There is so much to be grateful for!

What a nice weekend.  Nice relaxing Sunday.  Made bacon and eggs for breakfast and watched a Great San Franfrancisco 49ers football game.  Watched Huell Howser and Judge Judy while taping the Oakland Raiders.  Good thing.  We got beat so badly, and just fast forwarded through most of it.  lol  One of our newer (2 years) neighbors, Dawn, came by to pick up the Security Patrol box and she was so good with Luigi.  Played fetch.  Had him behave.  Even had him giving her kisses.  He is now, blissfully, passed out.  Loving it.  He was So Cute!  I'm thinking about getting a colonics kit with the board.

Today could be your best one yet.

Yes, today could be one of our best days yet.  Dad and I went to the Cousins Family Lunch at Darla's house in Mountain House today.  This is the first time that dad and I have been to the new house.  It is really big and wonderful.  Three car garage, six bathrooms and a whole lot more.   I took the tour twice.  I loved every inch and every detail of the house.  Today there was dad, me, Darla, Bill, Carlotta, Jim, Marlene, Debbie, Lenny, Deaunn, Jean, Rebecca, Anthony, Rachel, Cara, and Raymond.  We ate in the backyard.  Too many beautiful details to tell.  We were there for four hours.  The time just flew by, and we had fun every minute of today.  I have to say, I really, really enjoyed today. 

It's okay to take care of yourself, too!

Today, I went and saw the movie, "Hotel Transylvania".  Bought a watermelon and bananas.  This afternoon, dad and I took Luigi across the street to the park to play, and he rolled in a big pile of dog s*$!  Brought him home and gave him a shower.  Dad is definitely doing better today.  Using his cane instead of the walker.  Able to use the stairs.  Even hosed down the cars.  Taking it slow and easy. 

You inspire smiles!

Isn't it interesting how I can be so tired during the day and early evenings - and then WIDE AWAKE at night.  It happens to me all the time.  I love the quiet and peacefulness of the night time.  I can think clearly and get so much done.  I really feel invigorated.

Nice summer day.  Played Words with Friends all morning.  Also, studying and learning a bit more about playing the game.  Then dad and I had lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  Went to Yanni's Grill Cafe at the Automobile Auction here in Hayward.  It's really the employees cafeteria, but they have a special menu for non-employees.  Great sandwiches, including soda and french fries - $5.00 - tax included.  Really friendly.  Yanni's will be hosting our Firemen's Spaghetti feed here in the park October 13th.  Always a fun time.

Bought more bananas.  Yeah, I'm doing really poorly on eating healthy.  Ate a whole bag of Hot Buffalo Wings pretzels in the last two days.  Good stuff - bad for ya.  Sold and shipped my Vita-mix on eBay.  Turns out I may have to wait 21 days to receive my money from eBay.  The gal sent PayPal like in literally five minutes, but eBay has all kinds of frustrating rules to keep your money.  Not really too happy with eBay.  Think I've decided to get the new Vita-mix with the smaller 48 ounce container to fit under the counter.  If I would have known from the beginning, I think I could have just bought the container.  Live and learn.  S L O W L Y   (what else is new).  Did a self video of myself last night.  Boy, am I FAT!  Thinking about including a video bio of me trying to lose weight.  Hopefully, it will make me more accountable.  Not sure if I want to do it on my blog or on my YouTube.  I "think" I can make a separate YouTube channel for something specific like that.

Things are going to be great!

Got so much accomplished today.  When I got home, dad is doing so much better.  The patient Lives!   Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm already breathing easier right now. 

Beautiful is part of who you are.

Ran around and got some errands done this morning.  This afternoon dad and I had lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Norman's Restaurant in Castro Valley.  Currently one of our favorite restaurants.  Then dad and I ran over to Kaiser and picked up his new glasses.  I like them.  It is sure a lot of work getting dad in and out of the house and in and out of my car with these walkers.  My car is so small and he can barely move.  He's a trooper and just takes his time and we are making it.  Sure hope he gets better.  We're not sure what to expect right now.  Watched Barbra Streisand on Katie Couric's new talk show.  I'm just a little worn out right now.  Going to get a little rest.

