Friendships

I'm in Crowley for a doctor's appointment and don't really have any of pictures with me, but I sneaked this one from my son, Donnie's Facebook. It's hard to believe that my first born will soon be 42 years old and my daughter turns 40 in February. Where has the time gone. There are days when I wish they were little again, but that is just my selfish needs. They have made me proud of their accomplishments and I am looking forward to Christmas this year. The last 2 were very sad for me and my friend as we both lost our fathers on the same day, one year apart.

I have a pet peeve about friendships and being used by people who claim to be my friend, but the minute they have a little extra money, they ignore me. Money is the root of all evil and she has really turned a situation into an ugly ordeal. What would you do if someone promised to pay the taxes on a $1,400 jackpot, so you won't lose your benifits, then renege on the deal? Well that is what happened and my best friend is the one who got hurt by all this and it caused me to lose my trust in her. Turns out, she is a user and only comes or calls when she has no money to play bingo. I don't need those kind of friends in my life. And worst of all, Al was going to buy her a ticket to NYC so that she could come with me in the spring. Glad we didn't book the flights yet. Our weekly dinners are gone, but I still have my friend Bryan who comes to eat even if it's just pizza.
So much for the drama. Yesterday I went to Goodwill and found a bracelet made with crystals, so I am going to re-do it to my own style and got it for $.59. Just one of the beads cost that, so I made out good. I am working on a bear right now for frufru friday and she will be all dolled up with lace and a boa. I have to look for a hat for her, because I have every size except the one that would fit her head. I made a list of unfinished projects and have been working on those before I start anything new. Making things for FruFru Friday will be fun. I plan on taking a regular shoe and turning it into a pin cushion, so that should be fun to work on.
Well shower time to cool off and get ready for my doctor's appointment. I sure hope he has some better news for me.. Have a cool day and stay indoors if at all possible. The temps yesterday was 100 degrees and today is supposed to be hotter. I tried working in  my garden repotting, but just couldn't do it with the heat. Love and hugs, Pat

My thoughts today

It's Easter Time

Well I am thinking how much Easter means to me and all I could think of was 3 nails and a cross. When I did craft shows, I took 3 nails and wire themed together with a tiny little wreath at the top and sold them as ornaments that you hide inside your tree, because the tree symbolizes the wood used to make the cross. Jesus has always been there for me and I have been through a lot in the last 12 years, but He has always gotten me through. Being on life support and my family knowing that I might die was supposed to be a lesson for them, not me, because I didn't know what was going on. But once I found out, my life became simple, well almost, but now I find myself living the way God would want. I have always dreamed of living in a pretty new larger home, but I realized I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and clothes when it's cold. I am a very Blessed person with a few friends who stand by me when I need them, plus I have all of you in Blogland that have helped me through some very difficult times. I don't have all my graphics from my other hard drive but I am hoping to transfer all them soon.

Easter Season gives us time to repent and become a new person. Most Catholics give up something for Lent, but I choose to give it up forever. Mine is to be a kinder, more gentle person and not let anyone hurt me. I forgive all who hurt me and then go on with my life. I humble myself and quit dwelling on the past. What has happened is over and we can't go back to yesterday, but we can change today. The future holds our destiny and if we change today, our destiny can be everything God wants of us. I have never felt this good about myself before. I have been reading a lot of Christian books and found a lot of answers to what I need to do, so my bucket list is a pleasing one for God,not for myself. I love all of you, and even though, I no longer get many comments, that's okay also. This is my blog and I see it as a journal of sorts.

I still "like" things, but I could easily live without them if I have to, but God wants us to have nice things, but He doesn't want us to worship them. So my thoughts for you today are that you are as Blessed as I feel today. Life is good, even though I am not healthy, but working on what I can fix and leave the rest to God, only he can fix those. He gives me strenght to endure some of the pain, but I still have to rely on medicine. I want to be around to see my grandchildren finish school and see my granddaughter married with children of her own. Have a Blessed Day and May God Bless you all. Love and Hugs, Pat

If you can search for "He grew the Tree", listen to it. I will try and find it. I have it on cassette and need to try and get it to a CD.

