Day 83 - Good News! - May 31st

In the past, I've shared ideas of a few of the products that have been of immense comfort to me as I have traveled this journey in hopes that these ideas might be of a little help for those traveling their own journey.  Tonight I wanted to share about another product that has been very valuable in light of the fresh produce restrictions that are looming out there for the 100 day mark.  

As all fresh produce carry those little rascally microbes, washing meticulously is essential to their being safe to eat. I've spent hours washing, scrubbing, sanitizing and drying these desirable delicacies and every minute has been worth it!  I have also encountered some pretty discouraging days when the produce that was so extensively taken care of has wilted or accumulated a whole new set of microbes. Happily, Rubbermaid has come to the rescue recently with their new fresh vent technology.  Salads last much longer in these containers and strawberries and blueberries that have had a vinegar bath will last fresh and crisp for a good 2 weeks and more!! You might think I'm getting some kind of bonus from Rubbermaid for this endorsement, but as of yet nothing has come in the mail. It's just great to share some good news among all the bad that seems to be hanging around lately!  

Day 82 - Do unto others - May 29th

We had a beautiful lesson in relief society last Sunday on service to others.  It was wonderfully presented and covered many of the different dimensions of charity, from helping others, to forgiveness, to putting others first.  It was such a good reminder of what kind of people we are striving to be.  Again, I must share my sincere gratitude to all those that have touched our lives with their love and service!  The bounty has been so Ginormous, we cannot take it all in and we are so extremely grateful!

As I listened to this lesson, my thoughts drifted back to a recent conversation I had with my grandson.  As we were talking about the events in his life, he mentioned that there was one of his peers, that had taken to ridiculing and teasing him, making life at school not so pleasant. I know that these experiences happen in many situations and settings and I also realize that many times we grow all the stronger because of, or in spite of them. Still it broke my heart to know my grandson was feeling the pain of this teasing. 

He continued his story with a little anecdote ending explaining there had been an event at school in the interim of this teasing where both children had an opportunity to perform some athletic tasks.  Smiling he said he was able do his best and apparently he out performed his tormentor.  Wanting to be on the cheering side of my grandson, I said, " Did you say to him, 'look who's not in shape now?"  

Then my grandson looked up at me a little puzzled and answered, " "No, you treat others how you want them to treat you!" 

Oops, my bad, another lesson learned from the mouth of babes, and he hadn't even had the relief society lesson yet!

Day 81 - Families are Forever! - May 29th

We had such a beautiful, wonderful day, today as we visited the graves of family members who have passed from this mortal state. Memorial Day is such a celebration of those lives and legacies that hold us together and inspire us to live better.  We met Robert's brother up in Heber City to visit their parent's and grandparent's graves. Some of our children and grandchildren were also able to come and reminisce a few memories also.  After visiting at the grave site we ordered our lunch at the Train Station on main street in Heber. This is a special yearly tradition, made a little more fun by the fact that Robert's dad worked there as a young man and his name was discovered listed on a wall of former employees by our nephew the year grandpa passed away.

We took our lunch to a little park to eat where we met up with another one of our daughters and her family. We all had a delightful time catching up with one another while the grandchildren played together.  

After enjoying some fun time together we went back to the cemetery with our daughter and her family who had not been able to meet us there earlier.  We shared a few more memories of Grandma and Grandpa Lyon with their little family,  as Grandma has only been gone about a year, the boys had quite a few memories of her and participated quite a bit in some special discussion.  As we were leaving our littlest grandson was quite melancholy so his dad held him in his arms, explaining that things were going to be fine as we would see Grandma and Grandpa again some day.  Without changing his sullenness, our grandson announced,  "I really miss Cohen!", our other grandson he had just been playing with at the park who had returned home.  We were a little surprised that he had been thinking of his earlier moments of fun, but it just served as another reminder of how wonderful it is to united with your family, past and present!  

Day 80 - Wash and Wear - May 28th

Did I ever mention how much I love Sundays? Even when things don't start out perfectly I always find myself lifted a little higher by the close of the day.  I might have seemed a little dis-shelved when I arrived at church today, as there was a little hiccup to my speed bath and fly into church ready mode that I have been enjoying.  I have found that keeping my wig a top of the commode has been very convenient for this specific routine.  Unfortunately, my wig decided to try out the swimming hole just below it's abode. Yes, it had been flushed, but the whole experience reminded me there is danger in being too complacent when things seem to be going too good.  

