Of Rain for Christmas~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Yes I have not been posting, well everyone wants me to get well and strong and all kinds of good stuff is the best way to describe it.

My Sister and Sister in law and I have been shopping for goodies for the Christmas dinner my fantastic Stove is going to be put to heavy duty work, but with everyone tackling everything it will be done in fantastic time. 

A few things need to be purchased at least no sooner than tomorrow but things that can be kept frozen like pies are no problem, but I am having a hard time keeping olives in the pantry, it seems that when ever the children are over the black olives seem to disappear, and re-appear on the ends of their fingers.   Doyle is going to hide the next batch in his office since he keeps it locked from prying eyes.

Thanks to everyone the house is wonderfully decorated and with scented Vanilla and Cinnamon candles it smells like things are baking all the time. 

And peace rides high in our neighborhood ever since the restraining order was put on "Crazy Son",  but what is making him even more angry is his sister has moved in and is staying with the parents, lovely lady, very nice.

And rain, rain, RAIN!!!  Lovely, cold, blustery, chilly, wet RAIN!  

Of course the house is nice a warm and snug for a large Victorian but just lovely.

I am getting much better, the Doctor said I can go to Midnight Mass Christmas Eve, I never miss Midnight Mass, it is one of the most magical nights of the year and are you ready for this My Darklings,  We are going to have a Full Moon on Christmas Day night, if it's not overcast.   The last time this happen was in 1977. 

But Christmas Eve it will be raining here so I do hope Santa has his Rain Gear (sorry for the very bad pun).

There has been a lot of traffic accidents and trees falling down and power outages,  Doyle surprised me with buying oil for the old-fashioned lamps that I have as decoration and trimming the wicks and filling them up.   "Just to be prepared" he says,  well as a little girl and as a teenager there was more than one time we put together a puzzle or played board games by oil lamp.

And as a gift to the house he bought one of those crank up radios so we'll have news and/or music, just in case. 

Well this old house has seen in its time living by lamp light and candle light, with crank up phonograph, and books and board games of its day.  So it would be nothing new. 

This weekend my brother and Doyle went into the attic to check for any leaks, not that there is any, the roof is only 10 years old, but with the drought things can get dry, so far things are fine, but Chris and Coralline went up there as well and as the men looked for leaks the children found a treasure trove of Stereoscopic pictures and the devices used to view pictures in 3 D.   I had not realized there were so many, 3 large boxes worth,  and two viewers, I said that I didn't have a place to put them but young people are resourceful.

Going back into the attic with their father they came back down with a vintage light weight bamboo table with three shelves, with a careful dusting and use of lemon polish it was brought back to its original luster  and now the pictures and the viewers sit proudly on them in the formal parlor.   My brother offered to take it back up to the attic but I said no, leave them there, something told me they belonged there. 

The nurse only comes by twice a week now, she'll be by the Morning of Christmas Eve but she thinks by next month I may not need her but that will be decided by the Doctor,   Betty plans to come by every day during the week except for Christmas Eve and Day,  on the weekends my sister or sister in law keep an eye on me, but I'm feeling pretty good.  I still take medicine for the cough but that has improved, and I have an asthma inhaler as well and have to do breathing exercises.   The nurse said that in time the Doctor will say I'm fine and won't need to do that,  I suspect it won't be until Spring.  Am I being cranky?

I'm still sleeping down stairs but I've been encourage to do stair exercises so I go up 6 steps and come down 6 steps several times and I do it several times a day but only when someone is in the house.   But I feel I'm be able to tackle the full first complete set after New Years.

Things are looking good and I'm feeling very positive,  I had fun telling the children about Hern the Hunter and the wild Hunt and how if you go to Church on Christmas Eve you must take a piece of steel and several slices of bread, for that is the time when Hern is on the Wild Hunt looking for evil people who would harm the Christ Child with his Hell Hounds, should you meet the hounds first throw them the bread but should you meet Hern toss the piece of steel before you, then they will know you are a good person.  Otherwise----beware!

It's a good story to tell in front of the fireplace.  Even the twins were quiet.  Their Dad told me they had seen "Krampus" and my brother told them that Krampus is very, Very real.   Of course they asked me if that was so and I said I'm not going to deny it.

Christmas is the time for Ghost Stories or Stories of Wonder, at this time the dark is at it's longest time, but within a few weeks we will begin to see it getting lighter and lighter.   But there is something so delicious between Halloween and New Years, a perfect time for Ghost Stories.

Charles Dickens had it right I think, I feel we have to thank him, Prince Albert, and Clement Moore for giving us the concept of the season, minus the materialist aspect.

And now I need to go, I still have a few New Year's cards to write out thanks to friends I had not heard from in Ages,  and now I have their new addresses, for some reason this year has been a year of reconnecting with people from the past, a reunion of sorts.   Which makes me very happy.

Later Darklings

This is not photo shopped it is a photo of the northern lights forming a wolf shape.

Of Cutting tree branches, and things not going so smoothly~~~~

Well Darklings,

We did get a bit of a very light shower, just enough to dampen the air, which is nice.  All kinds of fresh smells for the dogs, "Oooo Mummy what's dis?"  is their attitude.

I had my gardener over to cut some tree branches that were too close to the house, one good wind storm and smash windows and removed asphalt shingles leading to roof leaks, don't need that.

But I think with the first serious rains we'll go into the attic to see if there is any kind of leakage.

One of the trees is a walnut tree which of course the squirrels have been having fun with, but my gardener, trimmed the large branches down and is going to take them to a friend of his who works in wood, see if his friend can make use of it.  Waste not, Want not, sounds good to me.

Well Doyle went to his two sonogram appointments, well I think one was radiology, oh now I'm confused, anyway the Doctor in the radiology lab was concerned because it's still showing some inflammation in that area.

The radiology doctor called both Doyle's regular doctor and the urologists, they had a conference and then the urologist wants Doyle to come to his office this Friday and was told if he should re-develop fever and chills to head to the ER right away. 