Time for Spring

Don't you wish Spring were here and we are very close to it, but for the South to continue this cold streak, I'm afraid we are in for a very hot summer and a horrible hurricane season.

Below is a canvas that I altered in an MSN group, ABCrafting. I need opinions as to whether you would join for something similar for a giveaway. I only had 4 people join my last giveaway and I really would love to have more join in. Let me know what you think, then I will decide if it is worth my time. I used to get lots of visitors, but for some reason, I don't anymore. I guess it's because I talked about my health issues too much. Also, I always add extras when I have a giveaway or swap. So until I get a few opinions, I will leave this posted, then decide what I will do for a giveaway. Now that I am crafting more, I would like to have one every month, even if it's jus a journal that I make from notebooks.

I will also be making a selling blog where I will list things for sell and Al will use his paypal account until I can get started. I have collected some vintage and some really cute and sweet things. I make bookmarks with beads, journals, squash books, altered boxes and they are mostly one of a kind. I will let you all know when the blog is done.

Now to make it interesting, I will give away something with the best name for my new blog. I love pastel colors and have lots of things that I can make for the winner. So put you thinking caps on and come up with something cute and sweet. I thought about Patty's Pretties, because I used that name when I made printable graphics for a girl's web site that I joined.

Well I am headed off to sleep. I have been multi tasking while watching 2012. I have the new brad maker and so I can put pictures on the brads for special scrapbook pages. I don't yet have a laser printer, but that is in the works. Our PT cruiser had problems and it cost over $200 to change a sensor on it---seems like something always happens when things begin to look good.

Good night everyone and God Bless you all. Please remember my friend Joyce in your prayers as she is having surgery on Thursday morning. Love and hugs, Pat :)

                                                  Click picture for a larger view.

Burrrrrr, Baby it's cold outside!

Roses still blooming with light freeze. If you look close you can see a little ice still on them. We never know what will bloom around here---our weather is so unpredictable. This time they got it right. It is downright cold and we are in a deep freeze.

I am lucky that I can let the water trickle because it won't hurt anyone. In the city, it causes pressure to go down, so Al shut his off and drained the pipes. He came here to relight the pilot on the central heating----I'm a chicken when it comes to gas and electricity. Last night I stayed under the covers and didn't want to get up. Tonight it is supposed to be even colder---in the very low  20s, then Sunday in the teens.

We lost a lot of oranges, but saved more than we need, so going to donate them if my siblings don't want to come and get them.

If I could keep my feet warm, I would be fine, but with the nerve damage, it feels like they want to break and I'm wearing 2 pairs of socks.

I will visit all of my fellow bloggers as soon as I can warm up. Wish the cord was long enough to bring the laptop to the bed.  So I will return soon to post my giveaway next week. I have to go to Crowley to pick up some goodies.

I know those of you up North and in the Midwest are having it worse than us and I love winter, but not in the teens---30s are my kind of weather. I pray you all stay warm and safe. There are many people here who are going to bed with little heaters on and 3 houses have already burned down. I think it would be cheaper to buy an electric blanket than lose everything you have and possibly deaths with fires. See you soon. Love, Hugs, and Prayers, Pat

Snow in Louisiana

Has anyone seen Pat? She seems to have vanished off the face of the Earth. I don't know where she went, but I need her back soon. This is her time of the year and it isn't looking like Christmas as usual for her. Now you know it's me and I am here, but I am not the person I once was. I am praying that she returns to my body soon-lol. I have become MY SISTER!

Can you believe that we will be getting snow this afternoon around 6pm. This will be the 2nd year in a row that it has snowed. I hope we get the 3 inches they predict for our area---should be fun throwing snowballs at myself-lol.
I have been busy trying to organize and pack things in case the sheriff shows up with an eviction notice. What a Christmas this will be! I am usually baking cookies right now and making things for Christmas, but I feel like The Grinch, but I would not steal anyone's Christmas from them and only wish the best for them.
I have no heat here, because of the gas leak in the central heating system, but I do have a little space heater for my bedroom, where I spend 90% of my time. Yesterday I cook the most wonderful shrimp, okra, and sausage gumbo, so that warmed up the kitchen a bit.
I will let you all know when I will be back in Crowley. I know for sure that I will be there when Donnie gets here. I have to be happy or at least pretend to be happy around him. They don't read my blog, so I know he won't find out.
My sincere wish for all of you is to have a very Blessed Christmas. I do have so much to be thankful for.
My Blessings
A God who loves me for who I am
wonderful children and grandchildren
Many thoughtful and caring bloggers
A roof over my head, such that it is
Food for my tummy
Caring Doctors
I will continue to visit my favorite blogs, but not sure if I can post very much. Many Blessings to all of you and remember I do love you all, even though I have only met 3 people from the internet. Well it's nap time for me---no energy, so I should find something out next Thursday from my doctor. Love, Hugs, and Many Prayers, Pat

