Just some random thoughts:
I’m sorry I haven’t posted much lately, apparently chemo brain is a real thing. I just can’t find a lot of creative thoughts in my head right now. They tell me it will get better.
My nails have started to hurt and I’ve had to cut them really short. Crazy, right?
Christmas shopping, wrapping, a little decorating and baking are taking up a lot of my time. And it’s only a few gifts and mostly gift cards. Imagine if I actually had a job to go to, too!
I can only cut back so far as we have five children, three with spouses and eight grandchildren plus one spouse. And most live out of state. Yes, most are hubby’s relatives, but I did not train him well years ago so I handle most of the gift getting.
Chemo is coming up tomorrow already so don’t know if I’ll be around much next week…
LadiesWhoLunchReviews,etc 
It’s time for hubby to take over, Dee. You need to relax and get your rest. You can take over again next year. Besides, it’ll be fun to see what hubby comes up with for presents. ❤
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Too late, I’m done! And he would say, they don’t need anything anyway, lol! You might have guessed I don’t give up control easily, lol! But next week I won’t push myself, promise
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Thank goodness for gift cards! And hey, I heard the Costco bakery is awesome… *wink* Lol! Actually it really is! Take good care, sister! Lots of love!
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Haha, yes, I remember! I’m going to venture out to Costco today for king crab legs and their golf balls. (Costco, not the crabs!) Their vodka is great, too!
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Fascist Pennsylvania doesn’t allow sales of alcohol in grocery stores! Grrr. I’ve heard the Costco vodka is good!
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I didn’t know that! Crazy. It is good. My brother wants me to look for the Kirkland golf balls, he read they were rated really highly!
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No kidding? I’ll have to give them a try. Anything could improve my golf game!
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I’ll let you know if I find them. He said they’re $1.25 each and apparently they can hardly keep them in stock!
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Wishing you the best for the holiday season!
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Thanks, honey, and to you!
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Amen on the gift cards, Doc! Hope you’re doing well, D. 😊
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I am good, I can see the end in sight now!
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Woot!!! Hang in there. It’ll all be over soon. 😊
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Day before jitters, brief moments of self-pity and then I’m better in a few. Have a great Christmas with the family!
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You too! Hope it all goes smoothly tomorrow. 😊
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Oh sweetie! Just rest please ❤. You are on our hearts and minds. Merry Christmas, Sis 🎄
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I’m pretty much ready for Christmas. I will take it easy Sunday through Wednesday for sure. Merry Christmas to you, too, sis! Love ya!
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I love you too.
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Gift cards are awesome!
I hope your holidays go well. 🙂
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Thanks, you, too. Hope the new job and move are going well?
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I’d rather focus on what’s good. 😉
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Aww, sweetie!
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It’s all good. Today I am happy.
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Me, too ♡
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Have a great holiday season 😊
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No apologies necessary…gift cards are awesome and getting ready for Christmas is a job in itself! On the plus side, short nails make it much easier to type (when you’re ready.) We’re not going anywhere, so no worries. And thanks for the tip about the vodka. It’s my favorite, along with Stella Atois, Cabernet, Captain Morgan…. 😉
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Yum! Yeah, nails are okay. So happy my eyelashes are still hanging on 🙂
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I say it’s time to rest and do whatever fills you soul with joy! Happy holidays, Diane. 💜
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You are right. Some lovely music, a fire in the fireplace, hot tea! Happy holidays to you, too, Kay!
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Sounds perfect! Love to you. 💜
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Awww, bless! Hang in there Diane! Enjoy this holiday season to the fullest! xoxo
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Thanks, Paula, you, too!
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Hi I already follow your fab blog, so thought I would share that I am super excited as I am officially in the running for the UK BLOG AWARDS 2017! If you could click the link and choose FoodandDrink&Lifestyle on the drop down menu:
http://blogawardsuk.co.uk/ukba2017/entries/forkwardthinkingfoodinista
Thank you kindly in advance your vote is much appreciated
Melanie xx
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I voted!
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Thank you lovely! Much appreciated 🙂 x
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Hang in there! 💕
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Thanks, doing well!
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I didn’t train my husband well either in the gift-giving department. It’s a failure for many of us.
