Honored

Thanks to everyone in Monroe County who voted me "best elected official" in the annual Monroe County Advocate Newspaper  "Best of" last week.

No waiting....

Ahhh...a beautiful day.  A gorgeous day walking through Kefauver Park.  As usual many women are walking as well.  Most of the time in two's or three's, talking about life and kids and work and husbands.  While in own little world I overheard something irrational and unfortunately something I've have heard many times, "I'm not having a mammogram.  I'm afraid of what the results may be."

As they continued walking and chatting I thought to myself:  What's worse than being afraid of what the results may be?  Finding out you do actually have a problem!  A problem which may have been easily treated if caught early, now, has more difficult decisions to be made on how to tackle because it's been postponed.

Because of family history and personal history I've had annual mammograms since I was around 25.  The lesson that can be learned through my diagnosis of breast cancer?  Time.  A lesson of time.  My mammogram at 37 was clear, clean of any issues.  Just a little over one year later when I was 38 I had an almost four inch tumor in my right breast.  The cancer was found with what was to be my last mammogram ever, in my life. 

What if I'd told myself after the mammogram when I was 37, "I can wait a couple years for my next.  I'm only 37.  This one was ok.  No need for one at 38.  I'm young."  What would my cancer been like if I'd have waited?  Obviously it was fast growing as only a year separated my tests.  Treatment for a tumor like mine was bad enough.  Hmmmm....I'm afraid of what the results would have been if I'd went without a mammogram, putting it off for another year.

So the next time you hear someone say, or think yourself, I'm afraid of having an essential yearly checkup, "I'm not having it.  I'm afraid of what the results may be."  Say to the person, or tell yourself, that putting the test off may have terrible consequences.  Much worse than the irrational fear of what something might be.

 2011. My last treatment of Herceptin after a year

of chemo and radiation.  It's over.....

Let's Take a Journey to Dollywood with Colton. All you need to know!!

Colton wanted photo at each Dollywood sign.

There isn't a bigger Dollywood fan than my nephew Colton.  (Well. Maybe my sister. And me!)  This week's "Let's Take a Journey" will probably be the most detailed we'll have on the blog--because of the enthusiasm of Colton.



Wanna know all about Dollywood?  Then read "Let's Take a Journey to Dollywood with Colton":

1. Tell us about your trip:

You can take backpacks into the park.

    Dollywood is a theme park located in the Great Smoky Mountains and is a place designed around family fun and entertainment.  Dolly Parton (one of my favorite people ever!) is the face of the park and has added her personal mountain touches for a special and unique experience.  It is about an hour and twenty minutes from Madisonville, TN, give or take a little depending on the traffic.

2. Approximate cost:
    Tickets are pricey at Dollywood, but there are discounts.  One day admission runs around $40-$60 depending on ages and amounts.  In most cases a fast food chain offers a $5 discount on their cup and there is often a discount on Coco-Cola products.  They also offer military discounts, senior discounts, and check with your local AAA chapter for tickets (they don't offer the discount directly with AAA but give them to chapters.)  They also offer multi-day and multi-park tickets that can save you a lot of money.  And a season pass is cheaper than two one day tickets.  If you plan multiple visits, check onto a Gold season pass, it entitles free parking and 20% off food and merchandise.  Food is also pricy in the park.  I will give food tips later on.  And always drink water on a hot day....it keeps you hydrated and IT'S FREE!  (The only thing that is!)  Parking is $10 for cars and it's higher for RVs.

3. Fitness Level (if applicable):
   Although Dollywood is a place for vacation, I would recommend your best walking shoes as it is a large park.  In the warm months I recommend sandals so you can walk comfortably, avoid blisters, and ride the water rides (my fav!).

Colton wanted photo at each Dollywood sign.

One of my, Marna's, fav things.

4. Equipement:
    I always bring a dry box (found in the outdoor section at Wal-Mart), it makes it easier to keep up with things and it keeps them dry on the wet rides.  I also always bring a change of clothes for the end of the day, and never buy one of the overpriced lockers at the entrance of the park.  They run around $4, and each water ride has lockers for 25 cents.  I always put my stuff in the River Rampage lockers and come back at the end of the day to change.  For children, a lot of people bring strollers.  They seem handy and it would be a good place to keep your items.  You can bring your own or rent one there, and they also have scooters and electric wheelchairs for those that need them.


