Dear Fellow Bloggers:

Hi guys! Thanks so much for checking in with me this week.  I've been really sick lately with various infections and a seemingly never-ending case of pneumonia.

First my face blew up - my cheek and right ear were full of infection - some sort of skin virus.  I went to the ER a few times, and they sent me back home with medicine and instructions.

Then the pneumonia hit, and the nurse practitioner prescribed anti-biotic pills for two weeks.  But I was still in bad shape after that, so we switched to I.V. anti-biotics for another 14 days.  I still run a temp now and again, but I am definitely on the mend.  My face is looking better too. Oh, and by the way for those who saw me after my "awful" haircut last month - well, it is starting to grow out. Thank the Heavens!!  The sides were so short and uneven.  I found someone who'd be willing to cut my hair for free.  She is a hair stylist who comes to the facility to offer her services on her days off.  Isn't that great??!?  Sure beats paying $17 and not knowing what you'll get.

In other news, thanks so much for your visit last month, sweetie Steve!  I wish I had felt better during your visit, but am glad you liked your birthday party.  And if you come again next Halloween we will have to remember that the costumes are judged in the morning.  We showed up at the afternoon party. Steve was not in costume, but I was "decked" out as an Ace of Hearts card!!  I even had a red sparkly hat, heart socks and tennis shoes!!!

Well, will close for now.  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday...  A peaceful, joyful Thanksgiving.  Give everyone you love a big hug; and remember the holiday's mantra - food, food and more food!!

Peace, Love & Kisses,

Love Always,
Darci

Western Week

All this week here at North Mountain has been Western themed.  I plan to get up for one of the festivities tomorrow.  In the morning will be square dancers,  (I'll pass on that) but in the afternoon I will strap on the old cowboy boots and attend my very first Hoedown.  I have no idea what to expect but it should be fun finding out what a hoedown entails.

In other news, Monday, September 17th, will be my first wedding anniversary.  Steve and I had our commitment ceremony (finally) last year here in the Leisure Room. Can't wait for your visit next month, Sweetie!!  Love you always and bunches!!!

Well, sorry this is so short this week, but it's been kind of an up and down week.   The eyes are bothering me again.  But I promise I'll write again when I can.  

Til then--
Love always, Darci

Labor Day and MDA

I went looking for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon this Labor Day weekend, as I had missed it last year for the first time in years.  Turns out, I hadn't missed it after all - there is no Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon!!  I looked all over this year, found nothing.  I looked through all of my T.V. offerings, and it was nowhere to be found.

So I went investigating with the help of my buddy, Chris.  This is what we found: yes, Jerry Lewis is alive. He's mid-eighties now, and still lives in Las Vegas. And there is still an MDA Telethon - of sorts.  It's broadcast from L.A. now, and is only for a few hours on Sunday.  It's only broadcast on a few local channels.

I'm not sure how I missed all of these changes, but I know I wasn't the only one bewildered when I went looking for the event on Monday.  As near as I can figure, apparently Lewis made a homophobic remark (in 2010) that was picked up on microphone and greatly displeased MDA big wigs.  Jerry & his Kids parted ways in 2011, and the last 2 years the pared down telethon has been in effect.

What a shame that one mistake has resulted in the demise of such a  beloved Labor Day institution.  I have always looked forward to the Telethon, and even helped collect money for the cause with my church youth group.  The little old ladies were the most generous - with their hard earned money, as well as lemonade and cookies!!  MDA became even more memorable to me when my grandmother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (or ALS) when I was in my teens.

After all those years of service to MDA and all of those millions upon millions that Jerry Lewis helped to facilitate, it's a damn shame that one remark - mind you, a stupid, uninformed, careless remark - brought a near halt to the fundraising efforts, and therefore research efforts, of such a wonderful organization.  I don't recall the final tally for this year, but I do know it couldn't begin to compare to pre-2010 results.

