Broken Heart!

This past week I had to say goodbye to my beloved Gigi. Gigi was 13 years old and died in her sleep. As hard as it was to let her go when I did, I know it was even harder for my husband who was the one who found her.
She was fine earlier in the morning before he and she went to sleep. I, of course, was already asleep. I got up and saw her for a few moments before she went back to sleep once the puppies were out of the room.
She was a wonderful cat, so different. She had previously been a bit unsocial but once the kids left she became so much more affectionate and loving. She would come and sit with me at my desk, lay next to me at night sleeping, or come climb in my lap when she felt I should be paying attention to her and not working on my computer. Her little head butts to my face when getting in my lap wasn't enough to make her point.

Family...

It has been a while since I have hosted Christmas dinner. I forgot how stressful it is but yet how rewarding it is at the same time. I had the wonderful pleasure of having a wonderful friend I haven't seen in 13 years come visit and introduce me to her new husband and spend Christmas with me and my family.
My friend was so wonderful she not only helped prepare dinner with me, she and her husband both helped with the preparation and clean up. While I was slightly nerve-wracked she was calm and kept telling me it was fine and not to worry we had plenty of time.
Thanks to her when my extended family showed up she took over telling me to visit with my family she had everything under control. She was awesome, even though I didn't completely do what she said...lol I couldn't just leave her to finish. Dinner was a hit and everyone ate more then we should have but isn't overeating cause the food is so good the norm?
My family was awesome and included my friend and her husband in the family gift exchange, which I had no idea they were doing. Now, this is not anything unusual to me since I have done the same in the past to make sure no one felt left out when they were in my home at this time, however, for me this year things were not so abundant so I was unable to do my traditional gifts abound as I have in the past so I was/am so grateful my In-laws were able to do what I could not.
My heart is overflowing with joy as we head into this new year and I am confident this year will bring with it positive and joyful events!!!

Life

Life is really crazy at times and when there are lulls in the craziness is when you realize how much you don't do when you are so busy. It isn't because you don't want to, it is just you run out of time in the day to do it.
Since school has started I have been working more than I have in some time. I love being at the school and getting to see my kids and meeting new ones. Seeing the personalities of the younger generation is great. A little scary at times because you see things and you have to ask yourself WTH??? But then there are those who you just can't help but be proud of and look forward to seeing what they will become.
I have been meaning to post, but as I said craziness of life has gotten in my way. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Eye Update...

Well had yet another follow-up today. The swelling/blood leakage is slow and has not increased. However, the eye pressure has increased to the point the doctor has now put me on putting medicated drops in twice a day to try to bring the pressure down before my next appointment. Still no end in sight (no pun intended) on the injections. I will be scheduling the next injection for early Feb sometime which will put it three months from the previous one in Nov.
The doctor has jumped back on the positive train of the sight will improve and I should gain better sight and not have the carnival mirror sight. I, however, am staying with let's be positive but let's live in reality, we can't repair the vessels and they are not healing, the injections are just slowing the leak not plugging it.
I am not giving up but with the length of time and the lack of improvement keeps me from going all the way to saying the sight will come back, may not be 20/20 but it will be better than what it has been. I am just not setting myself up for the disappointment I know will come when he has to say there is nothing more we can do.
As for now I still have good vision in my right eye even with it doing most of the work and for this, I am grateful and can still do what I love, write and design covers. Even if I lost my vision I could still write I would lose my ability to design and I know I would not be pleased or joyful about it at all.
Ending on a positive note, the drive is there to not give up and to stay somewhat positive for a good outcome in the end.

Fur Babies and Their Food

Now my wonderful fur babies usually get along fantastically but tonight old girl got a hair up her butt and decided it was time to pick a fight with the big guy as I was preparing their food. Now I have shown you pictures and I will add one for visual aide. She looks basically like a small dog next to him and generally he is very passive with her but tonight he said no ma'am not taking your attack, I'm fighting back so here I am with two dogs fighting in my small office space and I am holding two bowl of food and no extra hands! Was so wishing to be Kali at that moment in time so I didn't have to use my body to get between them. Multiple arms would have been so much easier! They knocked over my little space heater so now I have to let it reset before I can turn it on again. UGH!!! Good thing I like the cold.
I so much like the peace in the house with the Fur ones but alas there will always be times when one is not happy with the other. Plus big guy is very energetic and makes old girl a little pissy when she does not want to play. But I would not trade them for anything. Love my fur babies!!!

Fur Babies at Play

I am so happy my fur babies are happy. Some Fur Baby Love 💕💕💕  Happy Saturday!!!

Eye Update...

Well, as predicted the leakage is back and so the vision has decreased again. The fun part about this time is I got to feel like I was in a SiFi movie or show getting to see a portal opening. However, mine was not the fun pretty colors they are on TV but none the less it was the spinning vortex. Basically what I was seeing was the blood pooling which is what caused the vortex appearance. It was translucent but only because it hadn't started clotting yet. Once this happens I will start seeing the clouds again but only in spots where the clots are not like it was when the cataract was there.
The upside to having to continue the injections is I will not ever have a cataract in the left eye again. The downside is I have to continue the injections to not completely lose what little vision I do still have in my left eye.
Basically, in a nutshell, I do the injections and get better temporary vision in the left eye as long as the medication is active or I discontinue the injections and over time lose what little vision I have in that eye. Gotta love those catch 22's.
At this point the doctor has admitted I do have a medical disability. Not jumping up and down about this but it is better than continuing to wonder if I qualify for a disability because of the lack of vision in the left eye and the hindrance it is to full-time office job requirements.
The only thing the doctor seems to have an upside for this now is we are getting to spread out the injections farther apart. He was previously still showing signs of hope for an actual recovery even if it isn't the full vision, but the fact the vessels are continuing to leak and not heal the most we can hope for is to not to have to do the injections as frequently per year. Meaning we have gone from 6 down to 4 per year. Maybe we will get to drop again, but we shall see.
In closing, there will be more updates and I will continue to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. The silver lining I still have some sight even as warped as it is, I can still see with my left eye. Everyone and everything look like circus mirror reflections.

Long weekend

I have completely enjoyed my first two days of my long weekend!! I pulled a stay in my PJ's on both days. It was awesome!!!
Beginning of a new week and I am so lacking in stress it is amazing. I have to admit I miss the larger paychecks working a full time job but I do not miss the stress which goes along with those types of jobs. I enjoy being able to pick and choose when I work and when I don't and do not have to explain it to anyone.
I also like the fact I can do more writing when I am less stressed about things. It makes what I love to do so much more meaningful for me. Who would have known years after school I would get a spark to write and actually have the talent. I mean I still have a long way to go to be any where near James Patterson level but for only being a baby in the writing world I hold my own pretty well.
I have some amazing friends who stand behind me and encourage me all the time. I have a wonderful family who also encourage, uplift, and believe in me. I am truly blessed by the people I have around me and in my life. I would still be me without them but I am so much a better version of myself with them and would not trade any of them for the world.
Love those who are in your life. Inspire them, encourage them and always let them know you are there for them. Remove those who do not fall with in the making you a better you from your life, they will only hold you back and bring you down. Be A Happy You!!!

Lack of Posts

Sorry it has been such a long break between posts. The past two weeks have been very long and when I got home every evening the last thing I wanted to do was look at a computer screen. I have missed posting but sleep and exhaustion took over.
I have a small break and plan to make sure I get back to posting and writing. I have taken a long enough break from both and need to get back on track.
Also need to get my butt in gear and get my YouTube video done.
Short and sweet but is all I have time for right now. Hope everyone has had a great last few weeks!