Today is the day

Well, I can't say I'm not nervous about having a thin tube put in my groin, into my heart, then some dye, so the Cardiologist said it was okay to take an anti anxiety pill.

We have decided to seek an attorney about the house, because I have not done anything to stop the sale of the house and that is usually the reason it is turned over to a judge for auction. In fact, I had 2 good potential buyers, but Brenda would not give us a price to tell them. One of the people who wanted to buy it, lives right next door with their family all together on acres of land. The girl who wants to buy it, was so excited when she saw mom's shop and said the same thing I did, I could finally have a huge craft room. But I will let her know that the house may be up for auction, so they might get it cheaper, if they are prepared ahead of time with the financing.

Well, today will be a long day, laying on my back, which hurts really bad, so not sure if I can handle that. The nurse said they will try and put a pillow behind my back to help take some of the pressure off of it. I will have Al come in and let y'all know how things went---3 possibilities that I have signed agreements for already----no stint needed, stint needed if over 75% blockage, or open heart surgery. Please keep me in your prayers today.

I will be at my 400Th post before the end of November, so while I am laying down, I will think of something great to send and add some goodies for a great giveaway. The one I did for my Birthday was such fun making, so this one will be a mixture of things for Christmas. Love and Hugs, Pat

I need to take a break

I got some really bad news today and needless to say, my so called sister is not the person I thought her to be. She has threatened to report me to Disability, because she doesn't believe that I don't want to live with Al anymore. I am so messed up right now and all I did was cry after reading the email she sent to Al. I need prayers so badly. I am also going to lose what little I was going to get from my inheritance because she is having the judge sell it at auction and she will get most of the money, just as we thought from the beginning. Her business is failing and also her husband's isn't doing too good according to Al.
I needed my granddaughter to come and stay with me for a day after my angiogram, but my son said he was sorry, but he was afraid to allow them to come with all the assaults that were against me and while I don't blame him, it hurts very much. I have not seen them in so long and I miss them.
I will come back and let you know how my angiogram went and if they had to put stints or worse, open heart surgery. I consider myself a strong person, but right now, I am so weak and have just my children as family. I know that I lay too much out there in blog land and have lost many visitors and I do understand. Who wants to hear all that negativity. I was so happy for the last weeks and then this.

Also my 1st cousin died in Florida at the age of 50. They won't know anything until the autopsy. She had breast cancer and she was in great pain and the county they live in, no doctor gives pain medication, so they drove to the next county. She fell asleep and the driver got tired, so they pulled over and in the morning when they woke up, they could not wake her. She had died during the night. She was my aunt's youngest and we are all taking it very hard. She too will be cremated. So Please keep my aunt and her children in your prayers.

I have to pack and I just don't know where I will go from here, so I need the week to try and pack as much as I can and store it at Al's. If he can find an apt he can afford, he will let me live in his house, so please pray for that to be possible.
I love all of you for being patient with me and I will try to be a better blogger. In fact, I am very close to my 400Th post, so I hope that I can get a good giveaway together for all of you. Love, Hugs, and Many Blessings. Also Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I will be alone and may just stay in bed and thank God for all my blessings.

Just another day in my life!

