tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22400671406942897502024-03-17T22:58:31.692-04:00Life in MathewsThis site is about my life growing up and growing older in Mathews County, a rural, water-bound community on the way to nowhere in particular.Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.comBlogger1932125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-51661000167346738182020-05-01T10:25:00.000-04:002020-05-01T10:25:02.166-04:00Pandemic<br />
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Welcome to what I've been staring at for nearly seven weeks now.</div>
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Courtesy of Covid-19, I've been spending my days </div>
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<b><i><u>not</u></i></b> doing all the things I said I'd do if I only had more time.</div>
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As it turns out, I've been practicing for a pandemic my whole life.<br />
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Life in Mathews is the very definition of social distancing, and we've been engaging in it even before we knew what it was. Because we're so remote, it's not unusual to have a pantry stocked for an emergency. You never know when the power may go out, you never know when a storm will surprise you with very little warning, and because we're at least 20-30 or more miles from the nearest Most Anything, you're always strategizing the acquisition and storage of necessary supplies.<br />
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I've always said there's no such thing as too much of certain items, including toilet paper and wine (for example). And as it turns out, I was more right than I ever knew. What I never anticipated was that toilet paper would become so scarce--in stores and on-line--that sourcing it would become a high-stakes game of risk, strategy and, often, dumb luck.<br />
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Toilet paper scarcities aside, though, I'm not just fine, I'm <b>great. </b> I am also<b> grateful </b>to not have to drive the hour into work every day, and I don't (at the moment) have any financial worries. Due to underlying health conditions, I'm one of several in my office asked to stay home until it's safe/safer to return. Due to the nature of my work, I can't do it remotely; yet I am still being paid. Again, I am eternally grateful for this.<br />
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Everyone in the Chesapeake Bay Family is doing OK, all things considered. First Child is currently in Madrid, on lockdown since March. He is healthy but bored, a problem he can live with. Second Child is getting ready to graduate from UVA's Architecture School, something I'd been looking forward to with glee but which will not be happening as a formal event for obvious reasons. We'll find a way to make the best of it, though. My parents are doing OK, although my father had some very, very serious health problems in January that led to his now being on dialysis. He has so many health problems you wouldn't believe it if I listed them all, but he's hanging in there. Middle Sister is hunkered down in her new house across the field from me, working from home and enjoying her newly adopted dog King. Baby Sister is still in Richmond doing OK.<br />
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We're all safe and in reasonably good health-- and really that's all I want and need.<br />
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(Except for some good Thai food.)<br />
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I've come to a few realizations during this pandemic:<br />
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<li>The thousand and four things I always said I'd do if I had more time? Time has <u>nothing</u> to do with it. I just don't want to do them. Ever. At all. So, it looks like cleaning the garage, organizing the basement, decluttering the upstairs and organizing cabinets and closets will never happen. I'm finally OK with this.</li>
<li>It is possible to structure an entire <strike> month </strike> day around the following activities: coffee, bird watching, walking, jigsaw puzzles, reading, eating, sleeping, watching Netflix. I've sewn days upon weeks upon now months together into a quilt of these activities. </li>
<li>It's going to be a long time before I can travel like I want to again. In the mean time I need to enjoy what's in front of me more. </li>
<li>All of this down time makes me question what my purpose is, and I don't have an answer for that yet in spite of days upon weeks upon months of wondering. I've read books that talk about purpose and having goals, and I realize I have no true goals. (How is this possible? My life thus far has been about one goal: surviving each day. So far, I'm winning. But surely there should be more.)</li>
<li>I love the view from my back yard, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.</li>
<li>I am tired of all the wind and rain and dreary weather though. My mood seems to be eternally linked to the weather.</li>
<li>I'm very grateful for everything, even the things I complain about. Like the weather. </li>
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That's about it for now. </div>
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<b>I hope that all is well in your world. Stay safe, be smart, and live well.</b></div>
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-74559805777566624082019-08-07T19:38:00.002-04:002019-08-07T19:38:50.982-04:00Crab Pots, Etc. <br />
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These were taken on a not-so-recent side trip to the public landing at Edwards Creek.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfmUZf7WQNsVPrNA0PnVIIyYHOO56VzPAPXRvo3gxNuSe3LGfqMpi6D1SBFKMo80bCQ6tXxtFV1VqiFaIJDgbweoqDZTqEHh_QdQkxCzHs03NrfuG-xs0trKUwN4fFL3TTdRU4GZpd5Fi/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfmUZf7WQNsVPrNA0PnVIIyYHOO56VzPAPXRvo3gxNuSe3LGfqMpi6D1SBFKMo80bCQ6tXxtFV1VqiFaIJDgbweoqDZTqEHh_QdQkxCzHs03NrfuG-xs0trKUwN4fFL3TTdRU4GZpd5Fi/s400/IMG_1708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been too long since I've blogged.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4xNoLtZ9OoaI_h-IhO7RUJJ8GvvVrQgwiWhEReA1Ewu360ktbBmV1JO6n0kdj0xhjSngQp4vChrwoykhW5rycZrM7pRhHsWavc3VUs8jCKCoUAQeEjlERmfuRv0s3iOu_pjG7FSG0t48/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4xNoLtZ9OoaI_h-IhO7RUJJ8GvvVrQgwiWhEReA1Ewu360ktbBmV1JO6n0kdj0xhjSngQp4vChrwoykhW5rycZrM7pRhHsWavc3VUs8jCKCoUAQeEjlERmfuRv0s3iOu_pjG7FSG0t48/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But I have been taking pictures here and there, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrPd7lE1WMMrnt3MartDeDnFv7XnnYjkMlsPBzTY2DhGj9GGmEJfUlffyuxRC6QJY-KZwK5jkaED_pkSHS7GOToSInsrJugNNs3i-ugd2wl-76EsjgH0mJsFDl8HHUp2glB5zT-21w1N3/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrPd7lE1WMMrnt3MartDeDnFv7XnnYjkMlsPBzTY2DhGj9GGmEJfUlffyuxRC6QJY-KZwK5jkaED_pkSHS7GOToSInsrJugNNs3i-ugd2wl-76EsjgH0mJsFDl8HHUp2glB5zT-21w1N3/s400/IMG_1715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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even if I haven't posted them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-DCbIyF907l_Yh-iWT7H_Bk-oTKWPGsUzyjV1yXf78lXGhPYnBEEY5MaLRhrXWotZ_m_E2jygpc3a0Mt4DO7IVs_cDYnyPA0SYRWx5lhkKZhaymT0AI1O2r8LgRlm8DwacuwWF1IUgi6/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-DCbIyF907l_Yh-iWT7H_Bk-oTKWPGsUzyjV1yXf78lXGhPYnBEEY5MaLRhrXWotZ_m_E2jygpc3a0Mt4DO7IVs_cDYnyPA0SYRWx5lhkKZhaymT0AI1O2r8LgRlm8DwacuwWF1IUgi6/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This Friday I leave for Peru, a place I never imagined seeing or experiencing, much less with my two best friends from college. I majored in Latin American Studies back in the Dark Ages of the 1980s; yet I've never been to South America.<br />
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On Monday, I'll be absorbing all the wonders of Machu Picchu. <br />
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This trip has been nothing but logistical questions and challenges, one after the other. But we've finally ironed out the Getting To part. (You can't just drive up and ask for a ticket to Machu Picchu. The only way in is by foot or by train. We'll be trainin' it....)<br />
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Now I await the Experience part.<br />
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Although I absolutely dread the pile of work that will await when I return, I greatly look forward to setting foot on that first plane Friday afternoon.<br />
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I love a good adventure. In fact, I <i>live for</i> a good adventure.<br />
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I hope you have at least one <i>great</i> adventure to look forward to in the near term.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-65038625694641784462019-06-10T12:31:00.001-04:002019-06-10T12:31:12.503-04:00Stutts Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5UxfDz_nVsvuDknTcnjEdzQfI69RuXSIOro_tzOl1wB7r2lYxLNheG9ppDbtI6kVfmrhXrCN6_2GhenHD6zQ31-UR0iolYXqiJ-TkvYcL3fPOuehNjesHxdfIkWRktaCZGq-E5bkRtRU/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5UxfDz_nVsvuDknTcnjEdzQfI69RuXSIOro_tzOl1wB7r2lYxLNheG9ppDbtI6kVfmrhXrCN6_2GhenHD6zQ31-UR0iolYXqiJ-TkvYcL3fPOuehNjesHxdfIkWRktaCZGq-E5bkRtRU/s400/IMG_1600.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are some shots taken from a recent boat ride on Stutts Creek.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMyylzN4Jpo7geyypfC_dwNdW6-CqzucZgRhRCz1HWRwvXACkJthhfUAtZ2DWXSMXJwoJx03pIrPz9uhsbKELGVnv2s1KBK8I35Q34x_L8xb6OPNgnuJ_ZDNmkq0hU19t9OCpJ3upBvn0/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMyylzN4Jpo7geyypfC_dwNdW6-CqzucZgRhRCz1HWRwvXACkJthhfUAtZ2DWXSMXJwoJx03pIrPz9uhsbKELGVnv2s1KBK8I35Q34x_L8xb6OPNgnuJ_ZDNmkq0hU19t9OCpJ3upBvn0/s400/IMG_1602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And when I say recent, I actually mean April which feels like just yesterday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFk17FFY8AJSIS-PVEy65nJH6I-6RIt_qITHdfLM2hmx4s-bdpw-WDm8gbrL3mZa11VdaN2q_5ltaMnWfmzKY1L8crPgTYQDRNapmqjK2CykszyB5Qju0df2G_gvgZnoei_I6IRv9RRRA/s1600/IMG_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFk17FFY8AJSIS-PVEy65nJH6I-6RIt_qITHdfLM2hmx4s-bdpw-WDm8gbrL3mZa11VdaN2q_5ltaMnWfmzKY1L8crPgTYQDRNapmqjK2CykszyB5Qju0df2G_gvgZnoei_I6IRv9RRRA/s400/IMG_1604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sadly I've been neglecting <strike>just about everything</strike> this blog </div>
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and yet still have good intentions of posting more regularly.</div>
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But time just gets away from me, moving more and more rapidly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kwBE9iM5NlBRrIJxGDSHvVXO5NS_Tj9jwTPObhd77yQh1Xp5Jdn3vaM09fAqMwLXANSPE6ISuvnztM57otzYIFSG9xt4Jl4lQJjILRTC-73rongV4EJyaIQD0NEChREwh1U5UAdZH7x3/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kwBE9iM5NlBRrIJxGDSHvVXO5NS_Tj9jwTPObhd77yQh1Xp5Jdn3vaM09fAqMwLXANSPE6ISuvnztM57otzYIFSG9xt4Jl4lQJjILRTC-73rongV4EJyaIQD0NEChREwh1U5UAdZH7x3/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's June already.</div>
