862.

Hello good people.

Hopefully everyone is somewhere safe and if possible, enjoyable.

It's a warm-ish Wednesday evening in my realm. All is quiet as All Hallows Eve 👻 👹👺👺 winds to a close. In fact, it's been mostly quiet here all evening. I did hear a bit of commotion earlier, a dog barking and music but nothing outrageous.

No one knocked on my door for candy. Probably my porch light being off cued them in that there were no goodies to be given out here.

Halloween isn't a "holiday" I'm mad about. It was fun for a while, when I was in my late teens. My best friend and I would head uptown in our city, to an area that featured lots of festive fun for those who gathered.

It was quite a trek from our neighborhood, over an hour on the bus, but it was worth the trip. People literally mingled in the streets for hours, laughing, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking.  😁

Then we got older and Other Things took precedence, leaving us no time to participate in such frivolities.

*sigh*

I look back on those days fondly but not fondly enough to take Baby Bliss trick-or-treating when she was old enough.

Thank God for Mr. Bliss. 😀 He loved all things festive and Baby Bliss benefitted immensely. For many years he took her to get her costume and out to collect candy. 🍫🍭🍬

After we moved south and began home schooling, I did take her to Halloween parties given by other home schoolers who were her friends and peers.

They were fun if I recall correctly.

🌸 🌸 🌸

Daddy and I had an uneventful day. We've settled into a semi-routine. It varies depending on what time daddy gets up in the morning. Most days he's up by 8 a.m. If he isn't, I'll wake him. If he wasn't on medication and diabetic, it would be okay for him to sleep as late as he wants.

But he has to have his meds and meals properly spaced. I'm also monitoring his glucose levels (also known as "taking his sugar" or "checking his sugar") several times a day so that has to be factored in too.

We've been doing pretty good so far and I'm thankful.

Next week I'm hoping we can get to the mountains for a day. Before daddy got here, I was planning a beach vacation for him with Baby Bliss, my mom, and possibly Baby Bliss' fiancé. But the hurricanes necessitated re-thinking that one.

I think a trip to the mountains will be a good substitute. We can eat and shop, enjoy the scenery and the fresh mountain air.

He said he wanted to go but I'll play it by ear. There's always the park at the lake if daddy isn't up to a day of travel and frolic.

🌸 🌸 🌸

In other news, I got a call from my friend this morning. We talked for an hour. All is well.

🌸 🌸 🌸

Looks like I forgot to mention a visit from Baby Bliss and her intended. They dropped by on Saturday, to see my dad and get more of her things. 👚👜👢📓📕🎹🎤

Daddy was napping when they arrived so they visited with him in his room. He was happy to see them.   😊

861.

🌸 🌸 🌸

I am thankful for the good people I've chosen to be in my life who choose me right back.

Amen.

🌸 🌸 🌸

860.

I just watched the funniest episode of "Modern Family" that I've seen to date.

It's this one: Lake Life.

Check it out if you get the chance.

I hope it makes you laugh too. 😁

859.

Good evening and Happy Thursday y'all. 👋🏽 😘

It's been a busy day around these parts.

My morning started with making my bed, getting daddy's breakfast and morning meds ready, and a phone call that was a lesson in humility.

What had happened was...

A friend has been going through a period of distress and I've been trying to be as supportive as possible. 🤗

Our interaction has been good for me too. There are very few people I can confide in and this friend happens to be one of those people.

However, this morning I woke up feeling like maybe I'd been taking advantage of my friend because I felt I was getting so much from our conversations.

During the apology conversation I initiated this morning, I became emotionally overwhelmed and began to cry. But it was a silent cry because I didn't want my friend to know I was crying. I didn't want to cause any guilty feelings (and feel even worse myself, for doing so).

When the conversation ended, I felt better but I also felt awful because I felt like I might have alienated my friend somehow. We rang off and I went back to my morning busy-ness.

A few minutes later my phone rang. It was my friend calling back to say all was well: it was okay that we both benefited from our conversations, I shouldn't feel bad about it, it wasn't a secret that I had been crying, that I could call any time I needed or wanted, that we were okay.

My friend also thanked me for being available during this time of distress. I did the same.

When we rang off I cried a bit more, thankful to have such a person in my life and thankful that I could be that person for someone else. 😌

There is so much to be grateful for in life, despite the things that are less than positive. Every day I understand this to a greater degree.

🌸 🌸 🌸

Daddy had a mid-day appointment and after it was done, we hit the streets and ran wild. 🏃🏾🏃🏾‍♀️

We went to Home Goods in search of a healthy-er breakfast bar for daddy. His current diet is about 75 percent fresh foods, with a lot of that being organic when possible; about 20 percent is frozen and the rest is "other".

He's been missing his junk food so I'm attempting to be flexible with some healthy-er items that I hope will appease his appetite for the unhealthy stuff.

