I am a widow since 2013 and live by myself in a small apartment. I use a wheelchair to get around, but I wouldn't consider myself disabled. I'm 11 years away from having bladder cancer resulting in a urostomy and I'm doing well. This cancer was a result of having radiation in 1995 because of uterine cancer. So have faith in yourself, a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. My first try at blogging was an attempt to help other people with my condition. I am a mother of three married children, and a grandmother to eight gorgeous kids, featuring them often here, and a great grandmother to two as of today, 6/7/25! I enjoy exploring my feelings and like to try the challenges. I like humor, music, movies, games, and some sports. I absolutely appreciate your reading and commenting on my blog. I am happy to read all of your blogs and learn more about you. Please comment however you like, ask whatever, and I'll answer honestly. Thanks for reading! Cheryl
“In the tender gray, I swim undisturbed.”by Celia Dropkin, from Sullivan County who was born on December 5, 1887, in Russia.
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Biography
Life seems to pass by quickly and in the tender gray, I swim undisturbed. Everything around me is bright and colorful when I glimpse what my life used to be in fleeting colors. A child’s birthday party, a wedding reception, the birth of my first grandchild, graduation ceremonies, parties and holiday gatherings, are all lovely visions of life’s rainbow. Sitting by myself in the quiet, it is easy to remain in dull, colorless inactivity. Depression may set in temporarily as I wait for another visit or bright hued connection to the world outside my own.
*** I may never get out of this place. It’s been three days I know for sure, because I have the sun and moon coming in to determine the days. It was an adventure with Joe, always ready to attempt something wild or new for us. We had entered into this cave what must be several yards above me now and this exit is blocked. The slippery dank space we decided to investigate caused Joe to fall and he took a terrible bounce off loose rocks. I tried to get to him, and also fell. The loosened rocks caused an avalanche of the cave sides and ended up blocking our entrance above. My only rescue would be if one of Joe’s friends found us missing. I couldn’t ask Joe anything because he was lying near me, forever silent.
Heartfelt shelter appreciated, bound by cuddles, and family warmth, as the thoughtful adopt an abandoned animal. The pressure of loneliness subsides with a furry companion, a defender of closeness as the relationship binds.
“All set now, I’ll just put this right here handy, and done.” The innocent looking bath salts were an everyday treat for her mother and today would not be an exception. Julie made sure they were right where they always were placed so no suspicion was felt. The last few days finding an undetectable poison that enters through the skin involved endless searches at an Internet cafe computer, and then the purchase sent to a postal facility made it untraceable to her. She had planned well and hoped to be rid of the overbearing witch that very day. “Have you got that bath to the exact temperature yet? Did you add my salts?” The woman looked hatefully at her daughter and slipped into the tub. “Now get out!” Julie shut the door and smiled.
The walls in a foreign world, are numb with ashes burning while spilt flames cover broken houses. A momentary touch of peace only a small gap in the everyday routine of finding safety, food, or clean water. Tragedy has its own longing to satisfy, aided by powerful uncaring men. While people in safe lands gather around warm fire light exchanging luxurious gifts, small children wonder why their fathers have disappeared.
“Greetings and welcome to Holiday Hotel! I hope you have chosen the occasion you enjoy the most in your rooms selection. Whether it is Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, there is no need to flounder around and wonder if the rooms will suit you. We have researched your roots and will bring every nuance from your childhood holidays directly to you. Everything including tips and taxes have already been paid so please, follow this young man to your personal hut, relax and enjoy!”
A momentous occasion It was said by all Even though timing was not mom’s call No one knew until the last moment When she would arrive, tiny, content Born midnight, January first!
Do you sometimes ‘just’ LIKE posts from those you follow but don’t often read the content, and if so, why do you do this? No
Inspired by Sadje. Have people become lazier concerning cooking do you think, or is it more a case of people not knowing how to cook? Both
Is cooking considered a valuable skill by you? Definitely
What news stories, in your opinion, have so far defined the 2020’s and what do you think they have taught us personally as individuals? Violence, hate, apathy and the Trump influence since 2016 has dominated and outlined these actions and faults.
What would you never swallow even if you could? Any buggy so called edible items
How many hours of sleep do you get a night, and how many hours do you think you need and why? Average of four
How important is it to you to have a clean house or environment to live in and does it have to be pristine? Very important to be neat and clean
Would you give up your Smartphone and break your addiction to it? No, it is a literal life saver for me
What have been five of your best TV shows from the dawn of dot to today? MASH, ER, Walter Kronkite news, Laugh-In, Saving Grace. They were good because they showed life as it was, as it could be, compassionate and real; sort of a span of our lives in segments
Why is life not a bed of roses but a bed of thorns?What makes your life good and or bad? I think life is what you make it and neither statement is true.
Toasted waffles or bread and why? I like both but rarely have either
How do you feel about the ageing process and you? I am 76 but I don’t feel my age really. I am lucky to be in good health after so many years of not being so. I try not to wallow in the aging process except to make fun around it, feeling lucky to be alive.
The Bag Lady 
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