Exercise, Treadmill Maintenance and the Family Memorial

My appointment with Jake, to get my treadmill operational again, went really smoothly. He needed to reset the back screws. They go through a two-sided bracket that holds the rail, and I had missed hitting the back side of that bracket when tightening those screws back up again. It's a common thing to happen, and an easy fix. The belt actually was straight - I had done that properly, so one win for my team - LOL. When we turned the treadmill off and then on again, however, the code for "Lube" came up on the screen once again. Jake figured out that it was a distance-generated code and actually is reset through the maintenance portion of the main screen. I'll have to play a bit to get comfortable with those settings, but it's an easy reset. He thinks that 300 miles is the trigger point for the "Lube" code to appear. We'll have to see. 

I had actually done everything right to lubricate the belt, but 
the screws in the end blocks hadn't gone through the front 
and back brackets properly. It's a good think I'm under warranty 
for a year. It's going to take me that long to get used to the 
machine and it's requirements. LOL

It's a swimming day and I can hardly wait to get into the water. I have my new book loaded up. I was able to do that quite quickly on the main computer on Sunday while DH was planting some of the new flowers and herbs we have purchased. I am getting to the end of the series (more than 30 books) but it's still got a few volumes left before I switch to a different series for my next batch of listening while swimming. "Why listen to books?" you might wonder. Don't most people listen to music? Well, maybe. But when I tried out music, I found my stroke changing to match the rhythm of each tune. When I listen to a book, I can work with the rhythm of each stroke style instead of a beat - much more effective for my routine. 

My next book is loaded up and I'm ready to listen to 
the next part of the saga. I'm just starting book 32 out 
of a total number or 38. Then I'll switch to a different series 
that I purchased a month or so ago. It's all good! 

We have the family memorial get-together on Saturday and DH is already complaining that I'm closing the store at 2:00 pm instead of 3:00 pm. I figure it will take up about an hour to close, print out the end of week reports, and drive up to the far northern area where the event will be held, so we won't be there any earlier than 3:00. The event only goes until 6:00 pm. DH thinks the family may all gather together and go out to dinner together afterward, and that has happened in earlier years, but we're a huge crowd of people now, and I just don't see that happening. However, I did text my oldest niece who is the person arranging everything, to ask her. I can always print out new signs if necessary and push our time out by another hour. 

Exercise is essential in my life. I live a stressful life 
with DH, and I need outlets for my frustration. Exercise 
gives me those outlets, and helps my body feel better 
all around. I miss is when I'm not exercising almost 
every day. 

So, I'm off to the pool. I really need to swim some of this stress off. I haven't been able to exercise in several days and it's making me cranky - LOL. Additionally, it's COLD outside. We had a really warm winter, but our summer is starting out damned cold. We have less than 12 days before the outdoor pool is open, and I really won't enjoy swimming out there if the outside temp is in the upper 40's to low 50's (Fahrenheit). The water will be great, but getting in and out of the pool will totally SUCK. So ... have an excellent Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow. Slava Ukraini. 

Spread Positive Vibes Today - We All Need It

My oldest nephew has been dealing with intestinal cancer for almost two years now, and he's finally losing the battle. He has a young daughter - probably somewhere between 15-18 (I start to lose track after a while) and lots of brothers and sisters, most with children of their own. (It's like a circus when we all get together.) In any case, Michael slipped into a coma about 24 hours ago and it seems unlikely that he'll awaken from this. His Mom visited his bedside yesterday, and we were invited to join the family at his bedside, but since the other seven kids have rallied around, I'm quite sure they don't need any additional people added to the mix. I left the decision up to DH, who decided that since Michael was in a coma and couldn't interact with him, he'd stay away. I'm not sure I agree with his rationale, but it's his decision. I guess I'll have a funeral in my immediate future, but at least Michael will finally be free from the constant, never-ending pain he's been in for more than two years. 

We won't be in the main car for this funeral, we're one of 
a lot of relatives in a very large family. I'm hoping I can 
attend the funeral, but no guarantees. We have a business 
and can't really be closed, but it's a possibility that 
Chickie Mama might be able to come over and be here 
so that both DH and I can attend whatever ceremony 
Michael decided upon. 

Family is a funny thing. You can't choose your relatives - you either embrace them with all of their faults, or you avoid them. My personal family is almost nonexistent, so the family I married into is really my family - my oldest nephew worked for DH for several years, and we were always close to him. My oldest niece is the person I had lunch with last week. We keep in close contact. I'm actually in contact with all of the nieces and nephews through Facebook. We're scattered across the greater Twin Cities area, and one nephew lives several towns to the south of the metro area. But the eight kids are all in touch all the time, and that's what family is all about. 

I didn't experience this growing up. I was an only child. My best friend across the alley was Patty Carter, the oldest of three and the only girl. We were almost inseparable until I moved to a different neighborhood when I was starting Middle School. I rarely saw her after that. I heard she married and moved to Alaska. I hope she's had a happy and fulfilling life. 

