Blount's Disease

Blount's Disease-  As I sit and recall the first day that I heard those words, I was nervous, scared, and not sure what I wanted to do. I did not know what it was and I did not know what it meant as far as a normal life. I quickly questioned God as to why? Why my grand doll? ( Isn't it funny how we always think why me in scary situations?

According to doctors at Columbia University Medical Center website, "Blount's disease is a rare growth disorder that affects children, causing the legs to bow outwards just below the knees.  It is also know as tibia vara. A small amount of bowing is actually quite normal in young infants. However, as most children begin to walk, between the ages of 1 and 2 years old, their legs gradually straighten out.
In children with Blount's disease, the lower legs remain bowed or bow further outwards, which can lead to future problems with walking. Blount’s can be seen in a child less than 4 years of age as well as in early adolescents. "

My grand doll had been slightly bowlegged since she was a few months old, but I did not think much of it as many children are bowlegged, but hers' seemed to continually get worse and we finally discussed with the pediatrician and she recommended that we have her checked by a specialist. The specialist recommended surgery, which they say will be the best treatment and should straighten her legs and prevent any more issues. Of course, the idea of my grand doll having surgery at age 2 scared me. The specialist says that this is a minor surgery and that we will really not seem many limitations with her following it. 

The grandma in me says that she is my baby and I don't like it. I know that it needs to be done, but I still don't like it. As I watched her play yesterday, I thought how much I have worried about it this week and she doesn't even know what is going to happen to her. Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday of next week. I am thankful in a way that she is small enough to not understand what is happening, but I am also very upset that we are going to take her in for such a thing that she can't understand. She's not going to understand the hospital room, why she has to be on the bed, why she has a nurse taking vitals, etc. The thought of it about gives me an anxiety attack! Will she be scared? She won't know how to tell us! I don't think that I can be in her room when they wheel her back as we will be leaving her with a stranger and that makes me cry just to think of that. She won't understand why we are leaving her. 

I write this to make others aware of this disease and to ask for your prayers for both her and I. This grandma may not make it through the day. Surgery is supposed to last two hours and it is certainly going to be a long two hours. I will update you after the surgery is completed and we are home. Thank you for your thoughts that day!

NFL Takes a Knee

Following a week of stern comments from the President concerning protests during the National Anthem, hundreds of NFL players protested during the games this weekend by taking a knee, linking arms, or completely not coming onto the field while the National Anthem played or was sung. Considering these peaceful protests, many players are saying that they knelt because of the Presidents' comments.

The kneeling began last year while a player was protesting the injustices that are plaguing the black and the minorities in the world. While I feel that we all have freedom of speech, these men are paid millions of dollars each year playing their game and I realize that they have the perfect platform to protest where millions can see them: I also realize that many see this as pure disrespect to our country and those that put their lives on the line daily.

I believe that there is a different place for this kind of protest. Maybe if these players are worried about these issues, which I have  no problem with, should form some type of aid program for these issues and hire a spokesperson to work with other groups that make millions to help those that are being unjustly treated. Use their voice for good and not protest the American flag and National Anthem that means so much to the people that have lost loved ones during the wars we have suffered through and those that still put their lives on the line daily.

I see no disrespect by the linking of arms, although many will as the hand is not upon the heart, but I believe that if you are kneeling, then you should be praying. Praying for peace in our world, praying for the less fortunate, praying for the safety of our military, praying for the exact cause you are protesting for. Many will disagree with that but I feel that it is the right thing to do. For many years, kneeling has been for that very reason.

I respect our President because of the office he holds, but I feel he was out of line with the comments that he made this weekend. No person of his statue should publicly call anyone a SOB for any reason. That is only asking for trouble. We, as Americans, need to let go of the hatred and racial tensions that we hold. Both blacks and whites are criminals, both blacks and whites can be racially profiled, both blacks and whites kill and both races are loved by God. We do not have the right to judge either because God tells us that He will judge. We are to love one another. Can you imagine how strong the US could be if we done just that? Our country would be stronger and much more peaceful! Let's learn from the issues that are being peacefully protested on the field and let's respect the office of the President, the flag and the National Anthem as we should.

Interesting Sights While Traveling

Most of my readers are aware that my husband and I recently took a vacation that he had purchased for me as a Christmas gift. He traveled quite often for several years while he was working as a mill wright and he is not fond of it, but I thoroughly enjoy it. He needed the time away from his shop though too.

We traveled to Branson, Missouri and drove into Arkansas just because I had never been to that state and I hope to mark most of them off the map by the time I leave this old world. Anyway, while we were traveling, I took many pictures and looking through them yesterday with the grand doll, I realized that I had a few that were a little interesting and I would share them today with you.

This is taken in front of the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum in Branson. The building looks as though it has been through Hurricane Harvey and Maria and the earthquake that just hit Mexico. Believe me, when I say looks are deceiving both inside and out at this particular place. If you have never visited one of these museums, you should. They are interesting! Mr. Ripley was quite an interesting fellow himself, I believe.

