At the Leafs game. Just started the second period. Winning 2-0.

The weather was finally decent today so I decided to go for a flight.  I was supposed to do the Polar Bear Dip in Chippawa today, but since I’ve had a cold for the last week, it was suggested by my neurologist, family and friends that I skip it this year.  Therefore, I took the friend I was going to do the dip with up for a flight instead.  We decided to head out to Brantford for noms.  Here are a couple shots of Hamilton International Airport as we flew over:

Approaching Brantford, I couldn’t believe how busy it was.  There were three planes behind us from St. Catharines and Welland, all going there.  Also, one plane just landed, there were two on the downwind and two on final.  Needless to say, the restaurant was packed when we arrived.  We had a share a six-seater table with four other folks.  After a nice breakkie, we walked over to Aircraft Spruce to check out what they had in stock.

I snapped a couple of pictures of the nicest looking plane at the Brantford Airport, before departing:

He looks so naked without his wheel pants on.  I had my mechanic take them off for the winter.  Snow can become compacted up in the pants and cause issues with the brakes, so it’s best they’re removed.

Here’s a pic of Brantford Airport as we headed back to St. Catharines:

It was a very quick flight back – we arrived at CYSN in less than forty minutes.  A nice tail wind helped us along.

I was able to try out my new GoPro Hero Camera today – it works great!  I’m going to stick a few more mounts on my dash to figure out the best angle.  I might go up for a brief aerobatic flight tomorrow morning, before heading out to Jan’s.  I’ll work on the angles then.  Jan will probably like leaving the house tomorrow.  She drove to St. Catharines yesterday to go with me to my neurologist appointment in Hamilton.  She said there was a puddle on her garage floor when she left and the car was making a loud noise.  I suggested she call her mechanic.  She was advised to have the car towed out to their shop.  We’re pretty sure the power steering fluid is what leaked out.  She cried a little while I was taking this picture:

I’ll take her over to Timmy’s and the mall tomorrow.  She said she spent a couple hours sitting in the garage today, staring at the puddle on the floor.  She really misses her car.  Hopefully getting out tomorrow will get her mind off of this tragic event.

Today’s symptoms:  Felt great!  Started to get a little tired around 5:00, and decided I wouldn’t work out long today.  Regardless, I got on my stationary bike and did fifty-eight minutes!  I play games on my iPhone while on the bike, and it allows me to focus all of my attention off of the pain in my legs and feeling tired.  My neurologist asked me yesterday if I used a gym, stating I was very strong.  He said it was great that I work out for about an hour every day. 

Pinky decided to make sure Boo kept her head down:

Speaking of “pink:,” I had a big disappointment at Tim Hortons the other day.  I normally don’t eat lunch but decided to grab a strawberry yogurt on my lunch break.  Gee, could they put any less in the cup?

Still very yummy, but not too filling!  Fortunately, we went out for dinner a few nights later and the noms made up for my lacking-lunch.  Chuck and his friend ordered breaded shrimp.  I’m not a shrimp fan at all, but did try one.  Not too bad, but I think the piece I had was mostly batter.  I had a bad experience with my first two shrimp experiences.  My first one was at a picnic at the nursing home I used to volunteer at.  I thought the shrimp was warm and it was ice cold.  Not good.  The second one was in Mexico.  Everyone at our table and in the line to the buffet next to us, looked over at me when they heard the huge crunch.  How was I supposed to know you aren’t supposed to eat the tail?!?!  Yuck!  Glad my third experience was much more tolerable.  Still, I don’t think I would order it again:

The spinach dip was amazing, so I focused my attention there.

I think I mentioned that my mother had a picture of Vyctor blown up to hang on my wall.  Man, I love it!

Goes quite nicely with the propeller clock, doncha think?

I think I’m coming down with a cold or something.  I started to get a sore throat the night we went out to dinner (must have been the shrimp!)  It was worse the next night, then better the next day.  Now it seems to have started again today, but on the other side.  Weird.  I don’t think this dry air is helping.  I guess I shouldn’t complain since the winter so far has been so mild.  Today was the first really cold day with temps around -12 degrees.  A bit of snow too.  Tomorrow is supposed to go back up above freezing.  Of course, the air is still really dry so to help out at work, I was allowed to get a small humidifier for my desk:

I’m still having bladder issues from the MS, which is causing me to be chronically dehydrated.  I always have a humidifier on next to my bed at night, and it makes a fairly big difference.  I’m starting to notice it’s a little more tolerable at work with my little blue buddy blowing mist in my face.