Don’t worry about how often you post – we’ll be here when you’re ready. 💕
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Yes, I envy those families where the husband cooks and buys gifts for his side! Yet I know it would be hard for me to give up control 🙂
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You are so strong. But don’t think you have to do it all. It’s ok to take a time out or delegate!
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I’m doing so much less and I still felt like I was really pushing to get things done this week. I told hubby I’m writing down what still needs to be done so he can handle it next week!
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Even if those details don’t get done, it’s still Christmas, and You get to be with your family. That’s what makes it special. Not the stuff, not the details.
You get to tell us another grandson conversation and let us see this Christmas through your grandson’s eyes.
God bless you and your family.
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Exactly! I have a post about that for next week. How I ruined my own Christmas years ago.
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Stay warm and build up your strength. Everything else will take care of itself.
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Gift cards are the best thing and much easier on you! Take care of you first, we’ll still be here next week. ❤️🤗
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Thank you, D. I’m getting the pattern down now. Keep reminding myself it will just be a memory soon!
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Sorry to hear about the chemo brain – I’ve had friends who went through the same thing. We also have five kids – only two live near us so this time of year I always feel stressed. Hope things become clearer soon – take care.
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Thanks, I think I’m good and then I go to the wrong cabinet — after 20 some years in my house. One friend told me she cried when she couldn’t remember her ZIP code at the gas station! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Jan!
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Blessings for you. As of tomorrow, 3 down only 1 more to go. I’m sorry for your new symptoms. Concentrate on JOY, LOVE, and PEACE for yourself this year. This is your year to let others shower you with Christmas! It will bless them as much as it does you.
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I have found myself asking for help and my friends have taken turns going with me to chemo. The kids call and text a lot to see how I am, so I truly am blessed! Thanks, Linda!
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Take care dear! xxxx
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Thanks, honey! Hope Santa is good to you!
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Don’t worry too much about us Diane…we’ll still be here if you take a little time off to rest and recharge…Enjoy your holidays!! Hugs! 🙂
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Thanks, Linda, I have to rest for 3 or 4 days starting Sunday, but then it gets better! Have a great holiday, too!
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when I was taking chemo I had a option of wearing ice pack mittens to save my nails. Tt was weird but wore them and did not have any trouble. hope everything goes good with your next treatment.
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Thanks, Barb, I will ask tomorrow ❤
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Oh dear. Hugs. And admiration. And good luck with the next round of chemo. I’m in awe that with all that going on, you still finished your shopping and got your cards out, and are still doing any blogging. Not to mention, baking! You are the definition of like a boss.
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Thanks, Hon! It helps that I don’t have a job, tho 🙂
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You have a job — just not outside the home. 🙂
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Awww 🙂
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after tomorrow it will be ONLY ONE MORE!!! You have this. I just know it. I totally understand the anxiety and the moment of self pity. I am sorry your nails hurt so much. I know I had to wear latex gloves even when rinsing the dishes. My fingertips always felt sore. 😦 hope it eases up for you. Gift cards are a great gift. I say that mostly because it is what I did for gifts this year. 🙂
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Thanks! I know, I get worked up over this then I read about Bill Zehme, who spent six months in the hospital with stage 4 colon cancer and had chemo every two weeks. I know it will be fine, a friend is going with me and we’ll have time to visit. I know what to expect now. How are you feeling?
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doing pretty good. I am sleeping on my sides easily now. Energy levels are coming up. I still struggle mentally on many levels. My hip is sore from when I had that bone pain. Sore is better than that pain. I have so much respect for you and my other friends who had to use Neulasta!! I can’t even imagine. The last treatment is coming up for you. It will be the hardest. I hope your fingernails stop hurting soon after. Just hold on. I read a book by a local man from Couer D’alane ID. Stage four lung cancer. With so many complications and several rounds of chemo and emergency surgeries. I reminded me to be thankful in the moment. It could be worse. Just think the cancer is gone and you are doing everything to make it stay away so you can enjoy your grandchildren, husband, and friends for many more years! ❤ #forthegreatergood
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The clarifying plus a benadryl at night seem to be helping keep the pain manageable. I’m not eating much yesterday and today which seems to make me feel better. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I have a friend who’s had breast cancer and chemo twice over 21 years, last time 8 years ago. She eats well and works out like crazy and is so inspiring. I know, we are lucky to be going thru this now, with so many advances. Give yourself some time (like a couple of years) to reach your new normal. This is a long process, isn’t it? Wishing you a wonderful holiday!
