tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23026911534554484422024-03-14T02:40:17.768-07:00Living Rich On The CheapCheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.comBlogger813125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-29982495026224490912022-05-03T13:22:00.000-07:002022-05-03T13:22:18.924-07:00A Post from Tammy's Husband - Dave<p>This is not an easy post to write, however, I thought it was the right thing to do. Tammy passed away on Friday. October 22nd, 2021. As you could probably tell in her most recent posts, she was doing the very best she could battling pancreatic cancer for 18 months. She passed peacefully knowing that she led a very full life even though it was not as long as we all would had hoped.</p><p>In talking with all of her family, friends and colleagues, the word "genuine" has come up regularly. That most certainly describes Tammy perfectly. While she did not talk much to me about her BLOGGER friends, I secretly would read her posts out of curiousity. It became very evident that she had many close relationships with many of you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwHoxtlB5vRFSRUSVtJzQIbhayFdrjCLuMymEt1bHstNNgaXpIpBxNw--KimAqCCy_yjwwURY0vOWi_4kJYUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>We will all miss her personality, character and sincerity. Buddy and I will have our memories and pictures that captured our happiness together as a family. </p><p>Thanks to each of you who were her friend. In her memory, I've attached a video I made for her Celebration of Life. I will keep this BLOG open for any of you who wish to visit it.</p>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-83459131323825183972021-08-09T13:05:00.003-07:002021-08-09T13:10:17.233-07:00Midsummer Checkin<p> Yes, I am still here - enjoying life with my family and my dog. Life has been treating me well, we've had a lovely summer to date with lots of visits to the ocean and together time.</p><p><br></p><p>When I last blogged we were looking forward to a weekend away at Quadra Island which is a short drive and ferry ride away but sometimes seems like you are on a different planet due to the complete tranquility. We watched magical sunrises and sunsets from our tiny one room cabin right on the ocean. We were experiencing the tail end of the heat dome (30-33 degrees celcius) when we got there but it cooled a tiny bit. Even so we had to be careful to not get too much sun. Fortunately from the bed in the cabin we could watch the whole world go by on the ocean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_Yfq6oRATxgv198rT3toeenSrE-ae-gji_BJL7yy9Y4G3Jbn8QhXZr80I3hY7ELQ9RH0Oc1R8Ql_6UpOLujg5DHgcaiZpsAAH1NEB9niZgSi__Xv6NqPdxpUTdATaLUaXepogVE-kw/s2048/IMG_9727+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_Yfq6oRATxgv198rT3toeenSrE-ae-gji_BJL7yy9Y4G3Jbn8QhXZr80I3hY7ELQ9RH0Oc1R8Ql_6UpOLujg5DHgcaiZpsAAH1NEB9niZgSi__Xv6NqPdxpUTdATaLUaXepogVE-kw/w400-h266/IMG_9727+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCb2y68-3LNC8y0S0F11cIjL0u8SOZSgIiDUrzRKuS0bEYBNXx4NhPvwMrQS0C8aF2YG-PDbiXjjW0fQWtwoh0tB3x-FDl1vuxiuX7kaWxiNd3Lpo5kMf0nsY1zvX9UsBxEwn00XDaQ/s2048/IMG_9706+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCb2y68-3LNC8y0S0F11cIjL0u8SOZSgIiDUrzRKuS0bEYBNXx4NhPvwMrQS0C8aF2YG-PDbiXjjW0fQWtwoh0tB3x-FDl1vuxiuX7kaWxiNd3Lpo5kMf0nsY1zvX9UsBxEwn00XDaQ/w400-h266/IMG_9706+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400"></a></div>The owner lived next door and was a wonderful host. She has these massive Costa Rican rhubarb plants on the hill behind her house - unfortunately they aren't edible, just decorative.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGWlAZB2RlqiaGIajSvgz5NMCm4IDzZCbAr-lLo6gelTzGRMdgYYB3wOfDNqzZeurN_B99kXEPxP9Z882B3s34S_wyvFyZR4n7ZW0ium8h1DEbB5yssR7uXPC1avqC5IzcY_eoDeUbw/s2048/IMG_9648+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGWlAZB2RlqiaGIajSvgz5NMCm4IDzZCbAr-lLo6gelTzGRMdgYYB3wOfDNqzZeurN_B99kXEPxP9Z882B3s34S_wyvFyZR4n7ZW0ium8h1DEbB5yssR7uXPC1avqC5IzcY_eoDeUbw/w400-h266/IMG_9648+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/08/midsummer-checkin.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-31771475885061479142021-06-22T10:53:00.001-07:002021-06-22T10:53:26.116-07:00June Checkin<p> Well, another month has gone by and it's been busy around here. We've been busy enjoying life. We've had 2 visits from kids (essential according to my Dr) and have had lots of ocean visits and been gardening. Here are some pics from the last month:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUWZNumMOe_I95-B88yHpL7sH8mQjGqdzmCzgEmc7n_95_IsKDRbRaiLO730ztc7BBXKTsdR7AywPvlelnyRiBlHw7WZAXwZfBRjYkVlxgyyc0lXkXshdZqXmrT5cyNpr2RBJ1w-hBA/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUWZNumMOe_I95-B88yHpL7sH8mQjGqdzmCzgEmc7n_95_IsKDRbRaiLO730ztc7BBXKTsdR7AywPvlelnyRiBlHw7WZAXwZfBRjYkVlxgyyc0lXkXshdZqXmrT5cyNpr2RBJ1w-hBA/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320"></a><span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/06/june-checkin.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-6485161652271137582021-05-03T11:01:00.002-07:002021-05-03T11:01:28.274-07:00May Check-in - Living The Good Life<p>I took an unplanned blog break for no apparent reason. One day I woke up and decided that the only way I was going to be able to get more steps and increase my health stamina was to walk more and spend less time on the computer. So that is what I have been doing, enjoying life along the way. Chemo takes a lot out of you and now that I am no longer doing chemo I've slowly been regaining my health.