COMING SOON... ROUND TWO...

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well... was hopeful about the hip injection, etc.  Unfortunately... no go.

So it is time for Round Two in the world of old age, imperfect body parts, and what's next!

After discussion with the doc's office and a little more research on my part, there is an Arthrogram MRI scheduled for May 15th with a doc follow-up on May 23rd.  Won't know anything until the 23rd.  Fingers crossed.  In the meantime, meds and patches, please!

Alright.  New subject.  Let's talk about painting the exterior of one's house!  Yep.  Had that done a little while back and have been quite happy with it.  Just a couple of "before and after" so you can see the color differences.

The house had a rather outdated "post and arch" wood trim that was decorative only.  The shutter paint was really a little too "orangey" and didn't do well with the roof shingles.

But... removing the trim and changing paint colors did help.

The sides of the house and the garage door were repainted, too.

Finally, the back patio area was painted.  Pardon the mess... but everything had to be pulled away from the walls and gutter area.  (That's my excuse!)

Now then... I know the weather (sunny v not-so-much) and your monitor/phone can make the colors change somewhat... but I hope you can visualize the change.  It is definitely an improvement in our world.  "Builder Beige" is NOT a color I have ever liked.

There has been work done to the landscape beds now, too.  Will show you that next time!

Until next post...

OLD AGE AIN'T FOR THE WEAK!!!

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!!

Yes, I am still on this planet.

Here is what has been going on after my last post (the "whiner!").  I am going to skip all of the details but try to let you know what is happening... and why old age ain't for the weak!

My Physical Therapy cranked up in January.  It ran through the end of February.  I was VERY happy with the Physical Therapist (PT) as well as the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) working with her.  The PT went through an extensive evaluation on my first visit.  She was very thorough.  She explained a LOT of things about my situation that no one had ever mentioned previously, including other PTs.  Hmmmm.  That's interesting.

Physical Therapy did help... but it did not "fix" the issue.  In fact, right when I felt like things were getting much better (and was VERY excited about that!), I had a whole 'nother pain crop up that scared the you-know-what out of me!!  In fact, ladies and gentlemen... it actually sent me into a complete spiraling meltdown.  Yes.  You heard me.  I know.  I had never had a meltdown in my entire life... even during some less-than-pleasant events including divorce, family member deaths, etc.  Nope.  Just not a "melter", actually.  But this was the straw that broke that metaphoric camel's back!!  In fact, the Spousal-Unit had to endure that meltdown, which I think was quite a shock to him!  He was, as usual, stellar at talking through things.  Calm guy.  Calming effect.  I did finally rage as much as I could and had no further choice but to calm down.  It totally wore me out.

So... at the next Physical Therapy appointment, I explained the situation.  The PT did a few more manipulations and suggested what she believed might be causing it.  The down side to her thoughts were that the only "resolution" was surgical.  Hmmm.  Not liking that.  She and the PTA referred me to an Orthopedist who specializes in the area where my issues keep showing up.  I called and scheduled an appointment.

Visit with Orthopedist.  Discussion.  X-Rays.  Review of X-Rays.  Manipulation.  Bottom line: He pointed out a Cam FAI (see https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/femoroacetabular-impingement for info) as the likely root cause of my 30+ year issue. Seriously?  No one can figure this out for over 30 years and suddenly my PT/PTA know what it probably is and to whom I should go?  WHAT?!?  AARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!  Alright.  Now what?

Ortho suggested hip injection as first step.  That did NOT make me happy.  It was more the unknown and the fear it would send my lower back into spasms again that terrified me.  Second step would be an MRI to determine specifically if the FAI was the cause of my primary pain issue OR if it was possible the SI Joint had its own issue that was causing the pain.  He did say we could go straight to the MRI... but the injection would give us some information that would be helpful in determining if the FAI was the primary problem OR if the SI Joint had its own issue.  The MRI would be the next step if the pain was not lessened/ended with the injection.  Okay.  I will get back with you, doc!