But, then again a good old swirly can give anyone a fresh new outlook, right... or is that a look of being flushed out?  In any case, I found by the end of church it really didn't matter, the lessons learned there reach much deeper than mere outward appearances. There is a healing found there for all ails of this world, even bad wig days!

Day 79 - Awesome Day...New Yard - May 27th

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, we were in for more blessings today because of a couple of generous hearts. As you can see, major transformations happened today, and as predicted, it was just like Christmas, minus the snow! Usually it takes me till it snows to get this much yard work done! Hoping all involved know of the sincere gratitude and indebtedness we feel. It truly was an Awesome day!

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Day 78 - Sunshine in Our Souls - May 26th

Tomorrow could be one of those days, that could parallel Christmas in anticipation excitement!  With my Microbe restrictions, we have quite the collection of weeds in my unattended flower beds that are gladly taking residence where beautiful spring flowers once resided. With 22 days of restrictions left before I can undertake that weeding and planting, I'm pretty sure the weeds would have won this summer.  

But.....again the extreme goodness in others hearts have lifted ours and brought sunshine into our lives! Tomorrow there will be a landscaping crew coming to our home to replace those undesirable little squatters with beautiful flowers! I am so excited it will be hard to sleep tonight! This gift is something we could have never imagined happening, and brings us to tears that someone could possibly be so generous and kind! The Sunshine in our Souls tonight could light up the whole house!

Day 77 - Temptation - May 25th

Tonight we attended a lovely outdoor social, no mask was needed because of the setting. Part of the dinner was catered out but many dishes were brought Pot Luck.  There certainly was a wonderful array of edibles. I still needed to bring my own food because of the dangers of sitting food, but I made a nice little salad that I was very happy with.  The trouble came at dessert time, that was definitely total torture, watching the decadent chocolate brownies, cookies and cheesecakes pass by!  

It made it very difficult to concentrate on conversations as the lingering aromas tantalized my senses.  Somehow I made it through the party,  but when I got home, it was more than I could handle! My daughter had given me a recipe for a healthy mug cake that could help satisfy a sweet craving, but I would have had to cook that, so I resorted to the cute little ice cream drumsticks calling my name from the freezer. Yes I answered their call, to my total delight, the only trouble was, they didn't stop calling after the first one disappeared.  I was now ready to answer their beckoning, as my husband was still at meetings for the evening... no one would have to know if another drumstick bit the dust, so to speak.  Then I remembered the blog, I had already told everyone about my commitment to healthier eating. Drat!

So.... out came the skinny popcorn, a few handfuls later and I was okay.  The blog and the popcorn came to the rescue.  So I can happily report tonight, I'm not as good as I should be, but I'm not as bad as I once was!  

Day 76 - Positively Positive! - May 24th

It was Doggie class again tonight!  We actually missed last week's class, so I had a little trepidation about how it would go tonight.  I figured out a box that I could actually move in and out of the Murano fairly easy, and practiced a lot of the day with Kimba jumping in and out.  Although it was not a stretch by any means for Kimba to use it, I figured if it made the transition from home to class easier it would be worth it. Although, she wasn't extremely comfortable jumping in with it, if I took it slow enough she would eventually go in.

As I had figured, when we got to class, Kimba was way over-excited and we began the pulling ride again.  Slowly, with enough turns and treats she began to be a little (operative word here) more responsive. Actually, I was able to hear a few of the instructions tonight, one of which was: we need to be really, really happy for the little improvements our dogs are making! We need to emphasize the positive if we want them to make changes from their natural tendencies. If we focus more on giving them corrections the process of training will be a lot slower. 

Aha!! Another life lesson to be remembered in our dealings with all living beings, especially those living with us; recognizing the little positive things can help make the big positive things happen!

Day 75 - Just Counting More Blessings - May 23rd

It's hard to believe we are already at the 3/4 mark!  I am so thankful for all that has been and for all the love and care I have experienced!

I shared the gym with another immune deficient patient today.  He was from Rock Springs and had been here in Salt Lake City since Thanksgiving, on his own cancer journey.  He hadn't been able to return to his own home in all this time.  I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard that would be! I was counting every minute of the 15 days we were gone from our home! Every day I have been home has been such an incredible blessing! 

