A Whole New World

It's been another year since I posted.  Last year I included something my husband shared on Facebook.

"Thanks for all your birthday wishes everyone. 2013 was undoubtedly one of my biggest challenges. But with the great support of my loving and beautiful wife Martha, close friends here in Pittsburgh, and a premier team of doctors and researchers things are going well and I'm looking forward to many many more birthdays.
Again my thanks.
Pete"

My husband, Peter, at the Pittsburgh Zoo with Barney

(I think it's Barney and that's what my grandson called him.)

2014 turned out to be just as challenging if not more so.  The challenge began in November, 2012, when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  He underwent chemo and radiation.  The radiation to his brain was to keep the cancer from spreading there.  The radiation worked but the chemo did not.  His doctor found a new chemo for him.  It's an orphan drug and cost $10,000 a month.  The drug company, his doctor and a specialty pharmacy helped us to get the drug.  The chemo worked but had side effects.  He was in constant pain from the cancer and the chemo.  The pain was all encompassing and I can't even imagine what deep bone pain feels like.  He had trouble walking because his feet hurt so much.  We tried everything to make the pain better.  Nothing really worked.. but he carried on.  He kept his life as normal as possible.  He fought the illness with all his might and with dignity and bravery.  He lost the battle on October 27, 2014.  

Forever in my mind, always in my heart

Ready to Shop!

I just got an email from Pier One that I have rewards just waiting to use.  I'm so glad they followed up with an email because one came in the mail that was probably thrown out.  Recently we bought a few things from Pier One so I can fill out some of the items like my dishware.. Called Wave.

You can find it here: 

 

We also purchased new chairs for our dining room on sale now here:

 

 

McKinley Dining Chair

 

 

                  

 

If I don't buy something in my dinnerware.. I'll just look for sale items.  My daughter used to work at Pier One and told me I should get more dinnerware because sometimes the pattern is discontinued.. So best to get it now.

 

 

            

 

 



Winter

It's still winter here in Pennsylvania.  We had very cold weather a week or so ago when the artic vortex was moving through the area.  Then it warmed up to the 40's and 50's.. This morning it's 28 and it snowed during the night.. it will be cold next week But is Spring coming.. I just put my spring and summer clothes away.  Will it be time to get them out again soon?

Check out this North Face jacket at Macy's.  It's warm but lightweight enough to wear on a cool morning.  It's long but not too long.  I love the black and the Greystone Blue.



Find the jacket here.

In a month or so it will be time to wear some cute light shirts with jeans like this one from Macy's.  I'd be tempted to buy the grey one because I really like neutrals but my husband loves to see me in colors.

 

This top at Macy's

 

 

I also love this one.  I comes in 5 colors and you can find it here

 

 

Tonight we will be having Asian chicken legs with rice.. oh so good.  Like this one

 from Amy on U Try it

 

 

Have a great Friday!! Any plans for the weekend?

I haven't blogged in over a year.  Not because I didn't want to.. but because I just couldn't.  There was so much going on in my family and I couldn't write about it.  I still don't want to go into details.  If you know me in person you will know what I'm talking about.. and if you don't then just know it's been some very serious health problems.  My husband asked me not to put anything on Facebook so I haven't.. but he recently posted a thank you for all the birthday wishes so I can post what he said here.


"Thanks for all your birthday wishes everyone. 2013 was undoubtedly one of my biggest challenges. But with the great support of my loving and beautiful wife Martha, close friends here in Pittsburgh, and a premier team of doctors and researchers things are going well and I'm looking forward to many many more birthdays.
Again my thanks.
Pete"

My husband, Peter, at the Pittsburgh Zoo with Barney

(I think it's Barney and that's what my grandson called him.)

Things are definitely looking up for us.

 

I had a call from my baby boy last night.. he's not really a baby since he is 29.. but he is my baby.

He lives in Oregon and biking is a big deal there.

He and his wife didn't have a car until a few years ago.. They biked everywhere.

He is in college and was riding his bike to school and was hit by a car.

He has a broken clavicle.. thank goodness nothing else.

I'm not sure on the details.. but I think he was riding and going on a green light

and the person made a right turn and hit him.

It was her fault and her insurance if paying for everything.

I just get so worried about my kids even though they are adults.

He will be in sling for 6 weeks

Will have to drive the car to school which causes more expense.

When we were talking he said Mom are you crying.. and I had to say yes.

He said don't cry.

I'm just happy he's ok.

Very Full Day

I am a homebody.. I LOVE being at home.  I love taking care of things and cooking dinner, making snacks, doing laundry.. It's just me.  In my other marriage I was very busy.. of course raising kids, I had my own business.. my kids had activities so I was constantly on the move.. besides trying to take care of a very large house and yard.  When I remarried, I closed my business.  I had planned to get another job in a preschool.  In fact had a couple of jobs lined up. I was a bit stressed with all the moving, closing my school, the wedding etc.  My husband said I should just take some time off. Turns out I never went back.  I've been a stay at home mom to my two stepsons for 11 years.  I consider taking care of the house and cooking my job and I take it seriously.. The boys are older now and can do their own thing.  Shelby is away at college.  When he is home he works at a store within walking distance.  Max just started school and got his license which is great.. very proud of him for passing his test.  He has been applying for jobs so he can work part time.

Yesterday we had a lot to do.. My Mom had her dental appointment.  Then we headed to the library so Mom could get some books. She can read 2-3 books every week..  Then to grocery shopping.  By the time we got home it was almost 3.  To most people that doesn't sound like a lot but it is for me.  I was happy we got everything done but it's not my kind of day.  I usually try to plan only one or two things on an outing.. which is once or twice a week.. the rest of the time I prefer to be home.  I am now sharing a car with Max who just started college and needs to drive.  Works for me.  My husband has been taking the bus to work.. We call it a bus but it's really a luxury motor coach.. he has to drive to the stop and there is a free parking lot.. he is saving tons of money doing this.. plus he loves it.. he has his headphones and can listen to things on his phone.. could even download a movie and watch it.. kind of neat..  On days I need the car Max drives him to the stop and then picks him up at the end of the day. I like it!

Today I'm getting lots done so I can enjoy the weekend.. no plans really but it's nice to have everything clean and done.

Happy Birthday Paige

Happy Birthday to my middle child.. I always thought middle children were supposed to be kind of out of it and probably homely.. but my middle child is beautiful.. is very talented and such a wonderful person.. she is 33 today.. I love her with all my heart.  Happy Birthday!!