My "cousin" Missy and I were as close as sisters. We grew up across the street from each other, and our parents were best friends. Missy and I are still in touch. She lived in California for a long time while her hubby worked for the California government, and she moved back to Colorado about 10-15 years ago, settling up in the eastern part of the Front Range with her horses and her music. She loves her life out there. We haven't seen each other face-to-face for decades, but I know it would be just like coming home - seeing a sister I hadn't seen in decades and picking up from where we left off. 

I am part of a LARGE family on DH's side of the 
family. His sister had 8 children (5 adopted and 3 natural), 
and most of those 8 kids are married with kids of their 
own now. We're not quite into the next generation yet, 
but it won't be too long, I suspect. 

Well, I've rambled in this post today. A little of this and a bit of that, but it all comes down to family. I expect I'll be attending a funeral within the next week or two, and I'll have a chance to see most, if not all, of my nieces and nephews. It'll be good to see each one of them, but I sure wish it was for a different reason. So, today, spread some love. Hug your kids or your spouse and give your pets some extra cuddles. We need more love in this world, and I need the positive vibes. *hugs* Slava Ukraini. 

Have I Mentioned My Schedule is Crazy? Well - If Not, I'm Saying It Now!

All things seem to cluster together when least expected. I was driving to the Northern suburbs when I got a phone call. It was my treadmill company. They were in the area, and had a cancellation, and wondered if they could come over and replace/fix the item that was sticking out. Well ... under normal conditions I would have been jumping up and down, saying "Come on over". But ... I was on the road, ready to meet with my oldest niece for a nice lunch and long chat, and I couldn't make the time for the repair guys. 

Johnson Fitness have really been excellent in their 
service, it's my schedule that's been messing things 
up. After I sent the photos, they immediately sent 
the parts needed to be replaced and if I hadn't been 
meeting with Cat, I would have been at the house and my 
treadmill would already be fixed. 

As it turned out, when I returned home from my lunch, there was a large box at my front door from the treadmill company with the parts needed for my treadmill, and I now have an appointment scheduled with them for Wednesday ... altho as I look at my schedule for that day, I still may have to shift it again. *sigh* At least the treadmill still works, and I now know what the part is supposed to look like. I'll take photos tomorrow and maybe remember to post them on Monday. 

My oldest niece, Cat, is Ojibwan, from Northern 
Minnesota. As most of us in our families, she was 
adopted at a young age and raised elsewhere. I was 
also adopted, as was my husband, and of the eight 
kids in Cat's family, five of them were adopted. 

So, back to the focus - my meeting with my oldest niece, Cat. She started things out by bringing me as up to date as possible on the condition of my oldest nephew, Mike. He's been battling intestinal cancer for two years now, and it's not looking very positive at this point. Cat says he's barely eating, he's on constant high-grade pain meds, he's a total shadow of himself, and she doubts he'll make it through the summer, maybe even the next month. It's a tragedy for the entire family - his wife and daughter, as well as the other seven siblings in his family, me and DH, his Mom and other assorted relations. The ripple effect when he dies will be large, and it will leave Cat as the oldest member of that generation. 

My oldest nephew, Michael, has been fighting intestinal 
cancer for more than two years now. It's getting very bad. 
He's unable to eat anything, is in constant pain, and has 
wasted away to a shell of himself (according to Cat who 
drives over to see him regularly). It's terminal, no question. 
The only question is when he will give up fighting. 

I then went into what my personal dreams were - establishing a family trust that would be accessible by any of the eight kids (seven once Michael passes) and what my goals are/were for that fund. I wanted to know if there should be any exclusions (none, according to Cat), and whether she would be willing to step in as Trustee. She saw my dream and embraced it, is willing to act as Trustee, and will contact a friend of hers who is a Financial Planner to see if she would also help. I'm hoping this little dream of mine can become a reality and that lives will be enriched and, in some instances maybe even saved, as a result of this Fund. 

This is what I want to do with my personal funds - 
the funds I have left from what I got when I sold 
my Mother's condominium, as well as a bit of 
this and that. 

Of course, DH is super against my setting this up, doesn't agree with the concept of it, and truly, simply doesn't understand what I want to achieve with it. Eventually I'll try to set up a private meeting between my broker, the attorney, Cat and her Financial Advisor and pound out the details. I think it's a goal that's worth fighting for - a "Dreams Can Come True" slush fund for my nieces and nephews and for their kids as well. If it is managed well, it might trickle down one additional generation, but we're talking less than $1 million here - so substantial, but not earthshaking in scope. 

My personal funds are substantial, but hardly earthshaking. 
DH has much more than I do, which makes sense since 
I don't earn any money at all. *sigh* But, I do have some 
of my own, and I want it to go where I desire and help the 
people I want to help achieve their own personal goals. 

