Update on my Kitties

An update on my kitties, Pepper and Daisy:  Pepper is extra loving since her two week adventure somewhere outside. I think she is very happy to be back. Daisy has learned to be a little more independent. She used to follow Pepper to the living room, but she finally comes out on her own starting when Pepper was away. I think she found that it was okay to come out, so now Daisy comes out and Pepper follows.

Pepper has become more loving!

Daisy has become more brave!

I have complained a lot that my nails have become dry, brittle and very week. I hear I'm not getting enough protein. I have not changed my eating pattern substantially, so I don't think that is the problem. I am getting chemotherapy. It is Herceptin. It doesn't make me feel bad, but it could have an affect on my heart. I will have an echocardiogram in a couple of weeks to see if there is a problem. A doctor friend of mine suggested that the chemotherapy may be causing my nail problem. It is frustrating because it breaks even in the nail bed. I have used creams, lotions and oils on my nails. I'm not sure they help. I also have tried pills like Biotin and a multivitamin. I still take those.  That would be long term if it is going to help!  So, I think I have tried all the types of polishes for strengthening my nails. Most don't last well at all and my nails were still breaking!  Well I saw that OPI has this nail strengthener called Nail Envy. When I go for a pedicure, I pick OPI, as it lasts much longer than other nail polishes.  I think I finally found what works!  If you have a problem with you nails, check out OPI. I am really impressed and relieved to find something that works!  By the way, gel does not work for me because they file across the whole nail to help make it stick better. My nails are already thin. I don't need more of it removed.

My daughter Shelley talked about going to the coast for Independence Day. I just thought "hot and crowded".  Ugh. Neither of these are appealing to me. Then she said that there was a concert and fireworks show on the other side of town. I bowed out of this also for the same reason.  I know I would have loved this when I was younger.  I no longer enjoy this. There used to be a fireworks display put on at Bakersfield College three blocks away. We didn't see the ground displays from my home, but we did see the ones shot into the night sky from my front yard. They stopped this because of cost.  I liked when I could see it from my home, because I can go into my home immediately and cool down.

My daughter Ronda in Illinois sent me pictures of their celebration.  Their food sounded great. Here is a picture of Ronda and her partner Tom.

Tom and Ronda

Our Red Hat group met at Dewars, a local well-known ice cream parlor.  This is a once a year event.  My daughter Shelley and I enjoyed it a lot. I brought my own whipped cream because they use marshmallow cream.  Shelley got ........... And I got a banana split.  This is a once a year experience.  I also took a sweater because it can get soooo cold in there. It is okay for a few minutes, but after a bit, I feel it in my bones!  They also have wonderful chews which are addictive to me. I took some peanut butter chews home. As you might notice, extremes in temperatures are very difficult for me to handle!  And, I was not always like this!

Me, Evelyn and Shelley, my daughter

Me and my daughter Shelley

Those of us who came for ice cream:
In back Claudia, Jo
in front Shelley, Evelyn, me and Judie

Judie, one of our Red Hat ladies asked if anyone had given shots and Shelley said "Rachel has".  She needed an estrogen shot in her bottom. I could not draw up the liquid to give the shot, but then this young woman comes in who was an RN. She did it but was unwilling to give the shot. I tried twice and the needle would not go in. We got Evelyn who noted the end was in two parts (a deformed needle) which was probably the reason it wouldn't go in.  I was just imagining how much this was hurting her. I wasn't willing to push harder. So she was going to take it home and put a new needle on it.  That was stressful!  And to think I used to have a terrible fear of needles.  I don't want anyone to hurt from this!  Next time we meet in September,  it will be at the Crystal Palace.

I drew another toad.  We have class on Tuesday.  This six week round we will be drawing a peacock, a lizard and a snake.

Another Toad!

I did have dinner at Mexicali's with my friend Janet and she is doing well.  And that was my week.  It was even a little slower, but that is okay.  I expect to be doing more this next week.  I do hope you have a good week and I will see you next Sunday.               Rachel

First Friday for the Student Artists

I started the week incredibly tired, sleeping many hours.  I didn't get anything done except reading then, because I felt a strong need to lie down.  I finally took my pain pills and felt my energy return.   I have been taking my pain pills, but I try to stall in taking them.  I think I shouldn't be doing that.  I can't get in to to the doctor in the pain clinic until September, but they will renew my meds until then unless I try to cancel or change my appointment date until later.