One of the good things about having daddy here is that watching his diet is also helping me watch how I'm eating as well. I've become much more conscious of how much salt I use daily because daddy is on a sodium-restricted diet.

And not that I'm eating salt on everything but I do like the taste of it and I'm realizing that I tend to overdo it.

Example: last week I had an issue with my right foot and ankle swelling. After a bit of research, lots of water and hibiscus tea were imbibed in addition to applications of topical potions. Thankfully it all worked.

Let's blame it on my weakness for roasted and salted macadamia nuts. 😜 Although I don't buy them often (maybe once every few months or so), they are one of my weaknesses. Last week a bag crept into my buggy at the supermarket. It took me the week to eat them but it was a manic week. It was like I'd been overcome by a spirit that caused me to return to the kitchen again and again for two or three nuts every hour or so. 😂😰

Cue the swelling. 😔

Also daddy loves some foods I either don't eat or I eat in moderation (meaning I probably don't buy them but I'll eat them when I'm out if I have a taste for them). When buying those items for him, I must read labels. (Specifically for sodium amounts but also for carb count.)

When cooking for us both, I have to watch the amount of salt I use which is also forcing me to get creative with other spices. 😟😰

Other spices... Yeah... We'll get there. 😋

After we didn't find what we needed at Home Goods, we headed to lunch at an Indian restaurant across the street. We also went to Wal-Mart and the post office before heading home.

We were gone from noon until six p.m.

Long day.

Daddy is currently napping. I'll wake him for his evening meds and a snack in another hour or so. When he returns to bed I'll unwind with my dinner and a few pages of "Babycakes". Then I'll watch telly and ramble around online until I nod off.

I've fallen into my old (bad) habit of staying up after midnight and it's taking a toll on me. Daddy usually makes a bathroom run in the wee hours. It disrupts my sleep and although I'm able to doze off again, there are only a few hours between being awakened and my wake-up call (usually eight a.m.)

It's not enough because I'm usually nodding towards afternoon. Since I can't add hours on the wake-up end, I need to get to sleep earlier.

Bed time tonight will be 11 p.m.

858.

Oh Happy Day y'all!

I hope everyone is doing well.

Daddy and I are. We're still adjusting to our new life. I'm beginning to see that it's an ongoing process, just like everything else in life.

As soon as I think all is in order, here comes that ole monkey with her wrench. 🐒

Que sera, sera baby. I'm doing what I can and leaving the rest to that good and great Higher Power that has gotten us this far. 🤗🙏🏾

As usual, so much has happened since I was last here. 👀

Daddy has had two doc appointments, one with his primary and one with his cardio. Both doctors were very concerned about his kidneys (not news) based on his lab results (both sets) but his cardio's office called today to say daddy's labs were "good".

His cardio also said (at the appointment) that we would see a lot of him in the next few months because he wants to monitor daddy carefully. He also mentioned that he wants to see if he can get daddy off of a few of his current meds, to make daddy's life more "comfortable".

Although that word can have a negative connotation for a person whose health is... as unfavorable as daddy's is currently, I'm not reading anything into it because I know where daddy was back in December and where he is now.

While I am a realist, I am also optimistic. Especially when it comes to daddy because I've seen his resilience. The realist in me also sees that he is far from being well. He is, however, doing his best with the hand he's now holding.

He asks a lot of questions about his medications and asks me to explain some things that his doctors have said. I'm honest with him but speak gently.

For example, daddy talks often about buying a truck and going back to work. I always encourage him but remind him that he is on several medications that discourage driving and he'll need approval from his doctors before he can drive again and return to work.

🌸 🌸 🌸

In other news daddy and I were out the other day, gallivanting. As we were returning to the car, I heard a strange sound. I asked daddy if he'd heard it. He said yes. I looked around but didn't see anything so I continued helping daddy into the car.

The noise came again, louder this time and I realized it was somewhere above my head. I looked at the top of the building we'd just left and saw two black birds. They were looking at me then turned to each other and became more vocal.

I laughed and told daddy to look at the birds and pointed up. I stood outside the car and listened for a while, surprised at their sound. Were they crows? Ravens?

No clue. I needed to do some research.

I watched and listed for about a half minute then left. We had shopping to do and lunch to eat.

Daddy and I went to the closest Goodwill for a few hours then ended up at a nearby Thai restaurant I found by accident. The food ☕🍲🍚🍗🍅 was fresh and delicious. We will definitely eat there again.

🐦 🐦 🐦

Okay, so back to the BURDS: from what I read online, the pair I saw was most likely ravens. First, they were a pair and ravens are said to travel in twos. (Crows are usually seen in groups.) They also didn't sound like crows. There was no "caw", rather something more pleasing and melodic.

Some of you may know that I believe the Divine Creator speaks to us in many ways. I believe in spirit animals and animal totems, dream symbology and dream interpretation, and lots more.

If anyone is interested, the intel on raven as spirit animal is interesting. Check it out here: Raven Symbolism and here: Raven Power Animal Master Magician Keeper of Secrets. (The second link is the one that resonates best with me.)