THAT was thrilling to hear.   So now everything looks to be up in the air, we are not going to plan that vacation trip until Doyle is completely well.  And we don't know what they may do, either increase the dosage or keep him on it longer or possibly something else.  We won't know until after Friday's examination.

Doyle is worried and he has a right to be worried.  So am I, but we do know that the antibiotic did reduce everything rather quickly its just this last little bit that is very stubborn.

There is the possibility that there could be some sort of blockage as well which could be causing this.

Doyle is now wishing he did kick the other guy "in the nuts".  

But I'm thinking, what did they do in "the old days" when something like this happened?   A man must of died from something like this, with a high fever and chills it must have been horrible and painful. 

Thank goodness we have antibiotics, and all these machines and tests. 

And Doyle feels so frustrated, he really can't do anything, he tires easily because of the antibiotics,  this is a blow to his pride, and we can't really go anywhere because of this. 

We can only persevere and deal with it.  There is a solution, it just will take time.

At least he's over the hump from the dental extraction. 

Sis is home now from her various clients, and writing up her reports, she said to me as she kicked off her shoes in the living room "This hasn't been much of a summer for you has it?"  and I told her "Well things like this happen, we'll just make the best of it"

Like this morning, before my gardener came I was sitting on the back porch with my coffee and toast just enjoying the freshness of the air and that slight tingling dampness, listening to my neighbors banging pots and pans, coffee scent floating in the air, with a hint of bacon, then after awhile voices floating back saying "See you tonight"  "Be safe" "Don't forget to pick up...."  and an occasional dog barking.

And seeing Brown Towhee's and Robins in the trees, picking at whatever they can find, sometimes quickly grubbing on the ground for the odd bug or something, I know about now many of them are starting their second nesting, with the first batch of fledging's now on their own, their childhood is very short, now they are on their own and it's eat or be eaten.

And being delighted with an occasional butterfly or white moth, I've seen a few honey bees, which makes my heart glad.  I've heard that breeders are developing a breed of honey bee that is resistant to the parasite that causes hive collapse.  There is hope yet.

So Sis has made the mental nudge about contacting my contractor about enclosing the back porch with screening, like that which is shown in some old photographs of the house, it would make it for a nice semi-outdoor dinning minus much of the bugs, as well as a sleeping porch for those extremely hot days.  I've called him and he'll be out here Saturday to take a look and give me a quote.  And we'll go from there.

Sis said to not worry about dinner, she'll tackle it, she already bought some shrimp and spinach from Trader Joe's so it will be shrimp spinach salad tonight, I like that and lime sherbet for dessert.  That's good something light yet filling.

And maybe we'll play Scrabble tonight, invite Brian over to join us for dinner and a game.

I know Darklings, it does sound so boring but it really is a good Summers evening fare, no demands, no blaring T.V. just relaxing and enjoying each others company.

Later Darklings

Of "Frizzel", Nail Polish, Clothing and flu shots for an Elder Goth~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well I could not believe it but we had "frizzel" on Saturday----O.K. so what is frizzel, well its less than drizzel but more than fog and with enough of it, it can cover the wind shield so you do have to use the wipers and at least cover your hair.

It helps clear the air and freshen everything, and it seems to keep the heat in the house, yet dampen bus benches so you better have a coat to cover your bottom.  Orchids and Redwoods love it.  And if you're in a cemetery it is very atmospheric.   But Weiner Dog and Belladonna do not like it, "oh yuck, wet stuff, no no mummy I's not take bath"  at least they act like that.

But I do love frizzel, except when I'm driving my car.  Oh well can't have everything.

I do wish though that we'd start having rain, not gully washers but rain to soak the ground, and fill the resevoirs, many are below 50 percent, and the entire state is on high fire watch, the hills should be green but instead they are dry and brown as if it were August.   Already there is a fire on one of the islands in the Sacramento Delta, and I pray we don't have a fire like that which occured near Yosemite.  The rain can come any time now.
I've been having fun with the Essie nail polish line,  they seem to come out with lovely colors, that one could almost paint with them, and such lovely names like "Power Clutch", "Chinchilly", "Sand Tropez" etc.

Now I did talk about nail polish for the Elder Goth and to avoid dark colors that make the hands look very old, I still believe in that premise, but sometimes one just had to have a fling and enjoy it.   I mean Darklings, why should the Baby Bats have all the fun.  So if you can wear a dark color and get away with it, then do it Darklings, just do it.

But I still reserve the opinon that at work, one must always present a very business-like appearance and not go too over the the top with a bright tropic blue or green, but save that for fun times, which means re-doing your nails Sunday Night or going over the bright color with a conservative dark color.  Unless you're wearing Gerainium, then have fun at work.

I was trying to make up my mind, last Sunday evening after the Frizzel had left us,  should I go with "Wet Cement", "Chinchilly", or something else, the reason behind that is now we are into winter---bleh! Winter!  And after all the holiday fun, but now it's winter---now if you're back east with all the snow I can understand the "Bleh!"  But here in California we are having days of 70 degree weather AND high fire Danger, Why?  Well Darklings if you've been following the weather reports, no RAIN, not a drop, all because of a High Ridge that won't move, we maybe into water rationing soon. 

But still it is winter, no special events, no holiday celebrations, except for Martin Luther King Day, but nothing to really "sparkle" darkly about.  So I've decided to wear nail polish of the dark tan or brown hue, but I still have to have some sparkle so I've gone with Essie's "Over the Knee" which is a browish copper with a bit of shimmer to it.  It's perfect for even a corporate environment and still have fun going out.

I was thinking about Revelon's "Stormy" but the minute my eyes saw "Over the Knee" well that was it.

On our "Frizzel" Day Sis and I went over our wardrobes,  our regular wardrobes, I leave the vintage things alone except to check for wear, tear and freshing and updating.

