I'm loving the camera. It's a keeper. :-)
Saturday, October 26, 2019
New Camera
I splurged on a new camera - another Panasonic Lumix, an upgrade. Lots to learn about this one. Here are some of my first shots.
I'm loving the camera. It's a keeper. :-)
I'm loving the camera. It's a keeper. :-)
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Chicken Piquant
I happened to be at a friend's home when I noticed a delicious aroma from the kitchen. I took a peek to see what was cooking and I saw that she had something in the slow cooker. It was a meal she was preparing for a dinner meeting that evening. "That's Chicken Piquant," she said.
I knew I wanted that recipe. She generously shared it with me. From all her notes on the printed page, I could see that she made several variations of this dish. When I made it a few days later, I stuck to the original recipe with a few variations of my own. It was really good and really easy!
I knew I wanted that recipe. She generously shared it with me. From all her notes on the printed page, I could see that she made several variations of this dish. When I made it a few days later, I stuck to the original recipe with a few variations of my own. It was really good and really easy!
All the ingredients are in the Slow Cooker
and the cooking temperature is set on high.
After about 4 hours I dished out the chicken
and served it with egg noodles and peas.
I had all the ingredients on hand, except the rose wine that I needed to buy. I used two packages of organic chicken breasts that I had in the freezer and then thawed in the refrigerator overnight. After about 3 hours, I added chunks of carrots to the simmering chicken. I also used reduced sodium soy sauce, a scant 1/2 cup. Her recipe suggested four whole chicken breasts, but any part of the chicken would work. It was recommended to serve with rice, but all I had were the egg noodles.
So here are the ingredients that went into the slow cooker with the chicken:
1 and 1/2 cup rose wine
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup salad oil
4 Tbsp water
2 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp oregano
2 Tbsp brown sugar
I am also thinking sliced onions would be a good addition.
Just for fun, I added a splash of maple habanero sauce (totally optional)! I cooked it until the chicken was just about ready to fall apart, so it was very tender.
I'll definitely be making this again. Thank you to my friend Rita for sharing this with me.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Autumn Lily
For Easter this year, our daughter's mother-in-law sent me a gorgeous lily. It had lots of buds, and we enjoyed it for several weeks.
After the final bud opened, I put it out on our deck, then eventually cut the plant down to the soil to replant it in our garden. After many weeks it grew and thrived. I was expecting it to flower by the end of summer. I put it into the soil late in the season, however, and when Autumn arrived, there were still no new buds.
Maybe, just maybe, new buds are beginning to form?
So I dug it up and put it into a new flower pot to bring into the house.
Here's hoping for Autumn lilies. Thanksgiving? Anticipation...
After the final bud opened, I put it out on our deck, then eventually cut the plant down to the soil to replant it in our garden. After many weeks it grew and thrived. I was expecting it to flower by the end of summer. I put it into the soil late in the season, however, and when Autumn arrived, there were still no new buds.
Maybe, just maybe, new buds are beginning to form?
So I dug it up and put it into a new flower pot to bring into the house.
Here's hoping for Autumn lilies. Thanksgiving? Anticipation...
Saturday, August 03, 2019
Journey
It's been about eight months since my diagnosis and new treatment plan. Chemo and radiation are now behind me and immunotherapy has begun. I've looked upon these past months as a journey, and it's seemed awfully slow at times.
At the outset I felt really disappointed, that plans for 2019 would not happen as I had wanted and expected. This morning I thought about this and my journey, as I reflected on today's reading in the Magnificat booklet. What caught my attention was from Psalm 84: "They are happy, whose strength is in you... As they go through the Bitter Valley they make it a place of springs... They walk with ever growing strength."
Yeah, I'd call it a Bitter Valley what I've been experiencing, however, not nearly as bitter as so many others go through during life. It becomes so easy to be frustrated and sad and feeling sorry for self and to question "Why?" And maybe not come up with any satisfying answers to that why. I will say that I've been trying to make my situation "a place of springs." It takes perseverance to become still and to reach deep to find that inner joy that never ever really leaves and to let that joy take over, not the bitterness or discouragement or disappointments along the way. Joy makes a huge difference.