I called Shelley to let her know I had her birthday present. She came by after work, having a glass of wine and opening the odds and ends of things I thought she would appreciate. She has done so much for me, that what I gave her was a small token of my gratitude for all she has done to help me. 

First Friday was special because Carol Bradshaw had her students' pictures on the wall, including mine. It really was nice too see it framed and on the wall. I actually thought I have had art lessons longer this I have had. This coming September it will be three years. I have come a long ways.  Before the class, I could do stick figures, and, I'm not exaggerating!  So my thought is, all of us can improve in art and I think I'm a good example of this. My daughter Shelley and her husband Michael came by and  two of my friends Janet and Barbara also dropped by. We had wine, punch and appetizers. We also had a married couple playing guitar, Dave  and violin, Brenda.  It really was lovely.   I didn't get a picture of Janet!  My pictures are the top left -"river rocks", third from the top left, my toad, titled "Why Exercise" and the third one is second row, third from the right, "Old Lion".  I like the people at The Art Center.  Warm and encouraging people who are artists themselves.  Most, much further than me, but that is okay.  

The Display of Carol Bradshaw's Students -  Some topnotch art here!

Pointing toward my rocks.

Pointing at my my toad, titled "Why Exercise/"
A man loaned me his cane to  point.

Pointing toward my  "Old Lion"

The instructor for the students' display,
Carol Bradshaw

Deb and Linda, fellow classmates

Dave and Brenda found a good place to set up

Performers, Husband and Wife team, Dave and Brenda

Rolene also in my class

My daughter Shelley and son-in-law Michael

My friend Barbara came to see

Carol sitting, Wayne and Deb holding Carol's quilt (almost done!)
Wayne and Deb have been classmates of mine

Toni our Manager with her puppy, I think her name is Trixey

Appetizers and Drink

  

This week I worked on a mother rhinoceros and her baby.  Last time I did it, it looked more robot like.  This time it looks more solid and more real.  No class this next week either.  So,  next week, I am going to work on two toads that didn't get in the exhibit.

Mother and Baby Rhinoceros

My friend Barbara and I saw "Free State of Jones" with Matthew McConaughey.  Painful story. I didn't realize there were areas in the south that did not want to fight with the Confederacy against the Union. The blacks and whites joined together in the area to fight to be free.  A powerful movie. We were going to go to this relatively new Thai restaurant in town, but Barbara dropped by the night of First Friday and found one fan in the entire restaurant and no air conditioning. There were a lot of people there, but with the heat over 100 degrees, we are not willing to be so warm.  So we went to the Tofu House. There were few people there but the food is delicious. Barbara and I believe the title should be Korean Barbecue.  We think the name is probably a turn off for many people who would think the main course f food would be tofu. More people would gravitate to Korean Barbecue than Tofu House.

This is worth reading. My daughter Shelley sent it to me. From PBS, What to Say to Someone Who is Dying:

https://www.facebook.com/pbs/posts/10153804408872169

That is it for the week.  I hope your week went well.  I think I will lie down and read.  I'll see you next Sunday.                        

Rachel

Visiting Barbara in Seal Beach

I've slept a lot this week. It seems when I've done a lot (at least to me),  I find myself so exhausted!  Ugh. At least I'm not working. I sleep In between events and I regenerate my energy level. 

Dainette, Meagan's mom sent this to Billy (my grandson) on Facebook:

"Although you are Uncle Billy I want to thank you for stepping in to the parental role with us to raise these 4 other kids. AlyssaBeth, MeLeigha, Gavin and CoCo. You are here for them, you sacrifice your time for them, whether it be baseball, cheer or just hanging out with them in the yard. You've stepped in and I'm thankful for that. Happy Father's Day to you."