First large Harvest

I had to harvest because we have cold weather starting to hit. So, I had to go out and do some picking. Some of the picked are very small but didn't want to lose out of picking them. Now I have a chance to try making some more Fried Green Tomatoes.

Will be going out tomorrow and picking some more. Tomorrow will be my last harvest until next season. :(
It was a successful experiment and I am proud of myself for accomplishing something I never thought I would be able to do cause this girl never had a green thumb before and here I have not only grown tomatoes from a slice of tomato but have kept two Orchids alive. Not too bad for a non-green thumb. :)

New Fur Baby

So excited, I adopted a new furry baby last Friday. I was so busy getting him settled I didn't have time to do a post until today. Love him to pieces already. He has had a time getting used to all the stairs in the house but he is getting it. He and my other fur babies are working out their ranking in the house. Of the fur babies, he is the largest. The cat, however, has made her stand and let him know she is queen. The other dog is letting him know even though she is much smaller, she is higher in rank than him. I am just really grateful they all get along as well as they do.

           

All my fur babies!!!

Bloomage...

As you have read previously I have been trying my hand at gardening and flowers. Well, I previously told you about the Moon Flowers I planted and have shown periodically as they have started climbing up the trellis placed at the end of my porch for them to climb.
This evening I came home and found a single bloom. It was so pretty and pure white. I can't wait to see more blooms pop and cover the vine. But check out my first bloom.

Self-Employed...

I have found it is really hard to be self-employed when you are an author. I have run a business before but it was so much easier when it was something everyone needs and hates to do themselves. However, when you are trying to sell something only a handful of people like makes getting off the ground so much harder.
Those of you out there who are self-employed and struggling like I am I invite you to send me a link to your business page or a photo of your business card and I will place them as small advertisements on my website. It is hard and if we don't help each other than we are doomed to struggle longer.
I believe the willingness to help others in the same shoes as mine is good Karma and eventually Karma will find her way back around to me. I want to help others as well as myself but the giving will start with me.
No matter what your business may be, send a photo of your business card or links to your sights, blogs or facebook and I will put them on my page https://www.simpsondm7071.com/ and email me the information. I will respond once I have added the advertisement for your business.

Flavor of Home Grown

I have not only grown, harvested, and watched them change colors I have now tasted the fruits of my labor. I shared my first harvested red tomato with a friend at lunch on Sunday. She said it was really good. I tasted it myself and I have to say it was the best tasting tomato I have ever had. LOL But of course I would say so cause I worked so hard to make sure they survived.
I also did my first attempt at Fried Green Tomatoes. Now, I have to admit until I had seen the movie I had actually never even heard of Fried Green Tomatoes. With this said, I did as I was advised a little bit of salt, a little bit of pepper, and flour (all purpose). Fried them in a frying pan with oil so I could watch them. Should have left them in a little bit longer so they were tender all the way through but was worried about burning them.
I will try again but this time a little different. I was also advised to sauté them with onion. Now, for me onions are not something I like but for the sake of trying to make Fried Green Tomatoes a different way I will use a little bit of onion. This will cut back on the breading, not that the breading was so bad, it just adds to the calories.

Color Change

I was looking at my plants last night as I watered them and noticed a few of the tomatoes are starting to show some color change. I think I might have some red tomatoes soon.
The ones I already harvested are starting to show some color changes as well. I was very excited with I saw them this morning and noticed they were changing.
Now the ones outside are only showing a yellowish color but the one inside is actually got a reddish tint to it. As usual please check out the pics below...

New Show...

I have always been a big fan of good TV shows. I have always gone for the law type shows, cop shows, and military shows. However, I found myself loving the TV show House, which was a medical style show. I think it was the smartassery of the character House. I then found I enjoyed Code Black and now there is a new show created by the creators of House called The Good Doctor.
I am in love with this show. The way it shows how this young man's brain works is awesome!!! I suggest if you have a chance to watch it you should take a look at it.

I have never been one for watching the competition type shows but this season I have started watching Dancing With the Stars. In all honesty, I am only watching this season because of Lindsey Stirling. I would not be watching it otherwise. I absolutely think she is the balm. I love her YouTube videos and her musical talent is outstanding. I hope to get to see her in concert one day. I was so close when she was in Orlando but it just didn't work out at that time for me to see her. If you have never seen her videos I suggest you check them out. She is AMAZING!!! Check out Dancing With the Stars if you have a chance you won't be sorry!

Frustration

I am not one for waiting and being happy about it. I know there are times when you have no choice but to wait for things. I just hate the whole waiting thing. I have never been a patient person. It is a personality trait.
I admit there are times patience is a vertu but at the same time, I don't get why it takes so long for somethings to process. I also hate it takes forever for some to make it and others just have the luck of the Irish. Damn it I am Irish I should have that luck myself but it would seem I have to make it the hard way no matter what.
Is the hard way really the best way? I suppose in a way the harder you have to work for something more value it has. I would rather have the success mean more just wish I didn't have to work so hard for it. I mean there is a saying "Work smarter not harder" the only question I have about this saying is, where does it apply when you are working for yourself.
I always strive to work smarter rather than harder, however, harder is always the end result for me. I suppose it is just how things work for me. I will just have to learn to be patient and wait like I am sure everyone else who has been in my place at some point in their life.
Patience it is...

Karma...

I know it isn't right to find pleasure in others bad luck but when the person is reaping what they sow, well, there is nothing you can do but take pleasure in it.
There are bad people and even good people have a right to take pleasure in Karma coming around and teaching those bad people what is like to receive a taste of their own medicine.
I know it is really wrong to be happy and laugh when you hear someone tripped and fell and normally I would feel bad but the person I am referring to in this post does not deserve my good side to come out and lecture my bad side for being so pleased.
Anyone who takes the pleasure this person did in treating people wrong every chance they got and have no idea how to treat anyone right deserves every spoonful of Karma they receive and double in some cases but I will take a single spoonful at this point because it has finally taken place.
People Karma is a true bitch and may take her time coming around but she always makes the round trip. She may not always bring a full wallop but it always has a kick.
Thank you Karma, I knew you would make it at some point.

First Harvest

They are very, very green but they were the largest ones on the plants. It was brought to my attention taking the largest ones off the plant would help and allow the smaller ones to get bigger. All the plants have lots and lots of smaller tomatoes. But here are the first fruits of my labor of love!

Dilation...

Anyone who has ever been to the eye doctor and this is actually something everyone should have done at least once in their lives. The dilation process is always done. Well, for me it is a normal part of every visit. Now when I say a normal part of my visits it is usually only the left eye, well yesterday one of my favorite doctor's aide got a little too dilation drop happy...lol We were talking and I did distract him with a story and stuff. They always check the pressure in both eyes but because we were chatting he dropped the dilation solution into the right eye and then started to drop in the left eye as normal.
I stopped him after the drop and reminded him we were only supposed to dilate the left eye and I was there alone.
The interesting part is when my eyes are dilated it doesn't take the full fifteen to twenty minutes to fully dilate. It only takes my eyes two to five minutes and then takes multiple hours for them to go back to normal. So, yesterday I had to drive home after my appointment basically blind because everything was blurry. I, unfortunately, didn't have a choice but to drive myself home and not stop anywhere between the doctor's office and home as I had previously planned.
It really is a great thing how everything is fast acting with the fact I have to get injections and lots of stuff done to my eye but it is not so great how it takes so long for the effects to wear off. I am grateful the effects don't wear off before the injections of course but at the same time when I am not getting the injections I hate how it takes so long and I have to go without real sight for multiple hours after and can't read anything.
Long story short, I got dilated and still made it home all on my own. Happy Friday everyone!!!

Eye Update...