I am convinced I could not make it on this journey alone. Reaching out for help, support, and prayer takes a toll on my pride and independence, but that's been a very good thing. One of the best gifts is that many acquaintances have become true friends. And empathy, especially with those diagnosed with cancer, has given me a newly discovered purpose. Spiritually, I've experienced a connectedness with others in a way that I can better understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. My faith community is family, and that includes the saints who intercede for us. The Spirit of our loving God is very much alive and active in this family.
Running has taught me that we can do so much more that we think we can. When it becomes hard, and the finish is still ahead, it becomes, "left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot..." It takes mental as well as physical strength. As training continues and the weeks go by, speed and endurance improve, as does a sense of well being. "They walk (and run!) with ever growing strength." So it is on the journey through the valley. Some days it is a determined "left foot, right foot," until we progress through it. I am still on the way.
At the outset I felt really disappointed, that plans for 2019 would not happen as I had wanted and expected. This morning I thought about this and my journey, as I reflected on today's reading in the Magnificat booklet. What caught my attention was from Psalm 84: "They are happy, whose strength is in you... As they go through the Bitter Valley they make it a place of springs... They walk with ever growing strength."
Yeah, I'd call it a Bitter Valley what I've been experiencing, however, not nearly as bitter as so many others go through during life. It becomes so easy to be frustrated and sad and feeling sorry for self and to question "Why?" And maybe not come up with any satisfying answers to that why. I will say that I've been trying to make my situation "a place of springs." It takes perseverance to become still and to reach deep to find that inner joy that never ever really leaves and to let that joy take over, not the bitterness or discouragement or disappointments along the way. Joy makes a huge difference.
I am convinced I could not make it on this journey alone. Reaching out for help, support, and prayer takes a toll on my pride and independence, but that's been a very good thing. One of the best gifts is that many acquaintances have become true friends. And empathy, especially with those diagnosed with cancer, has given me a newly discovered purpose. Spiritually, I've experienced a connectedness with others in a way that I can better understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. My faith community is family, and that includes the saints who intercede for us. The Spirit of our loving God is very much alive and active in this family.
Running has taught me that we can do so much more that we think we can. When it becomes hard, and the finish is still ahead, it becomes, "left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot..." It takes mental as well as physical strength. As training continues and the weeks go by, speed and endurance improve, as does a sense of well being. "They walk (and run!) with ever growing strength." So it is on the journey through the valley. Some days it is a determined "left foot, right foot," until we progress through it. I am still on the way.
They are happy, whose strength is in you, who have set
their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5
Friday, May 10, 2019
My Sabbatical
I have had 24 chemo infusions and 33 radiation treatments and also one blood infusion along the way. At the outset, daughter Jen said I should consider this time as my sabbatical. I am reflecting on what I have been learning during this sabbatical. A lot of it involves the letter "p," so that's my theme. What have I learned?
Prayer: Prayer has been a part of my life, probably since I was about three, when my Mom taught me simple prayers. I am still learning. I am learning to "pray big" and be specific. I became part of a local email intercessory prayer group (who has been praying for me!), and I have a special inclination to pray for those diagnosed with cancer.
Priorities: Life is short and I have so many interests. I want to choose wisely how I spend my time. Often, it's doing the "small things" and doing them well, knowing that even seemingly insignificant actions can and do make a difference.
Patience: I have a real sense that I am being healed, but I need to be patient. This may not happen overnight. And I am really thankful for Geo's understanding and patience with me during this time.
Parish: I am experiencing the value of being connected to the local church, not just being a member, but truly involved in so many of the opportunities that are available. I am blown away by the care and support offered to us by friends and local people in our town, and the Federated Church, and our own parish - the meals, the rides to medical appointments, the gifts, the cards, even encouraging texts on my phone. The support from our own local parish has been amazing. Even one of the college students came to visit me while I was receiving chemo (and - just for fun - did my nails). What I am especially beginning to treasure is becoming part of a smaller LOTW faith community within the parish who meets in homes a few times a month for prayer and fellowship and mission. Because so many have reached out to us, I do want to become more deeply and personally involved in some of our parish ministries.
