Carmen's Chronicles

"H" Is for Hospital - November 10, 2010

2024-12-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

"H" Is for Hospital

"H" is for hospital,

I hate going there,

Even when given,

The very best care!

They give you a gown,

That never stays tied,

And gapes open often,

To expose your backside.

Early each morning,

You suffer great pain,

When the lab tech arrives,

And misses your vein.

It's almost impossible,

To get any rest,

You're constantly bothered,

For some kind of test.

I'm the grouchiest patient,

With the surliest mood,

When I get these infusions,

Instead of real food.

To tell you the truth,

There isn't much worse,

Than being a patient,

When you're also a nurse!!

It really is scary,

To be feeling so sick,

And the road to recovery,

Isn't so quick.

And if that's not enough,

When you're given your bill,

You'll suffer a relapse,

And really feel ill.

Carmen Henesy

November 10, 2010

Exactly five years ago, I wrote this poem for another blog, posted just after

hospitalization for cellulitis of my left ankle. I thought I would repost it since I am being

hospitalized again. I will be admitted to California Pacific Medical Center, Pacific Campus, San Francisco, November 18th, for my right total shoulder arthroplasty, to be done by

Dr. John Belzer, surgeon to the likes of athletes of the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Forty Niners and other pro athletic teams - as well as members of the San Francisco Ballet! He is an excellent orthopedic surgeon who, if good looks and a charming

bedside manner were a prerequisite, could replace Patrick Dempsey on "Grey's

Anatomy" ( I can't vouch for his acting ability ).

I'd like to ask that everyone offer up a prayer for my well being - and that of my surgeon,

his assistant, the anesthesiologist, the surgical team and all involved in my care and recovery. We could all use a little Divine intervention!

2017-07-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

Skywatch Friday - March 24, 2016

2016-03-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

It has been raining so much, it would seem like the California drought should be at an end. Gray skies continue to be the norm with an occasional bright sunny day to remind us that we shouldn't bemoan this monsoon-like rainfall. When I was up in Sacramento this past weekend, visiting my two grandchildren - and their parents, of course, I was amazed to see the water level of the Sacramento River, with trees almost to their tops, under water! Soon, with spring arriving in full force, the river will go down to its more normal levels and the rice paddies will be planted.

I am participating in

Skywatch Friday.

Point your camera toward the

heavens and join in the fun!

My Saturday Pinks - Beverly's Pink Saturday - February 26, 2016

2016-02-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

Spring has definitely arrived in San Mateo, California and the San Francisco Bay area. These are just one variety of beautiful flowering trees that delight me these days.

I am so fond of elephants - the live variety and any kind of ornament, jewelry, and work of art depicting them. I think I have passed that on to my precious granddaughter who will be three-years-old April 13th. I saw this beautiful elephant throw on Amazon and got it for Harper. However, I loved it so much, I have kept it and will have to order another for her!!!

I am participating in

Beverly's Pink Saturday

Add your pink photos and join in the fun!!!

Skywatch Friday - It Looks Like Rain - February 25, 2016

2016-02-25T19:12:00.001-08:00

While California is still suffering from drought conditions -
and outdoor watering is being restricted - gray skies such
as these over my San Mateo neighborhood have dumped
much needed rain. It is wonderful to see the reservoir along
Interstate 280 fill with water.

I am participating in

Skywatch Friday

Add your photo and join in the fun!

Monday Mellow Yellows - Schubert Bakery, San Francisco, CA - February 21, 2016

2016-02-21T23:40:00.000-08:00

I came across this photo, taken four years ago, when Warren Fukushima, my friend of over fifty years, left the warmth of Hawaii, to visit me in San Francisco. We stopped for coffee and a sweet treat at Schubert's Bakery on Clement Street.

What a spectacular place that was! I had the hardest time
deciding what to eat. I've often thought of returning but, thus far, I've managed to resist the temptation.

The bakery case was filled with so many yellow confections, perfect for Monday Mellow Yellows!

I am participating in:

Gemma Wiseman's

Monday Mellow Yellows

Trying to Play Catch Up! - February 21, 2016

2016-02-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

Days are passing so quickly. I had my final post op visit with my orthopedist, Dr. Belzer, but I still have a few more physical therapy appointments. My shoulder feels great, however, and I should have no problems with my return to India.