But we do the same with our regular wardrobes as well,  things to be mended, things that are outdated, if I haven't worn it in two years I'll never wear it,  what works well together what doesn't, and we weeded out a lot of things, some to be donated, and some we'll take to the consignment shop to see what sells, what doesn't sell will also be donated.

I've also done that with my costume jewerly (not the vintage stuff) and shoes and purses,  one thing I've discovered is that we seem to always fall back on certain classic favorites, so I was looking at the items that were just flash in a pan stuff or impulse buys that didn't work out.  We did it with clothing, shoes, purses, jewerely.

Doyle decided to hide down stairs with the dogs, he thought it was safer that way.  So after hours of trying on, and taking off, deciding, sorting, bagging,  Sis and I looked at each other and we laughed at how disheveled we were,  then we realized we had not prepared dinner.  HORRORS!!!  NO DINNER!!

We kicked around idea's until Brian came over to the house and announced he had coupon's for Papa Murphy's take and bake Pizza---Fresh made there, take home and bake and hot out of the oven here,  Doyle said "That's Dinner---Pizza and Beer!!"   Beer??   Oh well the men were paying for it, so we surrendered to Pizza and Beer, well after all Doyle had been stocking up on specialty ales and such, so why not.

And we ate family style in the kitchen with Belladonna and Weiner Dog begging for "Pizza Bones"  the rounded cooked edges of the pizza---but we had to be careful, no cheese or tomato sauce, didn't want upset doggie tummys.  

Afterwards Sis and I made plans to first take our consignments and donations next Saturday to the shops and then with lists in hand go clothing shopping---I said I wanted to see what Dress Barn had on hand,  I did see on line some lovely work dresses, but nothing above the knee please, anything skirts or hem lines above the knee is so inelegant, clunky and awkward, fine if you are 5 years old but not for anyone older, and even if you're a 20 something hemlines about the knee shows too much thigh fat, or nobby knee's,  even Mae West once said about short skirts that it was better to be wearing a long slinky evening gown because it hides a multitude of "shins".   And I have to agree.

I still say that Dress Barn's clothing focus on the upwardly mobil woman, espeically in the corporate world, that store has the best selection in an afordable range.  So it has always been my first go to clothing store, then I go to Macy's, Nordstrum, Neman-Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue.

But one thing an Elder Goth  must always do is maintain one's wardrobe, no tossing clothing on the floor, no, when one undresses, at least drap it over a chair until it can be hung up, check shoes and purses for scuffs and wear and fix them.   WHY?  Its so obvious Darklings---you are WORTH IT!

Now flu shots---well Sis did not get her flu shot, so Monday afternoon I took her to her medical clinic for the shot, she thought it was going to hurt, but she didn't feel the needle at all, her arm felt a little sore but it soon wore off by the next day, however within an hour she felt sleepy, and it was a good thing she did not have any clients, so picking up a double order of War Won Ton Soup I took her back home and put her to bed to sleep.   Doyle wasn't going to be home until very late, and Brian was visiting friends, so it was just us,  even I felt sleepy and napped for a while after picking up the dogs.

Now Darklings if you have not received your flu shot You Should get it,  just in our area alone there have been 19 deaths of all ages from the flu,  the H1N1 is back and its a killer, it is always important for Elder Goths to maintain their health, not only important but vitally essential.

But tonight Darklings, I am going to have fun watching "Criminal Minds".  Why?  Well Penny Garcia is going back to her hacking roots and oh my Dears I WANT to see her in her Corseted Goth Best, if the glance I saw is any indication,  she is going to be WOW!

Later Darklings

Of BART going back to work!!!~~~~

Well Darklings-----Glory Hallelujah!!!!

The two sides of BART are putting the trains back to work by 3 p.m. today, the mediators said in the best interests and in view of negative public opinion against the Union and the damage being caused to the economy, it was best to get the trains running and continue the bargaining in the meantime.

The Union came back with they would continue to bargin for 30 days but if no deal is reached they will go back on strike.   I don't think that will happen because someone will step in at that point and the Union will get the worse of it.

I mean Darklings, when even a labor lawyer who is pro-labor says that the Unions are not working towards a resolution and are doing more harm than good, that is serious.   Why do you think that Twinkies and Hostess Cupcakes died--the union not working for the best for the workers so that all became un-employed because the company went belly up, and the union and employees were warned that would happen---Although Twinkies are coming back with a new company.

My car pool will continue doing what its been doing today and we'll go back to our regular routine next week.   But some of my car pool people are thinking of doing the car pool to get to the ferry and taking the ferry across, but if someone has to work late they will return either by Bus or (Heaven forbid!) BART.

I'm going to see my Doctor next week for an update on my back, I've had an occasional twinge but it might be because of the unusal work situation,  I did have a talk with my Boss on the possiblity of me working half time for a year but since I am in a supervisory position I didn't think that would be good because it is important to be able to be available during the work day.   But we'll try the half time situation for another month and re-evaluate.
I'm not worried, I'm of an age where my retirement would be good,  I could retire and still work hourly for them picking up the slack when someone is ill or on vacation or for some reason they are over whelmed.

All options to consider,  I still enjoy my work, but to ease up on the work load is a serious consideration. By September I'll know better.

And it looks like the heat wave is breaking, it was a slightly nippy 60 degrees outside with a comfortable 72 in the house, how it is inland I'm not sure, but there's talk of it being in the balmy mid-80's.

Must go,  Belladonna is barking at something in the back yard.

Later Darklings

Of family and cars~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Well Doyle has looked over the car and has test driven it, he's put a deposit on it to hold it after explaining to the sales person why we needed to come back today (Me of course),  so we are going in a few minutes to look and test drive the car.

My therapist won't be here until the later afternoon, so the timing is perfect.  If it's comfortable for me that will be perfect,  there is also a pre-owned certified Jetta that he also looked at so we will compare the two.

Ella will wait at home to greet Louise in case we've not returned by noon.