5. Things to bring:
    Keep you load light, but prepared.  Definitely bring your camera, plenty of money or a credit card, sunglasses, sunscreen (usually applying before going works for me and I burn easily), a big appetite, and a thirst for thrill.  Dollywood is famous for good food!  My absolute favorite place to eat is Aunt Granny's Buffet.  It is $16, but has anything and everything in country cooking.  It seems pricy but that includes your drink, and the full buffet.  By the time you buy a sandwich, side, drink, and dessert elsewhere it will cost more.  And bring your adventurous side because the park has some great rides.  Each ride has a special theme and is sure to give a good time.  One busy days it would probably pay off to rend the Q2Q Bot, which cuts line for you.  They cost $20 per person and are good for rides and front row seats in theaters.

Colton wanted photo at each Dollywood sign.

6. Age appropriate:
    Dollywood is great for all ages!  There are kiddie rides, theaters, good eats, water rides, shopping, and so much more!  Dollywood has something for everyone!

7. Favorite things:
   What is there not to love?  My favorite things are: the shows ("Dreamland Drive-In" to be specific, "Christmas in the Smokies" at Christmas time), (Aunt Granny's Buffet, and the famous Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill-it's to die for!!), and the rides (Blazing Fury, TN Tornado, Daredevil Falls, Rider Rampage, Dizzy Disc, and Scrambler are a few of my faves.)  Dollywood also has various things that many other places don't offer that makes a visit extra special.  Things like Dipping Your Own Candles, and a visit with Ms. Lillian are sure to make a memory.  Dollywood also has "Free Package Pickup" so when you purchase merchandise in the park and don't want to carry it around, the store will send it to the exit and have it waiting for you as you leave, it's very convenient!  And if going with a youngster be sure to have them measured as you enter the park and they will place a colored wristband on them so you automatically know what they can ride.

8. Go Again? Tips? Suggestions?

I don't like to get wet.  Colton does.

   Living around an hour away I go back around ten times a year!  the park has various festivals throughout the season, and each one deserves a visit!  Christmas time is amazing with over 4 million carefully placed lights, and amazing shows!  Never plan your day according to the weather.  East TN is never consistent and even the stormy days are fun because there are theaters, and it usually passes within an hour (all the non locals leave with one rain cloud!)  Do be sure to grab a map and show schedule when entering.  The shows are not to be missed!  (Hopefully you will see me on one of the stages performing one day!!)  Try to avoid the weekends!  It is always more crowded then and can make long lines.  Another tip is visit Splash Country if spending a couple of nights in Pigeon Forge during the summer months.  It's a little cheaper and has some amazing water rides and attractions!


 

Cleaning Buckets

There are no fancy cleaners or brushes needed to clean barn buckets.  

Try this (Marna's trick):
Pour some bleach and water into a bucket.   Pick up a hand full of hay or straw.  (Of course it doesn't have to be clean. Just some nearby trash hay will do.)

Submerge hay/straw in mixture and use to scrub away grim.  Hay works great at taking the grim off and gets down into all the nooks and crannies of a bucket.  Much better than a brush I might add.

Follow up with some good rinsing and you're good to go!

Let me know how it goes!

As with anything in life...

Never Argue with Children

Sunday Funday Down on the Farm

Ada Monroe and I both love cold well water!

#SundayFunday #horses #farmlife #farmliving #reininghorse #horsehour

Gas

Seems I'm being asked more and more often about programs in our county which help those with cancer.  Are more being diagnosed or are more reaching out in need?

Since going through treatment a few years back I suppose people think I'm the one to ask.  But I'm no expert.  The #1 question I'm always asked?  Where can I find help with gas?

Fortunately my last four rounds of chemo were in Sweetwater.  So half did not have the expense of driving to Knoxville. However, that is no longer an option.  There is no chemo in Sweetwater anymore.  (I wrote a blog post a year or so ago about this called "Empty Chairs".  Click here to read: http://marnabeth.blogspot.com/2013/11/empty-chairs.html )

Following chemotherapy, radiation became the gas hog for me. Thirty six radiation treatments.  Everyday I had to drive to Knoxville.  Not only does radiation zap the strength and energy you managed to hang on to through chemo, it also takes a chunk from your gas budget.