An afternoon of research online helped me understand even more what was probably going on and where to begin.  While the injection did NOT appeal to me (duh!), it made sense as the first step.  So... I called back and that occurred two days later.

So far, it has apparently been quite helpful.  The "twinging" pain that has been a problem for years has lessened considerably... literally nearly going away.  There have been a few very short times when I felt it might be coming back... but it goes away.  That seems to be good news.

Now... I am to provide feedback two weeks after the injection. Doc sez the lack of pain may not last long (in which event we look to the SI Joint via an MRI) OR... it may last 3,4,6 months... or maybe more?  Everyone is different.  My only concern here is that the injection might be fabulous for removing pain temporarily (WONDERFUL!)... but it is not a true "fix."  What I have read indicates further damage can occur if things aren't actually resolved (surgically).  But the surgery is arthroscopic for the hip situation.  The SI Joint surgery would be different... but I am not worried about that yet.  I am quite willing to simply take one step at a time.  At least the most recent steps have resulted in a huge improvement in my pain issue... and my attitude!  :)

Okay.  Sorry.  I realize this is not a very interesting post.  But it is something of huge importance to me... and I feel like sharing that there is likely SOMEone out there who might be able to help you with any issues YOU may be experiencing is worth the lack of interest.  Do NOT give up!!!

To hopefully end this on a more pleasant note, I would like to share an excellent place to finish your visit to the Waco Farmer's Market!!!  YUM!!!

Until next post...

NEW YEAR 2019

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.

Well now... it is another New Year.  I do hope you all have a Safe, Happy, Peaceful, Prosperous, and Healthy 2019!!

With that said, the day after I published my last post, I had yet another lower back episode.  I try to stay away from "whining" about that... but I guess you should know why there are sometimes long lags in posts.  Bottom line: this has been an ongoing issue for many years.  No doctor or specialist has been able to identify the cause.  Two MRIs, a LOT of office visits, a chiropractor, X-Rays, and many hours spent trying to determine the problem have resulted in absolutely nothing.  Pretty annoying, to say the least.  Upsetting since the episodes place me in a position of needing constant help for several days and take multiple weeks to get over to the point of being able to actually do things for myself again.

So... know that I have engaged the help of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with a medical background (Physical Therapy Assistant followed by Paramedic) recommended to me by my Nail Tech.  He has helped quite a bit and has pointed out some issues with my muscles and spine that none of the "high-dollar" docs ever really mentioned.  Hmmmmm.  At any rate, he suggested an X-Ray to determine a couple of things.  Upon seeing my GP, all I got was "well, that kind of thing happens a lot..." which provided no help whatsoever and truly depressed me.  After a rather less-than-pleasant conversation with my GP, he did decide to refer me to Physical Therapy.  That started at the end of December and cranks up this month.  We'll see.

Alright.  Enough whining.  I'm done.

So... with nothing really to report since I haven't really done much for the past 6 weeks, I'm going to toss you a few photos just for the heck of it.  Hope you enjoy them.

Never know what you will see when walking around.  One early morning jaunt revealed the "zippers" that hold the sky up!!  :)  Another revealed the sun "snoozing" in the cradle of the trees.

Was able to make a short trip to a favorite location a little while ago.  While taking a walk there, ran across a residential yard with this in front.  :)  Pretty tempting but didn't know how I would get it home!!

 Also came across this interesting place to stay.  Click on them and expand them so you can read what is written.  

CREEPY CRAWLY ALERT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO STOP NOW!!!





This little fella' was actually wriggling like crazy trying to get across the street and to the grassy area.  It was a little challenging to "hop" along so I could get my hand down so you could see the scale.  :)  After the photo, I watched until he made it to the grass.  We both then continued on our own way.

This actually saddened me.  It didn't look as though this guy had been run over... but maybe he had.  At any rate, he was a goner.  Put my foot down alongside him, again for scale.  Yes, I know he is poisonous.  That doesn't bother me when I am not being threatened.  I prefer to let them go their own way.

So that's all I have today.  Scattered stuff... kind of like me at this point!!  Just wanted to catch up and let you know I am STILL here!!

Until next post...

ABKHAZI GARDEN IN VICTORIA, B.C., CANADA

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!

Alright.  I mentioned this garden in my last post.  I encourage you to read the story behind its beginning in with the history of the builders in the 1920s, their separate hardships during WWII, and finally their reacquaintance and marriage in 1946.  Check it out here.

This excursion was, by far, one of the most beautiful and calming I have taken over the years.  I am just going to post the pictures I took (there are a LOT!) with an occasional commentary.  I hope you can enjoy them even though they can't do true justice to the walk we took through them.

Without further ado...

The house on the hill below is where we were served Royal Tea.  It was incredibly lovely and we watched the sun set as we enjoyed the story of the Garden.

The little building below was a gardening shed built into the landscape.  It was a pleasant surprise when one came upon it.

I hope you enjoyed the Garden tour.  I know it isn't like being there... but I hope you at least get a feel for the peace and loveliness there.

AGAIN... FAR TOO LONG...

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.

Yes... I know.  I have been extremely slow in posting.  There have just been a lot of things taking more time than I anticipated... so... I apologize to you again and thank you for staying with me!

So... let's talk about what one should do when it is summertime in Texas.  There are a lot of options.  But the best idea is to try to escape the heat!  I actually managed to do that this year.  A few pics to give you an idea of how:

Head north...

Have plenty of fluids available... (thank you, spousal-unit!)

Continue north... (wave goodbye)...

Awaken... in Alaska...

Cruise where the glaciers are...

Enjoy some time in a warmer area...

Okay.  So now you know.  I "escaped" for my "major" birth anniversary and simply let time pass by.  Sometimes, one just has to do so.  This past summer was mine.  My best friend and I enjoyed a trip I had taken twice with my Aunt... and we toasted "Aunt Bubba" on multiple occasions as I remembered the good times with her.  It was really nice.

I have some truly fabulous photos from one of the shore excursions I had not taken before.  It was a Royal Tea at Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, BC.  So amazingly beautiful... and you know how much I love gardens!  That will be the next post.

So... thank you for allowing me to venture off without a goodbye!  After the last several years, it was terrific to be able to not worry about what might be happening at home.  It was a peaceful and lovely trip.

Until next post...

REMEMBERING SGT MAJ LARRY STRICKLAND... 9/11/2018

Greetings to my Blogging Pals.

Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. I do not see the 12th Anniversary as any different from the 2nd, the 19th, or the 100th. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.

*** This was posted in 2009 as my tribute to Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. I repeat it here as I will continue doing so on each anniversary of 9/11 as long as I am able. There are a couple of notes and updates from 2010 in italic.

Please meet Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. He was 52 years old, born in Washington State, and had a Bachelor of Science degree. He had served our country in a lot of places including Germany, Washington State, Washington DC, Texas, and Virginia. He had many awards and decorations. Most devastating for me to learn was his plan to retire upon completion of 30 years of service... at the end of September 2001. After all of his service, he was close to spending more time on his hobbies (fishing, hiking, gourmet cooking, and needlepoint) and especially looking forward to spending more time with his family. SGM Strickland left behind a wife, Debra, who was the Garrison Command Sergeant Major of Fort Belvoir, VA. at the time, three adult children, and one grandson who will never know his grandfather as he was only a year old when SGM Strickland was taken. His parents also were left to deal with the untimely loss of their child.

NOTE: I posted a note to the family at Legacy.com and received two emails.

One was from SGM Strickland's son-in-law and read, in part:

"I came across your blog today while searching for SM Larry Strickland. I am lucky enough to be married to his daughter Julia and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for caring enough to research this remarkable man. Everything you read about him and his character is true. He left behind an amazingly strong wife, a beautiful daughter, his two sons, and his grandson. His grandson was 4, not 1 as many newspaper articles claim, so he does remember his grandfather, and fondly."(I was SO happy to read that his grandson did remember his grandfather and wanted to share that with you all! MNC)

The other email was from SGM Strickland's daughter and read, in part:

"Mary, thank you very much for your kind words. I am Larry's daughter, and it is wonderful to know that though it's been 8 years, remembering him and this tragic event is still as important now as it was the day it happened. He was truly a wonderful man, and the best father anyone could ask for."

SGM Strickland headed out to work that day at the Pentagon as there were some meetings he deemed important enough to attend even though he could have skipped them. He had annual leave built up that needed to be used or lost. He chose to go to work. If you knew nothing more about him than that, you would know the character of the man. It was that character that had him in his office on the second floor when the wing he was in was struck by American Airlines Flight 77.

But this is a tribute to SGM Strickland's life. And I've got to tell you the things said about him and written about him are absolutely glowing!! What a wonderful thing... to have those left behind remember you so well and so lovingly. It's not just family. These were friends, co-workers, people who knew him on a "business" level where, many times, the feelings are not so great. I would suggest you take a few moments today to review three different web sites where there are tributes (and from where I gathered much of the information I am sharing with you). It really won't take that long and, thankfully, most of us did not actually know anyone who was lost that day. Perhaps it would be good to learn about at least one of them. I know it gave me a very new perspective.

Pentagon Memorial Fund - Names of the souls lost at the Pentagon are alphabetical by last name. Scroll down and click on SGM Strickland's name to read about his service career.

Columns - The University of Washington Alumni Magazine- Read a really great article here about SGM Strickland's personal life. Sounds like someone we would all like to have known.

The Washington Post - This project is a database of all of the souls lost that day and has a very nice tribute to SGM Strickland.

Legacy.com - This is where folks can leave notes for the family. Many folks were positively impacted by SGM Strickland. Some commented here about their appreciation of the man. I invite you to take just a moment to leave a note here to let the family know the loss of their loved one is something we all remember.

9-11 Heroes - This is another site where a note can be left. Again... take a moment to leave a note on at least one of the sites. You have no idea how much this can mean to family members.

Thank you, SGM Strickland, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.

REMEMBERING MAJOR RONALD D. MILAM... 9/11/2018

Greetings to my Blogging Pals.

Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. I do not see the 12th Anniversary as any different from the 2nd, the 19th, or the 100th. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.

Major Ronald Dutrell Milam was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and had a Bachelors degree from Eastern New Mexico University earned in 1991. He served his country in Germany, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. He had recently received his assignment as Military Assistant for the Secretary of the Army. He had also recently married Jacqueline on January 15, 2000. Things were definitely going well for Major Milam and his new family. His future was clearly a bright one and who knows what wonderful things he would have accomplished!

On 9/11/2001, Major Milam, who had just turned 33 the month before, was at work at the Pentagon. His wife, Jacqueline, five months pregnant with their second child and an Air Force officer, was also at her job at the Pentagon. Neither had an office in the area where Flight 77 struck that morning. Jacqueline was not terribly concerned immediately after the attack assuming they would connect in the parking lot. Major Milam had been attending a staff meeting that morning... right where the aircraft crashed into the Pentagon.

But this post is a tribute to a man who lived well, with honor and with dedication to his country. His college basketball coach had no doubt Major Milam was a leader and a role model during his years working with him. When Major Milam told his coach he had chosen the military as his career, the coach, who thought Milam should pursue a career in law, told the young man he supported him 100%. Major Milam clearly touched many lives during his own. What a great legacy to leave!! We should all be proud of this young man.

Take a few moments today to visit the sites below. If you can, leave a note for his family at either Legacy.com or at 9-11 Heroes. All of the sites below are links to get you there quickly.


Arlington Cemetery Site - If you read nothing else, read this tribute. Major Milam's wife recounts the events of that day and what has kept her going.

Pentagon Memorial Site - This site has a full obituary providing information on Major Milam's life.

The Washington Post - This site has a short remembrance from Major Milam's father about the Major's love of golf.

Legacy.Com - Take a moment and leave a note for the family here, if you wish.

9-11 Heroes - Or you can leave a note for the family here, if you wish.

Thank you, Major Milam, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.