Went in for the follow-up after the last injection. Vision has decreased again to 20/40 this time around. I was also told the scaring from the laser procedures is permanent and will continue to cause some vision loss but we are still going to continue the steroid injections at least two more times.
I am trying to stay positive in regards to the whole having a needle stuck in my eye every four to six months. I have decided I am going to be as stubborn as I can about not giving up on my eye healing. I am under no illusion the vision will return to 20/20 but if I can atleast not have to use excentric vision tactics to see letters, words, and symbols I will keep pushing through the whole injection process.
I have to say it is no fun getting stuck with a needle in a normal area but in the eye, there is no way to avert the sight of the needle myself I have to rely on the doctor to actually keep the needle out of my sight line when he is coming towards my eye.

Gardening Fail...

Despite my hopes for the Zucchini and the Cucumbers they have just not produced as I thought they would. I saw some but something got to them and they have all died. The tomatoes have survived but still don't have any turning colors yet.
However, there is fruit on all my plants now and I am so excited to see the fabulous little green bulbs at the ends of the stalks. I have several large green tomatoes and am just waiting for them to start changing color so I know they are ready to harvest and enjoy.
The lettuce has also continued to do well after such a rough start. I am really proud of the fact even though the veggies I really was looking forward to the most have failed, the whole gardening experience has been fun and I will try it again but a little bit earlier next time.

Disappointment...

Having a rough day and feeling very disappointed. Disappointment is always a part of life and for the most part, I really try not to allow it to get to me but today has not bee a great day without reading the submission of my nonfiction book was rejected today by one of the publishing companies I submitted the writing too.
Being the grown-up sucks sometimes. Holding up your head when all you want to do is scream is hard and I hate having to do it at times. Unfortunately, there are those times when it has to be done regardless of feelings of frustration or anger.
I will overcome as I always do and turn things into a learning lesson for myself and prepare for the next time because there is always a next time.
Be strong, be smart, be inspiring because there is always someone watching your actions. I got this and will do things the right way.

Teaching Methods...

We all have different ways of teaching when we get into teaching and we generally learn as we go what works and what doesn't.
I know I could not do elementary school because I just do not have the patience for kids of those ages any longer, except of course my wonderful nieces, whom I love dearly. I also have a lot of respect for teachers of any grade. However, I honestly believe if you are a first-year teacher it is in your best interest not to disrespect a seasoned teacher.
I am also of the opinion you don't go in with the attitude of the principal from the movie Matilda and behave as though since you are the grown up, you win and the student loses when they don't comply the way you think they should. Or enjoy actually punishing students who don't meet your standards personality wise.
I have had my own experiences with teachers I honestly believed should not be teaching but somehow they are and do. All I can say is don't be a Ms. Trunchbull! Also, don't disrespect another teacher, it is just wrong!!!

Twitter...

I am so excited I have finally made it, I have more followers than I am actually following. So exciting! When I started tweeting I had no idea what I was doing but I have caught on and it seems to be working for me. Now if it would just increase my book sales then I would really be making it somewhere.
They say it takes time to grow and I have found this to be true. My blog following has been slowly growing and even if I haven't said thank you to all of you who follow my blog I appreciate each and every one of you!!!
Twitter is up to 700 followers as of tonight and I am up to 10 different countries showing with followers for my blog. Thank you to you all and You guys rock!!!

Tomato Jungle

As you can see my cages for the tomatoes are just too small. The tomatoes I planted I had no idea how large they would get but now they have out grown the cages I have around them and I am fighting to keep them from breaking off from the weight of the limbs themselves.
I am very proud of my tomato jungle and can't wait to taste my first grown at home tomato. I will, of course, post pictures of the first picked and ripened tomato. But as you can see from the pictures it will still be a little while before I can harvest any. More keep showing up each day I look. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can get the limbs to stand straight please feel free to comment below.

Bad Winds...Poor Tomatoes...

This morning as I left I found one of my tomato plants completely on its side and some of the roots showing. I was unable to do much more than to lean it back up to standing position and hope for the best until I get home.
I hate to see any of them fail but I guess one grouping out of the six is not too bad with the amount of wind they have to hold up against and with as top heavy as they are currently. The saddest part is this one has several tomatoes on it and I hate to lose any actual tomatoes.
It is a wet day so I will keep my fingers crossed I can get the root back in the ground without damaging it or any of the others.

Boiled Peanuts...

Anyone from the south can tell you boiled peanuts are the best thing ever. Sunday on my husband's way home he remembered to stop and get me some boiled peanuts from a stand he passes on his way back from his monthly drill.
They were a great surprise and taste pretty good, but they are nowhere near as good as my family makes. I grew up on boiled peanuts, it was a summer family staple. We all looked forward to summer family gatherings because we all knew there would be boiled peanuts.
Now I have no clue where this idea for boiling them came from but I am sure happy to tell you I am glad it was thought of. They are best when the peanut itself is really soft and salty. This is something my step mother and uncle have mastered. They have huge pots they do this in and these pots are specific for this purpose. I don't think we use them for anything else. Not even pasta which we eat a lot of when we get together.
If you have never tried or heard of boiled peanuts I say the next time you are in the south or have a friend visit from the south ask them to bring you some to try. You will get addicted, as long as you actually like peanuts.

Family & Friend Update...Irma #4

I am happy to report I have heard from all family and friends in FL are doing fine and had very little damage. I am thankful the damage was so minimal because it could have been so much worse. I was still very concerned about my one daughter because I had not heard from her since Sun around 2:30ish but I finally heard from her.
Most everyone is without power but uninjured and safe. The safe part is the most important in my opinion. I am grateful all my friends and family are safe, healthy, and only have some yard work to do with all the wind and rain they endured.

Irma #3

As of this morning, Irma has made her way past most of my heart pieces. Now we just have to wait for it through the storm surges. Several of my heart pieces are without power and it is unknown how long they will be this way.
I am watching out my windows at the gray and gloom which has begun here several states away from the bands heading north. I am nowhere near the storm itself, but will still get plenty of its rain and potentially some of its lesser winds.
Please continue to send prayers and positive thoughts to those waking this morning to find out how bad the actual damage Irma left them. Most of central FL are still under curfews to keep them all safe and some to keep from getting themselves into trouble.
It is really sad how things like this can bring out the really horrible side of people when they think they won't get caught.
To all in FL thinking of you all. To those in GA I am thankful Irma has decreased in strength but please still stay safe.

Happy Girl!!!

It is good to be married to a mechanic. I told yesterday how my vehicle wouldn't go into 2nd, 4th or Reverse after I left my friend's house and was heading home. Turns out the bolt which is supposed to have a self-locking nut so it won't just fall off.
Well, mine fell off. I am telling you now if it is something not normal to happen, it will always happen to me. I am just glad it wasn't anything more serious which would take longer than 15 minutes to be fixed.
I now have all my gears and can drive my own car to work tomorrow. YAY!!! Am a happy girl tonight!!!

The Bold Type

This show was really fun to watch and I truly enjoyed this new show. I found it very entertaining and fun.
The characters were easy to like and connect with. I have to say I think my favorite is the Melora Hardin who plays Jacqueline Carlyle. She is a strong and collected woman who inspires her employees as well as encouraging them to think outside the box.
The three main characters are growing as adults right in front of our eyes as we watch each episode. They are always faced with choices in both personally and professionally. The story lines are always very realistic and touch the watchers.
I love a show that not only gets the entertainment attention but also makes you see the reality in the story.
I have always enjoyed shows which make me want to see the next episode even if they don't follow the same story line through every episode. Verity is the spice of life and when a show can hook and keep me hooked I am a happy camper!!
If you did not catch this show during the season I encourage you to check it out on FreeForm streaming and watch it.