Pilot has a program with which I received one gas voucher per week.  Can you say helpful?  It was wonderful!  My treatments were at Park West with Thompson Cancer Center.  I'm not sure which hospitals partner with Pilot but ask your doctor.  Most hospitals have social workers with which can assist with things such as this.

Locally, for those in Monroe County, Patty Williford runs a program which assists with gas.  I'm not sure of all the details other than it's a great program!  Patty has an application you must complete.  I also have copies of the application in my office if you'd like to pick one up while in town. 

Cancer is tough!!!  In so many, many ways.  Don't be afraid to reach out for help!  Or if you know someone going through treatments tell them about programs like Patty's and Pilot.  They may not think to ask.  Or may embarrassed to approach an organization for help.  

It's okay.  Everyone needs support when facing the life battle called cancer.....

Putting up Corn

Boating with the Fam

My niece Jessie and hubby Jason brought the kids up for a Saturday boating afternoon. Much fun.  Nothing like being with family.

Dollywood!!

My sister Lynette, her daughter (my niece) Jessie and Jessie's two kids Jack and Mallie Belle (my great niece and nephew) went to one our favorite places today....Dollywood! The weather was perfect but we were amazed how crowded it was on a Wednesday.

Jack won a toy and had his face painted. 

Cutie pie Mallie

Jack was big enough to ride the River Rampage for the first time. 

 He and Jessie and Nan got soaked! 

She had her popcorn. She had her Nan. She had her nap.

All is perfect in her world.

Perfect weather#

My Surprise!

Chris's surprise for me last Friday??  Tennessee Smokey's baseball game!  I had a great time and I do believe Chris did as well.  He loved the Calhoun's BBQ pork nachos and we both loved the fireworks after the game.  They were sort of like a mini Boomsday.

Surprise? Hmmmm...

Seems Chris is taking me on a surprise something or other.  And....it doesn't include the boat!!

I'll report later....

Let's Take a Journey with J&S to Sapphire, NC

Turtleback Falls

1. Tell us about your trip:

Our trip was to Sapphire, NC. Rainbow Falls, Turtleneck Falls, Drift Falls.  Total round trip hike was 3.5 miles for all three waterfalls.  143 miles and 3 hours from Madisonville.  Beautiful, scenic view the entire way.



2. Approximate costs--fees, tickets, etc.:

Gas money

Drift Falls

3.  Fitness level required if the trip isn't for     
    leisure.  Is the trip for beginners  
    intermediate, or advanced participants?

Hike was mild. Basically for everyone but not wheelchair accessible.





4.  Was equipement required to participate?  Provided or bring your own?
 
Used our own hiking shoes/boots. Backpack.



5.  Things to bring.

Snacks. Picnic. Water. Bug spray. sunscreen. Swim suit. Goggles if desired. Camera.



6.  Ages appropriate...babies through elderly.  What ages would trip suit?

Teens and adults.



7.  Favorite thing?
We loved that you could check out three different waterfalls in one hiking trip.  Beautiful camping area.



8.  Would you go again?  Why?  What would have made it better?  Suggestions for those who might
     like to go on the trip?

We plan to go back in August and cliff jump or slide off falls.  July and August best time to go if
you want to swim.

Rainbow Falls

Let's Take a Journey with J&S to Boone, NC

My cousins Jeremiah and Sarah are a most fun married couple.  The weekender type trips they have are among the best and usually unique ones.  The first of their trips we'll be featuring is their trip to Boone, NC

1. Tell us about your trip:  Boone, NC Compression (AKA) Trash Can Falls.

229 miles and 4 hours-23 min from Madisonville, TN.




2. Approximate costs--fees, tickets, etc.:

Gas




3.  Fitness level required if the trip isn't for leisure.  Is the trip for beginners, intermediate, or    
     advanced participants?

Extremely heinous hike but well worth it.




