just a few thoughts...

I was texting this morning with a friend that has a lot going on in her personal life these days. And we were discussing how worrying about it doesn't help... and that we need to find little things that bring us joy. 

And I happened to look up at my cat calendar hanging on the wall above my desk... and smiled.  Gary Patterson makes these and I find them adorable. They make me smile, so I thought I'd share a few with you.

 

This last one is my favorite!

I know this is a post without much content. But if it made you smile, then I'm happy. 

On a more serious note, I want to share a few pics I came across of Jane Goodall:

May she rest in peace... her life made a difference.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

October 1, 2025 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

October is here... and I'm so-oo glad! 

Although it's still pretty hot here in Texas,  

I know it should start to feel like Fall soon.

 Here's wishing everyone a happy healthy safe Fall Season!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

 

Today is a good day...

Just wanted to say that today is a good day! I can see again out of my left eye... still blurry, but I'll take it. It's only day 3.  2nd plastic surgery was Friday morning. Scary day with an urgent return to doctor's office after being released from surgical center (will go into that later). But... Saturday was better and so on. 

The 2nd surgery itself didn't take long. When in recovery room, I opened the eye that had been stitched closed for 5 weeks and I could see 'shadows of people'. Then as time went on while still there, I could see as if I was looking at things through blurry water. 

After home for about an hour, I was watching TV when suddenly the TV was doubled, my vision  became double vision... which was scary and also made me a bit nauseous. 

So we went back to see the doctor and I was told that when this happened he believed it was due to weakened muscles in the eye from either the anesthesia or the numbing agents (or the fact that the eye was stitched closed for so long - my reasoning). It should go away in a few minutes, hours, or days. He patched it closed for the day and told me to remove the patch in the morning and start the healing treatments. 

The next morning when I removed the patch, my vision was blurry, but normal. And so it goes...

The only thing I haven't mentioned is that when he told me that he believed the double vision was due to weakened eye muscles, he also said it could be due to a stroke (yes, that certainly upped my bp!) I was like, "What??". Then he said that he didn't think it was that as I wasn't showing any neurological signs. I asked "what are the signs?" And he said, "headache, weakness, etc."  I said, "No... (although I had just come off anesthesia and was feeling a bit weak). 

Anyway, patching up the eye for the night seemed to have done the trick. I see him again later this week and we'll go from there. If any of you out there watch Doc Martin on TV, this doc is a little like him... very good, but a bit abrasive. At  one point when I was telling him what was happening, he said, "Stop talking! I'm trying to examine you."(Doc Martin, right?)

Closing this with some pics that made me think of recent dreams. The last few nights this week I have dreamt of our cats (long gone).

The first was of a white cat (Betsy) we had when the kids were toddlers. I was standing in the door of a house looking out. Betsy was there on the patio drinking water. A few feet from her laying down was a mountain lion. I panicked for a second, knowing that if I called her, I would make both of them aware. In the short time that passed, Betsy simply stopped drinking and walked into the house. Dream over. I've dreamt of our cats off and on through the years, but this was the first time I ever dreamt of Betsy.

The second dream was of Ghost... one of our cats that passed away at the beginning of the pandemic. She was 15. Anyway, the dream was short, but wonderful! I actually got to pet her and she rolled over on her back and I could 'hear and feel her purring'! (My dreams are usually pictures, not much conversation, and not much 'feeling'). This was so-o different. It was wonderful and made me wake up happy.

I know many of you may think me crazy... but these are the things that make me believe that love never ends. 

Going to close this now as my left eye doesn't like the lap top light (even though I've lowered it quite a bit). I'll continue my updates later in the week. Thanks for reading. Hope it wasn't TMI.

Hugs,

Rian

 

Life goes on... but still in the 90's here

My daughter sent me these -  pictures of her Fall Table Setting and her Fall Fireplace. She decorates for almost every holiday and usually starts early. I told her that my Easter bunny decor is still out... and I think that I will just add a few pumpkins to it for Fall and Thanksgiving.

