Chemo Starting Sep 09

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited November 2014

    Thanks so much....wrapping my head around it! Sister just got good news that her uterine cancer had not gone snooping elsewhere. No treatment needed after hysterectomy! God is good!

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited November 2014

    Hello SOSisters...... wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I will be going to work at 430pm and won't get off until 230am. We are actually going to celebrate our Thanksgiving with the family on Friday! The joys of retail.

    Vickilynn - I would love for you to come visit! I wish everyone could come visit. I have vacation in the spring - the azalea's and dogwoods will be in bloom. Sorry DH is going through the pain of Degenerative Disk Disease. I was diagnosed with the beginnings of that years ago when I was having neck/shoulder problems. It's horrible getting older! Sounds like life is busy for you, know you are having fun. Bet you are cooking up something good for Thanksgiving.

    Ronnie Kay - If ever there was something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving - no chemo! WOO HOO!!! I cannot even imagine what a relief that is for you. You can do the herceptin standing on your head. I'm liking your new doctor, sounds smart, up-to-date and compassionate. Bet you are too cooking up a great Thanksgiving feast.

    Barbara - hope you Thanksgiving is great, with happiness of spending time with family. Please post!

    Does anyone have Neece's email?

    Take care dear sisters. Thoughts and prayers are with you as we count our blessings!

    Jane

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited November 2014

    So Jane and Ronnie Kay and whoever else is out there... just saw that Myrtle Beach has some great deals on rooms if you book now for the Spring! Too far for west coasters? 4 bedroom suite for $157/night (2 nights minimum). HMMMMM. Sound interesting?

    Had a quiet Thanksgiving with light snow flurries (didn't stick)... feeling a bit homesick for familiar faces and places, though. But glad to have part of the family here!!

    Going in for an echocardiogram on Wed.... It was scheduled early in November, but got postponed. Just some lightheadedness and low diastolic bp... dr. wants it checked due to studies about the chemo we had affecting the heart. Other than that, feeling pretty good.

    DH's pinched nerve has some relief the last couple days... good news, cuz he sure gets GRUMPY!!!

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2014

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm laying here on Waikiki and decided it was about time to check on my bc sisters.

    I am so glad everyone has made it through the health scares and was soooo happy to read your news Ronnie! So...my Mom took a break from chemo 13 years ago and is still NED. I just believe you will be FINE!

    I hope you are liking your new home Vickie and that the holiday shopping season won't be too crazy Jane. I also hope you are doing well Barbara. The fact is you aren't responsible for your husband being happy.

    DS and I are in Hawaii for his 18th birthday, which is today! We are going to see his favorite comedian who has a show here this evening.

    Our puppy (Tugger) is now 11 mos. old and 55 lbs. He is a really good boy who does his best to be good...but he's not quite there yet! The cats and DS are better with him than I am cuz' I'm just a big 'ole softy. The dog trainer thinks I'm hopeless.

    I'm totally up for a reunion to celebrate our five years together!

    Patty

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited November 2014

    Woohoo...Happy Thanksgiving to my Sos family!!! I'm thrilled to see you Patty & just a tad envious of your Hawaii trip as we're freezing our fannies off here. Had a light dusting of snow...which is just about all I can handle :). It's going to be a cold winter...but nothing like those poor east coasters!

    Happy 18th to your DS, Patty! What an awesome trip to celebrate this big event. You're a wonderful Mom. I think of your Mom a lot!!! I cherish good "survivor" stories....especially when the liver is involved! I told my onc I was concerned because femara didn't help me before but he said w/hercep/perjeta it's a different story. Hope is alive & well! Love your puppy news. If you HAD to be the bad guy, he'd listen...but you don't have to so...enjoy being the good guy :)

    Oh Jane...Tis the season...remember to rest when you can!!! Of course now I have to figure out how to do my infusion standing on my head...LOL!!!! Hope dinner was delish!! There was such a ruckus about stores being open on Thurs & of course the Goofballs rioting for Ferguson...that Seattle was a bit tense. I'm sure lotsa people took advantage of the great holiday sale on weed...so they weren't too concerned about anything :)

    Vicki...praying your echo turns out just fine! We all know you have a very good heart...a great heart!!! I'm sure it's the Adriyamycin that they're concerned about. Let us know how you're doing! Tell Don hi from Tom and I. I'm sure living in a totally different part of the country is interesting & can imagine the number of people that are missing you as well! I would also be excited to meet up...maybe looking more seriously after the first of the year.