Meagan and Billy have two sons, Conner and Kason. They have another child on the way due in January. Billy has been very responsible, working full time and also going to school. I am so proud of him.  I don't think I could handle so much!

My friend Lynn responded about the ridiculous prices for seeing Hamilton in Los Angeles ($439). She said PBS is going to film it and show it on TV.  I think that is great. That charge for tickets leaves it out of reach for the majority of people. And I thought it was just Los Angeles, but tickets in New York are $845 each according to Lynn!  That is just incredible!

At art class with Carol Bradshaw this week, I brought in what I had done on a rhinoceros. I got the idea, but mine looked like a robot. I didn't work on it further this week and I'm not willing to show what I did. But I will next week. She wants me to have the two frogs I was working on and the rhino done when we have class in two weeks. 

There is a major fire going on the south side of Lake Isabella. My teacher Carol lives on the north-west side of the lake.  I feel bad for the people affected by this.  200 homes were destroyed by this fire and a lot of buildings were damaged.  It is not contained much, so there will likely be more destroyed and damaged. It is so early for this to happen. I think this summer will be bad. 

I went to Seal Beach to visit my high school friend Barbara. She lives in Leisure World. To get in, you must be approved (Barbara gave my name to the gate). It was so good to spend time with her. She has a wonderful caregiver Debbie who lives with her. Barbara has dementia. And as she says "that does not mean I am dumb."  She certainly is not.  She was one of the smartest students in high school and she became an RN working in hospice (I did too- working in hospice as a social worker) She reads around 4 books a week. We can have a conversation, but she forgets new facts I share with her. I wrote them down for her to look at.  I also loaned her my Imagaga, my senior yearbook from high school. She remembers people and their names from this period very well. She is much better than me from this time.  We went to Main Street in Seal Beach to have lunch and went to this very nice shell store she introduced me to. I drove and Barbara gave directions. We had no problems. She volunteers at a meal program done by a Catholic group in Los Angeles once a week.  I feel bad because we didn't go on Saturday, but it was the day I had to go home.  She has agreed to go to our 50th Reunion for our high school but she doesn't believe she will be alive then. Well, I also have problems and may not be able to go, but we are going to plan on it now and see what happens. If we go, we will share a room and I will stay by Barbara's side.   Here are a few pictures we took of each other or had taken.

This is from IFL Science and it is fascinating:

5 Laws about the Dead may Spook You 

http://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/five-laws-about-the-dead-that-may-spook-you/all/

This Friday is Carol Bradshaw's student showing from 5 to 8 pm. I will have three framed pictures in it. I'm going to find this sheet I drew on about 4 weeks before I started these lessons believe me, I've improved so much. You might think I am kidding when you see it, but I'm not.  I don't think I was even kindergarten level.  So I have grown a lot doing this. So if you think you cannot learn, you are wrong.  I didn't think I could do so well.  It will be at the Bakersfield Art Center, 1607 19th Street. Please come. But this will be up for the month of July if you can't make it that night. 

That is it for my week. I hope you are doing well.  See you next Sunday.                   Rachel

Father's Day, Happy and Sad Memories

Carol liked my toad. Even though there was some work to do on it, she felt he had character. I agree.   I had done a couple other toads. It was so strange that I had used a green colored pencil for the dark areas on one of my drawings. I thought it was the darkest black graphite I had when I was drawing him!  So I was trying to think "did I draw in the dark?"  I don't think so, but I don't understand how I did part colored pencil.  So I tried to work on that one coloring black over the green, though it didn't seem to work.  I'm working on a rhinoceros now.  I'll have it done next week.

I seem to  like making them older!
Much more character!

Made the water going over splash more, worked on the
variation in shading

Worked on the shading more

Worked on more details.

Worked on features, though back front
leg isn't showing so well

My friend Jo and I had lunch at Jin Sushi. I've only been there  one other time.  I like sushi. Too much food. I made another meal out of it.  I enjoy Jo's company.  She is one of my Red Hat ladies.  She is a realtor and is willing to give my daughter Shelley some advice in going this direction.

