All The Things From A Busy Week

Well, where did we leave off? Monday, right. I checked off the dreaded mammogram and gynecological visit on Monday, and am thankful for the normal results. Tuesday was my dentist appointment. Oddly enough, this is not something that bothers me. Go figure. The result of that quick visit is that I should rethink the amount of movie theatre popcorn I consume. Enough said. Onward. Wednesday was my yearly visit to the dermatologist. Having had a bout with Basal Cell Skin Cancer a few years ago, I am always a bit anxious for this appointment, although my doctor is the absolute best. She is so patient and thorough with me. I had a list of things I needed reassurance on, and she went through them with me. I did have two small spots taken off, and she feels very strongly that they will be fine, either nothing, a precancerous lesion, or a basal cell. I can deal with that. I am waiting for the results, and am using this time to practice working on sitting with my anxiety, knowing that I will deal with whatever happens in the future, and not allowing it to affect my today. Funny enough, side note here: one of the spots she removed wasn't on my list at all! 

So that wrapped up the appointments for the week. Thursday was rainy, gloomy, and cozy here, so Flynn and I did some schoolwork because homeschool knows no bounds. And I did begin the Purge of 2026, starting in our bedroom, where I proceeded to take everything out of my hope chest, feel all the feelings, and promptly put everything back in. After that, I hopped into my unmade bed and took a nap. I will always be real here, my friends. I was beat.

I am free from appointments until next week, so I plan on working around the house to pack, sort, and pitch the items that remain here. Peyton and Chris are always happy to help, and again, I am thankful. Between appointments and clearing the house, we have spent the best time with Peyton and Chris. They have had us over for dinner, games, and movies, and every time I leave their home, I am filled with happiness for the life my second-born has made with her Christopher. If I may be so bold as to offer a little bit of unsolicited advice, pray for your children. Pray that God will bring the person he has chosen for them into their lives in His way, in His time. He will hear you. 

Here are some pictures of the happy chaos around here this week. First up: my obligatory photo for Madison, showing her what I was wearing when we went to dinner with my best friend Heather and her husband Dave on Tuesday night. 

Always treat yourself after a dreaded medical appointment. It is a rule, I think.

Peyton and Chris had us for dinner on Wednesday after we returned from the dermatologist. She always has everything ready and organized! Steve cooked the hamburgers, and we ate outside of their beautiful home in the most peaceful yard. 

Again, I will always be real here. Please note me in this picture with their pup, Tundra. I am wearing another of Rhett's t-shirts from his donate pile because, clearly, I can't pack properly, and Steve's slip-on shoes because I am too lazy to find my own. And I am sporting a lovely bandage right in the middle of my forehead where the doctor removed an annoying spot. So while you mostly see photos of me all ready to go out, know that this is more typical of how I look on a daily basis. 

We had hamburgers, homemade macaroni salad, fries, and fresh fruit. All delicious. And then we went inside and played dominoes while a thunderstorm roared outside. Peyton outdid herself again, with a completely homemade ice cream cake for dessert!

It was amazing. And, she kept the rest for another night! The remaining photos are proof that I still enjoy my couch time with the pups. Whenever I have to go out, I look forward to coming home, showering, and putting on my housedress before hitting the couch. Time to relax is not wasted time. I feel very strongly about that. 

I apologize for not being around to visit. I will look forward to catching up with you this weekend, my friends. Until then, thank you for the support, kind words, and friendship. I read and reread every comment, and for those of you who have upcoming appointments as well, I am thinking of you. Don't let anxiety of the future steal your joy of today. My therapist's words...not mine! Go, check it off your list, and treat yourself. I am with you in spirit!

Long car rides and waiting rooms are conducive to Pinterest scrolling. Here are a few I saved and would love to share with you before I go. 

Ok. I am done!

But...

and

Happy Weekend!