Welcome to the World, Isaac Vukasinovic - February 9, 2016

2016-02-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

Much to my consternation, I didn't make it to Roseville,

California Kaiser Hospital in time to greet my new grandson. After one false start last week, Alex and Laura decided not to call until Laura was actually admitted to the hospital and, since the Sacramento area is a good two plus hour drive from San Mateo, traffic and weather permitting, I arrived after his debut. Much to her relief, I'm sure, Laura's labor was pretty brief and sweet Isaac was all swaddled and resting comfortably in his daddy's arms when I arrived.

With both children, Alex and Laura declined to know the sex of their baby in advance. I was so delighted that their firstborn, Harper, was a girl. Having given birth to THREE sons, I wanted the delight of having a girl in the family. This time, I wanted a boy! How nice of Alex, with his determining chromosome, to accommodate his mother!

Isaac Vukasinovic arrived at 0054 on February 6, 2016. He

weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 ounces and was 20-1/2 inches long.

Both uncles were waiting with me at the Vukasinovic home when the baby arrived. We had a celebration though Isaac slept through most of it. His "big" sister, Harper, was clamoring to hold him and, occasionally, with mom carefully supervising, she was allowed to do so.

Uncle Jeremy ( left ), Uncle Shawn ( in his Air Force uniform ) and dad, Alex ( right )

Uncle Jeremy ( who will start his new position in Chicago next week ) with his nephew

Harper LOVES her uncles!

What beautiful smiles from Mommy and Harper!

I wish I weren't living so far away in San Mateo. I hope I can

get to Sacramento a few times before my departure to India

on April 13th. I will fly first to Tampa, with my good friend

with whom I've been staying. After a three day visit with

Charlene Payton, my friend of over 45 years, Kris and I will board Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas ( my first cruise in over five years ), for a two week transatlantic crossing which ends up in Barcelona. After five days there, Kris and I will fly to India. She will stay with me for six weeks - I am so excited to actually have a friend with me in India. We'll go to Goa and Jaipur and some other places. I haven't planned our complete itinerary yet. She returns to the U. S. mid-June but I'll stay on in India till around the first of November.

By the time I get back home, baby Isaac will be so different. I'm hoping Alex will be better about Skype than he has been in the past!!!

The Video of the 173rd Basic Academy of the Oakland ( CA ) Police Department - February 3, 2016

2016-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

My middle son, Alex Vukasinovic, graduated from six months of training at the Oakland Police Department on January 8, 2016. I've never seen him more dedicated to completing anything. It was especially difficult because Oakland is eighty miles from his West Sacramento home. He had to go from being a very hands on father to studying for hours, commuting, often staying overnight at his older brother's home, when there were late night commitments.

He did it, though, and we were so thrilled on graduation day.
I saw this video at graduation but, in the excitement of the occasion, with family around, laughter and glee, it didn't impact me as it did just now, watching it alone. I have to admit, I shed a few tears.

Congratulations to all you young men and women who made it through, even the experience of being tasered and tear gassed. I pray you absorbed all you needed to make you the best officers possible. Even more so, I ask God or the gods, depending on your beliefs, to always have your backs, your
fronts and each other.

Again, Alex, I can't tell you how proud I am of you - as I am of Shawn and Jeremy, too.

Well, I tried to embed the video on my blog ( Oakland PD allows it ) but, somehow, I couldn't figure it out. I guess I should have consulted my brilliant Indian IT professional,

Shiju Sugunan.

At any rate, I'll just post the link and you can see it that way. It's on the Oakland PD Facebook site, on the left side of the page as you view it, under video. I see Alex several times in the film...with his "Vukasinovic" sprawled across his back on this sweat shirt or work out gear.

If you watch it, say a little prayer for these young officers, that they make it to retirement, without mishap, and put a lot of bad guys away.

https://www.facebook.com/Oakland-Police-Department-391011254354978/?fref=ts

"Fantastic Cities" - An Adult Coloring Book by Steve McDonald - January 31, 2016

2016-01-31T21:30:00.000-08:00

The most amazing things have happened to me since I've

begun blogging. I have met the most incredible people and

my life has been enriched in ways I would never have thought possible.

For example, way back on December 1, 2014, I got the following email from a gentleman by the name of Steve

McDonald:

My name is Steve McDonald. I'm an illustrator/artist originally from Ontario, Canada but now based in Bali, Indonesia. I have recently become well known for my line drawings of aerial scenery. I work with a number of photographers to source reference material for my work. Jeffrey Milstein, Klaus Leidorf and Jason Van Bruggen are a few well known photographers that allow me to use their images as reference material.

