summer & school updates 2024

Oh heavens, it has taken a while for me to update this blog. This time it had more to do with fatigue and medical mishegas than I wish. There were also delightful adventures as well... and then the crazy start to school! So, to my adoring fans (all 3 of you), my apologies. 

So, to follow up on where we left off...

That pocket of fluid was addressed by a resident who put in a drain (booo drains!) and scheduled me to return the following Monday for sclerotherapy which is a scarring procedure to fix the pocket. That was too soon. The meant that Chris and I took a 200mile round trip to the city, for pretty much no reason. 

Meanwhile, I had a delightful visit from the Buckwoods! They enjoyed swimming in the pool and lake, making "squirrel houses" near the trees in the backyard, and spraying my plants with water. Sarah helped me wash my hair, which was super gross because I couldn't shower properly with the drain.

The following week, we went back to interventional radiology for the zillionth time and I had the actual procedure. My body was not too pleased with it. I ended up with a fever, a trip to the local urgent care, antibiotics (which meant I could not go in the sun), LOTS of inflammation, and the need to wear an ice pack on my back for the next few weeks. In short, it totally sucked. 

This did not stop me from hosting Camp Kenny! Dad delivered Kenny to Bluebird and we had a very chill camp. It included midday screen time while I slept on the couch. We also played some scrabble, went to the library, read books, and went to the pool a bit too. Most notably, I made Kenny the "best meal of his life" --hotdog, peas, and ice cream. 

Chris continued to be an HOA star and hosted the second annual Emerald Olympics as well as several trivia nights. I helped... a little. 

I had several trips to Tarrytown and NYC for appointments and follow-ups-- mostly progressing well. 

We were also lucky to have a visit from the BeLanie fam. Max built fairy houses, Robin sprayed plants, they went swimming (I was still not allowed to swim!), we painted rocks, looked for bugs, made bug houses, played by the lake, and had lots of cuddles. 

We went to the beach with the fam. This was my first long trip in the car and it went OK. The beach trip is always super fun and I was finally allowed to swim. I was surprised by how hard managing the ocean waves was-- which felt like a bit of a bummer-- but I know I am out of shape and still healing. 

We were able to visit Chris' Mom for a few nights as well. This gave Chris his annual fix of mini-golf. We got to eat at a favorite restaurant The Farmacy, which is always a highlight. 

Then--because the fun never stops--I started a new chemo regimen which, of course, has its own set of side effects, mainly my hair falling out. So far it has just thinned a lot, but I think it is slowing down. I got a short haircut to help make it look less dramatic. 

And then, it was time to return to school. Chris had pre-season camp, and I had to get my office back into shape. There was plenty of work to do, meetings to attend, etc. 

We took advantage of some labor day sales and bought MANY MANY plants for both Bluebird and Tarrytown. Colleagues and friends have generously been helping to plant more the hillside by our house with non-invasive perennials since i can't take care of it anymore. 

Now we are back in the school routine, and it is very exhausting-- but wonderfully familiar. We are both working quite hard-- and have even hired a cat nanny so that Tassie gets some extra attention in the afternoons. 

I am back in physical therapy and hopeful that I will build strength and be able to return to having my personal training sessions again in the future. 

Right now, I am looking forward to writing the ceremony and officiating Marion & Deane's wedding in Va (although stupid VA won't let me sign the marriage certificate... boo!). I am planning a trip to Bangor to visit CVD & Mat (maybe Laura too?!). I also miss the niblings so much that I may need to find my way to VA... perhaps with Regina to watch Brendan run?! Chris and I will also celebrate our 8th anniversary... there is so much going on! 

XO, A