Tuesday, March 24, 2015

EVERY LITTLE THING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT


We went to the lake on Saturday...Friday proved to be a little busy.  Too bad, Saturday was cloudier and colder and I was so not in the mood to see what had become of the lakehouse after 2 weeks of the "cleaning up pro's" there.




This is a skeleton of my kitchen and the hall on the other side.  I know it's confusing and I won't elaborate on what is where.  But remember me telling you my kitchen was not effected by water damage?  No such luck, a lot of water seeped through and under the wall from the hall that received so much of the damage.  So that's what you see on the mid-left.  The floors in the kitchen were removed, as were all of the floors in the house.  We had thought these floors were saved.




I'm trying to remember things I had on my walls, collectibles (thank you, Rita).  What, how many, from where, what did I pay?  Very confusing.  Answers will come,  I'm trying not to freak.  I have been having hives really bad.  I've never had them this bad before but I'm prone to them emotionally.  I'm scratching like a maniac and can't find a remedy.  And tension headaches.  We don't usually have a single bottle of pain reliever in the house...The Husband and I never have anything like these sort of headaches.  And I hit the Tums almost every night when my mind (and stomach) shift into 4th gear.

Still, I try to concentrate on the positive.  I've made a Pinterest board just for this "project", and since The Husband just doesn't get Pinterest, I have bought a few magazines to show him ideas.  I need to look at paint samples and flooring options.  I have plenty of time but loose ends are my demise.

A little trivial info.  The two homes to just the left (west) of us have been up for sale for a good bit of time.  They both just recently sold in the past few weeks.  I find that sort of ironic...new beginnings and new friends all around.  I just don't know when we will be back in to meet these new people.  Patience, Jane.  Patience. 
 



I made these cookies before we went...simple sugar cookies and I've given you the recipe before...the same old from the baby shower and then the marathon for my niece.  I made a very sweet (and tart) Key Lime icing/filling, and using various size cookie cutters, made layered cookies.  And I brought these to Kevin and MC's, as they are not safe here in my clutches!!



Whoa...too much bad stuff here!  But no...good things always. That's the way I have to see things or I would go nuts.  I am working out hard, physically...The Husband made a great little work-out room in Abby's old room (and the future guest room).  He likes to lift weights some nights here, and go to the gym other nights to do laps.   I've been doing a DVD I love and it's all about cardio and strength training.  I'm not always so good about it...believe me, sometimes I can't even walk by the door of that room!  But I have my son's wedding in 5 months and I want to look my best.  How about some prayers for that?!  Yes, I know a smile is the best thing you can wear, but I smiled through the last two weddings and still don't like to look at the pics! Ha!

Truly, things are good here.  We can have so many bad things thrown at us, but I feel a sense of clarity.  It's life with all of it's ups and downs. We need to keep the important things in perspective...health, love, family, peace on earth and happiness for all.  

Happy Almost Spring to All of You!!

Jane xx

46 comments:

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I am so sorry Jane, about the Lake House. But be thankful that you have insurance and you can do all the things that you've always wanted to do. I know it's so hard to loose everything. But you and husband have your health and a wonderful family. Just take one day at a time and everything will work out.
One of my dogs had seizures and I had to give him medication, which helped a lot. It made him a little sleepy but stopped the seizures. Have you tried medication? It's so scary when they have them.
Your cookies look so good, I could eat a dozen.
Cheer up Jane, just keep busy and know that your in my thoughts and prayers - everything will work out.

We have had some beautiful weather and my flowers have exploded. I love working out in the yard when it's not to hot. We are expecting 90 on Thursday and that is to darn hot.
I know Elsie is growing fast - send pictures of that sweet baby.
Well I'm off to bed.
Mary

NanaDiana said...

Saying a puppy prayer for Milo. Poor thing.
Jane- I am telling you- this lakehouse might just turn out to be a blessing in disguise. If you have ever wanted to make changes to anything...now is the time to do it.

Just for future reference-take a video of every single room of your home and put a copy of it in a fireproof safe or bank vault safety box if you have one. Our insurance people have always suggested we do that...so we redo it every couple of years. It is so hard to remember EVERYTHING we own.

Hope you have a peaceful week. xo Diana

Theresa said...