    BarbAnne...thinking of you...hoping you're well and taking card of YOU!

    Love to all....reapply your lotion, Patty!!!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited December 2014

    Good to hear from at least SOME of us! Thanks for checking in, PATTY... way to make us all jealous on the shores of Waikiki!! I feel like we "watched" your DS grow up---how's college going for him?

    RONNIE - I can imagine you surrounded by family during the holidays! Enjoy it all!

    JANE - I know you're in the midst of the holiday rush... but hope you get some time to breathe... enjoy a cup of Orange Spice Tea. It's reassuring to know you're just a couple states away. So when do the dogwoods bloom?

    BARBARA - We sure want to hear how you're doing. You won't want to miss out on our 5-year reunion! We could all use a good Sister-hug!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited December 2014

    Echocardiogram results:  my heart is just fine... you were right Ronnie.

    I have to say I was pretty impressed with the health system here in Kentucky... usually I have to wait and wait for results, but I had the test at 1:00 pm and the nurse called me by 5:30 pm to give me results!  That was very nice!

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited December 2014

    Woohoo....I knew it :) Blood tests all good? Sometimes something as easy as low sodium. SO HAPPY you've got good medical people!!! XOXO

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited December 2014

    and me too!  I just found Barbara's email and sent her a note.  Hope she'll check in soon!!!  I could not find Neece's though : (

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited December 2014

    Hiya sisters- sorry for the delay, I sent a few of you a detailed email. :) It's crazy the strength it takes to take ones life back. Here's hoping 2015 is an amazing year for all of us.

    Good news on the medical front too!! I agree with Patty I think Ronnie you will be OK

    I'm healthy, had a minor outpatient surgery thing in late September. Other then that just the daily meds. Job is still crazy have a slim chance at a promotion which would be wonderful way to start the new year, AND with the pending divorce the extra money would come in very hand.

    I am totally down with a reunion. I would love to see my sisters in person!


    Love and hugs, and promises to post more often

    Barbara


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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited December 2014

    I haven't done Christmas cards-yet-and I'm really behind in most of what I should be doing & now it's past midnight & I'm here to wish you all a blessed Christmas...36 minutes into Dec 26th! Anyhoo, I love you all, wish you peace & joy always & hope health & happiness live on in your daily lives. Don't know how I'd have gotten through the last 5+ years without you! XOXOXOXO

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited December 2014

    Merry Christmas I can't seem to get to sleep.

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited December 2014

    Adding my belated Christmas wishes with Ronnie's!   I'm just plain tuckered out!

    love y'all!

    Vicki

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited December 2014

    A Blessed New Year to y'all!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited January 2015

    Has our Board been abandoned?  Hope to hear from you all soon.  Not such a fun month for me.  Went to the dentist because I had a loose tooth.... seems it was broken (chemo? likely?) so strangely the dentist said, "I don't know what I'm looking at".  There was a big jagged piece missing from the center of the tooth!  So I am scheduled to have it pulled next month.  Problem is it's my bottom front tooth. 

    I was sincerely hoping to keep the rest of my body parts intact.  SIGH.

    So I get to have another prosthesis!  (I know that's not what you call a false tooth, but it's the same thing as a false breast!)

    Then the next week, after being on antibiotics for my tooth, I seem to have developed lymphedema in my arm.  It is so painful, I was just assuming it was related to arthritis.  But not only is it swelling, but my hand too,  and I have a lump in the middle of my chest!!!  To which the dr. said, "Oh!"

    Been doing lots of online research about lymphedema. We all know that's sometimes the only way to get things done.

     All the things I've been doing to relieve the pain weren't good for the lymphedema!  Heat packs every night - 2 or 3 times a night.  Hot baths!  Not good.

    I had 4 lymph nodes removed during Mast.  I had a bit of swelling for awhile off and on, but this is much worse.  Signs to look for:  heaviness in your arm.  Aching-flu-like feeling.  ache or pain in your arm.  Swelling.  I've been telling my family when they ask "how are you?" lately - I feel like I've been run over by a truck.  And all the sites said the sooner you go for help with it, the better chances you have of it not progressing to the ugly stages.