The grand doll , for some reason, has taken an interest in dinosaurs. This particular set of bones was located in a very interesting natural history museum. If you visit Branson, you need to go to Top of the Rock Natural History Museum.  It is located within the Big Cedar resort, but is open to the public. It is a unique look into some of our early history and very informative. I believe the cost to get in was $12 per person and it was well worth that price. It would be easy to spend 3 or more hours in the museum itself, plus the views from the top of the rock are amazing. 

Here is another set of odd looking creatures from that museum. These are the  signs that are along with it explaining what these strange looking creatures are. Of course, for us they are simply dinosaurs. 

Another interesting site in Branson is the rather large rooster that is part of the front of a building. I knew the grand doll would like it so I had to capture the photo of it. 

As you can see this is some sort of restaurant but I don't remember the name of it. My husband was actually looking at an all you can eat crab and lobster place behind this called Whipper Snappers. We did not eat there as it was a little expensive for this trip. I am not a seafood fan, but I would have gone and either ordered something else or just had my tea and enjoyed the company. 

Finally, the last photo for today is this human blood carrier that was used by the military, I assume. We found this sitting on the porch of a rather small, unique gift shop just inside Arkansas. I thought of buying it to make a coffee table out of in the living room. I thought with a small red cover on the top of it, it would be quite the centerpiece in the room and make for plenty of conversation with guests. No one else thought that my idea was a good one. Oh well!!

Well, I must move on for today. Thanks for traveling with me today to some of the odd and unusual sights that we were privileged to see while we were gone. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. Until next time, safe travels. 

Bruised and Battered

Hello world! It's a good morning here on the hobby farm that I choose to call my life, except for being bruised and battered. I will explain more on that later. Just be thankful that you woke up this morning and that you have a breath in you to be able to tell someone special to you just how special they are.

We had a wonderful vacation in Branson, Missouri. The hotel that we stayed in looked like a castle on a hill. It was Chateau on the Lake, which was just minutes from downtown and absolutely an amazing resort! If you enjoy classy lodging, this is it at it's finest! Chateau on the Lake has about all you need if you don't want to leave the resort including dining, bar, a sweet shop, and even laundry facilities for guests. Absolutely one of my favorite parts of our vacation.

We did not take in a show while in Branson, but we did see the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. I did not care as much for it as I did the one we went to several years ago in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, but it was still fun. I recommend a show but I recommend that you see the fountain shows at Branson Landing. We were thoroughly impressed with them! 

While we were gone, I was able to mark several things off of my bucket list. I was able to see the St. Louis Gateway Arch, see the Mississippi River, and marked two states off my list that I had never been too. Missouri and Arkansas. The next time we go, I will drive into Oklahoma because I have always wanted to do that!!

Anyway, we returned home on Saturday because I had a Pink Zebra event on Sunday. It was a fundraiser for a scholarship in memory of two young men that lost their lives trying to rescue their friend that fell off a local dam. She did survive but has traumatic brain injuries and will never have the same life that she did. She is still a beautiful soul! One of the families that lost their son was a family that I knew well growing up and I am sure the pain is the same now as it was three years ago. I just felt compelled to attend their fundraising efforts. I was saddened that on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon the foot traffic at the event was very slow. Even the benefit ride was not as full as I had expected. My thought was how quickly people forget that these young people mattered to someone. 

While there setting up our booth in the vendor area, we were told that the restaurant across the street was furnishing breakfast for all of us. When we finished our booth, I decided that breakfast was a good idea so we went across the street and got breakfast. Deciding that we should not leave our booth unattended, we were taking breakfast back there and as we crossed the street suddenly, the sidewalk jumped right up and tripped me and down I went hard and made a very solid face plant right into that sidewalk. ( Seriously, I believe I tripped on the curb). People came rushing to my aid asking if I needed ice or an ambulance, but I just needed a minute to catch my breath and figure out if I was okay. 

I decided that ice on my knee might be a good thing as my right knee took quite a hit. Also, my left hand where I attempted to keep my face from going into the sidewalk. My nose was busted and bleeding, so I needed a wet rag. I thought I would be ok though. Well, I guess I'm okay, but battered and bruised.  My nose is broke and my eyes are black, more the left side, but some on the right. My left hand is badly swollen, but not sore. My knees look bruised and scraped and my right is still very sore. The left side of my face is swollen and I have a knot above my eye on that side and a cut that is beginning to heal. I scratched my glasses extremely bad and will have to replace them. Let's just say falling is not for sissies- it hurts! 

Also, I started working another part time job because my car is being totaled by the insurance company so that means more bills so I figured it was what I needed to do. If I'm not a pretty sight to begin a new job, but I quickly explained why I was so battered and bruised. The job is as a courier at the library and it has not been easy with being as sore as I am, but I have been doing it. Scheduled three days this week, today being the last, I will be glad to see the day done.

Enough about me, have a good day and be thankful that you are able to walk, talk, think, etc. 