You're ready to shine now!

Such a busy day.  Cancel Family Lunch.  Several calls to Kaiser.  Dr. Waterhouse is out of the office until the end of the month.  We finally got an appointment for 2:30pm for Physical Therapy for dad.  Tonight we have CERTS from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.  Spent all morning cleaning and cutting fruits and vegies, making salad and sandwiches.  Also watched two good movies on TCM with the Marx Brothers and Roy Rogers.  Beautiful day today.

Such a busy day.  I'm exhausted, but it was a good CERTS class.  The Physical Therapist gave dad some exercises to do, told him to ice, take pain pills and come back in one week.  Looks like the pain in his leg is not so much the back right now, as the hips.  Seems he has a LOT of arthritis in his hips.  He really couldn't tell us if he thought it would get better or not.  Every step is agonizing for dad.  Sometimes he cannot move the leg at all.  Sure hope it gets better every day.  But - One Day At A Time.  Sweet Dreams.

Believe! You are destined to achieve!

Dad still having the most difficult time getting around.  That tweaked nerve is really something.  Going to email his doctor tonight and request he recommend a physical therapist for dad.  Made bacon and eggs for breakfast.  Did two loads of laundry.  Put dad and Luigi in the car and I ran in and did a little shopping at the Dollar Store, Rite Aid and Lucky's and we grabbed a bite to eat at Jack-in-the-Box.  Every movement for poor dad is tortuous.  Can't wait to get him some relief.  But if he sits quietly he does pretty good and we had a nice warm summer day.

Miracles still happen.

Quiet day at home.  Dad really cannot get around too well.  Monday we will contact his doctor and ask for a physical therapy appointment.  We made a nice big pot of spaghetti and used the delicious red sauce that Cheri made for us.  Then we popped the caramel microwave popcorn that Carol brought us.  Enjoying the golf game, A's baseball, and playing Words With Friends.  And, of course, Luigi is participating in everything.  Bill and Sadie have already come over this morning and this afternoon.  Dad couldn't go to the Disaster Meeting at the Shed, only two coaches over, so people stopped by and checked on dad.

Choose happiness!

Dad and I are having lunch today with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel in Castro Valley at Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant.  Always lots of fun.

Luigi just had too much energy this afternoon.  Dad and I Luigi across the street to the park.  Bill and Sadie joined us.  Now Bill and Sadie are here playing.  Dad is really frustrated because he cannot walk.  We will probably email his doctor Monday and see if we can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist sooner rather than later.

The real you is amazing!

Uncle Joe has his physical therapy at the Veterans in Livermore this morning, so we decided not to meet for Family Lunch today.  Dad really wants to see the doctor at 2:00pm about his leg and having so much difficulty walking since he took that fall Monday night.  This is kinda scary stuff. 

Alma next door, did break her hip in her fall yesterday.  They are going to operate on her this morning. 

Last night Bill came over.  Turns out dads crutches cannot be made any smaller.  He has shrunk from 5'11" to 5'3".  Plus he bends over crooked to the right, about half his size.  They are going to the shed this morning to find a smaller set of crutches.  He really needs to use his walker, but he does love making things difficult on himself.  lol  This is the "short version" of frustration of working with this guy.  I think everything hurts his back, poor guy.

Last night we had fun.  Bill put up the little two-man tent in our family room, that we just won at CERTS Monday night.  It's actually a really nice little tent.  Makes you want to run and take a quick camping overnight under the stars. 

The doctor said dad may have an aggravated nerve and to take it easy for two weeks.  If he is still having a lot of trouble, the doctor will send him to the physical therapist.  Kaiser also gave both dad and I our flu shots right in the office. 

Encourage yourself, too!