Jerry - your Kids and your fans missed you this past weekend.  We applaud all of your work for MDA, and we wish you well.  I hope MDA officials feel it was worth such a loss for one politically incorrect mistake - nothing like chopping off your nose to spite your face.  If it is not P.C. for me to say that, so be it.  I'm feeling very crabby about the whole issue of political correctness.  We are a nation of peoples who are easily offended and WAY TOO sensitive.  Does one off-the-cuff remark really deserve to put an end to one man's personal quest to snuff out Muscular Dystrophy?  I, for one, don't believe so.  What do you think, bloggers?  Let me know.

Love always, Darci

Planet Janet

My Mom will be turning 79 years old this September 5th.  But she doesn't look or act her age, and doesn't mind people knowing her age either.  That in and of itself is pretty remarkable - particularly in our family which isn't exactly known for its longevity.  But what is even more impressive is how active my Mom is for someone of a "certain age".  No, my mother is not a retiree sitting on the porch sipping tea.  Far from it!!!  She's still very hard at work every day.  She works two jobs every month.  She is a college professor who teaches computer science.  After raising us kids she started college, earned her PhD and began her teaching profession.  This is her "main" job - the one that requires the most from her.  She also works certain days for Wells-Fargo Bank as part of their "Silver Bullet" program.  She will also accept jobs grading papers online by assignment.  Besides all of this - until a few years ago - Mom ran a tiny vending machine business, and at holidays worked as a "Grandma" baking cookies for Cookies from Home.  Are you tired yet from hearing all of this?  Because I know it tuckers me out just listing everything!!!

But this birthday is the first one my Mother admits to "feeling" her age.  She doesn't have the time or energy to do all the things she'd like to.  She's cut down on some of her crafting ideas, which have always kept her busy when she's not "working".  She still makes quilts, and makes cloth purses and beautiful hair ornaments.  She works on those thing to relax.  Most moms sip wine while taking a bubblebath, BUT not my Mom!

She also does volunteer work for our church, and for International Rescue Committee (IRC), which is a wonderful organization.  She coordinates donations for them.  Mom has helped out here at the facility with me by donating bingo prizes and offering books to continue fleshing out our library here at North Mountain. 

My Mom has been likened by my friends to the Energizer Bunny (and sometimes to me as E.B. Junior!)  I don't buy it, but we do both read during TV commercial breaks.  Anyway, my point is for someone who is finally feeling her age I don't think she realizes how terrific she really is.  I think most people would love to have half her energy and lust for life!!  She feels like she's going a little soft, but she is actually still very, very tough and determined.  I used to refer to my mother as "Atilla the Mom" because she was a hard act to emulate.  Mom did have, and still does have, time to do all of the required Mom skill-set - - cooking, cleaning, laundry, kiss boo-boo, make the donuts!!  OK well, maybe donuts aren't a mom "thing"!!

Anyway, Mom, I love  you dearly and wish you all of the best ALWAYS,  and love you to death and beyond.  I hope you have the Happiest Birthday. 

Don't you think it's kind of ironic that Mom's birthday is so close to Labor Day??  HMM??  I think it is extremely fitting!!  Love you, Mom!!!

Love Always,
Your Devoted Daughter Darci, and sort-of-son-in-law, Steve

Have fun with the Little Widow Ladies Club Vacation (Ha!).  Seriously you and Peg have a wonderful time.!!

A good and bad week

This has been a good week and a bad week.  My bladder and my lower back as well as my stomach have been on a rampage.   I did get to go on an outing Monday, and I didn't tell them my bladder hurt.  I had a great time shopping at Target and spent a lot of my gift cards.  All but $11 was spent from the gift cards I had been hoarding the last two years.

My good friend Paul, the rock 'n' roller, died from a massive stroke Sunday.  That was the bad part.  He was only 43.  We are trying to get together a memorial service here at the nursing facility for him.  Paul had been here a long time - before I came here, and he had a lot of good friends here.  We would like to have a service in order to have closure.  I will always have great memories of him waking me at 7:00 a.m. with rock & roll blaring from his stereo.

Next week all the gift cards I have been hoarding from Walmart will be spent.  There is an trip to Walmart planned, and I have finally been medically cleared to go on outings.

