Is it October yet?

Raven

Raven, aka Grumpy, aka More Like Whiz, has been at our farm since she was a baby two year old.  She is now eight.

I can remember going with Chris to pick the mare up for training as a two year old filly.  Her owners had nicknamed her Grumpy when she was born.

We loaded her up for her first trip and stood to speak with Judi and Graham for a minute.  Raven, as Chris later re-named her, proceeded to knock the window out of our horse trailer.  A piece of the glass hit the side of my nose and cut it a little.  I kinda thought at that moment, oh no, she might be a tough one for Chris to break....

When a horse has been at the farm for so long it's hard to imagine them leaving.  I never imagined she'd be mine.  Nor really thought I'd be riding again.  (Ummmm....not that I will ride that much.  I really enjoy being the groom.)

My New Horse

I don't know the exact date but know the month and the year.  I haven't ridden since March 2010.  Rode the first time the other day.  My new mare.  Raven.  Heartfelt thanks to Judi and Graham.  You'll never know.

Boomsday 2013

Empty Chair equals End of Summer

Ada Monroe

Ada Monroe, our American Bulldog had a seizure a couple of nights ago.  This is us on the way home from the vet.  She was happy, happy, happy to get in my car.

Boat House

Kids First Boat Ride

My great niece Mallie Belle and great nephew Jack had their first boat ride with us yesterday.  Most fun day on the lake ever.

First Disappointment

First disappointment with having my first Smartphone.

I was showing Chris how to speak into my new phone and how it will type and send as a text message.  Chris flipped his flip phone open to "read" my text, pressed a button and his phone "spoke" my message to him.  With a smirk on his face I might add. Ok. So his flip is more advanced than my flip had been..........  I didn't know.......

Point of View

Sometimes I have to remind myself instead of asking myself "why can't they see my point of view?", think instead "I can see their's".

Worst Things About Being a Smartphone Owner

Worst part of being a new smartphone owner.......Candy Crush....or whatever it's called.



The other worse part of being a new smartphone owner is your alert tone randomly ringing while unable to figure out why it's ringing.......and it's the theme song to "The Walking Dead".

Cornbread Salad and Friends

Yum!!!!  Cornbread salad.  Hmmmm....the past few weeks I've had so many nice things done for me.  Surprise in my mailbox  of canna lilys shipped from a friend, thoughtful help loading the soil to plant them at Wal-Mart, and tonight a friend making cornbread salad for me.

Yum!!! Cornbread salad. Hmm...the past few weeks I've had so many nice things done for me. Surprise in my mailbox of canna lilys shipped from a friend, thoughtful help loading the soil to plant them, and tonight a friend making cornbread salad for me.

The Crash Reel

A must see, a must see, a must see....Even if you're not really into extreme sports or snowboarding this documentary film is a must see.

Link to "The Crash Reel" about snowboarder Kevin Pearce and his brain trauma injury:
The Crash Reel

Summer's End Lake Time

Beginning of the End of Summer

Snowboarding vs Canoe

I'm a warm fire in the winter and would love to try a canoe for summer.  I told Chris he should try snowboarding with Amber and Bryce this winter. I can sit by a fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate and my Kinde.    

He said that's like the plans he had for me this summer.  "Get you a canoe and drop you off in a cove on the lake with a sandwich, a bottle of water, and a book."  

I told him that sounds great, if, I could have an anchor and a pillow for a nap.....    

Dating

As we were driving down the road home from eating at Bert's I told our friend he needed to play the love song on the radio to his new girlfriend.

He said, "dating is like going to school. You don't want to start school with A's. You want to start with an F and work your way up from there. "

Interesting philosophy I guess......

Socks

Hmmmmm......My wearing of socks frustrates my husband. Tonight as I was putting on a pair Chris gave me that "how many pair of socks have you worn today?" look.

Before he could voice the actual remark (because many times he means it as a remark not a question) I spoke up and said, "this is the first pair I've had on today!"

Chris said "no, really, is that like your fifth pair?"

I said "no, really, this is the first pair."

Chris "no it's not."   Me "yes. Yes it is. "  Chris "Marna...."

Me "honey, my feet sweat."

Chris laughing that big laugh of his said "Marna, your feet sweating and wearing socks.....that makes all kinds of sense."