Oh Jane, I will pray for your sweet Milo! I know you will hug him thru these seizures and hope and pray he gets better without medicine! My Granddog Munson has the shakes sometimes but they stop after a spoon of p'nut butter:) I know it is sad to see your lakehouse all ripped apart but when it is done, OH MY GOODNESS... I know it will be GORGEOUS! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Maggie said...

Sending love to you and Milo, I know just what you're going through, it's rough, so just hug him and love him whilst you can
Hugs
Maggie

Rita C at Panoply said...

Oh Jane, all this and heaven, too - my mom would always say when the burdens seemed to pile themselves on. I hope you are able to relieve the stress - whether by baking, holding that grandbaby, or exercising. When it's all said and done, I'm sure you'll have a lessons learned post on the lakehouse. Maybe you can enlist your kids to try to help remember house details, with diff rooms for each. That should help flesh out your list of contents. I'll keep Milo in my thoughts. I bet he senses your stress along with his own.
Rita

Kathleen Grace said...

I can see how the lake house issue would be stressful. There are a few silver linings, when it's finished it will be so fresh! You can try some new finishes / colors. It happened, and thankfully it wasn't your year round home where you live! I bet looking back at some blog posts from last year would refresh your memory re: furnishings and things. I know it's really hard, but try to see this as a fresh start and an opportunity. Don't let it weigh you down, in the long run, even a house is just a "thing" and you will still have it when all is said an done. There, I hope I haven't totally annoyed you now. I do know how hard this must be. (hugs)
I am so sorry to hear about Milo. I know you give him lots of love and even with seizures that has got to make him feel more secure the rest of the time. I understand the weight loss issues too. I can't stand my pictures at my girls weddings. Ugh, pics don't lie. Time to get real and accept them for what they are though. A picture of a mom who loves her girls and family, I'm sure that is what they see when they look at them and that is all that matters:>)

Sonny G said...

you have the right attitude Jane, and that often takes away much of the battle ~! You're doing great...
healing light to lil Milo... My Greta has also had seizures for a couple of years and when we notice the first signs of one coming on we give her 3 drops of liquid melatonin-- get at any drug store. it eases the worst of it and has stopped most of them within 2 mins.. Much easier on us and her.. she weights 9 lbs- so give drops accoording to weight like 16 to 20 lbs.. 8 drops.. wishing him well...

Sonny

Anonymous said...

Here's hoping Milo gets better. I'm sure that is nerve wracking on top of everything else you are dealing with.

Our insurance agent told us to stand in each corner of each room in our home and take a picture. That way you have the whole room covered. I cannot imagine trying to remember each and every item in a room. Like Diana, we do it every few years.

Chin up - everything is gonna be alright! Prayers for peace as you go thru this time.

Judy

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
You sure are on stress overload with the rebuilding and your sweet Milo. Check out Petwellbeing on the web.They may have a holistic vitamin drop to help him out. Our Max has hyperthyroidism and is highly allergic to the RX but I put him on Thyroid gold holistic drops and they are really helping him. I hope you find a solution for Milo.

Jane I too get hives from emotional stress, what helps me is to quiet my mind through meditation twice a day. It gives me inner peace and contentment.

Your cookies looked yummy, Key Lime icing total yum. Key Lime Pie is my favorite pie.

Yes sweet Jane, new beginnings, new friends and new adventures. Sending you love and hugs.
xoxo,
Vera

Unknown said...

Sending you positive thoughts. You are going through a rough patch right now, but it will pass. Soon, I hope. So hard when our pets are sick. We lost our beloved German Shepherd back in January, and we all cried, and miss him so much. I'm thinking of you and wishing you the very best.

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, my thoughts and prayers for sweet Milo, God bless. Hugs Francine.

Susie said...

Blondie, Hugs to you. I know it's a disaster in some ways. But when it all done, you will have a new lake house. That will be nice for you to do your decorating. I like the idea of a pinterest board. So sorry about Milo. Hope he can out grow the seizures. Glad you got to be with the baby for some loving. Isn't that wonderful. Bless your heart honey, xoxo,Susie

Betsy Brock said...

One day at a time, Jane! Deep breaths and think on the good things!

I say let Milo have the medication...one less stress on you and him!