Puzzles: I've always enjoyed crosswords, and I am very competitive. Now I look forward to them nearly every day, especially from Geo's WSJ and the Sunday NYT. They've helped me focus and get my mind on so many topics other than some nagging discomforts I may be feeling.
So there is so much of the Positive that is happening. The cancer diagnosis has slowed me down - a lot - but that is not a bad thing.It has been a time of re-evaluating and considering how life moving ahead can become even better and best. For this I am grateful.
Fitness Plan: What helped me with a diagnosis of cancer in 2016, and recovery during 2017, was looking forward to joining First Strides and becoming a runner. I am missing First Strides this year. Daughter Addie continues to inspire me with her running achievements. So my plan is to do another 5K before the year is over! YES!
#CancerBeGone
Prayer: Prayer has been a part of my life, probably since I was about three, when my Mom taught me simple prayers. I am still learning. I am learning to "pray big" and be specific. I became part of a local email intercessory prayer group (who has been praying for me!), and I have a special inclination to pray for those diagnosed with cancer.
Priorities: Life is short and I have so many interests. I want to choose wisely how I spend my time. Often, it's doing the "small things" and doing them well, knowing that even seemingly insignificant actions can and do make a difference.
Patience: I have a real sense that I am being healed, but I need to be patient. This may not happen overnight. And I am really thankful for Geo's understanding and patience with me during this time.
Parish: I am experiencing the value of being connected to the local church, not just being a member, but truly involved in so many of the opportunities that are available. I am blown away by the care and support offered to us by friends and local people in our town, and the Federated Church, and our own parish - the meals, the rides to medical appointments, the gifts, the cards, even encouraging texts on my phone. The support from our own local parish has been amazing. Even one of the college students came to visit me while I was receiving chemo (and - just for fun - did my nails). What I am especially beginning to treasure is becoming part of a smaller LOTW faith community within the parish who meets in homes a few times a month for prayer and fellowship and mission. Because so many have reached out to us, I do want to become more deeply and personally involved in some of our parish ministries.
Puzzles: I've always enjoyed crosswords, and I am very competitive. Now I look forward to them nearly every day, especially from Geo's WSJ and the Sunday NYT. They've helped me focus and get my mind on so many topics other than some nagging discomforts I may be feeling.
So there is so much of the Positive that is happening. The cancer diagnosis has slowed me down - a lot - but that is not a bad thing.It has been a time of re-evaluating and considering how life moving ahead can become even better and best. For this I am grateful.
Fitness Plan: What helped me with a diagnosis of cancer in 2016, and recovery during 2017, was looking forward to joining First Strides and becoming a runner. I am missing First Strides this year. Daughter Addie continues to inspire me with her running achievements. So my plan is to do another 5K before the year is over! YES!
#CancerBeGone
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Here We Go, Again?
I sure didn't expect to be starting 2019 going through what I experienced back in 2016. I had hoped that all of that was behind me, and I wasn't looking back. Wait - this is not like going through that same "valley" again. I am told that this is a very different kind of cancer. It just happens to be in the same general area as before. Go figure! So the treatment will be different, and the cure rate is somewhat better. Okay.
Cancer is an abnormality, a disease that does not belong in the body. It affects not only the person who has it, but also family and friends. Life does not feel quite the same as before the diagnosis. Treatments and new schedules bring about inevitable changes. Change in itself is a stressor. So - how to deal with all this in the best possible way? How to come out of this in a better way than going into it? How do we get through the valley and to the mountaintop? Climbing a mountain will take some effort.
Looking at this as a battle to fight, I take with me an army of intercessors praying for me, and the love and care of supportive family and friends. I know there are people praying who do not even know me. Support in the fight is a huge key advantage. The hard part for me is relying on others, depending on others. I've got to give up some control. Step One.
