LATEST MEDICAL REPORT & SHOE SHOPPING & BARRY'S GREEN THUMB

By OLIVENE GODFREY

For some time, I've been taking iron pills and they have prevented my anemia from getting worse. But, they haven't been able to bring my anemia back to normal. So, my family doctor sent me to a blood and cancer specialist in Calhoun, Georgia.
About a week ago, son Barry and I went to the specialist's office for my third visit. Since the pills haven't helped me, the doctor gave me a shot of man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. When fewer red blood cells are produced you can develop anemia. The doctor stressed that I do not have leukemia, thank God! So far I haven't felt better but it may take awhile before the shot will give me more energy.
I return to see the doctor the week after Thanksgiving. I will keep you posted about my treatment.

After I fell and broke a couple of bones a few years ago, I haven't been able to wear the fancy, dressy high heel shoes that I love. Since then, I have bought several pairs of casual shoes but need some dressy flats. One recent day, Barry drove us to the Dalton outlet mall and I did find some dressy shoes with safety soles. But, Barry and I couldn't find a size that I could wear. Barry, bless him, patiently helped me try on shoes, but after awhile I could tell his patience was wearing thin. I did buy another pair of casual shoes of my favorite brand--Rock Port --which I can only afford to buy when they are on sale. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn.

Barry's "green thumb" was evident this past summer as all of the plants were larger and prettier than ever before. He brought inside all the plants except the huge Impatiens in a large pot that is still in full bloom and it has escaped the frost we had one morning. The absolute proof of Barry's special way he handles plants is that a peace lily we've had about a year has just now produced a white blossom. I have never been able to get these plants to bloom. Barry also has continued keeping the poinsettia that we've had several years alive and the past two years some of the leaves turned red.

To American readers, have a happy Thanksgiving day. I have all the foods I will serve to Barry and a friend on hand now and hope the dinner will be delicious. Barry has promised to help me in the kitchen before and after our dinner.

See you next time.

THREE 0'CLOCK IN THE MORNING & DARKNESS OF THE SOUL & THE "NEW
COKE" FLOP & BIRTHDAYS EVOKE OLD MEMOIRS

By OLIVENE GODFREY

Since I've had insomnia for many years, I only drink caffeine free beverages now. And most nights I fall asleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillows. Still, sometimes even now, I wake up about 3:A.M. and I remember reading a poet's words comparing three 'clock in the morning and the darkness of the soul. And that is true for me as my mind swirls from one bad time in my life to another one as I lay in bed wide awake, mentally fighting my demons. Fortunately, the next day I put it all in perspective and get on with my day.

In the November, 2009, AARP Bulletin, there is an interesting article titled, "Biggest Flops" which lists 50 of the mistakes that keep piling up. The one I remember most vividly was, "New Coke" April 23, July 11, 1985".I recall when the Coca Cola 99 years old flagship formula was banished to a bank vault for posterity or until devotees browbeat the company into bringing back Coca Cola "classic". I didn't drink any soft drinks until the Coke classic went on market as I had loved Coke as far back as I can remember. Because of my diabetes now, I drink Diet Coke or if I need a lift, I drink a little Coke Zero which does contain some caffeine. But, I still remember my beloved Coke Classic.

Son Barry and I have birthdays coming up in December. Mine is December 10 when I will be 82 years old. Barry's is December 14th and I won't tell his age as he is at that time of life when he doesn't talk about his birthday. He was the best birthday gift I've ever received. When I was growing up, my mother always baked birthday cakes for me and some years she gave me a party. I recall my 13th birthday party as it was a boy-girl event. We were allowed to play,"Spin the Bottle" with certain restrictions, such as no kissing. We were permitted to walk around the house in the darkness holding hands. The day after the party a "daring girl" confessed to me and my girlfriends that she had let a boy kiss her. We were thrilled by her confession and we envied her.

Barry recently had lab work done at our family doctor's office and received a "perfect" report last week. I have an appointment with the blood specialist this week. If everything is still okay, he will dismiss me. If I could just find a flu-shot!, I would feel fine these days.

See you next time.