I had a wonderful visit with Coralline and her family, the boys played and explored the garden but were carefully watched by their father (they can get into mischief).  I was so glad that the bruises had gone done and didn't look as bad, but Coralline was upset by what had happened.  I assured her that every day I was getting better and stronger, but that for an elderly person it takes longer.

Easter Coralline's family is going to visit her Mother's relations for Easter dinner and this time their Grandma is NOT cooking.   Coralline is hoping that she can visit on the weekends during the Summer break and I assured her that would be possible.  So we made plans,  her Mother was just appalled by the idiot who hit me, his thinking he can fight this.   We know its just arrogance.   My brother is just glad I'm alive, men view things differently than women, some can deal with illness and some have a hard time, my brother is the latter.

Marie left early this morning to see her clients and already I've been getting phone calls from work about some of the progress of some of the projects, and they've e-mailed me information on it---nothing like working from home, but there are limitations.   I think I'm getting restless and want to go back to work, but not until the doctor says so.

And now I must go Doyle is ready so car shopping it is.

Later Darklings

Of Further Updates and being an Elder/Elderly Goth~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Dear Carrie and Kellie Thank you for your concerns and good thoughts, and there were others as well, again Thank You.    It really picks my spirits up.

My strength is slowly coming back although I'm still on the weak side for walking,  my appetite is also coming back but I cannot stomach much food with three meals a day, so Ella and Louise are breaking it down to 6 smaller meals, which is much easier to do.

My jaw and teeth no longer hurt, and my range of motion has improved, it is good to see that some of the bruising is slowly diminishing, but the worse ones still look ugly but are also getting better,  and things don't hurt as bad, although I still get some back spasms.

The massage therapy that was delayed will start next week, several of my friends have been coming by to do things around the garden, and running some simple errands for me, it helps take some burden off of Ella and Louise as well as Doyle and Marie.  

Doyle is going to have to go out of town on an assignment for a few days and Marie's client list has increased so that she is coming home later.   Louise offers to stay later but really once I've eaten and settled there is no need and the phone is next to my bed, both land line and cell.

The Therapist's said that although there is improvement, because of the Flu there was a little set back in gaining strength so we'll start on that again.  

One good thing is that Coralline and her parents will be coming by on Sunday, it will be good to see her again, I just hope she is not too shocked by my appearance.  But she has been worried. 

Easter is coming a week from this Sunday but all our Easter plans are on hold, we need to be sure I'm over this Flu bug, do not want a relapse.  Marie is going to be visiting her children which is good, so it will be just Doyle and me----I told him let's just get Chinese Take Out.  But he wants to take me for a drive in my vintage car, just to see things and feel part of life,  I think that will be a wonderful idea. 

For an Elder/Elderly Goth it is hard being ill, it is frustrating to be so limited and in essence confined, but having support of family, friends and a medical team helps.  

A younger (well she's in her 20's) goth friend, who is an artist came by yesterday evening, it was a very nice visit and she asked me that since young people (of her generation) go to Goth clubs and take in the action what would an Elderly Goth do?  

I told her that most of the club scene would be too frenetic for those of my age, but to at least take in what the new bands were while watching their alcohol intake, that would not be too far out of line, it is important for an Elderly Goth to realize they are not a 20 something, so trying to act like a 20 something would be ridiculous and silly and off-putting.   It's better for an Elderly Goth to inquire with the youngsters what they think of the new bands and their sense of trending.

Doyle and I went to one club a while ago before the accident,  he in his tux and I in my evening gown, most places prefer that people stand up so seating was limited but for some reason we were able to get a banquette and low table,  seems the club owner thought we'd be more comfortable so we got VIP treatment.   We had a chance to talk to some of the young people who wondered who we were and we exchanged opinions on the various drifts of music styles.   One young lady was dressed like Little Bo-Peep, she showed us a picture of her and her AK 47, the caption read  "O.K. Mr. Wolf now try and get my Sheep"   I Loved it!

We made a few connections and I loved discovering several artists and their works.   But another thing for some Goths including Elderly Goths is studying Film Noir and being a part of the Art Deco scene, as well as reading and studying written works of goth and horror writers, horror films,  Art works, as well and being into things like art and photography.  

So the trick is I told Monica, to be aware of the scene, to be in it but be separate from it as well, to be aware that one is much older and that things are not from the 1940's or 50's scene but much younger and to not act like a 20 something but to be your age but to not be disapproving or overly critical but to understand the changes in the scene.   To make connections with younger people in a friendly way but to not treat them like children.  

Monica is one example, I admire her work and have even given her funds when she was between assignments, without any thought of being re-paid, but she did in her own way repay me, she used a photograph of me when I was younger and duplicated it with some variation for a book cover, later she did a full length painting of me and gave it to me, it is very flattering.

She said she wanted to do that because I don't criticize her for her life style and in turn she introduced Doyle and I to her friends and I've helped them as well.

It is a delicate balance and also one has to have trust as well between peoples, and that also there are rules of etiquette as well.  In doing that I was able to help Monica and some of her friends become more discerning without being invasive or overbearing.   A sort of detached--attachment.   Again a balance.

Ella is saying I need to have my lunch before the Therapist gets here,   so I will write more later my Darklings.

Later.

Of Medical set-backs and progress~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Well I had a nasty medical set back, and it was very rough.  The cough that I was developing turned into fever and chills.  My temp went to 102.

Now usually if it's the flu or a cold the doctor's say "Bed rest, fluids, aspirin"   and I did have my flu shot a few months ago.   But whatever this was was affecting my breathing as well.  And since my ribs and other parts of my body were seriously bruised, my doctor didn't want to take any chances so to the hospital I was admitted.

This did throw all the scheduling off, but both Ella and Louise were willing to stand by, they even came to the hospital to make sure I would eat and take my meds.  Ella in the morning and Louise in the afternoon, this took pressure off of my sister and Doyle and they could stay in touch with them as well if any changes happened.