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It's also Busy Season at work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcBDAHPwL3D9h0j8EqPCT-rX8Vkxw_K-uQGjPOx_aloe6H431JjD_M7T7fqHgLcL3EDJEaUfZBFLTF9LL3fXbfJWv8YNN-N0GApSHJNR8XPq_bcccc9ZWJJbyaaq0i6ltxtFZiNDfPted/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcBDAHPwL3D9h0j8EqPCT-rX8Vkxw_K-uQGjPOx_aloe6H431JjD_M7T7fqHgLcL3EDJEaUfZBFLTF9LL3fXbfJWv8YNN-N0GApSHJNR8XPq_bcccc9ZWJJbyaaq0i6ltxtFZiNDfPted/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that means stress. Lots of stress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvw24EqqKKplijf-1RXoIOCz_6_VTySsLv33jd9EEYvYlHgvIoDCic5xme2QQCGpedkcyQVUhLpgjgIrKVHHPCETBAnFmNNEe3q-WIpz47a7hz29J2vOpP6D7pfWkDx4pJvs60H8V0gl57/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvw24EqqKKplijf-1RXoIOCz_6_VTySsLv33jd9EEYvYlHgvIoDCic5xme2QQCGpedkcyQVUhLpgjgIrKVHHPCETBAnFmNNEe3q-WIpz47a7hz29J2vOpP6D7pfWkDx4pJvs60H8V0gl57/s400/IMG_1627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Outings like this one on the water are so soothing to my frazzled nerves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMEd5iojD7E8DojqqjcA1ETm_za2Nhg8NM6PjD8SPRJIAP_vwBNbuBRHuTxd8wuBv0X6eLRQ3EZVRQ-wSeOXCiJ7UR52_4EYFI5K6xWpqg2eeCViIOgzXpaKDQa-u9fW2-CH772hQLdgV/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMEd5iojD7E8DojqqjcA1ETm_za2Nhg8NM6PjD8SPRJIAP_vwBNbuBRHuTxd8wuBv0X6eLRQ3EZVRQ-wSeOXCiJ7UR52_4EYFI5K6xWpqg2eeCViIOgzXpaKDQa-u9fW2-CH772hQLdgV/s400/IMG_1628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition to these sporadic, therapeutic excursions up and down Stutts Creek, I recently cruised to Reedville for something I'd never seen before: <b><a href="http://www.chesapeakecowboysboatdocking.com/schedule" target="_blank">boat docking races.</a> </b> Middle Sister, some friends and I spent the day watching boats of various shapes and sizes race against the clock to see who could "sprint" from across the creek and then tie up (by throwing hoops over four poles). What a great way to spend a Saturday! I'm looking forward to another such event in Cape Charles later this summer. </div>
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Except for this racing of time and trying to balance out all the stress of work, all is well in the Chesapeake Bay Family household.</div>
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I hope all is well in yours.</div>
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-48118060185559686392019-03-23T14:50:00.000-04:002019-03-23T14:50:05.815-04:00Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX81TLTJuYx-GB58NRiysUMcVcC_65O2QdO6Z0NTIPBlUx8jFMnUvlD1NSfdH0kzfLmuGb6bFehafSSbXO-eYrWPCF6Uwd5fYIBM-plcA9ZtqUIiBXDZvGxD7I-G9lW-z1nkGzUUHe9ek/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX81TLTJuYx-GB58NRiysUMcVcC_65O2QdO6Z0NTIPBlUx8jFMnUvlD1NSfdH0kzfLmuGb6bFehafSSbXO-eYrWPCF6Uwd5fYIBM-plcA9ZtqUIiBXDZvGxD7I-G9lW-z1nkGzUUHe9ek/s400/IMG_1575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a shot from a while back of the moon hovering over Queens Creek. </div>
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I'm very happy today for several reasons.</div>
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First, I leave tomorrow for Florida, where I will board a cruise ship that will be my home for the next several days. This has been one of the longest, darkest, rainiest winters I can remember. I'm thrilled at the prospect of warmth, sunshine and most of all no responsibilities!</div>
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Next, I am also very happy for another adventure that will happen in August: Machu Picchu! I booked my flight about a week ago and spent the better part of today booking hotels and the actual ticket to Machu Picchu. The fact that I'll be going with my best friends from college and I'll be meeting Chesapeake Bay Son (who is working there this summer) makes me ecstatic!</div>
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So, I am just checking in to say all is wonderful here.</div>
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I hope it is with you as well.</div>
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-83030277804784324872019-02-11T15:08:00.000-05:002019-02-11T15:08:03.612-05:00Heron<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3kmf2JQMT8yksnofkGaJp11nj_6VG43GQLazjOLBEzKoEru_nKX_QfsXz3vRCdioXMKOsCXk_y9pWJVFjtlkGkem-OBF2jzzMXV7noQ4lCIabtivwLkr8GfErlZfhNEKd8Ea_YYy0iIN/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3kmf2JQMT8yksnofkGaJp11nj_6VG43GQLazjOLBEzKoEru_nKX_QfsXz3vRCdioXMKOsCXk_y9pWJVFjtlkGkem-OBF2jzzMXV7noQ4lCIabtivwLkr8GfErlZfhNEKd8Ea_YYy0iIN/s400/IMG_1540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This heron was trying to blend in with the pine trees and marsh grass at Bethel Beach when I visited a while back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSDdgbv01dSZ52wm3kVO-dpvYMwvI_C4rj06-P4ul2zh1HOZB_KZqntynvSiHGMqmpAv32INGf2sQ-9U4fFYUGptvqmhlSekfrEWFJwrg2cT4wNyimLPpzA7Uaf3-zhROBNFNOynnSesL/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSDdgbv01dSZ52wm3kVO-dpvYMwvI_C4rj06-P4ul2zh1HOZB_KZqntynvSiHGMqmpAv32INGf2sQ-9U4fFYUGptvqmhlSekfrEWFJwrg2cT4wNyimLPpzA7Uaf3-zhROBNFNOynnSesL/s400/IMG_1542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remembered taking quite a few pictures but never got around to looking at them until today, more than a month later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdPE5kzrGBIy91mKbBV6JuTfK_QwE4bjrnZaT3PZ1lmmzfDd7BRTcB6FZVv2KP1BcRvv8__2A95y6c7RgdmcaLNi_91FNPLygZIbZBj9q3VJQno_9d_m7McZkEogqUP8SPv3TOdbDOrD/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdPE5kzrGBIy91mKbBV6JuTfK_QwE4bjrnZaT3PZ1lmmzfDd7BRTcB6FZVv2KP1BcRvv8__2A95y6c7RgdmcaLNi_91FNPLygZIbZBj9q3VJQno_9d_m7McZkEogqUP8SPv3TOdbDOrD/s400/IMG_1545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't believe the last time I posted was December 31. </div>
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And how did it get to be February 11 already?</div>
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They say time flies when you're having fun, but January and February are never fun months for me. They're typically the longest, darkest, coldest, most-indoors-est, least sunshiny-est time of year. I leave for work in the cold darkness and return home in the cold darkness.<br />
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There are signs that things are changing, however, and hope is on the horizon. The daffodils in my front yard are poking through the cold, hard ground, and all of a sudden I'm noticing more songs from the birds.<br />
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The Chesapeake Bay Family has been plodding along mostly uneventfully. My children, my parents and my sisters are all doing OK. Son is currently teaching English to six-year-olds in Madrid. He's headed to Machu Picchu in the summer to work for a company called Global Leadership Adventures (he also worked for them last summer in Costa Rica). I'm seriously considering a visit if the stars and planets align.<br />
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I'm also looking forward to a cruise the end of March, a <a href="https://rockandromancecruise.com/" target="_blank">70s music themed cruise </a>. It's my reward to myself for surviving these dreary months of January and February. <br />
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Other than making the arduous trek from Mathews to Williamsburg during the work week and laying low on the weekends, there's not much else to report. I just wanted to check in and make sure I still knew how to blog. I do. <br />
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I hope all is well in your world.<br />
<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-11222657296336603822018-12-31T11:12:00.000-05:002018-12-31T11:12:53.273-05:00Bethel Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-2raEbrOYyZOSRJ0Jm8s48lN85mJ1yLYv6AZ7hHkxMAujADkWAFr-nRIYXR_THv6srQtSjSVB8irB5LNPSn0N3p6jFYxmQMOLEgLxSolbi4zm8dWEVcN3QPrv47Z4kRgwWnCM88-FPzE/s1600/IMG_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-2raEbrOYyZOSRJ0Jm8s48lN85mJ1yLYv6AZ7hHkxMAujADkWAFr-nRIYXR_THv6srQtSjSVB8irB5LNPSn0N3p6jFYxmQMOLEgLxSolbi4zm8dWEVcN3QPrv47Z4kRgwWnCM88-FPzE/s400/IMG_1515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other day I drove to Bethel Beach for a quick visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YU-2uMLNFBk0ZDs4tdOPzv60zC5ek3OlodZO8cDZEF4Q7Dj3g6THIQC5CA_DTsW-JtrrqdROEnDukXow5xHIL5CyshDXpJwK4HH8JZSuV02AasIrVEWoSrAsS1lDRM5XUhMyReKJ3FcV/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YU-2uMLNFBk0ZDs4tdOPzv60zC5ek3OlodZO8cDZEF4Q7Dj3g6THIQC5CA_DTsW-JtrrqdROEnDukXow5xHIL5CyshDXpJwK4HH8JZSuV02AasIrVEWoSrAsS1lDRM5XUhMyReKJ3FcV/s400/IMG_1517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was an unusually calm, windless day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTSK8O9nE8kZhZucECuUoQ5tTf2lGBhbylIsCr8f5IoXXwq93AmA5JIwb2GTlz-2g4K5HGTAEeKeDJ31-2O6VsZLlAIn6mFtfYWZVDWH0JdUjhyphenhyphenfpBeH7XlM5cERIoKQVRFTNrjc-9yuJ/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTSK8O9nE8kZhZucECuUoQ5tTf2lGBhbylIsCr8f5IoXXwq93AmA5JIwb2GTlz-2g4K5HGTAEeKeDJ31-2O6VsZLlAIn6mFtfYWZVDWH0JdUjhyphenhyphenfpBeH7XlM5cERIoKQVRFTNrjc-9yuJ/s400/IMG_1519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also unusual was the fact that the sun was out.</div>
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It feels like we've had nothing but rain and <strike>misery</strike> dreariness for months on end.</div>
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We all survived Christmas and I for one am very much looking forward to 2019. To help motivate me to exercise more, which I desperately need to do, I've signed up for a half-marathon in Virginia Beach in March. Whether I will be able to complete it remains to be seen. My only goal is to be able to walk it and finish. If I don't, though, I don't.<br />
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It wasn't that long ago when my goal was to finish these races without walking at all. Given the six months of chemo and subsequent heart issues, however, I have to adjust my goals downwards. It makes me a little mad, but it all just makes me want to do and be better. <br />
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So, here is to a healthier and happier 2019 for all of us.<br />
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Happy New Year.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-48181798492282701572018-12-18T11:40:00.000-05:002018-12-18T11:51:11.093-05:00Queens Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVSnr8HodN1KX8i8Kc7TQ89r1QvO7lG8sFamkzcYa9bjgKmKzuq9XTfK9o1XX2A-Uqt4cUBKBxyExdVmZr1DmeVEvgBQw4TgpwBdwj1zXsXaKYS2N4tSbgd6DMid6nvUJkPxzE-f13QUW/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVSnr8HodN1KX8i8Kc7TQ89r1QvO7lG8sFamkzcYa9bjgKmKzuq9XTfK9o1XX2A-Uqt4cUBKBxyExdVmZr1DmeVEvgBQw4TgpwBdwj1zXsXaKYS2N4tSbgd6DMid6nvUJkPxzE-f13QUW/s400/IMG_1502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These shots of Queens Creek were taken from my back yard recently. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzO_n4uxJ8a-oaCLEO9n30NQzmUAAiMASA8coI89RbGiPRjbT9cYek083gfbt-wt4bBstQZWDXUu8WA77bAmqc_gkdFbQD9jjJrxzJ_hYbeaHBS4SL3nJVGuMDIRfboqwKWKSax5F2rk/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzO_n4uxJ8a-oaCLEO9n30NQzmUAAiMASA8coI89RbGiPRjbT9cYek083gfbt-wt4bBstQZWDXUu8WA77bAmqc_gkdFbQD9jjJrxzJ_hYbeaHBS4SL3nJVGuMDIRfboqwKWKSax5F2rk/s400/IMG_1503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were experiencing a bout of what I like to call Scooby Doo weather. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AS3ivPg_sClcJxZGtG_PoJxhSIbxkKrq3VM_18nxK_-cPwzvQ2Eu2XsQA2oBlqfny2gte4zPLy9kegPiiBvpCpFUrFWXMCQRgaZhLWyf9kfpcWrod7RPu5wNwjYJVCKp51xf08lYBjiU/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AS3ivPg_sClcJxZGtG_PoJxhSIbxkKrq3VM_18nxK_-cPwzvQ2Eu2XsQA2oBlqfny2gte4zPLy9kegPiiBvpCpFUrFWXMCQRgaZhLWyf9kfpcWrod7RPu5wNwjYJVCKp51xf08lYBjiU/s400/IMG_1504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gray, dark, a little bit spooky, maybe even creepy. The fog always adds that little sprinkle of mystery to the overall landscape.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkleRV8RMMlba_YAuUdona3XHRsSUXe1VGMVLNAaOWzD9LEPyAzhyphenhyphencZTZeo3R4WxBQGiA8sLD6l9ATExunHDGwnnoxjJs9e0djgEuCf7y4hdsfha2tag2It0zHwpXqZmTiqFdbJ0YAm4pl/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkleRV8RMMlba_YAuUdona3XHRsSUXe1VGMVLNAaOWzD9LEPyAzhyphenhyphencZTZeo3R4WxBQGiA8sLD6l9ATExunHDGwnnoxjJs9e0djgEuCf7y4hdsfha2tag2It0zHwpXqZmTiqFdbJ0YAm4pl/s400/IMG_1505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Flash forward to today, and all is back to normal--whatever that is. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-UcMg8hfWqW_EeLxO02fvoGiRn1HVsUIKsyVToM96pnhk40ZKOA7Ds0dkuQWQssR_AWz87r5f8hv3P43S5MVaGVxcmuImMzdH4vxTFkNQu_lpfpwzxUd3EMrRAh3ioOs0_RGytwrCrmK/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-UcMg8hfWqW_EeLxO02fvoGiRn1HVsUIKsyVToM96pnhk40ZKOA7Ds0dkuQWQssR_AWz87r5f8hv3P43S5MVaGVxcmuImMzdH4vxTFkNQu_lpfpwzxUd3EMrRAh3ioOs0_RGytwrCrmK/s400/IMG_1506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mother Nature always reminds us that dark skies don't last forever. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT736vTeM8eDPzc_yowtBdp0HQRrvdeEeBYbcfxxSSro02IRYo5Jbt80VshTYEfMMaO322AZe9Jq3bqONMPsjTrEYQIeH73k58t1ld6onLTki_b8OiGwsTHcnPOVCqeKO2AbgQGyipqpUw/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT736vTeM8eDPzc_yowtBdp0HQRrvdeEeBYbcfxxSSro02IRYo5Jbt80VshTYEfMMaO322AZe9Jq3bqONMPsjTrEYQIeH73k58t1ld6onLTki_b8OiGwsTHcnPOVCqeKO2AbgQGyipqpUw/s400/IMG_1507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And no matter how gray things seem, nothing stays the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This too shall pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy week before Christmas!</span></div>
Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-21427026311609818802018-12-10T12:08:00.000-05:002018-12-10T12:08:36.459-05:00Moon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6siiCAhwXQ7Vnh6MlJ78l0GYVuaiuxWp42UPfKNuXIwTDMuWTqQnNjU-AaozK2d2Ky_gWKoe-EbBzhqG1FuHi9HrFRRG4ucI09S2GsmxLKEGUdcyjteYRlUfc9t382ARCxMxABxYE4nrL/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6siiCAhwXQ7Vnh6MlJ78l0GYVuaiuxWp42UPfKNuXIwTDMuWTqQnNjU-AaozK2d2Ky_gWKoe-EbBzhqG1FuHi9HrFRRG4ucI09S2GsmxLKEGUdcyjteYRlUfc9t382ARCxMxABxYE4nrL/s400/IMG_1494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were taken from my back deck around Thanksgiving. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi4yMEz2LC3_3QtIpdgUykXflRSH7M0gCebPb-iSozIKh3yF37twGHZ_IfuEdMTIkT5CWK0X9ENuy9e-nPpUPJPiBNCx9qFFvGWnDK3Diic8xB9usq4YJGg6Uv7GiJSr6S-28n6a_GQSn/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi4yMEz2LC3_3QtIpdgUykXflRSH7M0gCebPb-iSozIKh3yF37twGHZ_IfuEdMTIkT5CWK0X9ENuy9e-nPpUPJPiBNCx9qFFvGWnDK3Diic8xB9usq4YJGg6Uv7GiJSr6S-28n6a_GQSn/s400/IMG_1497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My son, who recently returned home from several months in Spain, was attempting to show me how to adjust the camera settings to take pictures at night. He takes amazingly good pictures and is pretty much self-taught like his mother.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bmpwOiQIbWtx6tgOuF7bKzig1DqYahwdmB18AF4SyFnCAV4Z2uxvz6Y3UeGVmMagdRfDtUV7dgJbn7EqP61-wD-n4A59Q-QDPIm4TYN78bcick6Dza3N5f3wH8-eGeC1SF-M0icfXUKa/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bmpwOiQIbWtx6tgOuF7bKzig1DqYahwdmB18AF4SyFnCAV4Z2uxvz6Y3UeGVmMagdRfDtUV7dgJbn7EqP61-wD-n4A59Q-QDPIm4TYN78bcick6Dza3N5f3wH8-eGeC1SF-M0icfXUKa/s400/IMG_1501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unlike his mother, however, he actually knows how to use settings other than Auto, something I've struggled with for years.<br />
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Once again, I've neglected this blog and haven't been out to take any pictures even though there have been many great photo opportunities, like the Mathews Christmas parade this past Saturday. And even though we had the first decent snowfall of the season yesterday. (Nothing stuck in my yard but it was nice watching it come down all day.)<br />
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I've been in a physical and mental funk, so to speak, and still haven't gotten back into the swing of things here on the blog. I suppose I can once again make it a resolution for 2019--along with exercising more, eating better, all the stuff I know I'm supposed to be doing. <br />
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On the plus side, my monster of a Christmas tree is up. It's over 20 years old and still fighting me <i>every step of the way,</i> but for the time being I claim victory in our ongoing feud. <br />
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Click <a href="http://lifeinmathews.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lifeinmathews.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-decorations.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lifeinmathews.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-2014.html" target="_blank">here</a> for pictures and stories from past Christmases.<br />
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I hope to get out and take some pictures soon.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-1863170565647831932018-10-26T09:40:00.001-04:002018-10-26T09:44:16.055-04:00The Heart Incident <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvJNBGvmxGObAZ-mXU520zhLKBkf8T5YtQmG5wy8t64RJ3UQ_WoZ8YN9POue74zeZUNGj02qxhHIkOB2y0gECRrZo3uEEqzyBgvunf0MN3TQ6znlpdIMe6d95PK2YkN580xm0HOfxqfNE/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvJNBGvmxGObAZ-mXU520zhLKBkf8T5YtQmG5wy8t64RJ3UQ_WoZ8YN9POue74zeZUNGj02qxhHIkOB2y0gECRrZo3uEEqzyBgvunf0MN3TQ6znlpdIMe6d95PK2YkN580xm0HOfxqfNE/s400/IMG_1480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: Those who don't want to read about CBW's Drama du Jour, please enjoy the unrelated photos.)</span></i></div>
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Once upon a time, exactly three years to the day from when Chesapeake Bay Woman took her<a href="http://lifeinmathews.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-accident.html" target="_blank"><b> very first helicopter ride to the hospital after a major car accident</b>,</a> and about a week after her mother was in the ER for a heart issue, she was carried out of the house on a stretcher for a whirlwind, siren-enhanced ambulance ride to <a href="https://www.riversideonline.com/rwrh/" target="_blank"><b>Riverside Walter Reed Hospital </b></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay9Ss9Hq7zlOowItMrs4SrVaA1To1dqMXhddfXb7BrPzIdaB9EdhQYyRfUh1_awutcli8aYp8Eygz3ocaYMcpwm3yms370V9HAA5Zen_vk5L-CON1esi9cVuMnAy39xZFCX9qH7MVM4sp/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay9Ss9Hq7zlOowItMrs4SrVaA1To1dqMXhddfXb7BrPzIdaB9EdhQYyRfUh1_awutcli8aYp8Eygz3ocaYMcpwm3yms370V9HAA5Zen_vk5L-CON1esi9cVuMnAy39xZFCX9qH7MVM4sp/s400/IMG_1482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had just finished up a six-mile walk around what I call the Wayland Church Loop, something I've run/jogged a <i>million</i> times before, but only a few times since completing chemo. I was feeling OK but a bit thirsty. Normally I carry room-temperature water in my vehicle, but this time I didn't. On the way home I stopped to get a cold Gatorade and took several chugs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG2sQn2lmFYU-3cMjOcOh9FL-2kKbwIFHNqvSpypRJQAp2Pe8CQZLBxk8X2-fgNd-ErJ09VFopIWFexnmZ2ZhIum57-YeX1g5SsccHDCWFIwOmSCq4ncx0gS-eMfg_DJ4_TIAQdujaz2M/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG2sQn2lmFYU-3cMjOcOh9FL-2kKbwIFHNqvSpypRJQAp2Pe8CQZLBxk8X2-fgNd-ErJ09VFopIWFexnmZ2ZhIum57-YeX1g5SsccHDCWFIwOmSCq4ncx0gS-eMfg_DJ4_TIAQdujaz2M/s400/IMG_1483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's when it all went haywire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdprAoBoTSwTlcOaYJZffLfUd6eMFZMwBKTNv_pOTH2GgsLHXgKXqiIfoIiVnFAKUjG_PnCCWM3MZN8hJe8BY2jch34Q6RIfcWM-sJiJ5UzRWemAuYQysB7cfafNm6OaGJRFZ2Fqj6A77-/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdprAoBoTSwTlcOaYJZffLfUd6eMFZMwBKTNv_pOTH2GgsLHXgKXqiIfoIiVnFAKUjG_PnCCWM3MZN8hJe8BY2jch34Q6RIfcWM-sJiJ5UzRWemAuYQysB7cfafNm6OaGJRFZ2Fqj6A77-/s400/IMG_1484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I was driving, I started to see spots and felt very nauseous. I was simultaneously sweating and cold and just felt awful. Although I contemplated driving myself to the rescue squad I went home and felt certain I just needed to lie down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmXbMeeDLOrK_cEzOP4HAjjPTs9UJBinymQJZrQ7ixvqQtxnmODAVXBU2_-uTbxj0T7L27RNxOGLZRVYa-iqoWKqkE9Nqq6lQxhn4Kd1Z1rzLfFFltDJ-56Pv2_UwL32S0W33s8FcQH0u/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmXbMeeDLOrK_cEzOP4HAjjPTs9UJBinymQJZrQ7ixvqQtxnmODAVXBU2_-uTbxj0T7L27RNxOGLZRVYa-iqoWKqkE9Nqq6lQxhn4Kd1Z1rzLfFFltDJ-56Pv2_UwL32S0W33s8FcQH0u/s400/IMG_1485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I crawled into bed I called Middle Sister, who suggested we needed to go to the ER. That sounded too extreme but while I was waiting for her to arrive, I vomited and quasi-blacked out. All of a sudden a trip to the ER sounded reasonable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuyepFp3y9gK60sNMp0jnVTnE76Z3wPh1zRZOsgdgNBu1DvweVJwqjSKUS8Jc1ky8UEtK2gsy2TIifuvhHbitZDttTqk57OS3fDeQnTYA0cqKYEkOrcH8dFTr46WNJOpMUeSqHgo_QXVS/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuyepFp3y9gK60sNMp0jnVTnE76Z3wPh1zRZOsgdgNBu1DvweVJwqjSKUS8Jc1ky8UEtK2gsy2TIifuvhHbitZDttTqk57OS3fDeQnTYA0cqKYEkOrcH8dFTr46WNJOpMUeSqHgo_QXVS/s400/IMG_1485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the interim, however, I couldn't lift my head off the bed, couldn't even fathom standing up and walking to get into her truck. So, she called the <a href="http://www.mathewsvrs.org/" target="_blank"><b>Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.</b></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-kyMcdluZOaCFhoSwe55IiL16jiCSmJ_YIQI3aYZ6QFktYMtDt-tv24KJ5yCwSt7RT6MnpwRepDvEOebcP_8LlQkk4i4JrwajqeVasj3tDK6ZfS8rQPgJmaES5kqV7ZY63GrWNQXSRJ2/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-kyMcdluZOaCFhoSwe55IiL16jiCSmJ_YIQI3aYZ6QFktYMtDt-tv24KJ5yCwSt7RT6MnpwRepDvEOebcP_8LlQkk4i4JrwajqeVasj3tDK6ZfS8rQPgJmaES5kqV7ZY63GrWNQXSRJ2/s400/IMG_1486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Words can't express how comforting it was to see that Emily Brown, who graduated with my son and who I've watched from the sidelines of various sports events for years upon years, was one of the paramedics. All three of the people I remember (there may have been more) could not have been more professional, more calming, more soothing and more reassuring during one of the most unexpectedly distressing times of my life.<br />
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When we arrived at the hospital, my resting heart rate was 187. After an IV of some magical concoction, the episode calmed down, but I was admitted for a couple of nights for observation and every test known to man. In the days afterwards my chest has been tight and also sore. The enzyme for heart attack had been elevated, but they don't think I actually had one. <i>(#Winning!)</i><br />
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In short, they're labeling it an a-fib episode and now I have a zillion follow-up appointments with various doctors, one of whom specializes in aneurysms--because I have one (ascending aortic). Most of the doctors don't feel that was in any way responsible, but I am here to tell you I think it has contributed. I also think the influx of cold liquid after exercising was a trigger. Six months of chemo, that included a known heart-debilitating drug, could not have helped. I've been unable to build up my endurance since chemo ended in March.<br />
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It's strange to me that this happened at all, much less three years to the day from my car accident.<br />
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I'm eternally grateful to Emily Brown, Chris Buchanan and anyone else associated with my ambulance ride. They were there during the worst part of the episode and made the experience as palatable as it possibly could be.<br />
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If you consider your life boring and uneventful, Chesapeake Bay Woman says <i>thank your lucky stars.</i> There is such a thing as too much excitement.<br />