Presently I'm working on a book for Chronicle Publishing in San Francisco. It will be full of crazy detailed line drawings of aerial views of architecture. I'm wondering if I may use one of your photos as a reference for a line drawing. The one you posted of San Francisco. I do change, crop and sometimes stretch the images before working from them and often remove or insert objects. I am also happy to attribute the source photographer if requested. ( some do , some don't - I do prefer to credit the photographer even though the final drawings are sometimes are quite different ). Included are a few of my drawings so you can see what I do. I'm represented by Illozoo illustration in the US. I'd be happy to eventually send you a copy of the book as well. publish date late 2015.

Thanks in advance,

Steve McDonald, AOCAD

artbysteve.squarespace.com

mcdonaldpye@gmail

I gave him my permission and I was curious as to how he'd found a picture of mine. He said he goes to Google images, searches for aerial views and city name. He came across my blog. He also told me that he'd lived in India for two years when his daughters were small.

I forgot all about his project until, before Christmas, I was in a lovely gift shop in my neighborhood and, lo and behold, there was "Fantastic Cities." I could not believe the elaborate work involved in his drawings. I was in awe. I showed Craig and Derrick, the owners, my name in the book and the San Francisco drawing. They were most impressed. I bought four of the books myself for friends. After that, I saw the book in several shops. It is truly amazing

Viognier, San Mateo, California

2016-01-26T18:03:00.001-08:00

While I was definitely feeling gratitude this year on Thanksgiving ( six days after my right total shoulder replacement and not feeling that terrible arthritic pain anymore ), I didn't feel like a two hour drive to Sacramento for a family gathering. My arm was still in a sling ( for another five weeks ).

My dear friend, Kris Bleything, who had welcomed me back from India and offered her home to me, agreed we should dine somewhere locally in the San Mateo area. She left the choice of restaurants up to me so I spent an hour or so reading reviews and finally picked Viognier. I liked the menu and their wine list was excellent. I figured I might have to drink dinner since my right hand was pretty ineffective at cutting meat!

We opted to go early which was good. Draeger's, the gourmet market that houses Viognier, was not open, so we were given instructions to park in the garage and to phone up for someone who would bring the elevator down to us.

The restaurant was bright and airy, with light woods and huge flower arrangements of blue hydrangeas.

It wasn't crowded at that time and we were seated by the crackling fireplace and had an energetic, cheerful server who made excellent suggestions.

I hadn't thought to consider that Viognier might be serving a set menu for Thanksgiving. I had already looked at their regular online menu and chosen my meal for the evening. Not so. Kris was happy to have turkey and dressing but I opted for a meal and an appetizer of pork!

My very good Sazerac cocktail!

A champagne cocktail - lovely but I can't recall its ingredients

We had a long leisurely lunch, enjoying the fire, our meal and an excellent bottle of California pinot noir, recommended by our server.

Turkey and dressing - with a turkey sausage, for good measure

My pork appetizer

Pork, again

I really should have ordered something different. The pork was delicious but appetizer and entree were so much alike, I found myself craving fish at the end!

Our fine pinot noir

Bread pudding - out of this world

There was a second dessert but I can't seem to find a picture of it - a heavenly pumpkin pie cheesecake. We must have consumed it so quickly, I forgot to snap a picture...or my phone battery protested.

It was a nice lunch/dinner but very expensive ( $250 ) and I think both Kris and I missed being with family - though she is like a sister to me. I was longing to hear little Harper, calling out "Nana."

Presenting Officer Alexander Vukasinovic, Oakland Police Department, January 9, 2016

2016-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

Alexander Vukasinovic, my middle son, was born August

27, 1982. He was a hefty brute, weighing in at 8'6", if I remember correctly. I do remember that I didn't have my epidural, not arriving at the delivery unit in time. I had gone across the street at Mt. Zion to visit with my buddies, former professional colleagues, in the operating room. When I realized that my contractions were only four minutes apart, we raced across the street. I barely managed to get up on the delivery table before his head was crowning.