Then I went home and cooked which always makes me happy. I now have a refrigerator full of food, and I had a lovely lunch and chat with Cat - something that had been needed for a while. We've caught up here and there at family get-togethers, but with large groups like our family, there was no real time to discuss anything about life or dreams. I feel much better about my own dreams today than I did 24 hours ago. Have an excellent day, and try to see one of your own dreams come true today. Your heart will feel might lighter as a result. Slava Ukraini. 

Good News, Bad News, and a Holiday Get-Together

Yesterday's schedule was taken up by my appointment for my secondary breast exam. I was a bit nervous, as would be expected, but they were so professional and focused and very expert, I at least felt I was in capable hands. After a thorough pressing (women will know exactly what I'm talking about - LOL), I was put into a waiting room while they reviewed the images. Then I was called in and they did a more thorough exam using ultrasound. Well, that one showed a small possible tumor near the exterior side of my right breast. After another thorough exam by a specialist, I now have an appointment for Wednesday to get an "ultrasound guided biopsy". 

Did you play "Marco Polo" when you were young? I 
remember playing it often when I was a kid in the pool. 

There's something about the term "ultrasound guided biopsy" that reminds me of the old swimming pool game of "Marco Polo" that we used to play when we were children. That scattered group of kids calling back and forth to themselves, trying to avoid the one child who had been appointed to tag each of them while blindfolded. Fortunately, in this case, I don't think the technicians will be blindfolded at all - LOL. The possible tumor is 6mm in size, so fairly small, but not as small as I want. Still, nothing to be done about it except to show up on Wednesday and let them do what they need to do. I might have to stay away from the pool for a couple of days while things heal properly, so I guess I'll be on the treadmill a bit more often next week. 

Apparently what they will do is give me a couple of 
numbing shots, then use a larger needle, guided 
via ultrasound, to target the mass so that they can 
get a biopsy. They'll examine the biopsy and let 
me know if this is cancer or if it is benign. Since I'm 
needle phobic anyway, this won't be an appointment 
that I'll be looking forward to. But better to know 
than not, and techniques and treatments have
improved a lot over the last decades. 

Of course, DH barely acknowledged that I had been at the clinic at all, and had no interest in my discussing any of the findings with him. He doesn't deal well with mortality, operating more on the "If I don't think about it, bad things won't happen." mentality. In other words, completely nonproductive. I would have really love a good cuddle last night, I didn't get one. *sigh*

This is absolutely stunning and I'm looking for the 
perfect place to hang it. I adore it and am VERY 
happy with it. Great choice, Sharon! 

But I did get a cuddle from afar. A gift from Sharon (my delayed holiday gift) arrived, and it's simply beautiful! A Celtic seasonal/annual calendar featuring an owl at the center. I've got it strung up and am contemplating where I want to hang it. It was a totally delightful and positive message to receive amidst all of the angst and BS of yesterday. 

I made my next batch of baked fruit and set two larger 
containers aside to bring to the family get-together. I'll 
probably leave one in the car and bring the other into the 
house with me. That'll keep the other one cold. I suspect 
one is all I'll need, in any case, but I'll have a reserve just 
in case. 

Today we have the family holiday get-together. We'll make the final hour of the three hour invitation, and I'm bringing a container (or two) of my baked fruit to share. It's scheduled for 4-7 pm, and the earliest we'll be there will be 5:30-6:00. Oh well, no choices here - it's a Saturday, we have to print out the weekly sales report which is the longer one at the end of the day before we shut the shop computers down for the rest of the weekend. 

So, all of you have a fabulous and fantastic weekend for me. I want lots of positive vibes and reports on Monday morning to brighten my week ahead. *Hugs* to all, Slava Ukraini. 

A Bit of a Downer Post Today - Prayers and Kind Thoughts Appreciated

It's finally Saturday and starting next week, my schedule will be back to "normal", at least for the foreseeable future. But the future, as we all know, is so changeable, and my family has been hit with some of that change over the past few weeks. 

Change - it happens to us and around us all the time, and 
much of the time it's good. This time ... not so much. 

I think I mentioned that my oldest nephew, Michael, was at the family holiday get-together but left quite early. He's been fighting possible cancer and was due for a more invasive check the following day. He was in a great deal of pain, and the VERY high-end pain pills they had him on weren't working well. So he missed seeing his middle two brothers by about an hour because he just needed to go home and get back to bed. 

Michael had been diagnosed with cancer of the 
appendix, and was on pain-relief medications 
while jumping through the insurance hoops to get 
tests done and treatments approved. He was due in 
to see his doctor for a colonoscopy the day after our 
party. That would let them know the extent of the 
cancer and how they needed to proceed. 

He saw his doctor the following day for more tests, and those results have come back. My oldest niece, the one person who keeps us all together and in the loop, sent a general email out to a long list of people and relatives yesterday, updating us on Michael's condition as it currently stands. It's not good. 

According to Catie, "...He can't have surgery right now because the cancer is not just in his appendix. It's also in the fluid in his abdomen, in part of his liver, and the lower part of his left lung. Because it's in too many places right now for them to go in and do surgery, they've decided to place a port and get him started on chemo." Apparently he's waiting for that appointment and has no idea how many treatments will need to be made, nor the outcome. Apparently the doctor did say that surgery might be a future option. 