So there’s my news over the last week.  Nothing too exciting.  Chuck is gone to Florida for a few days, so I’m just chillin’ by myself tonight.  I couldn’t go with him as I had to bring a home-worker their upgraded computer and train them on Windows 7 and Office 2010.  I think I’ll finally watch the Pink Floyd – Dark Side of The Moon DVD my mother bought me for my birthday.

Today’s symptoms:  My energy was decent except I started to get rather tired from being dehydrated.  I didn’t want to have to run to the washroom every 20 minutes while I was at my coworker’s house, so I kept my fluid intake to a minimum.  Still, feeling quite good since my second CCSVI procedure!

 

She was thrilled, as you can see.  Grandma Jan also bought a new toy, which Mya seems to enjoy.  Excuse the blurry photo:

I was happy to open the great new video camera Chuck bought me for my plane.  I’ll be able to attach it to the outside of Vyctor and take some awesome video of aerobatics:

I can’t wait to try it out!

We headed over to Jan’s at 11:00 ish and started working at the huge pile of gifts:

It was a very entertaining few hours!

As usual, Jan made a great meal.  He trifle dessert was to die for.  We also snacked on some yum-o lemon squares, which unfortunately, she didn’t make herself (hers are better):

Yet another year of great Christmas memories.  Also, more hoodies to add to my ever growing collection!

I was hoping to go for a flight with a friend today, but the weather didn’t co-operate.  We still met up for a coffee and a chat, at least.  After, I went home and spent around four hours steam cleaning the carpets.  Ugh!  The kitties quickly adapted to the temporarily rearranged furniture.  Normally, they’re not allowed on the table, but it was kinda hard to say no when I had one of their hide-outs sitting up there.

She was running around like she had a load in her pants, as soon as she realized the floor was a little damp.  It was quite amusing!

Little Boo quickly discovered where the food dish was sitting:

A line-up soon followed:

I think the Christmas tree looked quite charming up on the couch:

When I started cleaning the carpet in the bedroom, I noticed little Mya and Abby, crashed on the bed.  Mya can be quite the bully – she’ll bite Abby in the bum to force her to get up and leave her nice, warm sleeping spot.  Looks like Abby got a little revenge.  Here she is, sitting on Mya.  I love how Mya’s back leg is sticking out and up – must be from all the pressure of Abby’s big butt:

I’m sorta looking forward to going back to work tomorrow.  Most people are taking the rest of the week off, so the office will be very quiet.

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling quite good!  Lots o’energy and am surprised how well I feel at 8:00pm, despite doing a fair bit of physical activity today. 

Sorry about the delay in bloggage.  I’ve been doing quite a bit of overtime at work. I’ve been looking forward to today for the whole week.  I had the Flying Club tie my plane down outside today so I could go for a night flight.  I wanted to fly over some of the parking lots at major malls to see everyone driving around, frantically looking for a spot.  I guess the malls were just closing as I was flying over because the parking lots weren’t too busy:

That is the PEN Centre in St. Catharines.  The sun was just starting to set.  Once it was dark, I toured around Niagara and checked out the Christmas lights.  I tried to take pictures, but they didn’t turn out well.  Here’s a shot of….somewhere….

My last destination was Grimsby, where I did five touch and go’s at their airport.  Once done there, I headed back to St. Catharines.  I didn’t hear another plane over the radio the entire hour and twenty minute flight.  My mother said only pea-brains like myself would fly on Christmas Eve.  Thanks, little, stubby Jan.

Here is a pic of Vyctor all tied down for the night:

Merry Christmas, little Vyctor!

Before my flight, I spent many hours today, scanning photographs for the digital photo album for the Recreational Aircraft Association.  I thought they would bring me maybe a few dozen pictures to scan, but I ended up with a trunk full – literally!  I went out and bought a new scanner for the job.  My other one was too old and slow.

Chuck and I will wake up tomorrow (hopefully!) and open some pressies at the apartment.  We’ll then kiss the kitties goodbye and head over to Jan’s to open the rest of the gifts and have a joyous dinner.  Really looking forward to the day!

Today’s symptoms:  Felt pretty darn good.  Fatigue level wasn’t too bad – just dealing with tiredness from dehydration.  I seem to be having the issue of not retaining fluids again.  Ugh!  Hopefully it won’t last, because it really conflicts with the benefits from the CCSVI surgery!  At least my big surgery hickey is almost gone too!

Cute and sweet as a button.  Her sister Pinky, on the other hand, was a little more naughty this weekend.  She loves climbing into bags and I inadvertently left one with some items to bring to Jan, up on the stove:

Love the left eye, Pinky!

