.

I have daydreamed, about what I would do if my voice ever came back. Just being thankful is good enough for now.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me