Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.121

Spent a little time in the sunshine, reading a book, and chillin' with my homegirls

This is Dolly's version of whispering sweet nothings in my ear

I interrupted my husband in his home workshop to draw a name from a hat for my wild card winner of Book Challenge by Erin.

I headed into work early a couple of days this week and the autumn winds were blowing which reminded me that hoodies are my favorite article of clothing.

Our family loves the drive-in ~ we went Saturday night to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2

I tried to get some blog reading done this Sunday.  I meant to get some email replying done too, but that didn't happen.  Forgive me because these blue skies were calling out for me to get outside......

Happy Sunday to you and yours!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots: vol.120

New tattoo - in honor of my stepkids - Liam specifically requested I get an owl tattoo in his honor, a blue owl (as in "Chelsea" blue) and a rose because my stepdaughter is named Chelsea Rose.

Picked up some books at the library and excited to read them all that I couldn't choose what to read first!

My little birdwatchers

A book, a cat, a comfy blanket...my favorite way to spend an evening

I have a friend that lives in Scotland who lovvves Captain America's Chris Evans.  All I need to do is send her a snap of him when he's on tv and she knows I'm thinking of her.

My sweet little sleeping baby

Sunset on an evening walk over our backyard

Hope you have a great week!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots: Tales from the E/R

Other things happened this week, but I can barely remember them.  A kidney stone took over my life mid-week, and I'm still recuperating.

I've had a kidney stone once before about 5 or 6 years ago.  When I started experiencing pain this week, I wasn't sure what was happening.  I even googled "appendix burst" to know what side the appendix is on.  Later that night, as I was describing the pain that was intensifying, my guy and I looked at each other and wondered "is this another kidney stone?"

I went to take a hot bath.  Pain was still increasing, and I don't know, maybe it was from the heat of the bath as well, but I began to vomit.  I had no appetite so I hadn't eaten all day, but my body still found plenty to vomit.  A decision was made to go to the E/R.  This was about 10:00pm on Thursday night.

I got in the car, ready to go, drove down the block, only to realize I didn't have my purse.  Oops.  Turn around to get it, because, you know, and i.d. and medicare card are important to have.  My guy goes into the house to retrieve the forgotten purse while I puke out the side of the car into our grass.

We get to the E/R.  I go directly to the toilet to puke some more while my guy explains to the situation to the triage nurse.  They got to work immediately.  One dose morphine.  Nothing.  Second dose of morphine.  Still, nothing.  I can't remember what the third attempt to pain relief was, but I know it didn't work.  There was blood work and an urinalysis plus a decision to transfer me to a larger hospital.  Yep, got an ambulance ride out of this "fun" night too.  Finally, a super strong dose of oxy was given and pain started to subside but nausea increased.

A CT scan determined, yes, there was a kidney stone.  E/R decided that they wanted me to transfer to urology.  So, I spent several hours waiting for a bed there.  In the meantime, I got to listen to the sounds of an E/R.  I just remembering trying to crawl up into a little ball. 

I was transferred to urology.  While being wheeled into my room, I grasped the barf bag and gave a treat to my new nurse.  She was so wonderful.  She was everything you'd want from a nurse, compassionate, knowledgeable, and efficient.  I saw doctors, nurses, had more blood work, and urine tests.  Most importantly, they were trying to get the pain and nausea under control while pumping as many fluids in me as they could.

Twenty hours later...no stone had passed...but I was home drinking lots and lots of fluids and drugged up.  Sweet baby Ricky knew his mama was not feeling her best.

Another day passed and so did that kidney stone!  Thank goodness.  I gotta admit it.  I looked at that thing and was dumbfounded by such a little stone causing so much havoc.  I'm still achy, nauseous, and woozy, but that will pass too. 

I've been resting this weekend with my guy, my kitties, and my little penguin, Penelope.

I wasn't even going to post a "Sunday's Seven Snapshots" today, but I felt alright enough to post this tonight, so I'd say that I am well on my way to feeling much, much better.

A friend of mine is a sportswriter, and he shared this story of his with me. 

Have you ever experienced kidney stones?  Aren't they the worst??

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.118

My guy went out to mow the lawn.  I heard meow-ing.  This is where I found Ricky, chatting to his human daddy outside.  This cat is so full of personality.