Love always, Darci

Welcome to my second blog of 2012!!!  Unfortunately this one will also be very brief.  My eyes are once again infected, and it's making it very hard to see when both eyes keep trying to stay shut on me.  Can't read, can't write, can't see!  My left eye is so swollen that I can no longer put on my new fancy glasses.

Hope next Thursday will be better and will try to start from the beginning again since it's been long since I've been able to blog regularly.

See you next week!  Take care.
Love always, Darci

I'm Back

Hello Everyone! I'm so happy to be back at my blogging!! Since last time I have been going through quite the ordeal!! Right after Christmas I was diagnosed with pneumonia. The first two antibiotics turned out not to be the correct type of medicine for my particular type of pneumonia. The Doctors turned to an I.V. form of antibiotic. My pneumonia raged on and I was pretty miserable. Next I went through a series of shots involving long needles being inserted into my hips! Then I was given pills three times a day for 10 days. More X-rays showed I still had pneumonia, and my doctor decided another blast of I.V. antibiotics (the strongest she could find) were in order. So another I.V. was put in my arm and I went through another 10-day 3 times a day regimen. Blood work and X-rays finally showed some improvement (Yeaaa!). Several weeks ago tests finally showed the pneumonia had cleared up.
But I wasn't in the clear yet!! The tests had also revealed I had fluid in my lungs and two different "bugs" in my sputum. Fatima, the nurse practioner, ordered another I.V. antibiotic three times a day for 10 days. She also amped up my prescription of Lasix, which helps eliminate the body of excess fluid. I finished the I.V. treatment last week and continue my path toward healing. Tomorrow I go to the hospital for a procedure to install a port in my chest. This will eliminate the need for new pic lines each time I need I.V. medication. It takes about an hour to put the port in me.

Well, that's all for this week. I hope to be able to contribute to my blog on a more regular basis.

Have an awesome and blessed week!

Love always, Darci

New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year Bloggers!! Sure hope it's a good one. Today, I'm writing about resolutions. Everyone still sticking to the ones you made for 2012??

Usually, I make the same resolutions every year and that is to not make any. So far I've been able to keep that one for a whole year. I know the most popular wish people have is to lose weight by dieting. I've tried that with dismal results; just like most of the planet. Every January we are bombarded with weight loss advertisements. Are you sick of them already?? I know I am. There must be a million dieting plans out there! Everyone wants a quick fix for something that has to be a lifestyle change in order to successfully drop pounds and get in shape.

I had a really difficult time deciding what I wanted to resolve about for the brand new year. In the past, I have resolved to buy more interesting jewelry (I was highly successful with that one!); or have planned to do a service project (I decided to start a library for my local battered moms shelter); or work with my health issues. I actually did the library for one and one-half years, and still working on maintaining a healthier life style. Not easy from a wheelchair!!

This New Year's Eve I mulled my choices over while watching the various celebrations on television. I wanted to be sure my resolution (I only do one per year) would be something that was attainable. I know better by now not to try a resolution that's destined to fail - My ego and self-esteem can't handle that. Well, maybe it can - but why tempt fate??!!

After a brief review of events in my life the last year, I concluded that I wanted to expand my social circle. Most of the friends I had become very close to over my years here have passed away in the past year, thus diminishing my friendships fast. I've started on my way to success by waving to everyone that passes by my room. That's my first step. I also decided to use my wheelchair and get out of bed and my room. I haven't been able to do that since my chair is in the shop. They finally brought me a loner to use till mine gets repaired. After that step, it'll get harder to make friends since I am unable to speak at all sometimes, or else above a bare whisper. Communication will be a challenge. Best handled on a case-by-case basis. Wish me luck!!