</p><p>I've been taking walks, going to the ocean, planting flowers, doing household projects, doing more housework again (and happy to do so!), and cooking. Most days I can average 3000-5000 steps before I run out of energy as the chronic fatigue still lingers. Life is good right now and I am trying to enjoy every moment of every day. Life in pictures from the last month:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbBc7gkjv_Yx8jHJqprPKwcxME3xiSf0MEb9zGZxRblfZvSzXZxQkmaI3pF-Lpm_8RH_ARtvPIBCywdzhgxTL7A3XiIbbYGUCkUoBnhdfXuuzOBHOhTeaU6OLjjR_jRyX6xsUS722LA/s640/IMG_2950+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbBc7gkjv_Yx8jHJqprPKwcxME3xiSf0MEb9zGZxRblfZvSzXZxQkmaI3pF-Lpm_8RH_ARtvPIBCywdzhgxTL7A3XiIbbYGUCkUoBnhdfXuuzOBHOhTeaU6OLjjR_jRyX6xsUS722LA/w400-h300/IMG_2950+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400"></a></div><span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/05/may-check-in-living-good-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-9841300957505031472021-03-17T10:15:00.000-07:002021-03-17T10:15:03.269-07:00Wings<p><br><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_F6Hf1Q_nygu1q9n3sUeqhKy3FrK7xX-ri8AaMf3mXd30yLXPc8nOOuDWBrQlITjEitwDx9d3mW7P9wuIKillwvmbzjEEYXK74hMFpdIwaauV3mQYOCiqZoCvTRoM19qx9jOmjbxBg/s640/IMG_2903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_F6Hf1Q_nygu1q9n3sUeqhKy3FrK7xX-ri8AaMf3mXd30yLXPc8nOOuDWBrQlITjEitwDx9d3mW7P9wuIKillwvmbzjEEYXK74hMFpdIwaauV3mQYOCiqZoCvTRoM19qx9jOmjbxBg/w370-h400/IMG_2903.jpg" width="370"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently we've added a little decoration to our home. We bought a couple of paintings which I will share another day as don't have photos yet. We bought these big wooden wings for over our bed - I love them. They came from a store in a nearby town that I had liked their Facebook page and they are really good at updating it with things from their shop. Last weekend hubby drove there and bought these and a painting. Our walls have been pretty bare since we painted the inside of our open concept house waiting on the right art. Angel wings are not everyone's thing, they certainly aren't usually mine but I love these and they look great over the bed at 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.<span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/03/wings.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-90468734186786423322021-02-28T09:35:00.002-08:002021-02-28T09:45:00.455-08:00My Happy Place<p> Thursday we had to run some errands with Mom (dentist) and we had to do our preordered grocery pickup. The day was stunning. It looks warm but is only about 5 degrees Celcius near the water and about 9 degrees by our house. On the way home, we stopped at the Marina, my happy place. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There is always an eagle on guard on top of someone's boat and the views beautiful as we have snow-covered mountains in the background then our valley then the ocean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9quoTAfK47oQXZUT_yxhgM6HDnkxj5LWSv04RLa-a5P2eCU97UfSchMTEgG9V4RlcErDXwLnLYIMaND_bNPgUja4uFNJAJVsXgpE6kgXDWykZsRJEmjMTu4lE1T4GUvO4-rAJtP6QgQ/s640/IMG_2885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9quoTAfK47oQXZUT_yxhgM6HDnkxj5LWSv04RLa-a5P2eCU97UfSchMTEgG9V4RlcErDXwLnLYIMaND_bNPgUja4uFNJAJVsXgpE6kgXDWykZsRJEmjMTu4lE1T4GUvO4-rAJtP6QgQ/s320/IMG_2885.jpg" width="320"></a><span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/02/my-happy-place.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-8099986405014657932021-02-18T11:37:00.001-08:002021-02-18T11:37:20.764-08:00Snow!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfku0aa58BGSRs9OlfUzrbrkJuQDqtX9DCm3Pfzf3FDwmJj94aELaDX7gdpCDi7MoS2SMK_qEEWmhAzSNIvndfFlSACcKvAaYjMnt1cFqnKFQ-ta0T_oHJMhma_3_zhtt25nH3W4sI5w/s640/IMG_2870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfku0aa58BGSRs9OlfUzrbrkJuQDqtX9DCm3Pfzf3FDwmJj94aELaDX7gdpCDi7MoS2SMK_qEEWmhAzSNIvndfFlSACcKvAaYjMnt1cFqnKFQ-ta0T_oHJMhma_3_zhtt25nH3W4sI5w/s320/IMG_2870.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So over the weekend we got 3 days worth of snowstorm which dropped about a foot altogether. Hubby was so sore from shovelling the sidewalks and our driveway. Usually I am able to help him. Fortunately the big melt is on now and it is raining which takes it away much faster, hopefully by the end of the upcoming weekend most of it will be gone.<span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/02/snow.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-6346752779349847892021-02-12T09:54:00.004-08:002021-02-12T09:57:06.383-08:00Buddy - Cuteness overload<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW9ofihrIDf7ecSFNrbAarv2wJtyAp7zbGrDbf69PWQguLXT9CHH8HqYcUok3vZ6I6_pElYo6AIUV_H0b0cgwGeXiL6odgyZ5c1mZ_lpy2-GOvFhgq_odDp8dXzQ3ecwej_rmM1FCoA/s640/IMG_2863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW9ofihrIDf7ecSFNrbAarv2wJtyAp7zbGrDbf69PWQguLXT9CHH8HqYcUok3vZ6I6_pElYo6AIUV_H0b0cgwGeXiL6odgyZ5c1mZ_lpy2-GOvFhgq_odDp8dXzQ3ecwej_rmM1FCoA/s320/IMG_2863.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Buddy is such a joy in our lives. A day doesn't go by without him making us smile. The photo above was taken as hubby was rubbing Buddy's tummy and stopped. He got "the look" like "why did you stop?".<span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/02/buddy-cuteness-overload.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-10461469778697259202021-02-02T09:13:00.004-08:002021-02-02T09:13:31.829-08:00To The Ducks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNckbAeUNAPO-N0hXTH15INDVxSapJGj9rS5exMqTax0G2_XV2KzHXrKT8VcrBfIFlh1DAuptPhwkcmOhCFAjpHwaKvWG7blB1gNvcAHJrKUVHjCLghUG5nEarNvTGeP-JpYlDz7D1Qg/s640/IMG_2839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNckbAeUNAPO-N0hXTH15INDVxSapJGj9rS5exMqTax0G2_XV2KzHXrKT8VcrBfIFlh1DAuptPhwkcmOhCFAjpHwaKvWG7blB1gNvcAHJrKUVHjCLghUG5nEarNvTGeP-JpYlDz7D1Qg/w400-h288/IMG_2839.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br> Sunday the sun was shining. I was feeling better than usual and decided that I needed fresh air and was going to attempt a walk with Buddy and Hubby. Both times when I was in the hospital in December and January I visualized being able to someday walk again with my hubby and my dog. It was something to hang on to when I felt at my absolute worst. It came true on Sunday. This is th<span></span>e first time I have left the house since January 8th when I got out of the hospital for my pneumonia.<p></p><p><span></span></p><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/02/to-ducks.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-62862852196952375932021-01-28T09:56:00.005-08:002021-01-28T09:59:47.135-08:00This and That<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrkWDoDPsNK1oky7p9RLkkRwhG41O9oe8n8mQXdD93WtsmbI7oZWoyXJHkDVD1DMNLLLdlWenjYFV2Qa4uoFQouZQCOJLI6Wi7kTW9im8gL7Eub0qwgL4GxYYw-e1uhHZ1zCGNY2sIw/s707/143503986_1652104708328965_6897014019033438602_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrkWDoDPsNK1oky7p9RLkkRwhG41O9oe8n8mQXdD93WtsmbI7oZWoyXJHkDVD1DMNLLLdlWenjYFV2Qa4uoFQouZQCOJLI6Wi7kTW9im8gL7Eub0qwgL4GxYYw-e1uhHZ1zCGNY2sIw/s320/143503986_1652104708328965_6897014019033438602_o.jpg"></a></div>I managed to win the bid on a large lot of books for Mom to read on our Facebook bidding site. I have an inability to read right now due to chemo brain - likely when my last 5 chemo sessions are over I will be able to read again at some point but I read 3 pages and there is zero retention. Mom is a voracious reader and down to her last couple of books so this lot for $8 should keep her in reading for a while.