Two weeks and two days!

Click on photo to enlarge. We ask for prayers for this tiny little girl, for her family and for her medical team.

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Update from Gramma Penny today:

September 12, 2009

Sorry it is later than usual for the first report.

We were able to see Eliana last night!! Well there are other machines like the dialysis and an incredible number of “lines” but the large tubes with blood are not there from the ECMO are gone (yeah!). The nurse was busy all evening with beeps and bings but everything was fine. It is a miracle they know how much of each medicine to administer!

Eliana is off the epinephrine and with the help a few other medications her heart is working!

Last night we realized she was on insulin but they have taken her off of that today!

She is on dialysis but last night the nurse was so excited to see that she had 4cc of pee (this is not a lot) – it was actually cute to see the nurse – at first we didn’t know what she was so happy about. Eliana has again had a very small amount today. They have just recently decided to space out the dialysis more and try to see if that helps her pee more (like maybe it was working to well and she didn’t have enough fluids).

She is on a ventilator and not sure what else is being done for her lungs but she is only doing a little bit of the work of her lungs. I think Monday is the day when they will decide what is going on and what to do. This is another very critical area. There are still questions regarding a possible blockage in her pulmonary arteries – also I am not positive but it seems that the arteries may not be exactly in the right place. I will try to learn more about this today when we go to the hospital.

This morning Becky texted, “The surgeon came by and said it looked pretty good. He said what we have seen so far is ‘miraculous’. I would agree.”

Prayers are being answered!!! Prayers for Eliana but also the surgeon and the rest of the medical staff! Thank you also for your prayers for Eliana’s family. It is by the grace of God that Chris and Becky are having the strength to see this through. Don and I also appreciate the prayers; I know it is through grace that I am keeping it together.

God is amazing! and so is Eliana! Just have to keep taking the next steps!

“…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”  Isaiah 43:1-3

Your steadfastness in praying and asking others to pray has been incredibly beneficial. We ask that you please continue. We know that God is amazing! We know Eliana is amazing! We want you to know that your faithfulness, prayers and support are also amazing and so appreciated.

Blessing on you and your loved ones,

Penny

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AMEN: Granny Boogies 
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Second Post from Penny:

It is a thin line we walk. We know we are to pray and make our requests known to God. On the other hand, we need to realize that God is in control. And as we have seen throughout Eliana’s healing process, our prayers are being answered in God’s way and in God’s time. He is the creator and ultimate healer.

We are traveling a rough, slippery, rocky path. We treasure the support you are giving us for this journey.

At first we heard the survival rate was 80%

Then up to 90%

Then 60%

The day before the surgery the head of cardiology was called into the NICU to consult on things and with doctors and medical personnel and I watched as many things were being done to keep Eliana alive. The gentleman later stepped over and introduced himself. I said they were told 60% and he just looked at me. I said, “It’s not that good any more is it?” I knew from his look what the answer was. He went on to tell me that in his 30 years of practice he had not seen anything so bad.

By the grace of God Eliana survived that day so she could get the desperately needed surgery.

She survived the surgery.

Her only chance of survival then became the ECMO machine.

We were told that only 40% of those who are put on the ECMO survive. There are numerous complications including bleeding, kidney, liver, brain and other possible organ damage.

By the grace of God Eliana is off the ECMO.

Eliana struggles with her kidneys, other health issues, and her lungs.

Another incline is here.

It is through the grace of God that they will determine, not only what is going on with Eliana’s lungs, heart and kidneys and other physical problems, but how best to proceed.

God is the designer of this passageway. God is in charge. He determines the turns and twists and provides peaks and valleys.

We trust that like the Israelites we will make it through the Red Sea of our corridor of struggles. God has proven to be faithful in the most unlikely of ways.

God is God

God is the great I AM

Blessings,

Penny

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"Into Your Hands, Oh Lord, we place this tiny child of Yours. Your Will Be Done! Glory to God!"

Evan /Granny B

Eliana is two weeks old today: Thanks be to God!

Today, Eliana began her third week of life. What a life it has been so far! First she is taken early from her mother's womb because her little heart is deteriorating. The medical team stabilizes her and makes plans for surgery when she is stronger but time runs out. A week ago today, she was rolled into the surgical suite where the medical team swabbed her infant chest with disinfectant and her cardiac surgeon began the first cut. For hours, the doctors labored over the tiny heart, roughly the size of a walnut. They repaired and stitched and gave their all to save this wee little girl.