It took nearly 5 days for the fever to break, and my appetite was gone, anything that even looked like food I could not stomach, so to prevent de-hydration I had an IV to make sure that would not happen.  I slept, coughed, dry heaved, moaned, sweated----I was not at my glamorous.  And I lost over 8 pounds, not a good way to lose weight. 

The fever broke on Saturday, and I looked at Louise saying "I wish I could have some won-ton soup", well she snuck some in but said for me to only have the broth, I felt like a baby bird, happy for it.  Sunday we tried a little walking I was weak, but the Doctor was happy, by Tuesday he said I could go home today. 

And although I'm weak I've made a little progress.  I cannot eat much but I can stomach things now provided it's light, even a poached egg is a wonderful banquet for me.

My bruising is healing nicely and so are the cuts although there is one on my face that might require a little cosmetic surgery to prevent scar tissue.

My Lawyer has been in touch with Doyle and it looks like it will be at least 4 months to have a hearing, the stupid man refuses to settle out of court insisting he's in the right when everything including his lawyer knows that this other driver is going to lose. 

I've been feeling very un-glamorous because of this but Doyle knows the way to encourage my heart.   He found a number of Dita Von Teese interviews on You Tube, I just saw one now where she says "How boring is the world going to be if we have to make everything Politically Correct."  And she is so right my Darklings.

You can be Politically Incorrect provided that you do it with grace and elegance, and not be crass.

And now I must lie down  Louise says I'm pushing it and she's right. 

Before I forget I found a photo of one of the roses that will be soon blooming in my garden----enjoy!

Later Darklings

Of further Updates and dealing with Lawyers~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Thank you Carrie and Kellie for your warm concern and your good wishes,  I will do my best to be patient and take my time, even my Doctor said healing cannot be hurried.

I saw my Doctor yesterday afternoon, Louise took me to my appointment, she and Ella are very caring people.  I feel very safe in their care.

The Doctor said I am healing but slowly, he is concerned about the spasms that I have in my back muscles, but the heat therapy seems to be working, and I'll have to use a muscle relaxant for a short while,  the cuts and bruises are slowly healing, but the worse of them make take a couple of months, he is photographing my progress for my Lawyer.

It seems I will not be able to go back to work for at least 8 weeks minimum and I will still need treatment, possibly massage and heat therapy afterwards, he's looking into several things.  There is no bone damage which is good.  And he has seen some progress in my range of motion with the exercises, not a lot but more than before.

I'm seeing my Lawyer this afternoon, I did have a chance to talk to him on the phone yesterday, he said that the other driver's Lawyer is trying to delay things, and looking at the progress of my case it may be several months before we go to trial,  but he said that is good because with everything it will help build my case even better, he's finding witnesses who saw the accident and the photo's clearly show the other driver is in the wrong.

My Doctor is a little concern because I'm starting to cough, he was concern about my heart or that I'm coming down with a cold, but so far it appears to be allergies, so I'm on medication for that as well.  Just when I want to enjoy the dark beauty of my garden this happens.  My caregivers and Marie and Doyle are going to monitor this new development.   My Doctor thinks that with the shock of the accident my system went down, as he calls it.

Oh Darklings, you should see the beautiful plantings my friends did, lovely deep dark reddish purple pansy's, outlined with these white flowers that I've seen I think it's called "carpet of snow",  and my Iris's bulbs that were planted last year are coming up, dark colors I know and some unusual ones as well.  Whitish Daffodil's as contrast.  One of my friends have planted several rose bushes the color's are a deep purple red, and several that are a purple red with white center, I never had a chance to get the names, but the pictures of them are so beautiful.

They also started work in the Greenhouse to make it into a garden to enjoy during the cold months, my Koi are already established in their pond in there and the outside pond has the free mosquito fish from the water company, with a little feeding they should get a bit bigger,  my friends also put in the inexpensive gold fish in there for color, what they call "feeder fish"  if any of them disappear I can always get more.

The cat that use to sleep under my front porch has a permanent home now, it seems to have adopted a neighbor who is taking good care of the little thing, it looks much healthier.

I am able to move around the house a little better, but I still need help to bathe and dress, but Ella thinks that in 4 or 5 weeks I should be far more independent, between her, Louise, My sister and Doyle they make sure I do my exercises and walking, it's not good to sit or lie down for too long, too much of a chance to develop clots in the legs and they are right.

I am sad about the loss of my car, but Doyle and my Lawyer said that we can make the cost of a replacement car part of the settlement,  we shall see, I just do not have an idea what would be a good replacement, all these new cars have so many whistles and bells, so something reliable and stylish and easy to drive and get in and out of.   Some of these cars you feel like you are being stuck in a sardine can.

I am so glad I didn't drive my vintage car that night.   If that had been damaged I would have cheerfully strangled the other driver in spite of my injuries.  Just a simple run to the grocery store, who would have thought such a calamitous event would have happened.

I did have fun getting my Mani-Pedi---Marie was right, a bright color was and is perfect, I have "geranium" by Essie on my fingers and toes,  the ladies at the shop were so kind to me, even brought me tea, and told me to relax and enjoy everything.   And Louise's suggestion about going to a gym that has a very warm jacuzzi tub to help my muscles has been working,  we are going right after we see my Lawyer today. 

I must be getting better I was able to type much longer than before, but now I must go.  My therapist is here and she will not tolerate a delay.  ***sigh***  I hate the idea of surrendering myself to other's care, but there are times when it is for the best.

I will post more later.

And Thank you for all your warm concerns.

Later Darklings

Of Updates and slow progress~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well I am going to have a treat today,  Marie is taking me to the manicurist so I can have a mani-pedi, she is having one too.

Marie is insisting that even though I feel bad, I should do little things to encourage and uplift me, and she is right.  It is still painful for me to walk any great distance, so I'll have to use the wheelchair and wear one of my caftans.