The face that was to terrify future football opponents

Alex and his younger brother, Jeremy, were only two years apart and kept each other entertained. Poor Shawn, older than Alex by fourteen years, often was a substitute father, rather than just a big brother. He was a great role model, though and played a great deal in making Alex the man that he is.

Alex, like my two other boys, was a wonderful son, seldom giving me any grief. His great love was football, though my focus was on their academics. I didn't involve them in sports at all, single mother that I was. I know this didn't give them a well rounded upbringing.

Since I had been the Southeastern Women's Judo Champion

when I was 17, I did let them take judo!

As both Alex and his younger brother, Jeremy, started high school, they informed me, though, they WERE going to play football. Alex promised to maintain his good grade point average and he did. He dreamed of a career with the major leagues and left home, at eighteen, for UC Davis. Sadly, no sports were allowed his first year and he wasn't happy there. He transferred to American River College, took over his life, played football for two years and was very happy.

He hoped to continue on toward a football career but it wasn't to be. He was recruited by out of state schools who offered partial scholarships but wouldn't allow him to work. Reluctantly, he gave up his dream, focusing elsewhere.

Alex accumulated several different AS degrees - among them fire technology. He began paramedic training, found it "boring" and didn't complete the last two months. He had worked at Safeway right out of college and, ultimately, managed the dairy department. At long last, he proposed to Laura Winterhalter, the lovely girl he had dated for several years and the most beautiful wedding I had ever attended took place.

Alex began pursuing other career paths, changing his college

major several times - chemistry, math, economics. In the midst of these studies, the most wonderful thing happened. My testosterone laden family welcomed the arrival of the sweetest little girl on the face of the earth. Harper Ann Vukasinovic made her debut on April 13, 2013.

Now, Alex said he needed to pursue a career to provide for his family. He began to talk about law enforcement. He applied to local departments in the Sacramento area but, also, to San Francisco, Fremont, and Oakland. Oh, no, I thought, having been a forensic nurse for San Francisco for 21 years, it's pretty dangerous in San Francisco and Oakland.

Well, of course, he didn't get the call from Sacramento PD, a few miles from his home but Oakland wanted him and, for six months, he made the long commute, nearly 100 miles each way, to undergo the rigorous training an officer must endure to keep him safe on the job. Thankfully, his brother, Shawn, who lives about halfway in between, was there with a place to sleep on nights when the commute was just too much.

Playing police

With the love and support of his wife, Laura, and snuggles from little Harper who queried, "Are you a police officer, yet, Daddy?" the months slowly passed. The class numbers dwindled but Alex endured. He survived being tasered and being pepper sprayed and, FINALLY, he admitted he thought he might make it - whereas up until almost the last week, he had said, "something could still happen."

Interior of the Scottish Rite Center

Midst cries of "Daddy...mommy," the men and women in blue filed out in precision. It was a beautiful ceremony, with an inspection first, then badges were pinned on, diplomas presented, speeches followed and we were shown a movie of some of the moments in the life of our officers during their academy time. These young men and women earned their badges, that's for sure and the Oakland Police Department is lucky to have them among its ranks.

A very proud mother with her three sons

Shawn Smith, Carmen Henesy, Officer Alexander Vukasinovic,

Jeremy Vukasinovic and Harper Vukasinovic

Shawn Smith, Officer Alexander Vukasinovic and Jeremy Vukasinovic in the back

The ladies: Edith Vukasinovic, Carmen Henesy, Elmira Lopez, Harper & Laura Vukasinovic

Following graduation, we went to Manivanh Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, where we had celebrated most of the milestones in the Vukasinovic family. Sam and Nang Douangpanya and their family had made us part of theirs and knew my boys since they were munchkins. We feasted with Laura's parents, the Calhouns, and grandmothers and other family members in honor of this special occasion. It was a most joyous celebration. The grand finale was this cake.

Harper was very happy that, at last, she could say that her daddy was, indeed, a police officer!!

As Alex and his comrades begin their careers with the Oakland Police Department, I ask that all my family and friends pray for their safety and well being in this very difficult job.

At the Dawn of 2016

2015-12-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

I'm pensive at this New Year's dawn,

I wish my heart felt light,

It's hard to celebrate and cheer,

When world peace seems out of sight.

I am seventy-one this year,

I'd hoped that I might see,

A new year when I'd really feel,

A sense of revelry!

What joy if only hatred ceased,

And terror stopped its spread,

And each new year brought hope,

And a bright outlook ahead!!