Irma #2...

I may not be in FL at the moment but many parts of my heart are in FL and I am watching the updates like a hawk. I am not so much worried about where the path may go once it leaves FL as I am as the path and destruction it is going to cause in the areas I have love ones and friends.
I know it will lose strength the longer it stays on land, but right now I am getting frustrated with the inability to protect those I care about from this storm. Most of them are grown but some of them are not. It is just hard to be sitting here unable to do anything but watch and wait to see what happens.
Please keep all those in the path of Irma currently or soon to be in your prayers. I am not one to ask for others to do things I would not do myself but at this time I find myself saying prayers for those in the path of Mother Natures Fury.
To all those in her current path and those projected to be in her path please be smart and make the safe choices and listen to the mandatory required evacuations. They have been implemented for your safety because of what is expected to happen during and after Irma passes. Don't think you are smarter than the experts because you aren't which is why they are the experts and you are not. Stay safe!!!

UGH!!!

So today was a great day, I got to spend some time with two of my friends I used to work with. The sad part is we had to do it at the hospital because my one friend's daughter is recovering from having her appendix taken out. However, she did eat a little and we got to see her smile after the past few days being so rough, bless her little heart.
Made it to my other friend's house to drop her off and visited a little bit longer then got into my car to head home. I made it about 2 miles from her house and I could no longer shift into 2nd gear, 4th gear, 5th gear or reverse. Now I drive a manual transmission so the inability to manually shift is a major issue and anyone who drives a standard vehicle knows this, it sucks.
I finally made it home and got the vehicle to shift into 5th gear. However, I still have to try what my husband suggested and pump the clutch to see if there was an air bubble in the line because the fluid was full.
Nothing more frustrating to end the day on than car trouble. I guess I should be happy I didn't get stranded and was able to make it home. I still have to say UGH!!!

Irma...Cat 5

Earlier this week I talked about how Hurricanes cause a multitude of damage but being from Florida we don't usually get as worried unless they hit the Catagories 3 and above. Well, Irma is one to be very afraid of no matter where you are from.
She is due to impact my home state as a Cat 5 & 4 and as long as she keeps moving she will continue to slow down as she moves up the country. However, should she move back into the Atlantic for any reason she will strengthen and when she hits Georgia, SC, and NC on the coast she will cause major damage in these states as well.
We all need to be watchful on this particular storm. There is a low-pressure surge just above NC which can turn Irma and fuel her. Be cautious and prepared and pray she will not stall over any of the states or the east coast could look just like the east coast of TX.
Please keep the support and prayers going for those in TX and in the Carribean, just add those on the East Coast of the US as well. The damage is going to be severe and there will be people in great need. Fortunately, we get enough of a warning for those who need and can evacuate are evacuated and there is only damage and loss of life is minimal.
Bad weather is no joke, but it is a fact of life. To all my friends and family, stay safe!

Score...

I don't normally talk about my cooking, because, let's face it I am not Betty Crocker by any stretch of the imagination. Now, there are certain things I have mastered cooking and they always turn out very good.
But tonight I actually made homemade Alfredo Sauce and my husband said it was better than the Italian restaurant here in our small town and trust me when I say we love that restaurant. I don't get compliments like this very often from any of my immediate family.
I am proud to say however, my sons can actually cook. It is always good to know your kids won't starve out on their own.
I took a cooking/homeck class in middle school because it was required for all the 6th graders to attend each of the elective classes. I spent a total of 9 weeks in this class. Not a lot of time to really learn anything more than the basics for cooking because we also learned how to sew.
However, tonight I can happily say I scored big with my sauce and am proud of my accomplishment!

Hurricanes...

Being from Florida like I am, I sometimes forget it isn't normal to everyone for Hurricanes to hit. Most of us from the southern corners of the US and around the Gulf are very used to them hitting during the season.
I had several students ask why do they say, get into a bathtub? I had to control my giggle as I tried to explain the reason behind it. The looks I received made it impossible to not laugh. Honestly, I would think any state on the east coast should be used to this kind of thing during Hurricane season but I guess since not all the states get hit on a regular basis like Florida they don't always remember, especially the younger generations.
All they remember is not having to go to school if it was too bad. Growing up in Florida it was a running joke to have Hurricane parties because they hit so often. Now, I go to the stores and they are completely wiped out because people are afraid they are going to be stranded in their homes with no way to get food.
However, they do this in winter when there are threats of snow storms or ice. Weather makes people do some crazy things.
Now, don't get me wrong sometimes the hurricanes are really bad and cause so much destruction it takes months to years, to recover. It just means those were stronger than what normally take place, during the season. However, over the years I have noticed the storms have increased in severity which does make them a lot scarier but still doesn't take away from them being normal events.

Back to Work...

The break over the summer was good but I am happy to be back to work and seeing the kids. It is good to feel a part of something bigger than just myself. It felt so good to help a student understand something they were working on.
I enjoy the fact I can make a difference even in just the smallest way because to the student it isn't small. Teaching is usually a thankless job but there are those moments when the thank you is expressed without words.
When you see the light go on and know you got through is the best thank you there is! Even though I am not a full-time teacher it is a great feeling to know I can still make an impact. There is no reaching every student but reaching just one is enough.
There are also those you don't even know you have reached but did. It feels good to be one of the lucky few who get to see the ones I have reached and helped.
Thank you to all the teachers past and present out there! You guys Rock!

People Watching...

When you go out into public, do you find yourself watching others around you or completely focused on what you are doing?
I myself find people watching very interesting and fun. I watch their facial expressions, body language and they way their mouths move when they speak. In my head, I see a story unfolding for each one.
Those individuals who are on their phones are the best to watch as the story in my head unfolds around them. Depending on their expressions and body language the story can spin to thriller, horror, suspense or fantasy.
As a Pisces, I have found I can pick up on peoples emotions without even knowing them or being close enough to hear what they are saying. Most people say everyone gives off emotions through body language and facial expressions. Me I know I do, but not everyone is so easy to read.
When I sense someone's emotions the stories follow the line of emotion giving lots of twists to the story. Most of the stories are very short because I don't stay focused on one person or one group of people.
If you don't or haven't ever watched people when you are out, you should try it and see where your mind takes you.

More Fruits of Labor

The Cucumbers and Zucchini are finally showing veggies. I had to share. I have to say I really was beginning to wonder if they would produce anything, have been having issues with bugs. However, they are now showing good growth and the lettuce has gotten larger. The tomato plants are starting to show more tomatoes on all the plants. I did not take any more pictures of the tomato plants this time but I will once they start changing colors. They are getting bigger and the rain we had the past two days did them a lot of good even though the wire baskets weren't holding up to the wind.

Yummy Food...

Over the past two weekends, I have had the awesome honor of having dinner at several different restaurants around Raleigh and Durham. I will start with the first one, BaDa Wings - I have already posted about this one and am still singing its praises. The food, the people, and the atmosphere are awesome. I tried one of the burgers as well as having the wings again. I had been craving a good burger and we were going to go to Red Robin which is one of my favorite places to eat a good burger but we stayed and tried out BaDa Wing's burgers. I was not disappointed.
The next one is Kurama Japanese Cuisine - I have always loved watching the chef put on a show as he prepares the meal. It is the best part of going to a good Hibachi style restaurant. The steak and shrimp I ordered were perfectly cooked. the vegetables were awesome and full of flavor. The rice was made sticky just like it is in Japan, at least from what I can remember since it has been so long since I was last in Japan. It is a really good place to get a good meal and great service.
Next on the list is Texas Road House - Now the last time I had been there was years ago and you could eat the peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. I guess they found this to be a hazard to the staff and patrons. However, the service and staff were great and friendly. I ordered steak, of course, because it is what I do when I go out to dinner. It is always better cooked by someone else. The steak was perfect and melt in my mouth, along with the sauteed mushrooms. So good y'all!
Next stop is OutBack Steak House - Now, this is always a good place to eat. The service was nice and friendly as always. The appetizers were delicious and arrived quickly. Instead of my usual, I got steak and lobster. The steak, of course, was perfectly cooked just the way I like my steak medium rare. The lobster was awesome.
As you can tell I am a very big steak eater. I love it!!! I honestly do not eat it every night but when I go out to a restaurant it is usually what I order. However, there are places where you just have to have a burger. If you are ever in the area, you should try all of these restaurants. The food and service are both awesome. I just hope it won't be a year again before I get to eat out...lol Just kidding because I know at some point we will hit our favorite Italian place or Mexican place in our small little town of Roxboro sooner or later. I will save those shout outs for another time. Yummy Food y'all

We Have Fruit...

