Christmas 2012

 

 

I think a little just a bit of rejoicing is called for this season of Christmas.  It is just one particuliar day that the celebration of opening gifts takes place.  However it is a spirit of the season that brings peace, joy and happiness to Christmas.  What would you rejoice in?  The saviours birth to save mankind.  As all Christians are aware that this is the season of Christ birth into the world.  We have been so truly blessed by our saviour.  Many of us get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of parties and shopping and just agravte ourselves with needless worries.  The holy spirit would like each of us to hold and release the joy within our hearts during this time of the year.  At least that is what I think the holy spirit within me fills...that special little tug at your heart that makes you smile and go the extra mile to help others.  Simple kindness, is just that;  simple.  It isn't difficult to smile when you would rather frown,  simple is giving a hug when you might rather just avoid, simple is sharing your home, car, money, food or making something extra special for someone who might just go without.  I might not have the perfect tree or the cleanest house or even a house full of guests.  I do have love for all who cross my path , yes even the enemies.    I might like a beautiful perfect house and Christmas tree, but that isn't Christmas to me.  Half my lights in the middle of our tree burnt out.  I just didn't have the energy to fuss, I would rather enjoy what was lit.  I am a Christian and I love God.  May the lord bless each of you this Christmas season with peace, joy and happiness.

Tired Thursday

Boy I sure am tired today. Exhausted is more like it. Off to crochet.  But the kids got their Candy Canes on the school bus this am.  Now that made me nearly cry and warmed my heart so much.  Humble very Humble.

Medicad State of Washington/Access to Health Care

Pregnant illegal aliens can receive federal aid in the State of Washington.  Citizen like myself cannot.  Now tell me what kind of system to we as a nation have in place.  Ha ha ha...jokes on me huh.  Ivan said we should sue the state.  We certainly would have to buy an attorney because the state wouldn't provide us with an attorney that is for sure. Teresita Baylato. I have to pay for my emergency health care and if I don't it is turned over to collections.  I am expected because I am looked at as a white american female whom should be married or working.  Which I am neither.  Meeting of the Seattle City Club state facts regarding access to health care.  tvw.org.  Washington State HealthBenefit Exchange  Richard Onizuka ...Providers have alot of information that they are not sharing with patients.  Reibursement change.

The pain

Oh the pain.  I just wanna cry I hurt hurt hurt.  Slept till nine am propably because my old body was trying to repair itself.  I suppose the hot tub is calling me.  Wishing I could just have a cup of coffee without pain.  Oh..........gosh.  I dreamt of my Grandma Tyler she bought herself a new Ford pickup.  Goodness Grandma couldn't afford the gas that it would take to run the thing.  But boy she sure was hip.

Matthew 1:18-25

Have you ever dreamed something and thought wow, that seemed like real life? It is wonderful that we have the Bible, and the stories in the Bible to read and worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  How amazing it is the story of Joseph and Mary in Matthew chapter 1 verses 18-25 in particular.  Joseph had an angel appear to him in a dream.  And how Joseph might have felt about his wife Mary.  Yet faith in the Lord helped Joseph to make good decision's regarding his circumstance.  We all must have true faith in the Lord to help us on our journey in life. 

Highway 299 Northern California
 

UPS-Proud Quilt

It's finished! Seriously, I thought I would never accomplish this simple little quilt for our dearest little granddaughter, Sierra.  But, sweetheart your present is on it's way via my friends at UPS.  Your great, great, great granny, Mary Susan Switzer and your great great Grandma were quilters and during my youth, I spent many days with these two sweet women, as they quilted and sewed.  They became my inspriration and gosh I didn't even know it then.  Sew (so) through pinwheels and jump ropes I bring to you a blog and a quilt.  Technology has allowed many advances for the quilter.  This work is hand stitched though.  No machine quilting for this pinwheel tumbler.  The fabric is a mix match of great great Grandma's stash that was handed down to Grammie Bee.  Along with some new fabrics, the back is fleece so baby should stay warm where ever she might take a nap.  Made with love.  God Bless have a beautiful Tuesday.

