As it is Mother's Day, I thought I would say - I learned so much from my mother about life and so many other things. She provided many examples of love, goodness, and caring. But let's be honest no one is perfect. No one could hold a grudge better than my mother - I realized as I got older it was because she was so hurt by the initial act. She was extremely stubborn, but only about certain things. She would back you into a corner if she thought she was right - I can still see her little clenched fist raised in the air for emphasis (she did not point her finger). I've said over the past several weeks, I know my mother is watching over me and probably laughing a bit as she realizes how like her I am in many ways. A fun example, I have taken to wearing a bathrobe over my clothes in the house because I'm chilled - she almost always wore her bathrobe this way. I always our parents did their best with the knowledge and tools they had at the time - so thank you mom for all you did for me.
I had a good week - it was fairly social. The good news of the week is I had a follow-up with my surgeon and all is good. She indicated my scans look good and the longer we get away from anything appearing the better off we are. The scalp looks very good and only one small spot still healing. She said it could take up to two years before full sensation returns (of course no hair will grow and I will always have a ridge). We talked about my rash (side effect of treatment). The surgeon indicated she has read a few studies where the rash indicates the immune system is working very hard to keep things in order. I said, I can live with the itch most of the time.
The not so great news of the week is I had a dental appointment (several months behind) for my check up. I filled him in on everything going on and why I had not completed my implant process. I was about to have my implant rod installed when I had to have melanoma surgery. I explained that since I was not sure of outcome of surgery, I could not see wasting the money on one tooth. We talked about the temp tooth working and how I follow his advise to the T about the wear and tear of it. He took x-rays to check teeth and other implants. He advised the bottom gum/jaw are showing signs of deterioration and will need to keep a close watch (again side effect of treatment). I will be seeing him a bit more often for cleaning and check ups. He also indicated I can not have any implant work done as I go through treatment as the rod will not adhere to the bone. I learn something new every day.
I had a wonderful dinner the other evening with friends. We went to our usual restaurant where we are always greeted as long lost friends. Always good for the mind, body and soul to eat great food, laugh, and drink prosecco with these ladies.
I did get a few good walks in during the week and of course a few good naps. I've been trying to cook a bit more. I made an easy spinach pie (I used to buy one quite a bit at Market Basket in Plymouth). It turned out pretty good for first time. I also took some older pork chops from the freezer, marinated in BBQ sauce, blueberry preserves and various spices. I then cooked in crock pot for several hours. Once meat fell off bone I chopped/shredded and made BBQ pork pizza with lots of cheese. I also made BBQ pork quesadillas. Simple meals, but fun to come up with. I have a few different ones in my mind for this week.
This past week I finished reading: "THE KNEELING MAN" (My Father's Life as a Black Spy Who Witnessed the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.) by Leta McCollough Seletzky - a very interesting book that combines family, history, duty, and culture. I learned a lot about I man I realize I knew nothing about. "THE PLACE OF WONDER" and "WRITE MY NAME ACROSS THE SKY" by Barbara O'Neal - both stories involving generations of strong women.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
May 14
Dance Like a Chicken Day
Lilac Sunday second Sunday in May
Mother’s Day second Sunday in May
May 15
National Chocolate Chip Day
National Slider Day
Police Officer’s Memorial Day
May 16
Love a Tree Day
National Sea Monkey Day
Wear Purple for Peace Day
May 17
Pack Rat Day
May 18
International Museum Day
No Dirty Dishes Day
Visit Your Relatives Day
May 19
Boy’s Club Day
National Bike to Work Day – third Friday of the month
National Endangered Species Day – third Friday in May
World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day
May 20
Amelia Earhart Day
Armed Forces Day – third Saturday of the month
Be a Millionaire Day – now we all can go for that
Pick Strawberries Day
I am leaving it here for today. Time to get the day going. I hope you have a good week where you are. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -A.A. Mine
"Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you." - Mary Lou Retton