I saw my oncologist this week before chemotherapy.  He told me the ejection fraction on the MUGA Scan was 80%.  He has not had anyone with that high a number. He ordered an echo cardiogram to see if I have a leak in my heart.  I have a bicuspid aortic valve. Normal is tricuspid. The doctor who diagnosed this years back said that this valve could wear out faster because it is working harder. I got a call the same day to schedule the echo cardiogram which will be in July.  We'll see.

My fellow Red Hat friend Pamela was willing to buy our tickets to see Hamilton in Los Angeles. We understood the prices to be about $120 to $180 per ticket, which was high, but we thought that was less expensive than flying to New York, until she responded to us when getting down to business:

"I am so sorry.  I know my eyes are getting bad again, but I didn't think they were that bad.  I totally missed the ea under the price and therefore thought the price was the total for four tickets.  It wasn't, it was $439.00 each ticket.  I haven't ordered them as I am not sure I am even willing to go that high.  That was directly from Pantages too.  Let me know what you think though."  I cancelled. I don't think I want to pay this much!

Janet and I met at Mexicali's for Margaritas and a Mexican dinner our favorite haunt because of the Margaritas. Janet gave me this clear stuff to put on my eyelashes which are very short now. It is supposed to allow eyelashes to grow out. Mine have become very short. Always enjoy getting together with Janet.  We are talking about going to the beach for the day sometime this summer.  I hope we do it.

I had forgotten to mention that last week Barbara and I got together about three weeks after she returned home from a three week vacation visiting Britain, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I wanted to do this trip, but I was feeling chronically tired and didn't want to go thinking I wouldn't enjoy myself.  Her birthday was the day she got back but we celebrated much later when we did this outing to Chef's Choice Noodle Bar and to the Maya Theater to see "Me Before You", a very unusual love story, but it was good.   When we were eating, I had lots of questions and she brought pictures she printed.  It was a wonderful trip for her.  I think she liked making contact with a cousin she found on the internet the most exciting, but she loved the whole trip. It was good to see her. I missed her after seven weeks!

Today is Fathers Day.  I miss my father. He was a wise and loving man.  When I needed to figure out things, I would call him.  After he died, I found myself picking up the phone to call him. It took quite a long time before I stopped that. Then I would think, "what would dad say?"  I could hear his voice and I think I accurately got what he would say. This helped me a lot.  

My husband Paul loved his children very much.  He was there for them when needed and when they needed to talk, he would listen and let them know what he thought. I miss him too and can think of what he would say when I imagine his voice.  His voice was very deep and sonorous. I loved it.  His voice really helped me too even when it was just in my head.

Paul and I when we married

I took this picture of Shelley with her
father at Shelley's wedding

One of my sisters' sons, Obie was murdered when he was seventeen. My sister was divorced at the time. My other sister sent me information on Obie's father. He became a minister and wrote a book about sin. I could imagine him doing this. Losing his only child was such a loss.  I think he was attempting to make sense of all this. I wonder if he remarried and had children. He would be a good father, because he was with his son Obie.    I ordered his book. 

My grandson Billy has 6 children he is responsible for. He works full time and is going to school to advance his career. I hear he is doing very well in school.  I don't know how he does it, but I think his wife Meagan is very encouraging to him. I'm so proud of Billy and wish him a Happy Fathers Day!

This is almost a year old, but a very good
picture of the children.

Billy, Meagan and Kason, the youngest

In less than two weeks is the Art Show at the Bakersfield Art Center. July 1, 2016 from 5-9 PM. I will have three of my drawings up then. If you are coming, the downtown restaurants need a reservation. First Friday is a very popular event. I tried to walk into Sandrini's on First Friday and was told  "Oh no, you must have a reservation."  I didn't expect that!  

So that is it for this week. I hope your week went well and your Fathers Day is good.  I hope this next week is good for you.   I have some nice events coming up. See you next Sunday.           Rachel

June Primary and the Proposition to get a Small Amount of Sales Tax to the Libraries Failed!!