So, it's the right-hand panel "Usually found when it 
has already spread to other organs." that is the case 
with my nephew. And that's a very BAD thing. Since 
Michael didn't mention that possibility except in brief 
passing, I don't think his doctor had talked much about 
it. But ... it turns out that's exactly the problem. *sigh*

Of course, this isn't good. It wouldn't be good news for anyone, and the family is appropriately worried about him. I'm just grateful I had a chance to see him and give him a good hug. I might not be able to do that again for quite a while. Catie will keep all of us informed, which will make things easier on Michael and his wife - they'll only have to keep one person up-to-date, Catie will do the rest. I married into a small family that because a huge one because my sister-in-law had eight children, and we're all close. And, of course, that doesn't count other uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. from their father's side of the farmil, most of whom I either don't know at all, or have met only once or twice in my life. But I'm close to my nieces and nephews and their children, and I know this is hitting all of us like the proverbial "ton of bricks". Any thoughts or prayers you might have that can be sent in Michael's direction would be very appreciated. 

I know that whatever happens will happen, but it never 
hurts to ask for a bit of divine intervention. Thanks 
to all of you for being friends who are there for me. I suspect 
I'll be relying on that support through this upcoming year 
of changes. *hugs*

Monday we can return to my more upbeat posts once again. Meanwhile, have a wonderful weekend and I'll be back on Monday ready to start another week. Slava Ukraini and חיים למען ישראל.

It Was a Lovely, Long Two Days Off - I Have a LARGE Family

We had a lovely extended weekend. We spent Sunday in the garden and relaxing, and on Monday we joined the family at my oldest niece's home for a family get-together. We don't have those often because of the sheer numbers when everyone actually comes along. Let's count, shall we? 

My sister-in-law is the nominal head of the family, with DH and I in the second tier. After that come my sister-in-law's kids - Michael, Catie, David, Mark (who rarely appears at these and didn't this time either), Mary, Anne, Joe and John. 

Michael and his wife Mary have three kids - but two were from her first husband and they never do the "family" thing. Their daughter, Emma, will often show up, though. Apparently this time, however, she was working as a barrista at a local coffee shop, and Michael's wife was dealing with some stuff with her parents, so he was solo.  

Catie and Jet, at whose house we were, have two kids - Lexi and Flynn. They're both older, Flynn is in 9th grade now, Lexi will graduate either this year or next (not quite sure about that one). 

David is a firm bachelor, so he came solo. He's one of my favorite nephews, though. Quick with a smile and a helping hand. 

Then we have the girls - Mary and Anne. Both of them have three kids each, and they are at the same ages - when one was pregnant, the other also was, and their kids are within a month or so in ages down the line. So that's ten people right there. The kids kept busy driving the small tractor around the large yard, and jumping on the trampoline. Normally they would also have been in the above-ground pool, but Catie hadn't filled it until a few days ago and the chemicals still need to settle, so no swimming was allowed. 

Joseph and his second wife Colleen were there. She's a delightful young woman, and he's also a lot of fun. Her daughter Anna was also with them. John and his wife Nicky (I'm not 100% sure I'm remembering her name properly this morning, but I think I'm right) were there, along with another young woman whom I don't think I've met before. 

Add in DH and myself, and you've got a serious CROWD. This is my family - LOL. Now, I came from a family where I was the only child, and my Godmother (Mom's best friend) had two kids, my "Aunt" (actually a cousin) had one child, and my other aunt was childless. Family gatherings like what we have with DH's side of the family always leave me a little shell-shocked. In a good way, but dang ... its a LOT of people. But the best things is that I really like these people. I enjoy spending time with them, and the kids are great at self-entertaining, so that's good too. I'm not so god at kid-speak. 

So that was my Memorial Day holiday weekend. We came home from the get-together, sat in the garden for a bit to decompress, and finally watched a couple of episodes of "Inspector Lewis" before switching over to the hockey game for a bit and calling it a night. I hope all of you had a lovely long weekend. No photos today because my youngest niece hasn't posted any yet and I was going to "steal" photos from her - LOL. Have an excellent Tuesday and Slava Ukraini. 

Etsy, Reading, Planning, and My "Day Off" - Busy, Of Course

It's Wednesday, so my "day off", a day for grocery shopping and food preparation, a day for computer work and housecleaning, and in general, a pretty busy day. I did allow my 8mm Swarovski cube pages to go live on Etsy on Monday afternoon, after looking things over once again. I might still change my approach, but at least they are out there and I know my prices are low-to-middle-of-the-road. That's where I wanted them - I needed a bit of wiggle room in case I decided to do any sales down the line. 

I released the 8mm Swarovski crystal cubes 
section of my Etsy platform yesterday. I'm 
working on the next size - the 6mm cubes - 
and hope I can release those next week. Just 
nailing what I want for pricing right now. 