Fighting this battle with me is an excellent team of Doctors and other medical professionals. I would say they are like the Generals in the army with the weapons at their disposal and the know-how to attack this cancerous invasion in my body. I am following the treatment plan in which they are in agreement as the best one for me at this time. Step Two.
So if cancer is an abnormality, my plan of attack is to be as "normal" as possible in my attitude and daily actions. That means no room for negativity, nor any fear in doing my usual activities. I may learn some new interests and discoveries along the way. There may be new and enriching friendships that come into my life. Yes, I do believe the best is yet to come. Step Three.
Sorry, cancer. My focus will not be on you. My focus will be on becoming as physically fit and as healthy as I can be. I want to get to the top of that mountain with as much strength and energy and sense of well-being that is possible for me. I'm in training for my next 5K. Step Four.
It begins in earnest tomorrow: New Treatment Plan - Day One. Chemo, Chair 5, Bay 2.
There is no doubt a new adventure is in store for me, my family, and for all those who are with me on this journey. As a friend reminded me, through great tribulations come great blessings.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37.
On with it. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot...
Cancer is an abnormality, a disease that does not belong in the body. It affects not only the person who has it, but also family and friends. Life does not feel quite the same as before the diagnosis. Treatments and new schedules bring about inevitable changes. Change in itself is a stressor. So - how to deal with all this in the best possible way? How to come out of this in a better way than going into it? How do we get through the valley and to the mountaintop? Climbing a mountain will take some effort.
Looking at this as a battle to fight, I take with me an army of intercessors praying for me, and the love and care of supportive family and friends. I know there are people praying who do not even know me. Support in the fight is a huge key advantage. The hard part for me is relying on others, depending on others. I've got to give up some control. Step One.
Fighting this battle with me is an excellent team of Doctors and other medical professionals. I would say they are like the Generals in the army with the weapons at their disposal and the know-how to attack this cancerous invasion in my body. I am following the treatment plan in which they are in agreement as the best one for me at this time. Step Two.
So if cancer is an abnormality, my plan of attack is to be as "normal" as possible in my attitude and daily actions. That means no room for negativity, nor any fear in doing my usual activities. I may learn some new interests and discoveries along the way. There may be new and enriching friendships that come into my life. Yes, I do believe the best is yet to come. Step Three.
Sorry, cancer. My focus will not be on you. My focus will be on becoming as physically fit and as healthy as I can be. I want to get to the top of that mountain with as much strength and energy and sense of well-being that is possible for me. I'm in training for my next 5K. Step Four.
It begins in earnest tomorrow: New Treatment Plan - Day One. Chemo, Chair 5, Bay 2.
There is no doubt a new adventure is in store for me, my family, and for all those who are with me on this journey. As a friend reminded me, through great tribulations come great blessings.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37.
On with it. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot...
Sunday, January 06, 2019
One Year Ago...
I met our little beagle for the first time. The rescue group called her "Minnie." When I saw her, I just knew she was the right one for us.
It was on the Feast of the Epiphany when I first saw her, so I started calling her "Stella," meaning "star." It is on the Epiphany when we think of that special star shining in Bethlehem around the time of Jesus' birth. So I thought that would be a perfect name for a new and very special Christmas dog.
For Christmas this year, Stella got a puffer vest from a "Secret Santa." AND it happens to be a Green Bay Packer puffer vest. What a wonderful gift for our walks around the neighborhood and on the rec path.
We are so grateful to have Stella as part of the family.
It was on the Feast of the Epiphany when I first saw her, so I started calling her "Stella," meaning "star." It is on the Epiphany when we think of that special star shining in Bethlehem around the time of Jesus' birth. So I thought that would be a perfect name for a new and very special Christmas dog.
For Christmas this year, Stella got a puffer vest from a "Secret Santa." AND it happens to be a Green Bay Packer puffer vest. What a wonderful gift for our walks around the neighborhood and on the rec path.