My sister wants me to enjoy the sun a little and to not feel cabin fever,  later this afternoon some of my friends are coming over who are gardening enthusiasts to put annual plantings in the ground as well as some perennials.  I gave them cash told them what I was interested in and should on the diagram where I'd like to have them, if they paid for more things I'll reimburse them. 

And there is a very nice sunny spot in the garden where I can sit and enjoy it, and they are bringing over pot luck as well, so it will be a "planting party", very impromptu, but it does uplift my spirits.

Marie and Doyle helped me get ready although I'm able to do a little more for myself, the exercises do work, but I need my pain medication at night so I can sleep,  I'm trying to take a little less of it each day so I can be more alert and also better gauge my improvement.

Marie thinks I'm rushing it and Doyle agrees, I'm not going to argue with them if they want to fuss over me, if it makes them feel better, but I don't want to impose on them either. 

Poor Belladonna its so hard on her she wants to be close to her "Mommy" but if she jumps on my left side its painful,  so I have to arrange myself so she is on my right side.  And she senses that there are changes in her "schedule" the little thing likes routine and she can't understand why Mommy isn't taking her for the evening walk, even though she likes Miranda.

Doyle is bringing the car around while I type this and he told me that my favorite movie will be on "Svengoolie" tonight---if I can stay awake.   It's "Dracula's Daughter" with Gloria Holden.  Although I have it on DVD, I am going to enjoy Sven's silly but sometimes informative comments.  So this Day is looking to be a very good one.

I'm seeing the Doctor on Monday and we'll see how things are progressing,  and my Lawyer on Tuesday, he is also working with the insurance companies on my behalf, since technically with the pain medication I may not be in a "clear mind" to make important decisions, seems that already the Lawyer for the other driver is trying to make a deal,  much too soon says my Lawyer, so we shall see.

My sister is here, time to go, she says I should wear a brighter color for my mani-pedi,  decisions, decisions.

Later Darklings.

Of owe, ouch, owe and pain~~~~

Dear Darklings,

For three days (today being the third) I've have a therapist coming to work with me especially on range of motion in my left shoulder and arm.  The concern is that the dislocation might limit my range.

Oh the pain!  I find myself in tears, and this morning I took a good look at myself in the Mirror.  I nearly broke down at what I saw, my caregiver Ella and even Louise said that I'm depressed, because of the trauma and the pain, and perhaps the pain medication.

The therapist is concern that if I do not get back my full range of motion then doing something like pinning my long hair I may not ever be able to do that, I may be facing cutting my hair,  it's so long it's well past my derriere.

That thought just depresses me.  But the therapist has re-assured me that it's early days yet and I'm still healing,  but even Doyle and my sister think I should consider cutting my hair just to make it easy on me.  It is a handful to wash.

Louise said to not rush into it, something can be worked out,  right now she is making arrangements to take me to a gym that has a warm water jacuzzi, she thinks that the heat might be therapeutic and the Doctor said it would be good. 

But I just can't stand the idea of anyone seeing me so battered, bruised and ugly looking----who ever said "Vanity thy name is woman" is right---but I am vain for a reason, of course I'm getting old and my body is heir to what age brings---but there is getting old and there is getting ugly. 

Marie says I'm being impatient about getting well, and she's right.   I want to be well and beautiful NOW!

Well the good thing is the schedule for me Ella arrives just as my sister is leaving, so they have a chance to talk while I'm having my coffee, then Ella makes a simple breakfast for me that's easy to chew and is filling.
Then she helps me bathe and get dressed, I can only wear a simple caftan right now and wearing makeup is impossible, then a few exercises to keep my circulation going and to loosen up my joints.

The therapists arrives and works on me while Ella takes care of the dishes, both Ella and Louise know what exercises I'm suppose to do,  come lunch time Louise arrives and takes over and Ella tells her what a baby I've been in the morning.  

Louise helps me move around the house again so I'm not stiff, sees if I have any appointments, we just came back from the dentist to make sure my teeth were not damaged, let's me rest and have a cup of tea.  Then I'll either nap or go on the computer, for an hour then more exercises.  Louise has to prepare a special dinner for me again because it's painful for me to chew, and checks on my appointments for the week. 

I'm going to have to go, Louise said there is a place that would be happy to allow me to use their hot baths, and I don't need a membership can just pay by the use.  I asked if we could pick up some won-ton soup when we go home and she said yes, but she'll have to mash the large pieces.  Oh well, at least it's won-ton.

Later Darklings

Of a SPA weekend and guns~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

My sister and I are at the SPA, currently I'm using their wi-fi to post, and am looking forward to our first treatment.

In between we will relax, eat, read and sleep in the most heaven sent luxury that I can hope to enjoy.

This last week has been busy for me at work, and coming home just to tiring, but we managed to get all the Christmas decorations stored away.   Next weekend sis and I will do a good going over of the house, vacuuming, dusting trying to find all the little tree needles that Christmas trees leave as reminders.

But for now we will relax and enjoy.   Doyle has been in touch with me and hopes to complete his assignment by Monday.  He wants to take me to a gun shop out in Pleasant Hill and check on a .38 revolver,  it's been a while since I've shot a gun but he wants me to have one, get proficient with it and then apply for a Conceal Carry Weapon Permit, especially since I've been working late at night frequently and there have been a lot of crime happening,  I would prefer pepper spray but one of our ladies was assaulted and she used pepper spray and it didn't work, she was beaten up and was in the hospital for a few days, I went to visit her and she was so bruised. 

She told me it was for her purse, and all she had in it was some Kleenex, aspirin and her bus pass and a lipstick, she keeps her keys, id and cash and credit cards in a small wallet that she has in an inside pocket in her coat, the robber was so mad he started hitting her she brought out the pepper spray, sprayed him but he didn't stop.  She told me she wish she had a gun.  It was a startling admission from her, but she said she is going to get training and buy a gun,  to quote her "they are animals, beasts, and you put down a rabid animal!"  I suggested that besides the gun she also talk to someone to help her work this out, she said to me "once you've been victimized there is no going back, I won't be a victim again!"  I couldn't and wouldn't argue with her and said she had my support and we should look into a class to show how to avoid looking like a target as well.   She agreed, so we will go together, she wanted to come back to work as soon as possible but I told her to listen to her doctor and that I would make sure her schedule is that she will be working daylight hours for the time being, just to get herself back into the swing of things.

