JOE NEELY 1958-1988

JOE NEELY

1958 - 1988 Sweethearts Forever 


Every single day I think of you--and smile 
Remember you bellowing "On the Street Where You Live"--on bended knee outside my 3rd floor apartment 
Your being outside every door I exited...
 (I think that's called, "Stalking!!", Joe.)
Our walking--together--through the valley to your new Home.

R - "I love you, Joe."
J - "And I... you."

NOT "a good #"

NOPE, my weight is "not a good number"...
I'm eating my emotions--and they are plenty-ful.
But I'm also praying, feeling my emotions...
So, how to I start to change things?
I'm thinking of you specifically, Claire ;D
But everyone feel free to jump in with advise, encouragement.

I don't need to have health problems on top of what life has given me.

RHOnda

RON MORRILL - June 1934 to May 2013

RHOnda's Daddy got his wish to go home to die...
I love you, Daddy <3 p="">
RHOnda

Favourite Daughter with Favourite Dad

It's NOW or Never ??

Ooooh, that only my dearest of friends see THIS photo ;/

It's at an angle that accentuates my round-ness. (Head-on, I look a bit smaller ;D )

BUT, do you know what?? I have not seen such a happy, smiling look on my face for ages!! Not tired, not frustrated, not tired...

So, I'm pleased with that.

AND have re-continued my treadmill efforts. I NEED to exercise to work off that tiredness and frustration. TOny NEEDS me to do that, too!! 'NOT his fault he's 83-years young/old and his physical limitations, eh... (And HE has been there a "zillion" times during my battle with mental health issues.)

(Caroling at the Royal Victoria Hospital's Oncology Unit.)

We are sweethearts. And we bend ever-more closer to each other <3. RHOnda

NEWest CPAP Mask!!

It's GREAT!! Doesn't pull on my eyes... (Too bad the 1st one did... I have muscle bags as a souvenir :O!!)

Had to special order a size X-Small. See, I DO (still) wear x-small... If only for my nose and feet ;D. (If I HAD to pass on my 23" waist, I've very glad that our sweet Anne-Marie has it!!)

Time for a good snooze (again!)... School tomorrow, eh!!

RHOnda

RHOnda's "Get Well" Plan

THANK YOU for the wonderful, loving support comments. I have the bestest of Friends!!

...Well, I'm back from my wonderful Psychiatrist. Guessed wrong what she would prescribe. SEE, we can't do this alone, eh. AND, she can't "do it alone", either. Wants me to pretend I have a patient (ME!) and follow up on a "Get Well" plan. Seems it's a proven fact that meds will eventually "work" but adding certain daily health changes will accelerate feeling better again.

Sounds GREAT to me!! So... the attached:

So, what "helps" with Depression? To (work towards having) a "normal" way of life.

- Get up and go to bed at the same time--not to sleep 17 hours a day :O( .

- To shower and dress--every day, even if I don't have an outside appointment.

- To eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner (and not 3-5 bowls of comfort cereal a day).

- To sit outside in the sun twice a day/combine with a walk up and down our block. (It's a start, eh, Claire.)

-"One New Thing Per Day"--this one is interesting. Answer the phone with a different response, sleep on the other side of the bed (roll over, Tony ;), stop at the Bakery on the way home from the Doctor. This assignment will be fun!

Well, that's it. I feel soooo much more encouraged. Yes, back (a bit) to meds I'd left behind. But forward in that I can participate in my own "Get Well" Plan.

Now I'm crying again...

RHOnda

Depression is NOT Gonna Win

Yup, I'm fighting a battle with Depression. Again. Went to my wonderful Psychologist today and couldn't "hide" the symptoms. (Usually I enjoy our session soooo much that I "feel good" during that hourly visit.)

So, I'm off to my equally wonderful Psychiatrist tomorrow morning. Probably for an increased dosage of anti-depressants. Am I "Happy" about that?? I feel awful--I don't NEED to suffer. I dislike weight gain from meds. That makes me feel awful. Which is more important, eh?? ;/

Any suffering "makes better sense" when we can help others... So, I am including the symptoms for Depression in Women. Please seek help for yourself or others. Depression has no more stigma than Diabetes anymore...

Common signs and symptoms of depression

-Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

-Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

-Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

-Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

-Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

-Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

-Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

-Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

-Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

"For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Others people feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.
Depression affects each person in different ways, so depression symptoms vary from person to person. Inherited traits, age, gender and cultural background all play a role in how depression may affect you." - Mayo Clinic

Love, a tired and hopeful RHOnda

It's SPRING Up North!!

It's Spring!! FINALLY!! And "they're" predicting 10-15 cm (4-6 in) of snow tomorrow ;/. * We Northerners don't really "bother" with Calendar changes of the Seasons... They change when they're ready. AND they're not neatly divided into quarters, either... ;/

On another Spring subject... I, RHOnda, went to the Psychiatrist this week. Anxious to hear her proposal of removing me off all medication. (As posted recently, I am NOT bi-polar, as diagnosed 23 years ago. So, I don't need any meds ;) I was hoping for a reduction every month 'til "zippo"!! NOT to be :(. She says it's going to be a l-o-n-g process. Although not needed, my body is very used to this medication. "It's not water", she says. As for me, it's not the meds that "bother" me--it's the side effects. FAT, constipation, acne... :(...