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The End.Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-67193116407812339152018-10-08T20:45:00.001-04:002018-10-08T20:45:58.650-04:00Blue Heron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6ZLyUVjhzDTqu3_dHyFs4ejGbhOoK9x8XMWhXnuhqfj_NG0x9Nsr5pZml1jpc2Rag8URcvylVCMEUAJqCJtiyoswyAHuemQ-L7dxskFVyQV-hqzZDcHR7Xz4_HOrI3FqeDvYeNQV1_xm/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6ZLyUVjhzDTqu3_dHyFs4ejGbhOoK9x8XMWhXnuhqfj_NG0x9Nsr5pZml1jpc2Rag8URcvylVCMEUAJqCJtiyoswyAHuemQ-L7dxskFVyQV-hqzZDcHR7Xz4_HOrI3FqeDvYeNQV1_xm/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today since I didn't have to drive to work, I decided to visit Bethel Beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaagBmEsTF_MpRxZqwGK3bTiSbumqHAuySM5iOs3YAWWVfIWtri-eicuVza480jqbRO4cxviJxG2fGC__YTyN8uTOx8-BuCaLGpyao9oyRtjA0u0XOvb5a4MwZXLheRM1XtAJGYc5jaKb2/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaagBmEsTF_MpRxZqwGK3bTiSbumqHAuySM5iOs3YAWWVfIWtri-eicuVza480jqbRO4cxviJxG2fGC__YTyN8uTOx8-BuCaLGpyao9oyRtjA0u0XOvb5a4MwZXLheRM1XtAJGYc5jaKb2/s400/IMG_1461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I parked my car and jog-walked three and a half miles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacL9L6UDoH5ry_PSKRy0IfU1aj_hHSIfHZVN008rO5jdnnJz6lcd8GLEEJrYCEDcmxm9VxTKAeHqCod75BD9YXJef6ycd29o-dyxnasoQzTfBF6W5yXZ6jilX5kkLGFAIJlcV47iidNUF/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacL9L6UDoH5ry_PSKRy0IfU1aj_hHSIfHZVN008rO5jdnnJz6lcd8GLEEJrYCEDcmxm9VxTKAeHqCod75BD9YXJef6ycd29o-dyxnasoQzTfBF6W5yXZ6jilX5kkLGFAIJlcV47iidNUF/s400/IMG_1462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On my way back to the car, I spotted this fellow. </div>
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<i>(Or gal, I don't know which and have no idea how to tell.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibORUi2Ay2Zsiie97ybsCLEXkjFQPjkYTbQ3paoyqwDyLSYiXiHH7pd1-LnuxysbfSSfh3sDXOGy-SL_0aZYy5bT_lM2EZ-zAP4f7w12tcZqMIdnHq51obDRyxwrrH-eYAf9pbxoP2QEpp/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibORUi2Ay2Zsiie97ybsCLEXkjFQPjkYTbQ3paoyqwDyLSYiXiHH7pd1-LnuxysbfSSfh3sDXOGy-SL_0aZYy5bT_lM2EZ-zAP4f7w12tcZqMIdnHq51obDRyxwrrH-eYAf9pbxoP2QEpp/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Luckily, I had my camera in the car, and he was still hanging around when I drove back out.<br />
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The past few weekends have been very busy. Middle Sister and I went to the <a href="http://gloucesterwinefestival.com/" target="_blank">Gloucester Wine Festival</a> a few weekends back. Last weekend, I drove to Dewey Beach, Delaware, to visit my two college friends. (On the way home Chesapeake Bay Woman was trapped for five and a half hours on the <a href="http://www.cbbt.com/" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel-</a>-on a bridge in between the two tunnels--due to an accident. <i>I could write a novel on that experience alone.) </i><b>Anyway</b>, this past weekend, Baby Sis and I drove to Louisa, Virginia, to see the band<a href="http://www.ambrosialive.net/the-band" target="_blank"> Ambrosia </a>play at a gala for the <a href="http://louisaarts.org/" target="_blank">Louisa Arts Center.</a> This weekend I'll be headed over that Bay Bridge Tunnel yet again to visit Ocean City, MD, with a friend.<br />
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In between, I'm making that <strike>soul-sucking</strike> long commute to work each day, trying to figure out how I can stay at home and make enough money to make ends meet. Alas, I have six years and three months--but who's counting besides me--before I'm eligible to retire.<br />
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In any case, I've been trying to enjoy life in the free time that I do have. <br />
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Today's trip to Bethel Beach and the brief photo op with this blue heron were just what I needed.<br />
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Have a great week.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-51441736944451555762018-09-24T20:16:00.003-04:002018-09-24T20:16:44.604-04:00Mathews Market Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qaJFQHSPG3H32YPVHqMGT570r4mqvWOmIXSKLIPbdnnN0_EPO8FmloDety0V4dl6IRjbg4QfCuOiRtMpeN4dPTNDShhqXRVfC_Pe7oanpAfgnb3abOO2-lZSeoxIc8h1Y8q1o86nJxyl/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qaJFQHSPG3H32YPVHqMGT570r4mqvWOmIXSKLIPbdnnN0_EPO8FmloDety0V4dl6IRjbg4QfCuOiRtMpeN4dPTNDShhqXRVfC_Pe7oanpAfgnb3abOO2-lZSeoxIc8h1Y8q1o86nJxyl/s400/IMG_1429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mathews Market Days has been a big deal around here </div>
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<strike>since I was knee-high to a grasshopper</strike> for many years now. </div>
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It's an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to get out </div>
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and actually experience "downtown" Mathews.</div>
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This year it was hotter than <strike>HELL</strike> blue blazes.</div>
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Emphasis on <i>blue</i> and <i>blazes.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NfPiGlredsz7K190Xc5siBeMTdWAjJqLWq25aQBNUXhAmjUyovQy7qggekpoYSnFxtDs5pu5Y30cJLZOYUq3FFkKE0dgKtEwwEVedK76hXIFBDxBBloLNrtLIVF92zgzB8EAxUeYjtXB/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NfPiGlredsz7K190Xc5siBeMTdWAjJqLWq25aQBNUXhAmjUyovQy7qggekpoYSnFxtDs5pu5Y30cJLZOYUq3FFkKE0dgKtEwwEVedK76hXIFBDxBBloLNrtLIVF92zgzB8EAxUeYjtXB/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Kona Ice truck definitely caught my attention.</div>
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Regardless of the <strike>sweltering</strike> heat, </div>
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Middle Sister and I managed to hit all the high spots </div>
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and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.</div>
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The End.</div>
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In spite of my best efforts, I've not been tending to this blog, and lots has happened that's report-worthy. No matter what it looks like, this blog isn't yet dead, and I intend to get back here more regularly. </div>
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-CBW</div>
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-5887788261660082382018-08-20T16:52:00.000-04:002018-08-20T16:52:49.406-04:00Sunrise<br />
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Since returning to work in early June, I've <strike>not been able to sleep until ten like I want</strike> been getting up around 5:45 a.m. each day. 5:45 in the summer time is not <i>nearly</i> as bad as 5:45 in the winter, when it's dark and depressing and Mother Nature is giving a <i>very</i> clear sign that we're supposed to be asleep, because: DARK. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey9llEDRWY1NIIKESTW4zE6v4eNY_c8oWeQRhSfw9wj6gnrKxsbNwCFtwM9M6l_SU6DDfTN_flc4kCuFe0nvP0US-gLtT4eU0BO9KvP_jhIIJb_Ni0iT3c9EY5aSr4txrCkQv4mCylZCJ/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey9llEDRWY1NIIKESTW4zE6v4eNY_c8oWeQRhSfw9wj6gnrKxsbNwCFtwM9M6l_SU6DDfTN_flc4kCuFe0nvP0US-gLtT4eU0BO9KvP_jhIIJb_Ni0iT3c9EY5aSr4txrCkQv4mCylZCJ/s640/IMG_1419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It doesn't seem so harsh, 5:45 that is, when I can glance out the back door and see the sun and her stunning colors letting everyone know it's officially daylight.<br />
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Although <strike>I'd still like to sleep until about ten</strike> I'd usually prefer to stay in bed a bit longer, there's just something a <i>little bit </i>energizing and rewarding about having the sun to greet you first thing.<br />
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I hope your week is full of sunshine.</div>
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-46153476431151514502018-08-06T20:08:00.000-04:002018-08-06T20:08:30.014-04:00Habits <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh4OBMiZiB37HG0H4oZTBco6YSWuAnGV_xtLN-Vu-PaDZuxdQJI2td8sXCF70XjAG0OXjqrYGzmNwK06SlC4YW4EjMyMtwQAXAVbxzP6i5hX8pSYxX6gOJYYXVM_kE0Juk9MkXsbtIh9I/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh4OBMiZiB37HG0H4oZTBco6YSWuAnGV_xtLN-Vu-PaDZuxdQJI2td8sXCF70XjAG0OXjqrYGzmNwK06SlC4YW4EjMyMtwQAXAVbxzP6i5hX8pSYxX6gOJYYXVM_kE0Juk9MkXsbtIh9I/s400/IMG_1202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today for the first time in a very long time, I went for a jog.</div>
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And I sat down to this blog.</div>
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Last year was one of chaos for me. </div>
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Last summer, my father went in for a routine surgery that turned into something he's <i>still </i>dealing with today, namely a nightmare. My sisters, my mother and I lived at the various hospitals and nursing homes he meandered into and out of. We didn't know if he'd make it.</div>
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Then, in the midst of all this, I came down with what I came down with, namely cancer--but the "best" kind. </div>
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Other major life changes happened last year, but I tell you all that to say this: <b> I neglected jogging and blogging for a long time.</b> Way too long.</div>
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I confess that I hate jogging, but by forcing myself to do it--however minimally--each week I could eat and drink whatever I wanted, seemingly, and everything balanced out. <i>(Where everything equals the scales, my health, how I felt, etc.)</i><br />
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Back when I blogged regularly, my children were still in school, and each evening the way I unwound was to sit at my desk and spew forth whatever happened to be on my mind. It was my mental exercise.<br />
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The past year's events wreaked havoc on my jogging and my blogging, two things I used to force myself to do whether I felt like it or not.<br />
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Since returning to work from coping with Hodgkins lymphoma, I now have Mondays off. Today for the first time since <strike>1982</strike> 2017, I walked--WALKED--six miles. I used to <b>jog </b>six miles several times a week back before these major life events happened.<br />
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I'm out of shape physically and <strike>mentally</strike> bloggily (just invented the word), but I shall make jogging and blogging regular habits again.<br />
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Happy August.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-41274264784420490142018-06-16T09:28:00.000-04:002018-06-16T09:28:00.642-04:00Still Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt4L2EnmKUikRON56k0ErpNqs1dTMVk4rovrMkWqJT2IrociWEgTf6FeIl2uFo7nx1FVkVT7Xa6vhoL0M_QzjM922jR3Nv0oJpntySsPjNDWu2hmRHDeK8hpgWqyCZqfBKdRURxbvrQbA/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt4L2EnmKUikRON56k0ErpNqs1dTMVk4rovrMkWqJT2IrociWEgTf6FeIl2uFo7nx1FVkVT7Xa6vhoL0M_QzjM922jR3Nv0oJpntySsPjNDWu2hmRHDeK8hpgWqyCZqfBKdRURxbvrQbA/s400/IMG_1195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In spite of all outward appearances, this blog <strike>has been picked clean by turkey buzzards who circled over its dead carcass for months.</strike> is not yet dead--nor am I! (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=barWV7RWkq0" target="_blank">Click for sound of applause</a>.)<br />
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After many months of <strike>wearing a bath robe all day</strike> resting and focusing on getting better, I finally am.<br />