Aaaarg!  Blogger seems to have reverted to the new system again!  I wish they would stop switching.   It is so frustrating.  You get use to doing it one way, then they insist you change to their new way.  I need to settle down and check out Wordpress.  Just so busy!  tee hee  Playing Words With Friends.  So far, I think I have lost every single game.  Hopefully, I will continue to improve.  I am really loving it.  Today I am taking a photo of my Vita-Mix Super 5000 Total Nutrition Center which includes both containers for wet and dry ingredients and the tamper.  I checked on eBay and they are receiving quite a few bids and pretty good amounts.  Would like to use the money I make selling my Vita-Mix toward buying a Blendtec.  It's looking pretty good right now.  Already written everything up - just need to insert photo.  It's always easier to do while dad is at exercise class.


Here dad is walking all wobbly.  Today, Bill and I made him use his electric chair lift to get up and down the steps.  He is really unstable right now.  And just about thirty minutes ago, about 1:30pm - our next door neighbor, Alma, age 82, was found on the ground outside by a passerby.  I had a chance to speak with Alma in the Paramedics truck.  She thinks she has broken her hip.  Dad and I will go over to St. Rose Hospital tonight about 6:00pm and try and see her.

Dad's right leg is really giving him a hard time.  He can barely walk at all right now, and it got to hurting so much, that we called Kaiser and made an appointment to see his doctor tomorrow.

Play more!


Taking dad to Kaiser today for an eye doctor appointment.  He has been saying he can't see very well lately.  Might be his cataract is ready to be removed.  Sure hope so.

Great eye doctor visit.  May not need cataract surgery yet.  New glasses should improve vision, but may still be a little blurry.  Great new frames.  We're definitely trying the glasses first.  Told to come back in one year for re-evaluation.  Dad is very happy.

Turns out I started a bunch of games for "Words With Friends", but several people are not playing back - AND - you cannot resign if signed up with friends - only Random connections.  I'd better email several people and see if we can make three "passes" and end these games so that I can move on.  Sure hope they help me.

Believe in you, your dreams, your destiny!

Busy day today.  Dad and I are having lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel in Dublin at Country Waffles.  Afterwards, the four of us are going across the street to the Dollar Tree Store.  This is the Best Dollar Store we have ever seen.  They have Everything.  Tonight we are attending our second night, of five nights, at CERTS - Commuity Emergency Response Team - Basic Training.  We are training where, I guess the Supervisors convene.  Plush seats, very fancy.  Very comfortable.  Which is great  because each class is 3 1/2 hours.  Pretty long classes.  I think I am going to sell my VitaMix on eBay and buy a Blendtec.  Having fun playing, "Words With Friends".

Welcome what life brings, and it'll bring you good things!

What fun I'm having playing "Words With Friends".  Cheri taught me when she was here and now I am playing it with several other people.  Also, watching a few videos on YouTube trying to get a bit of strategy.  Used to love to play scrabble when I was young.  I wanted to start learning how to blog using WordPress and now am totally distracted with this game.  Never a dull moment.  lol

All the good things in life are waiting to be claimed by you.

What a fun day.  I have been so busy reading about full-time rving (and wanting to full-time rv myself  soooooo  much).  And also reading about possibly changing my blog from blogspot to Wordpress - I almost forgot to post my own blog here tonight.  Dad and I took Luigi to the dog park today.  For some reason, all of the grounds were really muddy.  So muddy, that we had to give Luigi a shower tonight.  He was just caked in mud!  We also went to McDonald's and shared their 20-piece nuggest with spicy sauce.  Kinda fun.  Bill came over and helped us change the bulb on the big lamp over the TV.  I froze two large bunches of bananas to make into ice cream on another day.  And, of course, made lots of homemade, microwave, airpopped - in a brown sandwich bag, popcorn with butter.  Added salt and parmesian cheese.  Can't beat it.  I just want to mention how blessed I am - we are - to have the freedom of each day to do what we want to do.  Not a lot of people have that freedom.  I don't know why we do, but I sure do love and appreciate it!

Every dream starts with a first step.

Last night, around 9:30pm dad fell - again.  He was in his bedroom, and fortunately he had one of his whistles in the drawer right there.  He blew the whistle, and when I came to check on him, sure enough he was on the floor.  So, I went and got a small stool that Cheri's dad had made for dad.  He used it to get up part way, and then used the dresser to pull him up all the way.  This is about the third fall in two months or so.  That right leg keeps giving out on him.  He scraped his knee and has a nice bruise right on the knee.  We'll see how he does getting out of bed.  Not sure if he will be able to go to exercise.  Sure hope so. 

