Merry Holiday...

Well, we've had a long week. After getting snowed in on Saturday, we made damned sure that we would be on Capitol Hill to get my new boobies on Monday. Cue Jef. Jef came and saved us. He made his way up to Queen Anne where we were staying with Robin and Noel. We left Silas in their capable hands and headed to a hotel next to the hospital. We had champagne and watched a whole lot of trashy TV. Woke up at 5:00am and walked to Swedish. I was the only patient that made it in to surgery that day for my plastic surgeon. She was a super-trooper: walked for an hour in the snow to make it to the hospital and perform my surgery. What a bad-azz.
The girls look just fine. A bit swollen and many bruises. But, I already love them as they are smaller and much less hard than those damned expanders.
Christmas was spent convolescing here at Chez Schumacher. We went upstairs with T and built a fire and drank too much wine.
Santa brought Silas some really great toys. A Kitchen, a huge "Goodnight Moon" puzzle, t-shirts, a first-aid kit (I pray he ends up a doctor), a baseball pinball machine, etc. He's been such a great guy while Mama heals. I've not been able to pick him up ... kills me. But, we've done much cuddling.
Nonnie (my Mama) has her surgery on Monday the 29th. Please send your love and prayers. She's having a hysterectomy.
We head back to South Carolina on the 31st. We are thrilled beyond belief. It's gonna be a ball. Uncle Josh is another fishing tournament. So, we get to see him in his fancy bass boat ... and we get to ride in it. Good luck Uncle Josh!
On a different note: Please keep Janet Elkins and her family in your heart and prayers. Janet was a fellow breast cancer survivor who lost her courageous battle on Christmas eve. She was a wonderful woman with great wit and a huge heart. Please, please hold her close.
God's speed, sweet girl.
xoxo
Anna

And, so it begins...

Mr. Silas is sick. He was fine in the morning. After his nap, he woke up with rosy cheeks. I assumed he was over-dressed for his nap. After spending the evening with Marco and Heather over here for a play-date and dinner, he started to cough.
So, now he's in the bedroom with a ball of toilet paper (to blow his nose "by myself") and coughing away.
Of course, this tends to happen before OR after each of my surgeries or treatments. I don't think he's old enough to create some psycho-symatic sickness. It's just the "luck" of the draw. I think we're all aware of my track record with that. Judging by his ability to find the sharpest corner in a 3 mile radius upon which to maim himself, I think that he's inherited my "luck" gene. Oh Holy Hannah. Can't we be left to deal with ONE gimp in the family?! Bless his heart. I'm beginning to believe that he IS a Mama's boy.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. sending a shout-out to Jen (onbreastleft) tonight. Hoping your nipples are feeling and looking fantastic.

Jen's visit...

Well, Silas and I got to spend a wonderful morning with a dear friend from The YSC. her name is Jen or "onebreastleft" as many of us know her. I got to meet her in April after her reconstructive surgery. She's back up, from Idaho, getting the finishing touches: tattoos on her newly created nipples. It's the end of this recon process for her. I'm so excited. Jen and her Mama treated Silas to a huge chocolate chip cookie. He bounced off the walls the entire time we visited. At one point we disappeared to the restroom to compare and feel each other's boobs. This is the norm in our world. Thanks Jen for thinking of us while you were here. Thanks for letting me feel you up. Good times.
We are supposed to get another wave of snow tonight. It's still cold, cold, cold. I moved my car up to the top of the hill that starts our cul-de-sac. I do NOT want to miss another day of work. I'm slammed tomorrow and Thursday ... AND Saturday. Cannot afford to have Mother Nature change my plans. This means, she just might.
My surgery is less than a week away. Trying to get the house in order and cleaned up so we won't have to worry about it before we head back to South Carolina. Good luck with that, Anna. Things don't, typically, go as planned in my world. It's become a running joke. At least it's made me more flexible.
Hope everyone is well, this chilly Tuesday.
xoxo
Anna

Great night...