Vacation, Football, Wreck. Life

Well, I sure have not kept up with the blog this week as it has been quite a week. With the week being short due to Labor Day and we camped all weekend, it has made the week quite a doozie! I am thankful it is Friday and I am looking forward to Sunday, when we leave for the vacation that my husband planned for me as a Christmas present last year.

I guess this post begins with last week on Wednesday. After running some errands in town, we decided to stop by Kentucky Fried Chicken and get a quick bite to have on the way home. I had been driving and we traded spots because I hate to drive and eat. Things were good until about 2 miles from home when suddenly a deer appeared out of nowhere and smashed the front of my car. The poor creature did not know what happened and was scared and injured with both front legs broken. I hated seeing it suffer as it attempted to walk, but we had to wait for the sheriff's department to get there. Before taking my report, I asked if he could end it's suffering. I hated to see it die, but I knew it was going to anyway. After getting home, I began the process of calling the insurance to get the ball rolling of what is actually going to be done with it. My husband seems to think that it is going to be totaled because he thinks the core support is bent. UGH! That will mean shopping for a car, which I hate!

We left Thursday and went camping until Monday. We had a nice time as usual, although it rained all day on Friday and was very cool. The rest of the weekend we had nice weather and got to do some riding while we were there. Our daughter, her fiancé, and our grand doll came down and stayed one night with us, which was a lot of fun. Our neighbors had let their daughter bring a friend and we enjoyed them as well. Although, I had forgotten how much "stuff" teen girls can talk about, luckily it is not boys YET!

The best part of the weekend was when we took the grand doll to the saddle barn at the park. Yes,we have horses but we still visit the saddle barn as they have small ponies and we know the owner personally and he lets her ride for free. We happen to tell him to keep his eyes open for a good broke pony for her and he had one. My heart skipped a beat and I began to smile because I knew if the pony was good it would probably go home with us. It did. It actually went back to camp with us. I was excited but the grand doll was thrilled. What two year old girl would not be happy with a pony!

Needless to say, the rest of that day and the next day while they were there the pony rarely ever rested. That doll loves her pony and rode it quite often around the circle that we were camped on. The pony's name is Snickers, which I find interesting because my daughter ( grand doll's mom) has a Daschaund named Snickers. I will be adding photos soon of this adorable pony!!

I finally got a rental car yesterday and we are leaving for Missouri on Sunday so I have plenty to do now. Laundry is all caught up and my clothes are packed for the trip, the cooler is washed and ready, the husbands' clothes are partially ready and the toiletries are packed so I am about ready. It takes a lot to get ready for a trip, but I will sure be glad to leave this crazy place behind for a few days and go enjoy some time with him. Our oldest daughter is going too this trip with her boyfriend, of over 10 years. I am sure we will have fun!

I am heading to a high school football game with some friends tonight. The weather is a little chilly here of an evening, but I think it will be okay. I plan to bundle up and have some fun. I know I have not been to a game in over 25 years, so it should be an interesting evening. I hope we enjoy ourselves. Maybe we will help the cheerleaders out. LOL!!

This is my crazy life and I enjoy it. There are days that I wonder how much more stress I can stand and then I remember that God is on my side! He loves me and knows what I can do better than I do so keep trudging along! Enjoy the ride as it is a short one!!

Gaining Attention

Seldom I write posts that are based on politics or religion, but I feel at this time I really need to write this. As I am sitting watching the news and catching up on some Facebook posts, I find that I am seeing more and more destruction around the United States and I just feel that God is attempting to gain the attention of some.

Montana and other western states are fighting heavy wildfires and the smoke from these fires is lingering over so many areas that it is hard to see and breathe. Texas is struggling to recover from the destruction left by Hurricane Harvey and now Florida residents are being told to evacuate due to another massive hurricane headed their way. Hurricane Irma could possibly be the strongest and most destructive hurricane to ever hit the Florida coast and for those that don't leave their life could be in danger. These are not easy words to hear when human lives are in danger.

I believe that God is saying that we need to make some changes and get back into His word and believing in Him. Life is too precious and too short to not take some notice. The crime in the world these days is simply enough to make us take notice that we have grown farther away from the beliefs that our country was founded on.

Many blame the President and others in Washington, DC and I won't say that it is not partially their faults, but most of the problem is that people are not on their knees. We have taken God from our country- not allowed in schools, public buildings,  churches are in buildings such as theatres, etc and many services look like a rock concert. Do we truly believe that is how God wants us to worship Him? NO, he simply wants us to have a daily walk with Him and a daily prayer time on our knees. He doesn't need a building or lights, music, etc. He simply needs US!

I am not condemning the churches that are in odd buildings or those that choose more modern music but God's message is that we need to have a daily walk with Him and that we need to pray. Pray for healing of those hearts that have been hurt or deeply angered to see that God can heal. Pray for the minds and decisions that those in Washington, DC must make. Pray for the safety of those near you, including a neighbor or former friend that needs to be forgiven for something. Pray for the health and heart of the country. I do each day that I am on my knees.

I truly believe that God hears all prayers but I believe that he expects us to be on our knees daily to ask for His guidance and then giving Him the time to heal and straighten the world out.