    Good news is, there's a Lymphedema Clinic just 10 miles from here!  That's hopeful news.  I asked my dr. to refer me there but if he doesn't, I'm going to pursue it anyway.  They're all in the same medical group so that's good and it's associated with the Mayo Clinic!

    Life in Kentucky has been cold!!!  We were used to snow and cold but this is icy and full of moisture... I was so motivated by the cold that I actually crocheted myself a scarf!!  2 scarves!  Haven't done that in years. 

    I started teaching my grandkids "Gramma School" again.  Did that years ago in California with them.  I'm teaching Health Class for 1 hour 3 x a week and love it (they are homeschooled).  Though it's hard teaching to a 15, 13, 10 and 9 year old all at once.  We're talking about exercising and endorphins and then we're walking with a video for a mile - working up to 2 miles.  Good for all of us : ) 

    And then we do our once a week library visit.

     

     

     

     

     


     

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited January 2015

    OMG, Vicki!!! Lymphedema 5 years later is not what you expect!!! I know they always say not to carry heavy things, like you said, avoid heat, etc...so sorry you're having to deal w/it...but you are, and you'll take care if it & maybe it'll just leave as quickly as it came!!! What's the chest lump...don't like that! Let us know what you hear.

    As for your teeth...I find it hard to believe chemo doesn't play a part in our tooth structure but my onc says no. I do know my dentist keeps a good eye on me...well, until she retired :(. Nervous for the new dentist.

    Now on to homeschooling....can't imagine! My sister just started w/our nephew...problem is they have no computer or tv. She's a former teacher & didn't like that her 10 yr old was looking at spec Ed. Good for you teaching healthy living and incorporating precious Grandma time into the lesson. I know they must love it!

    I so get cold...ugh! After wam weather walking in CA...coming home to 30+ weather totally stinks. Warm is good for my bones!!!

    Love to all!

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited January 2015

    Hello SOSisters..... I agree with VickiLynne that it looks like we have deserted each other. I have no good excuse other than work, DD having surgery and my going back and forth to the eye doctor. I've been diagnosed with glacoma and will be on eye drops the rest of my life. They poked a hole in both iris's (not as bad as it sounds) hoping to relieve the pressure but it didn't help.

    VickiLynn - I'm so sorry to hear about your lymphedema and your tooth. What can they do for the lymphedema? What is the treatment? Will it go away? I don't know much about this. As for the tooth, I haven't lost any but the chemo did a job on my gums, they are horrible. The gift that just keeps on giving! I bet it's fun to home school the grandkids. I miss mine being little.

    Everyone else, please post. I'll try to do better.

    Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited January 2015

    Oh no, Jane...glaucoma :( I have the beginnings of cataracts so dr has said sun glasses as often as possible...but that's a piece a cake if surgery is needed. Not so for glaucoma. Is it hereditary? You & Bono can hang out together!

    I'm spending oodles of time on the stage 4 boards, but you're my family! Sorry I haven't posted much. I'm walking the walk of feeling better off chemo (a few femara aches & stupid perjeta stuff that's really not a big deal but more than herceptin), but having the little demons that creep in & worry me that something's going on with bad cells. Sometimes it's hard to deal with, but then I remind myself that I'm blessed by so much in my life...family, friends, faith...and that I'm well past the 5 months they thought I had. I have now gone the longest since first dx, without finding something else...2 years, 1 month!!! I will prob have scans soon so I pray I stay stable!

    Hope you're all wearing blue & green for my Seahawks!!! Love to all!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015

    RONNIE - I guess we never get over those thoughts of "bad cells"...  So glad you're still here to enjoy family and life and that they can enjoy you too!!!  God is gracious.

    JANE - I'm so sorry to hear of your glaucoma.  That can be a painful and scary thing.  (My BIL has dealt with that.)  How does that affect work for you?

    I go in for a DEXA to check bone loss found in an xray. 

    Too many medical appts., however, I have to say that I am really pleased with our doctor here.  He's only 31 (!) but I appreciate his not ignoring my pain and really pursuing answers.  What a change from the last 5 years!