When he wants to cuddle, he is super duper sweet, as evidenced in this picture of these sweet boys.

Speaking of fur baby cuddles, I got lots from Sally girl this week too.

Easter Sunday consisted of me going to give thanks.

My guy and I braved the crowds and went to the Royal Easter Show ~ part livestock and agriculture show, part carnival, and part capitalism with booths of so many things to buy.

We viewed all the animals ~ horses, cows, goats, sheep, alpacas, dogs, and more...plus, this momma sow and her baby piglets were just so sweet. 

There's also an art display.  I told my guy if we had a spare $2,500, that I'd buy this painting.  I loved it.  I stared at it from every angle.

Hope you enjoyed your holiday (if you celebrate) week as well!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.117

There is a restaurant in Sydney that calls itself "Tex Mex".  It is acceptable.  The best thing about it?  Half price margaritas during happy hour.

I saw this on the wall, and I liked it so much I read it about 5 times over to let it sink in before snapping the photo.

These guys ~ what can I say? ~ they are just so stinkin' cute and lovable.

I have more library cards in my wallet than credit cards, and I'm pretty damn pleased with that fact.

Some days, we like to go to the little "mom & pop" diner that serves simple dishes like toast with avocado, cheese, and tomato.

The description of this candle reads "sweet brown sugar melts into golden honey nectar on a base of candied almonds and vanilla milk".  I think this is what heaven smells like.

I finally watched the Big Little Lies finale.  This is the first television season that I've watched every episode since the last season of Dexter.  Yes, we've discussed that already.  I'm not big on tv.  But, I'm so glad I watched this.  Perfectly cast with incredible acting performances.  I will sing the praises of these actresses and actors to anyone who will listen.

Hope you all have a good week (and possibly a short one) coming up!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.116

Such an unexpected treasure ~ a Prince mural in a Sydney suburb

Since LuLaRoe isn't sold in Australia, I've had a few items that I purchased shipped to my mom.  Finally, mom sent me a care package with these goodies.  I may have a problem addiction. 

I love watching how much the stepkid adores all of our fur babies.

It's been raining off and on for the last couple of weeks.  Having a cute umbrella helps when the gloomy days hit.

Some evenings, I just like to sit and hang with my homegirls.  They like it too...just look at those smiles.

Sunday afternoon pedicure time

Thai beef noodles ~ it's what's for dinner

I've continued to not find my balance with juggling new job, new commute, family time, and blog time.  I'll work it out eventually.  Thanks for being patient with me.

Hope you had a happy week!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.115

I took my lunch to work everyday this week, and I'm pretty proud of that fact.

Reading blogs with my little buddy by my side (p.s. I'm behind on blog reading...again...I will catch up soon!)

Spent a little time with Sebastian Bach this week ~ you know, I love my rock bios ~ for younger readers, this guy used to sing in a band called Skid Row, and in the late '80s/early "90s, they were hugely popular.  He's also been on Broadway in Jekell & Hyde, Rocky Horror, and Jesus Christ Superstar.  Oh, apparently he's in Gilmore Girls too. 

This is ANZAC Bridge ~ I walked across it today while participating in my first ever 10K!

Still walking ~ yep, that's the same bridge in the distance.

We finished!

And, I had the most handsome supporters waiting for me at the end :)

Happy weekend to you and yours!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.114

It's rained most of the week and the dam near my train station was running strong.  I tried to take a picture through the bars...didn't turn out so well.  ha.

Work selfie for my mom ~ she sent about 3 or 4 texts that I didn't answer.  I responded with this saying "busy". 

Remember when I went to the Hunter Valley in December?  I've been reluctant to drink all my good wine, thinking I should save it for a "special occasion".  Nah.  Friday night I decided to open and enjoy a bottle.

My guy suggested that we go to lunch at the Orangeville Meat Co. where they serve flame-grilled burgers, fries, and shakes.  To steal Kathy's term, this is what "fappiness" looks like.

I was so stuffed after lunch, I needed a nap.  Ricky didn't mind.

The weather cleared up in the afternoon, and we took advantage by taking the Destructive Duo for a walk.

This pic...well, it ain't all that exciting.  I agree.  But, it was taken in the midst of me catching him dancing in the grocery store aisle, and I thought that was cute.

How was your week and weekend?  Hope it was a good one!