Sachet -- Word for the Day -- Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Sachet

Definition: A small bag, case, or pad containing perfuming powder or the like, placed among handkerchiefs, etc., to impart a pleasant scent. Also, sachet powder, the powder contained in such a case.

My mother had another use for this word, Sachet and I was being smart allecky. When she would get upset with me she would tell me I was sacheting around... Being cocky.

I have had tons of 'complaints' that I have not been faithful in keeping you up-to-date on ChemoSabe. I have not written since February 1.. Well, I have no excuse except for everyday events. Work, washing, cooking, house work, babysitting, dogs, birds, riding and just plain ole being lazy.

The two week process began again today. Labs in the morning and Velcade in the afternoon on Tuesday and Friday. The last intervals were non-stop. On a three day cycle from the last steroids, he opted to go out of town on Wednesday and Thursday of that week. He began that stint by getting up at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday and got home on Thursday evening at 9:00 p.m. During that whole time he got about four hours sleep. I just don't know how he does it.

We took advantage of this last round off and headed to Eureka Springs on Friday morning and came back in on Sunday evening. Yes, we rode the bikes. The weather was a bit nippy, but it was absolutely wonderful getting away (alone). We took our time and stopped when we wanted to and found some places up there we didn't know existed in all the 23 years we have been visiting.

We found a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also has some couches, love seats and lounging areas for the coffee drinking, book reading types. It was underground, beneath Romancing the Stone. They have been there 15 years. We go in Romancing the Stone every trip... I can't believe we have missed it all these years.

There are a few business for sale and I imagined us retiring and going there to live on a summer business deal... I think we could make it. I do have to admit, though, I would miss Wal-Mart weekly trips, Penneys and just the ability to get out and do what we do in the 'big' city.

ChemoSabe has lost four pounds. I have gained 100! ha. I finally had to go out and buy bigger jeans. When you have at least 12 pair and only one fits...We have a problem. My neighbor and I have not been able to do our two mile walk because of the weather... Next my excuse will be it is too damn hot.

I had a difficult time during Valentine's Day. It was the first anniversary of my mother's death. I guess I will never look at that day in the same way again. But, it was kinda 'marked' for me anyway. I married Son's dad on Valentine's Day and our divorce was final that day, too (1968 and 1970). Short, but sweet. Well, maybe not sweet or we wouldn't be divorced.

I lost my boss on Feb. 25. I am the lone wolf in the office until about the end of April or first of May. I am loving it. I have gotten so much done. Things I have put off because my boss would interrupt me. He has gone to mend another church and I will hear from him at least every other day... After all, he has been my friend since 1997.

Back to ChemoSabe --- We are going out to dinner tonight with Ruthie and Rog from Okla. He is back for testing and treatment. I know we basically have the same schedules, but it seems like his testing is more frequent. It isn't, but it seems that way. We will also be having dinner to celebrate my 60th birthday from last week. I had asked for steak for my birthday, but ChemoSabe wanted to wait until we got back to L.R. so we wouldn't pick a bad place.

Well, Kids... I think I did a mighty fine job of sacheting around all the events since February. I have thought of some very funny stories to tell you along the way, but now I have forgotten. I will have to start jotting them down as I think of them. Just as a writer, I suppose, so I won't let my fans down in the future.

Oh, I do have one, but most of you have already heard it.

Posting a memory for you... Well, for me, but I'm sharing...

ChemoSabe continues to rise and shine at 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. A result of chemo and steroids. I usually awake to the coffee brewing at that time each morning.. Such a pleasant aroma. This morning my nostrils smelled a hint of something distasteful which was accompanied by a nerve racking noise. Hmmm.. something burning? I checked the fireplace last night. Well, it was burned toast and the fire alarm! I jumped up, grabbed my cell, ran to the top of the stairs to see him at the bottom swearing to me he didn't set the security alarm off. I called the alarm company and pointed the finger in his direction and explained he had burned the toast. When she asked if there were any other problems I told her only that it was 4:00 a.m. and my sleep was interrupted. :) I would almost be certain our neighbors weren't happy either. With that, I made him escort all four dogs out the door for a breath of fresh air.

All that and he is still my perfect man.

It seems when we set the alarm off once, then it happens at least 3-4 times in a row and then doesn't happen for months. Our alarm people just laugh..

So, there ya go... I will let you know soon how labs are going.

Good day and Love -- Pepper