It's snowing in Seattle. I love it! It's gorgeous. It's quiet. It's white.
We spent the evening in Georgetown at an art-walk, of sorts. It's an amazing building where artists (painters, sculptors, metal workers, etc.) rent studios and do their deal. Several of our pals have studios there. So, we often go to support. Tonight was special, as I had posed for Sandi some months ago. She is a dear friend of mine from years ago. Met her through Kevin, and she and I have become tight. I've ended up being her model for many of her pieces over the years. Some time after my diagnoses, she wanted to begin a new work: an Amazon warrior. I was sending her pics of myself throughout my whole reconstructive process, as she was living in Japan for the past 2 years. We finished up the pics/sittings several months ago. What you see here is the final piece. It's amazing. One man that walked into her studio tonight said, "That is distressing." He was referring to my face. That seemed to be the general response. I asked him "why?" He said, "she looks terrifying. She's ANGRY!" I said, "Well, she's pointing the arrow at breast cancer. Her face reflects her journey and her future. She's not gonna lose." He got it. The face is like a shield.
There were many other paintings there that folks were really interested in. One of which is included in the blog and one that I posed for years ago. The back to you, the mirror reflecting my face. It was a part of a series called the Seven Deadly Sins. That pic is "Vanity." I, actually, own "Lust." Kevin and I posed for it.
In any case, it was a great night of beautiful art ... and gorgeous snow.
xoxo
Anna

I have the plague ...

Great. I woke up yesterday morning with what felt like a scene from the movie Alien. What was going on inside my body was horrific. The only thing worse was when it made its way out. I'll spare you more details. Only that it lasted the better part of the day. Thank god for left-over chemo meds. Those expensive anti-nausea pills do pay of, even if they are expensive ...and seriously expired.
Silas had to leave daycare early. We thought he was better. But, Kevin got a call that while playing and having a great time, he unexpectedly threw up everywhere. Man, we Schumachers go all out. So, he and I convalesced all evening on the pull-out. We spent the night there to spare Kevin from the plague. My house, now, smells like Lysol. I had to put the little rat that I rescued from Gusty out in the greenhouse, as I thought her already labored breathing might cease. I know, I know I save vermin. Get over it. Silas asked where I was putting her (Twee, as we call her). I told him to get some "fresh air." Honestly, we'll be lucky if the poor thing keeps breathing for a few more hours. But, we're trying.
I have my pre-op appointment with my plastic surgeon today. I'm excited. Just hope neither Silas nor I puke on her. Bless her heart. December 22nd is the day! Count down!
xoxo
Anna

Is it really December 7th?!

I cannot believe that it's already December 7th. I remember a time where my life must have been moving in slow motion, as my summers lasted for years and my school year lasted for decades. Now, life flies by us so quickly that the seasons seem to meld into one another. It's, sort of, like having a plate of food with peas and potatoes. You end up eating them both, but don't know which one you started with or which one you ended up with, as you ate both at the same time without noticing. I sound like Forest Gump.
In any case, the weather here is lovely. It's that typical moody, rainy Seattle weather that I've always loved. I've never really complained about the weather here ... unless it involves wind. I hate a nasty wind ... unless it involves a tornado or a hurricane. If those 2 are the case, game on. Otherwise, it's a nuisance.
Silas is just starting to feel better after a weekend of puking and the runs. I won't apologize for the graphic details. If you're an avid reader, you're use to it. If not, find another blog or go to the beginning. He spent the better part of Friday evening, Saturday, and early Sunday morning unloading from both ends. I think he's on the mend now. The guy is such a trooper. He doesn't even whimper when he spends hours doing this. He just goes about it as it's another task. Such a dreamy boy. It makes it that much harder to see him go through it.
I would love it if everyone reading would spend a moment to keep a few friends of mine in your hearts and prayers. I've got several girlfriends who are metastatic that need some strong vibes and prayers right now: Holly, Julie, Janet, Elizabeth, Kristin, and Kristy. These ladies are bold and strong and fighting a great fight. They MUST and WILL fight the beast and win. It would just mean the world to me if you took a moment to pray/meditate/be silent for them. Two other beautiful women and their families need your love too. Christine and Jenn have both recently lost their fight with breast cancer. They were with family and passed peacefully. They were both such lovely women and so supportive of the rest of us fighting this nasty disease. Please hold their families close to your heart tonight. Thanks in advance.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and has an even better week to come.
xoxo
Anna