2013-2014 Nashville Predators Schedule

Can't wait till the new season for NHL hockey!  I already have about four games I'd love to travel to Nashville to watch the Preds play.  We'll see.  Hope to make at least two: Rangers and Boston of course!


Nashville Predators 2013-2014 Schedule

Niece

We were TIRED at the end of the night!!

My great niece, Chelsea, and I after two Jiffy dogs, while watching "The Walking Dead", then worked out to "Insanity" to end the night with watching "The Crash Reel".  Fun times!

Wipe the Sweat from my Brow

I walked in the bedroom in an Insanity stupor after migrating around the living room waving my hands up and down trying to work up a sweat without bursting my heart or falling down after slipping on that sweat which really wasn't that hard to work up and see Chris, who was DYING to buy Insanity six months ago, playing on the lap top.  Chris looked at me and said, "Gaw, that really works does it? You weren't in there 15 minutes."  He then proceeds to wipe the sweat off my brow.  Thanks babe....

Insanity Core

The theory of strengthening your core is lost on me.  I migrate around the living room like a goose flying South for the winter.....

Today vs Tomorrow

I think I've realized one of my problems with taking care of my health (and any other aspect of my life). I always say to myself "Well, I'll start that tomorrow." Tomorrow I say the same thing. I guess I should tell myself "Today I'll eat healthy. Tomorrow I'll have a Lamp Post cheeseburger" and then repeat each day.

Scarves

I love scarves......but I'm hopelessly devoid of any talent of tying one.

Perfect

Chris and I went to Delano to look at Daylilies.  I bought a BUNCH and was reading on how to plant them on the way home.  The paper said to plant 18 inches apart.  Chris asked if I was going to take a tape measure with me to get the spacing right.  I said no and Chris told me I get in too big a hurry.  I said "If I waited on perfect my whole life then I'd never get anything done."

Coal and Blue Tailed Lizards

Mowing over the weekend I caught a glimpse of a large blue tailed lizard run underneath the house.  For a split second I remembered being a little girl over at my grandpa and grandma's place (Momma's parents).  They burned black coal for heat.  I loved going out back behind the house and looking at the huge pile of coal which set at the edge of the woods.  I remember watching and looking and waiting.  You see, the coal pile had many, many blue tailed lizards living within.  If you'd wait long enough and be still enough you'd catch a glimpse. 

Photo in Wallet

I keep this photo of Chris when he was 6 in my wallet.  I made him pose today to see if he could make the same expressions.  (I think those tank tops are back in style.)

Cardio Abs

Cardio Abs tonight. I struggled a little but mostly with my back.  I think I feel my "officially lazy exercises" more in my abs than this video.  Maybe I need to give Mr. Insanity a call and some lessons.

Smile

"Who ate your bowl of sunshine this morning, thundercloud?" 

The Walking Dead - Boys vs Girls

Okay, so after resisting the rage and force of "The Walking Dead", I am now a follower, addict of the show.  

But, one thing, the creator of the show must not like girls.  The little girls all seem to get killed off but that one little boy just keeps on trucking.....

Songs

You forget how much you loved a song 30 years ago until you hear it and are reminded of it in a movie.....

Putting up Corn 2013

Shucking

Washing

Boiling

Cooling

Cooling

Freezing

Life is too Short and Paige Died

Chris and I went to Mt. Juliet for our friend Paige's Memorial last night.  We knew Paige in the 1990's. She dated a horse trainer friend of ours and we'd travel to shows.  Often we stayed with her parents when we were driving through to somewhere.  Paige was a one of a kind women.   She was 43 Sunday.  Her birthday was celebrated in Heaven (if God does kinds of things) as she died several days prior.  

Wedding Day

I still cannot believe she passed.  Paige and I connected on Face Book about a year ago After not seeing each other since 1999 or 2000.  We Face Booked back and forth some.  She wanted to see me and Chris again.  She was going to go to Murfreesboro in October to watch him show.  


I knew she was terminal.  But Paige didn't talk time lines with me.  So I felt we had plenty of time for the visit in October.  I had to go to a couple of trainings for work and drove past Mt Juliet.  But was behind to get to the facility and no time to stop.  We talked about meeting up at other times for dinner or a visit.  The timing never worked out!  Why didn't it work out!  I so regret that it didn't.  Paige wanted to see me.  I should have moved Heaven and Earth to see her.  But once again, thought we had much time and would see her in October at the horse show.