I'm still working on the 6mm cubes and hopefully will get some computer time this afternoon to continue work on them. I probably could have worked on them yesterday - it was a really slow day at the shop - but I was silly and just not in the mood, preferring to read my e-book. To be honest, I'll usually choose a book ahead of almost anything else, and have since I was a small child. Books are my friends - familiar, reliable, and constant. 

I'm almost ready to dive into the third 
book of the "Obsidian and Blood" series. 
Just a bit more of the appendix of the prior 
volume to finish up. I love a good book, 
but hate it in a way, because I'd much 
rather bury my nose into the book than 
do the various household chores I have 
waiting for me. 

I finished "Harbinger of the Storm" yesterday (although I'm still pouring through the end notes), and I'll start the last book of the trilogy "Master of the House of Darts" today. I know I spoke about the books just yesterday, but they are really quite extraordinary, so I'm a bit tied up in the series right now. I know this is one series I'll be sorry to see end, but ending one gives me the opportunity to begin another - it's a pleasant thought to this book addict. 

Next year's trip to New York City will more than likely 
be the last time I go there. I'm not really into the City, 
although I like the cultural elements. I don't do 
Broadway, but do hope to hit at least one museum. I've 
been through New York before, and was quite happy 
to leave it behind. 

Of course, DH is all "You're not going to New York" after yesterday's subway attack. I merely responded that I was. (This is all next year for my family reunion - so quite a way in the future). I told him that I don't take the subways - I've always taken cabs to get where I need to go. Actually, in this case I'd probably be taking a Lyft or Uber, but it won't be the subway. I've never been that fond of being underground, even though I rode them a lot in London. But, also, this doesn't happen for A YEAR! *sigh* 

Crime exists everywhere - in the cities and in the 
rural areas. I'll probably be just fine when I visit 
New York and then travel onward to visit a 
 couple of friends. DH will go crazy, though. He 
always expects the worst, I always anticipate 
the best. 

Like any major city, however, New York City has crime. So do we here in the Twin Cities, and so do the smaller towns and cities scattered across the world. There isn't anywhere without some crime in this day and age - a sad fact, but a true one. I'm still focused on my trip to New York in 2023, and I'm really hoping it comes to pass. I can't really do much about outside forces, however. 

OK, I'm wrapping this up and calling it done. My first laundry load is in the washing machine, my shopping list needs to be filled out and done, and I have the pool calling to me. Time to get my act together, go swim, and start my Wednesday. Hope yours is wonderful and I'll be back tomorrow. 

A Day For Maps - Minnesota, South Dakota and a Bit of Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado

Today is going to be a VERY busy day, but at least we're not dealing with horrid weather to add to the burden. It's cold - dress in three layers plus a hat cold - but there's no snow and the roads are fine. Given that I have to drive to one of the far suburbs today for an eye doctor appointment, I'm very grateful for dry, safe roadways. 

I'll be heading from Roseville (on the upper left) to 
Woodbury (lower right) for my eye doctor appointment 
today. On dry roads, it's 20-25 minutes. I'm very 
grateful I don't have to deal with snow, ice or 
storms. That would make the trip NOT so fun. 

Unfortunately, my afternoon eye doctor appointment means I'll have to miss my weekly phone chat with Aearwen. That's disappointing, but we knew it would be a problem and discussed it last week. It's not the first time we've had to miss a week, and it probably won't be the last, but it always seems as if something important is missing from my life when I don't have a chance to sit down, relax for an hour, and chat about anything under the sun with a good friend. 

Pine Ridge Reservation takes up a good amount of land 
in the south-central part of South Dakota. The brown at 
the bottom is Nebraska, Interstate 90 from Minneapolis 
through to Rapid City, South Dakota is at the top. The 
beige on the far right is the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, 
and Pine Ridge is the orange and also parts of the 
white square at the bottom. It's beautiful, haunting in 
some places, and sparsely populated. The poverty 
level is appalling. Pine Ridge town is on the left side, 
just above White Clay, Nebraska. 

Apparently my "sister" in Pine Ridge had COVID in September. It has been running rampant through the various Indian Reservations around the nation because of hygiene problems centering around the lack of water, and the cultural common activities that bring people together into larger groups. They actually flew her to a hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming to get better care than possible at the Indian Health Board hospital on the Reservation. She's fine now, but it was a bit of a scare, and of course, her brother Peter had to self-quarantine from work for two weeks also. 

Driving from Pine Ridge, South Dakota to Cheyenne, Wyoming 
is 3-1/2 hours. I'm quite sure the flight was much faster than that. 
Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming. You can see 
the lettering for Fort Collins, Colorado just below the 
Cheyenne lettering. That's the town where I went to school 
for my B.A., and my cousin lives a half-hour south of there. 

They still share the house that Grandma lived in. Apparently three of the younger nieces and nephews took it upon themselves to repaint the living room, hallway and kitchen. I suspect the last time that happened was when I did it more than two decades ago. It probably needed it badly, and was a very nice thing for them to do for their elders. They also just installed new stainless steel siding onto the house. I forget what color she said it was painted, but it's a huge improvement over the old half-cut logs that had become housing for the woodpeckers and generations of mice. 

