Day 618

I'm starting to get a better understanding of this anxiety thing. It seems to be tied to leaving the house so I'm starting to think it's pain-related. Every time I have to leave whether it is for work or appointments or grocery shopping, the anxiety shows up. Those days I'm not having to go anywhere, not so much. Just thinking about how much pain I'll be in going down the stairs, getting in the car, walking from the car to the xyz, walking in the xyz, plus having to be pleasant to others when I don't feel so hot is enough to me want to go and hide. Unfortunately the doctor won't prescribe anything until he's sure it isn't linked to the arthritis flare ups. I had an ultrasound on my hands today and the results of that should determine the course of action. So, more waiting.

In the meantime the results of hubby's bone scan came back. Thanks to the heavy-duty, long-term use of steroids to help improve his kidneys he now has osteoporosis. He will start on some medication, but the damage has been done. It's not like he's steady on his feet anyway - between the cerebral palsy, the (possible) permanent nerve damage in his feet from the renal failure, and the tremors from (probably) the renal failure - he's an accident waiting to happen. He's still planning on going back to work after Thanksgiving but certainly won't be using the stairs on the way to and from his second-floor classroom.

And our daughter. Such a great kid. She started a new job today, a promotion at her work. She's been interested in this lead position that only occurs during the holiday season for several Christmases, and now it's hers. More responsibilities, employees that report to her, and a pay raise. We are so proud of her commitment to the working world.

We're also proud of her commitment to helping out her folks. After all her work in the rose garden she also found time to rake leaves. And boy, were there a lot! (Shh..don't tell her she's in the picture, too.)

Day 617

Recipe for Healthy Roses

2 adults, each with health issues
1 hard-working daughter with two days off from work
2 warm November days
2 wheelbarrows
1 pitchfork
3 garbage cans
10 large black trash bags
several pair of pruners and loppers

Mix all ingredients, making sure to take before and after pictures.

Day 616

I don't think I'll ever stop being amazed by the pictures taken at sunrise.

Day 615

I couldn't get through the day without taking yet another fall picture. Who in their right mind could resist taking a picture showing the yellow leaves and the beautiful blue sky on a highly unusual 70 degree November day? Not me.

Day 614

With the way things are for both of us, hubby and I didn't get very far with cutting back the roses today. We did have a helper but she was more interested in playing in the leaves than helping us in the garden.

Day 613

This is the week we're going to cut back our roses for the winter. (With kiddo's help, of course.) Before that happens, just a few last-minute pictures of roses still in bloom.

If you look closely on this next picture you can see a bee at work in the middle of the rose.

Knowing I was patiently waiting, the bee made another appearance.

Day 612

Our backyard seemed a good place to get fall-ish pictures today.

But I sure didn't expect to see a fall picture like this. Poor little Johnny-Jump-Ups are having to fight the leaves.