The past week has been a roller coaster. One step forward and then one backward. Many of you have been receiving a daily update from me containing the messages that I received from the family. But for those of you who are only reading the blog, here is a brief day by day recap:

9/02: Wednesday: Eliana had a difficult day and the team worked hard to stabilize her for surgery.

9/03: Thursday: The surgery began around 9am. and continued thru the day. The surgeon was very pleased although there was some bleeding. Her tiny chest was left open and she went to the Pediatric ICU where she has two full time nurses and so much equipment that two full ICU spaces are dedicated to her. Not long after her arrival, she began have problems breathing and her heart rate was slowing so she was placed on a ECMO machine, which maintained her heart and lung function. There were serious problems involved with using the machine and children who are placed on it usually only have a 40% percent chance of survival.

9/4: Friday: Eliana is stable with some blood loss. Lymphatic gasses are very high but are coming down. The medical team was able to get the camera into her chest and check her replaced valve, it is leaking some and they did a little repair. Her heart rhythm is off so they will change her meds. Family advised of the side effects of the ECMO which include bleeding, blood clots, blood on the brain and organ failure so Eliana will have a brain scan daily. Chromosome tests are back; she does have Digeorges syndrome which means that she is missing part of a chromosome and her heart problem is related to the syndrome.

9/5: Saturday: Color is good today. Brain scan is clear, kidney ultrasound is good, lymphatic gas number is down from 11 to 3.5. She has lost some weight so they will increase her fluid intake and she peed. Eliana has opened her eyes and moved a little today.

9/6: Sunday: Vital signs are good and all repairs look good. Medical team tried to remove her from ECMO but the right side of her heart wasn't strong enough and her lungs are not inflating properly. Team plans to work on her lungs by gently inflating them. They will try again tomorrow to remove her from the ECMO.

9/7: Monday: Eliana had a bad night. Bleeding has increased and she was crying so received some pain medication. If the bleeding doesn't slow or stop the surgeon will go back in and do more repair. No attempt to removed from from ECMO today, maybe tomorrow. Brain scan normal.

9/8: Tuesday: Surgeon went in last night and cleaned up heart so blood loss is way less today. This morning she had a little blip and her heart started racing with an irregular beat so she was medicated and given a little pain medicine. Brain scan is normal. Decision made not to try and take her off ECMO and stress her any. Penny and Don were allowed into the PICU to see and touch her. Penny held her little hand and Eliana clasped her finger and hung on to it. They can't wait for her to be well and snuggled in their arms.

9/9: Wednesday: Her color is good this morning, eyes are open. She has developed a slight kidney problem. The team is working on her lungs. Brain scan was normal. Team hopes to get her off ECMO tomorrow.

9/10: Thursday: Color and blood pressure are good today and her eyes are open. Team started dialysis to support kidneys and keep toxins from building in her blood. Eliana removed from ECMO and breathing on her own. Her condition is still critical but improving.

9/11: Friday: Early morning report: Still breathing on her own but having a little problem with blood pressure so they will give her some blood.

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This post was started on Thursday night and finished today around noon. In each message from Grandmother Penny she sends the family's most heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and support. Strangers who have never met the family are praying for this child of God. Her name has been added to the prayer book for Catholic Mass at the Newman Center at UNLV. An LDS prayer group is praying for her, the family and her medical team, several churches have prayer groups sending petitions upward to heaven. People from all religions are mingling their prayers and thoughts, sending love, blessings and light to this family, the medical team and for the tiny child God is holding in His Hands.

Thank each one of you for opening your hearts. This is going to be a long journey, so please stay with Eliana. If you would like to send any message to the family, either post on the blog or send to me and I will forward to them.

P/S: Eliana is a Hebrew name which translates: God is my answer or God has answered me. It is pronounced: EL - long e - ah- nah.

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Latest update for today: Friday 9/11 from Penny:

I am happy to send the message below from Becky. She is so grateful for all the prayers and may we all be blessed by this miracle. The news is optimistic but guarded so please don't stop praying. I have also included a picture I don't think I sent it before, of Eliana and her Mommy holding hand (finger)!