Anyway, Happy New Year everybody. I wish all of my followers have a happy and healthy 2012. Please remember to stop by next Thursday. 'Til then- -

Love Always, Darci

Christmas prep

Dear Reader:

I don't know about you, but I have been very busy getting ready for Christmas. My side of the room looks very festive. My friend helped me dress up the bears. I've got my stocking hung up, presents are ready to go. It's pretty lean this year since I'm saving up my money so that I can get new eyeglasses. My insurance has a co-pay, so I have to cough up part of the cost for the eye exam and the glasses.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow because it's our resident Christmas party. We'll have live entertainment and food (of course), and then Santa will arrive and pass out all of the gifts under the tree. The Activities Department always does a great job pulling it all together, and I look forward to the party every year. I'm planning on wearing my Christmas cardigan sweater -- I've had it awhile but it looks so nice still.

My roommate has the holiday station on her radio. They started playing Christmas tunes right after Halloween, and she runs it 24/7. When I was growing up we had two holiday albums that my Dad played every year. One was Brenda Lee, and the other was the Chipmunks (Alvin!!) I would hop on my Dad's feet, and we would dance around the living room.

We'd also all sit in our little rocking chairs and watch the holiday specials on our black & white console television. There were more shows than there are now, but I'm happy to see they have started to bring back some of the classics in recent years.

This year I have asked Santa Claus to bring me a Kindle - the e-reader from Amazon. Yeah!! good luck on that one!!! But in my defense, I rarely ask for anything too costly, and I have been a very good girl this year. We'll see. Wish me luck.

My family will come to see me on Christmas afternoon, except for my brother Roger and his family. They are the ones hosting Christmas for my family. They will probably come on Monday. My mom will bring me leftovers from the family's get-together. This year Mim is serving ham, as it is Roger's favorite. It's actually my favorite as well. I love pork - I try not to think about where it comes from.

Hopefully we will get a holiday dinner here too. For Thanksgiving I got both turkey and ham, but sometimes they get it wrong. One year, we got spaghetti for our special dinner!!

Well, I think I'll stop rambling now. I'll be back next Thursday with a new edition to my blog. See you then!!!

Love always,
Darci

Roommates

Hello Fellow Bloggers!! Today's topic is roommates. Over the years I've shared space with a number of men and women. It's not easy to adapt to others habits and quirks. Everyone has various lifestyles. I've lived in both houses and apartments, as well as dorms in college.

Living in a facility you share a room where there is very little space or privacy. I've split a room with women who are here for rehabilitation and are here for a brief stay; the rest were long term residents. Many of my roommates were very ill and ended up passing away, which is difficult if you are attached to them. Most of the women have been much older than I am and not as easily relatable.

I've had some crazy roommates over the years but sharing such a small room with staff in and out day and night seems to really intensify people's behavior. In other words, it brings out the worst in people. I got a new roommate last month who is a perfect example of that. For a change, though, she is closer to my age. She is nice enough to me, but not talkative at all. I've not had one real conversation with the woman since she moved in last month. And she treats the staff like they are her personal servants. She has a hair-trigger temper, no patience and her only interests seem to be food, soda and smoking. In a few weeks we will become a smoke-free building. I'm sure that no smoking will just increase her volatile behavior.

She never watches T.V., but has her radio on 24/7 to a station that started playing non-stop Christmas music in early November. She's the biggest character I've ever had as a roommate!! She's long term like me so she won't be one who rotates through the program quickly. She scares the crap out of me when she's terriorizing the staff. She'll bellow at the top of her lungs and has the foulest mouth I've ever heard. I'm a fairly easy-going person, but it does get to me sometimes. I've always managed to get along with people, and so far have had few problems with a roommate.

I hope this has brought back memories of people you've shared living quarters with, and that this brings a smile to your face. Take care, and be sure to come back here in seven for my next installment.

Love Always, Darci and Skippy

Thanksgiving 2011

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. I'd also like to share the things I have to be thankful for this year.

First of all, I'd like to thank all of my doctors and the staff of North Mountain. My journey started with the doctors at County Hospital who operated on me, saving my life. They put me in a coma for two months as I struggled to save my life. Since then I have been through many doctors and hospital staff and numerous health issues. I've lost track of all the times I have come back from the brink. I've been at North Mountain since 2007 after cycling through several other facilities. This is a wonderful place!! I'm getting excellent care here. My doctors have really been there for me, and I love the staff. They all are inspirations to me, and are full of God's love and light.