In lieu of the horrific tragedy in England this past day, I am extremely grateful that instead of witnessing random acts of violence, my life has been filled with beautiful random acts of kindness! What a remedy for these unthinkable situations. I am thankful that I have a faith that let's me know there is a higher power that allows us to have hope, when fear and despair might overcome.  So tonight, as I thank God for all he has given me, I pray that he will inspire me to know how I can begin to do my little part in helping other's to find that hope also! 

Day 74 - And the Beat Goes On - May 22nd

There were no great events or eye opening episodes today, (thank goodness, sometimes no news is good news) so I'll just update a few of the continuing adventures of my life.

1st - The Non jumping dog - Let me rephrase that - Non jumping into the Murano dog, she'll jump over playground equipment, waterfall rocks, laps or couches!  We have relapsed to using the box again to try to get her feeling comfortable, but if she slides while using that, we start all over again.  Her biggest trouble comes from her own fear of slipping. I did have a little empathy for her tonight, as she tried to jump in, but slipped back out.  I saw how she jumps differently when she is afraid.  I actually can relate to her as I have dealt with that paralyzing fear when I play the guitar in front of a crowd. It only took a few slip ups, (the older I get the more those happen too!) now I cannot control the uncontrollable shaking I have in front of a crowd. I play differently when I somewhat expect I'm going to slip up. Maybe if I figure out how to help the dog conquer her fears, it might help me out with a few of my own!

2nd -  The Cold - So far, so good, it's just running its course as a normal little cold would.

3rd - The Sugar - I have cut back drastically, but I am finding that it really makes me want to snack on something, and a carrot is not cutting the mustard, I now use skinny popcorn to fill the crevices. I'll have to let you know how detoxing from that habit goes!

Day 73 - Surprize! - May 21

Well, another milestone, maybe not one I have been looking forward to, but something I haven't encountered these past 73+ days. It looks like I have my first cold, but here are the things I am so very happy about.  First, I have a mask, so I could go to church today without sharing it with anyone! Second, so far all this has been is a little cold, with a little sore throat and cough. That means my immune system must be up and running! Hooray!   

Day 72 - Saturday is Special Day - May 20

9:07 p.m. ;

I'm starting my blog and Robert is still outside irrigating. I'm sure he could adapt this cute primary song, to 'Saturday is a Specially Long Day!' So much of this blog has been focused on my journey through through cancer and it's up's and downs, but it sure needs to be said this is not a one man journey.  It is very difficult to watch the burdens (my word, not his) that my caretaker has borne through this process.  It is totally humbling to think of all he has given and continues to give without complaint. What a testament to know what true love is all about in this confused world of ours, that when the going gets tough, the tough just keep going, giving and loving!

I know this journey has taken a toll on his health and his strength but he doesn't let down.  The last few weeks I have been begging him to let me mow the lawn with a mask on, so he doesn't have to keep doing it all by himself, but to no avail. He did relent today however, that even 'he' is looking forward to the time when I can mow again! We are both counting the days when life returns to a resemblance of what it once was, and I couldn't be more grateful for the man I can count on!

Day 71 - A Spoonful of Sugar - May 19

It's hard to believe that there is less than a month left before we reach day 100.  We've come so far in so many ways, at least that is in all but one of those ways, and that has to do with the title of today's blog.  I wish I could say my issue had to do with just a spoonful of sugar, but that's not quite the case anymore.  When I first got home, I really didn't crave sugar, in fact I can say I really didn't crave much.  It was quite the challenge just to find those things that were palatable enough to stay down.  Fast forward to these current times, it seems that there are many things on top of that palatable list and most have sugar as their top ingredient. In one of the tests that were done at the beginning of this journey they had me drink a sugary concoction then scanned to see where those cancer cells were.  Sure enough where ever the sugar was, those cells were attracted right to it.  Those little cells were so happy in that sugary environment they lit right up.  

Well, I really don't want those cells lighting up my life anymore, so it's time to put them on a diet.  I figure if I am going to be held accountable to that pledge I'd put it out for the world to see.  I know I can't quit cold turkey, well, I probably could quit cold turkey easier than quitting sugar again, but also I know that balance is the key.  So, here's to eating the good stuff, without stuffing in the sugary goods!  Another milestone to conquer!  

Day 70 - Balance - May 18th

Today at my exercise class, I mentioned that I was a little stiff, from the last workout. My trainer said that there were a few stretches that could help out with that.  As he showed me the stretches he also explained the mechanics of the muscle as it is challenged to do harder things.  He said that as the muscle is worked, it produces a product called lactic acid which makes the muscle want to contract. Stretching counteracts that, and can help alleviate part of that pain.  