We are so grateful to have Stella as part of the family.
#GoPackGo
#GoStellaGo
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Early "Christmas Eve"
It was a delightfully hectic, whirlwind visit, and I loved every moment of it. Our daughter, son-in-law, the three-year-old and four month old grandsons came to celebrate an early Christmas with us.
Everyone had presents for everyone. Toys were spread across the living room floor, wrapping paper was flying everywhere, gifts were admired, and the baby smiled through it all. Perfect.
Our traditional lasagna Christmas Eve dinner made way for the ease of frozen stuffed shells with a jar of marinara sauce, topped with green pepper rings and a little extra Provolone cheese. Perfect.
The three- year- old, we were told, has had some fears of real dogs. However, it wasn't long before he and Stella became friends. He even shared his gift and a toy with her. When the family was ready to return home, and the kids were tucked into their car seats, I leaned into the car and said to our grandson, "We love you!" He looked at me with a big smile and said, "I like Stella." Perfect.
Everyone had presents for everyone. Toys were spread across the living room floor, wrapping paper was flying everywhere, gifts were admired, and the baby smiled through it all. Perfect.
Our traditional lasagna Christmas Eve dinner made way for the ease of frozen stuffed shells with a jar of marinara sauce, topped with green pepper rings and a little extra Provolone cheese. Perfect.
The three- year- old, we were told, has had some fears of real dogs. However, it wasn't long before he and Stella became friends. He even shared his gift and a toy with her. When the family was ready to return home, and the kids were tucked into their car seats, I leaned into the car and said to our grandson, "We love you!" He looked at me with a big smile and said, "I like Stella." Perfect.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Again...
Cancer is again rearing its ugly head. Ugh! You go through the usual emotions. First is somewhat of a disbelief - "This can't be happening; I've gone through this already." But you know there is always the possibility of a recurrence. There's disappointment, some sadness and worry, with a little anxiety around the edges. Never anger. My friend is angry. I said, "I'm glad you've got that covered."
Then there's some physical discomfort that tells me, yes, this is really happening.
I've had some time to process my thoughts before the upcoming surgery. I remember that just over two years ago, when I was going through chemo, I felt I needed something in my life to reach into the future, kind of a new goal. For me it was running.
Today I went out for a run. It wasn't long and it wasn't far, but it was a real run. And it felt soooo good. So I know that running better and stronger continues to be my goal.
I reflect on all the good that has happened over the past few years - people I've met, new experiences, new events.
I learned first-hand what chemo is all about with an amazing staff at the Medical Center who made it feel almost like spa treatments.
I went to oncology rehab. That was a real game-changer for me. That is where I began to believe that I could be a runner.
There are the 5Ks I ran, one with our daughter Addie (who did a 10K).
There were the cancer conferences I attended with other people battling this disease and with medical staff and various support groups.
There was the Weekend of Hope in Stowe that I attended with Geo that was just fun and entertaining.
Knowing friends and acquaintances who have had cancer... Well, there is something of a bond there, an understanding. I've heard it said that it's like belonging to a club no one wants to join.
Then there is growth in faith. One learns to reach really deep to find an inner basis on which to stand and thrive.
Most of all, there is the never-ending love of God and of family that continually astounds me. How can we be so blessed?
And right up there is the support of friends and of people I hardly know, and even may not know at all, who are praying up a storm.
I have met so very many inspiring people through this journey.
Truly I am grateful.
So I am as ready as I can be to move ahead. I am hopeful and confident. As one of my friends said, "We'll get through this."
#CancerBeGone
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Cook the Book
Our local library has a monthly event called "Cook the Book." One cookbook is chosen from the shelves from which anyone can select a recipe to prepare. On the scheduled day and time, each one brings the prepared dish to share with other participants and to discuss the recipe and the experience of making it.
In the process, we not only eat tasty food, we learn about different ingredients and methods of preparation.
This month's selection was the Eating Well dessert cookbook. Yes, we feasted on desserts!