<span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/01/this-and-that.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-19867418388162927992021-01-22T11:01:00.004-08:002021-01-22T11:01:45.502-08:00Starting to Mend<p> I am still here. Just using my energy to recuperate. The double whammy of two hospital stays, major surgery and pneumonia have drained every bit of energy from my body. After my last hospital stay it was everything I could do to take a shower or go to the bathroom on my own. 500 steps max per day. I am now up to 1000-1500 steps a day but recuperation is slow going.</p><p>Sweet Buddy is there by my side every day. Yesterday he got a haircut. He was pretty shaggy as originally was supposed to be trimmed two weeks ago but I got out of the hospital that day instead so we delayed it. He looks so much better with a clean shaven face. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvYjn3TFtogIc2EFPYVUAgHMHJqhpvYk-RrURwNHa-99Xn_hBhEny0enEZr-_niEMWuDN1ItYJ4PfpUyzACdjT3m2sbJ7mZnPWXMEIZCWmrva_WVkmR9SVeieHMcsJsxbJt8MCrSXKw/s640/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvYjn3TFtogIc2EFPYVUAgHMHJqhpvYk-RrURwNHa-99Xn_hBhEny0enEZr-_niEMWuDN1ItYJ4PfpUyzACdjT3m2sbJ7mZnPWXMEIZCWmrva_WVkmR9SVeieHMcsJsxbJt8MCrSXKw/s320/IMG_2823.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ho43b0YeyAUNi564d-av_3jpDrKCsYcm7g2ndLzt4PAJ2w9jCc5F2fEKhSs8_Dok1DR6GC8sJvOQAnhD13cWd7yTuJ4UjtUrDoJoA6RO_ivPsA5UN2zINBiSYeVLc7GpEPeBKjABnQ/s2048/IMG_1168+%25282%2529.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ho43b0YeyAUNi564d-av_3jpDrKCsYcm7g2ndLzt4PAJ2w9jCc5F2fEKhSs8_Dok1DR6GC8sJvOQAnhD13cWd7yTuJ4UjtUrDoJoA6RO_ivPsA5UN2zINBiSYeVLc7GpEPeBKjABnQ/s320/IMG_1168+%25282%2529.HEIC"></a></div>We managed to remove all the Christmas decorations last weekend. Normally I like to take everything down January 1 for a fresh start to the year. I sat there looking at the decorations and they were driving me crazy as I mentally undecorated everything 20 times until I was physically able to do it, of course with hubby's help. Thank goodness I married such a decent human being. He is wonderful at taking care of me, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry. He is also still running the company in between. He is tired, I try and do what little I can to make his life easier but things are still tough in that regard. <p></p><span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2021/01/starting-to-mend.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-27083363783359427402021-01-09T09:51:00.000-08:002021-01-09T09:51:00.194-08:00Dip in the Road<p> I'd love to say that I've been happily at home recuperating but unfortunately, I contracted pneumonia and ended up back in the hospital for 3 days. I got out yesterday and am doing much better due to an extremely powerful dose of antibiotics via IV. I am hoping now that I can get on with healing as my incisions are in great shape and need to get some of my energy back and get back on track with eating.</p><p>Yes, things look good from here on out - so happy to be home again with my sweet husband and dog and home sweet home.</p>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-14225575817071895572020-12-29T11:40:00.005-08:002020-12-29T11:58:13.745-08:00I'm Home<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrcQrrSNwPcNvQn_Qa05Kga5D6YTanMxJwB7o3aLNvxZSWF47kWnXGyTWR2Wg-7y8n0Vj0XS_1zYaIuq-GK2cn1X5LJCjxPrZP-l9_fk_nBzuG5cU89ZIN2lBUKLGYMcDGx1CF1GDlg/s196/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrcQrrSNwPcNvQn_Qa05Kga5D6YTanMxJwB7o3aLNvxZSWF47kWnXGyTWR2Wg-7y8n0Vj0XS_1zYaIuq-GK2cn1X5LJCjxPrZP-l9_fk_nBzuG5cU89ZIN2lBUKLGYMcDGx1CF1GDlg/s0/images.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So hubby broke me out of the hospital yesterday and we made the 5 hour trek via ferry home. I wanted so badly out of the hospital I pushed it to get out early. They expected me to be in for 7 days based on what all was taken (80% pancreas, spleen, 1 adrenal gland and some lymph nodes - the last 2 as they were so close) but healing is done at home, not at the hospital. Plus while I was in the hospital there was a covid outbreak 2 floors up so I had added incentive to get out as early as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel SOOOOOOOOOO happy to be home - with my sweet husband and my sweet dog. Now I have several weeks of serious healing to do but I feel much better doing it here. Hospitals are not good for mental health and mine was going south - I would have lied to get out near the end but that wasn't necessary, thank goodness, my body cooperated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I won't be posting a lot but just wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and to let you all know - I'M HOME!!!!</div><p></p>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-39924810595585903832020-12-15T09:19:00.004-08:002020-12-15T11:30:15.588-08:00Hope<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCTiHiXqgbx47iAExE_aeHPi2Mj75JI-iAM6udWlIVhchwrG9QSPQTuBKlBlq78H9ysvsLJDg3gKb0DNT_tG-5hq640xSXcFRZAAQ-sdaeH5Y_iE6MfJoYefJcnI9Z5PVGW0zCL6Hog/s304/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCTiHiXqgbx47iAExE_aeHPi2Mj75JI-iAM6udWlIVhchwrG9QSPQTuBKlBlq78H9ysvsLJDg3gKb0DNT_tG-5hq640xSXcFRZAAQ-sdaeH5Y_iE6MfJoYefJcnI9Z5PVGW0zCL6Hog/s0/download.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p>This is my last post of the year. This week we are busy finishing up company business (hubby is taking 3 weeks off to take care of me), cooking the turkey Thursday and prepping for our trip Sunday and my Surgery Tuesday. <span></span></p><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/12/hope.