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As of this moment in time, my scans have all come back clear of Hodgkins lymphoma, and if all goes well/clear for the next two years, I am pretty much good to go--at least on the lymphoma front. One of the unintentional benefits of doing so many scans is you discover things you didn't know you had, such as an ascending aortic aneurysm. For now, nobody seems to be concerned about that, so I'm pretending like I don't need to be either. <i>I've definitely sharpened my denial skills in the past year, that's for sure.</i><br />
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In addition, I gained weight and lost hair, sadly. But I can work on losing the weight and finding the hair. <i>Actually, it doesn't sound very good to find hair, so let's say that the hair will grow back instead. There. Better.</i><br />
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Although I've been away from this blog for a while, lots has happened. For example:<br />
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<li>In the spring of this year, this <strike>dead</strike> blog turned ten years old!</li>
<li>My son graduated from UVA and is now living in Costa Rica working for Global Leadership Adventures as a camp counselor of sorts. </li>
<li>My second child completed the second year of architecture school at UVA with good grades.</li>
<li>My father, although weak, is back to cutting grass and chopping wood and conducting perimeter checks of Waverly Lane on his golf cart. All good.</li>
<li>My mother, not without some health scares of her own, has had good test results lately.</li>
<li>I am back to work four days a week but squeezed in an End of Chemo Celebration Trip to Moab, Utah, with my blog friend Lauren. We went on a jet boat tour of the Colorado River, went on a slickrock jeep tour, ziplined, and toured Arches National Park as well as Dead Horse State Park. I highly recommend a trip to Moab for an unforgettable experience.</li>
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My intention is to return to blogging somewhat regularly, but it all hinges on my home internet working properly. My internet is free of charge thanks to a deal my parents worked out with a local provider who put a tower behind their barn. It's been spotty service at best here lately. But assuming I have time to take pictures and my internet is up and running I hope to get back into a routine of some sort here on this crusty old blog. </div>
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In the meantime, thank you for reading.</div>
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-41889631565824814512018-02-04T13:21:00.000-05:002018-02-04T13:21:43.761-05:00Checking In <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusgNCpA8UkvcMAXX33EqIm0Kteud3_hX0qhsendanLj7jwz3UWYDjuKVJt5SQK2uvttcJQuiCNm79DRVde0MZxZrx9QHt-hOBdbKpXOrCWXyd8AhD0CkdsjLBI3VBHPluDlc85zXzsfvi/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusgNCpA8UkvcMAXX33EqIm0Kteud3_hX0qhsendanLj7jwz3UWYDjuKVJt5SQK2uvttcJQuiCNm79DRVde0MZxZrx9QHt-hOBdbKpXOrCWXyd8AhD0CkdsjLBI3VBHPluDlc85zXzsfvi/s400/IMG_0915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These first three pictures of farm-raised oysters were taken around Thanksgiving, which coincidentally is about the last time I've posted to this blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdGHzJa4OxpVohpnjl2pe_raDjtOMb9asIIbZL-oUOJ6YvBvSw-7h6c_ETjAjAXLHVD4n69juMm9zB32yLcXDH0JeMtb-pVe1gNhllFpLr0zj5DeuFcvRLvlyeuZkKJR0qqVXETfaqgct/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdGHzJa4OxpVohpnjl2pe_raDjtOMb9asIIbZL-oUOJ6YvBvSw-7h6c_ETjAjAXLHVD4n69juMm9zB32yLcXDH0JeMtb-pVe1gNhllFpLr0zj5DeuFcvRLvlyeuZkKJR0qqVXETfaqgct/s400/IMG_0920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been focusing on getting better and surviving chemo treatments. So far, I've completed eight of the twelve which are necessary. My interim PET scan, which shows the size and locations of the various tumors present thanks to my Hodgkins lymphoma, came back clear after treatment number four, which is great news. (I still have to complete the full twelve rounds of chemo though.)<br />
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In the mean time, I've taken off work, because between the commute and the <strike>brutality</strike> stress and length of the workday, I was just too exhausted and couldn't handle trying to get better and maintaining my normal routine. So I am officially on leave until I feel better enough to return, and I'm very grateful for that.<br />
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Otherwise, I've just been taking life one day at a time.<br />
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We had a few snow episodes in January and endured some pretty brutal temperatures.</div>
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The other day, some swans came up the creek and into my cove. I can't recall ever seeing swans in the creek or the cove, so it was a special treat.<br />
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They're much bigger than you think. </div>
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These few unrelated pictures are all I've snapped in the past several months, mostly because it's been so brutally cold and I've been so brutally tired I've just not mustered the energy to go out and snap. <br />
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Hopefully that will change.<br />
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I hope all is well in your world. Happy Belated New Year & 2018.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-15360473319850356052017-11-26T11:58:00.000-05:002017-11-26T11:58:34.403-05:00The Glebe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokj4YG45teK17p9IyH11wE4lk7FrpSILB_w8juGA8PWyEErqTjRyIpSqK5bW9lMLZICp3-t5SEZW6LEhaCcecniVcgBfHfilkdU-G8PO4Lg2XAqAKrnKjm58Fq0nfb6gc_q3Q5Mu3rkge/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokj4YG45teK17p9IyH11wE4lk7FrpSILB_w8juGA8PWyEErqTjRyIpSqK5bW9lMLZICp3-t5SEZW6LEhaCcecniVcgBfHfilkdU-G8PO4Lg2XAqAKrnKjm58Fq0nfb6gc_q3Q5Mu3rkge/s400/IMG_0887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other day on a whim, I took a much-overdue drive down the Glebe.</div>
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I rarely go down the Glebe, really, because I don't have any particular reason to. But when I do, I always stop to take pictures of this soybean field and the little barn in the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY3VAjfqDpmA9nVgXi1Rn863ZNAfzIgVyJmVt7nVvpfNFs6b2K_zZDKfiBRqf2uZc2mz_xb7d0wTwJjhKgmJgGrVbxJ3H0FIS1nqeX0zB5jZeMwrf-d8whUB7DNwfa-IxDxHAVPK63iH0/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY3VAjfqDpmA9nVgXi1Rn863ZNAfzIgVyJmVt7nVvpfNFs6b2K_zZDKfiBRqf2uZc2mz_xb7d0wTwJjhKgmJgGrVbxJ3H0FIS1nqeX0zB5jZeMwrf-d8whUB7DNwfa-IxDxHAVPK63iH0/s400/IMG_0889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, we all survived Thanksgiving. My father is home and recovering nicely from all his health woes, although last week he was readmitted for a fever. Thankfully they were able to control the situation, and he could return home in time for a fabulous Thanksgiving feast.<br />
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I completed my third chemo treatment last Wednesday, which means I have nine more to go. So far, I continue to feel OK relatively speaking. My hair has started to fall out, but thankfully I have so much of it, there's plenty to go around. It's possible, although I'm not clinging to the notion, that I won't lose it all. But if I do, I do. <br />
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Aside from surviving, I've been trying to work when I can, although the commute and the stress of my job make for long days. It's shocking to realize the Christmas season is upon us once again, speaking of stress...I don't have the energy to battle with my huge artificial tree, so I am going to have to do something different this year. What that is, I've not yet figured out. But it's going to involve a smaller, easier tree. <i>(Is there such a thing as an easy Christmas tree?)</i><br />
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Anyway, that's about it from my neck of the woods. I hope all is well with you.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-58137701528682515532017-11-13T15:49:00.001-05:002017-11-13T15:49:03.139-05:00Iris and Lenja<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoK8DAiQ-V5cjMP2FRLeudrQj_2ae71iJwvNtjrsXGdmnua-x3mgQh1QAaEJOIL1ctiPKexVoS7qW5feqdu21zlAv307y4KNwJIGFl4KuajBMkjgl3cO10n3rUDmUljC0CvOjpBoHNHFp/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoK8DAiQ-V5cjMP2FRLeudrQj_2ae71iJwvNtjrsXGdmnua-x3mgQh1QAaEJOIL1ctiPKexVoS7qW5feqdu21zlAv307y4KNwJIGFl4KuajBMkjgl3cO10n3rUDmUljC0CvOjpBoHNHFp/s400/IMG_0860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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About a week ago, my college friends Iris and Lenja came to Mathews for a visit.</div>
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We met at UVA in August 1982, which astonishingly means we've been friends for over 35 years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0-C5ymu-fhiAyDRzbZAVS07eJfehYaKoYReuvsEZFx_rQriep9u4X8l1Wt45WdDxUIVV8oUKoN9GPsipo8Uc5q_5jZSWIL6V__efQTlN5EMi12ED97kie7uHxkeucogV3jmiYWU5yJnU/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0-C5ymu-fhiAyDRzbZAVS07eJfehYaKoYReuvsEZFx_rQriep9u4X8l1Wt45WdDxUIVV8oUKoN9GPsipo8Uc5q_5jZSWIL6V__efQTlN5EMi12ED97kie7uHxkeucogV3jmiYWU5yJnU/s400/IMG_0864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(Thirty five years? How is that even possible?)</i></div>
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Lenja (pronounced Len'-ya, rhymes with Kenya) lives in Cambridge, England, </div>
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and Iris lives in McLean, Virginia.</div>
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During their visit we went to Bethel Beach and later had lunch in the Court House at Southwind.</div>
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It was warm enough to sit outside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOXgjfTlZN5o2OoV_0RnCIipElR788bBkJEuK6tXMfRUSjaNazU8ljpeKS8Im2ZPJ_1BiCtPTL3nu1kaRatCQ0NDnSwm0mCDG3vjcjU1ROe3C41X3nBL8ZZVeMtysiVPJxjLzCgbH8FS7/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOXgjfTlZN5o2OoV_0RnCIipElR788bBkJEuK6tXMfRUSjaNazU8ljpeKS8Im2ZPJ_1BiCtPTL3nu1kaRatCQ0NDnSwm0mCDG3vjcjU1ROe3C41X3nBL8ZZVeMtysiVPJxjLzCgbH8FS7/s400/IMG_0865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a wonderful visit. We're already planning our next reunion, which may include a hiking trip through Portugal--once I'm done with my chemotherapy treatments next year.<br />
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Speaking of chemo, it's going reasonably well. I've had two treatments thus far (one every two weeks) representing one complete cycle. I'll need five more cycles, meaning I should be done in April. Aside from some exhaustion, I really can't complain at all. My white blood cell counts are very low, though, which just means I am more prone to infections and have to take precautions. I'm supposed to steer clear of crowds and sick people and wash my hands frequently. <br />
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Staying away from crowds is thankfully not a problem here in Mathews. <br />
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Not a problem at all.<br />
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I hope all is well in your world.Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-74844834810634928852017-10-22T18:47:00.000-04:002017-10-22T18:47:44.676-04:00Then and Now<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxjP7adTT8RTyh68BqnIxhgRwQEP5gCtMLzgIb6wQYorrXnBQmQ2Kwrrxw0u6yVoZztmEEX7xQhaTbjKVgwOkXg05h1ijTSC2ZZHyrGLM4XJPpT2WmaRPh_LxW63OQ0BhU0HecOF-IhSa/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxjP7adTT8RTyh68BqnIxhgRwQEP5gCtMLzgIb6wQYorrXnBQmQ2Kwrrxw0u6yVoZztmEEX7xQhaTbjKVgwOkXg05h1ijTSC2ZZHyrGLM4XJPpT2WmaRPh_LxW63OQ0BhU0HecOF-IhSa/s400/IMG_3400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were taken five years ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrygK0okQkQ9JzI9FA7hGGW93mCBK294diU6Zh0iZSHxKBUGykVcC6x7ABuXnvBJJpB4p9ugQ3RcbitpHhPm392MhW0pzTSwdBepPXADr61IUFbMQ0UhVGgZLvxPuxtTdS3IfDS3NfucIR/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrygK0okQkQ9JzI9FA7hGGW93mCBK294diU6Zh0iZSHxKBUGykVcC6x7ABuXnvBJJpB4p9ugQ3RcbitpHhPm392MhW0pzTSwdBepPXADr61IUFbMQ0UhVGgZLvxPuxtTdS3IfDS3NfucIR/s400/IMG_3402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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October 2012. </div>