I think that I've already posted some of these pics. They are just a few I stumbled across tonight.
One is of Kevin after he played a show with Hell's Bells. At the time, I didn't know how big they would soon become. I remember seeing an episode of The Simple Life with Nicole Ritchie and Paris Hilton. Don't judge me ... I was on chemo and in need of mind candy. In any case, Paris Hilton was wearing a Hell's Bells t-shirt. It hit home. They are a great band. An all-female ACDC cover band. You have NO clue how talented those ladies are. Do check them out.
The others are of some of my family. Cannot tell you how fun and crazy they are. We'll be heading home on New Year's Eve. We've already been invited to go to a Monster Truck Rally. I AM SO EXCITED to report on that. Beer, monster trucks, a camera and my family. It's gonna be a ball.
Until then, I'm gonna be working lots. I'm taking on some Saturdays, as my books need to be filled. Trying to fit people in.
I have my exchange surgery on December 22nd. I know I've said it before. But, it's only 3 weeks away now. It'll be so great to not hurt people when I hug them due to these hard expanders.
Okay, off for now. Please hold Jenn and her loved-ones in your thoughts and prayers tonight. They've been through so much.
xoxo
Anna

RIP

Love and prayers go out tonight to Jenn Tracz and her family in Atlanta. Another young woman gone WAY too soon. God's speed, dear Jenn. Please look down on us and inspire us with your wit and laughter. You are truly missed. Rest in peace ... or in party ... whatever you choose.
xoxo
Anna

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone has had a splendid day and that ya'll are stuffed to the gills. We are. Spent the evening at our friends' Robin and Dan's house. 20-something of our pals were there. Much food and drink. Kids running around like crazy. Silas is lucky to have older kids that adore him and look after him while we chat with the adults. Actually, WE are the lucky ones.
In any case, it was a great night with great food. Pics will follow soon, once I get them from Robin. My camera pooped out ... batteries.
I am thankful, tonight and every day, for my beautiful life ... that I actually WAKE UP in the morning. I'm thankful for amazing and loving friends and family. I'm thankful to work where I do and with the amazing artists that are there with me. I'm thankful for the interweb. I love the interweb. I'm thankful for all the wonderful young breast cancer survivors that have made their ways into my life. I'm thankful for my cute hats that everyone is giving me to keep my bald head warm. I'm thankful for my oncology staff at Swedish that has and continues to save my life. I'm thankful for being able to GO HOME SOON TO BE WITH MY FAMILY ... BUT, ESPECIALLY GRAMMY AND POP. I'm thankful for my new boobies. I will get them on December 22nd. At that point, I will be DONE with my major reconstructive surgeries. I'm thankful for moving on!
xoxo
Anna
p.s. Tonight I am sending a request. My dear girlfriend Kristin is battling a new metastatic breast cancer and loads of treatment. She has two very young girls and a loving husband. Treatment takes its toll. Medical bills abound. Day to day life is just as expensive. If any of you wish to help out (little or loads) with some of their expenses you can go to "paypal.com". Click on "send money". Then, enter "kdawgfunds@gmail.com." You should be able to navigate from there. If you'd rather do it on paper, you can e-mail me at dorcasanna@gmail.com and I can give you an appropriate address. Thanks in advance.

Quincy Jonathan Flint

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday Dear Quincy.
Happy Birthday to you.

Quincy is here!!! I'm so thrilled. Came a bit early. But, he is healthy as can be. 5lbs 6oz. Head full of hair. I know he's gorgeous.
Congratulations Jonathan and Tyanna.
We love you (three)!!!!
xoxo
Anna

I HATE CANCER. Cannot begin to explain how deep that comment goes. Cannot begin to tell you how pissed I am that some of my best friends have had bad news in regards to their cancer this week. You know what? Since when did it become OKAY for a child to have to spend their childhood racking up memories of their mother living with fucking cancer?!!!!!!!!! How in the name of GOD is that acceptable?! My childhood is ingrained in my head: swimming, skiing, laughing, friends, family, sun, snow, crushes, etc. NEVER IN THOSE MEMORIES WOULD I EVER FIND MY MOTHER BATTLING A LIFE THREATENING DISEASE. I makes me nauseous. It is horrid. No child should have to grow up with that in the forefront of their childhood memories.
For that, Cancer, I hate you. Not that I didn't before. But, I do even to a greater extent (if that's possible) NOW.
Please take time to send love and prayers to those that might need them right now. Please take time to reflect upon your own life ... children, work, relationship, lifestyle. Please make sure that you're happy. Make sure that you're doing what you need to do to be proud of yourself and do what makes you happy.
xoxo
anna

33 days and counting ...

