Closing out 2024

Hard to believe that we are getting ready to close out 2024 and move into 2025. Guess that means we're all getting another year older.

2024 has held and is holding many health challenges for me. I was diagnosed with Cushings Disease and Hyperparathyroidism. Sounds like fun, huh - NOT!

I had gotten to the point where my body was breaking down little by little every day. I even had to pull out G-Pa Bob's walker from the attic because I had trouble walking and moving. Every joint and bone ached. We stopped going to Disney because of it. My Endocrinologist, who is awesome, said I need to "run not walk" to a specialist. After much research, I found a wonderful Cancer Surgeon in Orlando. He is also a leading HPT (hyperparathyroidism) Surgeon. I think my doctor's ran every test imaginable on me. I was lit up like a Christmas tree from the nuclear dye, all the X-Rays, C-Scans, etc. Many things happened... They found bad glands in my neck and growths on my kidneys and adrenal glands. 

I had neck surgery on October 28th in Orlando. Everything went smoothly. I WALKED out of the hospital unassisted, like a 20 year old. They removed 2 bad glands (benign) and all my aches and pains were immediately gone. For me, it was a pure miracle. My neck is healing nicely. It'll take a bit for the swelling to go down. I just tell everyone that I won the knife fight! My voice comes and goes but that's to be expected.

I'm still waiting to see a Surgeon for my kidneys and adrenal glands. Not sure what he will suggest. But for now I choose not to worry about it. That's how I roll. Can't worry about stuff you have no control over.

Rolf has been my rock and is a compassionate nurse. Please don't tell him. I don't want his head to swell.

Went to visit Rolf's family in Sept. in North Carolina. Loved being around everyone once again.

Swimming with Ellie & Chief the water dogs. Attended the bluegrass festival again this year with the entire gang. We can't wait to go back in 2025.

Blessed to have survived Hurricane Milton! He came right over the top of us.

Hopefully after the holidays, we will get back to Disney once again. Got to get my exercise miles in!

We're still loving Florida life and enjoying our time together. We are slowly talking about another dog, but for now we get the pleasure of sitting for Einstein & Cooper.

We wish all our friends a very merry Christmas and a healthy 2025.

Hugs,

Kim

What a milestone...

 Today you turned 100 in heaven. A grand milestone indeed. Only wish you were here so we could celebrate this big day together.

You are always in my heart! Give my love to everyone there with you. 

Your loving daughter, 

Kimberly

xoxoxo

Six

 

Life changes so quickly! The heart knows what the heart knows..... Love hurts. And sometimes it hurts badly.

I can close my eyes and remember this very day. It was Good Friday in 2004 when we brought you home. You were the best fur-child ever Lily Belle. 

Then once again, I close my eyes and it's 13.5 years later and it is December 1, 2017. The day you died. Our worlds shattered into a million pieces.

Today it still hurts. Yes, we remember all the beautiful days in-between your seasons. We also remember your cervical IVDD which cost us over $8,000. We remember your Florida allergies which again almost broke us. We remember your eyelid cancer. We were blessed for our friends who all helped pay for your surgery. The good however, outweigh the bad. 

Not a day goes by in these 6 years that we don't think of you. Or perhaps we pet the couch next to us to feel your spirit there. We feel your warmth at night when we're in bed. We feel your breath giving us kisses. We feel you right in our hearts. Your paws scratching at it as if to say I'm still here. I'll never leave you. It brings me to tears.

Life is just a Journey. A tough Journey at times. Someday... they say our Journey will take us all to a better place. I pray that place is the Rainbow Bridge where you will be waiting right there for me and for your Daddy.

Love you with all my heart Lily Belle. My sweet, sweet girl.

Hugs,

Mommy

Family

Finally got to see Rolf's side of the family for 10 days recently. They moved from Rochester, NY to Mocksville, NC. Farm country, fresh air, hills and trees. They bought 4 acres. 3 bedroom house, 3 bedroom separate guest house, pool, loving from 3 dogs and 1 cat, garages galore and more. Got to spend time with all 4 of our nephews. Had a wonderful tour of High Point University. That's where all 4 went (1 still going) to school. Spent a day at an awesome Bluegrass Festival. My sister (in-law) and brother-in-law were excellent hosts. We can't wait to go back!

Stopped on our way home at Buc-ee's for gas and food. All I can say is WOW!

Hugs,

Kim

Still here.....

We're still here! Just out enjoying life.

Stay well friends.

Hugs,

Kim & Rolf

Merry & Happy

 Santa baby, leave a present under the tree for me......

Wishing all our friends a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays or whatever you do celebrate. Have a safe and healthy 2023.

Sending love to the Heavens and the Rainbow Bridge too! We love and miss you all.

Hugs,

Kim & Rolf

(Baby Santa has been in our family for well over 60+ years)

5, Five, Cinco

 

How I wish I had a magic wand and I could turn back the hands of time. Five years seems like an eternity ago, yet some days it is all so raw like it just happened.

Our animal lover friends know how we feel. It's a heartbreak that never goes away. 

Yes, my tears still fall. They are dripping down my face right now. I still feel your pitter patter in my heart. I pray I carry that feeling until it is time to be reunited with you once again.

I love you Lily Belle. 

Hugs,

Mommy

Not Again...

 Just a week and a half ago, Rolf and I were on vacation enjoying the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of Miami. 

Our beautiful view friom the 34th floor of my niece Colleen's apartment.
She was in Singapore for work. 

We're back home now preparing for a big hit from Hurricane Ian. 

The blue dot is where our house is

We are praying very hard for all in the path of this storm. It's supposed to be a real doozy! 

As of now the track of it is heading right towards us. Five years ago we had $45,000 in damages from Hurricane Irma. Ugh..... We don't want to deal with damages again. Hoping the path changes but doesn't look too good at the moment. 

We will remain here in the house. We are prepared the best we can be. We will not "abandon ship." Pray for us please.

Hugs,

Kim & Rolf

Signs

 

I believe in signs, do you?

Lily & Muffin are just checking in from the Bridge.

Still Here

 Well folks, we're still here. I know we don't post often now that the pups are at the Bridge. Not that our life is boring because it is far from! 

Here's what we've been doing.....

Always cooking. My passion.

Disney weekly

 Miami

Feeding my Buntings (they ate it all)

 Doggie Sat for Cooper

My homemade Christmas Croquembouche

 Got my 1st car loan in over 40 years

 My zen place

Adulting

 Growing

Enjoying all that Mother Nature gives us

 Had 2 eye surgeries. Hope no more!

Taking care of Miss Mary. 98 years old. 

Unfortunately she is now on hospice care.                                                       

Having Rolf's family come visit

Loving every minute of my life with Rolf

Life is great! Hope you are all enjoying it too.

Hugs,

Kim