    I'm learning lots about lymphedema and joining (in spirit only) a very vocal group of BCers who found that not enough MDs recognize lymphedema and the fact that most of our oncs. don't give us enough information about it. 

    Lymphedema cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and that is the goal of the Physical Therapist.  If you go to a PT, make sure they are certified by LANA (lymph. organization that requires special training.)  I read plenty of bad stories about untrained PT's who made things worse or at least didn't help.

    Other than that... amazing how time has zipped by here in Kentucky!  Must be EST or something  : )

    Missing y'all (see, I can speak Kentucky!)

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  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited February 2015

    Hey September Sisters ~ Just checking in! Maple syrup season begins in just a few weeks, so will be tapping the trees and making syrup. Our chickens are laying very good eggs and we're just trying to get through a very snowy winter. All is well here in Central PA. I'm still making jewelry and have ventured into leather work as well. While I promised myself I would never color /perm my hair after I lost it...I have now done both..haha! I continue to get good bills of health but still fight the demons of "every little pain is cancer" ..I think many of us are 5 years now. Ronnie, I've been trying to follow and hope you are doing well. I pray for you and think of you through. . I've loved reading about everyone's adventures and.I did read your comments here about Pamela...who really forged forward and gave us all strength to fight on.... I'm sad.... but I'm happy that each of you is here and continue to share your journey. Forge on Sisters~ Melinda

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited February 2015

    Melinda! Thanks for popping in...so good to hear you're doing well & I always loved hearing about your "Eastern US" activities....why am I thinking sauerkraut too? Thanks for your sweet words...I'm doing well :). Congrats on adding a new business endeavor...I'll have to check it out! I think I have the etsy address but if you can post again...that'd be great!

    Vicki...I'm glad you're finding people to help with the lymphedema...and thrilled you have a doctor that listens! I have to have a dexa soon to see if they'll add zometa to my regimen...I hope not, but if needed..so be it! May we both have great bones!!!!

    Thinking of you, Sisters!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015

    It was good to hear from you Melinda!  I remember picturing you with family and friends and big pots of aging sauerkraut in your barn.

    I visited the Lyphemdema Clinic yesterday... definitely have it.  I was very impressed with the woman there who is LANA certified (very important if you go for treatments to look for that.  They are especially trained in working with lymphedema patients.).

    She thoroughly measured and observed and spent over 1 hour with me just doing that and talking.  I learned tons about the lymph system.

    I have it in my arm and across my chest.  And it has caused me quite a bit of pain.  It can't be "cured" but hopefully it can be managed and kept from progressing.  Also, she thought we could have a plan to reduce or alleviate my pain and keep swelling to a minimum.

    The plan: 

    3 x per week for 1 month:  45 minute lymph massage (which is very light touching/rubbing over the lymph nodes done by her or another LANA therapist there).  I'm sure after I get over my shyness of someone other than my husband touching my body, I'll enjoy 45 minutes of relaxation!

    They will teach me to do a 15 min. home version of the massage I will do daily.

    I will be fitted for a compression sleeve and glove to be worn during the day (every day... for my lifetime); especially vital if flying anywhere.

    I will learn some light exercises to do at home.

    Plus they'll give me information about things I should avoid and what to look for.

    Yep....  I cried in front of her. 

    But putting it into perspective:  it's not a death sentence, but it is a life-long issue.  I have to tell you what I was thinking:  "As if I'm not already a freak with 1 breast and 1 fake one and a tooth soon to be removed...  now I get to wear a sleeve and glove..."  

    OK.  I'm over complaining now.  Just gonna have to learn to dance in the rain in long sleeves : )

    Love you all!

     


     

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2015

    I've dealt with LE for 5 yrs. It can be an inconvience but doable/manageable.

    I wear my day garments all the time when I'm 'up' and my night garment at night. Day and night garments are designed to work differently - day are 'active' because you are up and moving around, night are 'passive' because when sleeping normally not moving a lot. My garments are custom because there are no OTS that will work for me. My hand is slightly webbed so OTS gloves hurt, cut, make sores. Sleeves do not match my measurements either. There is also the compression level. Too high can cause more problems (me) or too low.