"Ok the surgeon came by this morning and thought we were looking pretty good. He would remain somewhat guarded but he was quite pleased. Thought lungs and to some extent kidneys are what we need to keep an eye on. The cardiologist did and echo this morning and all the repairs looked good. There some thought there might be some blockage in the pulmonary arteries (things to lungs) but they want to get more views as hard to see. That would be something fairly fixable if it needs to be though they are in no rush to go in. They will look more next week, nothing to panic about but something to keep an eye on. Surgeon just came by again thought the blockage was a possibility but wasn't sure so again just something they will keep an eye on. He's pleased her lactates are going down. If all continues well the plan is to keep as is over the weekend. On Monday the surgeon would go in and clean her up a wee bit and like make the chest opening a bit smaller with the idea to try and close her up end of next week. All goes well we probably have about four more weeks in hospital with dialysis and getting her eating. Oh and I was out pumping when the cardiologist first came and I guess he said Ellie was a strong and stubborn little girl. Apparently Chris took credit for one and laughed about the other...who knew he thought I was so strong ;-) "

You have all been such a blessing to us! May you be blessed as well as we continue this healing journey!

"...and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you." Genesis:12 2-3

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

bit of humor - I got to the kitchen this morning and realized I had put my pants on backwards! For those who don't know me I am a large woman and I have no idea how I managed that feat - and without even noticing it! Silly Gramma

Penny

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Light & Love,

Granny B

As the night slides into morning...

I am one woman sitting alone in silence, trying to channel the essence of my spirit towards a very small flicker of life. I look at the two photos of her and marvel at her beauty. Her name is Eliana and she was born was born last Thursday so by the time I finish this post, she will be one week old. Right now her medical team is sleeping in their beds, bodies and minds resting in preparation for the task they will face in a few hours. The surgical suite is sterile and empty but in a few hours it will be filled with people, a team of women and men who will do everything in their power to save this child. I can barely imagine the machines that will breathe for her and keep her blood moving through her tiny body. Her little chest will be swabbed and sterilized and the surgeon will mark where he will begin the incision to open her infant chest.

I have no comprehension of the details of this, oh so delicate, surgery on her tiny heart. I only know the risks are too great to wait any longer. I have visions of the doctor's large hands working deep inside such a small space... of the watchful eyes following the monitors tracking her blood pressure, her breathing, her brain pattern...of the hands of nurses passing sterile cold metal instruments to the surgeons... of blood soaked gauze pads being discarded as the operation proceeds. How much blood can such a tiny body contain?

MWDL (most wonderful daughter in law) and I met Don, Eliana's grandfather, at a large craft show and greatly admired the jewelry he was selling. I don't think at that time we had ever done a show ourselves. We chatted and he told us all the jewelry was made by Penny, his wife. We would see him again and again at shows, at First Friday and other venues. When our work developed to the point that we felt confident in participating in our first show, Don was there. I had long been kidding him that I didn't Penny existed as I had never seen her. Later in the afternoon, a woman walked into our space and said "I understand that you don't think I exist, well here I am."

We just hit it off, talked and exchanged e-mail and telephone numbers. From time to time, we would contact each other. Advice flowed from Penny freely. She gave us the inside on various shows and what we could expect. We talked about style, designs and sources for beads. She invited us to come up to the north part of the valley to visit but somehow we just never got together except by computer and telephone.

Towards the end of July, Penny sent a message letting me know that the new baby had severe heart problems and would require surgery very soon after her birth. She wasn't due last week but her heart was deteriorating and it was necessary to perform a C-section and get her on support. So her birthday advanced a bit.

Penny asked me for my prayers. I don't know my standing with God. I believe in some greater power but I have a problem with organized churches and rarely attend any services other than weddings and funerals. Frankly, I am not certain that I am worthy to pray for Eliana but I have been and I am right now. I have also sent requests to many of you and asked you to send your light, love and prayers for her. I figured I wouldn't stand out in a crowd. So thanks to all of you for letting me hide among you.

Morning is rolling slowly toward us. The dawn will be lightening on the rocky coasts of Maine, the shinning towers of Manhattan, the beaches of Florida. In a couple of hours, the sun will rise like a great red ball over the jagged peaks of Frenchman's mountain.

We don't know what this day will bring. This may be the last day on earth for Eliana or, by the Grace of God, the first day of her journey to a full and normal life. This is a betting town and you know where I will put my money! Eliana is in the Hands of God and the only support each of us can offer, is our prayers. So let us bring to this day the only things we have, faith and love.