Much of the world is suffering,

Each day, worse than the last,

I wish our resolutions could,

Make all this in the past.

I pray that in this year to come,

Our hearts will overflow,

In love and true compassion,

Towards those who need it so.

May all of us slow down a bit,

In the chaos and the strife,

And stop to breathe and cherish,

The treasures in this life.

Let's start at year's beginning,

To find some joy in every day,

To be a bit more loving,

In our own special way.

Best wishes to all for blessings

and peace in the new year.

Carmen Henesy

12/30/2014

Happy 45th Birthday to My Firstborn, Shawn Edward Smith - December 17, 2015

2015-12-17T16:49:00.001-08:00

Very early in the morning of December 17th, 45 years ago, I awoke to find my Concord, Massachusetts world snowy white and the early twinges of labor beginning.

As I headed for the shower, my husband, Ed, was encouraging me to hurry - as the 30 mile drive from our home to Chelsea Naval Hospital was about an hour, even in optimal weather conditions. Finally, we were on our way and, for some bizarre reason, we brought our collie, Snoopy, with us!

Near the hospital, our car stalled and refused to budge...thankfully, in front of a gas station. The owner, hearing our tale of woe, loaded us ( minus Snoopy who remained in our car which had been pushed into the gas station lot ) and, with his snow plow at work, drove as fast as he could to the Chelsea ER. From my arrival onward, everything slowed down. I was given an epidural - which Shawn seemed to enjoy - because he took his sweet time, arriving late in the evening.

Shawn, a week old, slept through most of his first Christmas. He amazed us by sleeping about six hours a night when he was only two months old - so I went back to work night shift as a psych nurse at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass.

When he was a toddler, we moved to Tampa, Florida and, after two years there, we headed to Ed's next Air Force assignment in southern California. Shawn got his wanderlust early in life!

After two years in Fullerton, I moved to San Francisco. Shawn flew down frequently to visit his father, having no qualms at all when I would lament about his flying alone. At six, he looked at me and commented, "What do you mean, Mom? The plane is full of people!"

Thankfully, Shawn's dad met Lois who became Shawn's

"other mother." They celebrated their 25th anniversary several years ago. I couldn't have asked for a better

person to be in my son's life. I remind Ed that I did him a great favor by moving to San Francisco!!!

Ed and Lois when they came for Shawn's high school graduation

Shawn decided to join the Air Force Reserves after finishing a couple of years of junior college. He looks so young and skinny in this picture.

With his GI Bill money, he returned and got his BS in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University. He has continued in the Air Force Reserves, achieving, to date, the rank of Master Sergeant, having been deployed on several occasions, and filling in for months at a time at his home base, Travis, in northern California.

I am immensely proud of my son ( as I am of my other two sons as well ) but I am most proud of Shawn's being there for his two younger brothers. They had an absent father from the time they were three and five-years-old and Shawn stepped up to the bar, helping in every way. At one point, I went through disabling back surgery and he was my lifesaver, shouldering so much responsibility as a junior high school student. There is no way I can ever repay him or thank him enough. So much of the men Alex and Jeremy have become is because of their big brother, Shawn.

Shawn is still single but he would make some lady a terrific partner. He is a fabulous cook, a great dancer, wonderful

with his little niece, Harper, a meticulous housekeeper, astute with money and a great travel planner ( something I like to think I helped inspire ).

Of course, I admit to a little bias but I like to think he's not a bad looking fellow. The ladies nowadays say he resembles George Clooney.

With his beautiful sister-in-law, Laura Vukasinovic

Shawn on the left, Alex in the middle, Jeremy on the right - in the birthing room

shortly before Harper's debut

It doesn't seem possible that nearly a half century has passed since Shawn's arrival in this world. Thank you, son, for adding so much to my life and for being the fine man you are. I love you and am so proud to be your mother.

There is an awful lot of white at the temples and in your beard!!!

Aloha, Beloved Merle - December 10, 2015

2015-12-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

At this time of joy and festivity, my heart is filled with such sadness. I just learned of the death of someone I loved deeply and held in much esteem. I feel like I knew Merle Endo all of my life but we met only about fifteen or so years

ago because of forensic nursing as I met so many dear friends. Our encounters were infrequent - at conferences here and there, once for a day when my cruise ship was docked in Hilo, Hawaii and Merle spent a whole day with Sherry Arndt and myself, and, finally, a wonderful day when we were together in San Francisco for hours, playing tourist, taking dozens of photographs - not nearly enough of each other but, primarily of flowers and bugs, laughing and giggling about whether they could have "forensic value."