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Three years before <a href="http://lifeinmathews.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-accident.html" target="_blank"><b>my car accident.</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3lm2BFTMfmgFBCwh_MMPfspgiIYhnk0OeYBqFBCw6M5kiCS-7ekDZRYGcNI_Cg2W5jJ5z85vojDSDUK88ly5__0Pn_HiWC0YwYgaougU7ExYHPeLHWxdlFg_U_FBHQ2Gf0UNwGDBtGTo/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3lm2BFTMfmgFBCwh_MMPfspgiIYhnk0OeYBqFBCw6M5kiCS-7ekDZRYGcNI_Cg2W5jJ5z85vojDSDUK88ly5__0Pn_HiWC0YwYgaougU7ExYHPeLHWxdlFg_U_FBHQ2Gf0UNwGDBtGTo/s400/IMG_3403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And five years before being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease.</div>
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I know I didn't have cancer two years ago because courtesy of my car accident--which included my very first helicopter ride-- I learned then that I only had some broken ribs and a punctured lung. They did every test known to man to be sure they knew what they were dealing with. </div>
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But my PET scan this week revealed I have cancerous lymph nodes in my neck and near my lungs, spleen, liver and pancreas. So between October 2015 and now some stuff was going on. Where stuff equals Life Stress and obviously something else that triggered cancerous growth.</div>
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This week I start chemotherapy, which I confess I am dreading. It will last six months. The particular chemo cocktail for Hodgkins is ABVD. Google it. Or don't. Halloween is just around the corner, there is no reason to seek out additional things to be afraid of.</div>
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I'm relishing these last few days of being CBW before chemo. Also, my father is home from the hospital and was tinkering around the barn today. That in and of itself is a miracle.</div>
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Life is good. </div>
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If not great.</div>
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-84521887814735129892017-10-11T17:15:00.000-04:002017-10-11T17:15:24.421-04:00Bethel Beach<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rnh0aP95Is96DoNTqxKNFoA4Cx2T1K3G7Kf3uVRRQw_JMwCH1HR34B6Vkf58MlS737N5BTpkqmPs-aSB_vDTiz1smaxXR1hyphenhypheneY6M1bJq9o8KRJ8DKDzx0kChRqTvXDgIDT5bztlroNnV/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rnh0aP95Is96DoNTqxKNFoA4Cx2T1K3G7Kf3uVRRQw_JMwCH1HR34B6Vkf58MlS737N5BTpkqmPs-aSB_vDTiz1smaxXR1hyphenhypheneY6M1bJq9o8KRJ8DKDzx0kChRqTvXDgIDT5bztlroNnV/s400/IMG_0565.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were taken on a day in September right before I had the surgery to remove the lymph node that would come back positive for Hodgkins lymphoma.<br />
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We were (and still are) in the throes of my father's illness, and I had taken off work to have one day to myself, where I told myself it was OK if I didn't drive to see my father, and it was OK to have a minute to myself before my own surgery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK19IUwluEuXZJzlL8ioxyhjHdIY-q3bq3b_Y9DEw7uG7-q1UtKQHmD-x-k5PRjAS7J_z4J_zLyGfif5g562rnPfzxmAgxnmVC4p6L0xxrkIRePtgB0r_H02QVYmb67FvPlEbRGXnqUli4/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK19IUwluEuXZJzlL8ioxyhjHdIY-q3bq3b_Y9DEw7uG7-q1UtKQHmD-x-k5PRjAS7J_z4J_zLyGfif5g562rnPfzxmAgxnmVC4p6L0xxrkIRePtgB0r_H02QVYmb67FvPlEbRGXnqUli4/s400/IMG_0572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Doesn't this wooden piece look like a mini heron? No? That's what I saw.</i></td></tr>
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Back then, it was minute by minute, day by day, on my father's situation. To a lesser extent, it still is, but he's doing much better as of this writing. He's in a rehab facility in neighboring Gloucester, expected to <i>cross-your-fingers </i>return home Monday. But when I took this precious time to get away from everything, I knew at any moment the phone could ring or ding with a text announcing something was not right.<br />
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I toted a beach chair and my camera and breathed in the warm salt air as I walked down the beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvR4h-8MeeOgyj2u-1hZwJH7woliLH5GlB_rzDsu8NY7RyR1W4XdlXXHZdDgOm4CWESUSTS8IfoyCpRMjEqnvRoDzDFoEbSl-fPLSCHU3GMnAOmd4786ZfEv1L9zPsuFqC2K02rEuUxVE/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvR4h-8MeeOgyj2u-1hZwJH7woliLH5GlB_rzDsu8NY7RyR1W4XdlXXHZdDgOm4CWESUSTS8IfoyCpRMjEqnvRoDzDFoEbSl-fPLSCHU3GMnAOmd4786ZfEv1L9zPsuFqC2K02rEuUxVE/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With every step of my bare feet in the sand, the exhaustion and stress just fell off. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadZ10cuOxhYZJwSjaiBW_WbQ-z5MI431U6zF0nVENUnneBr21AzMEnXhsLYpKj0P7hbwkQD0-FKLuQ1QClsg-jZQ-zoAqM6d10EMvlnrYJ3Jk_bjySrga_om2Wr5DVNWZBBVQlbzHeUDc/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadZ10cuOxhYZJwSjaiBW_WbQ-z5MI431U6zF0nVENUnneBr21AzMEnXhsLYpKj0P7hbwkQD0-FKLuQ1QClsg-jZQ-zoAqM6d10EMvlnrYJ3Jk_bjySrga_om2Wr5DVNWZBBVQlbzHeUDc/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With every exhale I felt better, even if I knew reality didn't match up with this little escape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV1NGofUqVTHjkLoVDgBnQhHfGjhszcS7Y4LnLwbbAJAursQYzkcxtKqtZFa1xdYsQ4H7W6IJ2V9jcDIY0JIpm-aUupmTOCxMgPEI0AAPN3XZVAb-lWLbF6j6vGeFX-uhsJI0TMBBTk61/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV1NGofUqVTHjkLoVDgBnQhHfGjhszcS7Y4LnLwbbAJAursQYzkcxtKqtZFa1xdYsQ4H7W6IJ2V9jcDIY0JIpm-aUupmTOCxMgPEI0AAPN3XZVAb-lWLbF6j6vGeFX-uhsJI0TMBBTk61/s400/IMG_0589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember seeing someone in the "parking lot" and I asked, "Is it crowded today?"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY5oPT98NoSIkw4sqsHeriamrIXmwIlQrWhKCZ41klUv7W-9ld7Jg9LKSMwB1yDaiN7XFXoeCZAh2RylzoeIfKwUNxp4OmPqXEpgtf7oVeIR9VgmsIRWwIuxNFQxGx_lHc0-b_cUzAFRj/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY5oPT98NoSIkw4sqsHeriamrIXmwIlQrWhKCZ41klUv7W-9ld7Jg9LKSMwB1yDaiN7XFXoeCZAh2RylzoeIfKwUNxp4OmPqXEpgtf7oVeIR9VgmsIRWwIuxNFQxGx_lHc0-b_cUzAFRj/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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They laughed for a second and then wondered if I were serious. "No, it never gets crowded here."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJDqBF50n9Gws3FOQs8mU9EGIij7DFSZwkLnM_zkg4qXaFzADXCXkoaKvccFhyphenhyphenHMeeGdOQYc1zUJk9FPvII2BUOJVVKEfy4XBpdDbZQQpNKK47RzD9SbxoIMGfWxT2SO0L8xTSXnpmwXk/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJDqBF50n9Gws3FOQs8mU9EGIij7DFSZwkLnM_zkg4qXaFzADXCXkoaKvccFhyphenhyphenHMeeGdOQYc1zUJk9FPvII2BUOJVVKEfy4XBpdDbZQQpNKK47RzD9SbxoIMGfWxT2SO0L8xTSXnpmwXk/s400/IMG_0599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"I know," I said.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPa6mxbXqjkobSb5Xb-8IcDaaCD19TuRg0WdBaibsxqumaI2lFCCE0yxNN_6Kp0Sjl25DfwVFjR_zj58KsQmbW1raMG8XXYIV2i9Ro7LhM4MHBZGyyL3XZR9HVbeedN6DLCISZfK9yIJiF/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPa6mxbXqjkobSb5Xb-8IcDaaCD19TuRg0WdBaibsxqumaI2lFCCE0yxNN_6Kp0Sjl25DfwVFjR_zj58KsQmbW1raMG8XXYIV2i9Ro7LhM4MHBZGyyL3XZR9HVbeedN6DLCISZfK9yIJiF/s400/IMG_0608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I plopped down in my chair for about thirty precious minutes before I received a text that I was needed at home. A piece of equipment that my father needed for his wounds was in the back of my car, and I needed to report back quickly. (He was using the hospital-issued one but was being discharged so needed the rented one we had. Where one= wound vac.)<br />
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This short-lived respite from all that stress was very much welcomed.<br />
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Later I learned about my own situation: Hodgkins lymphoma. If one had to pick a cancer to have, this one is a good one in that it's highly treatable and in most cases curable. However, no matter what, I have to go through chemo.<br />
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So far, I've had a MUGA scan. I call it a "Make U Great Again" scan, but it's really a test where they inject you with nuclear stuff to take pictures of your heart to see if there are any abnormalities which would complicate the burden of chemotherapy, since the drugs I'll be taking are harsh on everything, including the heart. I passed the MUGA scan with flying colors. Thank you, long distance running.<br />
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I also had a pulmonary test, where they make sure your lungs are OK. Check.<br />
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Next up, I had surgery to implant a port, which goes just beneath the surface of the skin, into which all the <strike>BAD</strike> <strike>TOXIC </strike> drugs will go to attack the cancer. It saves my poor arm vessels from multiple sticks. The port surgery was actually easier than the lymph node removal. <br />
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Tomorrow I visit a second oncologist just for a frame of reference. Tuesday, I have a PET scan, where I'm injected with more nuclear stuff to determine how far the cancer may have spread. Thursday I have another visit with my oncologist to talk about next steps, which may include a bone marrow biopsy but will definitely include the chemo schedule.<br />
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Right now I am just taking each day as it comes and each thing as it hits me. I'm having to rethink things, such as the ability to do as much as I've been doing. For example, after all these years I finally realize it's time to Surrender Dorothy on the house. I couldn't keep it clean even when I was well. No way am I going to clean anything when I'm not feeling great.<br />
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And by the way, I do feel great. If not for all the stress of these past many months, I'd never know anything was wrong. <br />
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This blog was never intended to be a cancer blog--although I did create it and maintain it all these years to escape the stress I was going through but never talked about.<br />
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I think Mathews is the perfect antedote to stress, and I intend to keep taking pictures and blogging when I can. But I may also break my own rule and occasionally talk about the stress I'm going through, including this fight I'm up against.<br />
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I'll win, I don't have any doubt. <br />
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Love,<br />
CBW<br />