I am so excited, I finally have fruit to show for all my labor of love. I went out to help my poor babies cause the wind is just blowing them all over the place. I have tried everything I can think of to make the wire cages deeper so the wind won't blow them sideways. While I was doing this I happen to look up on one of the plants and saw my first little green tomato!! When I started looking at the others and found another one with a larger tomato. I took pictures of course...

Had to show you the wind blown look before sharing the fruits of the labor of love.

Family Time...

Although all the family was not present it was a nice dinner to celebrate the birthday of my youngest brother-n-law. Dinner was great. Got to watch him experience Lobster for the first time. He really liked it.
We usually get together once a year to celebrate birthdays with the entire family but this year it was just a few of us to just celebrate his birthday only. Since the kids have graduated and moved on with their lives we haven't been altogether to do the once a year thing for the birthdays.
I am hoping at some point we will get to do the get together again with all of us.

All Time Favorite...

I have received several Orchids as gifts and could never keep them alive. Orchids are my favorite flower. Since December 2016 I have not only received two Orchids, I have kept them alive and they have both grown new branches. The one has already bloomed and has two new buds getting ready to blossom and the other one is full of buds. I love these flowers and am so ecstatic they have survived and thrived.

I can't wait to see how many more branches, buds, and blooms I will get to experience with these two plants. I can not tell you how happy this truly makes me, to have my favorite flower to see every day and it is not a silk plant. It is always the little things in life.

It's me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC5PK910GBE

Blooms, Blooms and more Blooms...

I was checking my cucumbers today and happen to look through the huge leaves of my Zucchini plant and saw the beginnings of the huge yellow blooms starting to open on it. Had to share not only the blooms but how large the plant has gotten since I posted last time

It just amazes me how strong this plant has become when just two months ago it was a wee little sapling seed. Have to say not too bad for a first time gardener. :)

Once In A Life Time Event...

If you were not able to witness this once in a lifetime event. It was really cool to see. Where I was the clouds kept crossing the visual path making it look as though the eclipse was moving faster than it actually was. I missed seeing the sun completely covered because a large cloud coverage blocked the view but watching it as the sun became a sliver was really cool.
I was at the high school for a meeting and moved outside with a group of teachers to witness what we could of the eclipse. I did not have a pair of the solar glasses so others shared theirs so I could look. It was really awesome and I am so glad I actually took the time to see it.
Happy Once In A Life Time Event Solar Eclipse 2017!!!

Steroid Injection #???

By this point, I have lost count of the updates on the eye condition and treatment. But here we are with yet another one.
I spoke with the regular ophthalmologist while I was there to receive yet another steroid injection. Let me tell you, I am glad of the numbing, but damn it burns.
I have learned from my chat with the doctor the black line which is the thickening of the macula is in fact from the two laser procedures he had conducted, so it will not be going away. Which means the peripheral in my left eye to the left is even more limited than it was previously with just the leakage of the veins. So now there is that side effect to the treatment I was not aware of before agreeing to the treatment.
Now, don't get me wrong even had I known I still would have gone ahead with the treatment because the only other option was to do nothing and go blind. Not much of an option there is it?
So, I received another injection and was told to continue the steroid drops, but to cut back to twice a day rather than the four times I was previously told. The regular doctor believes it may assist the steroid pellet he injects into my eye to last a bit longer to allow a longer time frame between injections.
As you can guess, there are more injections in my future. However, on the bright side of all of this is the vision is still better than it was when I had the cataract. Unfortunately, it is still the same as it was before the cataract too. It really isn't so much fun to feel like you are looking through a circus/carnival mirror all the time and trust me, it isn't giving me the images of being thin or taller.
Silver lining - I can still see colors and some letters with my left eye and am not completely blind in that eye. I count this as a blessing even if the vision isn't perfect, it is vision none the less and I am able to do what I love, write and create cover art.

Weekend Surprises...

My one son had previously told me he would not be coming home this weekend and I had not talked to the youngest son to know if he was coming home or not. I just assumed since he had come home and took 24 hours last weekend to come home he would not be coming home this weekend.
To my great surprise, while going in and out of lucidness after my morning at the eye doctor, I received a text from the youngest saying he was on his way home. A little while later I hear the front door and the voice which greets the dog is not the voice I was expecting. To my next surprise, it is my oldest.
It has been a pretty awesome weekend so far. I should be seeing my middle son tomorrow evening for dinner so it will make my whole weekend an awesome thing because I haven't seen all three of my sons in quite some time. Especially all in the same weekend. :)
Then to top it all off, I will be getting my vehicle delivered tomorrow. What an awesome weekend for me. I so adore my boys!!!

Today's Adventure

Today started with a fun trip to the dentist office with the hubby. I have always hated the dentist, but since I have been introduced to Dr. Clifton and his staff I actually enjoy going to the dentist now. I have been to many different dentists but he and his staff are by far the friendliest I have come across.

The funniest part of the visit was at the end my husband leaves with a head pillow. Now I ask who would have ever thought go to the dentist leave with a pillow? Well, it is exactly what my husband did today.

Then we stopped at TacoBell to try their breakfast menu. I have to say it was actually pretty good. I tried the bacon, egg, cheese, and hash brown crunch-wrap meal. Husband asked what comes in the meal since the hash brown is in the wrap? Very yummy Cinnabon delights were the side option besides another hash brown. We went with the Cinnabon delights which were a great choice.

Then it was off to Garner to pay for my new vehicle. I am so excited because I will get to go back to an automatic transmission again. I suppose I should have waited for the guy to actually give permission to look at the inside of the vehicle but I just couldn't wait. it has gray cloth interior and black plastic accents. No Bluetooth, but it is okay. Should it become needed I know my husband can put in an aftermarket system which will allow the Bluetooth ability. Was even told it comes with a Frank Sinatra CD. LOL!!!

I cannot wait for it to be drivable. Another vehicle project for the hubby, but he brought it on himself since he is the one who found it.

However, once we got back home we realized we missed one stop we were going to make. Oh well, will just have to do that errand tomorrow. Got a lot accomplished today I think anyway, but I am sure the hubby would argue we only got a few things done. Perspective is always different.

Proud Mamma moment...

It is always the small moments which make you feel the proudest of your children. The moment when you hear in their voice the respect for what you have taught them. The moment they turn to you and you hear the quiet thank you for teaching them the things they need. The moment you know you didn't fail in raising a good, kind, and loving human being. The moment you hear their confidence in who they have become so far.
To reflect on all the days I thought for sure I was the worst mom in the world, it is days like this which show me I did good. I raised a human being who believes in themselves and their abilities but are still humble enough to not over blast it in words but in actions.
To each one of my kids, I am proud of you and I love you more than words can ever say. Shine like the bright stars you are because you have earned it.