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-30549466580411873862020-12-06T09:27:00.006-08:002020-12-06T09:35:35.666-08:00Some Cheer Light Style<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw4krO-7c38xZjow5TVTzFD1n0rWCWwg9gYOO_Obr9vYWjpTGz_SG8fwpWqcBSIZlrp8Op8X2rVaRiAo7hWKvcVm5XlCs_ySHz_3t3UjDREhvFRlAv93LrrfyrJsKIQHaLDsAvS87UQ/s640/IMG_2701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw4krO-7c38xZjow5TVTzFD1n0rWCWwg9gYOO_Obr9vYWjpTGz_SG8fwpWqcBSIZlrp8Op8X2rVaRiAo7hWKvcVm5XlCs_ySHz_3t3UjDREhvFRlAv93LrrfyrJsKIQHaLDsAvS87UQ/s320/IMG_2701.jpg" width="320"></a></div>So this week one day about 5pm this showed up on my street - a highly decorated dump truck and trailer holding a tree. This was part of a "truck light parade" that our towns have had for many years which of course was canceled due to covid. As the parade was a huge way our local food bank raised money by collecting cash and donations there this year one truck and trailer are traveling around different neighborhoods and honking, spreading cheer so people can come out and see it. They were suggesting money be sent directly to the food bank and they were collecting cash with a bucket at the end of a long hockey stick (Canadian Covid appliance lol) but were unable to collect actual food donations due to handling/storage issues. They recommended those be driven straight to the food bank. By Thursday they had raised $7000 after just a few nights! We've already made our annual contribution to the food bank but it was so nice to see such spirit in our neighborhoods. <br><span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/12/some-cheer-light-style.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-63061827520652104262020-11-30T12:57:00.003-08:002020-11-30T12:59:09.258-08:00Pretty But Potent<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf3bJOvuGAKfEAh-oNzADeiZK190kMaL0GfFyKI4zhpREDs1suUaRRdZ6ljqaUo9c4jzeDkVJWfZv_kUEXSPkTSjIZC2JKrrbKAVd545QOppS_Ks6BYuLp1cE1yR5pFu6_pezi9yyjQ/s640/IMG_2685.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf3bJOvuGAKfEAh-oNzADeiZK190kMaL0GfFyKI4zhpREDs1suUaRRdZ6ljqaUo9c4jzeDkVJWfZv_kUEXSPkTSjIZC2JKrrbKAVd545QOppS_Ks6BYuLp1cE1yR5pFu6_pezi9yyjQ/s320/IMG_2685.jpg" width="320"></a></div>We had another huge storm last night/this morning with rain pounding so hard against our windows at 6am I don't actually recall a worse storm. We just kept in bed as fortunately hubby had no firm telephone appointments and Buddy crossed his legs so he didn't have to go out. By 8 am it was sunny and calm, very weird for this time of year. Today is the day where I am about 60 recovered from treatment and so hubby suggested we take Buddy for a walk. It was a slow one and the only picture I took is of this very beautiful but very potent mushroom growing in my front yard. I looked it up for fear it was poisonous, but it is just hallucinogenic, called Amanita. So pretty yet so unpleasant. <span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/11/pretty-but-potent.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-24693277117281043212020-11-25T13:48:00.004-08:002020-11-25T13:48:52.986-08:00Firm date and more lights!<p> Well, surgery date has been firmly set for Dec 22 and I am over being upset about being in hospital over Christmas. I am so lucky to even qualify for surgery so I will take what I can get. We will have turkey day Dec 18 then Dec 20 have to be in Vancouver 2 days before surgery for some prep work and hopefully I will be out in a week. </p><p>In the mean time our decorating is finished. Here is the outside front:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZXmwcr24nCdy_KwI5x2LBwltdMRonnalBdSuTEga1fEC3T-WDKY9PtiRT4REkO_KR-8b2ACSWgkMiounX2nGV8d3g8JoGBa7rQ6W9M5FTKGtJFoYon7hE7CcFXHbfjZNVHouwGIYMQ/s640/IMG_2675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZXmwcr24nCdy_KwI5x2LBwltdMRonnalBdSuTEga1fEC3T-WDKY9PtiRT4REkO_KR-8b2ACSWgkMiounX2nGV8d3g8JoGBa7rQ6W9M5FTKGtJFoYon7hE7CcFXHbfjZNVHouwGIYMQ/w400-h300/IMG_2675.jpg" width="400"></a></div><span></span><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/11/firm-date-and-more-lights.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-434362782194171512020-11-17T09:28:00.003-08:002020-11-17T09:35:54.682-08:00Thundersnow<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkuQ-ztYp4rg7uL35dAo1qRN0bgmXgl9WzhviRmGh9ZXK0jb8hTVXWnCuzlQ3c1Dv3M1vpOL12D3wW98v4zBV2C9IktjWMptjPyWWJHziOGIHHl1qiZ9o2DMk72UKokp3Ib2Gd-tLfw/s640/IMG_2646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkuQ-ztYp4rg7uL35dAo1qRN0bgmXgl9WzhviRmGh9ZXK0jb8hTVXWnCuzlQ3c1Dv3M1vpOL12D3wW98v4zBV2C9IktjWMptjPyWWJHziOGIHHl1qiZ9o2DMk72UKokp3Ib2Gd-tLfw/s320/IMG_2646.JPG"></a></div>Last night out of the blue it snowed, it was only plus 2 degrees but just got cold enough to drop some of the cold stuff. Half an hour later we had the strangest electrical storm with sheet lightning and thunder - two things we don't generally get on Vancouver Island. We never lost power though so other than trying to catch the bolts of lightning we just listened to the storm.<p></p><p>Then at 1am I heard a weird thumping by the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump" target="_blank"> heat pump</a> (our form of heat which only works to minus 10 degrees Celcius and uses the temperature of the air to heat and cool your house). This had happened once before and since I was awake due to a bout of insomnia I got up and had a look. Ice had formed inside the heat pump fan and it was having trouble functioning, soon to burn out if not fixed. Fortunately, I knew what to do. Throw the air conditioner on - it sends the warm air out into the fan on the pump and within an hour the ice had all melted and I didn't have to do much of anything. A service repair man told me that little trick last year when I was panicking in a snowstorm to try and thaw it out with hot water. And no, he didn't charge me for a service call. </p><p>Thank you for all the kind words on the last post. Yes, I qualify for surgery. Now to get it done, which is being made more complicated and possibly set back due to Covid. We are supposed to hear from the surgeon this week about more dates but the date that has been thrown around is Dec 22. Yes, in hospital for Christmas and maybe out by New Years'. Not what anyone wants but I just want the surgery over and to be recuperating at home away from Covid with my husband and my dog and my Mom. There is even a likely chance if I do get surgery before Christmas hubby will not be allowed in the hospital to see me. These are the sucker punches that keep coming but I am a big girl and I am once again pulling on my big girl panties whether I want to or not and making sure I get the best possible chance at a long life and this is what is required to do that. Tenacity is required and I have that.