4.  Was equipement required to participate?  Provided or bring your own?

Used our own hiking shoes/boots. Backpack.




5.  Things to bring.

Snacks. Picnic. Water. Bug spray. sunscreen. Swim suit. Goggles if desired. Camera.




6.  Ages appropriate...babies through elderly.  What ages would trip suit?

Teens and adults.




7. Favorite thing?

Loved the channel.  You could swim through waterfall. Three good swimming holes in one      
waterfall.  Very scenic and beautiful.  Reminded us of an oasis in the middle of the woods!




8.  Would you go again?  Why?  What would have made it better?  Suggestions for those who might
     like to go on the trip?

Yes.  July and August are the best times to go if you want to swim.

Our fearless explorers

Jeremiah & Sarah

(J&S)

Let's Take a Journey!

New to the blog!  We'll be starting "Let's Take a Journey".  The posts will be in questionnaire format posed to those who have been on a recent trip.  Hopefully if you are thinking of taking a "journey" these posts will be helpful when making that decision.  

Check back often for ideas on where to go and for details of other's experience in doing something similar.  An easy way to find the posts is to type in the words Lets Take a Journey in the search box on the left hand side of my blog.

October

The Day I Started Lying to Ruth

I don't read much about breast cancer, other than research articles.   Here's a link to the most profound story I've ever read about anything in my life.   Hope you feel the same.


Click:
The Day I Started Lying to Ruth

Spring 2011

My last chemo! ...Marna

Struggle

Tonight it was my 130 pounds vs a 200 pound stuck grain cart.  Luckily for the hungry horses I won.  One causality: the muscle in the back of my shoulder.   Times like this remind me I cannot do things like I used to.  Discouraging....

Transformers

I learned two things while watching "Transformers". 

Number 1:  Why the dinosaurs became extinct. 

Number 2:  I still love Marky Mark and since the Funky Bunch wasn't in the movie they must be the ones who have taken off with my post hole diggers.

Crepe Myrtle

Planted two crepe myrtle trees beside my tiny ones from last year.  I love the color of my little ones.  I hope the two larger are pretty.  I have no idea.  I also have no idea if they'll live.  I've never planted trees.  We'll see...

Love this. So true...

Howard Baker

Good article about Howard Baker who died today:
Howard Baker

Howard Baker vs Katy Perry

While it's cool that Katy Perry visited Dollywood in our backdoor in East Tennessee,  it saddens me that more people know about or are more interested in that than about Howard Baker's death today.

The Beach. Can you ever have too much?

Absolutely a most gorgeous day for a trip to The Beach for a burger and fries by the river in Tellico Plains.  We even had Mayfield's ice cream cones after lunch.  I usually skip the ice cream because of an overly full tummy of my favorite meal.  But today was just too beautiful to skip desert.

Haven't ever been to The Beach?  You MUST go try.  And while up at the river drive on to visit Bald River Falls.  What a great day trip. Eat a burger.  Drive to the Falls.  Then have some ice cream on the way home.

 And it's local! Even better! 

Audrey....

She's the reason I love turtlenecks...

Admire true beauty...

And why I want to be a better person...

Ugh....latest food addiction. ...at least it's healthy!

Not leaving house during...

Chuy's

Bella and I had Chuy's after our mall shopping.  Other than the great chips and dip we wasted calories.

Sorry Girls...

My great niece Bella and I were in the mall tonight going through the great things on sale at The Gap.  I fell in love with a blouse.  As I was trying on a blue....and a white one, Bella said, "Marna.  Amber and Jessie are going to kill you if you get both!"

Oh....well......I'll take my chances....

Revenge? Epic fail...

Well, my wonderful great niece Chelsea decided to have revenge on me after the hole punch incident a couple weeks ago.  I had bought six hostas plants and left them at the end of our driveway on our bank.  Chelsea stole two.

The reason the gag was an epic fail?  Reason #1: I didn't know they were missing as I hadn't tried to plant.  Reason #2:  I only found out they were missing when Chelsea's sister Bella brought them home to me.  Seems Chelsea was told she'd have to take care of the plants until I figured out they were gone.  She wasn't THAT dedicated to her poorly thought out plan.