Dad did not go to exercise, but he is doing well.  He and Bill Mack went out for hot dogs and a nice long drive.  The air conditioning guy came and disconnected the PG&E Smart Meter and added another new part.  The air conditioner is working fine again.  Burned two CDs for Carol Mack.  Haven't burned a CD in years.  Lots of fun.  Bill came to replace our long light bulb over the counter - turns out the cleaning ladies had accidentally unplugged it.  Now, it appears the light bulb in the lamp over the TV actually has burned out.  It's too heavy and too dangerous right by the TV.  Dad has zero strength.  So, we will ask Bill to help us when we see him.  Bill is having trouble breathing and has been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and they gave him that big breathing mask with tube.  He doesn't like it.  I gave him some breathing strips and Simply Saline.  We'll see how he does.  I made lots of ice cream from my frozen bananas.  Kind of a hassel.  You know, I like things simple.  We'll see how it goes.  Just a nice, enjoyable day.

You're already terrific!

This morning the cleaning ladies are coming and dad and I will go to the dining room table at the club house for an hour.  Then we are going to make a pot of coffee, take Luigi with us, and buy sandwiches from the sandwich shop next to the hair salon where Auntie Isabel has her hair done.  Then the four of us are coming back to our house and have a nice Family Lunch.  Perfect time to have our house nice and clean, huh!  I ate the banana ice cream last night that I had made in the VitaMix yesterday morning.  Delicious!  And it's just bananas.  Very cool!  Also, I put together the shower stool for dad.  HOPE I put it together correctly.  Probably should have Bill double check it.  Haven't shown dad it yet.  Might show him this morning and see what he says.

Day went great.  Lunch was great.  "Think" dad likes stool.  Got more fresh tomatoes from Bill's tomato garden.  Only thing is, turns out that our air conditioner is still not working.  Poor dad, he does like to obsess.  So, we will call tomorrow and ask them to come out to the house again.  Otherwise, a really great day.

You are wonderful.


CoCo called last night and we had a nice talk.  Today I got over to Twin Bridges Park and had my barefoot walk.  Now I am Very Happy!  Received the small stool for dad's shower today.  Have to put it together and see if he likes it.  Also, made banana ice cream with my VitaMix this morning.  Pretty tasty.  I put most of it in a container for late tonight.  Hope it keeps well.  Haven't worn tennis shoes in "forever".  Yesterday, I tried on two different pairs from my closet, and found one that is fairly comfortable.  Hopefully, will start taking walks.

Your efforts will pay off.

I streamed a great video this morning from Amazon "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead".  As an Amazon Prime member it cost $0.00.  Great price!  It is about getting healthy and getting off medications and stop being sick simply by living a healthier lifestyle.  They started with a fruit and vegetable juice fast and then continued eating healthy with fruits and vegetables.  And exercise, of course.  I sure know that I need to get healthier.  At 5' 1",  200 pounds, I'm just looking bad health in the face.  I have my bananas and watermelon now, but I feel like I still need to take it further.  I eat so much fast  food and junk food.  Still way off balance.  I'm going to keep plugging away, that is for sure.  Baby steps.  Keep moving forward to health.

After leaving Luigi home last night and all day today, he was Full of Energy.  So, tonight dad and I took him across the street to the park.  "Thought" we had worn him out - but he still wants to play.  haha  He's such a good little guy.

What you want is within your reach.

Sunday I got so much rest, that I am Wide Awake tonight.  Mostly enjoying Facebook and YouTube Videos about raw fruit.  I washed my new green containers tonight so that I can freeze bananas and make banana ice cream and banana smoothies.  Last night, ordered online hooks to hang bunches of bananas from my new wire storage cubes. 