After bringing Abby back home from the vet, I spent most of the night working on the training I’m giving at work tomorrow.  At least I had all four goobers keeping me company:

Little Abby was off to the side:

I continued to work on the training yesterday, but spent most of the day wrapping pressies.  I told Jan I didn’t buy her the usual fifty gifts I get her each Christmas.  However, when I pulled all of the presents out of the closet, there were over forty!  Tee hee!  She gets annoyed because I don’t use regular wrapping paper, since it’s not recyclable.  Instead, I use brown paper and the blank sheet of newspaper that is sometimes around the flyers.  Needless to say, my gifts look very drab!  I’ll certainly take some pictures of them under the tree on the weekend.

Today, I went to visit Lil Jan and drop off my carload of pressies, as we always open them at her house.  We dropped something off at my Aunt’s house, and drove by this joyous little number a few doors down:

My favourite is the totally deflated snowman on the garage.  He looks very depressed!

We headed over to Timmy’s for a coffee, then over to the Welland Humane Society to drop off a few donations.  They’re always so friendly and appreciative there.   Then it was over to the mall for some final gift purchases.  I’m officially done now  I’ve never left it so late before.  Just a lot going on lately plus my recent CCSVI surgery.

Ok, back to some final prep for tomorrow’s training!

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling great!  Had more energy today than I’ve had in a long time.  I am so hopeful that it lasts!!!

 

I had the day off today but went in for six hours for overtime.  My neck is still very bruised, so I put the cat paw stalking back on my ear:

Very discrete – I know!

Chuckles met me at the car rental place around 2:15, so he could take me to pick up Lola Corolla after dropping off the rental.  I was driving a Ford Fusion.  A nice ride, but the dinging that goes on and on and on when you start the car was very annoying!  I was so happy to get Lola back!  After picking her up, I drove over to our mailbox in the States to pick up a couple packages.  I used the Lower Bridge with Nexus so I was less than fifteen minutes there and back.  On the way home, I decided to drop by the airport to visit Vyctor.  I feel so bad for him.  He’s in the middle of his annual inspection, so he’s feeling quite vulnerable:

I know he’s in good hands though.

I went up to visit the folks in the control tower as well.  It was a really yucky day weather-wise, so no one was up flying.

One of the things I picked up from over the river was a heading indicator rug I bought (on sale, of course!)  The cats really love it:

Mya had Boo in a head lock and was going in for the kill (in a gentle and loving manner) in this shot:

I really haven’t been in the Christmas spirit this year.  I LOVE Christmas, so this is rather odd for me.  I think because so many things have been going on personally and health-wise, that I’m just not feeling it – yet.  I decided after dinner that I would try and force myself into the mood by putting up the Christmas tree.  Not sure how long it will last with my crazy freak-children running around:

It’s seriously leaning….hmmmmm….
The kitties all have their own stocking:

And of course the aviation Santas came out:

Still not feeling the Christmas spirit, but maybe (hopefully) things will change.

I have to give training to a group of managers tomorrow morning.  I’ll continue working in the afternoon on the Microsoft OneNote training I’m giving next week.  It’s a normal work day on Friday.  I have to leave a little early though – don’t tell her, but I have to take Abby to the vet.

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling quite good energy-wise.  My neck is still quite sore, but no big deal.  Very minimal headache today too.  Yea!

Yuck!  I’m glad I don’t have to look at it.  I didn’t realize how bad it was until my friend took this picture.  I decided to hang a stocking off of my ear so no one else would have to look at it either.  It was quite beneficial as I walked by my friend and she put a chocolate in the stocking.  I should have kept it on to see how many other treats I would have collected!

So, I’m feeling decent after my surgery, energy-wise.  Despite being my first day back, I made it through the whole day AND did three hours of overtime!  I’m supposed to be off tomorrow (compressed) but since we are allowed to do nine hours of overtime a week, I’m going in for another six hours.  I have to drop off the rental car, pick up Lola Corolla and drive over to the States to get a package at the post office.  Then I’ll head to work.

Today’s symptoms:  Felt decent with regards to energy.  Very minimal headache too!  Still very sore in my neck and chest, but it’s good pain!

 After leaving the clinic, we had time to go to the International Plaza before hitting the airport. Wow, quite the mall!  People were looking at us like we were a little out of place in some of the stores.  I guess we just don’t have that high-end look about us.  One store I’ve always wanted to go into is Neiman Marcus. Well, guess what:

I was wondering if it was really as expensive as people say.  Well, check out this little number:

I’ll take three!  It was rather amusing.  Many of the clothes were really nice but some were quite hideous.  At least now I can say that I’ve been there.

I was totally thrilled to see they had an Ed Hardy store.  I like some of the more toned-down items – some are just too much for me.  However, I did see a hoodie and two really nice shirts.  The shirts were on clearance, plus everything in the store was another 35% off.  We walked out of there like Canadian bandits!