Brandy Raisin Bread Pudding
with whipped cream
Orange Scones
Blueberry Coffee Cake Biscotti
For December we are selecting a Christmas cookbook, soups for January, and anything Chocolate! for February.
This program for the community is becoming one of our favorites at our library.
This month's selection was the Eating Well dessert cookbook. Yes, we feasted on desserts!
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Maple Glazed Apple Cider Donut Cake
Brandy Raisin Bread Pudding
with whipped cream
Gingersnap Baked Pears
Orange Scones
Lemon Pudding
Blueberry Coffee Cake Biscotti
For December we are selecting a Christmas cookbook, soups for January, and anything Chocolate! for February.
This program for the community is becoming one of our favorites at our library.
Update: In 2022, this program is still going strong!
Thank you!
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Addie's Run
Addie won a free entry for a 4 miler race in Stowe. If it were not for that prize, she may not have even known about that race. She asked if I would go with her on that day. It meant leaving around 7:15 AM on a Sunday morning to be there on time to sign in and pick up the bib. I agreed.
Little did we know it would be a cold, windy day for October and with snow flurries! Not used to running in the cold weather, she had some reservations about the run. She signed in and picked up bib number 1101. We walked across the field to a coffee shop where we warmed up before all the runners would gather at 9:30 AM at the Start. I learned that there were 1600 participants AND a waiting list for this race.
And they were off! I stayed in one of the warming tents together with other family members and friends of the runners. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be there. After thirty minutes, or so, I walked up to the Finish to watch Addie come in. Somehow, I missed her! She later found me, still waiting for her. She was all smiles.
She reports that the route was very scenic, mostly flat with one minor incline. Part of it was along the Stowe bike path.
I couldn't help but catch some of her enthusiasm, and all the positive vibes of the crowd around us. I missed being able to run. I could do this!
A few weeks ago I developed a knee injury. It's not healing as fast as I would like, even though I am going to PT and doing the recommended exercises. I've been discouraged about it. Being at the run today inspired me once again to do whatever I can to get back on track. I feel a little more hopeful that if I really focus on recovery, eventually I'll be able to run again.
My new goal is to do the 4 miler next year. (You heard it here.)
Congrats to Addie for a great run. And thanks for being an inspiration to me. Next year, God willing, we'll do this together.
Little did we know it would be a cold, windy day for October and with snow flurries! Not used to running in the cold weather, she had some reservations about the run. She signed in and picked up bib number 1101. We walked across the field to a coffee shop where we warmed up before all the runners would gather at 9:30 AM at the Start. I learned that there were 1600 participants AND a waiting list for this race.
And they were off! I stayed in one of the warming tents together with other family members and friends of the runners. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be there. After thirty minutes, or so, I walked up to the Finish to watch Addie come in. Somehow, I missed her! She later found me, still waiting for her. She was all smiles.
She reports that the route was very scenic, mostly flat with one minor incline. Part of it was along the Stowe bike path.
I couldn't help but catch some of her enthusiasm, and all the positive vibes of the crowd around us. I missed being able to run. I could do this!
A few weeks ago I developed a knee injury. It's not healing as fast as I would like, even though I am going to PT and doing the recommended exercises. I've been discouraged about it. Being at the run today inspired me once again to do whatever I can to get back on track. I feel a little more hopeful that if I really focus on recovery, eventually I'll be able to run again.
My new goal is to do the 4 miler next year. (You heard it here.)
Congrats to Addie for a great run. And thanks for being an inspiration to me. Next year, God willing, we'll do this together.
Tuesday, May 08, 2018
Weekend of Hope
At first, I really didn't want to go. This was not something I like to focus on, especially for a whole weekend. Cancer is something I prefer to keep behind me. This would be a weekend for cancer survivors and for those in treatment.
Then I thought that maybe I could share with others about some of what I've gone through, and maybe this would be helpful. Besides, Geo and I could use a weekend get-away after a very long winter. So we signed up and packed our bags.