On that note, I'm going to dive head-first into this very busy day. I hope all of you have a wonderful Wednesday. Be kind, stay safe and please wear your mask. I'll be back tomorrow. ALSO ... happy 250th birthday to Ludwig van Beethoven ... the BEST!!! 

Elections, Flying and Family - More "Me" Meme

I went to bed early, already burned out by election coverage, but DH was up until 1:45 am watching the results. He'll be dragging today, and I'd feel sorry for him, but it's my day off and I have a million things to do, so sorry is a bit down on my list. Although my state (Minnesota) went blue (Biden), there are many votes around the nation that will still need to be tabulated. My state allowed mail-in ballots to be tabulated starting two weeks ago, so we weren't held up badly by mail-in results, although they will be added as long as they were postmarked or dropped off on time. 

I'm sick and tired of elections and election 
coverage by now. This sqwaking duck is 
just about perfect for anyone silly enough to 
want the position of President. 

Enough about elections for a while. I'm sick and tired of them and well nigh done. I think I'll continue on with the "me" meme because it's got to be an improvement over red vs blue results. 

How do you define success?

This is a tough one, because I have never really considered it before. I suppose success is happiness with the results of one's life - short term like making a from-scratch recipe and having it turn out perfect; - mid term like raising a family and watching the kids turn into wonderful human beings you're pleased to call friends and family, - and long-term like looking back down the years and not flailing over too many poor choices made. Since I can't cook worth a damn, and don't have kids, I'll have to focus on that long-term structure. 

For some people success is winning an award. I've won 
a few of those in my life, but haven't really equated them 
with "success". I'm not sure success can be garnered 
from anyone except yourself. 

If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would it be?

I don't thing there are any absolute truths to anything, so I'm passing on this one. 

What's your decision-making style?

There's that old saying of rushing in where angels fear to tread that all too often describes my style. But I also tend to do a lot of research and thinking about things before diving in blindly. As an example, this year's holiday cards feature some cutouts and embellishments. But one part of the card where I want to do that is too large for my equipment. So, I've spent several days running alternatives through my head. I'm not sure I can stick with the original plan, but I'm willing to give it a go, once I get one small piece of equipment today. If Plan A doesn't work, then I'll shift gears and go with Plan B. Steering blindly, but with background and years of practice. 

I think the old expression was "Flying by the seat 
of your pants" and that's what I tend to do a lot. 
Fortunately, I usually bounce pretty well when 
my wings give out. 

What do you believe to be true about the world?

Unfortunately, that man has an infinite capacity to be cruel to anyone/anything perceived as "different" than himself. 

What color palette do you like most?

I'm totally into the autumn palette - olive green, yellow, orange, rust, brown, sienna. Every time I choose a new bead or new fabric, it's those colors I linger over first. 

I've never been fond of family or extended family, although 
I think quite highly of my nephews and nieces by marriage. 
Still, I actually do have quite a large family in Europe on 
my Dad's side, and some relatives on the East Coast on 
my Mom's side. I'm barely in touch with either, but they 
are there. 

Do you have family?

I'm adopted, so I assume I have a birth family out there somewhere, but I don't know them and I don't care to find them. My adopted family was wonderful, but quite small, most of them are deceased. My father's half-brother was quite well known in academic circles, and one of the side relatives decided to hunt all of us up for a large family tree he calls "Alexander's Children". It's nice to be a part of that - there are a LOT of relatives on that side of the family and we have gatherings every five years. The first two were in Europe, but the next one is scheduled for 2023 in New York City. I'm planning on attending that one. It might be rather fun. 

That's enough for today. I have to get the garbage bin to the curb and start my day. Have an excellent Wednesday and I'll be back tomorrow. And please, be kind, stay safe, and wear your mask. 

I Might Be Ancient But I Still Work

While replacing a spray can on the bathroom shelf this morning, a thought crossed my mind - "It's ancient, but it still works." Although I was referring to the can, I kept thinking about that phrase - it can apply to so much in my life. DH and I are ancient - along with my sister-in-law, we're the old ones in the family now. The kids I watched grow up and took to the circus and to Sesame Street performances are grown up with children of their own now. My own older generation is long gone - buried or burned, thought of often, but not constantly, and remembered with the bloom of distance instead of the knife-edge of daily interaction. 

My father raised me on Greek Mythology. To honor 
him, I've chosen this Greek owl. Ancient but still 
beautiful. 

"It's ancient, but it still works," applies to my business, my house, and in so many ways, my life. As I learn new skills and hone older ones, I'm trying to keep active, to keep my mind alert and creative, and to not fall into ruts. Ruts are boring and non-productive. In many ways I envy people who found one thing they loved and concentrated on that one thing to the exclusion of other temptations. 