The blue/lavender plates in the center are part of a 4-piece tea set that we gave to DH's mom at one time. When she passed, it came back to me... and I passed it on to my daughter. It's a beautiful set, called Royal Albert's Moonlight Rose. It's the blue/lavender set similar to Royal Albert's Old Country Roses which are in red/gold. Here's a pic of the teapot, etc.

Now on to Shadow, the feral cat that still comes by to eat or sleep in our backyard. Here is a picture of him eating alongside one of the box turtles.

The funny story DH tells me is that he put out some leftover chicken  for Shadow and the turtle must have smelled it, as he came over and stuck his head in the dish (under Shadow's nose) and took a piece!

Life goes on here... my next plastic surgery is this week. Not looking forward to it, but also want it done and over (hopefully). 

Going to share 2 more things here that are very different. But it's all I've got at the moment.  One is a picture of my Ice-box Lemon pie I made last week. It is so-oo good. Made with lemon curd, condensed milk and whipping cream (how could it not be good?) It's my next favorite to my dark chocolate pie (made with bourbon whipped cream as a topping). If I posted a pic of this before, please forgive me (memory isn't always great).

This other share is a spiritual one. It's just one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis' book, Mere Christianity. I don't read religious books much, but this one I liked. The quote that stayed with me all these years was:

"What can you ever know of other people's souls - of their  temptations, their opportunities, their struggles? One soul in the whole of creation you do know: and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands. If there is a God, you are, in a sense alone with Him."

And I will leave you with this. My time and attention has been taken up with this eye situation and getting by with this eye stitched closed, so I've not been paying much attention to the political atmosphere. I get a little here and there from DH or my iPhone... but there is another quote that seems appropriate here (yes, I like quotes and seem to remember the ones that speak to me). 

"Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof" - meaning don't worry about future problems. Take it a day at a time. I'm trying...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Old age and sleeping/dreaming...

 

me and Gigi napping (years ago)

You'll have to excuse the 'old' pic, but I don't have any recent ones of me sleeping. This was taken years ago when Gigi and I would nap together on the sofa. Anyway, last night I was thinking about how many of my family and friends have trouble sleeping. I wonder if this is just an age-related problem or does it have to do with the stress of the times or has it always been this way?

I actually sleep fairly well myself. Go to bed around 10 pm, read for an hour or so, and then sleep until around 7 or 7:30 in the morning (with 2-3 bathroom breaks during the night of course). DH pretty much does the same (except that he doesn't read - just falls asleep pretty quickly). He gets up around 7:30 am 2 days to get the garbage out before the garbage man comes at 8 (comes at 8 'sometimes' - but if you don't get it out, he's sure to come early - so we call it his 'beat the garbage man mornings'). I usually stay in bed dozing or thinking about things until 8. Then up for coffee/tea... (or sometimes DH brings me coffee/tea in bed!)

I also have an Amazfit Band 7 watch that is connected to my phone that keeps tract of sleep. It tells me how long I slept, times I was awake, how much was deep sleep, my heart rate during sleep, and hypopnea times/hour. Then it tells me my steps during the night and gives me a score. I usually score in the 80's and 90's - a few in the 70's occasionally. 

And of course there are some nights (not many, but some - I call these my 'dark nights of the soul') when my mind is too busy to shut down and I wake up in the wee hours. Generally I make myself a cup of tea and either play with my Animal Crossing game or write lists of things to do the next day. Then return to bed and usually sleep until 8. 

Two of my friends have trouble sleeping. Both are my age or close. One has had trouble for years and years. She hardly ever slept. Don't know how she did it. But now her doctor has found something that works for her... thank goodness, she now can sleep. The other has pain problems as well as restless leg syndrome. She is up and down a lot during the night. 