There was a huge banner over the main road in Stowe, VT to welcome the participants. There were many signs in town about the event.
I learned that the Stowe Weekend of Hope has been happening for 18 years and draws people from many states and even Canada.
After registration, we checked into our hotel. Our room had a deck with a view of the river. Wow!
The schedule, beginning early on Friday, included a selection of presentations, activities, and entertainment.
I chose an art activity that was held up the road at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. We were shown how to do an etching with a pencil on styrofoam, color it with markers, then transfer the picture to dampened water color paper. This was a fun project that anyone could do.
While I was here, I took a walk to enjoy the views. I had been here before, but I had never seen the grave site where the Von Trapps are buried.
Back at the main venue, there was a group gathered for hula hooping. I was surprised I could still do this after all these years!
Entertainment during the day included The Boobie Sisters, and they were hilarious. From New York state, they are all breast cancer survivors who share their stories with song and a lot of humor. They had everyone smiling and laughing about a cancer diagnosis and the changes it brings into patients' lives and of their families.
The keynote speaker was Tim Kavanagh and "The Shit Show." Yeah, I thought that sounded pretty gross. I found out that he is the owner of an award winning entertainment company, including TV, film and variety shows. He is a survivor of rectal cancer. He gave a light-hearted, comical presentation of what he went through, and a lot of one-liners, that had everyone in the audience laughing. Speaking so openly brought out a lot of "me, too," reactions, helping others to share about their own personal experiences.
Another event I truly enjoyed was the "Survivors Walk" on the Stowe Rec Path. The views along the way were stunning, and it was an opportunity to meet and get to know others. We shared about where we were from, the diagnosis we had and the treatments. I found there were many similarities in how we felt about it all, even though diagnoses were so different. And it was so good just to be out in nature and enjoying the fresh air, the fields, the river, the mountains. The signs of Spring are finally happening here in Vermont.
Would I do this again? Absolutely. And I think I'll invite other cancer survivors I know. It was an opportunity to continue to process what can be an overwhelming experience, to meet new people, and just have a lot of fun along the way.
Update: Please check out my newest blog Resolutions. Thank you!
Then I thought that maybe I could share with others about some of what I've gone through, and maybe this would be helpful. Besides, Geo and I could use a weekend get-away after a very long winter. So we signed up and packed our bags.
There was a huge banner over the main road in Stowe, VT to welcome the participants. There were many signs in town about the event.
I learned that the Stowe Weekend of Hope has been happening for 18 years and draws people from many states and even Canada.
After registration, we checked into our hotel. Our room had a deck with a view of the river. Wow!
The schedule, beginning early on Friday, included a selection of presentations, activities, and entertainment.
I chose an art activity that was held up the road at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. We were shown how to do an etching with a pencil on styrofoam, color it with markers, then transfer the picture to dampened water color paper. This was a fun project that anyone could do.
While I was here, I took a walk to enjoy the views. I had been here before, but I had never seen the grave site where the Von Trapps are buried.
Back at the main venue, there was a group gathered for hula hooping. I was surprised I could still do this after all these years!
Entertainment during the day included The Boobie Sisters, and they were hilarious. From New York state, they are all breast cancer survivors who share their stories with song and a lot of humor. They had everyone smiling and laughing about a cancer diagnosis and the changes it brings into patients' lives and of their families.
Another event I truly enjoyed was the "Survivors Walk" on the Stowe Rec Path. The views along the way were stunning, and it was an opportunity to meet and get to know others. We shared about where we were from, the diagnosis we had and the treatments. I found there were many similarities in how we felt about it all, even though diagnoses were so different. And it was so good just to be out in nature and enjoying the fresh air, the fields, the river, the mountains. The signs of Spring are finally happening here in Vermont.
Would I do this again? Absolutely. And I think I'll invite other cancer survivors I know. It was an opportunity to continue to process what can be an overwhelming experience, to meet new people, and just have a lot of fun along the way.
Update: Please check out my newest blog Resolutions. Thank you!
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