Hi everyone. I said I would not post anything negative again, but getting it off my chest always helps me and this time it was the worst thing that could happen to me. As I said before I was to have another epidural on the 7Th and all went well. It was scary at first when I saw 7 different injections, so I asked the nurse if those were all for me---yes! Before he started, my doctor came in my little waiting area and I broke down and cried, so we talked and he decided it was time to increase my bipolar dosage. I was feeling so good until 4 days later when my 2 sisters came to pack up the youngest sister's things. My sister and I had a huge argument and it led up to her yelling at me to shut up, but not the words she used. You can push someone so far and they finally pushed me to a breaking point and I decided to stand up for myself, but she ended up throwing a glass of water in my face. Normally, I let her walk all over me and bow to her, but I took my bottle of water and threw it in her face. It made her so mad, I guess she wasn't expecting that from me, that she came up right to my face and I didn't flinch an inch, making her really mad and she punched me in the mouth and it knocked me to the floor, hitting my head on a cabinet handle then to the floor smack on my back. My younger sister saw everything, but told the police she didn't see anything---3 feet from me. I was bleeding every where and she wanted to wipe my mouth and I told her not to touch me. My sister who hit me, started laughing and making jokes about having the police take pictures and saying in a very ugly way "Oh she's hurt, call 911 and the police" all the while laughing at me and calling me crazy. It's one thing for other people to call bipolar people crazy, but when your family does it, it hurts deep. They all have stolen my trust and taken away what feelings I had for them. So now, I am removing myself from them completely after my children's urging. When I was out of their lives I was the happiest person you would ever want to know. I just happened to go to Goodwill this past weekend and found a book "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". So I asked for their forgiveness for the things I told my younger sister, but now I want them out of my life. I got an email from the youngest, but I have put them in my spam folder. I emailed her back just as I did my other sister and told them if they have anything to say, email Al, as he is taking over power of attorney, so I don't have to be subject to getting assaulted again, then have them all lie about it. I am free and God is taking care of me. My children are very upset and said things I never thought they would say about the sister who hit me. One of them does not trust her anymore and that was very hard to hear, but it's the truth. I will not put myself in that situation Ever again. My epidural didn't work and I have to have an MRI to see if the bulging disk has herniated. I had to postpone my angiogram because I could not lay on my back, but I think I may be able to now, so I am calling to reschedule it today. I prayed a lot about filing charges and have decided that I will let God handle this for me, except for my brother. He has abused too many women to allow this to continue and I would feel worse if he ended up really hurting a woman or worse, killing them.

Other than that, life is good--God is great. I have my craft closet organized and have sent what I don't need to Al's to store for me.

Well I had to get up to take some meds, so the heating pad is just right. The swelling on my left side of the spine is still swollen, so I go from heat to ice. My doctor doesn't know about this assault and I know what he will tell me. I can't have another epidural for 3 months, so I will have to live with the pain for a while. I know many of you are sleeping, but I will still say Good Morning and hope your day will be as joyful as mine. Love and hugs, Pat

A Pink Warrior sent me the sweetest gift and I will take a picture and post it later. It brightened my day so much that I cried tears of joy instead of pain. Thank you so much.

Trying to stay busy!

Well I have been trying to stay busy for my own sanity, but it's not working too good. My sister said some terrible things to me and even though some may be true, it was a cold hearted way of saying them. Here are a few more of my treasure finds or make overs. I do need your prayers so much right now. I will be having another epidural on Wednesday, then an angiogram on the 13Th. I am praying that they find no blockages that will require a stint put in. I hope you all enjoyed seeing my neat things as much as I do. Love and Hugs and many Blessings, Pat

My re-vamped stool

My New craft stool.

I had a lot of pics to post, but not sure which folder I put them in. This is an old bar stool we found in the garage and was going to end up in the garbage. The lamp was a thrift find and I forgot to take a before shot, but take my word, it was dirty and rusty and I re-wired it for safety reason.

We still have another stool but the wooden seat is in bad shape, so Al is going to cut a new one and I will be painting it in black with a red print seat for my friend who has been helping me paint.

I started stripping an antique dressing table and I don't like the paint stripper Al brought to me, so will get what I normally use. I have many things to post, but it's slow to load, so will only do a few at a time. Crafting feels great again and I have a birdhouse that I was to put lace, scrapbook paper and some bling.

Prayers for my friends in Georgia and all the people affected by the floods. Such a sad thing. We also have been having rain almost every day and today was really bad.

