Monday, April 29, 2019

Kathy Heads to NJ to help her Mom ~

Monday, 4/2/19 ~  Pete and I kissed good-by around 8 this morning.  I had no problems driving to Florence, SC.  Traffic was light and I had a good book on Audible which should get me to NJ and back to Daytona.  It is a 2-day trip.  Pete insisted I split the 16 hours and I agreed without argument.
          
Photos from my trip ~
      

Wednesday, 4/4/19 – 4/27/19 ~ Mom started her radiation therapy. Due to age and health, the idea is to keep her comfortable, so the level or radiation is less that if it were to abate the cancer.  She continued to have it daily for 28 sessions.  Mom is rather remarkable.  She didn’t have any problematic side effects, other than loss of taste and dry mouth.
     Her sessions only took about 20 minutes.  Since they usually scheduled her around lunchtime, She insisted on taking me to lunch at Heritage Dinner near the Center. I had a number of great dishes while each time we visited, she enjoyed the salad bar with the liver pate and egg salad.  She can only eat soft foods and these she can taste and enjoy.  It was good to spend time with her along with my sister and nieces.  I cooked a number of meals, did some errands, reorganized my Mom’s office so that now we can find things as well as walk around while not hitting or stepping on boxes. Yes, my mom is a “collector” of lots of stuff!
     During my stay, my dear friend, Carolyn’s youngest brother passed.  Thankfully, I was close enough to be able to attend the service. We spoke a lot during my stay in NJ.
     Heather and Jenn decided I needed a break, so I was invited down to stay with Heather for a couple of days. One day, my daughters invited me to join them in a massage and lunch.  We had a great time.  I really enjoyed spending time with Heather.  Not only did she introduce me to her “boys.” Thor and Loki (2 adorable, orange tiger 9-month old sibling kittens, who love to get into mischief and walk all over sleeping bodies during the night!), but also to BLT Pizza. Yes, I did say “BLT pizza.”  It is a white cheese (mozzarella/provolone) pizza with lots of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato.  I was dubious, but BOY! It is really good! And just as good cold!
     Deb was able to take mom to radiation on the Friday, 5/19/19, when Greg’s promotion to chief ceremony was held in USCG Sector Cape May. I drove down to meet up with Jenn, Chris, Kel, the girls, Heather and Jenn’s parents for the service.  It was a beautiful service as well as day.  After the service, Greg showed us around the base, checked out the PX (and of course bought shirts and other stuff) and then we headed out for a celebratory lunch.  Just wish Pete could have joined us!
     Deb, Mom and I headed up to Deneen and Joe’s to say “hi” and join them in some pizza (the regular red sauce, cheese, sausage and pepperoni type that is still delicious, too!) Shelby and her friend joined us, but Jules is still away at college.
     While I was away, besides talking to me 2-3 times a day, Pete has been busy with work and Bailey, but he scrubbed the boat, had the bottom of the boat cleaned and the main sail checked as it is stuck in the furler.  Unfortunately, the rigger really didn’t know what he was doing and used vice grips to pull the sail and ripped it. Pete was furious and the rigger didn’t submit a bill for his time.  Pete also had plenty of food and enjoyed the dinners which he reheated.  He biked over to the Publix for fruit, salads, bread, cold cuts, etc.
    
Saturday, 4/27/19 ~ Laundry was done, the bedding I used on the sofa was put away, bags packed, hugs given and I was on my way to Chris and Kel’s for a visit before heading south.  The girls and I had dinner and a movie, while Chris and Kel visited with neighbors for the evening. Sunday morning, I was awaken by a cat, nose to nose with me at 6:30 am.  My lovely granddaughters thought it would be cool to sneak Ryder, their cat, into my room!  Of course, once I was awake, they jumped on the bed with me to chat. We spent the day together. 

Sunday,  4/29/19 ~ Monday morning, after hugs and kisses, I left as Hadi headed to the bus and Kel to Riley to day care.  Once again, I was heading to the hotel in Florence, SC. 

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P
 

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