As soon as you receive this , please find a quiet place and focus your thoughts, send forth your light and prayers for Eliana, her family and her medical team.

While we are praying, let us also remember the countless people, uninsured and underinsured, in our country who have no access to any type of medical treatment which gives them a fighting chance. May God have mercy on us all.

As soon I know more, I will be back with that info for you.

Light & Love,

Evan aka Granny.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight...

I am not a woman who weeps gracefully. My nose runs, my eyelids swell near to closing and my face becomes red and blotchy. It took a cool, wet washcloth to get me going this morning and I know the stack of sodden tissues will grow during the day. But I will watch...I will keep vigil...another part of what was the best of America is gone...the last Kennedy brother is dead and the myth of Camelot is enshrined in history. The young, bright, articulate, idealist and clearly American brothers are no more.

I don't remember much about politics prior to John Fitzgerald Kennedy. My family was military and not inclined to be political. My stepfather served his country and every President was his Commander in Chief. JFK was the politician to realize the power of television and his image filled the tiny screen with charisma and promise. Young and searching for myself, I was drawn to the flame. As an early reader with a love of history, I greatly admired FDR and Winston Churchill, regarding Winnie as belonging partly to us, to America. What I felt in the politics of John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the echo of their sense of honor and belief in the common man. An echo of the military code that shaped my life: Duty, Country, Honor.

Growing up living on military bases, I never knew the evils of segregation until I lived in Virginia in the late '50s. My playmates had always been black, white, yellow, brown and every combination and shade of skin. We played, ran, shared toys, formed teams and squabbled among ourselves. We ate in each others home and had sleepovers in each others beds. I never had a sense of difference until we were stationed at Fort Eustis and for the first time in my life, my playmates and friends went to different schools, attendance based on their skin color. For the first time, I spent days surrounded by both teachers and students who did not accept the concept of equal rights; people who believed they were superior due to the color of their skin! Even then, I was outspoken about what I believed and my mother made many visits to the Newport News high school to defend my right to my opinion. It's probably no surprise that I quit school in my junior year.

In 1960, my family was living in the small dusty town of Brawley, California, in the heart of the Imperial Valley. My stepfather was based in Korea and my mother returned to her family. At an old fashioned drugstore fountain, I met a young teacher with grey eyes and curly hair who would become my husband and the father of my only child. Frank was of what was called in those days "mixed blood". His father was born in Mexico of German, Spanish, Indian and Italian blood. I only saw the man and not the label and we married. Two important events occurred in 1961; our son was born and I registered to vote for the first time... as a Democrat!

As a young wife and new mother, life revolved around my family but I followed the Kennedy saga. The Imperial Valley was a very conservative area; the economy was dominated by very large farms with very wealthy owners. Labor for these enterprises was supplied by "braceros", contracted farm labor from Mexico and transient farm workers who followed the crops, weeded, watered and harvested the food that fed America. Strong currents of civil rights led by Martin Luther King and workers rights as led by Ceasar Chavez swirled through our community and my big mouth frequently had me in hot water. At one point, Frank was called on the carpet by the Superintendent of the School system and asked why he couldn't "control" his wife. Frank replied that I was my own person and "control" wasn't a part of our relationship. However, he did change his registration from Republican to Democrat because I just couldn't stand the idea of sleeping with a Republican.

I try to explain to my grandson what it was like to experience those times. How people of conscience had to stand up and be counted. How our leaders had a vision of a different America with "liberty and justice for all", not to forget equality in terms of civil rights, labor rights and in time, equal rights. It was a time when people stood FOR something and not AGAINST everything. How it was to watch our leaders cut down by violence, one by one: Jack, Martin, Bobby. The Kennedy family was always there, suffering great public and private losses but continuing in public service, continuing to push forward the legal framework which enabled our nation to walk the walk of liberty and justice for all of us and not just talk the talk.

We knew than, as we know even better now, this family, these men, were not without flaw. They were deeply flawed. I have always believed that on every day of his life, Ted Kennedy did penitence for the death of Mary Jane Kopechne. Their private flaws were redeemed by the public good that they achieved in their lives. America is a better nation because the Kennedy brothers served her and served her well.