I thought about that as I was traveling home and wondered if that could apply to other areas of my life as well.  It seems that muscles need balance to keep them from going through unnecessary pain, as well as people need balance in their lives to help them from going through unnecessary pain.  Whether our lives become too focused on work, sports, t.v., video games, face book, or other things (that could even be beneficial) we should have a counter action that helps stretch us back to being balanced. That is the challenge isn't it.  When I first returned home, my schedule was very simple and was mostly focused on getting better.  As I have been getting better, and have been able to put more of life's real tasks in place, I am beginning to feel somewhat concerned with being able to balance those tasks with those things that matter most.  I am hoping that the Lord helps me stretch those muscles that keep life in balance as I try build my capacity to accomplish more with my time. I guess that's what is so wonderful about the gospel, each week I get the chance to reset, refocus, and re-balance!

Day 69 - All in Perspective - May 17th 

Since yesterday's blog had to do with my change of perspective, when I saw this video posted on one of our friends Facebook page, I knew I'd like to share it with more people. Like I said, I did not find this video on my own but felt it was definitely a benefit to all those that view it. I hope you enjoy!  

Day 68 -Unexpected Lessons Learned - May 16th

This journey so far has come with many interesting experiences. These 68 days have had plenty of high roads lined with miracles and blessings that never could have been expected, and that have lifted my life to heights only these experiences could have brought. I have never felt so humbled and loved than at this time of my life, as there have been so many that have unselfishly reached out given of their love in so many ways. I also know how invaluable the love and support of my family can be, which I am forever indebted and grateful for.

This journey has had it's share of  twists and turns along the way. Some of the experiences I've been through have been expected, although not looked forward to, many however have brought lessons I never expected. I would like to share a couple of those
this evening.

When I first returned home, with no hair and having to wear my mask whenever I had encounters with real people. (Yes, Robert counts as real, but he lovingly committed not to run away), 
I was acutely aware of what I thought were my oddities.  I truly felt that I was scary to children, that I didn't quite fit in anymore.  I heard mothers having to quiet their children's questions as I passed them in the store, and began to realize what someone who had true handicaps might feel as they also might hear those whispers. 

Lesson 1 for me: Treat those with differences in the same way I would treat a good friend.  I don't need to avoid contact or questions, and I can genuinely offer help in any way with lots of smiles. Now I realize many of you already do these things comfortably but I think that sometimes I have felt awkward in some of the contact I have had. 

Even though I count this as a good lesson learned, a little more seasoning has brought me a little more understanding. My daughter has always assured me that there was no fear in the eyes of my grandchildren. That they loved and accepted me no matter what, she has even encouraged me to bear the bare head proudly!(an offer I have declined on most occasions) As time has passed, I have seen the truth of her statement,  I can wear hair or hat, I can be masked or not, and they still call me grandma, the sweetest name on earth. With that support I have felt a change in me, I no longer need to feel as awkward wearing my mask in public situations.  I am finding that interactions with people and especially children are less awkward when I act like myself.  When I'm happy and reach out the barriers that I perceived melt away.  

Lesson 2 for me: A mask can hide my smile, but not my eyes, and I need to let those smile a lot more!😁


  

Day 67 - Inspiration - May 15th

With all the new gifts I was given for Mother's Day, it inspired me to finally get my hutch and wall decorated again, something I haven't been able to complete since being back home for some reason.  I guess I just didn't have enough cute things! With all of the fun things I have been generously given over the past couple of months, and my new gifts yesterday, it sure made for a fun morning and a feeling of satisfaction to get things looking 'Inspirational'! 

Day 66 - Happy Mothers Day! - May 14th

There is nothing better for a grandmother/mother than to have her children and grandchildren together in one place! Thank you to my loving family (as well as some extended family!) for making my day totally incredible!  I love you all, and thank you for all that you are and all that you do! 

Cute moment of day; usually by afternoon I am wearing my hat, because it is so much more comfortable than my wig.  My grandchildren are quite accustom to that look, since most of the time that I see them, I am in my comfortable mode. Today, being Mother's Day, I decided I should dress up my head, and wear my wig.  My youngest granddaughter came running by an exclaimed, "I like your haircut, grandma!") Me too! And I'll like it even better when I really have some to cut! 