From our first meeting, Merle and I formed a close and loving bond. The internet was our form of communication, especially in later years, with retirement, as we both traveled hither and yon.

Merle touched the lives of so many people She was an emergency room nurse at the Hilo Medical Center, then worked for the sexual assault response team of the Hilo Police Department. She was one of the most caring and compassionate women I ever met. She had the utmost respect of our colleagues of the International Association of Forensic Nursing.

I was in India from May until October this year, in a household with very poor internet connectability. I managed only sporadic contact with this dynamic lady who constantly encouraged me to visit Hawaii, luring me with the promise of homemade lilikoi pie.

When I read condolences on Facebook several days ago, I

was in complete disbelief. I immediately went to Merle's FB page and scrolled down until I saw her last post to me, dated September 7:

Merle Endo

September 7

Upping pain meds. Pain is unbearable, making me scream. Wish we had good permanent orthos on BI. To guard rt hip, now left is almost just as bad. Don't know how my friend Carmen dealt with all her bone problems and still traveled halfway around the world. Love you, Miss Carmen.

I love you, too, sweet angel of a friend. I hate that you were suffering such terrible pain since the summer. Your daughter tells me you were only diagnosed about three weeks ago and were to undergo chemo. I guess the Lord chose not to have you suffer any longer.

For me, you were the epitome of the aloha spirit. I will never forget you and I pray that your friends and family will have courage to get through the days ahead. I am so blessed to have known you.

Bing images

Pre-op Bits and Pieces and a Cruise in April!!!! - November 17, 2015

2015-11-17T20:52:00.001-08:00

A beautiful day in San Mateo as I went about my tasks -

nothing like Mumbai traffic and madness!

It's been a busy week for me. I finished up my preparation for tomorrow's right total shoulder replacement. I saw Dr. Yan, my primary care provider, the middle of last week for my preop physical and EKG - good to go in that department, then went yesterday for a chest x-ray and type and crossmatch - though I don't anticipate needing any blood. I expect all will go as smoothly as it did when I had my left shoulder done two years ago. I am so ready for this operation since I have been in so much pain for the past year. I know recovery will be a little more difficult since I won't be able to use my dominant hand for awhile ...Thanksgiving is out for me since I'll only be a week postop and I won't be up for a drive to Sacramento and hanging out all day with everyone. I'll relax at home, maybe have a turkey TV dinner, a vodka martini, and a long snooze!

Did a few last minute tasks today, filled the car with gas, got a manicure and pedicure, prepared my advanced directive for health care, finished filling out hospital forms, went out for spicy Chinese food and did laundry.

I am really excited about one thing! For the first time in over five years, I will be going on a cruise. My good friend, Kris Bleything and I will be doing the fourteen day transatlantic crossing April 16th from Tampa to Barcelona on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas. After a week in Barcelona, she will come with me to India for a month. Of course, I am planning to stay a few months but I am so excited to have a friend along with me for a little while - the first time I'll be able to show off "the country of my heart" to one of my American friends.

Even nicer is that we'll spend a couple of days with my friend, Charlene, in Tampa, to start off our journey.

Well, enough chatter ... time to do my last minute check list and try to get a good night's sleep before my surgical adventure tomorrow. At least Doctor Dreamy aka John Belzer, MD, is my orthopedist!

The sunset sky above my friend's condo with just a sliver of a moon.

Our Beautiful World - Stone - The Acropolis, Athens, Greece, November 15, 2015

2015-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have been fortunate to see many of the world's most beautiful places - the Acropolis in Athens, Greece and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, being among the most special.

The Acropolis of Athens, according to Wikipedia, "is an ancient citadel located high on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains several buildings of historical and architectural significance." Seeing it always gives me chills and begins day dreams about what life must have been like in the time of Pericles and the ancient Greeks. I sip wine in Plaka tavernas, feast on spanokapita, taramasalata and lamb and my imagination runs wild.

I am participating in: OBW 123 ~ 123 Stone

2015-11-09T22:52:00.001-08:00

"H" Is for Hospital

2015-11-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

"H" Is for Hospital

"H" is for hospital,

I hate going there,

Even when given,

The very best care!