That's right, dear readers. In 33 days, I will be, pretty much, a normal-breasted lady. I'll will get these damned expanders OUT and will have soft and squishy silicone implants placed. I'm am thrilled. These expanders feel like I have Tupperware bowls placed in my chest. They ARE that hard. They are like rocks. When I hug people, they take a step back. We bounce things off my chest right now. They have "ports" that are accessed with a magnet. If friends have really strong magnets on their refrigerator I put them on my boobs and they stick. Travis, at work, says that I'm a great "post-it." Man I've got great peeps.
In any event, On December 22nd I'll have my exchange surgery. I'm going to get the expanders out and the implants put in. I'm so excited to have them out. My back is killing me. My front is killing me. It's not that bad, as I've become really use to it. But, it'll be quite nice to be able to lay on my stomach and not feel like I'm on a hill. My right side is atrophied due to radiation, so it's not as "full."
I've chosen to get my port removed at the same time. My port was placed after my first mastectomy and prior to chemo. They put the port in your chest, as it saves the veins in your arms and allows easier access for blood draws and such. It is directly connected to your jugular. So, you can feel the wires winding up your chest, over/under your clavicle, and so forth. It'll be weird NOT to have it. It's been my constant companion since all this started. I plan on saving it and making it a Christmas tree ornament. It belongs in our "once a year keepsakes" AND ONLY THERE. Don't want to see another port in my long, long life.
So, we're hunkering down for the holidays. I plan on working extra hours throughout. We're excited to being heading back to South Carolina on New Years Eve. It's gonna be a fantastic trip. The family is gearing up. Silas is too!
xoxo
Anna

Just posting lovely pics, as it's been a long day.
I'm pensive tonight. Was in the ER with my T, as her hip went wonky. Fever, swelling, mucho pain. All's well now.
In the midst of this, I started thinking about the suffering and fear of so many people that are fighting for their lives and their livelihood everyday. You and I may know these people. We might even be extremely close to them.
Tonight, I hold those people in my heart. Life is so precious. Never, EVER, take it for granted.
I can assure most of you ... you have it REALLY damned good.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. please say prayers tonight for those that might need it...

Another great weekend...

I've been enjoying the "typical" Seattle weather. Rain, clouds, and calm. I hate the winds that pop up. But, I'd be as happy as a clam if it rained for the rest of my life. My husband doesn't understand that. I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT ... considering the fact that I'm generally a pretty happy gal. In any case, we're settling into Fall quite nicely.
We've had a pretty mellow weekend. Had a party on Friday night upstairs at "T's" place. It was great to see everyone. T is having her other hip revision on Monday. I think it's a good omen that my best friend and sister-cousin's birthday is the same day. So, we're gearing up for it. Her best friend "P" is in town from LA. P is such a wonderfully cool lady. I, absolutely, ADORE her. She's gonna be in town helping out until Wednesday. That is a testament to true friendship.
So, we're doing great. I FINALLY GOT MY IRS CHECK. Wow, it took me telling them that I had talked to lawyers and the fact that I've always filed early AND that I've been waiting since February. If I have a deadline, shouldn't they? It is unbelievable the standards to which they hold us, yet they sit there ... on their hands ... and do nothing. Pretty telling.
On a different note, I'm asking for your love and prayers for some dear friends during the next few weeks. "T" has surgery tomorrow. Please keep her in your thoughts. K-dawg gets results, tomorrow, from scans she had last week. Please send B9 vibes her way. Korrelly will be going into surgery on the 18th to check lymph nodes that showed up "hot" below her chest wall. The surgery is very invasive and she will be in the hospital for AT LEAST 3-5 days. Please hold her in your hearts, as well. Whatever you do to support loved ones, please do it. If you light a candle, if you chant, if you pray, if you do nothing, if you laugh, if you smear yourself with peanut butter and howl at the moon ... please do so. These ladies need all of our love and support.
Nighty, night my friends. Thanks in advance.
xoxo
Anna

President Barack Obama...