Day 65 - And They Keep Coming - May 13th

The milestones continue, last evening we ate out for the first time at an actual restaurant. We celebrated our daughter-in-law's birthday up in Park City at a beautiful restaurant.  The setting was beautiful, the food was beautiful and our company was beautiful! We enjoyed every minute, and somehow by some miracle we had the entire restaurant to our ourselves, so I didn't even have to wear my ankle bracelet (mask). That's just beautiful don't you think!

Beautiful Dessert!  

  

Day 64 - Ice Challenge # 2 - May 12th

This morning when I went to put ice in my water bottle, the ice wouldn't come out of the ice dispenser as it was blocked.  I had to take the ice chamber apart and dig the ice out which was caught in the dispenser.  As I began to dig, my hands got cold and a few of the ice chips splashed out on my face, giving me a sensation that immediatly transported me back 64 days ago - to Ice Challenge # 1. In an instant, I was there, sitting in chair 5-C with my cooler filled with 10 lbs of ice, covered in a hospital blanket, chewing as fast as I could to keep the Chemo from giving me mouth soars.  All of the feelings and fears of not knowing what was to come came rushing back to my mind, as well as the realization of knowing we have made it through hard things. I wondered how 64 days could go by so fast and yet seem so long ago. 

I feel so humble and grateful to realize all of the incredible blessings that have been bestowed upon me at this crucial time.  I know that my Heavenly Father is totally aware of my situation and lifted and blessed me in even the most minute details of this journey!  I am thankful for a family that has rallied and given so much of their time and love to support me through this all, and for friends that continue their incredible kindness'.   Most importantly, I can never say enough about my incredible loving caregiver who has sacrificed his all, to make sure I have stayed safe and healthy and comfortable. Lastly, I am sure glad Ice Challenge # 2, was just a flashback!
😱

Day 63 - Germination Time  🙆 - May 11th

We had a wedding to go to tonight, so I had my hat off while I was getting ready. I hadn't put on my wig yet when the sun hit the mirror just right.  It actually looked like there was something breaking up the shimmer on my head.  I moved in closer to get a better look, and it seemed like there was actually a little fuzz there on top of my head.  It was mostly all white so I couldn't be sure. 

I stood there trying to decide if I was imagining things or not when Robert came in and remarked, "Hey are you getting hair?"  

That was it, that's all it took for me to declare, "My sprickles have turned to sprouts!"  You gotta love spring, don't ya!!

Day 62 - Try, Try Again - May 10th

I hope you can handle another dog story.(My life has very limited horizons right now) We have been continuing to work with Kimba on jumping up in the car as I had signed her up for training classes, about 10 miles away and she would need to take a little ride to get there. We have progressively scaled back the size of the box she has been using to jump up in the back of our Murano with each day until we have gotten down to a small 2" foam mat.  She has been hopping in and out with ease as long as we use the mat.  If we take away the mat she struggles.  Her first class was tonight so the plan was to just take the mat in the car with us so she would feel comfortable hopping in after class. 

We arrived for class on time and met with about 20 other dogs and owners. The class was extremely challenging for Kimba, as she was so supercharged at seeing the other dogs.  She got really good at pulling on the leash, barking and totally ignoring my every command, but she was just about par with the other dogs, so I decided not to worry yet. I am pretty sure she had no clue that I had come along for the ride, (the one she was giving me around the lawn perimeters), but she still seemed to enjoy herself! That is until class was over, the minute she saw the car, she laid down on the ground, (I knew she had heard that down command I had given her earlier in class, it was just a delayed reaction!) She was not budging!  I finally got her feet up on the bumper and Wa-la she didn't jump in, but my strength training has paid off,  I just lifted her in!  Triumph amid Trial!  Another good day! 

Day 61- Another Step Closer to Normal - May 9th

I started teaching guitar again this past week, I guess I could call it getting back to work, but truly this is a case of getting back to fun! With the incredible students that I have, it is a totally delightful experience! It is something that brings me a lot joy and according to the therapists up at the Huntsman Hospital, it is good exercise for my brain too! It (my brain) has certainly been on vacation a little too long! 

While I am so happy to be getting back to the things I love, I must say it comes with a new perspective this time. No matter how much I love teaching and how fulfilling it is to me, I realize that it can never replace those experiences that come with having and being in a family.  I understand those fleeting moments that come with children, grandchildren and an incredible husband, are gone all too fast! Each moment is a treasure that doesn't always wait for us to behold!  This is just another blessing that has come with this journey,  perhaps one I wished I had learned much earlier.

