NANA NOTES

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

 

 October 1, 2009 is the beginning of a brand new year for my sweet husband.  I won't tell you how old he turned today but he and Herring Gas were born the same day and that was in 1946.  He spent the morning at the store and the afternoon on a tractor fluffing hay for Ryan. Tonight we attended the first night of a Bible study.  That's how birthdays go when you get this age.  It's been a good day. He heard from all the children.  We look forward to many more.  Happy Birthday, Papa!
 

CAN YOU SAY "SURPRISED" ?

You all know my story of cancer and how my friends rallied around me. I wanted to do the same for my dearest friend Libby who is fighting the battle now.  A few of us got together today and surprised her [and we REALLY did!!!] with a small party to show her that we love her and are supporting her. Debra and I 'dropped in' with some tea that she'd been wishing she had.  We were sitting there drinking tea when others started "dropping in" too!  They brought food, gifts, balloons and "tacky wigs" to model! :)  The next two hours were filled with fun, food and laughter.   I think you can see that she was surprised. And--she looked beautiful in her pink hat and bandana.  Her biggest surprise was when her cousin from Covington County came in--there were a few tears shed then. 

 

You can't have a party with this bunch without good food and everything was delicious.  Mary Kathryn brought a beautiful bouquet of zinnias from her garden.  She always has gorgeous zinnias!!  You can't have a party without presents and Libby got a table full--lotions, tshirts, books, homemade cinnamon rolls, and gift certificates for pedis and massages.  She will be well pampered for a while--and that's just what we intended!!  The highlight of the afternoon was a "Wig Style Show" to show Libby how gorgeous she could be with the choices of wigs available today!! Leigha chose a dark blonde one and Sharon was describing it.                       

Mary Kathryn looked especially lovely wearing a blonde long wig and sun glasses; her stage name is Marilyn.  I'll stop there or I'll give away the best part!!  Sandra Geter was "Suzette" and wore a dark blonde wig. She was extremely lovely with her quiet demeanor and beautiful smile. 

 

Alisa was "Alexandra the Hippie Chick".  Her wig was black and curly and she came back later with peace sign earrings and sunglasses.  You know Libby will wear that soon!!  My used to be friend Pat was somebody from Paduka who not only attended the race but rode in it! [You had to be there!] She said if I put her picture on here that she would not be my friend any more.  I think she'll forgive me. I didn't put the crazy one!! :)  And yes, I modeled one too.  Sharon made me.

They all agreed that I looked better BALD!! 

Of course, we had the pink balloon ceremony. We all said a silent prayer and let it go with the balloon. Glory bumps galore when those balloons go up!! 

Libby and her girls: Mimi, Libby, Alisa, Katherine, and Leigha

For a look at all of the pictures take a look at the photo album labeled "Libby's Party 2009" on the sidebar of the blog.

We love you, Sister!!

A COMBINATION OF EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Ed is having some dental work done by a friend of his who is a dentist in South Florida. He somehow talked me into going along to see if I wanted to be checked out. Sounds good--a little beach trip with some friends and good food.  We called Josh and Cagney got us a room at the St. James Hotel. We went down on Wednesday night and had dinner with them at a lovely place called Irene's. Talk about awesome food. 

Of course I pulled out the camera--you can see our desserts: bread pudding, strawberry cheese cake, creme brule and tiramisu for me. That's after we had eaten some tremendous entrees!

  My salad was sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and red onions with balsamic vinegar dressing.  And for someone who doesn't eat pork chops, this was terrific!!  It was a double cut pork chop filled with granny smith apples slices and walnuts with a sweet potato and apple gratin on top of the most delicious turnip greens I have ever had.

Cagney, Josh and Ed had a beautiful steak. I tasted Ed's and it was delicious too.  We were stuffed when we finished. They took us to see their house and then we went to the hotel.  We had an early flight.

 

 

After an uneventful flight to St. Myers, FL we visited with friends and went out to dinner at the "Temptations Restaurant" in Boca Grande. The movie Deja Vu was filmed there with Denzel Washington.  Another awesome meal and an early bedtime because of Ed's all day dental appointment.  This picture was made with my Blackberry because I forgot my camera.

 

 Dennis and Ed relaxing at their indoor pool while Alma, Naomi and I rode around on the golf cart taking flower pictures.

This is Naomi--Ed's little honey.  She will be three soon and she really took to Ed. She calls me Nana and that's just fine too.

We look forward to going back soon.