11:00pm  Can you believe that I already received the hooks that I ordered on Amazon!  And they are Perfect!  Had a great day today.  Dad and I spent the afternoon at Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabels.  Then we all went out for lunch at Jack-in-the-Box.  Tonight dad and I went to a CERT's meeting from 6:00 to 9:30pm.  It is for five Monday nights.  They teach you what to do during a disaster like a major earthquake.  Great class.

Just want to note that today mom has been gone for six whole years.  Lots of mixed emotions in that statement.  September 5th marked two whole years already that Auntie Dorothy has been gone.  Do I miss them more because I have no life, or would I miss them this much even if I had a life.  I guess you can't help missing people that are such a big part of your life.  As for me, it seems like time just stands still for me right now.  I need to shake this sad feeling, but dad keeps having bad days with his mobility, and I am scared of what is to come next for us.  I feel trapped.  But I want to be there for him.  Rock - hard place.  Rock - hard place.  haha  Mmmmm..... I like rocks.  Smile.

Let yourself shine!

Much better day today.  Had a good nights sleep and also took a two hour nap!  I love it.  Went to the movies with dad and saw "Bourne Legacy".  We both thought it was boring, but it was good to get out of the house.  Poor dad.  He says it takes him one hour to get out of bed each morning, but... this morning it took him TWO hours to get out of bed.  I honestly don't know what to do.  With his bad back and bad leg and bad arm, even the doctors do not have an answer for us.  Good news.  Once he was up - he was pretty happy he was up!  haha 
A little gratitute goes a  L O N G,   L  O  N  G  way.  We went and brought home chinese food from Yummy's Restaurant and watched the 49ers WIN!  Perfect afternoon.

You are needed.

Oh sure, I'm pretty tense.  I'm pretty depressed.  Then I got to thinking, "Why"?  Turns out I spent the day with dad.  He was driving his car.  Long story short - his being in constant pain and full of constant negativity - drove me over the edge.  I bit my lip as much as I could.  When we got home, I took myself over to La Imperial and had a nice meal.  Got home - Mr. Negativity.  Think I need a xanax.  Got to find an outlet.  I'm about ready to jump off the bridge.  I need some serious space.  Maybe I need to get away for a few days.  Something.  This is not healthy.  Something's going to give, and I'm pretty sure it's going to be me.  You know what.  I need to go for a barefoot walk at Twin Bridges Park tomorrow.  Linda - Good Idea!

Everything will be all right.

Isabel and Joe Magorno

Learned how to take this picture with my cell phone and upload it to Facebook.  Had to buy a .99 app to make it work, but it was worth it.  Tried to go to Lenscrafters today and look for a new eyeglass frame, but I ate too much sugar last night, and I felt kinda cranky this morning.  This afternoon the air conditioning guy came and put in a $200 booster part.  The air conditioner is 17 years old, so she needs a little extra help getting started.  Think we can all relate to that.  lol

Possibilities always!

Dad and I had a great lunch today with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel at Normans Restaurant in Castro Valley.  I'm trying to download Opera Mini 5 to my cell phone to post a picture from today from my cell phone.  My phone seems stuck.  Better turn it off and back on and see if I can get it to download.

You are someone's hero!

Cheri and Skipper Magorno

 

Such a great visit with Skipper and Cheri.  Yesterday we all had lunch at Denny's.  This morning we had breakfast at Starbucks just before they left.  Look at those beautiful smiles.  Today I picked up a nice, lightweight hand-held shower for dad, and ordered a small stool for his small shower.  They are going to be a surprise!

 

 

Today will bring blessings your way.

 

Joe, Linda, Tom, Skipper, Ray Magorno

 

 Joe, Linda, Ray, Tom Magorno

 

 

Cheri, Isabel Magorno

 

Such a fun day yesterday with the family at Harry's Hofbrau in San Leandro.  Last night, Cheri taught me how to play, "Words with Friends".  It's a game we played on our cell phones. 

You deserve the best!

Great Labor Day.  Having lunch in San Leandro at Harry's Hofbrau with dad, Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel, cousin Tommy, Skipper and Cheri.

You have many strengths.