Blooms...

Hello all, I am sharing with you my excitement about the veggies blooming. Not all the plants are blooming just yet, but there are two cucumber plants and one tomato plant which are blooming and here are pictures of the pretty yellow blooms.

They are small in comparison to the plant but they are blooming which means veggies soon to follow. :)
I have also put the Moon Flower plants in the ground now. They look so tiny just like the other plants did when I first planted them. I can't wait to see them vine up the trellis and start blooming as well. :) I think the blooms on them will be white but I am not sure will have to wait and see.

Beautiful Sight!!!

Despite the inability to see to write, I am able to enjoy the sight of my beautiful plants. I am so excited about my little garden. It is doing really well, even my little lettuce. They are still small in comparison to the other plants, but they are not giving up.

The tomatoes have reached the top ring. Very bushy looking and I saw a yellow bloom today. Means they are getting closer to producing an actual tomato. So excited! The Cucumbers and Zucchini aren't showing any blooms yet but they are getting big. You can't really make out the lettuce easily but it is located in the lower left corner of the picture of the tomatoes. Happy Gardening.

Eye Frustration

Okay, I know and understand when you get older your vision requires a little help, but this whole having to increase the font size and add reading glasses on top of this is just not supposed to happen this early in age.
I have dealt with loss and lack of vision in my left eye. Have had cataract surgery because of the treatment used to try and correct the vision issue. So far the only thing I can say has been successful is the removal of the cataract.
Not liking this whole inability to regain full sight in my left eye to heal the veins which are causing the lack of vision. I have been fighting this now for over 6 years. I have gone through multiple types of injection treatments and none of them have been a complete success.
However, the steroids have been the closest. The eye drops of steroids, however, have not been anything but a complete bother more than help. I have stopped them because they are not doing as the doctor thought they would. My vision is not doing better as he thought it would. The Steroids do help for a short time as an injection, but the drops, no go.
So sets my continued frustration in still seeing things as though I am looking through a circus mirror. I don't think even glasses will assist in correcting this. It really discourages the desire to write or do corrections. UGH!!!

DM Simpson Intro

Anxiety...

I have recorded my first solo video talking about myself and my adventure in writing. Now of course before I even think about releasing it I need to get feedback. I have requested a few people to review the video and tell me what they think.
However, there is always the time you just have to jump and have faith you aren't going to fall flat on your face. I have been sticking to my guns on writing. I have been doing the struggling artist thing. It is not the easiest thing by any stretch but it is a love worth fighting for no matter what.
I do everything from the writing, cover art, marketing and even selling. The hardest part is the marketing when not making any steady income. Only having word of mouth to help with the marketing is very limiting which is why I have stepped out of comfort zone and did the solo video for a YouTube campaign. I originally was going to do group videos only but it seems a very wise young man showed me the error of my thinking and pushed me to do a single solo video to get things started.
I will still do the group videos. I just realized since this is about my getting the word out stepping outside my comfort zone and put myself on the hook and speak for myself. I will be releasing the video soon and will announce once it is out in the worlds eye.

Lack of Sleep...

I want so much to sleep when I am supposed to but it alludes me. I try to fall asleep naturally, unfortunately for me, it does not seem to be possible unless I have gone a few days with very little sleep. During the summer it is not an issue but since school will be starting soon, it will become more of an issue.
Some say it is because I have no real schedule. I would have to agree if I didn't want to disagree so badly. I try to set a schedule but with nowhere to be and not a lot to do but house work leaves lots of unused time.
I have made myself get up by 7 am in the morning and do my outside chores and spacing out my inside chores to keep from being still too long at one time. So far it has not been a huge success. However, I still enjoy not having a normal office job.
Now if I can just keep myself on track in getting the schedule down and sleeping under control. Yes, delirium is setting in, guess I need to just bite the bullet and use the help to get to sleep. Sleep and sweet dreams are my wishes!

Determination...

I am trying not to be discouraged but I am not seeing (no pun intended) any improvement with the use of the steroid drops. It has only been a week-ish since I started the drops. I have maintained a timed schedule so I do not forget a drop.
I try to focus on other things to distract myself from letting the disappointment dominate. My eye twitches more than previously and I am not sure if it is because my eye is tired or over stimulated. Either way, it is very aggravating and makes it hard to read for any real length of time. Makes it difficult to accomplish much writing or editing but I have to keep trying so I can keep my word to a friend and to myself in getting my own work done.
Anyway, the expectations are high and I refuse to lower them no matter what my vision decides it is going to do. Blurry or clear the work still has to be done.
My determination is stronger than my lack of vision or twitching eye. The writing must go on.

Wing Heaven...

Today I had the great pleasure of eating some of the best-tasting wings I have had in a long time. Now usually I get ranch dressing with my wings because I despise Blue cheese dressing. But today I tried something new. It is a house specialty which is made in this fantastic Bar & Grill called Ba Da Wings in Raleigh.
I looked up the restaurant in an attempt to find the street it was located on and found there are two locations. One is located on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh and another located near Cary. I do not know the anything about the Cary location but I would guess since there aren't more locations, the two locations are owned by the same owner.
I was completely skeptical the one serving of seven wings would be enough to fill me up as a meal. I was joyfully proved wrong. The wings were awesome, the atmosphere was great and the employees were some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of interacting with during a meal out.
If you are in the Raleigh area I would encourage you to stop by Ba Da Wings and get a first-hand taste and experience for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Healthy, Happy Plants...

I have been posting about my adventures in gardening and being a green thumb. Well, folks, it has been five weeks since I started this adventure from a DIY experiment. I started with a slice of tomato and now I have this...

 

As you can see the tomato plants are growing beautifully. The cucumbers and Zucchini are also growing by leaps and bounds. I can't wait to see the blooms which will come before I get to see the wonderful veggies I am looking forward to harvesting and eating.
It is true eating vegetables straight from the garden have the best taste, however, getting them straight from your own garden makes the taste even better.
Now I am by no means saying I am going to become a farmer, but I am thoroughly enjoying working and growing this small garden. I will be adding some bell pepper plants soon I hope. Just seeded some seeds a few nights ago. I am looking forward to seeing the green pop up through the dirt.
I have also planted some moonflower seeds which have sprouted up. Now with these little babies, I was not sure if they would amount to anything because the seeds are easily five years old. The Moonflower is a vine, so now I have to decide where I am going to plant the vines. The joys of deciding where to plant things I have started from seeds.
I have added one more adventure to my gardening adventure. I have created a home made bug repellent using jalapeno pepper, hot sauce, garlic, and water. I have only sprayed it a couple times so I can't say for certain it is working but I am going to keep a close eye on the leaves to see if there is any new bug activity since I have started using the spray.

Post-Op #2

The doctor is pleased, the healing is progressing from the surgery. Eye sight is dropped a little 20/30 this time. The doctor has prescribed more drops.  I am now doing five drops per day. Four drops of steroids and one drop of the antibiotic for the next two weeks.
Pictures were taken and I saw the swelling/blood leakage is slightly increased again, but still low. However, the decrease in vision is due to the leakage. With the addition of the steroid drops it will keep the leakage at bay. I may even get the vision back to 20/25.
The doctor who did the surgery said there was a thickening of the Macula. I am not sure and did not ask what it may mean for my vision issues. I am sure only time will tell. The fact the eye is healing after the surgery is a positive sign. I am holding out hope the eye will continue to heal itself further and seal up the cracked veins the doctor can't surgically repair. It has been the whole purpose behind the injections to get the eye to heal itself as it is naturally supposed to do.
It has been my unfortunate reality up to now, the eye has been unwilling to heal itself. I am going to say with a small amount of cynicism it has taken a major intrusion to the eye to make it do what it is supposed to have done on its own. At least it is the hope on my part.
I will return to the regular ophthalmologist Aug. 18th. We shall see what he says when I see him. I will also see how the steroid drops do over the next few days. Most of the time it takes a day or so for the medication to actually kick in. Again my favorite line with this...Time will tell!

