Indignant

I meant to tell you. Tuesday we were going to buy our Christmas tree. We went with some family friends. So, the girls were all in one car: myself, my friend, Barbara, her daughter, Neely and Anna (the boys in another). We were going through the 'I'm starving ' routine. I told Anna and Neely if they were good we could all got to dinner after wards and if not, we just head home. Anna said, 'Mommy, why do you make me so indignant?' What? My 8-year old just accused me of making her indignant. I asked her if she knew what it meant and I will admit, she did. Barbara and I looked it up to make sure. I was thinking infuriated and incensed. Anna was thinking mad, angry and annoyed.

It makes her mad that I immediately accuse them of being bad even before they are. Seriously, I did not but that is her perception.

But, back to the main topic, she learned this word reading. But, she doesn't like to read. She wants to be smart like a friend of hers. I try and try to explain, she is, but would be even more so if she read more. We shall see. Perhaps her indignation at my chastisement will encourage her to read more.

Is it wrong to say, wow, that may be scary what she will pop out with then.

This is also the child who screams, 'Save the Frogs.' But that as they say is another story.

SNEAUX Day

A snow day in South Louisiana, it is true and it happened today - December 11, 2008.

We knew last night that it might snow. but, really, who ever thinks it will snow in S. Louisiana, seriously. But snow it did.





Lovely camellia




We got our first text around 6. My children have NEVER dressed more quickly or excitedly. They were out the door in less than 2 minutes, well, maybe 5. School wasn't officially canceled until 730 or so. I was already visiting Kasey to get a hair cut. Let's not mention the small tree that fell on Mack's truck while I was there (see below). Dixon took some excellent shots while I was gone (see above). I then abandoned him again to run and try and take a picture at the branch. Sadly, the weather was a bit more slushy and I didn't get a good shot. But, more of my travel story below.

Tree before:



Tree after:



I drove through Manchac Plantation to get off the main street.


Some beautiful homes covered in snow there. And, well, street signs, too.



On my leisurely drive, I came across Kip, he was a huge, sweet 90 lb chocolate lab. Kip had run right thought his shock collar fence. Luckily, he did have a tag on, so I called his dad, who came to pick him up. But, not before I decided chocolate labs are sweet as pie. Kip was soaking wet and LOVED the snow. He was running through all the lovely untouched lawns burrowing his nose and body, loving every moment. I am so lucky he had a collar or Dixon and I would not be speaking and we'd have ANOTHER dog!

Happy Holidays

If You Believe

While enjoying a few hours of quiet today, I flipped through the channel and found If You Believe. It was already 30 minutes in and very Christmasy. But, I love Ally Walker and who doesn't care about a highly stressed out editor nearing a breakdown, who needs help from her inner child.

Quote:

'It is what you say yes to that determines your life; the no's just lead nowhere.'

PSA

I'd no idea what it all meant. I know several years ago, Dad had a 7. I knwo that over a 4 is bad. Radiation later and he was better.

But, then 3 months ago, Mack found out his numbers were 264 - OMG.

Here you go:

PSA test results report the level of PSA detected in the blood. The test results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. In the past, most doctors considered PSA values below 4.0 ng/mL as normal. However, recent research found prostate cancer in men with PSA levels below 4.0 ng/mL (2). Many doctors are now using the following ranges with some variation:

* 0 to 2.5 ng/mL is low.
* 2.6 to 10 ng/mL is slightly to moderately elevated.
* 10 to 19.9 ng/mL is moderately elevated.
* 20 ng/mL or more is significantly elevated.



So, as you can see, 264 is very bad.

But, today good news. His new levels are in and they are at 21.88. Still significantly elevated but much improved. I am so happy!

I love you, Mack.