I had lunch with my friends Valerie and Sherry at Lam's, a local Chinese Restaurant. My favorite dishes are scrambled eggs with shrimp, mixed vegetables that are stir fried.  We asked if it was possible with no extra fat or at least very little. It was delicious!  In addition, we got some lemon chicken. I then had lots of leftovers.  We haven't seen each other in months, so it was catch up.  We plan to get together in about three weeks. I missed these women. They have been a large part of my life. 

When I saw Carol, my art teacher, she had great ideas on how to "punch up" my drawings. She made a point of letting me know how far along I have come.  I agree. Even though there is much need for more work, she said that I have come along ways from where I was six months ago.  So I worked on three drawings I have already done and the fourth one is another toad.  

I added more shading and detail

I noticed on the first picture of Pepper that the right
eye was bigger than the left eye.  I made them as
even as I could get.

I added more detail and corrected the front leg.

I think he has a lot of character, but
I still need to work on him.
I like that he looks old.  That gives him character.

While at my art class I had this constant urge to urinate but unable to do much. Carol, my teacher is an RN and recommended Azo an over the counter medication for women with urinary tract infections (UTI's) and also said to drink cranberry juice and see a doctor. So I did, but took Azo before doing a home test to see if I had a UTI but taking Azo makes the urine red/orange won't show if I have an infection or not. So I went to Kaiser Urgent Care.. I was told to give sample urine, however, they couldn't tell if I had an infection because of the red/orange color.  From start to leaving after getting my medication was an hour and 20 minutes.  For urgent care, I thought it was pretty good!  I was given Cipro, an antibiotic which took care of the problem fast. Thank goodness!  I slept a lot this week.  I think recovering from all this.

California Primary Election  was this week. The 1/8 of one percent sales tax for our libraries did not pass. It requires a 2/3 majority vote.   It had a simple majority. Not enough.  I feel we are going back to the Stone Age with not getting this.  If they farm this out to a for profit business to run the libraries, our libraries will have even less monies to work with. It is a crisis!

That was my week.  I hope yours went well.  I will see you next Sunday.              Rachel

Memorial Weekend and Paul's Birthday

Pepper went immediately under my bed when I brought her in after catching her. She made it clear to Daisy and me to keep our distance. We did. What is interesting is that Daisy became more independent while Pepper was gone. First Daisy would wait until Pepper came out before she would come out. For the first 3 or 4 days after Pepper was gone, Daisy did not come out. Then she started coming out and then started coming out earlier and earlier than when Pepper was here.  Then Daisy started posing on the arm of my armchair like Pepper did. So funny. I had no idea that adult cats learn from each other.

Pepper gradually started coming out.  She leapt onto my bed Monday night, but upon meeting Daisy, she hissed at her and headed back under the  bed. The next day I saw her by the litter box.  So since I'm not  in there all day long, I think she was getting out more. At night there has been a cat outside which I think has been trying to contact Pepper. Maybe she did develop a relationship and she now missed this other cat.  Pepper jumped in my lap Tuesday night. She was still keeping her distance from Daisy. Daisy had been crying a lot feeling not accepted by Pepper.  Pepper is coming around because they each will get in their beds which are on my bed.  And Daisy isn't crying like she was.

Pepper sat on my hip when I was in bed

This was my husband Paul's birthday week. I had been thinking of him all week. I didn't get teary which I will give credit to Paxil and I appreciate it. I know that people would say that is not what an antidepressant is for, but really I so overreact to these situations without Paxil.  I'm sad but not devastated now.  He would have been 75 years. So much has happened in the world since he died. I wonder what he would have thought.  A very smart and caring man. I'm a Democrat and he was a Republican. As much we were different parties we felt similar about people. I still miss him, and probably always will.

My box of Hopeful Harvest came. I got broccoli, cabbage, cameo apples, strawberries and a cantaloupe. Recipes include Sautéed Cabbage, Broccoli Tomato Salad and Penne with Garlicky Broccoli. They all sound good!  I'm glad I'm getting this.