Younger people I know have trouble also. One only sleeps maybe 4 hours a night and has to have a couple of beers before bedtime. Another goes to sleep quickly, but wakes up within a few hours and can't go back. Both of these people have a lot of stress in their lives, jobwise or personal. That leads me to believe that STRESS is one of the main causes of trouble sleeping - maybe for everyone. 

What do you think? Do you sleep well at night? I've always believed that good sleep was very important as that is the time our body rests and recoups, does repairs, and boosts our immune system. 

Also, do you dream? I used to dream long lucid dreams that I remembered in the morning and enjoyed. Nowadays I hardly remember what I dreamt... and when I do, they're short, confusing, often confrontational... things I would never do or say when awake. 

Just curious, but do you have trouble sleeping? And do you dream? If so, do you remember your dream?

Just sharing my thoughts here. Would love to know yours...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(question: is this type size too small? This is medium. But I've been using large lately and looking back, it may be too big?)

Hanging in here... and trying to stay busy

 

Not complaining... really, just putting my thoughts down. This having my left eye stitched closed is weird, scary, and uncomfortable. It doesn't hurt... aches a little on occasion, itches sometimes, but is just plain a nuisance. 

It's been a little over 2 weeks since the Mohs and the plastic surgery - and 3 weeks until the next surgery (where I believe they will take the stitches out and allow my eye to open again - I hope ). I actually have an appointment this coming Thursday to be checked over and talk about what's next.  

I know there are worse things... and I keep telling myself to be thankful to have had the basal cell carcinoma removed. And that I can still see out of my right eye during this time.  I also know that this too will pass. But in my mind, it's just taking too long...

I guess I just thought there would be a surgery and then it would be stitched up and that would be it. Apparently not.

If I'm going to get through another 3 weeks, I'm going to have to keep busy to keep my mind off of this situation. Can't sketch - my perception is too messed up. But I can read (thank goodness for kindle on my phone where I can enlarge the print), can binge watch Netflix,  and I can bake! 

Today I baked Halloween cookies... a little early I know, but I don't have any "Fall" cookie cutters (maybe I should look for 'leaves'?) Besides, my cousin in N.O. has a birthday coming up and I'm not exactly able to do much shopping, so I may send her cookies.  I could order through Amazon for her (and may still do that), but thought the cookies would be a good back-up plan.

Not a lot else going on around here... daughter sends me pics of Ryder, oldest granddaughter 's Bernese Mountain dog. He is still a puppy (about a year old) and is a sweetie. First pic is of him at home, the second he is on a play-date with his yellow lab friend. They're hanging out by the pool... (a bit spoiled, yes?)

I have been reading a lot lately (actually I always read a lot...). Last book was "Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure" by Rhys Bowen. Enjoyed it, but different from her other spy books. 

Watched "Queen Charlotte" on Netflix. I'm sure that it's not historically accurate... but was definitely interesting. 

Believe it or not, it was in the 60's here Friday morning. Today it's in the 70's! Love it! We are able to get out and walk around the neighborhood a bit. I do miss getting outside... but not when it's in the 90's and triple digits.

That's it... not an exciting read, but it is what it is. If you're still with me, thank you.

This next pic has nothing to do with anything... just made me laugh when I saw it. If you're a cat person, you might appreciate it.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! September 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! (there is one white one in there!)

(Remember when clicking a video that if you click the small square on the bottom right, it will enlarge it. And then Esc to get back.

This is a video my daughter sent me of the rabbits that she had captured running loose on her property a year ago.  She had caught and put the females all in the barn to keep them from reproducing (too many to spay). However, not too long ago, they tunneled out. So this picture shows them drinking water she puts out by the barn.

Story is that one of her neighbors used to raise rabbits and decided to stop - and just let them all run loose.  This is in the Hill Country. They eventually migrated to my daughters acreage. They are not wild rabbits so animal control is no help. She does find homes for some of the babies, but otherwise now just lets them go their own way, but puts out water (and possibly food) for them.