</p><p>In the meantime, Christmas decorating continues. The tree is up and a bit like a Whoville tree from the Grinch, if you put enough stuff on it it looks good. I have rearranged a branch or two since these pictures were taken but it was completed on Sunday. And we ended up with 1000 lights on the tree :) The tree is a combo of family ornaments and a ton of vintage glass ornaments which I've collected over the years. I will give you more glimpses of my vintage collection including books and candle holders over the next few weeks. For now - here is the tree, mantle, and antique store cabinet with lights. The lights look brighter in person, we have lights all over the place now, especially the bedroom and living room. <span></span></p><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/11/thundersnow.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-59951525063937724312020-11-12T11:08:00.002-08:002020-11-12T11:10:47.775-08:00Good News Post<p><br><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlUviS44qbgWFqAxazurJa91DtWHH8K1Feqzc0xbpPg1xRMf8aWLTRDl6oi-1YlO0yXAJmm5YMjvj3lW_d-OwVZPcUUff8DF2fXsDnAL6NOTi-wcK2oRbYTOqIJS4JiQxW5eyqJXBKg/s640/IMG_2632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlUviS44qbgWFqAxazurJa91DtWHH8K1Feqzc0xbpPg1xRMf8aWLTRDl6oi-1YlO0yXAJmm5YMjvj3lW_d-OwVZPcUUff8DF2fXsDnAL6NOTi-wcK2oRbYTOqIJS4JiQxW5eyqJXBKg/s320/IMG_2632.jpg" width="320"></a></div>I haven't blogged in 10 days but that's primarily because I've been busy decorating the house and getting chemo. But this blog post is full of good news so in no particular order:<p></p><p>1. My sweet husband bought me these lovely flowers last week, they are lasting a long time and are lovely to look at (even though he is allergic to a lot of what is here he still bought them).<span></span></p><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/11/good-news-post.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-57851085409918929532020-11-04T11:45:00.002-08:002020-11-04T11:45:50.084-08:00Groovy<p> So I thought I would share with you today something we picked up a month ago on our Facebook bidding site. A proper lava lamp with the real wax in it that takes 2 hours to heat up for action. I love it. I love that it looks like a rocket and has little lights at the bottom. I've taken to light therapy this fall, lots of fairy lights, candles and now this. We turn it on every single night. I outbid everyone else for $21. This is not one of the cheap ones made with goodness knows what that gets cloudy after a few days. Nor is it the kind that is instant (those appeal to most people - instant gratification). You have to wait for the beauty and bubbles of this lamp</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d_SLvOsbZF7lZT_5-oYsmn6hC2-kPsMY_blT4KygM4TdOhPc6QE6Bl5-Itmj0KOVqmW5lxkXzlCd69vBbJ3VqBZRhkyIcfcycodGnUUDpXz7MJcIbzdwIlRtMazFT_E8lxlWOXsm5Q/s640/IMG_2619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d_SLvOsbZF7lZT_5-oYsmn6hC2-kPsMY_blT4KygM4TdOhPc6QE6Bl5-Itmj0KOVqmW5lxkXzlCd69vBbJ3VqBZRhkyIcfcycodGnUUDpXz7MJcIbzdwIlRtMazFT_E8lxlWOXsm5Q/s320/IMG_2619.jpg"></a><span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/11/groovy.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-79135417270731193302020-11-02T08:42:00.003-08:002020-11-02T08:57:40.486-08:00Keeping On The Rails<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw_TroGwH4GS9tentOE9_lbT0P83PBjefdxbZErX151oc84BfGA9BYXdxUtUa_AR1MuHnvtHVypsOOp5QKIdGJj3AxeEJ4aiwE82LibhmwJXOrjVdrFl_qg3fUFNfW1pKYHkaM8S-QA/s2048/breathe.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw_TroGwH4GS9tentOE9_lbT0P83PBjefdxbZErX151oc84BfGA9BYXdxUtUa_AR1MuHnvtHVypsOOp5QKIdGJj3AxeEJ4aiwE82LibhmwJXOrjVdrFl_qg3fUFNfW1pKYHkaM8S-QA/s320/breathe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So I know a lot of people are super anxious today and I am just going to give my two cents. No matter what happens with regard to the pandemic, your family, the election, natural disasters, your health, or anything else that we are all experiencing (and certainly not to take away from any of it) but we all need to breathe. We need to figure out a way to cope. My way to cope is to accomplish at least one thing every single day. Somedays this is as simple as taking the dog out (one less time hubby has to do on those days when I am feeling crappy). If I have zero energy sometimes what I accomplish is in the electronic world like placing a grocery order or doing some company paperwork. Some days the project is much bigger. <br /></p><p>On Sundays, after my Tuesday treatments, I am starting to feel like a human again (about 40%). Yesterday that meant putting together the tree we will be using for this holiday season to see if it will work and how many lights we need to buy. I have always wanted a bigger tree - our last tree is about 18 years old and its lights are finally starting to fail on a string by string basis. It was a 6.5-foot tree and in a pinch is still in the crawl space to be used. I've always packed it full of my vintage Christmas glass collection as well as all the family ornaments. This year back in August hubby and I decided we wanted a bigger tree. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5Zfwqe9oCAfZwQqaqk5fmkXPipJrxpASeoWmMV02iNjk5PBs6gHV_eksvAtnU4rNDI_WB443al6CODvMqPnQwWhbLElC_MtPmGu1JgPaiJ8EGtVm_QNfuNmhzNrW7tJUMm_axiHUhw/s640/IMG_2525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5Zfwqe9oCAfZwQqaqk5fmkXPipJrxpASeoWmMV02iNjk5PBs6gHV_eksvAtnU4rNDI_WB443al6CODvMqPnQwWhbLElC_MtPmGu1JgPaiJ8EGtVm_QNfuNmhzNrW7tJUMm_axiHUhw/s320/IMG_2525.jpg" /></a></div>Let's just say the same instructions were used for 3 different models and they didn't make sense. So I started logically from top-down and got it done (after a few reworks and the odd swear word).<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibygoJdEmBOyp2Gg6L86OaOxpp9RI4WTsv6RAPaAEgUiUbT3CPx6q21vDU7lGvt-695pRRv0FSOegxPpr1BiKxR7TcKj9EuZDNbF7QRXXL7QN5_Qx9K9F6mT2oSt09xYhFq3eXHdmo0Q/s640/IMG_2526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibygoJdEmBOyp2Gg6L86OaOxpp9RI4WTsv6RAPaAEgUiUbT3CPx6q21vDU7lGvt-695pRRv0FSOegxPpr1BiKxR7TcKj9EuZDNbF7QRXXL7QN5_Qx9K9F6mT2oSt09xYhFq3eXHdmo0Q/s320/IMG_2526.