Day 60 - Kind Hearts, Great Minds - May 8th

People continue to brighten my life in so many ways! It has been so wonderful to hear from and have visits from the sweetest, caring friends and family.  My cup runneth over with gratitude, and astonishment with the kindness' that are so freely given out of love! I've got to just share one more clever way that people have made sure I'm not missing out of the beauties of spring.  

This little humming bird feeder will make sure I don't miss out on one of those rare moments that we enjoy the same space with some of God's littlest beauties!  I thought this might be a good idea to share with those of you that haven't done your Mother's day shopping yet!!

Day 59 - Part 2 - May 7th

Today's blog is a continuation from yesterday's blog, if you would like to check out yesterday's blog one more time, our techno help (darling daughter # 4) did fix the video portion.  As you can see in the waterfall, the dog has no inhibitions about jumping or heights.

Now, to tie the ends together of this blog and the previous no jumping in the car, dog blog.  It seems to be if you change up the circumstances or the variables of the scenario, things that were quite difficult or nearly impossible somehow under new circumstances seem almost effortless.  If we apply this to the challenges and struggles we face in our journey to perfection, perhaps we need to try a new perspective.  Maybe we can't approach those stumbling blocks the same way we have always done. Perhaps with God's help, we can see a new vision, his vision for us, it might be totally different than ours. Then as we turn to his vision we'll be free of those limitations that we have actually placed on ourselves. 

Day 58 - Wouldn't You Know it, Doggone it!

Remember the dog that couldn't jump in the car yesterday, well we turned on our waterfall today!  Same dog, but not the same results, we wanted to show you 'Amazing wonder dog' video tonight, but our techno support team was unavailable, and when you are older than 50, that means you're stuck with a picture.  Hopefully this entices you to tune in at some future point for the real adventure! 

Day 57 - High Hopes - May 5th 

Today's lesson comes straight from the dog, or puppy to be exact. If you have followed this blog, you have probably seen pictures of our cute (once little) puppy. Now at 8 months old she is almost full grown!  She has always been on the timid side, and having been bit as a young pup, had developed a few fear issues.  She was able to overcome a lot of those issues while staying with my daughter and her family. She found much solace spending happy time with her 'siblings' (My daughter's children!)  

One of the challenges we have really been trying to work on lately with Kimba, is to get her to jump up in the back of the Murano (our SUV).  It is something she has been deathly afraid of, and we have tried and tried to figure out a way to make her feel more secure. For awhile we were able to get her to put her feet up on the bumper, so we could at least lift her backside up to get her in. Then for some reason she decided she was afraid of that, so any time we went to lift her up, she would get down and run away.  It took weeks to get her to put her feet up again.  Then while visiting my daughter's house, her husband just told her to get in, and to our shock, she jumped in, no problem.  I had a lot of treats on hand so I just poured them out to reward her.  We tried it again, it worked! She jumped in again no problem, and again she was rewarded with a jack-pot of treats. Thrilled, I hurried home to show Robert what she could do..... but....... no matter what we tried she wasn't going there again, for any amount of treats.  We went a couple weeks without any success, in fact, most of the time we tried, she would just lay down and bark at us.  

We needed a new approach, so we put a box down that she could jump on, to get her closer to the back of the Murano.  It took awhile and many of the most tempting treats we could dream of, but she finally made the leap!(well, actually hop)  Over and over again we practiced this, until she could do it without any effort. We repeated this for a couple of days, then it was time to try it without the box. Whoa, the brakes came out again. We coaxed and encouraged with all our might using the best heated homemade gourmet treats we could think of ..... she just barked at us.  Now with all this barking, she had gotten the attention of the neighbor dog and he came to see what all the ruckus was about. When he smelt the goodies in the back of car, he knew exactly what to do,  and he hopped in the car. 
So here is the scene,  our Golden Retriever is barking at the back of the car and up comes the neighbor dog who is a little Boston Terrier, he hops in the back of the Murano with the greatest of ease and eats the best meal of his life! 

You might think this picture is looking pretty grim at this point but there is a redeeming feature here we hadn't planned on.  Kimba decided that the neighbor dog was not getting all her treats and hopped in to protect her interests.  Hooray, score again (finally!)
We must have practiced hopping in and out at least 25 times, she was leaping like a gazelle, which was probably hard with all the treats she was getting!  With a deep sigh of relief and feeling of great elation, we called it done for the evening.  