Oh well, "Hope SPRINGS eternal", Alexander Pope

RHOnda

* TODAY'S UPDATE: We got less than 1 cm. (less than 1") of snow, after all ;)

NOT the Guillotine!! :-O

My Dear TOny... Several times the doors have started to close before a few of us have departed the Metro car at our University station. And we have had a "free ride" to the next stop :/.
WELL, this time the door closed on TOny's shoulders/neck. His head was outside and the rest inside the door. LUCKILY, two strong men on the platform started--and succeeded--to pry the door...and more importantly, TOny!... open and out!!!
HE wasn't at all concerned or worried during this time. I, RHOnda, either ;) I simply wanted a solution!! (Am very happy to say that emergencies do not "shake me".)
Afterwards, I asked the toll attendant, "Would I have had the right to pull the emergency switch?" (There's a large fine if I had "guessed wrong" :(.) "Yes!!", he said. He assured me, also, that the train wouldn't/couldn't have started off to the next stop with TOny's head outside the car...
So, no guillotine... Phew!!

RHOnda

PS TONy asked me to note that the above photo ISN'T of him ;)

Ten (10) Years Cancer Free

Ten (10) years ago, I--TOny--had the unpleasant task of telling my (now late) wife about my newly discovered cancer diagnosis.  She was, at that time, also in the beginnings of her fight with arteriosclerosis.  So, I decided to tell her "the good news"--I had cancer but didn't need to have surgery.  I'm not sure if she understood, but she took it in her stride.
Well, after 34 daily "zaps" of radiation--or, I could say treatments with seven (7) staff members Hospital, I was declared in good shape.  I had the great fun of delivering seven (7) bouquets of flowers to say, "Thank you!!"
Since then, I've had semi-annual urology check-ups.  And, this time my Doctor congratulated me.  "Ten (10) years, cancer free!".  He said he'll see my in 12 months now.  (I hope he stays healthy!)
RHOTO celebrated...  With ice cream !!
If your partner HAS regular prostrate check-ups, give him a H-U-G!!  If your partner DOES NOT HAVE regular prostrate check-ups, perhaps you can tell him that ALL you want for Christmas is for him to take care of himself--and get a prostate exam.
My cancer was caught when it was a teeny, wee dot.  And that's why RHOTO is still here to share about it.
TOny 
P.S.  Amongst all my emotions during the cancer ordeal, there was one of pride.  During the radiation treatment (cobolt), I discovered that the machine being used bore the name of "Phillips", my employer in my native Netherlands.

Tacks and Tears...

Well, "Margaret" and I have made two (2) muslins of this blouse.  I've learned A LOT!! (Hope I retain it, eh...).  I also learned that fitting is FUN and maybe my favourite part of sewing...  (Did I SAY that??!! :o)
Sew, we're working on a wearable muslin now.  Royal blue poly/cotton.  I'm going to make mine with sleeves and a ruffle (BIG surprise there, eh!!  Tee! Hee!!)  Today I cut out the pieces and mock tailor tacked the darts.
It was WONDERFUL to have Margaret here today.  She showed me sewing tips and...  listened to "Mom" stories...  Mom is in Critical, but Stable condition now.

RHOnda

RHOnda's Mom's in Hospital

She's getting the best of care--Critical Care...  Mom lives 1,300 miles away from RHOTO.  And, once again, RHOnda's brother is there.  For her, for us, for himself....
Soft hug to them both <3 <3

RHOnda

Shoulder Tendinitis... Oouuuch!! :(

Well, it's been a long (enough) while that I (RHOnda) have suffered from tendinitis in my shoulder :(.  'Have had a cortisone shot.  Can't use creams, can't use Advil 'cos of meds interactions.  DO use a bag 'o peas ;) (frozen, that is)...  And I've been trying to "rest" my right arm :0...
Yesterday was the 1st day I felt GOOD!!  Wonderful!!  Sew, I cut out a 2nd muslin of my blouse pattern and made xxxx tailor tacks.  Today, I ironed (part of a small closet full of clothing awaitin' a pressin').  TOny was sooo happy!!  "I FORGOT I had that!!  What does this shirt go with? ;)"  And then we volunteered in an office (computer, telephone work)...
Wondering...  Will I "pay" for all my right-armed movement tomorrow??  We'll see, eh!!  'Making an appointment with a recommended chiropractor soon ;)

RHOnda, who's in "worst" shape than Mr. Optimist despite EVERYthing he deals with


PS  Thank you all for your kind comments about my brother, Alan...  I needed to post another article 'cos seeing his photos on top is making me very sad... 

Sew, Soooo Much to Come... .)

Too many activities in a row ;) ;) ;) AND a nasty case of tendinitis in RHOnda's right houlder...
'Looking forward to filling our Blog with lots of nice memories ;)

RHOnda 

3-D Fred Astaire with a Cold??