Simponi

I could barely function this morning.  Meaning walking and sitting with super difficulty.  Went to the dr today and he is having me try Simponi.  It's a one month injectionable biologic.  So after injection I went soundly to sleep for 2 hours.  Feeling much better still lots of swelling.  Going to try to work on a crochect project now.  Just wrote out the pattern.  Ivan is on 12 hour shift today.  Time to make some slippers for my daughter. 

Sunday

Today is somewhat odd don't know why or what the heck it is but something feels wrong today.  Oh well gonna mind my own business and package the baby's quilt to mail tommorrow.  I can never understand when someone wants to always be with you yet really doesn't pay any attention to what you say or do.  Hum just very strange. 

Simple Message

Go and make disciples of all nations teaching them to obey everything I have command you.  Matthew 28: 19-20

Mercy and Grace are free gifts.  We are called to teach and share the good news of Jesus and his love.

Today is a beautiful day the sky is somewhat grey and the air filled with moisture from the rain.  God's love and presence is with each of us today as we hustle and bustle through the season of giving. 

Remember to pray and give thanks to our Lord as he gave us Christ to save us from our sins.  Think of how fortunate we are to have shelter, food and warmth.  Some of our neighbors are not as fortunate.   My heart is filled with the glory of love that I have for my saviour.  I thank you lord and love you.

Do something simple today love your neighbor as yourself.  Smile




Me with Morgan and Koko

Dennae and Koko



Cowlitz River a few blocks from our home.

Vintage Shots of Lady Liberty

Statue of Liberty Hand and Statue of Liberty Head alot of Pinterest today.  Clean house too but I am so exhausted my brain will not let me rest .  2:30am awoke vaccumed the house and did laundry and dusting too. Why! At least the house is pretty again.  Need to crochect something I suppose or perhaps a shower  

Chaffin Family Orchard Link Chico CA

http://www.chicoer.com/ci_22021288/you-can-shop-at-chaffin-family-orchards-one?IADID=Search-www.chicoer.com-www.chicoer.com

Rainy Day Achey Day

I am exhausted today.   When you start listing the things you did prior to noon and it seems silly. So it's time to cook those beans, wash them clothes, work on my arts and crafts...(my favorite crochect I am so darn hook) sit my the fire and take some pain meds.  Happy Saturday

 

ME RELAXIN
 

Doctor Appointment

This speaks for itself ! Makes me smile....

I had an Dr. appointment yesterday.  I think I made him unhappy however, the sad thing is he still gets paid.   I told him no more biologics, none, nada, slich.  So it's sounding like he is kinda pissy with me...I swear I am the patient.  And he told me that my range of motion in my neck was because of fat.  What the heck! Yeah I said ok  and left.  Somehow seems that this Dr seems to know what is best for me yet he doesn't live my life.  I cannot move right now in bed when lying down because of my arms, shoulder and neck.  What do I do ...He ask me how do you want me to treat you.  I told him well the biologics make me feel worse than just being on pain medicine and predisone ....That's what I want.  I am done with the rest of it. Done! Tired and just want a pain med that I can take in the morning and then one at night.  And enough for a damn thirty day supply.  If I am to take twice a day then that means 60 pills not 57...yeah seems he doesn't know math either.  Never get a full script for the hyrdocodone.  Ridiculious absoultely! I don't know what kinda scam the state, pharmacy and the dr have going on but it affects my ability to function.  I was told you know how the state of Washington is with opiod prescriptions.  Why in the heck can't I have opiods over biologics! Why! I'll tell ya why its money all about the dollar...It really shouldn't be a concern of my Dr. who informed me that the reason for my range of motion in my neck was because of the fat in my neck. Going to read the book by Catherine Coulter "Whiplash" my mother gave it to me to read about the pharmaceutical companies and the government.  Yes of course this is fiction but perhaps their might be a bit of truth to story,

Excitement

Yesterday I took the below picture of our dining room nice isn't it.  I am just about finished with the baby's quilt.  It's hard with arthritic hands but it is coming along nicely.  I am so excited I learnt about fusible piecing this am through an online newsletter.  I should remember about fusing since I made a baby quilt for my granddaughter when she was born 9 years ago.  However, that might be asking alot from this grammie who struggles with brain fog caused by medicines for RA. 

