I'm Reading -- Dreaming of the Bones, by Deborah Crombie. It's the fifth in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery series. Not too far on it but she never disappoints!
(I just finished Stephen Sondheim: A Life. If you are a fan of this remarkable composer this biography, done with his cooperation and published in 1998, is well worth a read.)
I'm Feeling -- Very happy! I just had my appointment with the pulmonologist and everything is stable from the previous CT scan and my breathing tests were better. Not much better, but a little, and so that's better! He's working on cutting back some of my medicine doses, which he said he felt was in order given the test results.
When I think of where I was four years ago this month -- in a whirlwind of testing for a very serious disease (testing that lasted close to six months), on two different high-test IV meds for several weeks (which I later learned was a form of chemotherapy, thank you Internet) and working in a stress-filled job under extremely unhealthy emotional conditions, I am filled with joy and gratitude.
I'm Creating -- Well, not much. But I have to get cracking on a pet portrait commission which is scaring me a bit to death. And Vivian Swift posted a new tutorial which I want to spend some time on. I've also been working on a couple of family-oriented projects but more on those in due course. Oh, just to get my watercolor hands wet, a couple of valentines. I can't say they are knocking my socks off but we all start somewhere.
I'm Anticipating -- Meeting several bloggers whose work I've followed for a long while and a new one I'm adding to my list! (More on that later, too.) And I'm anticipating seeing Rick's family in full force for a celebration of his mom's 80th birthday.
I will be a bit behind in visiting your blogs or answering comments as we engage in family merriment. But I'll "see" you soon!
I love mystery books too, so thank you for your recommendation. I can't recall every reading any of hers.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to heard that your breathing is better. I have COPD and I have been having some issues lately along with asthma. But I am so glad they are taking you off of some of your medications. It always makes me so tires and I just have to give up and go rest.
Sounds like you are keep busing doing things you like. As soon as I catch up, I'm going in and curl up with a blanket and book.
Have a terrific rest of the week and please take care of your self.
Hugs,
Mary
Im not familiar with this mystery series, I love hearing book recommendations! Glad you are feeling good now, and have fun with your family merriment!
ReplyDeleteJenna
A fun check in! I did a 'What's up Wed' post today!
ReplyDeleteHave fu at Rick's mom's birthday. I'm currently reading Cooking for Picasso (not a mystery, but France, cooking, art and a family secret) and enjoying it. I'll have to give the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series a try.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie - I'm glad to read you are feeling better. I don't think I was following along when you were not well years back. So happy to know you have come a long way since then. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'm reading a novel 'The Cure for Death by Lightening' by Gail Anderson-Dargatz and enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Rick's mom's birthday. Eighty is quite an accomplishment. :)
Oh Jeanie, I read Crombie as well!! I think we must have similar reading tastes. I'm very happy to hear your health report came back with improvements. It sounds like you've come through some bad times, so I hope you keep getting better! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteLearning new things about you Jeanie . . .
ReplyDeleteI never knew . . .
Happy you had a good report.
Enjoy your time away . . .
I've never considered this kind of post before, but I certainly liked how you did this. I also learned about your condition and how much improved you are now. To see how well you get around, you certainly hide it well. I'm in awe and amazed. And thanks for this inspiring post, too. I may try something like this soon.
ReplyDeleteGlad that things are looking up for you health wise and that you are getting on well with everything. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear you are feeling better. A good start of the year. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from the lovely Sandra Cox's blog. I really like Deborah Crombie's books. You are right, she never disappoints.
ReplyDeleteAnd hooray for better health and family merriment.
Sandra's blog mentioned you and here I am, from overseas, Dracula's country(Romania).
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your health issues are better now. You are brave. I also have to do some tests and am so scared.
Wishing you all the very best, I am now going to check some of you posts.
Carmen from
http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/2017/01/on-january-19th.html
Some of the comments here tickled me, because they reminded me how long we're "been together." It's good to hear that the medication dosage has been reduced, and that you're clicking along.
ReplyDeleteI understand a bit of what you're feeling about the pet portrait. But you know, I've come to believe that the getting started is the hardest part. Knowing that doesn't make it any easier, but it does give some comfort! As some genius once said, "Just start. If you don't like how it's going, start again." Of course, that can get frustrating when I'm starting again for the umpteenth time, but hey! That's why they call it a learning process!
Love a good mystery Jeannie. So happy to hear your CT scan was stable you are feeling better. I'm so thankful for you. Happy is a wonderful state and a wonderful way to begin the new year. Have a wonderful time making merry at the party.............
