The "MS" Word

Its been a wonderful month living in paradise, waking up to sunshine every morning. Being able to open all the sliders to the lanai so the warm tropical breezes can blow through the house all day. I've nearly completed the project, and I am quite happy with the way that it turned out. But, my heart is heavy. And in between having a good time here, I have been very concerned with Scott. As most of you know, Scott has Multiple Sclerosis. However, since his diagnoses in 1997, it has been nonprogressing. Therefore, we really don't talk about the MS word. And since the winter of 2011, he has also suffered from occipital neuralgia, which causes pain in his neck and head. Things have changed, the neuralgia pain is back and the MS has reared it's ugly face upon us, causing his gate to be off, numbness on his left extremities and cognitive difficulties, which have made it very difficult for him to do his job well. So.....the cats out of the bag so to speak. He's told his boss, had conversations with HR at Fox, which for Mr. Private Pants, was very very difficult to have to do. And surprise to him, they were all very receptive and caring, regarding the matter. He is now under the care of a new neurologist. And treatment has been prescribed. So on Saturday, I was able to observe through Face Time (thanks Steve Jobs) a nurse at our home giving us instruction on a daily injection that Scot must do, called Copaxon. He gave himself the first one, and on Sunday, Hannah gave him one in another injection sight. Scott said she was a natural. I guess they hurt and there will be trial and error with the depth of the needle and the particular sight chosen. A daily reminder that, yes he has MS. It's been difficult to be a long distant cheerleader, sometimes I make myself ill, with worry. Most of me says get home now, but I have not been mentally prepared for the drive, and I had commitments that took me until this weekend. But I'm gearing up, and my sweet mother has volunteered to drive home with me to keep me company (as she snoozes in the passenger seat). This trip, I am considering strongly, stopping at those Kentucky Bourbon distilleries. JK (but no, seriously) For those of you that are praying for us, please continue, and we will except any new prayers as well. Scott is seeing another specialist today for other internal issues, let's pray that it turns out to be nothing more to deal with. God is Good. See you soon, I miss you all.

Commuter Blues? Don't think so.

So after driving nearly 1700 miles to get here, I've pretty much parked my car. Other than airport runs, the fabric store and grocery, my main mode of transportation has either been my bike or golf cart. And depending on what the destination is, determines the mode. Now when I go to the fitness center to get my ass kicked by a hot Qtip in Zumba class, I take my bike. Makes sense, right? And when it's sunset, the golf cart is the obvious choice, because I can drive and drink my wine, ruining what I accomplished in the morning, at the same time, can't do that on the bicycle, safely. Now today, I actually had to go and do a Jewelry Show, which is considered a job, right? I drove the golf cart for that, because, I had inventory to move. Not a bad way to commute. No traffic, no stoplights, everyone waves to one another, road rage doesn't exist, everybody is happy. I gotta say, I could get very used to this way of life. No...I already have.

Precious Cargo

I had a couple of assignments to complete on my trip down,I was to deliver some precious cargo. One was five boxes of my mothers collection of fiesta ware, valued at a sizeable amount, and the other was a case of wine for my future visitors, so that we could enjoy them together when they arrived. These bottles of precious cargo, valued also at a sizeable amount, but viewed as "priceless" when their complexity and stamina can be appreciated by those who love fabulous wines. Today we will sit together in the cool of the lanai, with gentle breezes, some fabulous snacky's, Lisa, Chris, Judy and myself with a Vertical of four Caymus cabernet's. We are so blessed to have formed these friendships, all based around the love of wine, but anchored now with the love and companionship of each other. Our only regret, is we are missing our other "Sisters of the Vine". But will raise our glasses today and toast to precious cargo and precious friendships. Salut! ps. This was written on my iPhone at the pool and very hard to proofread. So.....

A patchwork of Life

By Florida standards, it's been down right chilly the last two days. This morning I actually turned my furnace on. So I have dug deep into my "project". And I have truly enjoyed every moment of it. Putting together a quilt that sums up the childhood of my favorite daughter has been a joy. Every T-shirt patched together to tell a story. From kindergarten, summer camps to years of softball, trips and events that she has participated in, to her senior year. We are so proud of our little girl, and everything that she has accomplished. I know the quilt will be something to treasure for years to come and I can't wait to give it to her. Love you Naners.

Snowbrush or Sandbrush?

What is a snowbrush good for if you don't have snow to brush. Well let me tell you, I saw the best use for a snow brush the other day in the parking lot at Englewood Beach. Obviously used by an individual who owns it and has used it for the usual, brushing off the unwanted snow from your vehicle so that you can see as you drive down the frigid roads of winter...but have you ever thought it could be used in other clever ways? How bout brushing off the sand that has clung to the beach chairs before putting them in your car....neither had I. Perhaps I will keep it in my car when I move to the desert, if not just for nostalgia.

Same ole routine?

There is a tendency of routine in our lives. Don't you feel like every day is a repeat of the last. On your daily drive to work, you go though the motions, not even realizing the last mile you have driven...thoughts tend to wander...thinking about the day, the last evening...the evening ahead.....nothing meaningful....sad. I have been given a gift. I wake at the demand of my body. With no clock at my side. No demand at hand other than to make my coffee, to jump start myself. Then, my self made routine begins. First, I should take a walk...because I can. And when I complete that, I wait for a pause in golfers at the hole in my back yard, so I can chunky dunk in the pool. Then I should shower and get ready for the day....maybe some quilting, or a visit with the neighbor, get in the golf cart and check on the manatees in the marina, or see what dad is doing down at the yacht club.... I suggested to Scott, he fly down here and bring me home, he may have to drag me kicking and screaming. This is a routine, I could get very accustomed to.

Walmart Greeters Rule!

I arrived in Punta Gorda one week ago. After 29 hours of driving nearly 1700 miles, adding over 98 gallons of gas to a gas guzzling SUV. Needless to say, it cost me a bit more than predicted. I also had a habit of not stopping often enough to go to the bathroom, my first stop was Walmart, just off the interstate. I figured I would kill two birds with one stone, pick up a few grocery items and pee. And like all the other times I waited too long, I got out of the car and realized.....I may not make it. Rah Ro. This has become a mind over matter situation, I have to tell my brain, that I really don't want to wet myself and please let me walk to the public restroom without looking like a 3 year old holding herself in an inappropriate matter. So as soon as my brain says okay, it's time to move. Of course all I can think of now is where is this public restroom that I need desperately and how long will I have to wander Walmart looking for it. After a very long and uncomfortable walk to the entrance I saw an angel.....not just any angel, but a Walmart Greeter Angel, disguised as a Qtip, who quickly pointed me in the direction of the bathroom. Thank God for Walmart Greeters.