Catching Up

It's been two weeks since I blogged about our visit with Nada and I feel like it's been longer because lots has been going on with us. 

 

First, my skin is clearing up after getting a cortisone shot from my Rheumatologist--all the medication I have taken in these past years and a simple cortisone shot has the most impact...incredible.  I go again on August 19 for a second shot to ensure that my skin stays clear for David and Brenda's wedding.  I can finally wear short pants again and I love it.  I'm still not into shorts, but one step at a time!

 

Tony is enjoying his job at the golf course.  Not only is he a starter and course Ambassador, yesterday he added onto his job duties by becoming a snake wrangler.  Yep....he actually reached down and picked up a snake to move it from the road to a grassy, rough area on the course.  To his credit, it was a Black snake and he knew it wasn't poisonous--and he picked it up by the tail, so the risk was small.  The most important thing, however, was that he assured me that he washed his hands before he touched me or Dixie!

 

My job continues to be stressful.  We have changed the workflow to be compliant with HIPPA regulations and it is causing a backup in getting registrations finished because of the  huge increase summer tourist volume brings.  The end result is that some patients are being discharged before we have them registered--that means, we have no address or phone numbers to contact them and no idea where to send the bill.  It's a balancing act between losing money and being in compliance.  Last week, I was at work until almost midnight just getting everything caught up.  The staff, collectively, is not happy about the changes and you can see the stress on their faces as incomplete registrations pile up.

 

Tony and I did some more visiting last week.  Our friends, Dave and Kathy Henderson (Tony's former co-worker) rented a house in Topsail (pronounced Topsull) Beach and their two daughters came down with their families.  It was a fun day hanging out by the pool and catching up.  Tony Jr and David went to school with the Henderson girls, so seeing them married with children had the same effect on us that seeing our kids does--where did the time go? 

 

I have the whole weekend off, so Tony and I are headed to the beach.  While my Dermatologist said to stay out of the sun, my Rheumatologist said to get some sun.  We're going to compromise and go to the beach later in the day so the sun isn't as punishing. 

 

The wedding is getting closer and so is the time for Tony Jr to go to Rio...I am excited about one event and worry about the other, but I hold out great hope for both things.

 

We had some rain a few days ago and wind...check out the photos below.

The guys hanging out

 

Grandma Kathy with Mason

Kathy, Mason and Lauren

Connor and Mommy, Katie

 

Lauren and Mason

Katie, Connor and Danny play in the pool

 

Dixie didn't get to go, she spent the day with Uncle Stu and Aunt Jan. Even though she had fun, I got the feeling she was annoyed with us.

It started to cloud up...here is the tree in the next door neighbor's yard

 

It's getting darker...you can't even see our backyard clearly

After the storm...the neighbor's tree was uprooted...

 

 

...and the neighbor on the other side had their patio furniture relocated!  See the chair by the fence?  It was near the grill before the rain started

Our yard fared better...our roses jut got wet!

 

 

 

Friends

I have never seen an episode of the TV series, "Friends."  I know the basic premise and I know that Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox appeared in the show, but that's about all I know. 

 

What I do know is that the word, "friend" is a very important one.  I have maintained some level of friendship/connection with many of the people I have worked with over the years in various companies.  I value their friendship.  I value the impact they have had on my life.  I value the support they gave to me when I needed it and the discoveries we made together.

 

We met a friend last week.  Nada.  Nada and I worked together at Ohio Savings Bank in 2000.  Nada was a trainer who worked with my staff on mortgage banking products and sales techniques.    We clicked immediately.  She has an "impish" smile that carried over beyond work and a teaching technique that reached many people and made them successful. 

 

It didn't take long for our professional interaction to become personal sharing.  We did lunch, had after work drinks and talked for hours about the men in our lives.  Tony and I went to Nada's wedding to Alec.  It was  my first Greek Orthodox wedding and it was beautiful.  The reception was catered--by all of the women in Nada's church.  All home made food...and tons of it.  We learned that on the wedding day, the groom goes to the bride's house to spirit her away to marry her.  The bride's father objects and tells the groom how special she is and how much she is loved in their home.  All the time, the bride is walking  toward her groom.  When she reaches him, her father gives in and allows the groom to take his bride to the church to marry her.  The church was ornate and the service long and touching.   It is a wedding I will always remember.  