All I can say is that I'm thrilled to bits.
I'm so proud of our country.
I'm looking forward to a country that might be making baby-steps towards a future that encompasses acceptance, health care reform, education reform, and a new acceptance by the rest of the world. I hope that we regain respect from the rest of the world. We ARE the greatest country in the world ... in my eyes. I hope we prove that.
We shall see ...
xoxo
Anna

Weekend...again ...

Well, the weekend was loverly. I had a wonderful time at my girlfriend Elizabeth's birthday party. She made a grand speech that had me blubbering like a baby the ENTIRE time. Normally, I'm pretty calm during those speeches. But, I was THAT person in the room that looked like I had just watched some horrible Lifetime Channel movie. Several of the Cancer-Club ladies were there, as well. We ALWAYS end up having a hysterical time. The pic is of the ladies that night.
On my way home, I noticed a woman in her car with her hazard lights on. She was by herself. So, I pulled up behind her to see if I could help. Her car stalled and wouldn't start. Nice BMW, nice lady. BUT ... she was freaked out. New to town. Apparently knew that she was in the "not so nice" area of Seattle. When a man drove by and asked if he could help, "Sure, it'd be great if you and I could push her car into this lot." As soon as he got outta the car she started acting weird and said, "no, no, no ... let's wait for AAA. I don't want anyone to get hit by oncoming traffic." He walked back to his car. I apologized and thanked him for his time. As soon as he left, she said, "couldn't you smell the alcohol on him. He was DRUNK!" I told her NO. He, honestly, wasn't drunk. HE WAS BLACK. It was so damned obvious why she was reacting the way she was. I wanted to say, "um, I've had a couple glasses of wine at my function. Why didn't you complain about me?!"
In any case, I stayed with her until the cops came. That's right, she got AAA to call the cops. So, they show up and I pull out the camera. Had to take pics that. At that point, I found it funny that I'm sitting on the side of the road with 2 men in "Gang Unit" attire. I'm sure, once she saw that, she was putting her new condo on the market and heading back to Oregon.
AAA came, I went home.
The other pics are of Silas going to the store. He decided, last night - when our pal Lisa was here, that he needed to go to 7-11. He got his back pack on and we acted like we would stay here and let him go. It was hysterical. He actually, as we hid in the bushes, said "burrrrr ... it's cold. I need my hoody." He came back inside and got a jacket. At that point we asked him if it was okay if we went with him. Thank God he said yes!
xoxo
Anna

Long night ...

Well, we had a great Halloween. Many folks didn't figure out what I was. I can tell you that the pics above, were after I had taken off the real Ghandi garb and glasses. I was rockin' out with my grannie-panties and wife beater-ish top. But, earlier in the evening the costume seemed to be a hit with the more cerebral crowd. Maybe I'm just getting old, but since when does a BABY have glasses and a mustache. Seriously.
Silas scored on the candy. He will now be the most hyper child this side of the Mississippi. We spent the evening at the Davis'. We all boogied until about 4:00am. We also drank too much wine and vodka. Of course, I woke up to Silas saying "Mama, I gotta go poo poo" this morning. So, I was up with the kids hanging out and trying my best to get all the bottles ready for the recycling. You've no idea how many there were. And, Sandi, as per her usual, made delectable treats that wowed us with their scary Halloween themes. So, I was picking up half-eaten spider webs and pulling corpses out of various dips.
It was a great night. Tonight, I go to my dear girlfriend Elizabeth's 40the b-day party. E is a breast cancer survivor and a wonderful woman. Sharp as a tack and pretty to boot. I'll try to remember to take pics. The party is gonna be in a funky art gallery in SODO. Many of our cancer-club girls will be there. I'm sure we'll end up getting into some sort of trouble ... as usual!
xoxo
Anna