 

A flight for Ed and me wouldn't be complete without an hour on the runway without A/C and a return to the terminal for a change of planes.  Better safe than sorry and I am not a great fan of flying anyway.  We made it to New Orleans only two hours late but still in time for a great dinner at Middendorf's.  We met a nice couple who knew some people we knew and had a nice visit.  Every day we find out that the world is getting smaller.

After proofing this post I guess I should have called it "How We Ate Our Way To Florida and Back"!

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF HER LIFE!

I've been writing "twitters" and blogs about "my friend" and now for those of you who haven't a clue, I'm revealing who it is.  We are at the Dr.'s office and she's having chemo for the first time.  She's handling it very well.  She has even fallen into the "talking and carrying on" with the other patients. I love that!!  Please pray for Libby (as I know you already have been) as she goes through these treatments. As Ed said a little while ago, "She can do it". 

Tiffany was very gentle with her and Libby didn't even holler! You know I would have!!

The first day---we had fun during my year---this one will be the same way!  Friends always have fun!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH

Emotions have been "touch and go" around here for a week or so.  We've had lots of things happening in our community.  Our little community is so small than when something happens to one it pretty much affects all.  There's a Lady Antebellum song [One Day You Will] I was listening to today that made me feel better about some of the "stuff".  Here is part of the chorus.

"But down the road the sun is shining
In every cloud there's a silver lining
Just keep holding on (just keep holding on)
And every heartache makes you stronger
But it won't be much longer. . . 
I know right now that's not the way you feel
But one day you will."

Maybe we should be listening more to Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Or maybe Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Maybe that's why God invented country music--sometimes the words just fit the situation.  I do know first hand that all of this is true and "that may not be the way you feel, but one day you will."

FOR MY FRIEND

I was taking some pictures out of a frame yesterday and found a note that my Mom had written probably thirteen or fourteen years ago.  Why it was in that frame hidden behind the pictures I will never know.  I don't know if she put it there or if I did.  It doesn't matter--what matters is that I found it at a time when I really needed to hear the words.  My friends needs this note.  This is for you with the same love I'm sure she wrote it with for me:

"I pray for the very best for you but when you have nights filled with sleeplessness and days dark with discouragement and you can't read or pray, just sit still and let God love you."

Need I say more.  I love you.

Barbara

WHAT WE'D ALL LIKE TO BE DOING!

I guess things around here will never slow down. We keep waiting and it never happens.  Someone asked me today if I ever stopped--I replied that if I stopped I guess I would mold. I am in constant motion-if not moving at least thinking of something to be doing.  I was walking from the kitchen to the bedroom one day and saw something in the swing. I investigated and this is what I saw.  That's Dufus with his feet propped up on the slats of the swing.  Magic is the one in the far right. They never moved when I eased the blinds open and snapped the shot.

Bandit was curled up in his very own rocking chair.  He very seldom lets us see him but lately he's been "out" more.  Copper chased him yesterday so he may go back into seclusion. He's my favorite, you know!! :)

I guess they had sent Smoky out on his own and he was sleeping on the driveway.  He didn't seem to mind.

 

Barney stays at his palace in the barn and Lana lives in the back barn.  She comes down to visit when Josh comes home.

But--the point is--don't they look peaceful? No cares, no worries, no "busyness"!!  Just lying there on the porch sleeping in MY "happy place"! I'm going to have to remember that last year I was the one in the happy place napping and go back out there.  It was FUN!!!

A NOTE ABOUT YESTERDAY: Graham appears to have no broken bones. He is sore and very lucky that the horse didn't break his ankle or leg. He will be xrayed again on Monday.  Jennifer's foot is still swollen and will be every color in the rainbow before it heals. She is walking on it but she probably won't be jumping any more fences any time soon.  Thanks to everyone who called and checked on them.

FRUITS OF THE "SPIRIT" [GARDEN]

Walking around in the garden with my camera often gives me ideas.  [Wish I'd had it today when we went to Natchez to eat with friends!! Long story there--will save it for later!]  I started snapping pictures of all the "edibles" in our garden-mostly fruit-that honestly just grow. I'm not a good fruit grower. I should be; I've had classes on it. I just don't do what I've been taught.  Here are a few of the things we'll be enjoying later this summer. 

Meyer Lemons that will make great lemonade!

Satsumas that are Ed's favorite!

 

 

 

Figs on a tree that Ed said would never make it!  Maybe this year we'll have more than enough to snack on.

Apples-I guess it's time to make more apple jelly. It's been a few years since I did that.

 

Blueberries-if the birds don't get to them first.  Every year we have more and more.

