Friday, July 30, 2010

Surgery Today

Today's surgery was to remove any remaining parts of the melanoma on my left upper arm that might have been part of the original tumor. The original tumor was only 3mm thick from the biopsy, and the usual procedure is to do a deep resection of the original site. If the original tumor would be 7mm or more, then further treatment would be necessary. So I am very fortunate that this might be the only treatment that I will need.
It is times like these that my angel, Dorothy, is still with me in a different way, helping me to do the right thing. I ask for her help every day, and I know she hears me.
Now I have to go to the doctor's office in 10 days to have the sutures removed. Again I am blessed to have my daughter-in-law, Hedy, to be able to drive me to all these appointments.
Praise be to God our Father.



































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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Wow 91 Years Today

Yes today I made 91 years. That is the time that both my parents reached before they died. However I don't believe I'm on my way out yet. At a store when we were checking out, I told the owner that I was 91 today, and she said she could not believe that. Then I asked her how old do I look? She said in my 70's. I replied that was twenty years younger. Then she said, "That's right."

This morning I had an appointment with a surgeon, Dr.Scott Miller, for the next treatment for my melanoma on my left upper arm. He had the biopsy report, and it showed that the malignancy was only 3mm deep, and he needed to do a wider excision. He thought that would be the only surgery necessary, because it was less than 7mm deep.He scheduled me for next Friday, July 30th, as an out patient. Evidently no one seems anxious except me.

Anyway that was a good birthday present to know I could be cured of my cancer with the next surgery.

Thank You God

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A New Addition To The Broz Clan

On July 3rd at 10:00am little Riley Michelle Broz was born to my grandson Paul and his wife Kate. This new baby made my count of great grandchildren go to 22. Then I was able to get to see and hold her at 4:00pm that same day. She was crying, and Paul gave her to me. She was wrapped snugly in a blanket, and I held her close to my chest. I started to hum and pat her gently. In a short time she was able to fall asleep. and I felt so proud that I was able to do that for a baby only 6 hours old. That was a first for me.

Today I had an appointment with a dermatologist after a period of about 5 years, and I was surprised when the doctor said that he needed to biopsy two lesions, one on my left arm and the other on my back. He said the one on my arm looked bad. Now we have to wait for the lab reports in a week. Now I'm happy that I was to go. Prayers would be nice,Thank You.

As for garden news, there is a pause. The tomatoes are small, but each plant has about two or three. The zucchini and cantaloupe are full of blossoms but no fruit. However the special cabbage is about 12 inches in diameter and growing.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Mixed Weekend

June 9th was the second anniversary of my beloved Dorothy's death. My grief is still very strong, and I miss her terribly. However Dorothy did tell me that I should go on with my life. We did get to visit the cemetery on Sunday, the 13th, which was the day of burial. Again a deer came to visit us as they did on the original day two years ago. Dorothy is still giving me messages.

That was the sad part. Also on Sunday, I was able to give my grandson's wife, Kate, what I believe is a completed copy of my manuscript for her to insert the pictures. After that the next step will be to forward it to the publisher. This has been a long time.

Another nice event that occurred on Monday, when we were able to harvest pea pods from my garden. In addition there is a strawberry turning pink, and there are several small zucchini. Most of the tomato plants have blossoms, and some are opened. So it appears that things are moving right along.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Bird's Nest



Our pond continues to surprise me. This pretty bird's nest is one of three that are all around the pond. Since this picture was taken, some of the eggs have hatched and the little open beaks are showing. The mother bird starts chirping to let you know that she is around.
Also my vegetable garden is moving right along. I was able to get 6 different plants started, and 4 sets of seeds in the ground. The plants are tomatoes, sweet peppers, peas, zucchini,strawberries, cabbage, and the seeds are cucumber, dill, parsley,and cilantro. All of this before Memorial Day. With the warm weather we have been having, I don't think a frost is likely. I have had good luck with tomato seeds germinating. I kept 12, gave 5 to my grandson, and I am taking 3 to Wisconsin on Friday.
Wishing a good growing seasoning to all of you.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A VISITOR AT THE POND

For the benefit of my new comers, I would like to explain my son's property where I live. Last spring I wrote about the nearly acre pond that we have on the East portion. Near this area I have the vegetable garden. I spend a lot of time there, because I enjoy the natural activity that is going on.

The other day when I walked up near the pond, there was a large animal swimming on the surface. This was a large muskrat. I recognized it, because in Wisconsin where I lived, they are very common. It submerged as I came closer, and I lost track of it after that. I was not too happy to see that, because they tunnel in the ground to get their food. They eat roots, and they love vegetables that grow in the ground. They don't go very deep. Just under the grass so they leave a bump as they tunnel.

Now my vegetable garden is near the shore, but all my veggies are above ground. However they have roots in the ground that might be muskrat food. Perhaps it might go to another pond, because I didn't see it last year. Wishful thinking.

Our two ducks are back again this year, but yesterday I saw a third duck swimming calmly along. I'm assuming it must be two females, because another male would create a war.

Now my garden is standing still, because the cold weather arrived. So far I have not lost any plants that are out there

Dr. Ray

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo

This is a beautiful time of the year with the return of warm weather and most of us are making plans for all the gardens. My main interest is the vegetable garden, because I have started with a planter on my window sill about a month ago. The zucchini came up so fast that it raised the cover. I had to move them outside about 3 weeks ago. I did have them covered with my 2 liter bottles, and they did survive a freeze. About 10 days ago I planted peas, and they broke ground yesterday.I ordered strawberry plants, and they were planted 5 days ago. Yesterday I put out 4 tomato plants. All this before the 15th of May here in Chicago. I know I'm taking a chance, but I still have some back up plants. I'll keep you posted.

Dr.Ray