My mother was a bit more modern than Dad was, 
she would have been more comfortable in Ancient 
Rome, working with fabric, I'm sure, since fabric 
was her constant throughout her life. She was like 
me, though. She had a lot of interests through her 
life and was always creative and artistic. 

I'm not like that. I find one thing, dive in, swim into the deep end, and explore it as much as possible. Then I find another thing and repeat the process. Then my thoughts turn to "Can I combine these two things?" and I'm off and running on a third parameter, the line that will pull the two things into a geometric form. But then I see another thing and I'm off once again. I flit, as my husband calls it. I flit from one thing to another. But what he doesn't understand is my deep love for the variety of skills I've developed. 

My father-in-law would probably have been at home with 
Medieval warfare and siege mentality. He was a hunter and 
fisherman, a woodsman who taught his sons how to shoot 
and fish. He pretty much ignored the women in his life. 
His wife tolerated it, his daughter never forgave him. 

I call myself a multi-media artist, and in so many ways I am. When I'm working on fiber or fabric, I'm thinking about how I could present the finished items in one of my customized boxes. When I think about my boxes, I think about how I can decorate the tops of them with metalwork and enamel, beads and threads, and painted silks. I'm happiest when I can combine things into amazing creations, but it's the actual making of each segment that thrills me. 

I suspect my mother-in-law would have fit well into 
a Medieval nunnery. That quiet life of semi-solitude, 
prayer and contemplation would have suited her well. 
I adored her, she was a remarkable woman with quiet 
strength who rarely raised her voice. My husband 
worshiped her and visited her every day. 

So, I'm watching video after video on my new knitting machine and hoping to actually play with some yarn next Wednesday. I'm weaving row after row on my shawl and hoping to finish it sometime next year, and maybe make a box for it. I'm thinking about my enameling space and materials, my etching chemicals and materials, and my jewelry making studio in the breezeway. I'm looking forward to the time next year when I can close the door to the shop for the final time, breathe a sigh of relief, and start a new section of my life. I might be ancient, but I still work. 

Have an excellent weekend and I'll be back on Monday. As always, stay safe, be well, and please wear your mask. 

Memories of Unci and Le Tour Hits the Alps

I seem to be fighting my way to "competence" with my new blog software/format fairly well. It's still a bit stumbling on my part, but it does seem to be cross-posting correctly. Sometimes old dogs like me really don't like new tricks. I have to think too much in the early morning with the new format - it's not in my blood yet, so I'm expected to think before 5:00 am. There are sometimes when that just doesn't happen - LOL. 

In this photo, Grandma (Unci Zona) is on the right, and 
her sister, Sadie is on the left. There was a third sister, 
Nancy, who I met once. In this photo the two are all 
dressed up to attend my nephew's high school 
graduation. 

Today came up in my calendar as the date when my Unci Zona died out in Pine Ridge. I'll have to try to text my sister today and let her know I'm thinking about her and the family on this memorial date. Unci (Grandmother) was a force - very respected and beloved in the community, loving, welcoming, and the matriarch of the family with a well developed ability to make you think twice about doing something she disapproved of. She didn't yell, she was quite soft spoken, but she was strong. Despite her lack of a sharp tongue, you wanted to do what she asked, to please her and get that wonderful smile of hers in return. 

In this photo, Grandma and Auntie Sadie 
are again right and left. This photo was 
taken in front of Grandma's house. 

Grandma Zona was the reason my brother moved back to Pine Ridge after many years in the Twin Cities area. He had a house that he actually owned, a family he was raising, friends and comrades throughout the area, and he was well known as a spiritual leader of the Lakota Oyate. But, after many years, Unci decided it was long enough and asked him to return to the Reservation. That was all it took. He uprooted his family, put up a double-wide mobile home on his land near her home, and moved back to South Dakota. He was often in the Cities afterward - visiting for this or that or holding a ceremony for someone. We were still in touch, but it was different than just dropping by the house and visiting with him and the kids. Now there was 13 hours of driving between us. 

Here, Grandma is with my niece Rachel, dressed in her 
cap and gown for her High School graduation. I was 
able to see Rachel for a short time when I was back 
last year for my brother's funeral (her father). She's 
grown into a beautiful and talented woman. 

Still, for many more years, I went out to the Reservation at least once a year, often more, to see Unci and visit my brother, to participate in various ceremonies, and to help out. One of the last times I was out there, my sister Maja and I tore Unci's kitchen apart and put in a new floor, then painted the kitchen, living room and hallway of her little BLM log house. It was a week of hard work, but I noticed things were still looking pretty good when I was back there last year for my brother's funeral. 

All COVID tests came back negative, so we're on for 
the final week of Le Tour de France. Today we're 
into the big mountains - the Alps - and here's where 
teams will be crushed and dreams will be left 
behind. We have serious mountains until the 
individual time trial on Saturday and the ride into 
Paris on Sunday. It's been a great race so far with 
lots of surprises, so I'm anxious to see what will 
happen in these storied peaks. 