Now Paige is gone and the effort I made to go visit wasn't good enough.  I am angry, so angry and disappointed in myself for not seeing her.  Not a selfish way at looking what I missed out on.  But in a way that I hurt Paige in not seeing her when she wanted me to. 

Paige at a horse show with us 1998

She was an amazing woman.  So funny.  I wish everyone I know could have met her once.  I'd been excited and proud for people to have met her as my friend.  She was country girl through in through who could rope, ride and barrel race and just about everything else.  She loved her horses and cattle.  She loved her little girl and family.

Paige went to Germany for some experimental treatment--last ditch effort for her and her family.  She came home and died a week or so later.  Her family had posted the treatment didn't work in Germany and she was resting at home and would not be taking any phone calls or on Face Book,  I had immediately wanted to call her but with the post understood I shouldn't.  It was several days later the post was on her page from a family member that Paige had died.

We just never know in life........what will happen next...............
with that, how much time is left..................

Paige Nash Morris, Terry Allen, Chris and Me
December AQHA show in Shelbyville. Full weekend
of Roping, Reining, Cowhorse along with the Four F's:
Food, Fellowship and Fun

Arizona Fires

Forest fires. I was shocked when I heard. Most times when I hear of fires I don't remember to think of the firefighters going in the thick of things when there is a wild fire.  So sad about the 19. Praying there are no more stories like those. I cannot imagine the awfulness those who died went through and those who are still fighting are going through-emotionally and physically.

Good News Friend

A friend had a great day today and text me some good news. I love when my friends are happy. Nothing makes me happier.....

Hockey Interviews

Hockey players must be trained at hockey school on what to say during an interview.  They all seem to say the same stuff.  Here's a narrative:

"Um, obviously we gotta take this season game by game and obviously outwork them. Obviously when we play our game plan it's huge for us.  Um, thought we are doing the right things but obviously gotta give them credit for winning the battles after getting the bounces.  Um, we aren't obviously playing our best hockey right now and um, could do better.  We got to get pucks to the net and play the full 60.  Obviously we thought we came out strong and gave a good, um, team effort.  But the bad bounces, um, they obviously hurt us.

But it is what it is......we created chances, but obviously, um couldn't deliver and bury the puck....Tomorrow night could be a big 2 points. We got to play our best hockey......obviously 

(Absolutely, I love hockey)

Baby Skunk Smell

Driving down the road tonight there was a baby skunk dead on the side of the road.  Chris said, "Is that a baby skunk?"  I said, "yes".  Went up the road a piece and started smelling something.  Chris asked, "is that baby skunk smell?"  I said, "yes".  (I don't think a baby skunk smell, smells any different from an adult baby skunk.  But I didn't say anything...)

Jane Goodall

Had lunch with a friend today, her little girl and the little girl's friend.  Talk turned of my friend's little girl going to Africa and seeing gorillas.  I'm not sure exactly how it went but the other little girl said something like, "Or Jane Goodall can bring you a gorilla back."  I said, "Do you know who Jane Goodall is?"  She said, "Yes".  I said, "How old are you?"  She said, "9".  I thought, oh lawsie day, it's a little Marna!

Moonrise Kingdom

You have to watch the movie "Moonrise Kingdom".  It's pretty stupid but so good.  Chris laughed his big laugh and put his head in his hands saying, "This is soooo stupid!!!!!  But I can't keep my eyes off the screen. 

Skydiving

Our cousins Jeremiah and Sarah, one of the cutest-most adventures couple ever, went skydiving for their second wedding anniversary.  Years ago, Chris used to talk about going skydiving all the time.

Chris asked about us going and I said,
"No.  I can't believe you asked.  Remember, I'm the girl you said would be a horrible contestant on 'The Bachelor' because I'm always saying 'no way, I wouldn't do that', or 'nope, not me, that's crazy', 
when they go on their dates on the show."

Chris said he'd probably be nervous now that he is older should he try it.  He said he'd probably need some coaxing before jumping.  I said, "I'll be watching from the ground."