Next I'd like to thank my family. My Mom and brothers take such good care of me, and make sure that I lack for nothing. They do all of my laundry each week, and no matter how busy they are they make sure to come see me several times each week - whether I'm at the facility or in the hospital. This isn't any easy task for them, as my mother (who's in her 70s) still works two jobs. They always go out of the way to make me still feel like a vital member of the family. I love Mom and my three brothers very much.

I'd also like to give thanks to all of my family of friends who regularly visit me. They radiate love to me every time I see them. I couldn't have a better circle of friends.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my life partner, Steve. We met way back in college - thirty years ago, and he's had my back ever since. We live apart, which is very hard on both of us - but I'm crazy about him. He flew out from Illinois in September and we had a commitment ceremony. It was beautiful, and I felt totally surrounded with love. We keep in contact as much as we can, which is difficult because of the trach I have now. The trach bypasses my vocal chords, making it impossible for me to speak much of the time. So on those times I'm able to speak the first chance I get I call Steve on my cell phone. Our relationship isn't easy, and I can't tell you how much I love that he's stuck it out with me.

As you can see, I have much to be thankful for. It may seem odd to some that a person with all of my challenges has so much to be grateful for, but I feel very lucky to still be alive. Anything after that is gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish all of you the best life has to offer. Enjoy your day, and be sure to check in with me next week.

Love always, Darci

Family Dinner NIght

Last night was family dinner night here at North Mountain. My Mom, Paul and Bruce came and joined me in the dining room. It was decorated up with a Western theme. They had straw cowboy hats and bandanas for everyone. One of the RTs here put one of the straw hats on top of my own cowboy hat with a red bandana on it. So I wore it like that all night long. There was a man playing a guitar and singing songs from the 30's to the 60's - kind of cowboy western songs. He did a couple of Mills Brothers songs; he did "Lazy River". Everything was in the Western theme, they even had bandanas for us to use as napkins and plastic glasses in the shape of a boot. We had barbecued chicken or beef and corn on the cob and a very good salad, cornbread and cowboy beans. I had the chicken and everyone else at my table had the beef. Dessert was cobbler and ice cream. I could have used a bigger piece of cobbler!!! They do these dinners every few months and the residents can invite family or friends to come. They always have a theme and they always have 'freebies' for us to keep. They always have some form of entertainment. The last song he sang at the end of the evening was "Happy Trails". I had to be pushed to and from the dining room because for some reason my chair didn't charge up in spite of being plugged in all day. It wouldn't budge and they had to push me into the dining room and back.

I have my voice back, after not having full ability to speak for a couple of months. My Stephen Minister says it is really nice to hear me. I am feeling better. I had a fever a couple of days ago, but I have felt pretty good since then.

My brother Roger & Mim have sold all five golden retriever puppies and they will be in their homes by Thanksgiving.

That's all for now. Happy Trails....

Love always, Darci and Skippy

I'm back in the saddle again!!

Two weeks ago I went in the hospital and I woke up in the emergency room. I found out I had been in the emergency room because I had a temperature of 105. I was pretty out of it; when I woke up they put me in ICU for a couple of days and ran tests. All those darn tests!!! Always!! Always!! They found I had pneumonia and infection in the intestines called C-Dif. I also had a urinary tract infection. I was put on a midline so I could get the antibiotic shot into the midline. Also I had to take a liquid antibiotic, which tastes terrible. They had to give it to me as a liquid rather than a shot. Tasted really nasty; it went down easier with yogurt than applesauce. I was in the hospital for five days; after two days I was transferred to a regular room. After five days I was able to come back to North Mountain. My family and my Stephen Ministers had to come find me at the hospital. I would have had to stay longer at the hospital, but they advised me to come back to North Mountain because they have everything I need here. As soon as I got back from being in the hospital, I got really sick here at North Mountain. To the touch I was ice cold, but I was very sweaty. I called the doctor and he authorized medicine to fix me up. The next day after returning from the hospital, I started feeling better and then a couple of days after that I started feeling bad again. I had a very gassy tummy. I had nothing but air in my colostomy bag; then I had a lot of water coming into my bag!!! Don't have an much water in my bag this afternoon, so it must be clearing and they are giving me medicine for that. I hope I can eat pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving - I love pumpkin. What I really miss is my Grandma Spears chocolate pie with whipped cream on top. Not sure what our plans for Thanksgiving are, but they always bring me left-overs and I always get turkey. Hope I don't get anything weird for Thanksgiving like the year we got spaghetti for Easter. There was no meat just noodles and red sauce. I was hoping for ham.