Well I should be asleep and actually I did fall asleep at 6pm, but awoke around 10pm. I hope you all have a great weekend. Not sure if I made my 400th post yet, so will check and try to have a giveaway. Love, hugs, and blessings to all of you, Pat

Tired to the bone!

Hi all my sweet blog friends. I have missed you all so much, but too tired right now to go blogging. I am in Crowley for a couple of days to rest and get away from things. We did great with the sale and made almost $1,700, but still have over half of things left and believe me, the prices were super cheap. I was a little disappointed with my sister because Al wanted Mom's gourds to paint Santa's, but would never give me a price for all of them. She said I should have reminded her that day, and needless to say, I was stuck inside and they sold over 70 of them for $2.00. Al is not happy, but he will get over it.
I finally found my camera, so tomorrow I will take a few pictures of some really great thrift finds. Some I left at my temporary home. I've got vintage lace and trims, a beautiful baby doll, a box of vintage wrapping paper still in the box from a jewelry store and lots of other neat things.
I will be packing some crafts to bring and work on, now that I have lots of free time. Al was going to hook me up with dial up, but the frig at Mom's burned up, so he bought me a new one. I lost a lot of food and that hurt a bit.

Brenda gave me my aunt's old mink coat that is falling apart and as much as I hate to use animal fur for things, I want to use pieces on journals for those who don't mind too much.

I will email my snail mail address to those who asked for it. I also found an empty bird nest in our orange tree, so it will soon be sent out to our bird lover. Not sure what bird nest it was, but it's too small for a Mockingbird. It does have horse hair in it, so I hope that she is not allergic to it. I have sprayed it with a natural insecticide, just in case some little critters are hiding in it.

One of our neighbors that I had not seen in over 30 years came to the sale and she still called me Patsy. It was almost like a big reunion, seeing people I had not seen in years.

Well I am off to check my emails, then get some groceries to bring back, so I will see you all tomorrow. Have a Blessed Evening. Love and hugs, Pat

My friend has gone to meet Our Lord

I am home for just today, but with it I bring sad news. My friend Bubba (Donald) has left our material world and gone to meet Our Lord. When I went to visit him last, he was having a really bad day and the morphine was making him say ugly things to everyone around him. I left crying because I was trying to get him to eat a little something and he yelled at me to leave him alone and the get the %$#* out of there. I hugged him and he kissed me, even after yelling at me. I told him I still loved him unconditionally, then he pulled me back and said I love you too and kissed me again. That was the last I saw of him. He died with his buddy holding his hand, so he was not alone. Curtis called me to let me know that he died peacefully last Friday. He donated his body to LSU medical school, so there will only be a memorial service. Bubba abused his body and he knew it but it was too late to turn back the clock and he died at the young age of 64. Please keep him in your prayers. I have been really sad all week, but tried to keep busy at home in the country.

I have been busy setting up things for the estate sale on the 1st Saturday in June and it's not easy doing it alone. My sil comes once a week to help me out, but I will have to work really fast now to get it done.

I did have a virus last week and stayed in bed for 2 days and avoiding people as much as possible. I see the doctor next week and will be having blood test tomorrow to find out what is wrong. We have 7 cases of flu in Lafayette and 5 were the swine flu, but a very mild form that was quickly taken care of with Tami flu and that other injection they are giving. I had a mild fever of only 100.5, but my poor bones ached so much I wanted to scream.

I did do a small craft project to show people what they could do with scraps of material---a lacy pin cushion hat and now I am going to make a journal with lace and embellishments also. Not sure if I mentioned this, but we have a new scrapbook shop in Jennings and Mona, the owner asked me to come and give lessons on things I do with paper. I told her as soon as the estate sale was over, I would be more than happy to do it. I will be teaching a squash book class first, then a journal, then beading on cards. I don't have to buy anything as they will buy their own supplies in her store. I have never been a teacher, so it should be really fun.