Now that pup in the following photo oh that is Miss Morgan and she and her counterpart whom I have yet to up load a photo were caught sleepin on the couch this Friday morning.  Oh what am I gonna do! Washing they cover on the couch once again. 

Enjoy the beauty of the earth today and find kindness in your heart to share.

Our dining room has become my quilting area for the winter months.

Really it wasn't me I didn't sleep on the couch! Geez I get in trouble for everything
 

Tenderness

Webster's definition of tenderness is that of soft, delicate, fragile, physically weak, fond or loving.  Tenderness seems like a gentle word to express someone in mild pain.  The bruise was tender to touch however she was able to still able to walk.  It somehow is not an expression of extreme, chronic or severe.  Therefore, my skin could be tender to touch somewhat like that of when a fever is in the body.  Yet my pain is severe.  It's doctor day today going to have to explain my degree of pain.  Need a different type of medicine to heal my body of this rheumotoid arthritis.  Hoping for the best today. Lord have mercy...will return later.

Chilly Day

Good Day all,


Today is a somewhat chilly day for the pacific Northwest.  The temperature dipped to 34 degrees last night.  It is that time of year though, so glad I have a warm snuggly home.  We heat with a pellet stove so the living and dining room stay quite comfortable. Our others rooms can have a bit of a chill on the cold fall mornings.  Looks little it is going to stay cold today.  I have decided to take a little break from the quilting and have a fresh hot cup of coffee.  So a good time to write a little blog of events in our household this am. 

What Makes a Good Bible Study? | Christian Bible Studies

What Makes a Good Bible Study? | Christian Bible Studies

Complaint Friday and Smiles too

“God, help me to live for today and to enjoy it to its fullest"

I have an auto-immune disease that nobody really understands....well thats how I feel.  This am in my email from Health Central I have literature regarding assistance for biologic medicines.  Below is how I feel about the email...

I have a comment and not to be negative, but I once had insurance and my co-payment seemed high, then I lost my insurance and could for a short period of time receive assistance for biologic's. Seems strange if I worked and carried insurance I paid more and if I did't work and couldn't afford I get assistance. Biologic's haven't really been that fantastic for me....yet everyone. meaning doc's and research seem to think its the best. These biologics, everyone needs assistance unless you have a six figure income...one treatment is about $450.00 per dose. Now isn't that ridiculious. How could anyone afford to pay that out of pocket expense. Mind you that was one dose per month. My cost 60.00 dollars multiply by 3 because it takes at least three months for the drug to work 180.00 dollars!.Then you don't even know if it is going to work. My disease put me out of work into disabilty...Which  with all the red bearuatic bullshit, I still haven't received any payment. Now thats another story I will address in another paragraph. Its been 2 years since I have been off work. Would social security really be able to cover these drugs too? It is sad that we have such a high revenue for biololgics and assistance programs can give the med's away. My apologies for the compliant. But something has to give with the pharmaceticals its gotten out of hand and also social security. But it is really hard to understand our insurance paying the high costs and assistance programs allowing people to receive free meds. I have been on both sides of the ball and I am still sick without a medicine that works. Right now I have taken three asprin, one cymblta, and a pain pill that is a high dose of acetamepion  for my pain.  I have arthritic gloves on my hands and arthritic socks on my feet, wear a generic form of crocs called dogs.  I can't hardly lift my right arm due to the pain, nor lift my lap top without horrid pain. My left foreman I can't move certain ways because of extreme shooting pain cannot shake a towel out to fold, nor rugs to clean. Thats just my arms ok I havent gotten to the knee's or feet yet not to speak of my hands. I visited the ER in May because I couldn't walk do to the left side of my hip and leg being non functional and I couldn't stand the pain after three days.  Now dumb me I have another bill I cannot afford.  Yes 1700.00 for laying on the gurnie and some nice gentleman informing me that nothing shows on the xray but then xrays dont show rheumotiod arthritis in its active state. Well blow me out of the water moses heck then why bother just give me some morphine and lets get my happy butt home.  matter of fact give me a double dose before i punch someone.  Pain so extreme I couldn't even function mentally.  So this xray thing goes into another story of why i cant receive disability yes.  The government yes our blessed government required xrays of my left hand and right shoulder six months prior to this RA flare and the social security doc made the decision from those xrays that i wasnt disabled.  Yeah, yet I am informed when I can't walk that xrays dont show RA flares...Is that just not amazing.  I seriously have to laugh now years of RA inflammation will eventually move the joints and deform them.  But current inflammation and joint pain will not show up on an xray.  Yes, still without a cure and a income.  So perhaps become a part of a study.  I am the study! Nothing is working still.  Morphine will make pain go away for a while, steriods may work may not work, Cancer treatment drugs in low doses warm and heat me internally making the joint feel relief from pain yet not swelling.  Biologics cause all sorts of side effects and if you catch a cold or flu..or( maybe even blood cancer or lymph cancer to name a few).  You stop taking because your immune system takes about four times as long to heal.  So I have voiced my opinon with many misspelled words and with english that could make my college teacher gringe...but please don't even start telling me about assistance programs.... 