So, on this day of remembrance for me, I ask all of you to remember those people who have been important in your life. Cherish them if they are still alive, and recall interactions with them if they are no longer walking among us. Remember how your life was enriched by your interactions with them and consider yourself fortunate to have those memories. Have an excellent Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow, and please - be safe, stay well and wear your mask. 

What To Say? How About More Meme Questions?

It's 5:30 am and I'm in a time crunch. Yeah ... I know that's a bit ridiculous. How can I be in a time crunch when it isn't even 6:00 am yet, and when I usually don't leave for work until at least 7:00 am? Well, after what seemed like a billion emails in my in-box this morning, I'm brain dead already. The morning has just started and I'm brain dead. This doesn't bode well for my day. But it does open the door to another bout with the 366-Day-Meme. So, I'm going to grab another 10 from January - walking slowly through the multitude = LOL. 

I grew up in the days of rotary phones similar to this one. When
digital phones and cell phones became available, and when
our cell phones became computers in their own rights, I was
hooked. I love my cellphone - can't imagine life without it. 

11 Have you ever been asked for your telephone number and you didn't want to give it? What did you do?

My usual on this one is to give a really old number, or just invent something - after all, how hard can spinning seven (or ten) numbers really be? I've had a lot of phone numbers in my life before finally settling on a great cell phone number which I've kept for more than a decade. 


12 Have you ever had a “crush” on a fictional character?

Of course. Although not a "romantic" crush as much as an "I need this person in my life" crush. Gandalf - of course - because he was the father I always wanted, the friend I never realized I had missed, and the companion with a quirky sense of humor that I realized I needed. 




13 What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Cheese - lots of cheese, and I love the standards - pepperoni, Italian sausage and lots of peppers of all kinds. I also love olives. In some cases, I'll also go with the pineapple and ham version of pizza, but just if I'm ordering a personal pizza for myself since that flavor combo isn't shared by my significant other. 


14 Who was your very first best friend? Are you still in contact or communication with them?

My very first very best friend was actually my cousin - Missy. We grew up across the street from each other. Our mothers were "Sisters From Different Mothers" the way good friends can be, and we were practically joined at the hip from the time we were babies. She moved back to Colorado a few years ago. If I ever get back to the state for a visit, I'll absolutely be visiting her and her horses while I'm there. And yes, we're absolutely still in touch with each other. 

How could anyone not want a Gandalf in
their lives. Sage, if obscure advice, a sharp
sword when needed, and a wicked sense of
humor. Drop the pipe smoking, and you've
got a perfect companion. 

15 If you could pick a new first name, what would you choose?

I always wanted the slightly fancier version of my name - Alexandra instead of Sandra. Still, I'm grateful for my mother's common sense in my name - Dad's choice of name was abandoned when I entered Middle School, never to appear again. No - I won't tell you what it was. 

16 What is your favorite board game?

I despise board games, but if I had to play one, it would probably be "Monopoly". I really don't do games, unless they're on-line ones. 

This ancient photo is my cousin Missy, her older brother
David, and me. I'm quite sure I wasn't much older than
six years old at this point, which would make David
seven or so, and Missy five. 

17 What self-care things do you find helpful to ground yourself or “talk yourself down from the ledge” when you’re overwhelmed by your feelings or by stress?

I'm always semi-overwhelmed by stress, but music and my computer (and e-books - always e-books) are lifelines for me. My on-line friends have lived through depressive episodes with me before, but I usually bounce back relatively quickly - sometimes with new cracks in my armor, but also new plates and rivets to re-enter the battlefield. 


18 What is the most extreme weather you have ever experienced?

I remember a torrential rainstorm that hit Denver when I was a child. Dad and I were at the local library and when we left, we were driving through streets that were roaring rivers. I was terrified. 

I am a trained Pipe Carrier for the Lakota Oyate and I do take
that responsibility seriously. I worked underneath the tutelage
of my brother for more than a decade. Once the responsibility
is accepted, it cannot be set aside. 

19 Do you operate out of any particular faith system that informs your actions? Do you intentionally NOT have a faith system, and if so, what beliefs or ideas inform your actions?

My faith system is very much an individual thing, honed through years of fine-tuning and teachings from Spiritual Leaders of various faiths. I suppose, if I entitle it, it would be more Native American Red Road than anything else, but it's tempered with so much else that it doesn't walk that straight Red Road at all. I can still do what's needed in Circle, though, and I'm still a Pipe Carrier - I won't abrogate that responsibility. 


20 When you go to a fancy coffee shop, what’s your go-to order?

I'm afraid I'm rather boring - my favorite is a Cafe Americano with one or two packs of artificial sweetener. I like the fancier drinks, but I think the prices are ridiculous, and I'd rather spend the money on more books. So, I drink tea at home, brewed coffee at restaurants, and spend the fancy coffee money on reading materials. 


So - there we have it - the next 20 prompts for January. There are LOTS of prompts left in the 366, so another day, another set. In the meantime, have a wonderful and happy Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow.