Randal’s work involved a great deal of traveling. He needed his aging parents to be safe in a nursing home. He searched for the right one. He wanted them to be together. They had been high school sweethearts; separating them would cause a lot of sadness for them.
Now, walking into the empty room, he recalled how they had held hands as they looked out the architectural window; watching sunrises and sunsets from their comfy chairs. They were happy. He was relieved they were.
Welcome … make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate or herbal tea. There are some biscuits for those with a sweet tooth. Sit in a comfy chair and let’s chat.
It’s been difficult to post again, the rhythm of adding photos and videos is rusty. I’m hoping it will all come back soon.
The last time I posted was in September 2024. It’s been almost a year. Yes, cobwebs have managed to nest in my brain. They need to be cleared out.
Here are some of the details of where I’ve been:
I had a mammogram in September 2024 that showed some issues. My primary physician wanted me to have another mammogram and a sonogram to assure certainty.
Stubbornly, I refused further testing.
When October 2024 arrived, I decided to get an appointment for the 2nd mammogram and sonogram that my primary physician wanted me to get. Again, the same issues showed.
And, just like the first time, I refused the recommended biopsy for further tissue testing. My primary physician wasn’t happy with that decision, nor were my family and friends.
The holidays were soon approaching, and I wanted to celebrate the joy of the season. I did. I vacationed in upstate New York with my daughter, family, and husband. We had a lovely holiday. I didn’t give the other tests any further thought.
At my well-check in March 2025, my primary brought up the mammogram and sonogram again. I grew frustrated that I was being asked to do something I did not want to do. But, eventually, I conceded.
A biopsy was ordered along with other tests. It came back positive for Breast Cancer. I didn’t believe it.
Surgery was recommended. I scheduled the surgery, then I canceled it. I scheduled surgery again, then canceled it. The hospital appointment desk said they would not cancel any more appointments when I called to reschedule the 3rd time. I think they were growing frustrated with me.
I couldn’t make a decision. I didn’t feel ill. I had very few signs. I knew what was coming next. I didn’t want to go through it all.
From March 2024, the other gruesome tests began. Blood tests for my genetic blood issues, cardiac stress tests, chest x-rays, pulmonary tests, etc.
Finally, on July 2, 2025, I had my surgery, and two radiology treatments too. According to my pathologist, the tissue looks clear. If there are any changes, he will tell me what my options will be. I have to take new medications plus have blood tests every three months. The prognosis is good. I’m still having a difficult time accepting that I have/had cancer. Perhaps a bit of denial can be a good thing.
I hope all of my followers will come back and visit. I’m not sure what I will be posting. After all these years (2011), I feel like a new blogger.
Phlebotomist had just come back from vacation.Phlebotomist still practicing.A cozy bed created by my hubby for my return from surgery. Daisies from my daughter.A fascinator I knitted for my very, very thin hair. A breast cancer bracelet my daughter made for me.
Welcome … Pour a cup of coffee, perhaps iced tea or my new favorite, iced chai tea. There are a few pastries for you to enjoy, too.
Sit in a comfy chair, and let’s chat.
Music might be enjoyable. I hope you like my selection.
Beautiful Autumn Jazz Music 🎼
On our last visit, I was preparing for the impending arrival of Hurricane Helene. The news had cautioned the viewers to be prepared. They said the coordinates showed the storm going in a different direction from where I live.
We prepared for the worse and hoped for the best. We have a hurricane container stocked with flashlights of all sizes, water, canned foods, batteries, an emergency radio that works on batteries, electric or winder. I love candles so I had quite a collection on hand. Of course, we pack a small suitcase with necessities and medications in the event that we need to evacuate, and a full tank of gas for our vehicle too.
Listening to the news was stressful but necessary. Updates help to warn if danger was coming. An ALERT on our phones warned residents to go to a safe area of your home without windows. We did.
There is a small community called El Jobean, about 3 or 4 miles away from my community, that was going to be impacted by a tornado. A hurricane is scary but can be monitored, a tornado is another story.
We lit candles, listened to music and read. The electricity was still on but it felt less threatening to have the candles casting beautiful shadows.
We, my husband and I, were in there for a few hours. Then, we decided that it was time to take the risk by going to bed. We awoke the next day to zero damage, just a bit of debris everywhere. We felt blessed and relieved. We did not lose electricity, water, and internet. The roads are littered from debris due to fallen trees.
We’ve been a lot of hurricanes in the 35 years I’ve been living in Florida. Hurricanes have been developing into monstrous storms causing horrific devastation along the path it follows. It’s a lot more difficult now because we are getting older.
I’m sure many of you may wonder why I stay. I think it’s because life is a crap-shoot. We can’t predict what Mother Nature is going to do. She sure is angry. We aren’t listening.
I stay because I love the heat more than the cold.
I stay because the cost of living is better than in some other places.
I stay because, as a senior, we have more beneficial considerations in Florida.
I stay because when it’s calm here, and the sun shines, it brightens my day.
I do hope LIFE is treating you kindly.
Have a wonderful week … be safe … keep your spirits up
I haven’t been watching the storm forecasts because I’ve been traumatized by storms since Hurricane Ian two years ago. When I finally decided to get an update, Helene was forecast to cause flooding and high winds in my area.
Although it wasn’t coming our way, residents were warned to prepare. Newscasters advised to prepare with supplies of water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, canned goods, a battery-powered radio, gas for vehicles, pet food plus vaccination verification for pets if going to a shelter, and a plastic bag with your important papers.
After Hurricane Helene passed over the Cancun, Mexico peninsula, it began to gather more strength from the warm waters. This caused Hurricane Helene to become a very large storm and could become a Category 4 hurricane.
The prediction of landfall is in Tallahassee and other northern counties. They will be hit with the full impact of the storm. Tallahassee, known for its beautiful oak tree canopies, is concerned about trees falling on homes, cars, or people.
Hurricane Ian was a Hurricane 4. It devastated my home, and it took a year to make the repairs. The thought of another home destruction is unnerving.
The weather forecasters are hopeful it will not hit my area, but they have been wrong before.
Images of the flooding area on television are frightening, especially for those waiting for news of what will happen next.
I rode out the storm of Hurricane Ian with my family on the East coast of Florida. There was no damage anywhere. We came home to tremendous destruction.
We’re staying home for Hurricane Helene. The predictions are for storm surges, high winds, and tremendous rainfall. We’re as prepared as we can be, but Mother Nature has her own ideas about what she wants to do.
We may lose electricity, water, and internet.
Roads will be impassable due to fallen trees.
Gas will be limited due to the use of generators.
Supermarkets will be low on supplies from all the pre-storm purchases.
We will be forced to bathe in our pool since the water will be off.
Friends may crash at our home due to severe damage to their homes.
Although it’s heading to northern Florida, we will experience storm surges, high winds, and torrential rains.
Once everything is back to normal, I will be back to blogging again.
Mom and Dad had a good marriage full of dreams they were focused on. They had best friends who lived barely a wave away.
I could see them now: Dad in his trousers, work shirt, and hat, and Mom in her house dress and apron, scurrying around the kitchen with a dishtowel in hand.
It was a time for fixing things—a broken screen door, the kitchen radio, a crooked curtain rod, an oven door, or mending clothes.
They knew how their lives would be and lived them. Although I admired their lives, I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted in my life.
Mid-week, hubby and I took a drive to one of our local parks. The sky was a soft blue. Children laughed as they ran through sprinklers to cool off. The heat was bearable due to a gentle breeze coming off the Peace River that helped cool the humidity.
The weather was a warm 88.
The temperatures in Florida this summer have been uncomfortably hot. Some days the humidity took temperatures into the three digits. Staying indoors in air conditioning was the only relief or a quick swim in the pool.
We found a lovely bench overlooking the Peace River.
A teen was flying a colorful kite in the grassy field directly behind the bench we were sitting on. I had been admiring the sailboats swaying on the calm azure water but this kite was an amusing colorful distraction. The kite soared high while the wings edges fluttered in the wind. It was mesmerizing to watch.
I decided on a bit of artistic creativity with my photo and designed this marvelous image above. It reminded me of an old-fashioned picture postcard you’d pick up while vacationing.
Does the photograph of the kite remind you of the days you flew kites?
If so, write about it on your blog, and add it in the comments below, I’d be happy to read your childhood/adult memory.
Welcome. Pour a cup of coffee, perhaps iced tea or my new favorite, iced chai tea. There are a few pastries for you to enjoy, too.
Sit in a comfy chair, and let’s chat.
Music might be enjoyable. I hope you like my selection.
Beautiful Spanish Guitar Music – I enjoy this type of music when I read or knit.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve been on my blog. A great many things have occupied my life.
In the middle of May, my middle daughter, who lives in South Carolina, and her best friend visited us here in Florida. They are beach bunnies who enjoy sun, sea, and salty air.
Shortly after they left, my husband and I decided a cruise might be an excellent way to relax after their visit. Booking a last-minute cruise can have its pluses and minuses. We decided to go on the Valiant Lady from Virgin Voyages for the first time. Hubby thought the adults-only concept they have on Virgen was intriguing. Since children are germ carriers, we thought the possibility of catching something would be less likely. Our room and the ship were fabulous. A chair hammock on the balcony was something new that neither of us tried. The old backs aren’t up for that, but it’s a cute concept. Once on board, we did what we always do: we took off to familiarize ourselves with the ship. We had a restful and delightful time.
Once home, I developed a deep hacking cough. As each day passed, it continued to get worse. I called my MD for an appointment. She said I should take the home COVID-19 test.
I did.
Yes, I had Covid 19. A few days later my husband tested positive too.
We spent the next 4 1/2 weeks feeling very ill. Although my doctor had sent in a prescription for Paxlovid it wasn’t covered by our insurance, and we have two insurance carriers. Naturally, I was desperate to feel better. I asked the pharmacist to fill it anyway. I was told to verify that I would be willing to pay $1800.00 dollars for it. Yes, you read that correctly, $1800.00 dollars. I declined.
YUP! No kidding to everything you’re thinking.
Rest and liquids were on our menu. It has taken a lot out of us. My cough has continued to linger, and my energy is still low. I rest when I need to, and do what I can when I can. The doctor has advised me that the cough can be with me for up to 6 months after Covid.
As of today, I’m Covid free per another home test.
In July, my youngest daughter and her family visited from New York for a week. They enjoyed the beach and a fabulous boat tour. There was great fun and merriment with them, and a few friends with a bit of a party to celebrate my birthday.
In August, our grandson visited with his fiancee for a week too. Yes, beach sun and fun was on their itinerary. They visited two museums in Sarasota. They are delightful company. I was happy they liked a few old recipes I took out of my archives. There is nothing more a cook likes then to have people enjoy their dishes.
Well, here we are in September. Hubby has hurt his back from a slight fall. Er visits, x-rays, cat scans and orthopedic appointments. An MRI has been scheduled with a follow up with his MD. I’ll add a follow-up once I know more.
It has been busy.
My plan is to start writing again. I may not do a lot on here right now, but will continue to bring everyone updates on the many, many happenings going on in my life, plus good writing and photographs.
In Love and Light
Namaste,
Isadora 🙏🏻
Life is never dull.
May your life be filled with wondrously magical moments of adventure.
In Love and Light
Namaste
I honor the place in you
in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you
which is of Love, and of Truth,
of Light and of Peace.
When you are in that place in you
and I am in that place in me.
We are One.
Not where I breathe, but where I “LOVE”– “I “LIVE”.
Inside the Mind of Isadora 