Carrying on with my weird sense of taste, I was also shocked to see a Betsey Johnson store:

I’ve only ever seen her jewelery and wallets in Macy’s, so it was nice to see her whole line.  Nothing really turned my crank, so we walked out of there empty-handed.  Still, it was a nice experience.

My mother always talks about the Nordstrom store that she walks through and never buys anything (we’re cheap).  Found one of those too.  Nice stuff – a little too rich for my thrifty blood though. I’m very excited about what Santa bought for me while at the mall.  I hinted at getting a video camera that mounts on the outside of my airplane, for aerobatics.  I usually just stick my regular digital camera to my dash with stick-tack.  Well, we walked into a store and there was “my” camera!  It’s by GoPro and you can check out a neat video of it attached to a plane HERE.  I can’t wait to try it!  Thanks Mr. Santa!After a couple hours at the mall, we drove a few blocks away to Tampa airport.  We actually didn’t arrive home until today.  The plan was to be here yesterday, but there were some issues at the airport.  Our flight was delayed (a few times, actually) due to mechanical problems.  A couple hours after it was scheduled to leave, it was cancelled.  We got on a stand-by list for another flight, but didn’t make it on.  After wandering and pleading from gate to gate, we finally were booked on a flight to Atlanta.  Our original flight would have taken us to Detroit then to Buffalo, but there was a flight to KBUF out of Atlanta – right on!  We had a fairly short lay-over before our final leg to Buffalo.  All said and done, we arrived home a little after mid-night.  I’m not complaining – it’s better than having to stay another night.  Mind you, coming home to snow from nice, sunny Florida made me rethink the extra night.

I tried to take it easy today.  I had to pick up my rental car this morning.  I don’t think I mentioned it in a previous blog, but I was side-swiped by a pick-up truck a little over a week ago.  He didn’t stop despite me honking my horn and flashing my high-beams after he hit me.  I took a picture of his plate and truck with my iPhone, went down to the OPP station in Niagara Falls, and they caught the guy later that night.  He was charged with careless driving.  Anyway, before leaving for Florida, I dropped off my car at the body shop.  She (Lola Corolla) should be ready by Wednesday.  I took my rental over to the chocolate shop near my apartment and picked up my cat and fish sitter this little treat:

I thought she was charging a little much for it, until she told me that the fairly thick base it’s sitting on is also chocolate.  I dropped it off to my friend and she was very appreciative.

So, things are back to normal (as normal as I can be!) and I plan on taking it easy for the next couple of days.  If I don’t, my family and friends will yell at me.  They have to do that a lot – I’m very stubborn.

Today’s symptoms:  My energy was actually decent today, despite the very long day we had yesterday.  I’m quite sore from the surgery, but that will fade soon, I’m sure.  My headache is much better today too.

 

As I mentioned many time before, the guys at the Recreational Aircraft Association are amazing!  Check out the arrangement:

Wow, I certainly wasn’t expecting that – I’m insanely touched!!!  Thanks guys!

One last shot:

I was really hoping the IV from yesterday was going to behave itself for today, so I wouldn’t need another one.  Unfortunately, it was kinked and had a clot, so they had to redo it.  Michelle was the IV installation technician for this one, and did a mighty fine job!  To return the favour, I was able to teach her a new word: gotchies!   After stripping down (even my gotchies) and donning a lovely blue gown, I wandered over to the surgery room.

I was a little relieved when the meds they injected to relax me kicked in.  It was a tad nippy in there, and the meds helped me to stop shaking.  Probably a good thing while the doctor was doing his thing.  He stretched all of the veins that were done during the last CCSVI procedure, except for one.  My left internal jugular seems to be having severe issues.  He was unable to get through it, even after going in through my groin and neck.  Despite everything else going well, this news really threw me for a loop.  Like a big dork, I was a tad upset while they wheeled me back out to the recovery room.  It’s weird to know that there is no (or very little) blood flowing through that vein.  After being bummed for a few minutes, I managed to calm myself down, with the help of the amazing staff.

Chuck was called over to the recovery room, to comfort his blubbering blonde.  I was shocked when he said I was in there for almost two hours!  It didn’t seem that long.  The doctor came over to talk about the surgery.  He made me feel quite a bit better too.  I have to remain hopeful that expanding the other veins will make a difference.  Fingers crossed!

We stayed in the recovery room for around three hours.  Did I mention how great the staff there is?  I’m horrible at names, but there was Michelle, Lesley, Cindy, Kelly Lynn, Vicki and of course, Dr. Jerry.  I’m sure I’m missing someone(s).  Sorry.  Nothing personal!

I’m not sure if I’m supposed to rip off the bandage on my neck yet:

Really looking forward to ripping off the one down below tomorrow too!  Ugh.