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I bought a 7.5 ft one on our Facebook bidding site for $25. It had never been used and had no weird smell. Why had it never been used? It's the kind that you have to put one branch on at a time. Yes, we could rush out and spend $300 on a large tree but that just isn't us and I definitely didn't want the hassle of investing a prelit tree only for it to die a year or two later. It took me 2 hours and it is mostly done although needs some major FLOUFING and lights you can get the idea. Nice and full and makes use of our 9 and 10-foot ceilings. I felt a major accomplishment. Hubby did end up having to vacuum up all the leftover bits on the floor (thank you again) but one more thing on the gigantic list of things to make sure we have a lovely holiday has been done. The reason we are starting so early is that we have several unknown dates circling our heads and one must do something in the meantime to keep sane.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will buy some lights this week and then maybe next weekend it will be decorated - no set agenda at this point.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also see in the picture above that this summer before I had surgery I was bound and determined to finish painting the ceiling tray after that was almost all that was left of the entire house paint that we started in 2019. There was zero chance I was going to leave it and have to look at two different paint colors all winter and hubby just can't do the high detail work like I can. So we rented a ladder and I got it done, feeling much accomplished back in early August. Frankly, it was easier to do than I originally thought so we had procrastinated about painting that bit last. <br /><p>We do have most of the Christmas shopping complete. We found the softest blanket ever at Costco (don't judge me, I shop local plenty too, overpaid for Chinese food at our cash-only close at 3pm Chinese takeaway so I could support it the other day) for ourselves and quickly realized we wanted to buy one for every person we love. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrumUhSH2_kbc8MZU-p58h46k1iZLeWLLkf26SiScma_cH6LO24WyFuNd4dyXnCugO12vGrCYRLfGCRfMRUiYpyjaXi0DeeOvEXdE2HOGoegWwLAge-hsdnUyxeLIbVr_k8C1Nj6omg/s640/IMG_2533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrumUhSH2_kbc8MZU-p58h46k1iZLeWLLkf26SiScma_cH6LO24WyFuNd4dyXnCugO12vGrCYRLfGCRfMRUiYpyjaXi0DeeOvEXdE2HOGoegWwLAge-hsdnUyxeLIbVr_k8C1Nj6omg/s320/IMG_2533.jpg" /></a></div><br /> So every kid and spouse and my Mom all are getting these for Christmas. And yes, we are paying the bloody postage to make it happen. There just may be nuts and chocolate treats too in their boxes too along with other goodies. If we can't be with them at least everyone will have the same wonderful soft warm loved feeling this Christmas from us. Plus we always give a small cash gift to each of them which I am sure is appreciated this year. We are so lucky that financially we can help all of them if they need it - but none have needed to ask and are doing ok so far. <p></p><p>My oldest stepson is working for 3 charitable homeless shelters in Ottawa, a COVID hotbed, and is undergoing his 4th covid test. Unfortunately, the virus is circulating among the workers more than the clients so there is a seemingly endless stream of tests for them to endure, much like healthcare workers. He and his beautiful fiancee were supposed to fly here at Christmas but due to the pandemic and my situation that just isn't a possibility. He is supposed to fly to his Mother's in Alberta but that is up in the air now too - but he is an adult of almost 30 and those are his decisions to make, not ours. </p><p>For now, we live each day in our household acknowledging the good fortunes of that day - that might mean that a little hummingbird blessed us with an appearance. It might mean that Buddy had a super good walk with his Dad and is passed out in a "couldn't be any cuter moment". It doesn't mean that every day is great or even good. It just means we all need to get on with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVjWAJYwG6e0fS3ThpbB0tU0Rly4ru4YTGae781yg8t8Pgj_UBQ4eKM2XG2XDTSV2i_sej2JFOLZqyZcjV08VYSqaSYNk0ByCtgrQTajR49qrtlKgukGdcRPA9U6djt2_K_0MyVItsw/s640/IMG_2484.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVjWAJYwG6e0fS3ThpbB0tU0Rly4ru4YTGae781yg8t8Pgj_UBQ4eKM2XG2XDTSV2i_sej2JFOLZqyZcjV08VYSqaSYNk0ByCtgrQTajR49qrtlKgukGdcRPA9U6djt2_K_0MyVItsw/s320/IMG_2484.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>So if you are stressed today please look around in your world for the good things. They usually are right in front of your face waiting to be recognized. And BREATHE!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-39229582867847881832020-10-24T09:23:00.003-07:002020-10-24T11:26:00.774-07:00Lists, Bargains and Busy<p> As someone who now has to fit 14 days worth of life stuff into 7 I am busy on my good week. I still have Dr appts and such, but I am fitting in so much more. I am so lucky where we live the pandemic is not quite as serious or I would likely be self-isolating. But I am choosing not to, instead of being ultra-careful and having no one into my home. I am going to quieter stores, masked up, run in, get what I need, get out. Much like the start of the pandemic. This makes me feel "normal". I also get to help out hubby a lot more than I will when/if I get surgery for a long time. This week:</p><p>-We had takeout from a water side food shack. This was our view as we ate of the Comox estuary. It didn't suck. While we were sitting there eating we watched a heron fishing for supper, 2 eagles fishing, and a large seal that was also fishing for supper just mosey on by a few feet from the waters edge. I am so glad we moved here when we did and get to live in this paradise every day. It isn't perfect (no where is) but we live a very nice life here and it gives me peace to look at this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIDAiyMRQs1P_04l50HOvLv1jPprD_BgYfw84dtjNfXKE_VfgTMUafrqwjZtbzthKInNrJZzW47PmXQmk8Rnw18tbe41QKE_M9gN8VM12zk4NYaYJZvt4BQc5O72EDrg1WQRF1J6mTQ/s640/IMG_2507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIDAiyMRQs1P_04l50HOvLv1jPprD_BgYfw84dtjNfXKE_VfgTMUafrqwjZtbzthKInNrJZzW47PmXQmk8Rnw18tbe41QKE_M9gN8VM12zk4NYaYJZvt4BQc5O72EDrg1WQRF1J6mTQ/s320/IMG_2507.jpg" width="320"></a><span></span></div><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/10/lists-bargains-and-busy.