I did find a good bargain at Goodwill and this time, it's the really McCoy. I got a Louis Vitton bucket purse and the serial number is in the purse. I am hoping to make a few bucks on eBay, so wish me luck. I also found a ring in a parking lot over 3 months ago and no one has called to inquire about it, nor has it been listed in the lost and found section of the newspaper, so it may be mine to keep. The jeweler would not say what it was worth, but it has real diamonds. I may have mentioned the necklace I bought at a thrift store for $1 and it is worth about $350 dollars and is 18 carat gold with 3 garnets and a diamond.

Well I hope that you all have a wonderful Mother's Day this Sunday. My wonderful son and partner sent me a cashmere throw with pillows to match and a cashmere sweater. The throw is actually a full size throw and very warm. Lots of little gifts were also included with some wonderful cards with written thoughts that made me cry. Guess I did a great job as a mother and that is the greatest gift I have from God, because He helped me with them. My daughter, Chris is leaving for Hawaii on the 24Th and hoping she comes back engaged-lol.

It will be sad for Mother's Day this year, but I always manage to get through it with my children so far away and my youngest seems to live in a world of his own.

Blessings to all of you and hope to see you soon. Still trying to find internet service in the country, but it looks like nothing is available and ATT's satelite service is just not worth $55 a month--I could rarely get a connection. Love and hugs, Pat

Hello my friends---I'm sad and my heart hurts.

Hello fellow bloggers. I had to drive in late last night because my Best Friend had the last rites this morning and they let me in at 10:30pm to visit since he doesn't have any family except for a niece. He was a little responsive to me and when I asked him to squeeze my hand if he knew it was Pat, he squeezed very hard and I broke down. Had there not been a room mate, the nurse was going to set it up for me to stay the night with him so he wouldn't die alone. He doesn't have much time and I am so sad right now. I was not going to come home at all until Tuesday, but I couldn't live with myself if he died without telling him I loved him and goodbye. I will be going back very early in the morning, so I should be getting some sleep. Please keep Donald in your prayers, as his family have all passed on. Of the 22 years we have been here, he has spent 18 Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with us as family---he is only 65 years young.

My sil and I have worked very hard this week and accomplished so much for the garage sale. We have bonded and are very close now and would joke every time we emptied another box. We still are finding some really nice things. We have it decorated like a store and hope to get finished in about 2 to 3 weeks, then we can rest for 2 before the big day. I hope I can remember to take pictures of the before and after we started emptying boxes.

I was very ill on Monday and stayed in bed most of the day. My injections make me sick the day after so I was prepared for it, but it felt like the worst flu I ever had and with the swine flu talk going around, I will probably stay cooped up as I don't have the immune system to fight something like that.

Well it's late and I really need to get some rest but will try to come back after returning from The Camelot where my friend Donald is staying---it's not a nursing home per say, but a very beautiful medical facility instead of a hospital. I wish you all a very Happy Weekend. The weather here is beautiful and I am enjoying living in the country while I can. It does feel strange living there all alone, but I have visitors just about every day, so it's not so bad. Hope to see you again before I leave. I miss all of you and trying to find Internet service. Love and hugs, Pat

