Remembering Patrick

It's funny how little things will set off your memories and sentiments. I have the Create channel running. There was a quilt show on. I don't quilt so I was checking out the channel guide. Then I heard: "Albuquerque, New Mexico" and "Old Town." So, of course, I had to watch.
And I got somewhat teary-eyed. Patrick's been gone about 11 years now. But I have such fond memories of visits to the Southwest that he loved so much. There was a lady who did a take-off of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for a quilt. Think: five turquoise rings instead of five golden ones. Patrick would have been blown away by something like that. I can imagine his voice as he marveled at such a beautiful representation of the Southwest.
He really was enthusiastic and appreciative of art.

Michael off to SC

Michael stopped by this morning. He made himself some eggs and I made bacon for him. Mike is driving him (well, as of now, he already drove him) to the airport for a flight to South Carolina. The weather is beautiful for flying. It's been pleasant here, so I hope that means it won't be horribly hot down there in the South. Michael is attending a friend's wedding over the weekend.
Nick had a few freinds spend the night. They were in the living room this morning while I was on my laptop and I was getting such a kick out of listening to them. They're really funny and nice kids, too. Which is good, since Nick sometimes stays out until 3 a.m. or so. Yes, he's 21 but you still worry. I'm glad he has a good group of friends.

Netting on my gazebo

Jamie was nice enough to help me finally put up the  netting on our gazebo--or whatever you call those 10x10 things. We never even got it up last year so I'm happy that I'll be enjoying the deck, without too many bugs flying around, for a few months.

Clothesline

I really like to hang wash on the clothesline. It's an old-fashioned thing, I know, but it gives me happiness. Especially when I use cute little bird clothespins that I got from a catalog.
A friend made me the clothespin bag. It was black but has faded in the sun.
Shadow Dante always does the "Happy Dance" when he sees me coming upstairs with a clothes basket. He knows it means we are going 'out.'
Of course, when I tried to get a picture of him, he bolted. He's camera shy. Melody the cat came by to investigate.
Work was easy this morning. I only go in for 2.5 hours. I'm on a more steady schedule now that Dr. A is done with her Master's Degree class. 3 nights, 1 morning and one evening. I can live with that, although I would like to not work at all.
The spending money is fun though. Lets me buy things like that bird clothespins I'd feel guilty about otherwise.

Better today

I feel somewhat better today. At least my stomach doesn't hurt as much as it did. Damn meds and their side-effects.
I got on the Wii today for a little bit but it's 28 calories I wouldn't have burned otherwise. I've also been writing steadily in my mystery novel again. I might actually finish it someday.

Pain

I have a condition that is either "Sacroiliitis" or  "Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction" depending on which doctor you talk to. It is a very bad localized pain in my lower back that is NOT sciatica. Sometimes it feels like someone is stabbing me with a dull knife.

I have had shots in my spine and physical therapy. I've even gone to chiropractic, God save us. Nothing helps. And I can't take naproxen because it hurts my stomach. I was very sick (to the point where I went to the hospital for 3 days) years ago with stomach pain and it finally turned out I had an ulcer. I'm sure the anti-inflammatories gave me that.

So I get all excited when I see a  new medicine made for people with joint pain who also have stomach problems--only to find out from Dr. B that it's been recalled. But it's basically just naproxen coated with omaprazole. So she gives me a scrip for the meds separate from each other. I took the Om. for a few days as per instructions before I started with the Naproxen.

The combo didn't upset my stomach but unfortunately gave me a terrible case of constipation. I did some research and it turns out both meds cause this problem. So much for that idea. I'm about to give up.

I called a new doctor that Dr. B said might be able to help me, but can't see her for 2 weeks. Meantime I just don't know what to do. I'm f-ing sick of this.

Pool Party for John Joseph!

John Joseph is six years old this week! He had a big party in the backyard with a bunch of his friends. I don't think he was ever out of the pool!

Noreen made hot foods like sausages and peppers and baked ziti. There were hot dogs and hamburgers, all kinds of chips and snacks (in big baskets), potato salad and cole slaw and more. And two cakes!

I bet he'll remember this party for a long time. It was a perfect summer day!