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Well, dear readers, it's been a long day at the Warren-Schumacher household. We woke up early, as I was scheduled to go in to Swedish and get my Herceptin infusion. But, as we all know, Anna's world works differently than your average gal's. Got showered and was drying off when suddenly the top of my nose, that harbored a tiny blood blister thingy (for years) started gushing blood. I'm talking, I could have been a "stand in" for Sissy Spacek in Carrie. It wasn't stopping. So, Kevin is freaking out and I was laughing ... a bit. It was like a faucet. So, we try to get Silas out of the bathroom so he doesn't see Mama "dying."
I sent the boys off ... I was supposed to get Silas to daycare, but it wasn't gonna work out that way. Kevin told me I HAD to go the ER. So, I off I went, in my pajamas and my cozy little slippers that my brother Josh bought for me when I was pregnant. Half way there, the bleeding slowed. So, I turned around and came back to the house to get clothes ... thinking I would rush over to Dr. Fer and the infusion center to make it in time for my Herceptin. NO GO. As I was leaving the house, the faucet began to leak again ... I mean, it poured!!!
Off to the ER I went again.
Once there, I ended up with the funniest group of male nurses, save one dear lady. My Doctor was so dry, that, at first, I thought he was an ass-hole. But, he ended up being cool. He asked me if I wanted my nose numbed while he tried to get the bleeding to stop. I told him that I had demanded that I get no anesthesia whilst getting my mastectomies, as I have a REALLY high tolerance for pain. Finally, a smile!
In any case, They finally, after a frickin' hour, got the damned thing to stop bleeding. They had pulled out the cauterization cart just in case. I told them I wanted it to be cauterized. But, the doctor said that it would take a long time to heal afterwards and the scaring might be bad. So, the male nurse, basically, laid on my nose for 20 minutes with all this shit that they had put on there. The first round of treatments didn't work. So, they moved onto another powder thing that I think they use for athletes. It worked.
I'm now getting a bit of a black eye ... I'm assuming it's from the pressure of the nurse who use to be a Marine. Enough said.
Who in the hell was I in a past life that has led me to such dramatic stuffs? Thank God I have a good sense of humor.
I'm planning on going as Ghandi for Halloween (the bald head lent itself to this). I'm gonna really have to work in the black eye and the "nasal stigmata" as I've termed this latest snafu.
xoxo
anna

More Yakima pics...

So, here are the photos from Grammie. The pics are of Silas and Grammie, Silas and Uncle Levi, and Uncle Levi and his adorable girlfriend before Homecoming. Regan was a homecoming princess, thus the crown. She's a hoot. Fits in with the family like gang-busters.
Again, we had a wonderful time. Next time we go to Yakima, we'll probably be able to share pictures of snow. It's great there in the winter. Getting over the pass is the problem.
I had a really busy day today. THAT IS GOOD. The salon has been quiet this month, as folks are gearing up for the holidays. They wait to get their hair done before the religious holidays. There are too many to mention ... and spell.
I'm starting my countdown to my last big reconstructive surgery. I am "booked" for December 22nd. That's right. The week of Christmas, I will get these big-ass expanders out of my poor chest and will, FINALLY, get my implants. I miss having squishy boobs and laying on my stomach to sleep at night. Once I heal (a week), we fly to South Carolina. We'll fly out on New Years Eve. I'm soooooo looking forward to being home and spending time with everyone. It'll be wonderful to get home.
Off like a prom dress. We're eating jambalaya tonight.
xoxo
Anna

Back to the Emu ... and his/her name:

So ... back to the random emu on my farm.
After looking at this regal little being, I'm gonna operate under the assumption that the emu is a male. He's all tufted and fluffy and gorgeous. Male animals are like male (human) drag queens. They show-boat and are much more beautiful than the female members of their species. We know that male animals end up looking more colorful and brilliant because they need to attract mates.
So, as I think this little enigma is a male, AND because I think that he thinks that he still belongs amongst the cows even though they see him as a drag queen, I'm gonna name him "Sparkles Emo McQueen."
He's gonna peck my eyeballs out when I go home in January and call him that.
xoxo
Anna

Weekend in Yakima ...