ReplyDeleteOh that was a fun blog but of course with a serious twist as your health has been not so good but as you say even a small improvement is good, I wish you continued health improvement and have fun at the 80th birthday party
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your health is improving! I will be checking out that mystery series, I love mysteries!
ReplyDeleteIt is a miracle when good news is heard and well worth rejoicing and being grateful..GOOD FOR YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteNow that's a NEW year.
I enjoy book recommendations also..did you read A Little Life?
Popped over from Sandra's blog. Enjoyed your New Year check in. You're busy! Cheers and good thoughts on your improved health.
ReplyDeleteYour pot sounds full, but filled with better health is a plus.It was fun roving through your blogs on a prompt from Sandra
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got some good news when it came to the test results... Any improvement is a good thing, especially when it comes to health issues!
ReplyDeleteHave fun meeting those bloggers, and celebrating Rick's Mom's birthday.
Jeanie, that's good news. Any time you can reduce meds is a good thing. Enjoy all your projects and getting hygge with it!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were dealing with health issues. So glad to hear you are better!
Also nice to know what's going on in your life.
Hugs,
Improving health is always a win. Can't beat that at any bin.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant reading, darling Jeanie, you've truly delighted me, thank you sweetie !
ReplyDeleteHope you're having the best of weeks,
I'm sending hugs and ever much love to you,
with utmost gratitude
Xx Dany
Love this check in idea. :) I may have to plagiarizer it a bit-with my own info of course. :) Have fun with your family merriment and see you when you return. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI like this check-in. My favorite part is where you said you are better and how your life is less stressful because of retirement. Life is short. We should enjoy it where we can. I know that you do a lot of fun things and have a seize-the-day attitude. It comes through everything you write. Here's to feeling better, even if it's just a little. I hope for more for you.
ReplyDeleteI came over from Sandra Cox's blog. I like looking at your pictures-some beautiful pics (your grandmother was tall!). My asthma has been acting up which is due to the weather but nothing what you are dealing with. I am glad things are much better for you. It is amazing what 4 years will do and makes one grateful.
ReplyDeleteWow, Jeanie! That's great news about your health! I remember so well the challenges you faced a few years back! So glad you're greeting 2017 healthy and happy!
ReplyDeleteSo much to be thankful for :-) I'm especially glad to hear of your improved health! Fabulous :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are doing even a little bit better with breathing and those test results, Jeanie... every little bit is worth celebrating! :) This check-in post was fun... Will you be making it monthly thing?! Happy 80th to Rick's mom--now that's a big one to celebrate! Happy Days ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteJeanie I am SO thankful that your health is improving! I can't wait to see you today. :)
ReplyDeleteNice check-in. Happy to hear you are doing well and staying healthy.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie! I am really late here....it was finals week and then grading all those finals! I hope you are feeling well now and may the new year keep bringing you peace and good health!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you got a good report at the doctor and that you might get to decrease some of your doses! I remember that tough, long stretch you went through and am so relieved that your health is in a much better place and you are all-around a happier, healthier, more content person! 3 cheers for that!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying the family merriment!
Dear Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your creativity is still strong. Not to stress about that commissioned pet portrait. I have seen some of your work, you will do a wonderful job.
Wishing a improved health this year and the years to come, dear friend. I know when you are feeling even a little better it sometimes feels like more.
blessings,
Penny
Hi Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I got to meet you! I hope the birthday celebration was wonderful. Thank you again for the beautiful cards.
Hugs,
Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere
I am glad to hear that your health is better. I hope the family festivities are fun. Enjoy the week.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie - I love to meet up with other bloggers, come and visit us too!!! Good to hear your health has improved,
ReplyDeleteMust dash, packing up this week (remind me never to move in the middle of the tennis, i keep getting distracted by watching tennis on the telly!
Wren x
Enjoy your family - I think family and life in general always come first. I'm glad that your health is improving, it's always a good sign when you can cut back on your medication. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey, I love this check in thing! Hope the new year is good to you and happy to hear that your health is well. Take good care!
ReplyDeleteSo glad your health has improved, Jeanie. I wasn't aware of your condition, as I'm a bit new to your blog. That little bird house is so sweet with all the snow covering it. Enjoy the family festivities coming up. wow, 80th celebration for Rick's mom!
ReplyDeleteBundle up and stay warm on these cold January days, Jeanie.
~Sheri
You've come a long way in a year, Jeanie, and your blog is always so colourful and cheerful that it's been hard to remember what a lot you've been coping with in the background. Enjoy all your upcoming fun, get into your projects.....and we will still be here, eager to see what you've been up to, after you come back!
ReplyDelete