You CAN'T keep a good man down!!  Certainly not THIS one!!  TOny woke up this morning with a full-fledged cold...  AND a twinkle in his eye.  'Wanted to "model" his new robe and pj bottoms...

NEVER MIND that he's stuffed up, sneezing, headache y...  TOny just counts his blessings and enjoys his day!!

And that's (part of ) why EVERYONE loves TOny!!

RHOnda

Montreal Heart Institute--Again

Yesterday morning, TOny told me (RHOnda), "I need to go (back) to the Montreal Heart Institute." His heart was beating too fast.  I felt his chest...  OH, MY!!  Felt as if his heart was trying to come out of his chest--many, many times  over :(

So, I called the ambulance.  We had an enjoyable ride with two (2), very effective and people-oriented technicians.

Arrived at Institute.  Several staff came up, smiling ;)  "He's been here before" (grin).  "He sings all the time" (grin).  'Put TOny on monitors.

He has heart arrhythmia.  It regulates itself.  Last time, "they" put him on an anti-coagulant.  So, there's no risk of a stroke or blood clot to the brain.  And, at 2 x 40-1/2 years young, "they" will not do any procedures to "fix" this problem...

SO, after a few hours' observation, TOny was released.  IF he has these PUMPING beats, it's "OK".  IF he has pumping beats PLUS turns blue, has chest pain:  CALL 911 !!   So--as every over-cautious, making-myself-burnt-out caregiver would do, I ask--every few heartbeats, "TOny, are you turning blue?  Do you have chest pain"??

TOny's response?  He can't hear me!!  He's listening to music that makes him cry 'cos of the BEAUTY of it all ;)

RHOnda  

I Can LOVE!!

TOny went to a new Optometrist for another opinion today...  He is now legally blind in his left eye.  This Doctor also re-confirmed that TOny has inoperable Macular Degeneration.  Now, after three (3) years'  deterioration, he still has some peripheral vision.  This MD will--if he lives long enough--leave him without sight.

I, RHOnda, asked him how he feels about that...  His response:
"Well, I can still hear--pretty good.
I  can smell, I can taste.
I can feel...
I can LOVE!!"

How do I feel about that??  Not so sad, not soo discouraged for my dear Hubby...

RHOnda

Montreal Heart Institute ;)

TOny went to his Family Doctor yesterday...  She listened to his heart--too fast!!  Off he went to the Montreal Heart Institute...
Waited for one patient's turn to be finished.  Then his turn!!
"'Want you to stay overnight.  We're going to give you some new medications & see how you tolerate 'em."--Doctor
SO, he stayed over.  'Listened to his radio and sang LOTS of songs to the Staff.
And RHOnda picked TOny up today.  Everything was VERY WELL explained.  Apparently, "SINCE TOny can't stop palpitating fast when RHOnda is around, HE has to take meds to prevent a stroke!!  THAT's IT!!" ;)
We picked up said meds, along with lots of (repeat) information.  TOny's Family Doctor called to see how he was, so TOny stopped by for a visit.
Yippy!!  Yahoo!!  Bravisimo for the "Canada Health Care System"!! ;)

RHOTO

"Little House" meets "Darth Vader"??

Well, TOny thinks it's "cute!!"... I've gotten in touch with my ancestral womanhood...

I (RHOnda) got this "bright idea" to solve a problem... (See, women can problem-solve, too, eh!!) I am a faithful wearer of a CPAP mask * that leaves my hair greasy every morning. Well, since my "do" takes a bit of time, I'm not crazy about washin' my hair in the AM....

SEW, what to do?? Make a granny night cap!! I tried on my own, without a pattern (as it IS a simple design, eh!), but wasn't "quite there". 'Found this Simplicity 3723 Historical Costumes pattern that happens to feature "it"!!

'Used a soft cotton (2/3 yard or 0.60m). Was really perplexed about HOW I was going to transfer the casing lines onto the fabric!!! 'Pulled out the tracing paper/wheel, pencils, chalk...FINALLY figured out to measure the distances from the outer edge and mark my sewing line on masking tape to follow around.

Did I tell ya I serged the outer rim!! I sewed ROUND on Serge!! Yippy!!

The pattern suggested adding a flat trim onto the outside rim... NO, ma'am!! I wanted eyelet!! SEW, since I was too scardey-cat to serge with the eyelet inside, I hand-basted all around... "ARE YOU NUTS!!" I can hear ya say... Yup!! I LIKE hand-basting. It's very ZEN 'cos it can be a mess as long as you "hit" within the desired area ;)

Guess what?? CUTE hat, but the eyelet added a LOT of heavy body to the night cap!!

NOW, on to the "proposed use" of this dear flopsy... A photo of moi a-wearin' Little House with Darth Vader... Be prepared!! :o

NOW, why would I "bother" you with this silly Review?? I can't imagine lots of you running out for this pattern!! And, I DID have help from the Girls' version (S3725) reviewed by "JenSews2." But--ya know--we beginners/advanced beginners hopefully learn lots and lots and grow in confidence with each project we "tackle"!! Ya don't start out with wedding gowns, eh, ConnieBJ??!! ;)

RHOnda

* A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine used for the treatment of sleep apnea at home.