Time to get excited about the house reno....Pinterest is wonderful for dreaming!

Hugs...

Barb said...

Jane,

Oh my, I didn't know about your lake house. I am so sorry.

Your attitude is good and you are strong...allow yourself time and space to deal with each day. Writing out your feelings is ultra important and I am glad to see you doing that and also bringing your friends into your thoughts.

I will keep you and your needs in prayer. I promise.

Sending you big hugs, Barb

Julie Marie said...

Hang in there Jane... it will get better... prayers for dear Milo... hopefully the seizures will stop soon... is it possible he can sense your own anxiety and is stressing out from that?... animals are so smart and so sensitive to our moods, maybe that's why his seizures are increasing... I would not totally rule out medication if it will help him though, and you know me, I don't take any meds or give Tessy any that are not absolutely necessary... sending prayers and much love, xoxo... Julie Marie

Kelly said...

I'm so sorry to hear about all of these bad things happening to you all at once. At least you have a home to live in outside of the lakehouse so you don't have to find somewhere else while all of the renovations are going on. I hope your dogs seizures calm down too. That sounds so scary. Does your vet know if he's in pain during that time? Medication to prevent the seizures might be a good thing unless there a lot of negative side effects.

Debby said...

I missed the post about the Lakehouse. I just went way back to find it. It amazes me how I miss my favorite blogs and their posts. Oh, I wish how I had a list that would take me to my favorites but I am not to smart on changing things.
Oh my Gosh you have to be devasted. 3 weeks of water damage.I hope you weren't charged for all the water as well. If you are on a well, I wonder why it didn't run dry. Water damage is a terrible mess. The poor lady that was looking after your house. I feel so bad for you. I am so sorry I just found out.
The lake where we had our little cottage is in extreme trouble. Their dam is close to breaking. They have an evacuation plan and signs everywhere . They had thought of draining the man made lake but the residents and businesses were horrified. It's not a big place,not that many businesses. Lots of nice homes and some little cottages like ours, and then there are really low income areas. So the governor decides that they won't drain the lake but they will fix in over the next five years. $125 million dollars. The home owners seem to think the problem is now solved. First of all what happens if they don't fix it in time. What happens when we get lots of rain.
I am glad that we aren't home owners there now. I really don't even want to go there. When I told our insurance man that I wanted flood insurance he told me there was no reason as we weren't in a flood zone. Our cottage was about a mile from 70 and they have had to close that several times in years past because of flooding not related to the lake.
But anyhow, sometimes it's just hard to stay positive. I'm glad that work is underway to fix up your cottage. I hope all the paper work goes okay.
HUGS

Melanie said...

That breaks my heart to see pictures of your beautiful lake house and to also hear about Milo. You poor thing...no wonder you are having headaches and breaking out in hives. Nerves and stress really take a toll on your body! If you want a natural remedy for your tummy instead of Tums, try a little bit of raw unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar in water. If you can't handle the taste (I happen to like it - and it's very good for you!), you can add a little raw organic honey.

Well, now I know something from your post that I need to get my butt in gear with - to take photos or a video of every room in my house. I've been meaning to do that for years.

I will keep you and your hubby in my prayers. {{hugs}}

Marigene said...

The lake house is really coming along good for the disastrous mess you showed us a few posts ago...everything good takes time...be patient, my friend...it will all come together soon.
I am so sorry to hear about Miles. They are like babies and can't tell us when they don't feel well. Hope he can weather through this with fewer episodes.
Have a great week.

Traci said...

Poor little Milo. My dog that we grew up with had seizures too. Makes me sad to think about.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Saying prayers for sweet Milo. Hope he is back to tip top shape in no time. What a mess with the lake house. And just when you thought the kitchen was spared. I guess it's always a good idea to video all the rooms for documentation. At least it's easier to do now with our cell phones. I read a quote the other day that stayed with me. It said "I don't mean to spoil the ending for you, but everything is going to be okay." Love that enough to frame it as a constant reminder. :)

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Sending good thoughts your way for Milo and the challenge ahead of re-building and replacing, something that is never easy. It is a very emotional experience, Jane...:)JP

Poppy said...

Jane,

I'm so sorry to hear about Milo; those seizures must be so scary for him. Hope he feels better, soon!