I want to relate a cute story. My former roommate's father got married for the third time at age 84. The lady he married he had dated in high school but did not have a serious relationship. So he thought.... They got married the day before the new bride's 80th birthday. It was his third marriage, and it was her first!!! She waited for him for 65 years!!





Pray I continue to get better. And I will talk to you again next week.





Love Always, Darci and Skippy

Committment Ceremony

Committment Ceremony September 17, 2011
Steve Robinson and Darci Spears


The committment ceremony turned out to be a wonderful event. I couldn't wait to whizz my way down the aisle, leaving my poor maid of honor in the dust holding my vent in her hands. It was all very casual but everybody looked very nice. My colors were blue and pink, and blue and pink balloons. Steve was dressed is a light blue shirt and I had on a dress of blue and white with pink accents in my hair. I carried a lovely pink origami tulip bouquet. Reverend Diana did a lovely service committing our bodies and souls forever. We poured vials of colored water into one vase --I had a vial of pink water and Steve had a vial of blue water and together they made a lovely purple vase of water. We also released ballons into the air, symbolizing our love ongoing forever. Ted Bachelder sang a lovely version of "The Lord's Prayer". Everyone blew lots and lots of bubbles and then it was on to the reception after picture-taking. We had a cake with blue and white frosting, and punch and cookies made from Darci's own recipe. Everyone had a really good time and said how nice the ceremony was. The best compliment of all came from Steve when he kissed me and told me he was real glad I had come up with the idea. It doesn't get any better than that!!!

Love always, Darci & Steve

WElcome ba

Darci has been ill for the last several weeks, but feels somewhat better today, so we are going to try to blog. K - her fellow plogger

Welcome back! Sorry it has been so long, but I have been too sick to do much. The seizures have stopped; they have put in a new trach, which makes it nearly impossible for me to talk, but it makes it easier for me to breathe.
In the midst of all this I got pneumonia and then I started bleeding into my colostomy bag and went to the hospital. In the emergency room, we had a lot of fun; one guy was Polish and one guy was Irish. One guy was singing and dancing; the other was singing a little. I spent 11 hours in the emergency room; I went in at 4 p.m. and finally got a room at 3 a.m. They ran some tests, X-rays, EKGs and stuff like that, and by that point I sort of conked out. They let me sleep for awhile. I woke in a lot of pain. Just as I was pressing the call light for the respiratory therapist, she came walking in. She gave me some useful suction and later a breathing treatment. I went back to the nursing facility that afternoon. They said that I did not have to have surgery right then, but that I could return to the clinic at any time.
And someone would call and make an appointment. That was last Thursday, and so far no one has called to set an appointment, so I don't know what's happening.

To refresh people's memories, I had a wonderful birthday which I celebrated early on June 25th. It was my sister-in-law Mim's birthday, so we celebrated together. Many friends came and I got wonderful gifts, including some new clothing.

Still working on my committment ceremony, trying to get things together. I need help coordinating people and getting things together. The ceremony is to be on September 17th.

That's pretty much it for now. Until next time...