Gifted for Leadership: Mentoring as Discipleship

Gifted for Leadership: Mentoring as Discipleship

Cool Air

Oh my what a day today.  Woke late yet my darlin is on nights so go figure I would wake up late.  Like it really matters but needless to say he came home and made me coffee.  I hurt so badly today just some days are terrible.  Hands, fingers, wrists, forearms, elbows, and shoulders, neck and my feet toes, ankles, and shins just hurt hurt hurt.  I hurt almost more when I wake up than when I go to bed.  I just don't know about this pain anymore, have faith, that God will heal me that is all I have ...must pray and continue to have faith. 

I moved my plants indoors today as the cool air has arrived.  They look beautiful in our cozy living room.  I did trim the palm which doesn't look that healthy and is in the spare bedroom and the bannana tree it needed a trim.  So everyone (plants) are bedded in for the cool fall nights.  Left my outdoor potted plants on the patio.  We picked the last of the cherry tomatos this evening before honey went to work.  Well I think that is the last of them unless we get rain soon, as I have stopped watering.

Closing the blog early as I need to work on my lesson for church tomorrow as I am speaker.  Good night

Missed September

Oops I missed thirty days of sharing with you ...oh my.  Now what in the world will we all do without the in's and outs of September days. 

Evening at our little piece of heaven

I did spend ten days on our property in North Cove on the coast.  Absoultely lovely.  Completely a different world lies just a couple hours northwest of home.  Meet some lovely people and enjoyed painting sand dollars, beach combing, and 30 miles of Junk. Which is yard sales, garage sales, junk sales from Tokeland to Westport. 

We tent camped one Sept weekend at the Ocean



This is us...just being happy!



Beach Sand feels so lovely to rest on...

Picked many a tomato during the month.  To date have picked approximatley 40 plus lbs.  Yes, that is alot of salsa for my honey.

So now the Indian summer is in full bloom.  Chilly mornings with the woodstove heating our home and warm sunny afternoons filled with magnificent blue skys, with a cotton cloud scattered here and there, with the brillance of trees colors lighting my eyes with beautiful colors.  My favorites are the yellows, and reds.

 

Bambi (she snuck up on me)

Meeting Sierra

I met Sierra Rose Funderberg last week.  She is such a lovely adorable little angel.  Filling my heart with so much joy.  She was born in the morning around 7am on the 13th day of June in the year of 2012, to my son Michael and my daugheter in law Kerri.  I flew from Portland, Oregon on Saturday, August 11th to LAX. 

 

Me just in airport.



Black Hole

Good Morning

Been away for a few days.  Fell into the black hole of RA...nausea and pain.  This happens normally after taking med's. Which consist of methotrexade, and Orencia injection once weekly.  Do well until the Orencia kicks in and I get knocked down.  I don't understand why? Thought this medicine was suppose to help me.  Yet I get put into a coma like state at least 12 days out of the month.  Then the majority of the time I hobble to and fro in pain.  You know I sound like a whiner don't I, darn it that is not the purpose of this post.  This post is to get it out there that my drugs kick my rear end however I try to manage to function and that is why the rear kicking that I have not posted in three days.