They give you a gown,

That never stays tied,

And gapes open often,

To expose your backside.

Early each morning,

You suffer great pain,

When the lab tech arrives,

And misses your vein.

It's almost impossible,

To get any rest,

You're constantly bothered,

For some kind of test.

I'm the grouchiest patient,

With the surliest mood,

When I get these infusions,

Instead of real food.

To tell you the truth,

There isn't much worse,

Than being a patient,

When you're also a nurse!!

It really is scary,

To be feeling so sick,

And the road to recovery,

Isn't so quick.

And if that's not enough,

When you're given your bill,

You'll suffer a relapse,

And really feel ill.

Carmen Henesy

November 10, 2010

A Lot of Catching Up to Do! - October 26, 2015

2015-10-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, folks have probably forgotten me after my long silence these past few months! My India residence had the absolutely worst WiFi connection so I was seldom able to post.

Besides that, my right shoulder has been insufferably painful and massage did little to relieve the agony. I didn't get to San Francisco before departure so I was without my usual pain medications -the new Federal law states that you must have prescription in hand from your physician - no more phoning in to your pharmacy. I can honestly say that Naprosyn does NOT alleviate that joint pain. My total shoulder replacement is scheduled for November 18th so, thankfully, I should feel better as soon as the day after. My left shoulder was done two years ago. Of course, I will need about three months of physical therapy - and it is my right shoulder so I anticipate things will be a bit more difficult post operatively! I'm trying to practice doing things with my left hand.

I flew from Mumbai to Tampa for a week with Charlene Payton, my dear friend of forty years. I didn't really have jet lag, I don't think, but with her incredible sleep number bed, I made up for five months on that horrible mattress I had in Mumbai. Blissful sleep, wonderful company, and great eating readied me for a week in New Orleans and my fifty year Charity Hospital School of Nursing reunion.

I stayed at the home of my friend of fifty years, Martha Meaux Genin. What a joyful time we all had. There were so many memories, a few tears, lots of laughs, fabulous food.

Finally, I made it to West Sacramento where I got the warmest welcome ever from my sweet granddaughter, Harper, and the granddogs. She does not want me out of her sight now and I am being showered with hugs and kisses - when she isn't saying, "Nana, don't touch me!" She has grown by leaps and bounds and has an incredibly amazing English and Spanish vocabulary for a 2-1/2-year old.

Now that I have really high speed internet, I'll be catching up on India posts and the rest of my world. While this last stay in India was not my best, I do want to go back. I can't end my visits to this "country of my heart" on a bad note.

More to come.......

Shadow Shot Sunday 2

2015-09-28T16:35:00.001-07:00

Through My Lens Nr. 6 - Making Music in Jaipur - September 11, 2014

2015-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

This visit to India, I did make it back to Jaipur, my favorite city so far, for a ten day stay. I was fortunate to live there, once for six months. I love the colorful city and spent a wonderful evening at a special event with lively music, good food, and colorful saris.

I am participating in Mersad's

Through My Lens Nr. 6

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 - Wilted and Forlorn - August 30, 2015

2015-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

I feel this way in the Mumbai heat!!

I am participating in

Shadow Shot Sunday 2

Dragon

2015-08-23T05:26:00.001-07:00

Cats on Tuesday - Curious and Curiouser - August 18, 2015

2015-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, I went over to visit my friends, the Toscanos, with whom I have lived on two of my previous visits to India. They have a menagerie of cats and feed and provide a wealth of love to litters of strays and wounded felines around their compound, even having some spayed in hopes of helping control the cat population.

Their resident cats didn't adore me but tolerated me and provided me, always, with a wealth of photographic opportunities. One, Eddie, was the nosiest cat I've ever met, always investigating all my purchases, peering into boxes and bags. I was always afraid that, one of these days, his curiosity would get him into trouble!!!

I had been on a shopping spree at Bandra's famous Bazar Road the day I visited so I was armed with an assortment of bags which Eddie resisted for about a second.

Hey you, I want to see what's inside here!!!

Let's see...the neck rub might do it!

Maybe I should try to attack this striped bag....

Finally making headway...but my left foot is caught..good thing I have 9 lives!

Eddie gave me a scornful look, finally gave up and, worn out from his efforts, stretched, then took a nap.

I am participating in

Gattina's

Cats on Tuesday