I called my step-mom Kate along with several others to let them know the good news  of Pepper being back in case they hadn't read my blog yet. And, while calling Kate,  I asked her what she thought of my pictures and she said "elephants have knees. You have the legs like there are no joints". I didn't notice that, so I watched videos per Kate's suggestion and many pictures. She also felt the back leg of the toad looked off. The problem was that the picture of the toad had the leg cut off, so I was imagining the foot was tucked under to push off.  I can imagine the leg tucked under. So I did work on the elephant.   I put in the knees/elbows and ankle/wrist joints.  I also put in more wrinkles and did more shading. I did not work on the toad.  When I see Carol Tuesday, she will probably have ideas on what to do.

More Detail on Mom and Baby

Memorial Day gathering was nice. Kayla helped me with some housekeeping and some food preparation which we kept simple. I wanted to go to the cemetery, but I was tuckered out. I will go later.  It has been in the 100's, so I think I will have to do this early

 My grandchildren - Heather, Alyssa, Christopher, and
Kevin.  I rarely see Christopher, so this was a treat.

Shelley, my daughter and me

Kevin with his Mom Shelley

Alyssa with Heather trying to feel her
baby.

I met my new neighbor Teddy, short for Theodora. They were doing major cutting in the backyard and wanted to pull the truck up in my driveway because it made it easier to get the cuttings they were doing. She told me that they will take three weeks working on their new home before moving in.  The previous owner, Celeste planted rose bushes and gave them loving care. Teddy and her husband cut them down.  I one time looked over the fence from an old neighbor I used to have to find everything I planted was removed.  You just have to let go and recognize we don't all have the same taste.

I read this fascinating book called The Violet Hour: Great Writers at the End by Katie Roiphe, who had a near death experience herself at age twelve. She had done research and interviewing of family, friends and others who had close contact with one of these five writers at the end of each of their lives. I found it fascinating in that they also struggled with mortality, death and dying as I and I would assume most people have or will, especially when our own lives or the lives of those we are close to are threatened. Since these people were accomplished writers and dealt with feelings, we get to read it from each of their perspectives.  The author of this book is also very accomplished and her style brings it all together quite well.  I did not have all the same reactions as these writers, but people do have different ways of looking at mortality (though we also have much in common) that I found it reassuring that we are all going to go through this. 

I also read a very short one, called Gratitude by Oliver Sacks, MD who shared how his life experiences colored how he dealt with death and dying.  He was an excellent writer, so I knew I would enjoy this one too.  His is a very positive approach.

A wonderful response from an online advice column. This particular question was on dealing with grief.  The initial question was, "My friend died and I don't know what to do."  It is a very touching response!

http://www.thatericalper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/boatsh.jpg

The Red Hats met at Mama Roomba this week.  I love meeting these women!  They are strong, warm and supportive. Shelley likes this restaurant the best. I agree with her. Such great food and the sauces they put on dishes are delicious at this restaurant!  Yum!  Paul and I used to be a part of a dinner group which Stephanie, her husband John and three other couples were in. I broke away from them because my man husband and they still had theirs.   Well, I'm coming along and I would like to meet them again. Stephanie will see about the women getting together.  I would love that. 

From the closest on the left, doing a U shape  _
Judie, Shelley, Me, Julie (Stephanie's granddaughter), Stephanie
Evelyn, or queen, Pamela (got her in a bad position!) and Jo

My fiend Cheri Sperl had an open house at Dagney's Coffee Company on 20th and Eye Streets at the First Friday for June. We used to worked at Memorial Hospital years ago, she as a Dietitian and me as a Social Worker.  We made contact maybe a year ago at the Bakersfield Art Center.  She is an outstanding artist and her show last night was all cats. She plans to have a future show of all dogs.  What I found so striking is that she got the essence of cat. I'm mesmerized looking at them. I bought all her cards.  I can't afford a painting.  Her paintings will be up for the month of June if you would like to see them. It's a real treat!  Here are just four of them.  I love them!

I slept a lot this week.  I'm glad I had energy to get up today.  I don't think it is the heat, because I keep the temperature in a cool range.  Anyway, I don't mind sleeping.  It is just that I was going to do things around the house that I didn't do.  Still, it was a good week and I think next week will be too!.  I hope your week was good and this next one works for you.  I will see you next Sunday.                           Rachel