In the Spirit of the Season...

... we were visited by three tiny bats, flying around our circle (cul de sac) at sunset.  They were finding a feast of flying bugs, apparently.  They were easily viewed in silhouette against the waning light from the west.  Bats are a wonderful controller of pests that would eat our crops.

And speaking of crops, this weekend we're planting our winter veggies.  Artichokes, Brussels Sprouts, heirloom tomatoes (purples and pinks), Broccoli, and Red Cabbage.  And of course, our rampant chili plants are producing and should continue well into the season.

I painted three canvases today.  I had gotten a shipment of paints that I was salivating over and just HAD to use them.  But, I have to say, painting really tired me out today.  As I mentioned earlier, I took my last dose of the weekly chemo pills, Xeloda, today, but I was not feeling very good.  I am still having some problems with nausea, which will hopefully start to go away.  I can barely eat.  I've lost four pounds since I left the hospital...those guys were really making me chow down! ;)

That's one of the paintings I did today.  Wendy said it reminded her of a Military Macaw, and I can see that.  I did try to make it feathery.  Speaking of Military Macaws, here's a picture of my beloved Gypsy.

I think there IS a resemblance!

Now, sleep well, all... be safe, keep warm or cool as the case may be. :)

Xeloda with Dinner, Xeloda with Breakfast

Best not get confused with all the pills I'm taking...lol.  Especially after last night's lack of sleep, thanks to my old pal Decadron. :P

I started the Xeloda last night.  Took them over the course of my dinner, one at a time, since they are a little on the large size, but there was no problem.  Later, took my first B6 with my normal night time stuff:  Singulair, Protonix, Lipitor, Zantac, Magnesium and Iron.  That was fine.

This morning, I had my Muesli and took four more of the Xeloda, again, with plenty of water over the course of my meal.  Then it was time for Januvia and Glipizide, again thanks to my friend Decadron, which raised my glucose to 218!  Holy guacamole.  Then I started my Turmeric Caps.  These are a little bigger than the B6, but I got them down well enough.  Dr. F looked up the interaction potential of taking it and gave me the go-ahead.

I also asked him about Henna usage.  Check out this link for more information.  Dr. F said he's good with that. :)  Yes, my hands are feeling a bit warm, but my feet seem ok so far.  I'm using Dermasil mostly during the day, then night time I use the emu oil.  This is all so weird.  But I have a good feeling about this combo.  Well, let me clarify, I have good MENTAL feelings about this combo of chemo...the physical is not so great, but I shall persevere. :D

Can you believe we're still getting tomatoes in 110 degree weather and there are still tons on my plants?  Putting the shade cloth and the 4 inches of mulch really helped this year.   Ok, they are not beautiful, by any means, but damn(!), are they delicious!

Now, off to pay some bills, and then I think I'll try to take a nap.  I love you all, and send hugs and wishes for good health and happiness.

Squash Pictures

Well, I got home to an enormous amount of work completed on the 'farmland.'  Now we have tomatoes, onions, artichokes, brussels sprouts, collard greens and spinach.  A couple more chili plants have been added, and a beautiful black opal basil.  Let's hope it tastes as good as it looks. :)

Here is one row of the squash.  Looks pretty sandy and dry, I know, but it was 89 degrees when I got home.  We don't water until the sun is heading down, otherwise half of it would evaporate before it did its job.


This is the black opal basil, below.  He just got planted today.

Here is a further out shot of the entire 'farmland.'  Don't worry, it'll get a good watering soon.  The wind is blowing like crazy out there right now!

And here is a picture of another part of the back garden.  My mom's sundial is there, surrounded by petunias.  That's where I will be too, someday... but not anytime soon!

Finally, here is a photo of my sweet baby dwarf lemon, Fred.  Yes, I name my trees.  

If all this grows, we're going to eat like kings.. or rabbits, says Jane. :)


Peace to all!