Just put on a little lipstick...

I got the results of my vitamin D level - it was 31.9, normal is 32-100 so I have some work to do. The chemo thinned out my bones a bit, so I need to work on getting them back to normal. The doctor wants me on calcium and vitamin D twice daily and then I will have it rechecked in 3 months. I'm also to continue my weight bearing exercise and walking. I actually had to get my hair cut again this past weekend. The back seems to grow much faster than the top and the ends were looking split. I think I'll keep it shorter than it was pre-chemo, it is so much faster to get ready in the morning.

Earth day...earth week, shouldn't we celebrate our beautiful earth every day? We were given this amazing planet with beautiful mountains, valleys, streams and oceans and we often take that for granted. I'm trying to do my part. We started recycling last year and I've been trying to compost what I can. I am thinking of investing in a rain barrel and compost bin to make this all more efficient . I've been watching lots of DIY tv and I love the idea of edible landscapes. The idea behind this is - replacing all or part of your lawn with edible plants and vegetables. I already have lots of rosemary, thyme and oregano. Josh has agreed to build me a raised bed garden, but I have to wait my turn. He has lots of paying projects at present - which isn't a bad thing, it just means I have to add my name to his list. I hope to get this in soon, so I can plant some of my own veggies. The 11 th hour video really makes you stop and think, and really...who doesn't love Leonar...

I saw Dr. Peacock today for my 9 month check up. They drew blood and she examined me and gave me a clean bill of health. Last time I was a bit anemic, but that has resolved itself.  I am on the every 3 month plan with Peacock (Oncologist) and Whitworth (Oncology surgeon) for 2 years. These appointments seem to fall about a month apart, add in my plastic surgeon occasionally, and it feels like I'm constantly going to the doctor. Oh well, as long as I continue to get good news I won't complain. I am very lucky and blessed. Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers!

I have an appointment with Dr. Peacock tomorrow, just my routine check up. I see her and my surgeon every 3 months. The appointments usually fall about a month apart. I am feeling fine, so I am not expecting a long office visit. I'll update more tomorrow evening.

On Tuesday we lost our friend Gregg Fulkerson . I can't remember ever not knowing Gregg. He is a few months older than me and he is woven in the fabric of my life. We were faculty kids together, which meant we were one big family- birthdays, school events, youth group activities, summer camp, graduation, etc...always together. Some kids are latch key kids, but when your parents worked at Freed once you reached a certain age you just got off the bus there and hung out on campus till your parent's finished for the day. Before we were old enough to do that, Gregg's mom Joyce kept us. I remember Gregg playing his guitar and singing Elvis songs and we couldn't have been more than 10 or 11. If you grew up with Gregg, you probably have at least one cassette with a song he wrote for you. Mu sic was in his blood from the beginning. When we were seniors in high school, Gregg joined a band with some college guys-one of them was Bryan. So I guess I actually met Bryan through Gregg...

We had a great Easter this year. Dad and Sherry were here in town and we went to church with Lisa, her friend Chadd and his parents at Harpeth Hills. We then went for a delicious lunch at Carrabbas. Josh, Chassi and the girls came over after they had lunch with her family. We attempted to get a family photo for Josh and Chassi, but getting three little girls all looking one direction and sitting still is quite a challenge. After the photos, Josh headed to work and the rest of us hunted eggs and played the day away. The girls are crazy about their pink easter dresses, they call them their pink princess dresses . Elizabeth, Rosalee and Isabel picked those out for them and they love them! Happy Easter!

Anna 5 yrs Morgan 4 yrs

Emri - 16 months

Today was an odd one weather wise. We had rain, then snow and then sleet - all after a beautiful warm weekend. Oh well, at least it waited until the work week to turn cold again. It is the end of the season for butternut squash, but here's a great recipe for some fabulous soup. It is one of my favorites and it's full of nutrients. BUTERNUT SQUASH SWEET POTATO BISQUE by: Catherine Bass 1 butternut squash 1 large can sweet potatoes 4-5 shallots 1-2 cloves garlic (to taste) 1 carrot, peeled 1 box of chicken broth Salt Black pepper Cayenne/red pepper milk or (half & half) Cut butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds and discard. Rub both halves with olive oil, salt and pepper each half. Bake in oven 400 degrees for 1 hour or until fork tender. Remove and let cool so they can be handled. Rough chop 4-5 shallots (or 1 onion), 2-3 cloves garlic, and one peeled carrot. Saute in olive oil until somewhat tender (10 minutes). Place mixture into a food processor, add 1 cup of chicken ...

We had a beautiful weekend here in Nashville. I was able to work in the yard on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. My flower beds got a little overgrown with weeds last summer, so it will take a little time to get them back into shape again. I hope you were able to spend some time today with the sun on your face!

It was a bad weather day here in Nashville/Franklin. About 3:30 the tornado sirens were blaring and they sent us all to the interior rooms. We stayed for about 30 minutes until the storm passed over the area. I waited until a lull in the rain and headed home. We have storm warnings out until 2 am - sounds like it is going to be a long night. I'm thinking this calls for comfort food, the couch and a good book.

I always wanted to invent something that would move around and make funny noises and would change the world as we know it. I forgot all about that until we had kids, and now I see I came pretty close. -Story People