I tell her that she now owns a Bunny Ranch... along with her horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and turtles. There are 3 ponds on the acreage and it's fenced, but animals (as well as several stray dogs) seem to find their way there. She will try to find homes for them, but if not, they are generally allowed to stay.

I know this is a different Rabbit! Rabbit! post, but wanted to share the video.

Wishing you all a lovely Labor Day!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Crows and feral cats abound... also update on surgery

The top pic is a close-up of our crows eating Cheetos... they really like Cheetos! The second is them finding their peanuts on front lawn. It was 2 for the longest, then 3, 4, and now 6-8 come by every morning and sometimes in the evening. We also put out apple slices and berries on occasion.

Funny thing is that our mailman also likes feral cats and crows. He came by and rang the doorbell for a package he was delivering last week and we got to talking. 

He was wondering why we no longer had water and dishes up front for the feral cats. Told him that an Animal Control guy had come around telling people in the neighborhood to not feed the ferals. So we put their water and dishes in the back yard where it is more private. Also have a "Wild-life Sanctuary" sign on the fence to our backyard.

He said that he also feeds the feral cats and crows - and once a lady stopped by his mail vehicle while he was doing this and thinks that perhaps she reported him - and that's why the man came around to the houses. I told him "doesn't matter... if something comes to my house hungry, I'm going to feed it." 

We also put out diatomaceous earth to help them avoid fleas and recently put up 'coyote rollers' on our fence to keep the coyotes out -to provide more sanctuary. Some people complain that feral animals get in their garbage, or cause them other problems. We've been here 40 years and have yet to have any complaints. Our kids and grandkids have watched generations of these critters (feral cats, raccoons, possums, box turtles, etc.) grow up. It's been a fascinating experience.

NOW for my eye surgery update:

Mohs surgery was last Thursday. The surgery was fast, waited about an hour for results, then told they got it on first shave/slice (?). Bandaged it up and went home. Didn't hurt... past the first few numbing jabs... but after - not at all. 

Friday morning I had to be at the surgery center for 7:45 am for eye plastic surgery. That's really early for me, but we did it. THAT was a lot more complicated than we'd thought. The place is similar to the surgery centers they use for colonoscopies.... lots of beds, lots of paperwork, lots of nurses... tons of questions and they hook you up to bp, oxygen, EKG's, etc. before putting in an IV catheter. Nurses were great. Had to wear a gown (which surprised me since I didn't wear one for the Mohs - just working on eye only). 

When I came out we were told that surgery went fine... although they called the doctor out of his next surgery to check my eye as it was bleeding more than they liked. He came out and checked... said it was fine... and expected. 

Anyway, I didn't see myself until we got in the mirrored elevator to go home. They don't bandage it... just leave a sewn in gauze bandage on the lower part. Eye is sewn shut.  Talk about ugly! Wow! My eye is purple, red, swollen, and sewed. DH said I looked like I was in a bar fight (still do... although the swelling has gone down and it's less purple now). I'd post a pic, but it's really too gross.

Here is a pic of me with the eye night guard that I wear only at night to protect it. Hides the ugly - and I'd wear it during the day but I have to ice my eye for 10 minutes every 30 minutes for 3 days... so not convenient to wear it.

Anyway, that's the update (probably TMI). I see the doctor for post-surgery appointment next Friday. He may want to take sutures out... but really hate that thought, don't want anyone touching it at this point. (It doesn't hurt... well, aches a bit, but not much... but the whole upper side of my face is sore - can't imagine taking those stitches out won't be painful). And yes, I'm a wus... 

Well, that's probably more than I intended to share. Sorry. Sometimes it helps to write it out.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Saturday August 9th... new A/C being installed today

I've not a lot to say today (not that usually stops me from posting), but we've been here in Texas without our downstairs A/C since Monday. Normally this would be life-threatening since it's been in the high 90's here most of the week. 

But... our upstairs one still works (old too - but still kicking) which helps cool the area right below the stairs (dining room and entry) and we have ceiling fans almost everywhere (as well as a few standing one that have been brought into use). So luckily it hasn't gotten over 87 F in the house... which is not great, but do-able.