Let us not leave out the Kennedy women. Jackie standing in her blood soaked pink suit at the side of Lyndon Johnson while he is sworn in as President. Jackie striding down Pennsylvania Avenue in widow's weeds with her black veil floating in the breeze. The picture of Ethel, surrounded by her children, another young widow touched by violence. Eunice, champion of the disabled youth of America, mother of the Special Olympics program. Joan, a woman trying to survive her personal demons. Vickie: warm, loving, steadfast and loyal; another widow with grace sharing the private minutes of her grief and loss with all of us. Caroline, sheltering her children from the public glare while suffering such great personal loss of father, mother, uncles and brother in the public eye. These women have given so much to America.

We will always have unfinished business before us and now, each of us must become verbal in our support for the yet unrealized dreams of health care for every American, full and equal rights for each American, based on citizenship and not on sexual preference, the restoration of our economy and so much more. The "birthers", "deathers","nutters" and just plain "haters" are filling the air with their shrill and vile vomit. It's time for the rest of us to send the word to those whom we elected to represent us and let them know that we are watching and it's time to do the right thing. Not what is right for the wealthy, corporate and vested interests, who purchased the allegiance of many of the elected and paid for access and influence. Just do the right thing for America! For all Americans, not just some.

I wonder how many people are weeping today. How many of us find the dreams of our youth were inspired by the Kennedy vision of a better America? To borrow and paraphrase from one of my favorite songs: "when will we see their like again?"

And so the old Lion of the Senate has roared his last. His laughing Irish eyes are closed and his smile has faded away. Yes, the Lion sleeps tonight....reunited with the brothers, he and we, lost too soon. God Bless them all.

God Bless America
Land that we love
Stand beside Her
And guide Her
Thru the Night
With the Light
From Above...


Light & Love,

Granny B

How do you stay sane in an insane world?

This is my question of the day. It seems everywhere I look, the nutters are taking over. We have "birthers" and "deathers" and a whole lot of gun toting "patriots" just dying to water the tree of liberty. Has a portion of our country lost their common sense or did they just never have any? Before anyone starts to jump the gun and accuse me of being anti Second Amendment, you need to know that I have two blue cards, one for my Smith & Wesson and the other for my Beretta, plus I still have a shotgun. I freely admit to having carried openly in situations when working alone in some deserted valley in the wilds of Nevada. Twice in the more than 20 years that I have been a gun owner, I have displayed my weapon as precaution toward unwanted behaviour. On road trips, my beloved .38 is usually in its case under my seat if I have passengers or on the seat next to me if I am alone. I would never dream of taking a weapon to any type of town hall or political gathering where some nut might attempt to take it away and use it.

Then there are the posters accusing our leaders of being terrorists or Nazis. What happened to civilized discourse? Does anyone ever watch the "question period" of the British Parliament? The Prime Minister stands on the floor in front of God and the TV cameras and takes questions from the members. No one screams or holds up nasty signs, there might be some polite nays or laughter should the PM be witty in his response. Serious topics are discussed in a serious manner.

I realize that many people watch and believe Fox News to be a legitimate source of "news" and I agree that the commentators have First Amendment rights. I just have hard time telling the difference between "news" and personal opinion on that network. Yes, I am a Keith Olberman fan but I am fully aware that some of his discourse is his opinion. Rachel Maddow is another story. She backs up her statements with documentation frequently taken from public records and filings. That gal reads all the fine print and checks all the links! She invites the "other side" to appear on her show and present their views and she is polite while they do so, disagreeing in a civil fashion.

Maybe I am just grouchy today. I woke at 3am this morning with my left hand clenched in a ball under my chin. I have been having pain in this hand since last weekend when my "muse" visited and I designed and made four new pieces and restrung two others in two days. Too much for my poor arthritic hands. At some point I realized that I string with my left hand as much as I do with my right. That means holding the hand clamped around the wire for long periods while stringing pearls or stones with small holes. Sometimes my fingers will begin to spasm and I soak them in warm or cold water depending on the pain. Working with pearls, crystals or precious stone spacers (I have emerald, sapphire and ruby spacers from India) is the hardest on my hands. BUT when the work is finished and some wonderful new necklace is bagged, just waiting for my MWDL to put on the clasps, I am fulfilled and happy and maybe sane!

