I love the Fall season.  Leaves crackling underfoot, the familiar smell of autumn in the air.  Even during a warm spell, there is a something in the air reminding you that this is only temporary.  This is my first fall in the Midwest in 5 years, having been trapped in the Pacific Northwest with no … Continue reading The Autumn Of My Life

It seems like every day we are bombarded with news on the stock market.  The Dow is up, the Dow is down.  What will the market do when the job numbers come out?  How will it respond to Housing Starts?  We as a society still look to the stock market as a harbinger for the … Continue reading Is The Stock Market An Economic Barometer?

Today we mark a milestone in Sam's fight against cancer.  He returns to work, albeit half-time, after being off for more than 120 days.  During that time he endured major surgery, a rigorous radiation and chemotherapy schedule, and weeks of slow recovery.  He is down 100 lbs from this time last year, appears to have … Continue reading The Ravages Of Cancer

When it comes to losing weight, I am a work in progress. Over the last few years I have tried a myriad of diets including Weight Watchers, and many fad diets. I often wonder why there are so many. My son swears by Atkins, but I need some carbs. Doing a lot of reading regarding … Continue reading The Not So Incredible Shrinking Woman Tackles The Flat Belly Diet

Unrealistic expectations. I believe we all start out with them. When I was growing up in a small town, I was not exposed to life anywhere else. Thinking that all there was to life for me, was to get married, have children, and be there for my husband. Well that didn't work out so pretty … Continue reading This Is NOT The Life I Ordered

It is Thursday, July 29th and the finish line is in sight for my dear husband Sam. After being diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer on May 3rd and enduring three months that included major surgery, a feeding tube and tracheotomy not to mention six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, he has only two treatments … Continue reading Nearing The Finish Line

I spent a long time trying to come up with a title for this blog. Searching for quotes and songs about Dads and Fathers, I found there are not near as many as for Mothers. As one quote goes by an unknown author,"Fathers Day is just like Mothers Day, only we don't spend as much."It's … Continue reading Honor Thy Father

So here I am, back at Mayo Clinic with my Husband. This trip we are again staying at the Kahler Grand Hotel. It's an old hotel located right in the center of the Mayo complex. When making the reservation this time, I asked the front desk if they had a fitness center. "Yes", she replied, … Continue reading The Not So Incredible Shrinking Woman Goes To The Fitness Center

Well here it is Sunday May 23rd and I am sitting in my hotel room trying to keep myself calm. Drinking decaf coffee and planning my diet for today not to include ANY salt and if you know me at all you are aware that I hate decaf and love salt. I only brought enough … Continue reading Sammy, What Have You Done To Yourself?

We loaded up the car and took off last Monday about 12.30 p.m. for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.It took some research and a whole lot of soul searching to make the decision on where to go for a second opinion and treatment. We knew we weren't staying local as the treatment would be … Continue reading A Mecca Of Hope