 

 

I love peaches more than I love strawberries and I can't grow strawberries. I wish my peaches would grow better-I should do more for them.

 

We have an abundance of pears and always share them with the deer.  The tree got trimmed this year and it looks much better.

 

There are two types of persimmons--I wish I had some good recipes to use them. They are so beautiful in the fall. I love the orange color.

The veggies are doing ok.  Ed has helped push me to keep the grass out of the beds.  Tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant (his favorite :) and cucumbers.

 

 

Our tomatoes compared to Jennifer's aren't too good. Maybe soon!

Squash are in abundance. We have three kinds-yellow, zuchinni and butternut.  We've even put some in the freezer. 

After the rain we had on Friday it will be "pull more grass" but it will be worth it.

I can remember my grandmothers gardening. I guess that's where I get my love for it.  They saved seeds and planted and preserved.  My mother canned and put things in the freezer. I am grateful for those lessons learned.

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIEND

I know you've heard the story about when I went to chemo for the first time that if I hadn't had my friends with me I don't think I would have made it.  No one talked to me except the nurse and the room was full of people.  I decided right then and there that as long as I was going to that room that no one would experience that feeling.  They were feeling bad enough, they didn't have to feel alone too.  Our friend Skeeter went for his first treatment on Monday.  I knew that his wife would be with him but I really wanted to be there to support him.  Being my "crafty self" I made a sign that said "Skeeter is going to kick cancer's butt" with a kicking donkey on it.  Off I went on Monday and got there before he started.  He didn't know whether to laugh or cry and I think we did a little of both. 

This is Tiffany giving Skeeter his first stick.  I told him I had "magic cream" out in the car if he needed it.  He said he thought he could handle it.  The treatment that day would last six and one half hours.  He started at 8:40 AM. [I found out later that the last drop went through at 4:15 PM].  A very long day for them!!  

This was shortly after the Benadryl bag got started.  I guess Skeeter will be a "sleeper" instead of going hyper like me.  He got quiet.  I hope he gets to rest. 

Deb was filling out papers because somehow theirs had gotten lost.  She came to the line that said "referring physician" and she wrote down "Barbara Herring"!  I had almost insisted that Skeeter use Dr. Jack.  They are glad to be in a clinic that cares so much for their patients.  This picture also shows how much they believe that Skeeter is going to do well with his treatment.  God is in control of this situation and is guiding Dr. Jack to do his best for Skeeter.  Please pray for this family as they go through the months ahead.  God bless you Skeeter; we love you! You too, Deb!!

I'M ALWAYS ON CALL--24/7--:)

On Wednesday I was having physical therapy on "the knee" when my cell phone rang.  It was Jennifer and she had seen my car parked in the North Forty at the hospital. It just so happened that it was closer to Graham's doctor than my therapy session.  He was about to have his staples removed and I was just about finished with therapy.  She said I might want to come over and lend some moral support.  I was glad to do it.  I got there just as he was going in.  The nurse came in and asked if the bandage had been removed.  His incisions looked great and she began the process of taking them out.    After she took the staples out we got to look at the xrays.  See his steel rod and screws?  He's still on crutches but is walking pretty good. School may be a possibility on Monday--we'll see how it goes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY'S A GREAT DAY!

This is what the face of a woman looks like who has just been told that all of her scans are clear and that her tests are all negative!  She will have to come back every three months for checkups and she is a healthy woman!!  No more treatments--no cancer at this time. Praise God for His goodness and thank everyone of you for your love and prayers.  I have felt the "wings of angels" surrounding me for the last year.  I love you all!

 

 

UPDATE ON GRAHAM

Ed and I took Sam and Ben to see Graham after lunch today.  He was eating Kentucky Fried Chicken his Aunt Carol brought him.  He was going to save the lunch we brought him for later.   While we were there the Physical Therapist came in and got him up.  The boys and I left the room and Papa stayed with him. He used the crutches to get up and walk across the room.  The only part that hurt was turning around.   Tomorrow she's going to work with walking on crutches and climbing stairs. Then--he may get to come home.

He wasn't in a very good mood but who could blame him. I think he's been a real trooper throughout this whole ordeal. One minute he was having a good time riding a horse and the next minute he was in the back of an ambulance headed to a hospital for who knows what!

 

Graham really didn't want me to take a picture of his leg but this is what it looks like.  No cast! Just a great big bandage covering the incision. 