Once back to the hotel, my stomach decided that the nice english muffin with peanut butter that Michelle made for me would not stay down.  Sorry about your lawn, Baymont hotel!  Once inside, I crawled into bed and slept on and off for a couple hours.  Chuckles went over to the Tilted Kilt bar and had his third hamburger this week!  I haven’t had too much of an appetite today.  Hopefully it will pick up tomorrow.

We have to head back to the AI3 clinic tomorrow morning for 9:00, so I can have a follow-up doppler ultrasound.  Then we’re off to the Tampa Airport for our 2:00 flight.  I’m really looking forward to getting home and seeing my kitties.  I’m sure I’ll just veg this weekend.  Also, I took Monday off as my compressed day.  Oh, I’ll have to call my aviation mechanic and find out how the annual inspection of my plane went.  Ugh, hopefully nothing major!

Today’s symptoms:  Felt fairly decent when I woke up this morning.  Not sure we can count today’s symptoms as those from a typical MS day!  Just sore from the surgery and I have a fairly bad headache.

 

We flew down yesterday, starting with a short trip to Detroit (where I don’t think we landed, rather were shot down) then a very short layover before the leg to Tampa.  The flight attendant on the way to Detroit said to take the tram over to our gate.  We didn’t see where to catch it, so ended up running half way across the airport.  Arriving in time for last call (unfortunately, I’m not talking about the bar!) we clambered onto the half empty plane.  The flight down to Tampa was nice, except for Mr. Horks-And-Sniffs behind us.  After stopping for a quick meal, we made it to the Baymont Hotel around 9:30pm.  It didn’t take us long to crawl into bed and hunker down for the night.  Our wake up call was at 6:30am, so we could make it over to the AI3 Clinic for 7:30.  It turns out there was a slight error in the scheduled arrival time, and we actually didn’t have to be there until 8:30.  One may think that this would be a bit of annoyance, but not so!  The staff there are extremely friendly, so our wait time flew by through entertaining banter.

The MRI/MVR technician, Lynn, called us in for the MRV.  Chuck was allowed to sit next to the scanner while I was being scanned.  Why he chose to do this, I’ll never know.  He did mention (in a rather loud voice, due to his temporary deafness) that the machine was much louder than he expected.  I had to be injected with a dye for the scan.  Fortunately, Lynn is a pro at inserting IV’s, so it was no problemo at all.  I was able to keep it in for the surgery tomorrow.

After running out for some noms, we came back to the clinic to meet with the doctor.  Not sure if he remembered me or not – he may, however, if the drugs they administer cause me to be a little silly in the surgery room.  Of course, everyone who knows me knows that I am an extremely quiet, passive and serious person, and the silliness is solely drug induced!  ***sheepish grin***  I promise, I will try to behave myself this time (yeah, right!)  The nice doctor informed me that I appear to be having technical difficulties on my left side, which he plans on correcting, if at all possible.  Well if you do, there’s a free flight around Niagara Falls in it for you!  How’s that for incentive!  ***wink, wink, nudge, nudge***

We left the clinic just before noon and headed over to Citris Mall in Tampa.  Quite a few folks at the clinic recommended it.  A very nice mall, I must say!  Unfortunately, my energy conked out rather quickly and we only lasted a couple hours (which included lunch).  We walked out of there with one T-shirt and a Christmas pressie for my friend.  Still, very nice experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back there.

Needless to say, I’m missing my kids already.  I’ve mentioned Abby’s googliness a few times today.  I just went through some pictures on my computer and came by this purrfect example.  Guess which one is Abby?

Her eyes are so big, they are actually pulling her off balance, causing her to lean. I’m very thankful that cats do not have the ability of self-recognition.  Could you imagine if she looked in the mirror and realized that the bug-eyes staring back at her were indeed her own?  Talk about being traumatized!  I know I am every morning when I wake up and look over at her – I love it though!

So, I will certainly do another blog post tomorrow, post-procedure.  I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be.  I think the fact that the staff there are just so nice and comforting, they really put you at ease and make the experience much more tolerable.  I would like to apologize to them all in advance for any silliness I throw at them tomorrow.  Remember, it’s the drugs.  (Stop laughing, everyone!)

Today’s symptoms:  A little fatigued after our travels yesterday, plus the anxiety for the upcoming surgery.  Speaking of which, why do “normal” people have the typical response to anxiety, which is fight or flight, and MY only reaction is to be a goofy whacko?  Hmmmm…..Oh well, at least it’s entertaining.