Well, we're back home from a wonderful trip to Yakima. The pics here are from my camera. Debbi's (my mother-in-law) wouldn't download. So, I'll work on them and post 'em later.
We spent Friday night with Kevin's dad and step-Mama. Got to visit with his step brother and his wife. They've got a gorgeous son - Mason. They also have an adorable new baby girl named Madeleine. To say she's adorable is an understatement. I wanted to kiss her sweet little face off. Needless to say, I had her in my arms at any chance I could get. Knowing that I'll not be able to have anymore babies, biologically, makes it so much more precious to hold the babies of my family and friends. They are just so precious. In any case, we had such a wonderful night with the Schumachers. Lots of laughter and love and great conversation.
Saturday was spent at Kevin's mama and step-dad's house. Silas loves it there. He got to play on Uncle Levi's drum-set and with all the great toys they have there for him. We got to meet Uncle Levi's girlfriend Regan. It was homecoming night. So, we got to see them off in their pretty attire. Regan was a homecoming princess. Such a cutie. We also got to spend time with Granddad (Gailon's father). He's the most spry and funny guy. Kevin's step sister just got married. Danielle and Chris are the funniest newlyweds I've ever met. What fun we had with them.
It was such a great weekend. I'll post more pics as soon as I can figure out how to download them properly.
xoxo
Anna

Our very own Sasquatch in SC ...

The picture isn't doctored folks. I've heard rumors for some time and decided that it simply COULDN'T be. But, it is true. There in the flesh ... or the feathers, as it were ... is the mysterious creature that has apparently been living amongst the cows on my family's farm back in York, South Carolina. Yep, you heard it: the mysterious creature is none other than a frickin' EMU! Not on a farm in Australia. York, South Carolina. He thinks he's a cow. He stays in the fence and roams those several hundred acres with all the cows, bulls, and calfs.
"How did that damned bird end up on your farm?", you ask. Well, dear reader, that is an extremely good question. And the answer would be, "beats the shit outta me." No one in the family knows how the critter came to our beautiful land. I guess he got a notion that the grass was greener ...
I think I'll name him/her. I think that should be our next step. We need to determine if it's a cow or a bull, first.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. Get a load of the cow with the white face. She looks perplexed! Priceless.

Something Widked this way comes ...

It got awfully blustery this evening. We came home from having a nice Mexican dinner and settled in. Suddenly this black cloud enveloped the sky and the trees started swaying. I, personally, love that kind of weather. It's lovely. The rain started pouring and the remainder of the little birch tree leaves fell in clumps. Hate that they are leaving us (no pun intended) but I love rainy/stormy weather. Not surprising that I love the weather up here. However, I wish it rained harder and was less misty. If you're gonna do it, DO IT. I think. This explains some of the more aggressive treatments that I'm on. I know many don't do them. But, for me, it's worth it. As long as my heart scans are good, I'm good. That's that.
The pics in this post crack me up. One is of two red blobs. They are hats knitted by my friend/agent. She knitted the first one when I was diagnosed and was going through chemo. It was my best friend. So soft and warm. But, not constricting. The second was made by her recently. When I went bald again, for no reason, we shaved Silas' head. It was his wish. So, she knitted another ... from the same material. Apparently she's held on to this material for several years, as it had been discontinued. So, she knitted the same hat for Silas in a tinier version. When she put it on his head tonight, I started laughing hysterically. It was just surreal to see my chemo-hat on him. I've always been apposed to children dressing like their siblings or parents. It's creepy. But, the little hats seem different to me. They represent so much more than someone wanting to use their child as an accessory. My Mosey shaved his head to look like his Mama. Somewhere, in him, he may just know the facts. But, as far as he's concerned, I shaved my head "so I could grow new hair 'cause I was tired of the old stuff." So, we are gonna wear hats to continue the tie. Just my take.
The other pic is of a photo OF a painting OF Kevin and me. Our girlfriend Sandi is an artist. She did a series of paintings based on the seven deadly sins. She chose us as lust. NO comment. In any case, she will be starting a new painting this week. She planned, nearly a year ago, to do an Amazon Woman painting. I guess it's fitting that I was left with one breast when she decided to do it. So, this week, I'll begin posing for her. She's got photos of me throughout the process. Now, it's just a matter of pulling out the bow and arrow and getting the warriors face to match the body. I imagine that it won't be that hard to muster up the visage of a warrior with one breast caught in the midst of battle. Not hard at all.
xoxo
Anna