Please keep Graham in your prayers--his recovery will be several months.  He's a real outdoors guy and will be hard to keep "penned"!  Lots of his friends have called or come to the hospital. I just hope he remembers it.

LIFE IS NEVER DULL ON COTTON BRANCH

Following a nice lunch after church everyone settled in for their afternoon activities.   Ed and Vin were going hunting, Cathleen was watching football, I was blogging, and the Cowarts were roping in the pen.  We got a frantic call saying that I was needed over at the Cowarts--Graham had broken his leg and Jennifer needed help.  I called Ed and told him.  Then another call came in a more frantic manner that she REALLY NEEDED HELP!  I once again called Ed and he got there before I did.  I called the Dr. to see who was on call and see what needed to be done.  He said get an ambulance and head to McComb.  When I got to Jennifer's the EMT's were there and an ambulance was on the way.  They thought the bone was through the skin and would not move him.  We made it to McComb [Shelly in the ambulance with Graham, Chonda driving Jennifer and me following behind]. There's a really long and gruelling story inserted here but I'll spare you that.  Just know that the "Herring" came out of Jennifer and me and the police were sent to get the Dr. on call after an hour and a half of paging him.       

Chonda took the picture of the xray over Shelly's shoulder. I can't tell much about it but I did see the xray and his femur is broken in two and the two pieces were side by side.  He was lying on the bed after they gave him the first pain med. Someone had to be touching him the whole time-Shelly rubbing his head or me holding his hand.  They cut his "almost new" boots off his feet and totally destroyed his jeans.  I promised him a new pair of boots!  :)  The last pic is one of his leg as it was stabilized to the board.  They had straightened it a bit before this picture.  From his knee down was turned inward.

I talked to Jennifer a few minutes ago and she said that he had a good night-he slept for about four hours. He woke up hungry. That's a good sign.

Please keep Graham, Jennifer, Shelly and the other two boys in your hearts and prayers in the days to come.  Learning to deal with crutches and limitations for the months ahead may be stressful.

SAYING A LITTLE PRAYER

 

Please say a prayer for Jennifer when you think of it tonight or in the morning. She will be having surgery on Tuesday morning.  She is "anxious" to say the least.  And when she reads this she may not be very happy with me--she doesn't like pictures of herself to be posted unless she approves them first!  Sorry, sweet girl, I love you and want everyone to pray for your recovery. I will be.

Mom

 

 

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT

I woke up at 5:00 AM on Christmas Eve--because I wanted to get the day started (and the first part finished!). That day was my last radiation treatment and believe me I was ready for it to be over.  Debra and Libby were there when the diagnosis was given to me; they were there for my first chemo treatment and they were there for the last radiation.  They've been there for me through the whole journey.  Everyone has, but especially those two.

Of course we had to make it a photo op. Thanks, sisters, for everything. When we got home this is what we saw as we drove up to the drive way.

Now I know why Jennifer wouldn't let us in her driveway the night before.  She and the boys were working on this sign that was hung on the fence for all to see. What a great surprise.  The family support I received was tremendous.

I look forward to NOT getting up before 6:00 AM tomorrow and the days ahead and the drive to Natchez.  I look forward to good check ups and great reports.  I have a few weeks off and then have to have scans again.  I'll keep you updated but for now I'm looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

QUICK UPDATE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

I haven't posted an update lately on the "health" situation so I guess I should.  I'm not good at calling or writing and most of my cousins are electronic!  I have had 15 radiation treatments with 13 left to go. The way I counted it--IF the doctor is open on Christmas Eve [and I pray he is] that will be my last day! What a gift that would be!  Other than the first reaction to the marking pen [permanent cross on my left side!-not bad to be marked with a cross!] and a little nausea every now and then I am doing well.  Radiation is not a "friendship bonding" place. I get there at 7:45 AM, change into a gown, get zapped, and am usually out by 8:10 AM at the latest. At least with chemotherapy, I made friendships and had conversations.  But I'm not complaining.  I have used the drive back and forth to Natchez to memorize the Christmas contata for church [I've been out of choir since February] and have some quiet time with God.  These are trying times and this is a learning experience, right? I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with the children and grandchildren.  And---2009---we're praying for a wonderful year!

UPDATE FOR MY EXTENDED FAMILY

Today was my third radiation treatment. So far the only side effect I have had [besides the chemical burn from the marking pen] is a little bit of nausea feeling every now and then. I have medication for that and don't hesitate to take it.  Twenty seven to go [not counting Saturdays and Sundays]. Thanks for your prayers and notes. They are carrying me through this journey.