 This week tho Monday was interesting day as I found myself piddling in cleaning from room to room to room.  Anyone ever do this? Is it fall cleaning? Or just finally after years and years of collecting what not, just getting organized!  I like the idea of just begining organized.  I really don't know what came over me because generally I go to sleep for 3 -4 hours after taking my Orencia injection but not this week Yahoo!! Actually felt accomplished.  Then came Tuesday and Wednesday I really can't recall much.  But thank goodness for a wonderful understand man in my life he always says "just rest".  I did...Now today I feel back in the swing of things.  Headed out the door later to grocery shop for my honey.  As, I will be gone next week on a travel excursion to meet the newest grandchild! I am so delighted she is nearly two months old now, wishing we where not to far apart.  This is going to be so much fun. Here she is



Sierra Rose Funderberg venture's to the county fair

My son and his daughter at the County Fair.

Sunday Warm Day

Today is a warm day.  Yes, it's Sunday.  We went to church and Pastor preached from Matthew chapter 1, Revelation 1:12-20, and Psalm 121 1-5.  We took commuion at the end of the service today.  It was good to be in church with our friends. 

I am feeling a little dazed today but somewhat better than yesterday.  I refuse to stay in bed and sleep this beautiful day away.  I might not get out and enjoy the heat but I will not sleep the day away.  Yesterday was not a good day as I had nausea caused from medicine.  Therefore I thought it would be best to take my prescription nausea medicine and it knocked me out all day.  I do believe I slept close to 20 hours yesterday.  I do think it is much better to stay in bed all day rather than be in a hospital bed. 



The end of the road June 2012 Washaway Beach, North Cove.

Ivan is busy with the hot tub today.   He is determined to get the wiring correct now.  We had to buy another heater as the last one burnt up and was not working correctly.  Funny thing is we were just going to give the hot tub away until he decided that perhaps if I tinker with it maybe I can get it to run.  Because there is just no way that we could possibly move it the two of us.  Even though I had a super creative mind to do so he opted for tinkering.  It has paid off I do believe.  We had to buy a new thermostat as the old one wasn't working and the water was boiling, and then it broke and the water freezing.  After installing the new thermostat we are at only 85 degrees.  Yeah, thats just lukewarm so either we need a bigger thermostat or the wiring is wrong.  He is checking the wiring.

Ivan working on the Hot Tub in on July 7th.

RA Hands

Fishing at Overland Lake Ruby Crest Trail

Today pain is still with me.  I really want to mess around on the PC but numbness and pain in hands and feet is hijacking me.  Yikes, I know I don't  type with my feet but pain in them causes much uncomfortable sitting.  Gonna play for a second.  Myself and Son hiked the Rubies in 2004 Ruby Mountain Hiking. Now there is the Ruby Mountain Relay. Wow so I figured it out.  Link the word to the webpage. Not the webpage to the article. Ha Ha Ha.

We are going to try to build a team for the Ruby Mountain Relay.  It is 184 mile relay.  Wow! Next Year though

Wow that was amazing using the Kitchen Aide.  Yes, with hands that are filled with RA pain I can hardly handle the flour and sugar.  So my wonderful Christmas present from my grandchildren worked amazingly.  No more hand stir for this grandma she got herself a handy dandy kitchen aide.  I just love it.  So my honey is gonna be so happy when he comes home from work tonight fresh homemade chocolate peanut butter cookies.  I kinda feel like its cheating because I didn't stir the ingredients but oh it was so nice to add them to the bowl and let the mixer do the work.  Got the sugar poured into the canister too! Wow what a plus for me.  My hands are filled with so much pain I like this being able to do something besides watch life pass me by.  Now I hope I can handle the sander my honey bought me for my driftwood collection.  Will see.  Tootles for now

Drift wood from our beach at North Cove

It's a chilly morning here.  Decided a good day to make some chocolate chip cookies.  I am just waiting for that good ole margarine to soften up.   I use Tollhouse Recipe  So, I hope since this is the first time I have blogged, that this works.  Oh yes, I am behind on the times with this blogging stuff.  But soon I will learn.  After the baking I am hoping to work on my drift wood collection from the beach.  My beach I call home is in North Cove...will post photos later.