Love always, Darci

Dear Fellow Bloggers: Started off the week Sunday morning which was promising to be a good day. It made those promises and those promises turned out to be a lie By Monday morning, I was a complete mess, trembling and slobbering all over the place. It was so bad I had to have help eating. It still continues today. I got a new trach - larger trach they tell me. But at least it's not falling out all the time so that is good news. But I have trouble with words coming out and problems with the shaking and trembling. So keeping it short and sweet this week, just wanted to update you on things.

See you next week. Till then, take care.

Love always, Darci and the ever lovable Skippy

Dear Fellow Bloggers and other assorted readers:

Greetings from underworld - otherwise known as the nursing home. Good to be back for another week; had a bad day yesterday. Not sure why; just very sleepy and in a lot of pain, but not today. Didn't eat yesterday either; ate pretty good so far today. They always gripe if I don't eat... "you have to eat something." It smelled good but it didn't taste good. Blech!!!
It seems like we have had ham for three days in a row. Must have been a sale! Today it was just ham, no weird sauce or anything on it, just ham. So I ate it.

As promised I had said last week I would tell you about the National Nursing Home Week that we just celebrated. Each day was celebrated by celebrating different countries for five days. The first day was China. We had coolie hats, fans and chopsticks and ordered Chinese food.
They also had a karate demonstration. The second day was Italy. We had pretend champagne and cheese and crackers. And we had Italian pasta. We were able to keep the little plastic champagne glasses. The third day was Africa. They had singers and dancers come and we also conducted a safari, and were given hats and sunglasses. The fourth day was Ireland. We had entertainment, which was Irish dancers. We also had plastic shamrocks hats that we wore while we were being serenaded. The last day was Mexico. We had a marachi trio, a pinata break, tortilla making, and beans. We also had some somberos. That was so much fun!!! I had a great time! I didn't make it for all the events, but I made sure I got up for Ireland and Mexico.

For Memorial Day we are going to have a ceremony presenting ribbons in honor of our past & present soldiers and families; and we will have a military movie and popcorn. Our facility is great about putting things together to celebrate national holidays, state holidays, and religious holidays. There is something for everyone! The Activities Department does a wonderful job!

That's all for this week. Hope you had a good time hearing about the happenings in my neighborhood. See you in seven!

Love always, Darci and Skippy

Welcome back everybody! It's good to finally be back after having so many weeks without posting. Had rough weeks but am getting better now. No more seizures, no more pneumonia, no more bronchitis, and no more high blood sugar. (Which may have been the cause for the seizures.) I am having problems with water weight in my upper body which the doctor gave some long medical term to that I have forgotten. The main thing is it just means I have swelling in my chest, my arms and my face. It makes it hard to move and breathe. I may have to undergo a test but not sure yet.

In other news, my boyfriend and I have fixed a date for our committment ceremony..... September 17th here in the lounge from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Our colors as of right now are turquoise and rose. I found a turquoise dress in a magazine that would look pretty for the ceremony, and asked Steve to be on the prowl for a turquoise polo shirt. Nothing fancy for us. Still waiting to hear from the minister.

To Mom, Paul and Peg in Hawaii: Lucky suckers!!! Hope you are having a great vacation! We will see you in another week when you get back. As always, bring souvenirs!!

That's all for now - I will keep it short this week. Maybe next week I will be more in depth, there is something I am thinking about for next week. I may tell you about International Week next week.

Love always, Darci and of course, the ever-lovable Skippy.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Glad to be back. Hope you missed me!!! I am feeling better and getting ready to party for Cinco de Mayo, so Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone. Have a margarita for me!! See you back here next week. Take care!!

Love Always, Darci and Skippy (even though he isn't phyically here.... he is on vacation at the spa!!)

Am finally starting to feel better; getting over pneumonia and bronchitis. I have developed congestive heart failure. I still have that. I still don't know when I will have surgery on my hernia yet, but in a couple of weeks we will find out when it will be, I hope. It has been painful and really been bothering me. I had the last of my antibiotics on Tuesday, so that's a good sign. That's the end of my short update for this week; we will know more next week. I am all decorated for Easter; I have bunnies and chicks and frogs everywhere. The frogs were from activity projects that we made. Love always, Darci and the ever faithful, Skippy