I found some beautiful lavender jade beads last week and combined them with deep purple fresh water pearls and 18kt vermeil beads. Simply stunning! As I was checking out the tables at our local Gem & Bead Mall, I saw a string of color enhanced hot pink jade ovals. The color rang my bell so I bought them and sure enough, they were a color match with a rainbow dichroic glass pendant that I got in Flagstaff three years ago when I just started making jewelry. Combined with small lime green fresh water pearls and ab crystals, the piece is a knockout!

Whenever I am not on the computer checking out jobs, which I do first thing every morning; I am doing prep work for the Art in the Park show in October. Each piece is being cleaned with microfiber cloth and a new facial make up brush, checked against our master inventory and bagged in a new Ziploc bag. To make our set up easier, I am sorting by primary material into boxes. This gets a little tricky since we love to work with pearls and so many of our pieces have pearls. So there are some items with pearls in the gemstone box, some in the glass box and others in the eclectic box. MWDL hopes to have 100 pairs of earrings for her revolving rack and we will probably have a mounted board of pendants. I will need to go back and count the items in each category but we are still pulling jewelry from our show totes and personal collections.

Sooo, whats new on the dating scene? In the past couple of red haired weeks, I have received an increased number of flirts and contacts. I have a better understanding of why people (men & women) get fed up with the sites and just quit. I attempted a conversation on line with a clinical psychologist the other day regarding his insights into the "process" of posting profiles. I presented some of my questions based on my observations: what is the basis/thought process that men use for posting their photos? No, I didn't discuss my observations regarding "fish" photos. I'm talking about just plain unflattering shots or semi naked photos. I still have the shot of the guy who said he is a cross dresser and posed with his back to the camera while wearing a white garter belt, white hose and spike heels. Yes, that's all! I will say that it did appear that he could give a baby a run for the money on smoothness. Also wondered who took the photo? Then there are photos where the guy has cut out a woman standing beside them, leaving her hand on his shoulder. Long distance shots where you can hardly see any details. OK, maybe that makes sense. Photos of him taken "years" ago, why does he thinks his high school or college photo is a turn on when he is now over 50? Photos with guns, maybe I should have MWDL take some photos of me as a pistol packing granny! Why do men pay for a profile and then don't post a photo or any personal information, just saying: send me a message? Whats with the inflation of their personal information; I have found a couple of those, who, when communicating with me seem to forget what they posted!

I asked the psychologist if he was familiar with any studies to which he could refer me? He acknowledged that my questions were interesting and referred me to an article he had written on Human Intelligence. Sorry but it didn't cover posting profiles and photos on Internet dating sites. Maybe he'll come back later with something else.

Let's see, still lots of interest from outside of Nevada and outside the US. I seem to be well received in England and Australia. Damn, there is a guy in Australia that rings my bell, how can I resist a fellow who posts photos of himself feeding baby roos and handling cockatoos. Alas, the distance is just too great.

Another "Hunka, Hunka" type sent me a message of interest. He claims to be 42 but his photo looks 24 or so. He said he was just looking for a new friend and listed a number of interests that I share, such as Native American art and music, dogs, music and so on. He also asked if the age difference bothered me. I thought about it and responded that in some ways the age difference did bother me but that I didn't discriminate in my friends based on age. So if he wanted to be a friend, then I suggested we communicate more to see what else we had in common. Two days later, I received a blast about having a closed mind and being against him because of his age. Wow! I just sent a nice civil reply that it was unfortunate he interpreted my response as a closed mind. I really had to laugh. Aha, another source for sanity: laughter!

The right guy for me may never appear on a dating site, but as I told my son the other day, there is nothing like the human comedy with everyone a player upon a stage or looking for their 15 minutes of Warhol fame. Which reminds me, there was an article on Huffington Post today about researchers who are going thru a zillion boxes of stuff that good ole Andy stored. Recently they found a personalized signed photo of Jackie O skinny dipping which she apparently sent to him. You can see the photo thru a link on the article. Now isn't that just what you have always wanted to see, Jackie O naked?

Anyway, I prefer to conduct my insanity prevention sessions on Tuesday nights so I can sit back with a glass of very nice single malt whiskey (Speyside preferred) and watch Warehouse 13 or perhaps Eureka on Fridays. The Sci Fi channel as therapy!