<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-41479280037679152982017-09-20T11:22:00.002-04:002017-09-21T20:25:46.141-04:00Perched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oFpG1U0UbJk7JQnzw69c6uMBz71P-gVdoQTXBHfEnM37Q4m8W8oiJaq3z9Ut7gpANy3LJqdHi1893OvGe3Vh5QbOdN69o0u5_b3GsGdjOZKvSnzmqUPSdSRUVgDbGf4fcsTFBCVcBHZ7/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oFpG1U0UbJk7JQnzw69c6uMBz71P-gVdoQTXBHfEnM37Q4m8W8oiJaq3z9Ut7gpANy3LJqdHi1893OvGe3Vh5QbOdN69o0u5_b3GsGdjOZKvSnzmqUPSdSRUVgDbGf4fcsTFBCVcBHZ7/s400/IMG_0514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were taken back in July, before my life became one family emergency after another.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuigHZeXjN7KP4VoFpD9K3LYVdd5q7Kn1lBkvqgFSLHk3UBm45dl1CqQlYjvlCF1rIJNCU2KK1KtUC5-SX3k3h76gFRNGA_6lzzc6hZk7adFcOryzo10jPHJBweJnh951JGPdDRx23XH7R/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuigHZeXjN7KP4VoFpD9K3LYVdd5q7Kn1lBkvqgFSLHk3UBm45dl1CqQlYjvlCF1rIJNCU2KK1KtUC5-SX3k3h76gFRNGA_6lzzc6hZk7adFcOryzo10jPHJBweJnh951JGPdDRx23XH7R/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A long story short, my father has been in and out of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities every day (except two or three) since July 24, when I drove him for what we thought would be a rather routine surgery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Znve2XpuYAg7vBlNYJwfZlslQzGe8c2kXS8bl6XieBWb9sWQKyYL52-YzMj3XONZNwiJjmN42sUpsw36cQx4R_gDUIrpcP8ZOdxHP-_vlm3cmNdc-4Ahz27-RSg6DmJg-fmq9HhZPrYr/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Znve2XpuYAg7vBlNYJwfZlslQzGe8c2kXS8bl6XieBWb9sWQKyYL52-YzMj3XONZNwiJjmN42sUpsw36cQx4R_gDUIrpcP8ZOdxHP-_vlm3cmNdc-4Ahz27-RSg6DmJg-fmq9HhZPrYr/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the middle there somewhere, he did come home for a few days. But that relief --that he was finally well enough to be home--was short lived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0HVJroj4AOHmBBBct7ZzqChgJ_dMs5jl5XOskZp_7mizuWmkCN2JvPGGlgYvRwbobUlOC1SYOgPQdJHVSxXoefbUaBvvf5PKG-8X9yl0B31fCErMGRccbeKNTDVvppJ-Lfz0BkVOVBad/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0HVJroj4AOHmBBBct7ZzqChgJ_dMs5jl5XOskZp_7mizuWmkCN2JvPGGlgYvRwbobUlOC1SYOgPQdJHVSxXoefbUaBvvf5PKG-8X9yl0B31fCErMGRccbeKNTDVvppJ-Lfz0BkVOVBad/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In spite of everything--and believe me the list of what he's struggling with is not a short one--he's somewhat stabilized as of this moment in time, and we're cautiously optimistic that he may return home once again in the near future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTdiE1B6-nll6inqkAKeDXgflvANeU_LMM7zr-5zzNwjqnbJ5IpuxqUCt6pQPReIxfdLNMG5J-0R4oOzSCD-p_EIsoOa4asdOfnGqQFduhLMY5ZH6pNTVeqCi1-mXG_0zNWRLaHQzv4pj/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTdiE1B6-nll6inqkAKeDXgflvANeU_LMM7zr-5zzNwjqnbJ5IpuxqUCt6pQPReIxfdLNMG5J-0R4oOzSCD-p_EIsoOa4asdOfnGqQFduhLMY5ZH6pNTVeqCi1-mXG_0zNWRLaHQzv4pj/s400/IMG_0499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But one thing we've learned in all this is things can change in the blink of an eye.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG285umCLKYMnVeMA0Vl7vGrYiRFarfb3g9ZPnZkmhUzdMtcgIlG3jDmb8jF7x8sYZnwbN172O2FVuGoBAdq7HKhHBL7uytlqTBzBSieCYsMQjT6VDU7ja46TABncl2wlPWgiyIzl9qy5/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG285umCLKYMnVeMA0Vl7vGrYiRFarfb3g9ZPnZkmhUzdMtcgIlG3jDmb8jF7x8sYZnwbN172O2FVuGoBAdq7HKhHBL7uytlqTBzBSieCYsMQjT6VDU7ja46TABncl2wlPWgiyIzl9qy5/s400/IMG_0501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also had surgery last week to remove and biopsy an enlarged lymph node I discovered randomly this summer. One of the many things my father has going on is lymphoma, which is actually the very least of his/our worries. I now know more about lymph nodes and what they do and why they become enlarged than ever, and have been tested for lupus, Lyme disease, and who knows what else. In the end, the only way to know for sure what's going on was to remove the largest of the large nodes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7EtPdJACNTfGsWvzqMRXMjkq7lGuXp6wKaD7sQzM2-W9BJHONC_kw8yNFmmL5nCEvzfrxpqRmlic-mXev9Cxz1nK8cvOwr4HVXSzUv87G-kWOQe53ITWEZ2OnNtymlZ03sJ3HrX3pnAq/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7EtPdJACNTfGsWvzqMRXMjkq7lGuXp6wKaD7sQzM2-W9BJHONC_kw8yNFmmL5nCEvzfrxpqRmlic-mXev9Cxz1nK8cvOwr4HVXSzUv87G-kWOQe53ITWEZ2OnNtymlZ03sJ3HrX3pnAq/s400/IMG_0503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So as I type I <strike>am a freak of nature!</strike> have a drain coming out the side of my neck/collarbone area as I await the results of the pathology tests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3iNBRuUVbYwC8COwMtiGSFx57h7ZodFDChMPKYwCb3-cxnc-FxJucmUdca-0D0JcHAJF7kA5neIV3c7AGDI-CbtYpFX_MVIQFiiQnFNg1SEDMRFdUzdC_9Nwvvur8Y2KkqTF8Vut_Zxo/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3iNBRuUVbYwC8COwMtiGSFx57h7ZodFDChMPKYwCb3-cxnc-FxJucmUdca-0D0JcHAJF7kA5neIV3c7AGDI-CbtYpFX_MVIQFiiQnFNg1SEDMRFdUzdC_9Nwvvur8Y2KkqTF8Vut_Zxo/s400/IMG_0504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So far there is no reason to think it's anything awful, so I've tried not to think about it--which is very easy to do when there are so many other things going on to worry about. <br />
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Although I'm not really a sailor, I have likened handling the struggles of these past few months (and there is much more to the story than I've shared here) to navigating a sailboat. You deal with the wind as it hits you and adjust your sails accordingly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Or, you just give up and let the wind blow you where it will and hope you don't capsize.) </span><br />
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I'm really looking forward to some calm waters very soon!<br />
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p.s. Update - I learned today I have Hodgkins lymphoma. Still looking forward to calm waters!<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-87754860648979954682017-08-27T21:12:00.000-04:002017-08-27T21:12:39.671-04:00Bethel Beach<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IEyQw9OKgZoo4dDrtFt7wCneGAPr5PZnzIM4nILQxLzUfGUXzGGRuDrhwAHl0fcEynBZvskTuhsKRCt-faFcvnMB53LJnCg9g0Voy2f12H1pxnfMYeZ8V_kaWjcdGkuMRuhwKSwsHKWw/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IEyQw9OKgZoo4dDrtFt7wCneGAPr5PZnzIM4nILQxLzUfGUXzGGRuDrhwAHl0fcEynBZvskTuhsKRCt-faFcvnMB53LJnCg9g0Voy2f12H1pxnfMYeZ8V_kaWjcdGkuMRuhwKSwsHKWw/s400/IMG_0566.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ooopsie. The water seems to be draining out of the right-hand corner thanks to that slanted horizon.</i></td></tr>
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These were taken several <strike>months</strike> weeks ago before my parents started encountering some pretty major health problems. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtxmbLzdq_kx7xw9CmAtXINV9JhdI2UuAuoWUaEaWOTpA9ECJ6i8dYDA5VMR1E_oxX5ioYw_WHy7sGgBgjkVEqYbhZR_elWrYHRMo9ywzWu97Md0E_RF_rO89sQVNxNAa-i1Y4wroZoMm/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtxmbLzdq_kx7xw9CmAtXINV9JhdI2UuAuoWUaEaWOTpA9ECJ6i8dYDA5VMR1E_oxX5ioYw_WHy7sGgBgjkVEqYbhZR_elWrYHRMo9ywzWu97Md0E_RF_rO89sQVNxNAa-i1Y4wroZoMm/s400/IMG_0565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again here, we're listing to the right a little.</i></td></tr>
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I've all but missed the summer and have spent the past six weeks traveling from home to work to hospitals and now rehabilitation facilities to visit my father. As of this moment, and entirely due to Middle Sister's diligence with the doctors and nurses, my father is holding his own. But he's not home yet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lOcEIky928ELzTVcH4F5H1EENswBYJdpmbgfFl9-0vjuJPrhgyLKekvNuh5mHzOMOxxd0nYsmMcw8yQuUQgUk-Fm2QYcP-dLRY6BWRbi09H9HB20l26QEXz3rbt12Qwn96Ghfb8euUN7/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lOcEIky928ELzTVcH4F5H1EENswBYJdpmbgfFl9-0vjuJPrhgyLKekvNuh5mHzOMOxxd0nYsmMcw8yQuUQgUk-Fm2QYcP-dLRY6BWRbi09H9HB20l26QEXz3rbt12Qwn96Ghfb8euUN7/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's my main goal for him. To come home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTstb_Chn5U26ntn302dHFDKCJc4gvJCIOTpLBhA6LgfD5noYH5qLrd45MhdMszV7JjZvIPu2yT18MOWihDuiafglSIrGg3EQbbjY1tF1rfMt27ge4kYn9wF9sJLxjlG_n5CfZ3O_yUgZ/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTstb_Chn5U26ntn302dHFDKCJc4gvJCIOTpLBhA6LgfD5noYH5qLrd45MhdMszV7JjZvIPu2yT18MOWihDuiafglSIrGg3EQbbjY1tF1rfMt27ge4kYn9wF9sJLxjlG_n5CfZ3O_yUgZ/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Because life just can't seem to ever calm down, I've had a health scare of my own that is still unresolved. For now, I'm just grateful my father is showing some signs of improvement, my mother is doing OK, and I have some breaks from work coming up which are long, long overdue. The driving and the hectic season at work plus all the worries about my family have pretty much worn me down.<br />
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I look forward to the time when I can return to jogging, blogging and taking pictures of the serenity that surrounds me when I'm home.<br />
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Happy last week of August.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-90339086469466309922017-08-07T11:22:00.000-04:002017-08-07T11:22:58.981-04:00Clamming<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEavxtOulFU3GN_45XoYt1bOwBrgXFBhQjWbVz1gdaGKAtUglf08bGbznla92CAF8sI5h0yoedfAEP4-LB1Jkypbm8clNnSVmSeLWZ-P8NdAp_wotf0kVKgYlyoVl8lsRiRe9C-K31or8/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEavxtOulFU3GN_45XoYt1bOwBrgXFBhQjWbVz1gdaGKAtUglf08bGbznla92CAF8sI5h0yoedfAEP4-LB1Jkypbm8clNnSVmSeLWZ-P8NdAp_wotf0kVKgYlyoVl8lsRiRe9C-K31or8/s400/IMG_0445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Sister</td></tr>
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I'm only a month late, but here are more photos from our July 4 </div>
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clamming expedition on the East River.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY7bftCJ7pGBm8s1szsagumGzJOJGXMvuNgWOhmvUJVQDN2sg0yHH5bIGB6hond-LXupVjQan78ci4m3x7UZ-H9HujnqpI4YHqOLETJSeMKd6sIezBvCuDhfCshSASuXJ7R_oyYgU0O9q/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY7bftCJ7pGBm8s1szsagumGzJOJGXMvuNgWOhmvUJVQDN2sg0yHH5bIGB6hond-LXupVjQan78ci4m3x7UZ-H9HujnqpI4YHqOLETJSeMKd6sIezBvCuDhfCshSASuXJ7R_oyYgU0O9q/s400/IMG_0449.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronnie</td></tr>
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Middle Sister and her fabulously wonderful boyfriend Ronnie did all the hard work of raking for clams while I took on the arduous task of supervising from the comfort of the boat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XlJwNVNMguAlWJP7bBpFTlqpM0MH6jqrY3Y1R5feDu4FGHmf32RBDMu8Aq_Noa6t9wmD_uXA1ZDXi7nJSXKDepTutsVviFNsRBNCm0pjzDOXAaRuPfG0HPA0fJVLBtPcr7Gq8VHJ48qv/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XlJwNVNMguAlWJP7bBpFTlqpM0MH6jqrY3Y1R5feDu4FGHmf32RBDMu8Aq_Noa6t9wmD_uXA1ZDXi7nJSXKDepTutsVviFNsRBNCm0pjzDOXAaRuPfG0HPA0fJVLBtPcr7Gq8VHJ48qv/s400/IMG_0460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you've never been clamming before--and I hadn't--you pull the rakes through the mud and sand until <strike>something bites your ankle</strike> you hear something hard hit the rake. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxkFFE-dlsksehS4qKcYAzmv8F-K6SWTixKNG0PksAYBh3cFZSg3PRSWAGHkb2L0YqxGizPNLkenlD25-F-agcvokiQx6hi6-ddtr6msrxgspNPO1uaYSZ7nceLUMLa8iL7Eq8y2mO2jo/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxkFFE-dlsksehS4qKcYAzmv8F-K6SWTixKNG0PksAYBh3cFZSg3PRSWAGHkb2L0YqxGizPNLkenlD25-F-agcvokiQx6hi6-ddtr6msrxgspNPO1uaYSZ7nceLUMLa8iL7Eq8y2mO2jo/s400/IMG_0465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then you carefully pull the rake up and toss the tasty morsel into this ingenious contraption of a basket that floats courtesy of an inner tube.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DAh7QQtpyUdT5jRDWarMrP69TOurxv5kqALVs_orsc6GgG-VJZ8PE6Ka1pWcKhIH_iiceW4JXUJ1AaTVzx6iYD9bxbUTeoFmOSjSihN_Zffq8OIDDCQJXt-1oQ0lRELSDfyESVhjdzCI/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DAh7QQtpyUdT5jRDWarMrP69TOurxv5kqALVs_orsc6GgG-VJZ8PE6Ka1pWcKhIH_iiceW4JXUJ1AaTVzx6iYD9bxbUTeoFmOSjSihN_Zffq8OIDDCQJXt-1oQ0lRELSDfyESVhjdzCI/s400/IMG_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although I forget exactly how many <strike>we</strike> they caught, there was enough for several dinners.