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-88684252080236722132020-10-18T08:54:00.004-07:002020-10-18T09:11:19.538-07:00Ghoulies<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC93of6xqOsxDVJpO-DRu1zksgsuocXQ4JXVMVTXb54DfwT1vuArb-9-czbTe9IhyIBV-ZH35g7AJoYHSdX_lWlsRMYxFdCEvzPXNYiVAS5HsgooRKQdSN3egQi-4h-iR2PQubWshM9Q/s640/IMG_0936.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC93of6xqOsxDVJpO-DRu1zksgsuocXQ4JXVMVTXb54DfwT1vuArb-9-czbTe9IhyIBV-ZH35g7AJoYHSdX_lWlsRMYxFdCEvzPXNYiVAS5HsgooRKQdSN3egQi-4h-iR2PQubWshM9Q/w300-h400/IMG_0936.JPEG" width="300"></a></div><br><p></p><p>This scene is at the end of our street - hubby walked Buddy this week and took the picture. Someone obviously loves Halloween. I have no idea where they got the gigantic skeleton but it looks pretty great. Last year someone at the same house sat dressed as a mummy bride and scared trick or treaters. We won't be doing Halloween this year, not because we don't support it but because we can't have people coming to our house with our situation. Buddy will be much relieved as he truly hates everyone ringing the door bell for candy every hour or so. I think a lot of people will be doing home parties for their families this year. Last year we only had 28 trick or treaters and the year before 50.<span></span></p><a href="http://livingrichonthecheap.blogspot.com/2020/10/ghoulies.html#more">Read more »</a>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-24291719952305176712020-10-01T13:17:00.007-07:002020-10-01T13:48:42.774-07:00An Update<p> When I issued my last post I thought it was my last. But I miss my blog friends and all the wonderful messages they have been trying to get through to me so feel I owe everyone an update. I may occasionally post a blog here and there as life continues on - even though much different than before. </p><p>I found out my diagnosis July 10th. They established early on that they felt they had a good shot at removing my tumor with surgery and I was referred to one of the very best surgeons in Vancouver. He specializes in lung transplants and pancreatic tumor surgeries. At the same time my gallbladder which had flagged all of this needed to come out. Surgery was scheduled for August 14th. As this is considered critical illness hubby was allowed to visit in the hospital of which I spent 3 nights. The night before we sat in a hotel room preparing ourselves mentally and received a call from the surgeon - due to the CT scan just a couple of days before it looked like the tumor was too close to a vein to proceed. Instead of doing major surgery they proceeded with removing my gallbladder and did a biopsy on the tumor to confirm the cancer.</p><p>On my 51st birthday I found out that yes indeed it was cancer as we had all believed. September 1 I had my first chemo treatment. I get it every two weeks and I go for a full 8 hours and then have a bottle on IV I take hope for 2 more days of treatment. Not everyone who has chemotherapy has similar treatments. It is different for every person and every type of cancer. It turns out that the first chemo bag I get (I get 3 then 1 takehome) I am allergic/hypersensitive to so every day of chemo is now multiple hours of antiallergy meds then chemo then more allergy shots as more issues come up. This drug is the very best drug for shrinking my tumor so we continue on. The hope is that by the end of November we can do surgery to remove it and surrounding tissue and possibly my spleen as it shares the same blood vessels as the pancreas. As it stands right now they think it has not spread and I have a very good chance at living many more years if we can do surgery. Not as good if we can't. Only 10-15 percent of people with pancreatic cancer qualify for surgery. You have to be healthy enough to withstand both the surgery which is major surgery and chemo. If I do get surgery then I have another 3 months of chemo afterward.</p><p>Nothing has gone to plan exactly here(always day to day with cancer) but I do feel I have the very best team of surgeons, oncologists, and nurses taking care of me. Some appointments are done by phone thanks to Covid (a plus in my books) and some in person. Every time after chemo I lose about 5-6 days then I perk up and have about 8 good days where hubby and I try to live our lives to the fullest. Yes, I am tired but I am relatively healthy and now can eat a lot more without my nasty gallbladder which was apparently blocked with a really large stone. I've just gone through my 3rd treatment and will have 2-3 more before a decision and more ct scans will be made regarding surgery.</p><p>My husband has been the most wonderful man in the world. We already had a really great relationship and this has brought us even closer together if that is even possible. He truly is the kindest and loving/caring man and takes really good care of me on those days when I need it. We just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and we are both hoping for more wonderful years together. </p><p>Buddy has also been my little hairy rockstar - those days when I am in bed after chemo he doesn't leave my side. Only when he understands I am feeling better he turns into his normal fun playful self. Thank goodness for these two, they truly let me keep my sanity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3dwouC9gcYukv0re2v1bfwnyFw6hA5CO7ljZSsEVWiJ2l1oOr-Gj7J7MzSU2cYnnZxZuK0iPd6S5nZzZaIIVvbtQJ3H21ufvLgvrWL-dsNq9XKH0NAaGsnTUrMsIRJYtH7jhMw91g/s640/IMG_2397.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3dwouC9gcYukv0re2v1bfwnyFw6hA5CO7ljZSsEVWiJ2l1oOr-Gj7J7MzSU2cYnnZxZuK0iPd6S5nZzZaIIVvbtQJ3H21ufvLgvrWL-dsNq9XKH0NAaGsnTUrMsIRJYtH7jhMw91g/w300-h400/IMG_2397.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>One thing I am ever so grateful for is that we got to see 3 of our 4 kids in June - something that is now not possible due to exposure and my lack of an immune system for likely 6 months. The second you have your first treatment you become immune-compromised overnight. One day at a time is all we can plan right now but we communicate with them very regularly and they are all very supportive of me. </p><p>We are still running our company but only with existing customers, not new ones. Strange to turn down business but new clients would be impossible at this time and our existing customers are flexible and understand what is going on. Luckily financially we can retire anytime but the company does give hubby something to do other than worry about me and without new clients to onboard my work is much less and can be done when I feel good. While all of my actual care is taken care of through our free healthcare we are still spending about $500 a month on medications for after chemo (mostly anti-nausea drugs that work very well, thank goodness). All of our planning and saving has paid off but I really don't know how people with debt/COVID loss of income/no savings do it. There is some financial relief for these pills called Pharmacare in BC depending on your income. We don't currently qualify but may next year with reduced salaries this year. In the meantime we are fine.