I'm not sure what news or event(s) the ravens are heralding for my life but know what I want it to be. I also know whatever it is, it will be for my healing and highest good.

Along with my most recent Lotus Tarot e-mail (which was titled, "The Journey of the Sun"), I feel that blessings will abound and my gratitude is overflowing.

Amen.

🌸 🌸 🌸

Sad news that relates to a previous post but I can't say which one because I can't reveal the "who":

A person who I was once very close to (and who I'm currently on good terms with) called me a few weeks ago to say he'd lost his significant other in the previous month. I was immediately saddened, knowing how difficult it is to lose a partner.

He said he hadn't told me sooner because he knew I was dealing with my dad's situation and he didn't want to burden me in any way. I expressed my condolences and thanked him for his consideration. We talked a while longer and I assured him that I was available to talk to him any time he wanted to reach out.

Since then we've talked many times, including a recent call. He seems to be doing okay but it's hard to truly assess because of our limited contact.

Everyone's grief journey is different. There is no magic formula for me to send him but I wish there was because I know how devastating the pain associated with losing your love can be. 😩💔

I'm keeping him in my prayers. 🙏🏾

Not to be abrupt folks but that's my time. ⏰ I'm beat. 😫

Smooches to all! 💋💋💋

857.

Happy Sunday folks.

I hope everyone has been well in the time that I've been absent.

Saying "I've been busy", is an understatement.

At this moment, I am fighting exhaustion. Seriously.

As soon as I'm done with this (short) post, I'm passing out in a pile of pillows.

But I wanted to share this with you all: my daddy is now living with me. 🙌🏽

Finally. 😀😌

Surprise! 😀 🎉🎉🎉😀

He has been here a week as of Saturday.

We're still adjusting.

Those of you who have ever been caretakers for parents (or other elderly and/or disabled persons) probably have an idea of how my life has changed and will change in the days/weeks/months/years to come.

I'm still learning.

I'm also realizing it's a lot like having a toddler in the house, something I have experience with. Can't say I recall being this tired back then but maybe I was. 😫

In any event I'm thankful to have daddy here, where I know he's respected and being treated well.

Daddy is doing well despite his myriad of (serious) health issues. He's resting, eating well, getting his meds...

We've had quite a few visitors (friends and family), gotten a lot of business taken care of, and even spent time hanging out a bit in the past week.

It's been a long ride y'all. It's not over but we've changed direction for the better.

My sincerest "thank you" to everyone who has taken this journey with us. Thank you all for your prayers, for your positive thoughts and energy, for any moment you've taken to wish us well.

We are grateful. 🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏾

More later folks... 

856.

Oh my gosh y'all!

I wrote this post on September 16 and forgot to publish it.

It seems reminding myself to "publish first, edit later" (lest I forget!) isn't working.

*sigh*

So here it is today, September 30. So much has happened before and since this post...

I promise to update as soon as possible folks.

As always, stay tuned!

🌸 🌸 🌸 

September 16, 2018

Hello, hello, hello and happy day folks!

I hope everyone is safe and content.

There was a hurricane swirling near me. Florence was her name. She is now tropical storm Florence.

I live over 200 miles from the coast so no storm surge here but we're getting wind and rain. Flash flooding is predicted. I'll be inside, for the duration.

This has been a weekend of putting the finishing touches on a Special Project. Saturday I had some help from The Athlete. He had said he would do a big part of the project for me but I wasn't too sure so I started yesterday and left the hard parts for him.

He kept his word, surprising and delighting me. Not only did he help me, but he also gave me something really nice. I can't say what it is because that would reveal the surprise I'll share some time next week.

Before he left, because I know he never has any food at his place (and definitely nothing in the way of emergency preparedness), I made a small Hurricane Care Package for him to take home: two cans of tuna, half a sleeve of crackers, a four pack of peaches, an apple, a package of graham crackers, two bottles of water, two floating candles, and several small boxes of matches.

🌸 🌸 🌸

So y'all have probably guessed that I've been super busy since I was last here.

There were two more dates with pale blond guy. We had fun. I really liked him and we seemed to get along well. But there was also this weird energy that I couldn't decipher. And he was dealing with some personal issues that don't mesh well with my current and soon-to-be lifestyle.

We just kinda let it drift. But he gave me a couple of things that he probably wants back and he should have them because they're his. Howevva, he hasn't said anything and neither have I. My schedule is gonna change drastically pretty soon so he's gonna have to figure out a way to get his stuff that doesn't involve us meeting face-to-face. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I also had a long and fun date with a guy I met at a party this past winter. Lots of fun but we both knew it was a one-shot deal because my new schedule likely won't allow me to see him again.

He knows about my upcoming schedule changes and has actually been sending me encouraging messages as I move toward my new life.

This change will be major and I'm thankful for all the motivation I can get. 💓

Stay tuned for more folks!