We practiced again the next day, beginning with the box and working our way back up to the full leap, all went perfect!  We had this in the bag!  To keep the routine going we practiced again today.
things were right on course as we started with the box and then removed it as we had previously done, when she jumped this time she didn't stick the landing as well as she had before but it was still safe. I still had lots of treats so we tried to keep the momentum going...............No such luck...... Defeat again...... After all we had been through, and here we were again........Me in the Murano, and Kimba laying on the cement barking at me.......Where is the neighbor dog when you need him?

Well I kind of pouted the rest of the evening, while I was pouting I did do a little reflecting on the whole situation.  I was quite disappointed, wondering why she would revert back so far, when she had this.  I also thought about me and my behaviors and shortcomings, and wondered how my Heavenly Father feels when I revert back to bad habits and fall short of my potential.  This put things much more in perspective.  I am so thankful that we have the chance to begin, again and again, no matter how many times it takes to get it right and keep it right, thanks to our Savior and His Atonement, His high hopes for us never diminishes.

Day 56 - Wahoo! - May 4th

This morning was possibly the best morning I have had since my stem cell transplant.  I actually felt incredibly good and full of energy!  A feeling that I had forgotten had existed. It's not like I have been feeling bad either, I know that each day I have been getting stronger, but I would say that we definitely took a hop, skip and a jump ahead today! I was able to hurry through chores this morning, and felt good in my strength training class. After shopping, (something I always have energy for) I was able to catch up on a few other chores that have been just waiting for me!  It just felt so good all under and all over!  

With such a great morning, I do have to say, by afternoon I just had to celebrate with a good old nap!  Maybe that's a guilty pleasure that I'll be able to get rid of one day in the future, but right now, I don't mind feeling guilty! 

Day 55 - And the Little Child Shall Lead Them - May 3rd

I had an interesting happening today, the neighborhood children were over to our house to jump on our Trampoline.  They came to the door to ask for a drink.  Now they only live next door so they wouldn't have too far to go to get a drink at their house. As we have gone through this process  many times before , this request is usually followed by many other requests for varied items usually of upgraded value.  In order to perhaps avoid an afternoon of many interruptions it has been suggested to me to simply tell the children that they could run home quick to get their drink and come right back to play.  This is a difficult thing for me to do, as my heart is as soft as my head. 

Long story short, I just got them some little paper cups and a pitcher of ice water so they could drink when they wanted.  Then I remembered I had some chocolate I wanted to use, so I thought I could make a quick batch of cookies they could eat while they were jumping. When I brought the cookies out they were delighted!  As I was returning to the house, I heard our neighbor say to her friend, "Would you like to say the prayer or should I?"   Her friend opted out. Curious, I stopped by the door before going inside just to listen. There, out by our trampoline was offered the most eloquent little prayer from the heart of a child who not only was grateful for the cookies but had such sweet things to say about her neighbor (me).

It made me cry to see how grateful she could be over such a simple thing.  Lesson for today, be more like a child, and be truly grateful for the simple things God gives us each day!

Day 54 - Spring Cleaning - May 2nd

I guess with spring flowers comes Spring Cleaning!  I went all out and tackled my purse!  As I unloaded it, I found a few items that I am ecstatic about moving out permanently or at least for what I hope is a very long time.  The first was the trusty little thermometer we bought at the beginning of the stem cell process.  It was just a little inexpensive old fashioned oral thermometer, and was probably used way more than it's fair share, but it sure calmed those fever fears of that volatile first couple of weeks.  

Next, (apologies for graphic detail here, anyone with a queasy tummy might want to end reading this blog now!) was the little green discreet Throw Up Bag, provided by the nurses at Huntsman so cheerfully! I did keep it neatly stored in a Ziploc Bag,  but how wonderful it has been to keep it discreetly tucked away and not used for so long! Some memories are the best when you just let them go!!

That I can happily do! 😤 

Day 53 - Signs of Spring - May 1st

They say April Showers bring May Flowers, but a wonderfully talented friend made these!  They are all made of paper, and they are so incredibly beautiful and bright! They just bring the sunshine into our home! It never ceases to amaze me how many ways there are to make someones day! I have certainly been the recipient of so many people's kind and incredible talents. I am so very grateful and humble to have been touched by so much love! Spring is such a beautiful time both indoors and out around here, especially with the garden variety of flowers that have been generously gifted to a lady who the doctor told couldn't have flowers!  The doctor just didn't have a clue how ingeniously talented women can be!