One last thing: Our good friend, Rochelle Williams of "I'm Not Spoiled" will be at the Harvest Festival the weekend after this. So if you go, please be sure and drop by her booth to say hello and see her wonderful things. Maybe we can do this show next year but just can't afford it right now. Also the Las Vegas Crafters Guild will have a Craft Boutique at the West Sahara Library on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3rd. Check it out and if you don't find something, come and visit us at Art in the Park on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, just come by and say hello. Several members of the Crafters Guild will be showing in Boulder City.

Aha, I am getting a long wet nose down my leg. It must be getting close to treat time. Another way to keep sane; loving greythounds!

Light & Love,

Granny B

Do Redheads have more fun?

Do Redheads have more fun?

In my last post, I told you about my encounters in Sam's Club when I had bottles of wine in my cart. Monday, I was having lunch at Marie's and when I left, a gentleman hurried to hold the door for me. So I will keep a tally and let you all know. Meanwhile, there are new photos posted. Check out the Dog Days post for some pics with my beloved greythounds. You will find pics of the Bogiebx in the very first post. I have a new post floating around in my mind, plus a number of you have contacted me via e-mail and asked for more summer reading suggestions. Please post your comments on the blog and let people know what you are reading this summer and any other things that may be on your mind. Oh, I had an e-mail from the Netherlands from someone who is reading my blog there. Granny is getting around! Got to go... I am changing photos on the dating sites. You will notice the full body pics, what you see is what there is; as I believe I mentioned to someone recently, you need long arms to deal with Granny!

Light & Love

Granny B

Caniculares Dies

Caniculares Dies!

No, this is not really a disease, although it does seem to be a state of mind. Dog Days of Summer!
The Romans believed this was an evil time "when seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics and phrensies"
Here in Las Vegas, it means heat, heat and more heat. It's hot when I go out before the sunrise to water my plants, it's hot at 10am, noon, 3pm and into the night. Everyone seems to go into a funk and the predominant thought is to just survive until mid-September when the heat breaks.

Even the internet dating scene is affected by the dog days, in fact, I seem to be getting more mutts as matches. "Hunka, Hunka Burning Love" ( see "Buffet of Men" ) has been back flirting with me twice. "ButtLover" changed the name on his profile but is still sending messages although I have told him "Thanks, but no Thanks!" The amount of profiles with no photos has increased. One of the sites keeps sending me matches with 40 - 50 years old guys. In general, I am looking at the same profiles over and over. I am going to change my profile to state that I will not respond to any profile without a photo.

Sometime next week, I will make some changes to my profile on this blog. I finally did something I have been saying I wouldn't do again. I am no longer your favorite little ole silver haired lady. I am now your favorite ( I hope) little ole strawberry blond lady. As many of you know, I have been out of work for over a year. Interviewers look at me and began commenting on how qualified I am for the position they offer; how very qualified I am and then, how over qualified I am for their job. I really believe the comments are less about my qualifications as they are about my age. So I elected to make a change, maybe influenced by the fevers of the Dog Days.

I spent about 15 years as a redhead; right up to the morning when my head was shaved and my skull was drilled and crosscut. The crosscut appears to have healed but the drill holes will never close. My doctor, at the time, suggested that it might be best not to color my hair again to avoid any chemical contamination of my brain. That was then, this is now. I don't feel there is potential for the chemicals to penetrate the soft cover of my skull. Here I am, red again! Red hair may not be my natural color but it is my natural disposition!

Funny things have been happening this last week. I was in Sam's Club yesterday and had a couple of bottles of White Zin in my basket along with a box of fresh peaches and some strawberries. A fellow came up and offered to help me drink the wine! A little later, another guy approached and asked about the wine, then told me how he was entering chef's school in the fall. Hummmm, didn't happen with my silver hair. We will see what happens when new photos go up next week on the dating sites.

My days are spent looking for a job before my benefits run out but my nights are filled with summer reading. Many of my favorite authors have new books out. If I can't snuggle up with a great guy, I'll curl up with a good book. Yes, I would prefer the right guy but you go with what you have. Having started reading at age four, I have always been a reader. I devour from three to seven books a week. If you are also a reader, here are a few summer suggestions:

Right up at the top of my list is Daniel Silva's new political/spy thriller: "The Defector". Silva writes a series not so loosely based on the Mossad. His hero is Gabriel Allon, noted art restorer in public, Israeli assassin and spy in his secret life. To fully appreciate this author, you need to begin at the beginning of this series. In order the Allon books are: (1) "The Kill Artist". (2) "The English Assassin", (3) "The Confessor", (4) "A Death in Vienna", (5) "Prince of Fire", (6) "The Messenger", (7) The Secret Servant", (8) "Moscow Rules" and (9) "The Defector". Silva is a former CNN reporter and very informed regarding European and middle East politics which form the background for these novels. The latest two novels deal with the breakup of the Soviet Union complete with arms sales to the middle East and Africa. Silva is so spot on that situations he writes about as background, sometimes appear in the European press as current news.