 Here’s a pic of Vyctor having his oil heated prior to our flight:

We took off just after 10:00 and headed straight overhead the field at about 4000 feet.  I was just about to start aerobatics when my intercom went out – we couldn’t hear each other through our headsets.  A little embarrassed, but I told him we would just have to yell.  I checked a couple of my radio fuses, but everything looked fine.  We did aerobatics for about 15 minutes – he LOVED it!  I asked him if he wanted to take a break and we could fly over Niagara Falls.  I called the tower to say we would be heading south to the Falls.  They replied that my communications were almost unreadable.  I tried again, but it was the same.  I decided to stay in the St. Catharines airspace and just do more aerobatics.  After another 10 minutes, I called the tower to say I was coming in to land.  They couldn’t hear me at all.  They asked if I wanted to land, and if so, to click my microphone twice.  I did.  I then called them on my cell phone just to make sure they knew how I was coming into the circuit.  There were quite a few planes coming and going, but the the tower made sure to update everyone with my position.  As I was descending, I noticed my transponder was also out.  Once on the downwind, I tried to put my flaps down, but nothing (since they’re electric).  I switched off the alternator but still nothing.  I came in and did a fairly decent flapless landing.  My passenger loved the adventure.  I asked him if my supervisor/his wife was going to have me fired for our experience, but he assured me she wouldn’t.  We all had a good laugh when we got down and out of the plane.  I told him that this flight wouldn’t count and we would go up again.  Fortunately, my mechanic was going to do my annual inspection that day – what perfect timing!

Actually, I meet with mechanic the night before.  We had our Recreational Aircraft Association Christmas dinner Friday night.  Although our numbers were down a little this year, it was still a great evening.  We had a traditional English dinner:

My friend Rick was quite excited about the fact that his yorkshire pudding looked like a little toilet:

Speaking of yorkshire puddings, I decided to lob one at my mechanic’s head.  Fortunately for him, I missed.  I blame it on the poor aerodynamics of the yorkie.  I think it was his wife who got me in the side of the head a little later on.  I also got hit when I was up front, handing out presents.  I “accidentally” hit Rick too.  Tee hee!  I’ve always wanted to have a food fight!

After dinner we had a great quartet perform for us:

One of our members always dresses up as Santa and I decided to join him this year, as Mrs. Claus:

It was a great evening – such a great group!

On Tuesday we’re leaving for Clearwater, Florida to have my CCSVI surgery repeated.  I really wish I didn’t have to have it redone so soon, but apparently many people are in the same boat.  We’re flying into Tampa, which is about 20 minutes away from Clearwater.  On a bright note, I scoped out the nearby malls, so I should be able to complete most of  my Christmas shopping.

I just want to thank all of the folks who have given me their support and words of encouragement for my upcoming procedure.  I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me.

Today’s symptoms:  Felt a little drained today, probably due to all of my excitement yesterday!  My sinus headache is getting a bit better each day.

 

The chemicals they falvoured it with are actually quite yummy!  Very apple pie-ish!

I was laying on my bed the other night with little Boo on my chest.  I snapped this pic with my iPhone:

I love Boo and her big nose.  She has become insanely affectionate.  She sleeps snuggled up to me every night.  I usually wake up with her head under my chin and my arm around her.  Pinky sleeps about a foot away.  She’s affectionate too, but on her own terms!  She’s so cute!  Here’s what the bed typically looks like after I crawl out of it in the morning:

I will give a stick of apple pie gum to anyone who emails me the names of the kitties in order.

It’s been a busy week at work – I’ve been giving training to my coworkers on Windows 7 and Office 2010.  We are upgrading all of the computers within the next couple of months.  I love giving training and always jump at the opportunity when it’s offered.

We have our

Recreational Aircraft Association dinner tomorrow night.  One of our directors dresses up as Santa every year.  I finally got up the courage to buy a Mrs. Claus outfit, so I’ll be displaying that “little” number tomorrow (tee hee).  Pictures coming soon! 

Today’s symptoms:  I felt better today than I’ve felt in weeks.  I think this sinus infection is finally starting to clear, although I still have quite a bad sinus headache.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/1/2011 9:23 PM

Alas, tis the end of our trip.  As stated in my last couple of blogs, our final stop was Stonehenge:

 

This wasn’t exactly Stonehenge, but it was on the way:

And then there it was:

This stone apparently lines up with the sun exactly once a year:

It’s almost impossible to comprehend how people moved these massive stones so far.

After checking out the formation, we decided to walk up a fairly large hill to a couple of burial mounds:

Come on, Lil Jan.  Pump those stubby legs:

Is was quite a walk and we were totally pooped by the time we made it back to the bus.

Our next stop was our hotel back in London.  Farewell, sheep!