Maybe I could borrow some of those cool orange light sticks the guys use at airports to direct airplanes on the ground.... I'll just point mine straight down at the ground instead of using all those fun hand motions in the air.  I'll not need to because straight down in the dirt is where Chris would go.

Ice Hockey is the Greatest

This video is one of the many reasons hockey is the greatest sport in all the world. Gregory Campbell of the Boston Bruins took a slap shot puck to his leg in the 2013 Stanley Cup Series against Penguins. He went down but then came but up and played as best he could with a BROKEN fibula. He was skating for quite a while as there was a power play and they couldn't clear the zone for a line change. Hockey players aren't playing for individual fame, they play for the team, for the boys. When something gets hurt they finish their shift if possible, then go to the bench for Doc to look at, then back out on the ice at their next shift. Tough? Yes. Dedicated? A resounding yes! In other sports if one gets a hangnail they'll run to the bench to be fixed. Hockey players work until there is time to be fixed.  More important stuff going on than a little bloody nose or a tooth knocked out......... or a broken leg.  ouch...... 


Admiration for dedication......

A Life Motto

"I shall pass through this world but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now... For I shall not pass this way again."

               -anon

Photo of Daddy and Tanner

My favorite photo of Daddy and my nephew Tanner

My Check Up - BRCA Testing and Breast Cancer

Blood work was perfect today!  I will get a call later about Vitamin D levels from third blood draw.  No more appointments with oncologist till November!  

Dr. Charles went over the same ole same ole things he always does about reducing my risk of cancer coming back:

Still pushed to exercise at least four times a week for 20 minutes (proven to reduce risk of re-occurrence up to 50%) 

No wine/drinking (wine increases production on estrogen in your body).  So even though research shows wine may help reduce risk of heart problems it elevates, highly, the risk of breast cancer which is much important issue as a breast cancer survivor.  

No smoking - no worries, never have, never will

Keep Vitamin D levels up to reduce my risk of cancer coming back by a large percentage though I can remember the exact.  I wonder how that relates?  My totally un-researched theory?  Chemo weakens your bones and you need to make sure to strengthen once finished with chemo.  Vitamin D is essential for calcium to be absorbed into your bones.  Perhaps the Vitamin D normal levels help your bones regain health through absorption of calcium?  Those with high risk of re-occurrence can have new cancer re-appear in bones.  Maybe the Vitamin D is so important to strengthen your bones which when strong might fight off cancer cells???  I have NO idea.  That's just a out there kinda stretch of my imagination.  Nothing based on medical or scientific research. (Although it would be neat to look into this further.)

My Vitamin D levels dropped very low last year.  I believe you should be around a 30 for normal Vitamin D level.  My average is 27-28.  But one appointment my level was 15.  I was put on 50,000 units of Vitamin D a week for 4 weeks.

Dr. Charles, who in my three years with him seems to be a very conservative oncologist when it comes to future tests and radiation based tests (PETs, etc) due to exposure, suggested I have the new 2nd generation genetic test.  I'm not big on genetic testing but since Dr. Charles wants me to I will.  I trust him.  This test is mostly for risk of breast-ovarian cancer (HBOC) I believe.


Hmmmmm, writing on Jolie a few weeks ago shot right back at me. I pretty much know if the test turns out to be positive (first generation wasn't) what my plan will be.  And will go with proactive prevention/research due to my prior diagnosis being estrogen, progesterone and HER2 positive.  Reminder to self: knee jerk reaction to a test can cause future problems in other areas (no ovaries = having to worry about all the problems related to having those removed itself and treatment for that issue which would in turn mess up keeping an eye on my estrogen levels (fat cells produce estrogen, not just ovaries) which all in turn impacts risk of re-occurrence of breast cancer.......

Dr. Charles has never encouraged me to have a hysterectomy because of potential links.  A large reason being that fact that your body produces estrogen in other areas-not just ovaries.  Therefore removing ovaries doesn't cure risk of cancer returning for those with estrogen fed cancer.  But it does cause problems association with hysterectomy.  

This is all just too complicated……

Interesting side note: there are many proactive things you can do for prevention of breast cancer or re-occurrence of breast cancer.  Such as diet, exercise, vitamins (D), no smoking, etc.  The only dietary proven prevention: no drinking.