About 15 years ago, I had to make a very serious decision about my life, and because I was struggling with it, I started having tension headaches, which cause more pressure than pain. Recently, they came back, even worse, (again, as you know, debating many things right now), but the last few days, with the weather getting warmer, doing some spring cleaning, and spending less time on the computer, have helped. Really, though, it takes positive thinking, being grateful, and keeping busy. So, like you, I bake - in my case, traditional Eater cookies with lemon zest - and eat, of course!

Hope you feel better soon, my friend!

xoxo
Poppy

Junkchiccottage said...

Saying a prayer for Milo poor little guy. Hope he does better in the days to come. It is hard to see the lake house torn up but when the walls are finished and floors are in it is going to be great. Cookies look good.
Glad you had some time with your new grand.
Have a great rest of the week.
Kris

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Not fun, Jane, but it is a step in the right direction. I know you are heartbroken over the lake house damage, but try to look at it as a new leaf to redecorate. I'm sure you've got pictures of family gatherings and events at the lake house that will help you make your inventory, too.

That little baby will certainly help, I think. Make sure you get some loving time in!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

So sorry about the kitchen :(. I wish I was there. I'd help you pick out some exciting things for your lakehouse, motivate you to exercise, and make sure you meditate to reduce those headaches. If all else fails, I make a mean martini.

I hope Milo is going to be ok. It breaks my heart when our fur babies are sick, and you don't need any additional stress right now.

Keep spending time with that sweet grandbaby. It's good for the soul.

Debra@CommonGround said...

dear Jane, I have to apologize, I just read this last post and did not realize what you've been dealing with this last month. I know you've been through the worst of it. just seeing it for the first time must have been heartbreaking. I know good will emerge from this at some point. Please take care of yourselves. You guys are in my prayers.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Jane, So sorry to hear about the lake house. You have such a wonderful husband and family to help you through this. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and especially for Milo.
Hugs,
Jody

Beth said...

Hi Jane, I am so sorry about the lakehouse. How stressful! I hope that you will be able to make it a happy and beautiful place again. I am sorry about Milo. I had a dog with seizures and she was on medication. It did not sedate her; she was still her usual self but with less seizures. Praying for Milo to have a full recovery. How exciting to have another wedding coming up! Glad you are enjoying being a grandmother too. :)
xo Beth

Bluebird49 said...

Oh, sweetie-I know you already have ideas galore for the lake houe. I knew you would! You'll be able to begin seeing what you had in each room and on the walls. Seeing ahead will be fun, too---as seeing Elsie and getting snuggles.
Praying for Milo!
We enjoyed our week away from the house. Our little family picks us up! Kristi and Ed cooked us waaaay too much good food, So my jeans are so loose as they were...but I'll get back to less starches and more green veggies and fish right away I got my "Seniors'" dvd while I was gone, so I can work out a bit and get my strength up. I hope!

xxx Trudy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Sending prayers for sweet Milo...must be very hard for you to see him ill. Sending prayers, too, that you will be able to make the lakehouse everything you have ever wanted and fill it with love and laughter again! xoxo

Carla from The River said...

Hi Jane,
Sending prayers for all the things you mentioned, the lake house, Milo and missing your daughter.

I do enjoy your Instagram posts. :-))

I will be away from blog land for a few days. I am going to take a break to spend time with family and head to my home town from a few days.
Have a blessed Easter.
Carla

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Oh wow..the lake house. A lot of work ahead but I know you will make it beautiful again!
Sorry about Milo. So hard to see animals suffer like that.
Good for you about the workout! You have more willpower than me, when I make cookies I just have to eat them.
How's that little granddaughter doing? I want to see more pics!
No baby here yet. Katie will go in Sunday night to be induced if he doesn't come sooner.
Hoping for a safe and healthy delivery.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Mary said...

My heart breaks for you Jane dear - I just know it must be awful facing the cold hard facts of the destruction. BUT, don't forget, you will soon - perhaps in time for summertime fun - have a lovely new lake home. When the hard part is completed, knowing you, you'll be shopping and decorating non-stop and having a ball!

Hoping Milo is improving - a kiss for him. - another for A who must be just as upset as you about the house damage.

Hugs - Mary

Jenny S. said...