Rained Cats and Dogs for 3 days

Well to say it was a nasty weekend is an understand. Have you ever seen it rain like dogs and cats? So many people drive so fast in rain you can barely see through and I witnessed a car crossing over the interstate that had it not been raining could have been really bad. They got bogged down, so we called 911 and no one was hurt. The next day, there were more signs of people who had gone off the road and left deep mud trails in the median. So that's how most of the weekend was-rain, rain, rain!
I took Carol's daughter to see Kaden yesterday and he may be coming home on Tuesday or Wednesday. All the IVs are off and he is breathing good and eating really good. The nurse mentioned something about adding some whole fat milk that is formulated to put in Kaden's formula, because Vic's milk at the end is lacking enough, so he lost a few ounces. He is so adorable and I was excited to see the little short video of me holding him yesterday. I forgot to copy the link, so you can see how adorable he is, but it is at the bottom of my links, Simplemecarol. I wish we had a hospital here that had women who go in and rock and feed babies whose mothers can't get there or they live to far and can't afford to stay. I would probably live there, because it has to be such a rewarding job.
I wish that Angels in Waiting would help Carol and her daughter, because even though I never wanted to mention Nadya Suleman on my blog, I have to. Carol does not go out and buy $1,000 worth of makeup or giggle like she did on TV. I have seen nothing but stress in Carol lately and that was the reason Al and me decided what she needed was a retreat, so hence, Design on a Dime came to mind. We are at budget, so wall covering and floors will have to be put off until we get more money. My brother and Al ran into problems so it took some of that money to fix it, but luckily my brother has some beautiful molding left from building his home and they gave us a sheet of plywood from dad's house. Thanks Brenda if you are reading this. My brother was determined not to leave yesterday until the bath and faucet were connected, so they did get to bathe at home. I love the faucet because it has a safety feature to teach Kaden. The hot faucet goes up and the cold goes down, so we are going to think of a little song to teach him.
Today I get the results of my blood work and tomorrow the results of the ultra sound. Cigarettes are nasty and food taste great, so I have to watch my diet. I will be cleaning my house as soon as we finish up at Carol's. My other friend Bryan is on my case about crafting, so guess I'll get back to that. He said he noticed the difference in me since I quit. Glad he was paying attention.
Guess I'll have some more coffee before heading to the shower. I am going to take a picture from the back so you can see how long my hair is because it will soon be gone to Locks of Love. It took a year to grow, but was well worth it for all the little kids who get cancer and can't afford wigs. God bless their little hearts and all those suffering from this awful thing we call Cancer. Love you all and wish you a Happy Monday. Pat

Design on a Dime!

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been out of the loop again. Starting up smoking again was really stupid (stupid is as stupid does) but it is getting under control with Chantix, but it does make me nauseated, so have been spending a lot of time in bed. My "girlies" are fine and I had the ultra sound this morning and we got there at 8am and I was out by 8:20am. Talk about luxury! They had snacks and drinks for you like at the Breast Clinic and even a computer set up for people who have to stay a while. I will know all the results on Monady and Tuesday---I don't know why they can't do it over the phone anymore.

Any how----we have been busy and last week, we put the vanity in at my best friend Carol's house. I didn't get to take a before shot, but do have the rest of the room for later. We will be putting in a new bathtub for her and doing it all on a small budget. I will be sewing a shower curtain for one of those curved shower curtains that don't make you feel closed in. My brother is going to help with the labor since he built his own house and between him and Al, they won't be without a tub or shower for too many days.

I may not post again until Tuesday, because I need to break some of the bad habits of lighting up a cigarette---yuk already! I need to get some masks for when I paint or use the E6000.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am going take a nap before my friend comes over. Carol, I will try to call you again to make sure that Sunday is okay---we are just going to Stine's because it will be easier than driving to Lafayette and then going to your house. Love, hugs, and prayers, everyone. Pat

Tough diagnosis and prayers needed

You know many of us always want to question God as to why things happen to us. I have always thought of myself as a good, decent, and loving person, so does that mean that bad things happen to good people? I guess I answered my own question because I honestly believe God loves me with all His might, but today we got some horrible, yet not so tragic news. I have early stage emphysema and yes, I was a smoker, but I used toxic glue without ventilation more than I smoked. We spent 4 hours at the doctors office having tests done. I had a pulmonary function test done twice, once before a breathing treatment then again after. No more second hand smoke or using glue without a mask. If that wasn't bad enough, he was examining me and when he pressed on the area where my gall bladder is located, I almost jumped off the table, plus he felt a hernia. So here I am sitting in the office and he calls a surgeon which I have to see on Thursday, but before going there, I am having a complete blood workup.

All this time, I thought I just had a virus or something, but because the pain would go away after a while, then return, I had to tell the doctor----Al is a snitch, so unless I want to lie to the doctor, I have to leave him home. I can't say that I am not afraid because I watched my mom suffer with it. This was my second opinion, so there is no use getting a 3rd when both doctors agree.

Wednesday, Al and I are going over to our friends house and doing some repairs in her bathroom and we are forgoing the closet extension for now. Some things are more important than myself and this project has made me happier than I have been in quite some time.