Some more shots along the way:

Of course I got excited as we drove near the airport:

Jan said farewell to her white Porsche:

Back at the hotel.  Here is the view from our room:

Jan just love the chimneys:

I was more thrilled by the helicopter that flew over:

What an absolutely amazing trip.  We both had the time of our lives and would love to go back!

Back to normal life….well, as normal as I can be.  Speaking of which, check out the little statue I made of myself for Chuck’s dinner:

Just smile and nod….

Today’s symptoms:  Despite sleeping less than an hour last night, I felt a bit better today than yesterday.  I think the new antibiotics are starting to work on this nasty sinus infection.

 

I think I said that the next stop of our trip was going to be Stonehenge.  I looked through my pictures and noticed the Salisbury Cathedral photos, which was prior to the Stonehenge stop.  So, without further ado:

I’m not too sure of the details, but the cathedral was undergoing some cosmetic surgery:

Clearly many hands have touched his arm, as per the colouring and shine:

I’m proud to say I was able to refrain.

There was a really neat art exhibit throughout the cathedral.

I think I took a picture of every sculpture we saw:

People with that much talent make me nauseous!

Next trip post WILL be on Stonehenge (I think…)

I had to take little Abby to the vet on Thursday.  She is still having poopy-problems.  She has an intestinal virus that has no treatment – can only go away over time.  Here’s a shot of her while waiting for the vet:

They gave her a shot then said I will need to bring her back in three weeks so they can start her on Prednisone, which may help with her bowel issues.  I was talking to the vet and had my back turned to her assistant, who was watching Abby on the table.  I heard her laugh and turned around to this:

Neatly wrapped up and ready to go home!

While out in the waiting area, paying the bill, I noticed this little goober gnawing on the Christmas tree:

I had Abby’s case open as one of the staff was petting her.  The little tree-chewer came over for a brief visit:

I wish she wasn’t so blurred as she was really a cute cat!

Today’s symptoms:  Very drained and just feeling all out lousy.  Had a bad week, so that would probably explain why I felt like this.

My first stop wasn’t actually work, but an eye doctor appointment in Niagara Falls.  I got there almost 30 minutes early, which was kinda silly.  The day started to go downhill when the large screen TV in the waiting room was put on, displaying a nature video.  One of the first scenes was a shark eating a seal – I almost lost it.  I have absolutely no tolerance for anything bad happening to an animal.  I was quite upset.  I started playing a game on my iPhone, making sure to not look back up at the TV.  A couple scenes later I had to listen to a baby elephant losing its life.  The tears welled up in my eyes and I had to get up and ask the receptionist if I could sit somewhere else.  I ended up sitting near the back of the office, holding back the tears!  On a bright note, the doctor said my left eye looks better, but she wants me to see my GP and get a referral to a surgeon who deals with sinuses.  Ok, well at least my eye looked good!

I drove to work and arrived before 9:00.  My friend and her son came by around 11:30 to pick me up and drive over to my apartment.  We slurped on the coffees they picked up for us and started eating the dessert my mother made me.  The phone rang – it was the Niagara Falls hospital, asking if I wanted to have my MRI today.  It was scheduled for Sunday, but they had a cancelation.  I had to cut my visit with my friend a little short so she could drive me back to the office.  I hopped in my car and headed back to Niagara Falls.  I registered and galloped down to the MRI department.  They had to administer a dye via IV, which didn’t go too well.  He missed the vein and took a few attempts to get it in the right position.  Ouch!  After the scan was finished, I waited for a copy of the images on CD.  Once in hand, I headed back to St. Catharines for a second time.  I was speaking with a co-worker about how this birthday wasn’t the most enjoyable day I’ve ever had, but glad the worst was over.  Just then, my phone rang and I noticed it was my little mother.  She said “You have to go back.”  What the heck are you talking about?  She said “The hospital phoned and they need more images, so you have to go back right away.”  I thought she was pulling a little birthday prank, but unfortunately she wasn’t.  I wasn’t too happy because the MRI is quite loud and made my sinus headache very painful.  I had only eaten a small bowl of dessert that I had with my friend at this point, too.  I don’t think that helped with how I was feeling.  Regardless, back into my car I went and headed back to Niagara Falls for the third time that day.  The technician saw me walk in and took me into the room just next to the actual MRI room, rather than have me sit in the main waiting room.  There was someone getting a scan and I waited about twenty minutes for it to finish.  In I went and was done within ten minutes.  Back to the film library to wait for them to burn my new images, then back to St. Catharines for the final time.  My head was throbbing at this point so I went home.  I had some work to do on the training I am giving tomorrow, so my Team Leader approved me to work an hour from home.  Yeah!

Too tired to go out tonight.  I think I’ll just be a blonde blob for the rest of the night.  A couple friends at work said that since my birthday was so sucky, we’re actually going to celebrate tomorrow – YEA!

