Yesterday was my 2nd follow-up appointment at Rothman Institute with Dr. Albert. It's hard to imagine that it's been almost 3 months since my cervical spine surgery and fusion.
The good news is... the bones are fusing, just the way they're supposed to. With Lupus, I guess you just never know. The top one isn't fusing as quickly as the bottom one, but Dr. Albert said that was normal. The top one always takes longer.
I was really concerned about this check-up. If the bones didn't fuse, then another surgery would be necessary to add ANOTHER plate (and more screws) to the other side of my spine for support. I'm SO grateful that doesn't seem to be necessary.
It's now been 12 weeks since I took Methotrexate and I'm doing well. The longer I can stay off of it, the better for the fusion. Since I've been able to stay off the Methotrexate for so long, Dr. Albert wants to know if he can also take credit for curing my Lupus. I wish!! :)
I'm sooooooo grateful!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Greg!
Greg is 36 today! Amazing! How can that be??????
And what is he doing for his birthday????
WELL! Greg is a project manager for a commercial roofing (and siding) company here in Delaware. Some of his 3,000 responsibilies are to travel up and down the coast (and further inland) from Pennsylvania through Delaware, Maryland, and into Virginia to attend bid meetings, construction meetings, to check on all of the jobs to see that they have the supplies and manpower they need to complete the project on time. So, I'm guessing he's somewhere several hours from here solving problems, attending meetings, and just generally "keeping it together" for his company. Doesn't sound like much of a party to me.
BUT... I'm going to try to corner him on Friday for a birthday pizza dinner. What is a birthday pizza, you say? Hmmmmm Got me! But we'll find out on Friday!
And what does he want for his birthday? Nothing, I'm sure! Greg is THE BEST present giver, but he's not so hot on the receiving end. I have some ideas, but I'm not sharing them here.... yet.
And what is he doing for his birthday????
WELL! Greg is a project manager for a commercial roofing (and siding) company here in Delaware. Some of his 3,000 responsibilies are to travel up and down the coast (and further inland) from Pennsylvania through Delaware, Maryland, and into Virginia to attend bid meetings, construction meetings, to check on all of the jobs to see that they have the supplies and manpower they need to complete the project on time. So, I'm guessing he's somewhere several hours from here solving problems, attending meetings, and just generally "keeping it together" for his company. Doesn't sound like much of a party to me.
BUT... I'm going to try to corner him on Friday for a birthday pizza dinner. What is a birthday pizza, you say? Hmmmmm Got me! But we'll find out on Friday!
And what does he want for his birthday? Nothing, I'm sure! Greg is THE BEST present giver, but he's not so hot on the receiving end. I have some ideas, but I'm not sharing them here.... yet.
Happy Birthday, Greg!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Dogsitters R Us
Richard, Julie and Kate went to the beach for the 4th of July weekend, so Michael and Chelsea and I became dogsitters for Molly (who doesn't really believe that she's a dog).
Molly is warm, affectionate, snuggly, adorable (and afraid of everything). On Sunday night we were playing a game of "fetch" and the toy landed on the fringe of the rug in the dining room. Molly barked and barked at that thing as if she could intimidate it to move from the fringe. But nooooooo, there it stayed.
With a great deal of encouragement ("atta girl, Molly. You can do it. Get it Molly"), she finally stuck her foot out and flipped the toy and released it from the fringe. It was a triumphant moment!
Watching her antics, Michael and I laughed until we cried. All of the head tilts and reaching out for the toy with her paw, but not quite touching it - and then looking back at us like... "YOU get it!" Molly has no shortage of personality. And she truly does smile! :)
She claimed the ottoman in the TV room as hers - as long as it's pulled over close to the couch so that she can lean on either of us when she chooses.
Richard, Julie and Kate enjoyed the beach - and we enjoyed Molly. A good weekend for everyone!
Molly is warm, affectionate, snuggly, adorable (and afraid of everything). On Sunday night we were playing a game of "fetch" and the toy landed on the fringe of the rug in the dining room. Molly barked and barked at that thing as if she could intimidate it to move from the fringe. But nooooooo, there it stayed.
With a great deal of encouragement ("atta girl, Molly. You can do it. Get it Molly"), she finally stuck her foot out and flipped the toy and released it from the fringe. It was a triumphant moment!
Watching her antics, Michael and I laughed until we cried. All of the head tilts and reaching out for the toy with her paw, but not quite touching it - and then looking back at us like... "YOU get it!" Molly has no shortage of personality. And she truly does smile! :)
She claimed the ottoman in the TV room as hers - as long as it's pulled over close to the couch so that she can lean on either of us when she chooses.
Richard, Julie and Kate enjoyed the beach - and we enjoyed Molly. A good weekend for everyone!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Cookout at Greg's
Greg and Amy decided yesterday afternoon, to have a 4th of July cookout and we were invited! Woooohooooo! Sometimes the best times are those that come together at the last minute.
Greg and Amy did a great job, as usual! The food was great, as was the company. It's so nice when families blend! Amy's parents were there, as well as her nephew and niece (and family).
Chelsea stopped by with her new Ukelele. It's sooooo cute! We'll have to get a picture to post here.
We had a wonderful 4th of July! I hope you did, too!
Greg and Amy did a great job, as usual! The food was great, as was the company. It's so nice when families blend! Amy's parents were there, as well as her nephew and niece (and family).
Chelsea stopped by with her new Ukelele. It's sooooo cute! We'll have to get a picture to post here.
We had a wonderful 4th of July! I hope you did, too!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th!
Our 4th of July started with another trip to the Italian Farmer's Market in Little Italy this morning.
It was a beautiful morning to sit under the tree and make jewelry, but there weren't a lof of us there. There were quite a few vendors missing and a LOT of customers. But we had a great time and even managed to make almost half of what we made last week. We were delighted!