 

When Nada was laid off from Ohio Savings, she became an independent training contractor and has established an impressive customer base and book of business of her own.

 

Nada and her husband and kids visited friends in Raleigh, North Carolina and then drove down to Wrightsville Beach to spend a few day enjoying the weather. 

 

We met for drinks and appetizers and the time and distance since our last visit melted away. 

 

Nada will always be more than a friend....when I think back on some of the things we did, I know she is an accomplice!

 

Come back soon, Nada...and family!

 

 

Nada and Me

At the beach!

Tony, Me, Nada, Alec and Nikko...a real charmer at 4!

 

 

 

A Day In Southport

It's rare when I have four days off in a row, but I did, so Tony and I decided to use one of them for an adventure.

 

We decided to drive to Southport--one of  my favorite  places--to watch the water, the sailboats, the birds and visit a new restaurant, Oliver's.  Earlier this year, we went to Oliver's with Donna and Bob when it was open for only 17 days.  It was love at first bite.  The food was great.   The inside is all expensive wood, large windows and arches.  You can watch boats and birds fly by the windows. 

 

We started at Oliver's with a glass of wine.  From there, we walked around the water and out onto the pier.   It was fun to watch people casting their lines, hoping to catch "a big one!"

 

We met dog people--lots of them.  We met a lady named Deb and her three dogs.  One of them was Oliver, he was a rescue and quite afraid of people.  He let Tony get a little close but then retreated under the bench Deb was sitting on.  I didn't get that lucky, I spoke to him in low tones and gently reached out, but he was spooked and went back under the bench.  I can't stand to think of what people must do to dogs to make them so afraid.

 

We saw big dogs and little dogs enjoying the beautiful day.  After a short walk, we went back to Oliver's for appetizers of baked Brie, steak bites, oysters and wine. 

 

We finished the day at home by watching one of our art series--this one on the Louvre.  A perfect day!

 

Today, I went back to Dr. Kellerman because my left foot and leg have been swelling lately.  He ordered an  ultrasound to check for blood clots, as I have had them before.  I got the results before I even got home.  No clots, but I need to go see a Rheumatologist now (not sure if I spelled that one right!!)   More doctors, no answers. 

 

So today wasn't that great, but yesterday, a day in Southport, was priceless!!

 

 

The Oliver's sign against a beautiful sky

Sea birds and sky swirls

Way, way out there is Bald Head Island--we're going to go there one day

 

Testing a new Chard

Alfred Hitchcock could have filmed "The Birds" here!

Oh yeah, you think you know what kind of dog this is...well, the owner said it was a German Shepherd who was under the weather!  OK, you win, it's a poodle!  NOT!

 

The birds line up on the roof ready to swoop for food!

 

 

 

June Stuff

Well, once again, another month is in the home stretch.  June is a beautiful month no matter where you live.  We have had some hot, hot days, but mostly breezy, fresh and warm days. 

 

The Compass Pointe Golf Course officially opened and Tony has been playing more frequently.  And, after 5 years of retirement, he took a part time job at the course.  He is a starter, the person who checks you in keeps track of who is on the course and an Ambassador, the people who politely tell you to put some "hurry up" in your game because other people are waiting. 

 

Tony, Marie and the kids came up last weekend and "the men" played the course.  Unfortunately, the Swegle golf trophy moved from Leland to Charlotte, as Tony Jr. bested Tony by one shot.  It was a tough one to lose. 

 

While they were doing that, Marie and I took the kids to a place called, "The Power of Play."  It's an indoor activity place for kids.  Coleton and Anthony had a good time playing on the sliding board (Anthony had no fear) and riding bikes.  There were see/saws, a climbing wall, various forts and buildings that you had to climb up and slide down.  For those less inclined to climb, there was  a play kitchen, grocery store, doctor's office, house and places to play with building blocks.  It was a fun place.

 

We all went out to dinner to a sports bar downtown and then walked around the water.  It was a full day for the kids...who am I kidding, it was a full day for me, too!

 

I had to work, so Tony & the "kids" took their kids to the beach.

 

All too soon it was time for them to go back to Charlotte.  Coleton just melted my heart when he said, "Momo, when Papa comes to visit me, you have to come too."  So often I am working and have to stay home.  I didn't think he noticed that I wasn't there, but he did.  That was nice to hear.

