Back home

That was such a quick trip to Minnesota! Time just flew by except when we were on the planes. My wonderful sister, Carol, drove me to Stitchville USA where I purchased the fabric to start my Mother's Tree. Last time we were in there together she was just overwhelmed, but found a pattern she liked. I stitched it for her and she has it hanging in her office at home. The word 'Alaska' is stitched with a piece of qiviut (musk ox wool) that is dyed purple. This time she has chosen a Hinzeit pattern of Alaska with charms.

I visited the chiropractor before we left on this trip and did just fine the whole time we were there. Upon returning and after two nights in my own bed, I needed another adjustment. I'm sure he's right when he says I need to wear better shoes and keep the orthotic in my left one. And this morning, I had another foot cramp, which is a side effect from the Gleevec, but they don't seem as bad when I am wearing supportive footwear.

I did get to spend some time stitching on Angels in Training out on the deck, but the temps aren't quite comfortable enough to spend long hours out there and the wind wants to turn my umbrella inside out. It is still my favorite spot with the occasional doggy wrestling show, the neighbor's rooster crowing all the time (poor confused bird), and the small planes or an eagle flying over.

I've been busy packing because Larry and I decided to go spend a week in Minnesota. The families are all excited to see us. A week isn't much time, but it's hard to leave Alaska this time of year. Everything is turning green.

I had an appointment with my Oncologist on Wednesday. She said all my blood tests looked good, except that I am a little anemic. I think that's kind of normal for me because my temp is always a bit low too. She feels my neck and pushes on me to feel my spleen. I asked for some sleeping pills for the planes. Larry wanted me to get some nausea pills too, so she gave me a scrip for that. It has helped in the last couple of days. I'm not as miserable after I take my Gleevec pill. We discussed my weight again.....sigh. I'm hoping to get more motivation after this trip so I can be a bit more energetic when we go to San Francisco in October.

I have also been packing up some stitching to take along. I want to finish "Angels in Training" (freebie) and make a wall hanging to surprise the Team. My idea for the portrait of Mom is coming along. I have done some of the stitches around the perimeter of the design so I can just fill it in with stitches while on the plane or on the layover in Denver on the way home. Obviously I need to learn how to post some pics here.

I found out that owl was either a Hawk Owl or a Great Grey Owl. In the meantime, the eagles are cruising around. Sometimes I can hear one before I know where it is. Today on the way home from the fire dept., an eagle was circling over the road near Rainbow Lake. After I passed under it, I could see its shadow move across the road. That's got to be scary for a creature that might become prey!

Some family news: Trista got laid-off from the Municipality of Anchorage, but already has two (2!) full time jobs with other greenhouses! She gave her notice at the dog groomers too. Now she will be working 7 days a week, but getting home much earlier in the day.