Great day yesterday with Skipper and Cheri.  Cheri and I went to Lucky's and bought tons of food, including lots of salami and deli meats and cheeses for sandwiches.  Then we all kicked back and relaxed and ate and had a great day.  My favorite days are when Skipper and Cheri are here.

Today, dad, Skipper, Cheri and I all went to Fry's Electronics.  We made bacon and eggs for breakfast and had spaghetti for dinner.  Just a fun day all day.  Also, Skipper and Cheri each signed up for a free $25 www.Kiva.org membership.  By doing that, I receive two free $25 credits to sponsor two more people.  This makes me ecstatically HAPPY!

RAW FRUIT/FOOD DIET
BRILLIANT BODY HEALTH SUMMIT

Audry Wild's Brilliant Body Health Summit Audio Interviews have really been great.  There were 27 interviews.  Here are the last 20, which I have enjoyed so much.

Kristina Carillo-Bucaram founded the largest organic produce co-op in the United States, Rawfully Organic Co-op, and her mission is to REACH PEOPLE with the message of RAW!!  Her websites are www.RawfullyOrganic.com and www.FullyRaw.com

Grant Campbell runs healthy lifestyle retreats as well as the Raw Natural Hygiene Forum at www.RawNaturalHygiene.ning.com .  To find out more about Grant and the healthy lifestyle retreats he leads, you can visit his website www.RawReference.com .

Audry Wild was our Fruit-fully devoted Summit Creator and Hostess!  I don't believe that she has a website of her own.

Megan Elizabeth offers coaching and recipe books, "Easy To Be Raw", and "Easy To Be Raw Desserts". 

Jimmy Gilker has written the book, "The Raw Food Traveler". 

Dr. Sam Mielcarski has a free mini e-course "The 5 Biggest Mistakes In Healing", and has a Revolutionary Rehab Manual.

Chris Kendall is a RHN - Raw Food Holistic Lifestyle consultant and Full-time Live-In Coach.

Anne Osborne has published a book, "Fruitarianism: The Path to Paradise" and has a website www.FruitGod.com

Swayze Foster has a website at www.FitOnRaw.com with a Free Newsletter and Free 24-Page report, "The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet", as well as a Free 5-week mini-course, "The Fool Proof Transition to Raw".

Drew McCall Burke (aka the Sexy Raw Vegan) is a Professional Fitness Trainer, Author, Speaker, Raw Food Coach and Mentor who runs up to 30 miles a week at age 47.  Her website is www.SexyRawFoodandFitness.com .  Drew has an ebook and program "Be a Sexy Raw Vegan in 30 Days". 

Durianrider (Harley) is a controversial health activist and athlete on a mission to increase public awareness of the benefits of a high car, low fat raw/vegan lifestyle.  His websites are www.30BananasADay.com and www.Durianrider.org .

Julie Groenewald, aka Fruitilicious Jules has lost 50 pounds of weight and experiences high amounts of energy, a lean, fit body, crystal clear skin and a dramatic drop in her fever blister breakouts.  She now eats sweet fruit in abundance and her vision is to see people live with the passion and truth that she does so we can all experience life abundantly!  Julie's website is www.FruitarianForLife.com .

Teri Levental is an avid raw food blogger and health coach.  After transitioning to a 100% low fat raw vegan diet she experienced dramatically improved health.  Her blog is www.TeriLeventhalsBlog.blogspot.com .

Matthew Armstrong is an author, speaker, health educator, master coach and transformation specialist!  His desire is to help people produce ANY result in their life that they are committed to getting.  His websites are www.BeYourPotential.net and www.OutstandingHealthNow.com .

Kevin Rogers following 80/10/10 diet found his life and health began to breathe anew. 

Dana Louise Stewart is a fruit eating yoga teacher and co-creator of the film Real N' Raw.  When her close friend Matthew Wilson was diagnosed with cancer, they decided to change their diets together and document the journey.  Her website is www.DanaLouiseStewart.com .

Loren Lockman has been eating a diet of raw fruits and veggies for over 20 years and is the founder and director of the Tanglewood Wellness Center, with the Creating Perfect Health Program, where he and his team have supervised thousands of people through water-only fasts averaging 24-25 days, since 1997.