Quite the week

Last Monday my friend Mary W. came for a one night visit which was great to see her if only for a few hours. She is a very wonderful friend. It was a most muggy and hot day with light rain and 84% humidity! So we had the air on and decided to go out to the Zingeram's Roadhouse for a late lunch because I am in a flare and too pooped to cook. I was craving their meatloaf but they did not have it so I indulged in BBQ with collards and mashed potatoes. Comfort food. While there my Dr. called to see if I could come into the hospital to address the flare. I told him I could come on Wed. and so I did. Yes I am in a flare darn it and now back on 2,000 mg Cell Cept and 60 mg Hydro cortisone, tapering slowly until this passes as it always does! Too much sun it appears. Most patients do tend to flare at the end of the summer so I am prepared. I think it happened at the walk. I was out in the sun too much no matter how much protection I had or sitting under tent. The reflective rays and 94 degree heat was too much for three of us who now are "sick". This week was also a busy one with lots of appointments, paperwork piling up, book keeping, helping Douglas on his project and planning the Lupus education-Support Program to begin September 3rd. The flyer-mailers are late getting out. I wanted so badly to get them out last week but UM had other deadlines and I made many changes to the proof. Lesson learned and now for future ones we have a template. Yesterday I only ran out briefly to the store and worked on the computer till 3:00, rested and worked in garden until dad came by to check me. We sat on the patio and it was a beautiful evening with a light breeze and slight overcast. I gave him a sample of all the pickles I made( carrot-ginger-garlic, cukes and green beans). Sent him home with some salad makings. I love to share from the garden.

Popa's "memorial" was Tuesday in Holly, Michigan at the National Cemetery. It is all military cemetery and was quite filled. I guess there are many WW2 vets passing plus they take veterans from every overseas war. The Honor Guard had a committal service with the gun salute and flag ceremony. I could not help but cry. I cried because I knew Popa would be so happy to know we followed his wishes. The setting was amazing. A lovely pavilion with a podium back dropped by a lovely lake, seagulls and a wooded area. Very short and sweet. I got home around 4 pm and crashed.

Wednesday I spent all day on the computer with projects and at 4:30 I had an appointment at the hospital and lab. I got home around 6:30. I gardened for a bit and prepared a wonderful meal from the garden. Pesto my niece made with chicken, onions, greens and garlic all from garden. Yumo. In a week I will have more food than I can handle so I guess it's time to can-freeze and make herb pestos.

Thursday was spent doing office work and more lupus education planning. It rained like crazy. Then at 2:00 I had my teeth cleaned and two fillings repaired which were wearing down, cracked and had some sharp edges. I took my pre-dental antibiotic like a good girl and had no allergic reaction. I know those of us with joint replacements dread going to the dentist due to the fact we have to take antibiotic. Believe me you do not want to have a bacterial infection go from your mouth into a joint prosthetic. It means big trouble. I was concerned after so many allergies to antibiotics that I would have issues but Zythromycin did the trick and that is good for me to know in the future. If I could not take that there would be one other option and that is it. Bummer. So that is good news.

Today I am doing nothing ! I am not even going to work in the garden. I can do that tomorrow. I will walk around and pick a few things for my friend Mary Mandeville because I am going to her house for brunch tomorrow for heuvos rancheros, my favorite breakfast !!! She just moved back into her house after living in Chicago for a couple years. Her renters lease was up and she moved in two weeks ago the week her father passed away and she started a new job for the U in Flint. What a week she had. I look forward to seeing my gal pal. She was my biggest support after the last surgery and she stayed with me for a couple months on and off while Doug had to work. A true friend !!! I wish I could do more to help her. I did bail the water out of her floating garden out at the lake two weeks ago. The boat was about to sink with four planters of squash, tomatoes, greens and herbs. Great idea though !!! We just had so much rain it flooded the boat. That was the last time I went out to the lake. I have only swam 2-3 times this year. Maybe next year will be better and I will be able to enjoy it more. I did kayak about 5 times which was fabulous. I miss the cottage !!! Today it is 65 degrees and I have a shawl on. Good to be inside and rest. So on that note............Good day.

Oh, Douglas is doing well and working, as usual, like crazy on the Old mill project. His foreman got sick so Doug did not plan on working hands on and is a week behind schedule. May have to hire another to push through. He was hoping to spend the weekend at his sisters but now he can't. Very sad about that. his cousin passed last week so he really wants to be with family. I miss them so much too. I feel our nieces and nephews are growing up with out us having the pleasure to watch them grow. Now we have a grand nephew and niece too. Mathew had a son and has a step daughter, both adorable. Maybe holiday time?

Make it a wonderful day !!!!