I will read any novel by Jeffrey Deaver but the Lincoln Rhyme books are my favorites. If you saw the movie "The Bone Collector" erase it out of your mind. In my humble opinion, it sucked big time! The book is great and is the first of the Rhyme series. This series is best read in sequence so you can follow the development of the characters. But you can't go wrong with whatever Deaver book you read. He is a master plotter with more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco. "Roadside Crosses" is the new summer book. Don't miss it!

I don't know why it took me so long to read Harlan Coben but once I did, I had to go out and find all his books. Coben writes series and stand alone novels. His primary character is Myron Bolitar, a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey. Myron had a real shot at being a shinning star in the NBA until he was nearly crippled in an early game. He picked himself up, went to law school and became a sports agent in New York. Along with his unusual sidekicks, best friend "Win"aka Windsor Horne Lockwood III, a certified trustfund sociopath , partner Esperanza Diaz, aka "Little Pocahontas" a former professional wrestler and, of course, Big Cyndi the only six foot five, three hundred pounds receptionist in the world. Poor Myron, all he wants out of life is to find a beautiful woman who wants a family and children and would love to live the suburban life in New Jersey. Alas, in "Long Lost" his dream again fails to come true. Read Coben, his novels come at you like a freight train.

No summer would be complete without an offering from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. These guys write separately as well as together. I really prefer them together, especially the Agent Pendergast series. Special Agent A. X. L. Pendergast has to be one of the strangest characters in fiction today. He first appears in "Relic" and the series continues with this summer's release of "Cemetery Dance". I don't know how to describe these books: Sci Fi, fantasy, thrillers and fun? Just go to the Preston/Child website for the sequence, then climb into bed, turn the lights up and don't look under the bed! Enjoy!

I have been reading Stephanie Plum novels for some 15 years. When Plum fans get together, they compare their favorite funny scenes. Remember when Stephanie and Lulu were moving the body wrapped in a rug on the top of Stephanie's car and the rug slid off the car and landed in the freeway median? Remember when Lulu threw her hot pink thong at an Elvis impersonator in Vegas? Remember Lulu in her "super model" outfit spilling her bucket of quarters in the Atlantic City casino? My favorite: remember when the bad guys dognapped Bob after he had eaten the box of prunes? I am laughing as I type! I simply love this series but I do wish the story line would move on. My suggestion to Janet Evanovich is for Stephanie to finally marry Joe and immediately become pregnant with twins. Lulu would take over her bounty hunter job and need help from a very pregnant Stephanie. Joe is loaned out to the Feds for a critical undercover job so he asks Ranger to keep an eye on Stephanie. Of course, Ranger has to rescue Steph and Lulu with Joe appearing in the nick of time. The twins are boys and Ranger becomes their Godfather.
If you have never read one of these novels, "One for the Money" is the first. START NOW! But try to keep it down and don't wake your partner.

Just a quick mention of two more favorites; try the Meg Langslow series, beginning with "Murder with Peacocks". Meg is a charming and solid character with the wildest family in fiction today. You will find the sequence for this series at the author's website: Donna Andrews.com.
My favorite to date is "We will always have Parrots!"

A small, three book series to date, that I enjoy, is the Annie Szabo series. A young and maybe foolish Annie married her gypsy husband til death do them part. When he dies in a tragic accident, leaving her expecting their third child, she does her best to divorce his gypsy family. Mother in Law, Mina is a tarot and mind reading Diva who doesn't believe in divorce. In the first book Annie and Mina are reunited but not happy while they solve the problems of family members. Meredith Blevins offers a look into the world of the modern gypsy with love and humor.

So hunker down, summer has maybe a month more to go. While I wait, I'll let you know if strawberry blonds have more fun! Check back about the middle of next week to view the "new" Granny.

Light & Love,

Granny B