I guess at this point, it's more about consistency and letting people get used to seeing us there.
Other than that, today looks to be a quiet day. Our biggest plan is to watch the Phillie's game.
Life is good!
It was a beautiful morning to sit under the tree and make jewelry, but there weren't a lof of us there. There were quite a few vendors missing and a LOT of customers. But we had a great time and even managed to make almost half of what we made last week. We were delighted!
I guess at this point, it's more about consistency and letting people get used to seeing us there.
Other than that, today looks to be a quiet day. Our biggest plan is to watch the Phillie's game.
Life is good!
Friday, July 3, 2009
1 - 2 - 3 Marlenas
Great concert last night at the Keswick! Augustana opened for The Wallflowers.
We weren't familiar with Augustana before last night, but when I sent my son a text message asking if he had heard of them, of course - Richard said that he has 2 of their CDs. (He also said "Oh crap!" because a meeting in New York kept him from being with us.) ;)
ANYWAY... they were fantastic! We were late (my fault) and I felt awful that we missed part of their set. They were soooo good! I'd LOVE to see them again! They're touring this summer with The Wallflowers and with the Counting Crows.
Taking pictures of Jakob Dylan is like trying to catch thunder. What an interesting man. There were no rules about pictures. We were all welcome to take them, BUT... there were almost no lights on the stage - no spotlight. The stage was VERY dark. (Michael did a great job with the pictures, considering the darkness of the stage.)
When Stuart (lead guitar) took solos, Jakob moved to the back of the stage, where he was almost invisible. He started every song facing the drummer, his back to the audience. Not a lot of ego there.
The musicianship was terrific, as always. Our seats were in the front row, on the left-hand side - directly in front of Stuart Mathis (perfect seats for Michael, who, being a guitar player himself, is always interested in technique). Stuart Mathis, with his long, thin fingers - (reminiscent of Pete Droge and just made for playing guitar) was mesmerizing as was Fred Eltringham on the drums. I could hardly take my eyes off of him. He drums with every part of his body. He truly becomes the music. Fascinating!
Below is the set list (yup... we were given a set list from the stage) for what it's worth. They did quite a few things that weren't on the set list. Jakob commented on the amazing sound at the Keswick and seemed to indulge himself (and us) with some things they hadn't planned.
Jakob Dylan reminds me more and more of his father. He doesn't look so much like him in profile, but he certainly does straight on. Michael thinks he acts very much like his dad, also.
It was our 2nd Wallflowers concert and I would certainly go again (and again - and again!
We weren't familiar with Augustana before last night, but when I sent my son a text message asking if he had heard of them, of course - Richard said that he has 2 of their CDs. (He also said "Oh crap!" because a meeting in New York kept him from being with us.) ;)
ANYWAY... they were fantastic! We were late (my fault) and I felt awful that we missed part of their set. They were soooo good! I'd LOVE to see them again! They're touring this summer with The Wallflowers and with the Counting Crows.
Taking pictures of Jakob Dylan is like trying to catch thunder. What an interesting man. There were no rules about pictures. We were all welcome to take them, BUT... there were almost no lights on the stage - no spotlight. The stage was VERY dark. (Michael did a great job with the pictures, considering the darkness of the stage.)
When Stuart (lead guitar) took solos, Jakob moved to the back of the stage, where he was almost invisible. He started every song facing the drummer, his back to the audience. Not a lot of ego there.
The musicianship was terrific, as always. Our seats were in the front row, on the left-hand side - directly in front of Stuart Mathis (perfect seats for Michael, who, being a guitar player himself, is always interested in technique). Stuart Mathis, with his long, thin fingers - (reminiscent of Pete Droge and just made for playing guitar) was mesmerizing as was Fred Eltringham on the drums. I could hardly take my eyes off of him. He drums with every part of his body. He truly becomes the music. Fascinating!
Below is the set list (yup... we were given a set list from the stage) for what it's worth. They did quite a few things that weren't on the set list. Jakob commented on the amazing sound at the Keswick and seemed to indulge himself (and us) with some things they hadn't planned.
Jakob Dylan reminds me more and more of his father. He doesn't look so much like him in profile, but he certainly does straight on. Michael thinks he acts very much like his dad, also.
It was our 2nd Wallflowers concert and I would certainly go again (and again - and again!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Taking Pelham 123
Michael and I went to the movies this afternoon to see "Taking Pelham 123". I would say that if you're bored and don't really have much to do... go see it. Otherwise, rent the original and let this one go.
Now, that's pretty negative for me - the all-time movie lover. But after venting my negative comments, I have to say that I enjoyed it.
I thought Denzel Washington's character and John Travolta's character were both over the top. And it takes a lot for me to say anything about either actor that isn't covered with smiles. James Gandolfini and John Turturro, ono the other hand, were both great!
The car chases, crashing cars, motorcyles speeding through traffic going in the wrong direction - not especially believable.
We had a coupon for a free ticket and one for free popcorn and of course, we had our trusty Regalators for our $1 sodas. So, we had a great time and we're glad we went!
If you see it, let me know what you think.
Now, that's pretty negative for me - the all-time movie lover. But after venting my negative comments, I have to say that I enjoyed it.
I thought Denzel Washington's character and John Travolta's character were both over the top. And it takes a lot for me to say anything about either actor that isn't covered with smiles. James Gandolfini and John Turturro, ono the other hand, were both great!
The car chases, crashing cars, motorcyles speeding through traffic going in the wrong direction - not especially believable.
We had a coupon for a free ticket and one for free popcorn and of course, we had our trusty Regalators for our $1 sodas. So, we had a great time and we're glad we went!
If you see it, let me know what you think.
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