Welcome April

Time is flying and I can't catch it. 

Three months have already passed by in 2016. Whew!!!

I have been a busy bee around these parts trying to get ahead of my chores. Mama has been with my aunt a good bit this week. Last week was very busy for both of us, so I am trying to get caught up on a few things,

You know that spinning around and around that we can do sometimes with things we think are important.

Yesterday, I tried to get some yard work done around here and make a honey do list for some repairs. 

Anyway, I worked on the back decks trying to get up the pine straw. The three very large pine trees next door keep me knee deep in pine straw on the back decks. I usually can handle the top level because I walk out of the kitchen weekly and sweep it. I can even sometimes stay on top of the second level, because it still a mostly sweep job. The deck closest to the water is a different story. It is a "use the leaf blower job", but there are times of the year when you get busy or it is too cold. I hate cold. My body doesn't like cold. When all of this happens the bottom deck looks AWFUL! I mean embarrassing, so there are no pictures of that!

I was trying to beat the rain that was supposed to come yesterday. (never did) I wanted to get up that straw and bring it to the front for the rose beds. I ended up just going to Lowe's and buying a few bales to do that.

That means I still have a lot of straw to get up downstairs and the rain is coming today. It is beginning to sprinkle as I type.

Pick up straw on bottom deck. It is on my list!

I finished April's monthly cottage a little early. I was able to stitch on my sampler for the farm house. I have three things lined up to stitch, but I want to finish my cottages first.

I have May, June, July, and August remaining. When I finish early, I get to work on those projects. 

I have books lined up to read as well. I have been trying to read some each evening, but lately I am pooped by 9:00. I am hoping that will change soon and I can make it a little longer each evening.

A little health news. 

I am continuing with my program to keep RA at bay. I am so pleased with everything. No big significant weight loss right now. I am at 126.6 pounds.

It feels good though, and I really trying to keep up with the exercise. I am not a gym person, but trying. This week I actually walked/jogged/more walked in the neighborhood. It was pleasant out in the mornings.

Now, for the other health news. I had my first melanoma. 

Before I tell you about it, let me say, I believe with all my heart that it is not related to sun exposure. 

Yes, I know I live in Florida and lived in the deep south for pretty much all my life. 

I once had an olive tone skin that tanned easily and yes, I went to the beach regularly in my teenage years. However, I took pretty good care of my skin.

I started methotrexate far too long ago.  It completely changed my skin over the course of my taking it. I am now somewhat in my opinion jaundiced looking. 

From the moment I went in to see the dermatologist and they scraped it, I quit all RA meds!!!!

Xeljanz has a side effect of skin cancer. Of course, no doctor will say it. My rheumatologist was all about keeping me on the meds. I have more to say on that, but I am not ready at this point.

I will be ready at some point and am going to share more of my thoughts there.

Anyway, I had to come off of Xeljanz for the surgery due to risk of infection.

I am not out of the woods. The dermatologist took a big ole chunk, but the tests have come back that there is a bit more to look at as the outer edges of the part they cut out is precancerous.

I will be back for more cutting.

That is all I can share at this point, but people start looking at the medical industry of this day and age with sharper eyes. We have made lots of advancements but the pharmaceutical industry is far too powerful.

That is all for me today. I will be back with a more positive outlook and let you know how I do without meds.

Sandy