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xo Hugs ♥
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Reading this, I should stop complaining about the number of gifts I am responsible for! And, like you, I seem to have poorly trained Paul, as I have gotten/am getting gifts for many members of his family.
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I did know about the kids when I married my hubby, wanted to be a good stepmom, so I did all the shopping and cards. Who knew they would all get married and have kids of their own?? 😀
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Take good care of yourself. ♥
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When my cousin went through chemo several years ago he told me about chemo brain, and said it is a very real thing. He had a wicked sense of humor, and while in treatment, began calling himself “The Lean Mean Chemo Machine.” I loved that! Take good care of YOU. ❤
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Thank you, I’m trying. You know, I don’t think it’s natural for women to put ourselves first, but I know I need to not catch colds, etc. So I’m forcing myself to do it cause I know I have to take care of myself! Yeah, there were lots of people all ages getting chemo today, one man who has to go every week!
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Diane, I’ve been hit and miss here in our blogging world, but I am thinking about you. That cousin I mentioned was the second person in his family to go through chemo; his sister went through it as well and I recall how hard it was. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I marvel over your wonderful spirit and sense of humor. Stay strong. Hugs. ❤
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Gosh Dee.. You have an amazing spirit to keep you going through these tough times… I truly admire you! Thank you for being such an inspiration and I hope you are feeling well enough after the chemo next week to enjoy time with your family this Xmas! Angel Blessings sent with love xx
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Thanks, Wendy. How is your DDIL doing? Hope things are okay and you all can enjoy the holidays ❤
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How lovely of you Dee to remember.. She’s doing amazingly well.. The reconstruction has gone well .. we held our breath whether the nipples would heal and they have which is brilliant… She is so bright and cheery but understandably had a bit of a dip after the first couple of weeks and is back to her smiley self most of the time again now.. Thank you for asking which I REALLY appreciate.. particularly as you’re going through such a tough time yourself.. We’re SO looking forward to Xmas day with all the family and Jen is excited too which is fab! xx
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Oh, Wendy, that’s wonderful, I’m so glad for her. I have a bad day every once in awhile but she is so young to go through all that, I’m sure it’s much more difficult for her. Thank goodness for all the advances in the field. I’m down to only one treatment left after New Years so I know I can do it now!
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She is young and I agree.. it’s tough and brave.. but I don’t think it’s worse than actually having cancer Dee… You’re very brave going through what your going through and it must be a big relief to see some light at the end of your tunnel with the treatment.. I wish you all the very best!!! xxx
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Thanks, Wendy, yes, I’m so glad the chemo will be done soon. It’s tougher than I thought and mine isn’t even that bad. I’ll feel better in a few days! Thanks for your good wishes. Xoxo
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I’m fortunate that I can’t imagine what you’re having to experience and I appreciate my good fortune.. Go Girl… your on the home stretch for the treatment and VERY well done! xx
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You inspire me and help us all realize that we have strength inside us that we don’t know about – until it’s time to dig it out. Keep up your strength, your great sense of humor and ‘humanness’ and write when you can. We love hearing about your progress. Now, go train hubby (I know, I know, it’s certainly a lost cause in my house….) 😉
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Thank you and yes, I’m afraid that ship has sailed! 🙂
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I would write a list of gift cards for him to go to a kiosk and choose them! Dee, it is important and special circumstances for you to get rest!!
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Yep, it all got finished last week and I’m feeling really crummy right now so not doing much of anything…
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💗💗💗
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Maybe the busy ness is a good distraction. My continued thoughts and prayers are with you. The holidays are overwhelming when one has no health issues. Take it easy on yourself. Hugs.
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I’m feeling good today, excited about being done with chemo and going to Maui in two weeks, even with my bald head and sloshy boob! 🙂
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Maui. Wowee. Have fun. It will be all hats anyway. We tried for CR but a loval volcano spewing ash stopped us at the airport. Enjoy. You deserve it.
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Oh, too bad! Hoping weather here in Chicago cooperates as Jan is always iffy to fly, but it’s a milestone bday for hubby, so we’ve had it planned for awhile and I’m so excited to be cleared to travel!
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I. Feel it ill be a marvelous time for you. Enjoy!
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