So tonight I ask that you ask your friends and family to pray for us. Once I get pass the shock of this, I will return with happy thoughts and positive thinking because I have the Greatest Being standing next to me and will catch me if I fall---My Lord Jesus and tonight I thank Him for all His Blessings He has given us, so we are Paying it Forward instead of blowing our income tax refund on trivial things. God Bless all of you for standing by me and not calling me a "whiner"---I just need prayers. Love and Hugs, Pat

Love is a beautiful gift

I had the Most wonderful day yesterday. Carol's daughter needed a ride to go to the hospital to see baby Kaden, so I told her I would take her. Well if you know me, I have a very soft heart and I haven't held a newborn baby in a very long time, especially one so tiny. Now I know how the Grinch must have felt when his heart got so big. The picture above says it all---I fell in love at first sight and since I have no grand babies of my own to spoil, guess who will be???? I also got to witness what a great job Carol has done being a single mom raising 2 girls, one now in college and one with a baby who is growing into a young adult who will be a great mom. If I lived closer, I would love to be able to babysit Kaden while Victoria finishes school. As I watched her feed her baby, I saw a love that no one can deny. I am like Carol, I am so proud of this young girl that I met over 7 years ago. They need all the prayers and support so I am asking all of you to please say a financial prayer for them because they are having a rough time. I know in my heart that God will provide for them, but there are a few things that God can't come down and do Himself, so He sends angels to help with repairs and things. I always wondered why God allowed me to live and for what purpose I had in life besides being a good mom and wife. I finally got my answer. Thank you Lord for all your blessings.

Also could you please keep my friend Bryan in your prayers. He came for a visit today and things are not so great since Pop died the day after Christmas.

The baby shower was great on Saturday and there were soooo many people, but it was really fun and she got lots of wonderful things. One of the games they played, was really fun to watch. Victoria picked 6 people she wanted to play, but I had to decline because my lungs are not strong enough to suck on a baby bottle---the fun would have been picking me up off the floor.

Well I am going back to reading my new magazine we picked up yesterday---I finally got a copy of Artful Blogger, so maybe I can learn a few things. Have a wonderful night and may God bring you peaceful sleep for a beautiful day tomorrow. Love and Hugs, Pat

Beautiful Awards from 2 great ladies

Here is the official info on the award:What this award is about...Bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude.What you have to do...Upon receiving The Lemonade Award, you also pass it on to other bloggers who you think show great attitude and gratitude.Here are the rules:1. Put the logo on your blog or post.2. Nominate at least 8 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!3. Link to your nominees within your post.4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
So here are the blogs I will pass the award to:

Greatest News in a long time

I left the doctors office with tears of joy. No surgery---it's only a bulging disk---Yea! And we discussed the pain pump, after I researched more about it and I don't like the idea of morphine being used. He asked me if the trigger point injections he had given me helped, but he had only given them to me in my belly for the scar tissue. He apologized and then starting pressing on my spine until he hit the point and I jumped off the chair. He then wanted to bet me $20 that I would feel relief, but I told him, no bets. The injections were very painful, but the relief was good. The numbness has worn off and I hurt really bad again, but in a couple of days, the injections should start working. He is really a great guy and he turned his back and said I needed to punch him because he deserved it. The pain pump can cause infection, and since I have already had 3 bouts with staph, that will be a last resort. He did suggest that we get a table that flips and stretches the spine and do it about 8 minutes each day. So now I will go every 8 weeks for injections until there is a need for the surgery. If any of you have ever had 14 surgeries in 5 years, you would know how I feel right now. It was a good cry that I had, but it was tears of joy. I still won't be able to do the things I used to do, but at least I will find some relief and do some crafting again. Thank you all so much for the prayers and thoughts that you said and sent me. It has helped me so much that words are just not enough.

It's only forward now and what could be better. God is so great. Love and Hugs, Pat

Prayers for Joyce and her friend

Today I am asking you for prayers for Joyce's (secretgarden)friend who passed away yesterday after a short battle with cancer. She was only 49 years old and leaves behind children. She is from my home town in Crowley, but not sure if I know her personally. I meet so many people at my craft shows, so by face, I may know her family.

Joyce was with her and that to me is a gift. Joyce, you are all in my prayers and I hope the poem gives the family some comfort. Big Hugs to you.

I am stuck in bed today waiting for the doctor's office to open. Will explain later, just keep us all in your prayers.