And truth be told, I'm writing this because Blogger is giving me that new little pencil on the right side that is suppose to do 'something'... like perhaps bring more in to read blogs if certain things are mentioned like food or ?  Since I quit putting labels out a long time ago, I've been happy with my small group of readers. 

We were suppose to have DH's brother and his wife here this week. They come up every summer to visit, go to Ham's Peach Orchard, and a few other favorite places. But we had to cancel due to the A/C problem. No one wants to visit in Texas with no A/C available. 

Update on Sister-in-law: Doing better, out of ICU, but still in hospital. 

Paris Baguette 

I know that I sent pics of the Paris Baguette when we were in Houston, but now there is one that just opened not far from us. It had been open for just 3 days when we visited this past week. DH got his favorite cream donut and I got a grilled cheese on sourdough and my new favorite drink - a cold brew vanilla cream (so-oo good).

Since I've nothing more to say here, thought I'd send a pic of my new work station (too hot in office with A/C out). Besides, I love to see the insides of people's homes... helps to give me a better idea of who they are. Do you find that true?

As you can see, I haven't taken off the bunny tablecloth or figures (I really like my bunnies... but did put away the other Easter decor). 

And my granddaughter taught me a new game on Roblox. It's called "99 days in the woods" and basically it's a survival game (which normally I don't like), but it's interesting to play with her. She is great at shooting wolves and monsters that attack (I suck!). So I can survive if we play together as I can chop down trees and keep the fire going and she does the hunting and protecting. She and I lasted 54 days the first time we played. Alone I never get past 4...  

Ok, better shut this down before you all lose interest. But just a quick update on my eye: It's finally back to normal (or almost - still itches, but I can read again!)

Surgery is scheduled for August 21 and reconstruction (plastic surgery) the 22nd. Don't know how I will blog after that. There is a possibility they may have to sew my left eye shut for a month... (really really hope that doesn't happen!) Hoping the surgery won't have to entail too much of my lower lid... so reconstruction will just be a matter of sewing the area back together. Please pray that it happens that way... (thanks 🙏).

Have a good weekend! And thanks for reading this far... wasn't sure what I was going to write about... but my monkey mind took off!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! August 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

It's August 1st!  Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! 

I chose this pic as we really could use some luck this August... It has been and is continuing to be a summer to not remember.  My daughter in law is back in the hospital and so far the doctors are stumped as to what is going on. She has had 3 surgeries so far. And my biopsied eye is finally healing... only to have surgery in 2 weeks and have to heal all over again (yuk!).

Still wishing all of you a safe heathy happy August!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Updating since Eye bump biopsy...

Eye bump biopsy

Beautiful pic, yes?  Well, it's now 8 days since the biopsy on my lower eyelid bump... and believe me, it has not been fun. 

Whole eye has been red/pink, sore, leaking, and burning (felt like large pieces of sand in it) and below eye sore to the touch (due to injections of numbing agent). 

Saw the eye surgeon again 4 days after to make sure it wasn't infected. He looked at it and said it wasn't, but told to continue ointment and could add Systane drops to help. 

Also told he could insert a contact that might help, but since I didn't want anything else put in my eye to irritate it, declined that.

Have been taking Tylenol daily to help ease it.

But he also told us that the biopsy was positive for basal cell carcinoma and must be removed by the Mohs method, then the lower eyelid reconstructed. The surgery is generally done without sedation, but the reconstruction is under sedation. 

I have concerns about that. Will be talking to the Mohs surgeon soon to discuss this. 

While the eye surgeon was telling us all this, I just sat there silently looking at him. DH was sitting on the bench beside me. I said nothing, but my thoughts were screaming, 'you frekking have to be kidding me!'.... and DH said later, he was thinking, 'Man... just stop talking!'

My eye is still very pink throughout, but the scab where he cauterized it has fallen off... and although eye still leaking, it is better enough to type, read, etc.