So I agreed with Doyle and will use my associates assault as the reason.  IF the sheriff will allow it, he he so namby-pamby, doesn't believe a citizen should protect themselves. 

Well now I must relax, this is a SPA weekend.   My neighbors will house sit for us and Belladonna is at her SPA and hotel as well I called this morning and she is doing well.

My sister is here and our first treatment is in 15 minutes, so must go.

Later My Darklings

Of the cold and "Mr. Teeth"~~~~

Hello Darklings,

I'm having a late lunch and it looks like I'll be working late tonight.

I'm still suffering the after effects of this cold, stayed in bed for two more days and it looks like bed rest this weekend. 

We are having a terribly cold day, frankly a terribly cold period right now, of course those of you back east, in Canada and Russia, this weather would be considered mild I'm sure.  Sorry Darklings, I was not born in Fargo, Minnesota or North Dakota or where ever Fargo is located.

I love the milder Mediterranean climates.  My sister and Doyle have picked up the slack and have been doing dinner and such although all I can stomach is soup.  I know I need to diet to lose the 3 pounds I gained during the holidays, but this is not the way to do it.  Pooh!!

No Coralline this weekend, my sister-in-law wants me to get well, but we may have her for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.  And Miranda's parents informed us that Miranda has a lot of assignments that she has to develop, each one has a different completion date, so she is going to be very busy.  We do miss the girls, their energy really enlivens the house, although the house has a nice quiet elegance, when they are around it takes on an energy that is indescribable.

The trees are out on the curb waiting for the re-cycling pick up and all the boxes of decorations, lights and ornaments are in the hall waiting to be stored upstairs,  Doyle bought some restaurant style metal racks that will hold them very well, without us having to worry about them being crushed or shifting. 

I heard an unusual story on the news last night.  It seems a parolee was arrested and a large amount of drugs (34 pounds of marijuana)  was found at his home,  it was being guarded by his pet named "Mr. Teeth",  Mr. Teeth was a very large alligator.  The alligator (actually a 5 foot Camian) was rescued and taken to our local zoo where it was being treated for infections and some aliments, the zoo might have adopted the poor creature but the zoo's vet's said it was in very poor condition even for its size, the poor thing died this morning, but they (the vet's)tried.   It only goes to show criminals really don't know how to take care of their pets. As for the criminal, throw the book at him for animal cruelty.  Guarding drugs indeed!

Doyle was wondering if we could get an alligator for the Koi pond, I raised an eyebrow at him and he said "Like the ones in Disneyland on the Jungle cruise ride"  Some times Doyle's humor can take an unusual turn, but then we do have "Kitty Kat". I'll talk to my sister about her friend who does special effects, who knows what could develop.  Several mornings this week, Doyle had to break the ice that formed on the pond, it had gotten very cold.

We got a low energy electric throw blanket for Belladonna for these cold days, sometimes I think her sweater doesn't keep her warm enough.

On Nail Polish, I've developed a liking for the Wet and Wild division of polish called Megalast, it goes on very well, dries quickly and holds up well, right now I'm using a neutral polish called "Cement" a deep taupe polish, very neutral and goes well with most working clothing without standing out.

I've received my booklet from my tax preparer and I'll need to make an appointment with him to do my income taxes,  once I feel a bit better I'll pull together all the paperwork he'll need. 

After all the holiday excitement things seem very dull indeed, nothing really strange or bizarre is happening and I haven't come across anything to get me excited, of course it could be this cold.  One very sad fact, so far with the flu season 18 children died from the flu here in the States, of course many people could say, "with all the millions of people in the States you're focusing on 18 children?"  Well the reason is that the parents didn't want to vaccinate them against the flu, and now they have to deal with their loss, frankly for the low cost or in some cases free flu shots one can obtain for one's children, that is 18 lives too many.  

Because of Miranda and Coralline being around I am more aware of illness, and I say to all of you, it is not too late to vaccinate your child,  please do so and get the shot for yourself too.

Ahh my lunch hour has come to an end, already I'm being asked questions.

Later Darklings

Of the Night After Christmas~~~

Dear Darklings,   A poem for you~~~


It was the night after Christmas

And all through the house
Not a creature was stirring not
Even Belladonna our doggie
Little mouse.


Coralline was nestled
All snug in her Bed,
As memories of the Christmas joy
Danced in her wee little head.


The fancy dishes and silverware
Were washed and waiting
To be put way with care
And our breaths abating.


With Doyle in his bathrobe
And I in my wrap,
We were relaxing and
Planning our next hi-jinks flap.


When all of sudden there were
Sudden sneezes,
We rose from our chairs to see
Who had the wheezes,


Away to the stair way we flew
Like a flash,
Stopped at the bottom
And realized someone’s plans were dashed.


When what to our concerning eyes did appear
But my sister Marie in her sloppy sleeping gear.
With her eyes all teary and nose all red,
She really needed to be in her own warm bed.


She had her flu shot
That wasn’t the matter,
But a cold did develop
And it made her all the madder


With a sigh and a sniff,
She told us her tiff.
Now she couldn’t see her children
Or take them their gifts.


Recommending Bed and
A liquid Hot Toddy
I said “Sister dear,
Don’t feel quite so shoddy”


With a late night phone call
And tons of reassurances,
We made plans for another time
To make our appearances.


With a pat and a murmur of love and concern
We sent Marie upstairs to sleep and learn
That resting will greatly improve her health,
But she needs to take better care of herself


With her nose all draining
And dripping and wet,
And blowing into Kleenex
After Kleenex and yet,
She said to me wickedly
As she walked out of sight
“Don’t catch this sweet sister,
Or you will look a fright.”