 

And so, next week, we are meeting up with my friend, Nada, from Cleveland, who will be vacationing in the area with her family--can't wait for that. 

 

Also next week, it's back to the doctor for me.  The pain in my side is back and my left leg/foot are swelling--not sure why on either thing. I'm tired of being sick and once again, hope to find some magic pill or relief with this doctor's visit. 

 

The wedding is just three and a half months away and we are looking forward to that. 

 

Here is June, so far, in pictures:

 

Tony, ready for work!

 

 

The "Three Men and a Bond" Trophy, enjoying life in Leland. 

 

Tony Sr, admits defeat by one stroke....

But apparently isn't happy about losing the trophy!

 

One of the many forts at Power of Play

The kids play in the block room

Anthony doing laps

 

Coleton on the see/saw

Coleton says to Anthony, "You're too little to climb this fort..."

To which Anthony said...."Oh yeah?  Watch this!"  He has no fear

 

 

Coleton doing laps

Notice the faces....Coleton wanted the left seat....Anthony beat him too it and wasn't letting go!

If Coleton slides...Anthony slides

But thank goodness that Mommy was on hand to catch

 

The sea faring Swegles

Luvin the beach

Playing tag with the tide

A fun day for all

Good-bye, beach

 

Our "signature" hole at the Compass Pointe Golf Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Child Is 40 Today

There is a line in one of our favorite movies, "The Patriot," where Heath Ledger is arguing with his father about being too young to join the military during the Revolutionary War.  He says to his movie father, Mel Gibson, "I'm not a child."  To which Mel strongly responds, "You're my child."

 

My child is 40 today.   OK, the number 40 and the word, "child," may not necessarily go together, but like Mel said, your child is your child no matter how old they are.  

 

But Jenna wasn't always 40.   At one point, Jenna was that little girl with the red scalp and the "duck tail" piece of hair at the back of her neck.   "Isn't he cute," old ladies would say at the grocery store. 

She was the little girl who used to call fish, "she-shes."

And she was the baby in the "pumpkin seat" who used to laugh hysterically when Fritz and I played cards and we would split and shuffle the cards so they made a cracking sound.

She was the toddler who used to call me, "Muzzer," as in my mother telling her,   "wait till your mother gets home...."

But, mostly,  I remember the little girl who liked to sing. 

One of her favorite songs was "Sunrise/Sunset," from "Fiddler on the Roof." I can remember clearly her standing and singing,

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
 
I don't remember grown older
When did they?
 
And then, her favorite part...
 
"Some rise, some sit."

And at that point, she would rise or sit down, depending on where she was in the song.   I can't listen to that song without singing...."some rise, some sit."

Another favorite was from "Annie."  Jenna loved the song, "Tomorrow," and would sing it joyfully.
 
The sun will come out tomorrow
 
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be some,
 
Just thinkin' about tomorrow, clears away the cow webs and the sorrow, til there's numb.  

But my favorite song was one we sang in a church program when Jenna was really, really little.  To me, this song summed up our early life after Bill died:

You and me against the world,
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world.
When all the other turn their backs and walk away,
You can count on me to stay.

Remember when the circus came to town
And you were frightened by the clown,
Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for you.

You and me against the world, sometimes it feels like you and me against the world

And for all the times we've cried, I always felt that God was on our side.

And when one of us is gone,
And one of us is left to carry on,

Then remembering will have to do,

Our memories alone will get us through

Think about the days of me and you,

You and me against the world

(Voice of a young child....)   Sing it again, Mommy

No matter how many times I sang that song to her, she always said, "sing it again, Mommy." 

 

My child is 40 today.  She is a wonderful wife and mother, creative, determined and focused on the well being of her family. 

 

WOW....my child is 40 today.

 

 

C is For....

I am having my colonoscopy on Monday at 12:30.  It has been a long and annoying road to get to this point.  This will be the fourth time the procedure has been scheduled and the bills from the hospital and doctors keep pouring in.  Although, I found out a few days ago that the doctor who saw me in the Emergency Room isn't charging me.  It is apparently part of his practice not to charge employees of the hospital for his services, so for that, I am extremely grateful.