I have gone through seizures with a pet before also. It is very frightening and heart breaking. But you have to be there for them. We are all they have. I will remember you both in my prayers. Please continue to keep us informed of the going ons at the lakehouse. Your cookies look soooo yummy. Enjoy your new baby Elsie. Try to focus on happy things. Or I worry all of this "mess" going on right now is going to make y1ou sick. Take care... dear Jane.

cathy@my1929charmer said...

Any kind of unexpected tragedy is stressful. Sorry to hear about your tragedy at the lake house. Look forward to how exciting it can be to pick out a new look. It's like a Spring redo! You do have a lot to be happy about, but stress is stress. I pray Milo is feeling better soon. Oh and thanks, now I want a sugar cookie!

primrosesattic said...

Oh Jane you have so much on your shoulders. You need lots of hugs.
Iknow its hard but you have a good family support there.And us in the blogging world are always here for you if you want to have a moan or scream or just chat. Sorry you could not save your kitchen. But you will have a much better one I am sure. give your cute doggy lots of cuddles and I
hope he does not have too many seizures, poor love.
take care of yourself as well Jane.Wish I was close by to help u.
Rosezeeta x

Elaine said...

Oh Jane,so sorry. Those photos are heartbreaking.

I guess the upside is that you get to customize your kitchen and decorate which I know you love to do. And you will make new memories.

Maybe you can look at your blog posts to figure out what belongings you had at the lakehouse. I often use my blog as a reference book.

Sorry about Milo too. We did give our dog who had epilepsy medication. it seemed to work well.

Linda said...

Your post brought back a lot of memories for me. My house burned in 1983 and it had to be gutted completely. The inventory was the biggest headache of the whole thing! Every single item! Our inventory was 18 inches thick by the time we got done! Of course, this was all handwritten back then! Biggest nightmare ever!!! SO sorry you are having to go through this!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Oh my goodness, Jane, I'm so sorry about your great little lake house! I know it will all come together, but I'm sure right now, it must be so hard. Sending positive thoughts for little Milo!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! You almost have me crying here. I'm so sorry you've had all of this damage at your lovely lake house! I pray y'all will have the wisdom to know what to do. Poor little Milo. I'm so sorry to hear about him. It's so hard as our dear pets get older. I know I have a huge hole in my heart and think of my little Chloe Dawn every day. I'd feel so much better if I could just have a couple of your cookies.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

RURAL said...

You are a rock Jane, and you will get through this. It's terrible, and it's a huge loss, but you are very strong.

Are there any photos on your blog that would trigger inventory in your mind?

Family shots, with the rooms as background?

It's very hard, but you are doing the best that you can.

Saying a prayer for Milo, our fur babies are so precious to us. Poor little thing.

Jen

Rue said...

Poor Milo... I hate when they feel scared or get sick. I guess all we can do is hold them and try to comfort them. I hope the seizures go away or at least get less frequent.

I hope you get all the work done at the lake house soon and eventually find joy in the remodel as hard as I'm sure it is.

I'm praying for you to get through all of it.

(((hugs)))
rue

Gypsy Heart said...

Would you like my address to ship cookies the next time you make them? :) I adore sugar cookies! I love anything key lime too.

So, so sorry about Milo. My daughter used to have a Dalmation that had seizures each full moon. Weird,huh? So sad too. My boy is showing his age now and it scares me to death! He's the best companion ever.

You know, we should all make CD's of our "things" ~ furniture, art, anything & everything, just in case. It's such a chore to try and remember every item ~ especially in the kitchen and bath. Try to view this as a chance to create something new in your life ~ maybe a different family space with new additions. :)

xo
Pat

Anonymous said...

Poor Milo! It seems you don't want to drug him, but I do encourage you to research the medication route further! Our pom started having seizures and would be very scared before and left anxious after. He now has a prescription for phenobarb and is back to his old self, he does not seem "drugged" or less active in any wa, seizures and fear/anxiety are all gone:)

Stonecropsister said...

Hugs, Jane, big hugs. Thats what my sister Carolyn always says to me when I am in one of those places where there is just a lot going on. Sure, there is good stuff mixed with the bad, but sometimes, man, it just seems like there is more of the heavy cloud feelings than normal. You have a lot going on so hugs to you. xx Nancy