    I use my FlexiTouch (MLD machine) daily. It simulates MLD but is a machine and it does a lot better than me doing MLD myself..

    I am a VERY active 'outdoor woman' and the more I do the less issues I have. That apparently is not what some may experience. We have to be true to who we are - not sure what works for others but what works for you individually.


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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015


    Thanks for the info Kicks... you make it sound manageable (even if it's not fun!).  I appreciate y our input.  It's a bit scary going into right now...

     

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited February 2015

    Vicki...I started mld exercises right after my mast. I had a tendency to use too much pressure...amazing how it just takes a very soft touch. My PT said to think of massaging a bunny w/broken bones...how sad is that! I have another friend that had it show up about 5 yrs down the road. She went thru exactly what you're describing. She ordered very pretty floral sleeves. The thing I'm glad to share is that hers truly has improved over the past few years. They travel a lot and she's always diligent about wearing her sleeve & glove but she can go days without either w/out a problem. SO...I have faith you will be well...and this is another blip in the radar that you will overcome & use to improve others' lives....you seem to have that gift!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Ronnie.  I've been spending lots of time in research.  Tomorrow I start the therapy (which will teach me how to massage and exercise).  I tend to overdo things... so up until yesterday I've been Sweatin to the Oldies with my grandkids - BIG arm movements which is a BIG no-no! 

    So the last few days I've been feeling pretty lousy.  Looking forward to feeling better. 

    Lots of COLD here and SNOW (only maybe 5 or 6" but it's so cold, it's not going anywhere!  The grandkids got to go out and sled today.  I was napping or I would have joined them : )

    Speaking of grandkids... we'll be going to a Sugar Camp in a week and a half!  It's just a couple hours in the woods, with people showing us to tap the maple trees and process the syrup the way it was done 150 years ago!  I am so looking forward to that : )

    Don and I ventured out awhile back to see more of Kentucky... drove through some very old towns (much older than California ones!) and by The famous horse pastures of Kentucky... 

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited February 2015

    Hello SOSisters from the frozen tundra (formerly know as NC). We have had the craziest weather this year. I'm home now because they predicted an inch of snow, but when I went in the roads were ice and the snow was ice and snow. Anyway, store closed and I'm glad to be home.

    VickiLynn - I am so sorry for what you are going through. I'm sure the therapy will help and you will be okay. It seems like there is always something. I try to stay positive, but some days are easier than others. Sounds like you are going to have a great time with the grandkids. You have the best adventures! My life is pretty boring most of the time (not that that's all bad).

    Ronnie Kay - glad you are off the chemo. You know what the bad cells are doing? NOTHING, THEY ARE ALL GONE!!!! Do we need to make this a chant? How are you doing otherwise? Know you are staying busy.

    Melinda - so glad you checked in. We like to hear from everyone although we don't post as much as we used too. Sounds like you are putting all that creative talent to work. Wish I had a talent - LOL

    Take care sisters. Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015

    Yes, Jane... it's certainly wintery outside!  Woke up to -6 degrees.  No motivation to get outside today!  This is actually the first year we've enjoyed the snow in a long time... because we have a 15-year old grandson who lives upstairs and has a snow shovel!!! 

    How are the eyes?  Are the drops helping?  Does that make it difficult to work?

    I keep looking at how close you live!  Maybe when the world thaws out we'll take a trip your way.

    I told my LE therapist about petting bunnies with broken bones.  She chuckled and said, "I've never heard it put that way... but that works!"

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited February 2015

    So wonderful to see you here, Sisters! Jane...snow days in NC...and ice...yikes! Glad you got to go home but wish you would've not had to show up in the first place! Hey...you're working, girl, you are definitely not doing boring! How is the family doing? DH, DD & grandies????? Did I tell you my insurance phone nurse, who I talk to every month, is in NC? I always want to tell her to look you up for me!

    Vicki...sounds like an amazing field trip...tapping maple trees! You are certainly experiencing lots in your new part of the world...wonderful....and dancing w/the grandies...love it! If you and Jane plan a meeting...I may want to join you!!!!

    Barb & Patty...hope you're doing well...missing you. Love to all!!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2015

    Ronnie:  Would you come all the way to North Carolina?  Could we do it in April or early May?

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