 

I met with the Surgery nurse yesterday and she told me what to expect.   The colonoscopy could take anywhere from 45 minutes to and hour and  a half depending on what they find.  If it is just a routine colonoscopy, I will be in and out in about an hour.  They are looking for a hole in my intestines that may be leaking bacteria into my system.  If they find one, depending on the size, I will have surgery right there to close it up.  If it is too large, I will be scheduled for surgery in the not too distant future (oh boy, more dealing with the insurance company!!) 

 

If they find nothing, I will be monitored for pain and bacterial mass indicators in my body on a routine basis to try and pinpoint the problem.  If they find anything suspicious, (like cancer planting its flag with ugly little bumps)   it will be sent to the lab for biopsy.   If all else fails, I will have exploratory surgery to determine how bacteria is leaking into my system., why and what long or short term damage has  been done.

 

I am not sure of the outcome of Monday, but I am glad to have it behind me.

So, Monday, C is for:

Colonoscopy

Cancer

But most of all, closure

Our Busy Times.....

Did you ever have times in your life when it seemed like one day ran right into the next one?  Like there was no space or time between the passing of night and day, week to week or season to season?   That's how I have felt of late. 

 

I know most of it has to do with my medical stuff and then, there's work, which has been super busy with some of the most crazy people I have ever met.  There are days when I look around to see if someone is "goofing" on me when some of North Carolina's "best" come in for treatment.  The shifts have been long--I've been staying more than an hour after my shift time on some nights due to the volume.  The veteran staff members shake their heads and say, "and it's not even summertime when the real crazies come in."  Makes you wonder.

 

We have had an increase in fish hooks in fingers,  jelly fish bites, falls off of boats onto the pier (yes, alcohol was involved) and a case of sun stroke or two.

 

But, you can see North Carolina coming into its own.  Our yard is full of color, the trees are filling out, the sky is a dark and beautiful blue and there are birds everywhere.   Cardinals, Blue Jays, Mocking Birds, Kill Deer and Hawks that circle endlessly in the sky.  It's peaceful and quiet when I leave the hospital.  The air is fresh and sometimes the moon is just huge in the sky.  And, no matter what month it is, you can be 99% sure that it won't snow. 

 

I have gotten a lot of prayers, good wishes, emails, texts, cards and flowers from people regarding my health.  It is so nice to be thought of and to know that you mean something, no matter how small, to these people.  I hope they know how much I appreciate their efforts.

 

And Mother's Day was nice for me.  David came up from Florida and we went to lunch.  I got cards and artwork from the Cleveland grand-babies and cards and pictures from Tony, Marie, Coleton and Anthony.  David shared one of our "Lanai picnics" and walked around the pool with Tony.  They really want to play the Compass Pointe Golf course with Tony Jr. when it opens. 

I had a great time with David talking about the upcoming wedding.  Brenda sent me photos of dresses she was trying on and it felt like I was right there with her.  She looked great in all of them, but I especially love the one she finally selected.   October 21 can't come fast enough for me.  We are hoping to get to Tampa before the wedding to meet Brenda's parents and check out places for the rehearsal dinner.

 

Tony and David played golf and cornhole and "the old guy" came out on top in every game!   Looks like the Swegle Golf Trophy will be staying in Leland for awhile.   

We celebrated our 27th anniversary on May 12.  What a fun day we had.  We went to Kure Beach (that's Cur-ree to you out of towners!) and walked by the ocean.  We went to a place called "Big Daddy's" and sat outside and shared a glass of wine and an appetizer.  We were going to play putt putt, but they don't open until after Memorial Day, so we headed for dinner at a new place that was so good we will visit again. 

Today is laundry day for me and Tony is working on a new painting.  I love these kinds of days.  Getting things done at a slow pace and not feeling rushed.   Tomorrow, back to work and busy, busy times. 

Take a look at Swegle-life:

Get Well Flowers from Sister In Law, Joyce

Sharing Lanai Picnic With David

He May Be The Old Guy, But He Wins At Golf And Cornhole!!

 

Tony Points out Compass Pointe Expansion

 

 

Turf War!!

 

Bernie's Bed....

Bernie Sits On Dixie's Lanai Couch...and, well...

Dixie Stands Under Her Lanai Couch!!

 

Dixie Under Foot....

Dixie On Her Feet

Love That Face!!

 

 

 

The 3  Guys Golf Trophy....Looks Good In Leland!!

New Flowers By The House

 

Under A Carolina Sky!