On a bright note, here’s a cute picture of Boo waving:

When Jan and I were at the mall this weekend, I snapped a pic of this cute little dude in the back of a car:

Love the tongue!  Tee hee!

Oh, and here is what Lil Jan had set up for me when I walked into her house:

She’s so cute!  Cutest little candle holders EVER!

Today’s symptoms:  So drained from the running around today.  The headache tonight is much worse than it has been the last few nights, I’m sure from the pounding of the MRI machine.  Tomorrow will be a much better day!

 

 

The right side of the pic is actually my left side.  You can see how the big honkin’ sinus on my right is a nice black hole, which it should be.  The left one is completely blocked.  Here’s another shot:

Again, you can see the left sinus is totally blocked.  That would explain most if not all of the pain I was experiencing!  Hopefully the anti-biotics he put me on will clear it up quickly.

Back to the Britain trip!

We left Bath and headed toward Salisbury Plain to see Stonehenge.  Stunning scenery, as usual:

Jan loves water pics, so I tried to take them whenever possible:

I had to find something that represented each one of my kids during the trip.  Here’s the one I found for Pinky:

We stopped to visit the Norman Cathedral:

As was every other cathedral we visited, this one was amazing.

Here are a few pics I took on the way back to the bus:

I think I embarrassed Jan when I asked her to take a picture of me, posing up against a billboard:

Back on the bus, heading for Stonehenge:

We had a bit of delay on the road, due to this accident:

We had to wait for the oncoming traffic to clear before heading under the centre of this bridge:

I forget what our tour guide said this represented, but rather neat nonetheless:

Next stop – Stonehenge!

Today’s symptoms:  Still a very bad headache and eye pain.  Feeling a tad bit better energy-wise today though.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 11/20/2011 10:36 AM

 

I snapped this one to show my youngest hairless cat Abby.  She really hates having a bath, so I thought this sign might inspire her.  Unfortunately, so far it hasn’t worked:

She told me that it didn’t mean anything to her because they spelled her name wrong.

The walk over to the Baths was quite impressive:

Angels climbing the ladder to Heaven:

This was kinda weird – our tour guide was given plastic tokens to give each of us when we were outside the door to the Baths.  As we walked throughthe door, we gave it back to the guy that gave them to her.

Here is the ceiling of the room where we were given some direction by the tour guide:

Entering the main area of the Baths was amazing:

I was going to do a cannonball off of the second level, but Jan requested that I didn’t embarrass her.

The artifacts inside were equally as impressive.  This fella kinda looks like me (pale and skinny):

Here is the 7947th pigeon I took a picture of during our trip.  Either that or the same one was following us:

After a closer look at the condition of the water, I’m kinda glad I didn’t jump in:

Stacks of stone which allowed heat to circulate under the floor, causing a sauna effect:

Jan and I each tossed in a coin for good luck:

Despite this being our last day, I still have quite a few more photos to share!

Today’s symptoms:  I slept in big time this morning – until 10:30!  I guess my body really needed the sleep.  The pain wasn’t quite as bad today as it was the last few days, which was a nice relief!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 11/12/2011 9:40 PM

I just wanted to let everyone know why I haven’t written a blog for a few days and why I’ve been so down.  I posted about flying to Barrie a few weeks ago to have a Doppler Ultrasound.  They wanted to see if my veins were still open and flowy after my CCSVI surgery.  Bad news – my left jugular is blocked again.     I sent the results down to Clearwater, Florida where I had the surgery and they suggest that I come back and have it redone.  I’ve noticed that my fatigue levels have increased, as have many other symptoms I had before the surgery.  I decided that I would go back and give it another try.  I will be booking it tomorrow.  I’m probably looking at the first or second week of December.  Blah.

Anyway, back to the Britain trip!

Here are a few shots on our way to the ruins of Tintern Abbey:

The horsies were adorable:

The tour director had the bus driver slow down so we could look at the bridge we were about to cross:

Then she pointed out this sign just before the bridge:

Oh great!  Fortunately, the bridge held up for us.

Some more shots along the way:

Alas, we arrived:

It was raining, so I didn’t get any good photos from the outside – just from inside the bus.

It was such an amazing sight – a bit depressing, though!

I shall continue on in the next blog….

Check out this adorable couple I snapped a picture of last night:

Little Pinky and Boo, sleeping so peacefully.

On a not so peaceful note, check out the little critter Jan had running around her house today:

It’s her next door neighbour’s dog, Sammie:

Such a sweetie!

Today’s symptoms: Had more energy today than I had in a while.  My spirits were a little better too.  Lots of pain in my arms though.