And knowing a sister’s curse
As well as I do,
I’ve had all my shots
So it won’t be the flu.


Later Darklings

Morning Musings~~~~

Good Morning Darklings,

I came to work early today, taking into account the weather.  Right now I've having a break and my third cup of coffee, the bathroom is going to see a lot of me later.

I woke to the sound of cold rain, and mist and as I rode my public transportation to work felt the winter type chill in the air and an almost Victorian Gothic feeling as my bus went through the streets, wet and slick and the trees either bare of leaves or turning shades of red, orange, yellow and brown, with only a hint of green left before they fall from their branches.

People bundled up against the wind, hunkered down, avoiding the rain from hitting their faces, sometimes gusts of wind so strong it will turn an umbrella inside out, in some cases destroying it,  seeing soggy papers somehow flipping over and around as the winds whip them up.

Cars carelessly sending up oily splashes of water to the unwary, soaking them, and endangering them of catching a nasty cold before the holidays.

Large puddles of water waiting to soak shoes and socks and make feet cold and damp.  The sound of noses sniffling, sneezing, and quiet "sorry" to the public in general.   We cannot really stay at home unless the fever comes and sends us down for the count, and the aftermath as we finally get better but still have that cough, and runny nose.

Soup, wonderful soup, such a good thing for an achy chest, a stuffy head, a raspy throat, or a winter tea made with cammoille, cloves, cinnamon, a hit of lemon, a touch of honey and a hefty splash of whiskey, might as well feel good while you're trying to get better.

Hmmm as a matter of fact I think I will switch to tea for the rest of the day, minus I'm sorry to say, the whiskey, but I'll have some at home.

I'm putting in long hours for the next few days to leave my weekends free as possible.  My Sister and I are making plans for various Christmas Events through out the Bay Area, some we must make reservations for others will be spur of the moment things, but we are doing it with Coralline.

We found out from her parents that all previous Christmas's have been doing things with the boys, or plans around the boys without taking into consideration what Coralline would like.  Monica gave us a list of things her daughter had mentioned in the past but was disappointed in not going to.  And Monica admitted she was not interested in these events.   And she was surprised at the lovely selection of clothes that we purchased for her daughter,  the out-grown clothes will go to charity.

Monica admitted that her daughter is growing up, and is not a baby any more.  My sister said that our niece is still a child in many respects and as she gets older will be flitting from child to teen to child, and then teen to adult and back.  The next 10 years will go very quickly so we must enjoy them while we can.

We did promise not to buy a pony.  

Monica said that Coralline kept talking about how fabulous my house is,  granted she and our brother prefer a modern house nothing old fashion, but my house has made a serious impression on her daughter, in all the years we've been together it was either at my old apartment or at my brother's house, so this Christmas will be at my late Great-Aunt's house and Monica's curiosity is up.

As I look out at the office window down upon the wet windy streets, I feel a certain darkish feeling of joy, the reds and greens are darker and deeper, the gold is not brilliant but burnished with a deep fire, this holiday season is not one of Santa and Snowmen but of Dickens' Christmas Ghosts.   I'm going to have fun this season.

In my next post I will recap what happened last weekend. 

Later Darklings and be sure to drink lots of hot tea for the winter chill

Wearing Black, the SPF levels and Victorian Trading Co.~~~

Hello Darklings,

Just the other day I heard an interesting news report.  It has to do with the color of clothing that you wear and skin cancer.

Protecting one's skin from the sun's harmful rays is always important, it prevents premature aging of the skin and lessens the possibility of skin cancer.  So wearing clothing is important, especially clothing that covers you as much as possible.

All my life I have never been a big fan of getting a tan, as a matter of fact I always thought that tanning one's self was very drying and damaging for the skin.  Now one does need to get a certain amount of time in the sun to help activate vitamin D, so very important for one's health and especially to avoid suffering depression in the Winter months. 

I have found that if I'm out in the sun say for a morning walk before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. I'm just fine, and I wear a hat, long sleeve shirts or T's and slacks.  I've found it to be very protective.

And frankly the idea of tanning beds or booths, even a spray on tan is totally ridiculous, extremely unhealthy and should be avoided like the plague.

But now with this new report, it seems the color of the clothing you wear is also important.  Colors can give you a certain amount of SPF protection and surprisingly white gives you only a protection level of 7 while green gives you a protection level of 10,  but it is dark blue and, our favorite color, Black that gives you an SPF protection level of 50,  yes Darklings 50!!!

And it makes sense.   If you have ever seen photo's of the desert tribesmen called Tuareg's all their protective clothing is either black, dark blue, dark red hardly any light colors and they live out in the sun blasting desert of the Sahara. 

Of course the type of weave and what the cloth is made from is also important, so wearing clothing that can also wick away sweat is essential.

Now if you are in a job in which you work nights then it is important to take vitamin D tablets as well to keep healthy.

So Darklings, wearing Black, Dark Blue, Dark Purple, and even Dark Dark Green is so in for Summer wear in your clothing.

And you'll never feel out of style, and if you want to wear white you can wear it for evenings or nights when you don't feel in such a dark mood.

And now for something completely different~~~~

Darklings I just got in the mail my Victorian Trading Company catalogue and already they have wonderful things for Halloween,  both cute, Gothic and Victorian, so much so that I'm going to have a hard time on what to order although there are a couple of pins I do admire, one of them perfect for Gothic romantic memento mori.  

Now I'm going to be mean and not tell you---so what you are going to have to do is go to their web site and peruse their wares and have fun. I have it posted on my Links section.  That way you can decide what would best fit your mood and your particular style.

I must go Darklings, nearby is being offered an Art and Wine Festival that is fun to attend and yes, I will be using my hat and parasol to protect my skin.

Later, Darklings