Billie Jo

Monday Evening Coffee

Hello, my friends! Don't adjust your clocks and watches, it is indeed Monday evening! I first want to thank you all for your kind and supportive comments on my last post concerning my anxiety about my upcoming medical appointments. I appreciate your understanding and prayers, and carried them with me this morning. I know it seems a bit illogical to be so anxious about appointments I choose to make, but that is the nature of OCD. It can take the most mundane thing and spin it into the worst possible scenario, then convince me that it is the probability. My OCD has improved so much, as has my anxiety, but every now and then, it likes to remind me it is still around, so again, thank you. 

My first appointment was my annual mammogram. My friend Leslie texted me to ask me what time it was today, and I responded with this super attractive picture of me sitting in the waiting room. Why would I share this less-than-stellar picture of myself on the blog? To remind anyone who needs to schedule her mammogram that yes, it can be scary. It can be uncomfortable. But you will feel so much better when it is over, and you can check it off your list. After this, I headed upstairs for my yearly gynecological visit, another super fun time. Thankfully, that was good, as was my mammogram report, and I am good to go for another year!

Me. Before.

Me. On the way home. (PSA- McDonald's Vanilla Iced Coffee is underrated.)

And after!

Home, showered, and ready to hit the couch. Please note the Christmas t-shirt I found in Rhett's donate pile. Apparently, I didn't keep any of my t-shirts here like I sort of remembered I did. 

This past weekend was spent with Peyton and Chris and filled with good food, delicious desserts, games of dominoes, and a movie night too.

Next up: The dentist Tuesday and the dermatologist Wednesday. We have slowly been moving things to Maryland each time we have traveled, so we have a great deal of the work already done. However, we will spend time purging, packing, and donating this next week too. Thanks again, my friends. Have a wonderful evening, and stay cozy.

Billie Jo

 

One More Time

Hello! Happy Friday! So, yesterday, Flynn, Steve, and I loaded up the van and made the long drive back to Pennsylvania. One final time. Yes, we are going to sell the lake house and finally become permanent residents of Maryland! This has been a long time coming, and although I will miss this area, I am ready to close the book and begin again. For the past few years, we have maintained both places, and honestly, we are ready. 

This trip is packed to the brim with packing what remains here, and honestly, going through things relentlessly. Things I have kept safe and sound in Rubbermaid tubs, moving from house to house. My logic is simple: if I haven't thought of it, needed it, or missed it in the past several months, I can free myself of it. 

I also have my run of appointments these next couple of weeks. And you all know how I feel about that! I have my mammogram, female doctor, dentist, dermatologist, primary care doctor, and eye doctor appointments coming up in the next two weeks. If you have a moment, please send up a prayer for peace for me. These things get in my head sometimes, and although I have made tremendous progress in my OCD and Anxiety journey, I understand many people feel anxious before appointments. So, I am going to simply get on with it!

Leaving Maryland...

Still driving...

Made it!

This morning.

Have a lovely weekend, my friends!

See you Monday!

Billie Jo

 

Seventy Years

Yesterday, April 7, 2026, marked 70 years since my mom and dad were married. Seventy years. Although my parents are no longer with us here on earth, I still commemorate that special day. I still imagine a beautiful April Saturday in 1956, when a few snowflakes swirled as two young people began their life together. I think about all the people who celebrated that day with them, all the planning, and the excitement. I remember my mom sharing her memories of that special day with me: shopping in Buffalo for her wedding dress, the brunch my great-grandmother Grace hosted for the wedding party immediately after the mass, and the drive from her house to the church with a family friend named Andy. 

Although that special day has long since passed, and the majority of the people who celebrated with my parents and their families are no longer with us, I will continue to hold a special place in my heart for April 7, 1956, as long as I live. For it was this day seventy years ago that two young people started a life that grew into a family of five daughters, myself included, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. There were homes, cars, family vacations, and Sunday dinners. There were special days like Christmas and Easter, and ordinary days where dinner was served at the kitchen table, followed by TV in the family room. There were joyful days, sad days, trying times, and days filled with laughter and love. 

Seventy years. And counting. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. We love you!

Happy Wednesday, my friends!

Billie Jo