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rg2emCqMkSHHZ_WVfIeicACbs0_JX12GEqHiP8GfJoCQ1LFhepFVXIe63mjOIHRat1bvWHFwY1hdVRDgsYGLeeqzSC01djl_re4VxM_hY2CInPQr8LfjRNfyTI7CMuguV2bi3rx7o6l5/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rg2emCqMkSHHZ_WVfIeicACbs0_JX12GEqHiP8GfJoCQ1LFhepFVXIe63mjOIHRat1bvWHFwY1hdVRDgsYGLeeqzSC01djl_re4VxM_hY2CInPQr8LfjRNfyTI7CMuguV2bi3rx7o6l5/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And they were gooooooooooood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBRsDIVxtNuvDk9MTag056QVPBd4FLg7uhWE4kBHPfF8jkcAbK1Rd6C3dkasxyrcbHDOvP_GMjyBJghV2IDk47uesNAfbuLPmoTxdO_gNnqm38VAdPbchVD20cZXGWmzNq-HntRcracBI/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBRsDIVxtNuvDk9MTag056QVPBd4FLg7uhWE4kBHPfF8jkcAbK1Rd6C3dkasxyrcbHDOvP_GMjyBJghV2IDk47uesNAfbuLPmoTxdO_gNnqm38VAdPbchVD20cZXGWmzNq-HntRcracBI/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are several very serious reasons why I've been negligent in <strike>every aspect of my life</strike> my blogging duties. My mother was hospitalized for a week for a-fib. They finally sent her home and she's resting until she can get back to see her specialist in a few weeks. In the interim, a 3-hour surgery for my father ended up being 8 hours when the surgeon nicked his kidney and a vein, causing massive bleeding. After being hospitalized for a week and then sent to a rehabilitation facility, he had to return to the hospital for a second surgery in the same place due to massive infection. Right now, my sisters and I are taking turns spending the days and nights with him, because the staff in charge of his care at the hospital can't seem to keep the story straight, there are so many things to monitor. His hospital is an hour away, so juggling regular duties, work and his caretaking have been a challenge to say the least.<br />
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Right now, he's supposed to be in the hospital for several more days before returning to the rehab facility in Gloucester for several weeks. He's less than happy about this, so in addition to worrying about his physical state, we have to be strong and positive for him.<br />
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Hopefully he'll start to get stronger soon, but in the mean time I'll likely be absent from here until some aspect of life returns to quasi-normal.<br />
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I hope all is well in your world.<br />
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-659172582838808742017-07-06T10:33:00.001-04:002017-07-06T10:33:34.593-04:00Mill Lane<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmDkkO2X-Z32lPRK0OxnsqStnsUUzV4tPpR4HEc0OeoF17OAmP0WE_W9nlywwWbnNogYn1Zdgmk02p3KYsFSGjZQ5V-Qp7rUukdUeO9oEcTou0mhwu2X3K82xRsTu_OB7qsgBagolbbbh/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmDkkO2X-Z32lPRK0OxnsqStnsUUzV4tPpR4HEc0OeoF17OAmP0WE_W9nlywwWbnNogYn1Zdgmk02p3KYsFSGjZQ5V-Qp7rUukdUeO9oEcTou0mhwu2X3K82xRsTu_OB7qsgBagolbbbh/s400/IMG_0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This <strike>rusty </strike> rustic building lives at the end of Mill Lane in Bohannon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUmlESvGIE6J9Cyjv_kzrgeZDouAIKBnaVimCtCkuzNWZxltueZJ3YeFpmaxLtRSQm_oLVPcEsfQp8eGG_EZ-UyDD_I09LfwvDNwWYVd1TGPuh8xgrCyTem5Ln_nk5piZH4_XuDjfs-Rl/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUmlESvGIE6J9Cyjv_kzrgeZDouAIKBnaVimCtCkuzNWZxltueZJ3YeFpmaxLtRSQm_oLVPcEsfQp8eGG_EZ-UyDD_I09LfwvDNwWYVd1TGPuh8xgrCyTem5Ln_nk5piZH4_XuDjfs-Rl/s400/IMG_0529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was able to take its picture on a July 4 boating adventure that included Middle Sister and an afternoon of clamming. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirmMA8PcPc5MIi-hS-5e4MLk3MmRt2vmrN6PZeuEbxdCli_9X30ZTB8LmngqlCKLHf1-5mi79HjQ7qPC59Q46LRpCJ4cvtl4-rObUSCMtJuMKCi0UOLyCEvFfN3uQZyAeJDYAwv8WOZgd/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirmMA8PcPc5MIi-hS-5e4MLk3MmRt2vmrN6PZeuEbxdCli_9X30ZTB8LmngqlCKLHf1-5mi79HjQ7qPC59Q46LRpCJ4cvtl4-rObUSCMtJuMKCi0UOLyCEvFfN3uQZyAeJDYAwv8WOZgd/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght54raAJJjT3LUzSweuVZHTtfIHMLrztVOdv23kzHP3XZcdNNYbwlAeiTYEJycvnLnNvEf9JbtIvC7qnIx2k5CGujZpdbPSspS9QskptuR5GkdYGPA6ojn_GabiYgAETOVx1i9h9dn8yA/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght54raAJJjT3LUzSweuVZHTtfIHMLrztVOdv23kzHP3XZcdNNYbwlAeiTYEJycvnLnNvEf9JbtIvC7qnIx2k5CGujZpdbPSspS9QskptuR5GkdYGPA6ojn_GabiYgAETOVx1i9h9dn8yA/s400/IMG_0543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOrqxW-B5jAjYyieTSHSY7KZELeXQVZh52hCFM_myZ2cLCpD7_KRhuiqeJ0p5KGBMscQB-yK9_FGsDTdn49POIFTVK2qFNJLUDGyDdGYM_b_h3LqnDuro3uN5-Gy3NwBjWa0I2ElqcWtV/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOrqxW-B5jAjYyieTSHSY7KZELeXQVZh52hCFM_myZ2cLCpD7_KRhuiqeJ0p5KGBMscQB-yK9_FGsDTdn49POIFTVK2qFNJLUDGyDdGYM_b_h3LqnDuro3uN5-Gy3NwBjWa0I2ElqcWtV/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After clamming, we enjoyed a family gathering that included food, food, food and more food. Followed by food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we watched the wonderful local fireworks display from another boat on Stutts Creek.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A good time was had by all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pictures of the clamming adventure will be forthcoming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy July.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-65152013303096257652017-06-25T17:06:00.001-04:002017-06-25T17:06:17.144-04:00Heron<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUZfWz21cCqv0rfPW_1A2HXM5CuMMDeqjj8lmOTcvJVRQ78jWcpELVFItX9vnuoKjWWkE78sPquXIJ-f8Kw8XJ04K7RohsAjK67YeFdazLbFBXeBuLnlfCXtfXDKHlnrEJNcmpcCyF76a/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUZfWz21cCqv0rfPW_1A2HXM5CuMMDeqjj8lmOTcvJVRQ78jWcpELVFItX9vnuoKjWWkE78sPquXIJ-f8Kw8XJ04K7RohsAjK67YeFdazLbFBXeBuLnlfCXtfXDKHlnrEJNcmpcCyF76a/s400/IMG_0405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This heron lives</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwkfnTm2SiErbvMiAp_ni0tw5pQjJgqTCdq1VR00ah9zcrKqNYqS3mL5I0930LpV-gq6L3amolQshK5pkItjxsKxspnOBQPbOaC9kWlKoYhp3hi1EuUX0iL5rZcF_Fgt1saNER95ufwoD/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwkfnTm2SiErbvMiAp_ni0tw5pQjJgqTCdq1VR00ah9zcrKqNYqS3mL5I0930LpV-gq6L3amolQshK5pkItjxsKxspnOBQPbOaC9kWlKoYhp3hi1EuUX0iL5rZcF_Fgt1saNER95ufwoD/s400/IMG_0404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and wades </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pzMuNMC1oVqmH714UzDyJt2FiN8ceO7BWkweYzYGPJ2FhdEmISCpxCc1Of4w5MFhdiaSxnQeI63lOVplJoEZZu2BL_kWaDfpgxYLGeLH5nzEA6xyeIhd7B4SPXtOP_dPNWqMxwXL-xT-/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pzMuNMC1oVqmH714UzDyJt2FiN8ceO7BWkweYzYGPJ2FhdEmISCpxCc1Of4w5MFhdiaSxnQeI63lOVplJoEZZu2BL_kWaDfpgxYLGeLH5nzEA6xyeIhd7B4SPXtOP_dPNWqMxwXL-xT-/s400/IMG_0407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and fishes </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY1OfWq-LobcUhsHUKh46Gwc29g-E7LwbHIXhf0aFFxlVwcBAEgMuIA_OLf7wKoWSucqxWZdDbTtcMNhOn41YIZIL0lZpcrRx7awScxn31kVnLQnHIecNskn6DoK7WsfKm2K0ZWSylZkT/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY1OfWq-LobcUhsHUKh46Gwc29g-E7LwbHIXhf0aFFxlVwcBAEgMuIA_OLf7wKoWSucqxWZdDbTtcMNhOn41YIZIL0lZpcrRx7awScxn31kVnLQnHIecNskn6DoK7WsfKm2K0ZWSylZkT/s400/IMG_0410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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on Callis Creek in Redart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-TsKCkjePPf3Ty8BqhHFNO7r7JYuW5DWdyUeX6qujDXQ2v4xyQOf9aQCO729Upuij4gj8paAclkUgEwrug2zvRd2PyQnA2-_-Gj3lODg1fhhHP0tKFn4Dmzn1KgY7Ajr_c5KbcU3CUg/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-TsKCkjePPf3Ty8BqhHFNO7r7JYuW5DWdyUeX6qujDXQ2v4xyQOf9aQCO729Upuij4gj8paAclkUgEwrug2zvRd2PyQnA2-_-Gj3lODg1fhhHP0tKFn4Dmzn1KgY7Ajr_c5KbcU3CUg/s400/IMG_0408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I caught him recently searching for supper amid the local oyster operation.</div>
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All is as busy as--if not busier than--ever in my world.</div>
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I hope all is well in yours.</div>
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Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2240067140694289750.post-37702737805293578952017-06-07T11:22:00.000-04:002017-06-07T11:22:50.804-04:00Main Street Makeover<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IWSNbpOVzHGgCijMfDycbEhZ_axrtjBYtL3WnQU-Vn5KcMs9Akf_BCiq4BC_y7AFGTuaeC7X1zwca53sPg8gzr0L2xPAkpyFI8fN6yxUTVlc-AuJkfZW5nvc8z06f8XZe3yEu4zxri02/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IWSNbpOVzHGgCijMfDycbEhZ_axrtjBYtL3WnQU-Vn5KcMs9Akf_BCiq4BC_y7AFGTuaeC7X1zwca53sPg8gzr0L2xPAkpyFI8fN6yxUTVlc-AuJkfZW5nvc8z06f8XZe3yEu4zxri02/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lots of exciting things are happening in our little downtown area. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaOqv3gHy6N13dm1zhr1UWdSg5j-W0yfVukYMfQ4-tlaOuVD1Brz8z5zalVnbJps_pZCYYsV05WVp7zNr5MgQKgsDRON_3JvS8Yd5XhbUsBXYgNsOjWmhLdGk1XTi_KDAOvPb7kpr1Egm/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaOqv3gHy6N13dm1zhr1UWdSg5j-W0yfVukYMfQ4-tlaOuVD1Brz8z5zalVnbJps_pZCYYsV05WVp7zNr5MgQKgsDRON_3JvS8Yd5XhbUsBXYgNsOjWmhLdGk1XTi_KDAOvPb7kpr1Egm/s400/IMG_0197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After more than two decades of work, the Mathews Main Street Committee's </div>
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efforts are finally paying off, and we're getting a major <strike>makeover</strike> face lift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtKJbXInmho-PD7QQgheJ7531pnSpAwtY7702aOKe1yEIcFcCW1l0C4DE4PQEuj6G3-SvUy433gPslhPp-d5hfsZwPboZ1nVMYqHFYqXj_nd_NZgAJwbFBSaDOjjFtmLlja1hS3cxo28W/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtKJbXInmho-PD7QQgheJ7531pnSpAwtY7702aOKe1yEIcFcCW1l0C4DE4PQEuj6G3-SvUy433gPslhPp-d5hfsZwPboZ1nVMYqHFYqXj_nd_NZgAJwbFBSaDOjjFtmLlja1hS3cxo28W/s400/IMG_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Work started on the block near my favorite Mexican restaurant, Mi Casa Azteca. </div>
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(I love Mi Casa and try to go there at least once every two weeks.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix96A5xgsmM4L-pdsGXtrdrs6zbRdDhzgwTRSkkIXqdm6lGymzIamOeoL5vJNYtezwyW0IUQ16Eoxz7oAqQFOjsSJM7gW-NSRxvLOUDYfFcI9XZEuT319-vDX1kLeKL3HBYn4VXzzMl5G9/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix96A5xgsmM4L-pdsGXtrdrs6zbRdDhzgwTRSkkIXqdm6lGymzIamOeoL5vJNYtezwyW0IUQ16Eoxz7oAqQFOjsSJM7gW-NSRxvLOUDYfFcI9XZEuT319-vDX1kLeKL3HBYn4VXzzMl5G9/s400/IMG_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was some impact to traffic--to the extent Mathews has traffic--and some roads have been blocked off and closed, but all businesses have remained open throughout the <strike>reconstructive surgery</strike> work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfCqReRDHGDCKJxFb9r-3bdCquchbxWpLR9-34SE0SQ_tmxaYRRDBH7asZmPO9eMEAFrr5nNM_dqCktnv-fNBiIpINzpViwaDtBQsmEWVS8JLRLl48SbCKqioPTvtR-WHJS9iZP3OZhcV/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfCqReRDHGDCKJxFb9r-3bdCquchbxWpLR9-34SE0SQ_tmxaYRRDBH7asZmPO9eMEAFrr5nNM_dqCktnv-fNBiIpINzpViwaDtBQsmEWVS8JLRLl48SbCKqioPTvtR-WHJS9iZP3OZhcV/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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New sidewalks, curbs, gutters and landscaping enhancements are among the improvements being made to our quaint Court House area. <br />
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Although there may be some minor inconveniences along the way, I personally can't wait to see the end result.<br />
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<br />Chesapeake Bay Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187804072769932131noreply@blogger.com1