That's pretty much the update. Not looking forward to the surgery/reconstruction. Seems like the recovery period could be long. I hate not being able to read or write. But it is what it is. 

 

Now going to post a few pics here of other things:

DH's 80th Birthday cake

Ryder (oldest granddaughter's Bernese Mountain pup

Youngest granddaughter in Hawaii with her family

Leatherback sea turtle on beach in Hawaii

Beach on the Big Island

I really do love Hawaii beaches... 

...and lastly a view my daughter took from her front porch in the Hill Country:

This pic was taken from daughter's front porch in the evening while granddaughter headed out...

I love it! Could see framing it or making a puzzle from it... very quiet and relaxing scene.

Anyway, that's it for me. Can't tell you when I may be posting again, but will when circumstances permit.  Love sharing with you. Thanks so much for reading. 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Past week recap: birthdays, travel, food, and the unexpected

Eating breakfast at Kelley's country cookin'

This past week DH and I celebrated our 80th birthdays. We are only 9 days apart in age. Of course I'm the older one (which should give me some clout, right?)

Well, we had planned for some time to visit DH's brother and his wife, who live in the Houston area, in July, so we told the kids we didn't want any big todo for this milestone... the trip was our celebration.

DH's brother and wife are connoisseurs of good food and watch shows that show local restaurants and chefs that one might want to try. So needless to say, we eat out a lot when visiting them and vice versa. It's fun... and we enjoy it with them... probably because it's not something we tend to do on our own.  

Here are a few pictures of one of our breakfasts:

my breakfast egg sandwich

veggie omelette

eggs benedict

It was all very good. They had previously brought home a chocolate cream pie from this restaurant and we nibbled on that for several days. I'm a lover of good chocolate pie and this one was very good.

Kelley's chocolate cream pie

We also went to several other restaurants that were all excellent, but the one I wanted to special mention here is called Paris Baguette. Some of you may be familiar with it. We weren't... and were blown away when we walked in.

There are rows and rows of pastries , sweet and savory, breakfast sandwiches, cakes, pies, etc. You pick up a tray and  tongs and go down the rows picking up whatever you want, then to the cashier to pay for it before sitting down to eat or taking it home. They heat up the pastry or whatever as needed for you. It's awesome. 

Here are some pics:

We each picked out 2 things to try and sat down and shared. All were good. But of course we had our favorites and have already picked out what we would need to try next time.

I wanted to take pics at all the restaurants, especially the Seafood one and the Mexican one... but I'm lucky I even remembered to take these.

And I mentioned 'the unexpected' in the title here... unfortunately we got a phone call from our oldest son the same day we left for Houston. He had to take his wife to the ER that night and the they were waiting to transfer her to a Houston hospital for surgery. 

Since we were already in Houston, we planned to stay a few extra days to be with them. As it turned out, they ended up transferring her to a hospital in San Antonio. The ambulance broke down twice on the way and finally they had to wait for another ambulance to continue. Then... they brought her to the wrong hospital first, then finally to the right one. My son's comments were: "you can't make this s... up".

Anyway, she is in surgery now. As far as what kind of surgery, I'm not sure... only that it was 'complicated' (something to do with bile ducts and stents?) and couldn't be done at the original hospital where they live. Waiting now to hear from son on how the surgery went.

That's it for the recap. Hope your week was good. Thanks so much for reading. 

Also: My biopsy for this bump on my lower lid will be biopsied Thursday by an eye surgeon. The thought of it scares me... (I shouldn't be such a wus - but IT'S MY EYE). If it's benign, the eye surgeon will cut it out and sew it up in his office. If it's not benign, he will have to send me elsewhere.  

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Happy 4th of July 2025 !

Happy 4th of July!

If you click here, it should play 

"It's a grand old flag!"

I love this song from Yankee Doodle Dandy

with George Cohan

Lyrics here:

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Wishing you all a happy safe 4th of July!

Hugs, (virtually),

Rian