Good Day, Bad Day...Perspective

It is possible for a day to be both good and bad. Despite the frustration of noticing the swelling is back, I have to admit the day was good.
Visited with my in-laws for a bit and went to dinner with some friends. Which was actually a nice change since we usually only go out to dinner alone or with family only.
I got to talk to someone in person other than my husband for a change. I spend so much time at alone I sometimes I forget how much I really enjoy socializing. I mean I know I am a social person, but since I don't work getting to socialize is kind of limited.
So, I can say my day was both a good day and a bad day. It is all about perspective and keeping it positive.

Pull overs...and I don't mean shirts!

So here is the situation, I am following a vehicle in the left lane (passing lane) which had just slowed down because the car in front of them had pulled into the center turn lane. The vehicle in the turn lane was a city cop. The drive in front of me waves to the cop as he passes him but does not speed up to the currently posted speed. The cop pulls out behind me and flips his lights. Now I knew I had not done anything wrong so I am wondering who he is after. I move over to the right lane using my blinker and he follows me. So guess who is after.
I turn on the side street and pull off the road at a safe distance. He comes up to the car and asks for my license and registration. I am still wondering what the hell I have done. So as I hand him my stuff I ask what I had done.
His response floored me: "Ma'am you were tailgating the vehicle in front of you."
Me, in my head, "Tailgating, are you shitting me?"
My retort, "I was what?"
Him: "You were tailgating."
Me: "I'm sorry, did I miss something? The vehicle you are talking about was in the passing lane, correct?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am."
Me: "He was not doing the correct speed and had just slowed because you pulled off into the center lane which then caused me to slow."
Him: "Well, Ma'am the speed limit had just changed."
Me: "Yes and am I wrong in saying he had, had a reasonable amount of time to regain and gain the proper speed for the lane he was traveling in?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am."
Me: "But you pulled me over for tailgating a vehicle which was hindering the flow of traffic?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am. I am going to run your license and will be right back."
Mind you I had just been ranting to myself about the fact the idiot in front of me was not doing the speed limit and I could not get around him. We had not even reached 45 miles per hour and the limit had changed to 55 right before we had slowed because of the lane changing vehicle.
Now when he returns he says: "Ma'am I was going to let you off with a written warning but the printer in my car is not working. Here are your license and registration back."
Me: "Thank you, but may I ask you a question?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am."
Me: "Correct me if I am wrong, but the left lane is the passing lane?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am."
Me: "The vehicle in front of me had a reasonable amount of time to get up to proper speed for the flow of traffic?"
Him: "Yes Ma'am."
Me: "But you pulled me over for tailgating and not him?"
Him: silence...
Me: "Thank you, officer."
Now don't get me wrong I have been pulled over many times for legitimately doing wrong, but this time I was not in the wrong and got pulled when the person who was legitimately in the wrong got off Scott free!!!
I will take my punishment when I know I am in the wrong, however, in this case, I was not in the wrong and feel the only reason the young man pulled me, is because he thought I was a younger person and was going to teach me a lesson. I think he bit off more than he could chew this time.

Driving with the spouse...

How many of you ladies get annoyed with your spouse as a passenger? Most of the time my spouse does the driving because he makes me crazy when he is in the passenger seat. Needless to say, he is a perfectionist.
I find myself getting tense when he is sitting in the passenger seat. It is almost like being a little kid learning to drive with your parent in the passenger seat giving instructions on everything you are doing incorrectly.
This trip was fun even though he was correcting my driving. We were about an hour from home and I had gotten behind two cars who were traveling in the left lane at the same speed as the rest of the lanes. I was getting very frustrated and had seen an option of changing through three lanes to get around the slow drivers. I did not take it because by the time I realized I should have it was too late.
Not to mention I was driving a vehicle which was not mine and much, much larger than my little car. As I followed them I made the comment on the move I would have done in my little car. My husband's response made me laugh so hard it almost brought tears to my eyes. He said, "You better not drive like that, don't make me take your keys away."
Then he started in on the weight of the vehicle I was driving and how it would have been a really bad idea which would cause all kinds of panic in the other drivers.
Now, had my husband been driving he would have avoided the whole scene and gotten around them with no issues. Lessons in driving as you drive, right back in the learning seat after years of driving.
Guess we all need refreshers...

Watering...

It has been cloudy all day but I still went out and did my morning chores of watering the plants. I even watered the grass as my husband had requested because there were some pretty large brown spots. He and I have both worked really hard on the grass to keep it looking healthy and green.
Well wouldn't you know it, it is now pouring down rain. What is it with the weather, get told it isn't going to rain for days, I do my due diligence to keep my plants alive because we aren't supposed to get any rain and now I am concerned they will be over watered. Is it even possible to over water something planted in the ground? I know you can cause root rot in a potted plant, but is it possible when they are in the ground?
It would be so much easier if mother nature would work with me and not against me. However bright side I won't need to water in the morning, so I could actually sleep in. Nah, won't happen. I will have to take some new pictures of the plants. They are really getting big. Even the lettuce is starting to show growth. Soon I will need to get something set up for the cucumbers and zucchini to support the vines.
I have started two new plants, but these are a long shot because I have had the seeds for so long I am not even sure if they will grow or not. The description says it is a vine flowering plant so it changes the idea I had for it when I decided to plant it. Maybe I can make it a bush with training. Of course, it will have to actually grow to make that determination.

1 Week Post-Op

Happy Tuesday all,
Floaters are still faintly there, but getting smaller by the day. The line in my peripheral is still dark, but I am sure it will fade as the floaters have in time.
Vision is still Carnival mirror like, but from being legally blind in the eye previously it is nice to be back to the mirror vision again. Seems weird to be happy about it, but going from the mirror to no visibility was heart breaking. So, to have some vision no matter how distorted it may be I am loving being able to see the colors again and see something in that eye again.
I am keeping my hopes up but am not losing sight of reality. The issue with the veins which originally caused the vision issues are still there and not something they can surgically fix which is why I had been receiving the injections.
And since the doctor(s) (because I have seen three) have no real answer as to why it happened, what caused it to happen. They have no ability to say it won't happen again or the leaking will not come back.
So the reality of this is, the veins are still cracked and not healing, the injection medication keeps them from leaking and allows the eye to do what it should do on its own and reabsorb what has previously leaked. This allows some vision to come back, but it never stays past the decrease of the medication.
However, if the injections are the only way to keep some eye sight in the left eye it is worth the once every three to four months having the needle stuck in my eye.

Veggies...

Well, it has been about a week since I placed the lettuce, cucumbers and single zucchini plant into the ground. Here is a picture of the zucchini and two of the cucumber plants. Then I decided to show you how well the tomatoes are doing.

  

They are thriving and I am so happy, I just might have my own grown salad by the end of Aug. :) The package says 45 to 65 days until harvest so we shall see. The lettuce is still looking really small but I will get pictures of them up soon.
Now, remember the tomato plants were started and grown from a tomato slice without drying or separating the seeds. I simply planted the slice in seedling soil and only about 2 inches below the top, watered it as I notice the soil was not damp and left it alone. Placed the pot in a spot where it got about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Morning and mid day sun.
All of the plants are currently placed in a location to get morning and mid day sun. They seem to be very happy and enjoying themselves. :) I water them every morning.