</p><p>Oddly I still have kept my hair after 3 treatments. It is thinning and has slightly changed colour to reddish-brown. Apparently, the drugs I am on aren't as harsh on the scalp as some (most breast cancer drugs take your hair right away). I am trying to be super delicate with it as my scalp is itchy and I have been adding oil treatments and only washing it every couple of days with baby shampoo. I am fine if I lose it but for now, it is nice that it has stayed after a full month of treatment.</p><p>We spend a lot of time with Mom and try to have her for supper at least once a week. My first round I couldn't drive as an anti-nausea medication was making me dizzy but I cut back on that and could drive the second week after chemo so have been able to spend more time with her getting groceries etc. I am limiting my exposure to the public by ordering groceries online but can still act as taxi for Mom and hubby picks up whatever we can't get by ordering online including many trips to the pharmacy.</p><p>We have taken more selfies lately as we try and get out to the ocean at least once every two weeks. Here are some of those:</p><p><br /></p><p>The first two were taken in August at the beach with Buddy - before my operation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZYYcJrKJD4Xvw9XXhEXX3H2DonUlbu6nbYYnmOHULp2YGVwy3nJTFB_1R9uoLgjIUOiz_BkQ4tR-A6gYmJf_fzt5LnQlZVueP11BRfHkSI6Um_H6KPTa6tgvabt4pMoI-LrY0j497A/s640/IMG_0720.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZYYcJrKJD4Xvw9XXhEXX3H2DonUlbu6nbYYnmOHULp2YGVwy3nJTFB_1R9uoLgjIUOiz_BkQ4tR-A6gYmJf_fzt5LnQlZVueP11BRfHkSI6Um_H6KPTa6tgvabt4pMoI-LrY0j497A/s320/IMG_0720.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMuAWpVY2ytzX5wh0wKgKyekaG7RbKrDYxiBvhqfRwgFse35ULx7fmHjDdK7_1QgKkh-EW9MEqTfxRx6TXTzHBmhKbnaWtJgVcsDMFCwvqSZhlVBaKvNqXp9pfWDEZ7L6hQenKRVBCQ/s640/IMG_0721.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMuAWpVY2ytzX5wh0wKgKyekaG7RbKrDYxiBvhqfRwgFse35ULx7fmHjDdK7_1QgKkh-EW9MEqTfxRx6TXTzHBmhKbnaWtJgVcsDMFCwvqSZhlVBaKvNqXp9pfWDEZ7L6hQenKRVBCQ/s320/IMG_0721.JPEG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A shot of Buddy on one of our walks last weeks. The gigantic maple leaves are falling. Buddy weighs 15 lbs - Vancouver Island holds the record for largest maple leaves in the world. These are medium sized ones compared to some on the island.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jvaGqCKDgsAOwSRUeoJbgBAiRZqkxj4uyKyYX8Y-cyZsZSpSKtpxFDPnTOzwf1UwHJs2SUH-wwvkAB4V6jNOjzy0ptXboCio299su-Gk7u4U_t_wHnBm2rFPRdKBVb212-qxg-WoQQ/s640/IMG_2432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jvaGqCKDgsAOwSRUeoJbgBAiRZqkxj4uyKyYX8Y-cyZsZSpSKtpxFDPnTOzwf1UwHJs2SUH-wwvkAB4V6jNOjzy0ptXboCio299su-Gk7u4U_t_wHnBm2rFPRdKBVb212-qxg-WoQQ/s320/IMG_2432.jpg" /></a></div>On Monday we went to the beach - the day before round 3 of chemo started. Yes, we have bags upon bags under our eyes now (it's as hard on hubby as me) but we are still trying to do our best to live our life together. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WxKQU7DQnN0vJH64xWu0pbfyPwLuhZBrjhEHdNG7Dvm7-F35925Xhcj7oMHtKplyHO3EXjBmVSuSZhItum6ZCuX6BQciyaodWK5CHwhp3YaN7DFf4SY7XD6jsoff2lA96HB3GMpa0g/s640/IMG_2437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WxKQU7DQnN0vJH64xWu0pbfyPwLuhZBrjhEHdNG7Dvm7-F35925Xhcj7oMHtKplyHO3EXjBmVSuSZhItum6ZCuX6BQciyaodWK5CHwhp3YaN7DFf4SY7XD6jsoff2lA96HB3GMpa0g/s320/IMG_2437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hy2qaeD463B_C3Vw86sAHRyC0w4HsM_ZZVShqeabqUUk35oOqOhC_L66qIa0Th8EmiETmbt-NrC8mzlfAEChijc6v5QHY-vUOmdyH_2dzv9TL5JcebQjz6ImcwAIpx1LyIh8KrTlkA/s640/IMG_2440.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hy2qaeD463B_C3Vw86sAHRyC0w4HsM_ZZVShqeabqUUk35oOqOhC_L66qIa0Th8EmiETmbt-NrC8mzlfAEChijc6v5QHY-vUOmdyH_2dzv9TL5JcebQjz6ImcwAIpx1LyIh8KrTlkA/s320/IMG_2440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We had a lot of smoke from the fires from California, Oregon, and Washington a few weeks ago but then had wind and rain and most left. Unfortunately, the day after we took these shots it has come back. </p><p>Anyway, thank you all for your sweet thoughts of me and I will try and keep future updates every few weeks. I still may occasionally comment on your blogs (yes I am still reading them) but sometimes I just don't have the willpower or know what to say. So at this point - stay safe, wear a mask, be sure to get out and vote (and remove the orange maniac from the Presidency) and live your life to the fullest each day. As they say, YOLO - you only live once.</p>Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302691153455448442.post-64810532627090458012020-07-11T13:55:00.002-07:002020-07-11T13:59:38.546-07:00Final PostWe came back from the funeral and received some difficult news about my health. Apparently after an ultrasound and a CT scan it has been determined that I have pancreatic cancer. There will be an emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder and a spot on my pancreas but in all likelihood they will then determine how much time I've got. I am taking this healthcare fight private. To all my blogging friends, I may still read your blogs but please forgive me if I don't comment, I am just numb and have no more words left. Hugs to all and please, stay safe. Life is worth living. I have been blessed with a full and wonderful life, a sweet husband, a family who loves me and a sweet dog who is my constant companion. Can anyone really ask for anything more? I am not permitting comments on this post but would just ask that you keep me in your prayers if you are so inclined.Cheapchickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15158208632054014311noreply@blogger.com0