PANTRY MOTHS IN OUR KITCHEN PANTRY & OTHER THINGS ON MY MIND

By OLIVENE GODFREY

"Pantry moths", also known as "Flour moths" and its larvae (caterpillars), are a common grain-feeding pest found around the world, feeding on cereals and dry grains products. The entire lifespan cycle may range from 30 to 300 days. Until the pests invaded our kitchen pantry, I had never heard of them. And one recent day, every-time we opened the pantry doors, the tiny moths swarmed out into the kitchen. Barry did some research on moths on the web and these tiny moths aren't the wool eating kind that can play havoc with winter clothing. Barry killed a lot of them but we knew that we had to find the source of an infestation.

A package of grits that Barry had bought some time ago had been opened and used one time and then pushed to the back of a shelf and forgotten. He carefully removed the package and took it outside. When he opened the package, out swarmed the little pests. We're still seeing one or two a day and Barry is looking for "non-toxic traps" he read about in his research. For example,
one type of trap is a triangular box with a lure inside, and sticky walls and we hope to get rid of the pests.

Barry is staying on his diet and has lost a few pounds. He knows though he has to resume using our stationery bike.
I have lost a few pounds, too, as all of those "samples" I had eaten of Barry's sweets weren't good for me either. Ingle's bakery offers delicious sugar free goodies which we are eating in moderation.

I told you recently that Barry and I were considering eating in a restaurant on Thanksgiving day. Since I have been feeling stronger, I remembered how much we had enjoyed our dinners at home over the years. So, I added some of the foods we'll need for our dinner to this week's grocery list. And, Barry bought a frozen Butterball turkey breast. Barry says he will help me with the cooking and cleaning up afterward. We may invite a friend to dine with us.

I recently received a most rewarding letter from a man I was acquainted with when he was a youth living in our county. Now, he lives in Atlanta and he says that writing has enabled him to have a successful career for more than 20 years. He thanked me for drawing out his interests and encouraging him when I was associated with the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton. I wrote him a letter and thanked him for his kind words but his talent and determination deserve a lot of credit for his success. He says he reads my entries on my blog and for that I'm grateful.

See you next time.

NEW X-RAY SHOWED NO CANCER BUT COPD IS WORSE

By OLIVENE GODFREY

I told you in my last entry that I had an appointment with my family doctor for a re-check and x-ray. I had previously had an x-ray five or six weeks ago and apparently Barry and I who are both absent minded these days didn't remember I was supposed to have a followup appointment and x-ray in a month. I did make an appointment last week and we didn't have to wait but a few minutes before doctor saw us. The first x-ray was taken as I was recovering from an awful cold. So, the doctor wanted another x-ray to confirm her diagnose.

To get to the point, last Friday afternoon, I had another X-ray and it showed no cancer, thank God, but my COPD has become worse. It had been stable for eight years and I rarely thought
about it. The doctor said I should avoid getting a cold, flu or pneumonia. Since there aren't any flu shots available in our county. I may have to hibernate for the winter. Even then, I may not be protected as I caught the awful cold from Barry who caught his from a co-worker who didn't practice good hygiene and infected Barry and others at the shop. I think this fella should be horse whipped for causing Barry and me so much pain and damage to my lungs. I am to return to the doctor's clinic in two months for another check up. Thanks again for remembering me in your prayers.

Following a traumatic Friday, I went to bed extra early and slept so soundly that night that I felt groggy the next day.

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We've all read novels, seen plays and movies, and perhaps have personally known persons who have murdered someone they loved very much. This sounds contradictory. But, if you think about it for a few minutes, you'll have to admit that those you love most are more capable of evoking violent emotions within you than strangers are. If we are honest, most of us will admit that we have moments when we would dearly love to see someone we dislike be pushed off a cliff. Fortunately, this wish is seldom translated into physical action.

I remember reading about the couple who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. A reporter asked the wife if she's ever considered divorce. She answered with a twinkle in her eye, "Divorce? No. Murder? yes,many times."

Horace gives us some good advice:"Anger is momentary madness, so control your passion or it will control you."

See you next time.