Post Surgery Update 2

Happy to report the floaters are not only getting smaller, but there are fewer in number as well. The actual vision is clearing up from the fun mirror it was previously. Letters and words are much clearer than they have been in years without the glasses. I am still keeping the font large just to keep from straining until the eye is completely healed.
I am just very pleased even with all the stress and worry things have progressed in the most positive of manners. The truth be told no matter how good a doctor is or how many times the procedure or surgery has been performed there is always room for human error. I am just fortunate there were no errors or hiccups even though I did actually jump at a point in the procedure.
I had a very good surgical team working during my surgery. I am grateful to them and the fantastic job they did.

Soap Box Time...

Today is the one year anniversary of the death of my younger cousin Daniel Travis Nowlin. He was a loving son, brother, cousin, and father but he had an addiction he could not shake. However, that addiction did not make him any less of the person he was to his family and friends.
It just makes me angry how opinionated venomous people seem to think because someone who is an addict makes their loss less important and free reign to bash them whether they know them or not. My cousin, who is his sister posted the other day about the need to find away to stop the epidemic of drug addictions and some guy who seemed to have no ability for empathy decided to get on a soap box and bash users and degrade them as if they were non-human because of their addictions.
I have never had a drug or alcohol addiction, but I still have sympathy and empathy for those who have suffered through the loss of a family member because of these types of additions and I have empathy for those who have the addictions.
No one grows up saying they want to be an addict, it happens slowly and before they know it they are hooked. Do they make the choice to do the drugs, yes. I am by no means naive about the fact it starts out as a choice, but the choice is gone when you are addicted.
I know everyone has their own opinions and thoughts regarding this epidemic, but think before you start on an attack because the person you may be making those comments to may be suffering from the loss of a loved one.
Don't get me wrong, you have every right to your opinion and to voice it, but just think before you spew your venom because you never know who is reading it. Opinion is one thing but venomous spewing is another.
Addicts are still someone's family and they are still a human being, so keep this in mind when you are presented with comments regarding this epidemic.

My Website

Don't forget to check out my website at https://www.simpsondm7071.com/

You can read about my individual books, see examples of my cover art, read about upcoming book events, sales on books and read about how I got started writing.

I try to make sure I give you just enough to wet your reading interest without giving you too much. :) Books can be purchased as paperback copies or Ebooks. If you purchase a paperback copy I will be more than happy to autograph it prior to it being shipped out.

I will ship to any location in the world.  So don't let your location outside the US stop you from ordering. Just take a look and see what reading excitement awaits you.

If you are interested in a cover art design take a look at my portfolio and see if my talent is right for you. You can submit pictures of your own or you can allow my creative mind to choose for you with the description of what you are looking for in the design.

Take the chance and get caught in my web of creation, you will not be sorry! Happy Reading!

Post-Op Appointment

Appointment went great. The eye is healing fabulously. However, I have to say I was completely taken by surprise when they said I had to do a vision test on the eye I just had surgery on. The look I gave the poor nurse had to have basically said, "Are you F'n kidding me?" I took the eye guard and placed it over my nose and began to read the chart lines. To my pleasant surprise even with the fun mirror vision, I made it all the way to line 25 showing I have gone from 20/200 to 20/25 vision in the left eye in less than 24 hours of the surgery.
The doctor is pleased with the healing process and has instructed me to continue using the eye drops for 6 weeks instead of the originally stated 14 days. This is the same eye drops I was talking about costing $425.00 per 1.7 ml bottle. However, I have now gotten the cost for myself down to only $35.00 thanks to the insurance and the pharmaceutical company soaking up the other parts of the costs.
Not scheduled to see the doctor again until Aug 2nd. All in all the past two days have been a move in the right direction and a positive spin towards my vision returning to normal again.
Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, finally!! :)

Post-Surgery Update

Hello all, I want to start by saying thank you all for the positive thoughts, well wishes, and prayers for everything to go well with the surgery yesterday.
Surgery went very well, no hiccups. It went smoothly and the whole appointment took less time than we were originally told. We were actually only at the hospital for about 3 hours as opposed to the 4 hours we were told.
All the nurses were surprised by my being a patient since they usually deal with patients who are a lot older than I am, so they were all calling me the youngin. It made me laugh.
I was told usually people don't remember the surgery, but I do. Mostly because I am used to the medication they use for the sedation since it is the same medication family as the anxiety medication I take.
I recall seeing the most fascinating bright red, yellow and white colors swirling around making the prettiest shapes. It helped a little to relax me, but then there was a pressure hit which made me jump and I got scolded. Which made them strap my head down to keep it still for the rest of the procedure. I really didn't do it on purpose it startled me and I had no control. :)
There was no actual pain per say, it was just pressure and I think it was caused by the sutures once the lens was placed in my eye. Of course, there has been a scratchy feeling, but have been keeping it at bay with ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours when I am awake.
Since coming home I have pretty much slept 24 hours waking only long enough to take the ibuprofen and then to go in for the post-op appointment this morning.

It is the day...

Was hoping to have an early appointment, but no I have to wait until after lunch which means no eating from midnight last night until after surgery. Good thing I am used to occasionally only eating once or twice a day.
What is it about being told you can't eat that makes you just want to eat everything and all the food commercials come on tv or across social media...taunting you with what you can't have...UGH!!!
Scheduled to be at the hospital at 1:45 and was told would be there about 4 hours. Mind you have been told the surgery itself will only take 30 minutes and the recovery should only take 30 to 45 minutes. So the rest of the time will be spent sitting around waiting. Hurry up and wait!!!
Happy thoughts!

Eye Drops

Okay, so this just blows my mind. I don't know why it does but it does. For the surgery, I had to start antibiotic drops. Well, I totally missed the set of instructions saying I was to start them three days before the surgery. I finally looked at the summary notes from the doctor today...then I found out my copay for the drops was going to be $145.00 and some change.
It is always a bad sign when the doctor gives you a card to reduce the price of the prescription it is going to be expensive. Fortunately, with the card, I only paid $35.00 for the drops. However, after doing the math the prescription cost a total of $425.00. I about fell over, it was a good thing I was seated and belted into the seat in the car.
Now keep in mind I had not opened the box to see the little vial of evil I was going to have to find a way to put in my eye by myself. I have never been able to put drops in my eye. The eye doctor's assistant always has to hold my eye open when they put the drops in at the office. So I open the box and this is what I find...

a bottle so damn small my computer mouse looks huge next to it. The bottle is 1.7 ml for a whopping price of $425.00 and change. Are you kidding me? Oh well, I only have to purchase two more of these lovely little bottles of evil to do the 14 days after the surgery. It is one drop per day. Luckily I used the card the doctor gave me and will only have to pay $35.00 per bottle. It is still crazy!!
Vent over...for now anyway. :)

Eve of Surgery

The surgery is tomorrow. I will not be online at least for two days. It could be a few more than two though, won't know until after. :(  My nerves being the wreck they are about this whole thing I completely forgot about the instructions to start some eye drops three days prior to the day of surgery.

I am hoping it won't be too much of an issue. I will find out once the doctor replies and hopefully, he won't yell at me too much.

Just to make a few things clear. The doctor visits this month were not for terrible things it is I have more appointments this month than I usually have in a year. I mean as much as I am anxious about the surgery, it is supposed to be a good thing and helpful.

However, I am looking forward to the good thing at the end of all this. Tomorrow's the big day and will get a call today to tell me when I have to be at the hospital for the prepping, then the waiting and then finally the surgery itself.

I have been told they may cover both my eyes to keep the one which was worked on from trying to open because the other eye is open. Guess I will find out tomorrow. Wish me luck and send positive thoughts my way, I will greatly appreciate it.