So, it's been a crazy, almost 7 years (yes, YEARS!) since my last post. Why, you might ask? Well, a lot happened right after that, and things took a huge, unexpected turn. I found someone special to share my life and love. We were together only a short time when he experienced the first life threatening illness. A staph infection in the bone, an 8 week coma, ICU, and rehab consumed six months.
Just as the man was on the mend, it was my turn to fall apart. I had to have open heart surgery to correct a congenitally defective valve that was failing. Together we have also been through cancer, the death of my grandson, the end of my company, and a back surgery that allowed spinal fluid to seep out, bringing on another near-death experience. Migraine headaches followed daily for 18 months.
Interspersed with the tragic have been a number of fun trips, rebuilding a 70's house, and generally creating memories together. We are currently moving toward retirement, hoping to be financially independent and living a quiet life doing interesting things and making art.
Though I have never been a frequent blogger, perhaps it is time to give some serious effort to the task. There is a lot more to be said . . .
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Sunday, October 17, 2010
11 Months Later
It's been nearly a year since jury duty, as written in my last post. It seems longer ago than that. The details that were so fresh then are fuzzy now. Reading reminds me of the fight, but even after spending every day for a month with the thirteen other jurors, only a few stand out. Todd - tall, quiet and strong. Dawn - spiky haired, smart. Ian - artistic and witty. And a couple I am glad to forget. I am, however, still grateful for the experience.
It's fall again, which seems to mean less here in Texas than in the north of my youth. I recall sweater weather, sleeping with the windows opened, and smelling the fresh autumn air. My favorite memory of all, walking through the woods while listening to the leaves crackle beneath my feet, gazing up to see them falling one by one, a ballet upon the breeze. Strolling hand-in-hand with my love. Happy, happy . . . . .
It's fall again, which seems to mean less here in Texas than in the north of my youth. I recall sweater weather, sleeping with the windows opened, and smelling the fresh autumn air. My favorite memory of all, walking through the woods while listening to the leaves crackle beneath my feet, gazing up to see them falling one by one, a ballet upon the breeze. Strolling hand-in-hand with my love. Happy, happy . . . . .
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Jury Duty
I spent the month of November serving Jury Duty. It is now over, whew!
It was a civil case, involving asbestos. The plaintiff was a compressor rebuilder. Part of the process of disassembling the compressors, is to take off asbestos laden gaskets, which allow the fibers to become airborn, and when breathed in, can cause mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung.)
The plaintiff was diagnosed in 2003, filed suit, then died in 2005. His wife continued the suit.
He/She was asking for multiple millions, for value of life and pain/suffering.
The Defendant was a compressor manufacturer. The company did not make the gaskets, but did use them in their compressors.
The original suit was against a number of companies. Our understanding was that a few settled right away. A few of the cases were dismissed for various reasons. This was the last case.
We found that the Plaintiff did not prove their case. The instructions given to the jury after closing arguments were extensive. 16 pages and counting. The battle was hard-fought by the lawyers in the courtroom and by the jury during deliberations. The last week of the trial was the most stressful week I've lived through in a long time. My body rebelled, big-time. It took the entire holiday weekend to feel "normal" again. Sunday night I finally fell asleep at a reasonable time.
For a case that lasted a month, it was bound to be complicated. It taught me a number of real life lessons. Even though jury duty is a huge hassle, I thought it was worth the time and effort. It wasn't just about doing my civic duty, it wasn't just about being part of something larger than myself; it was that and more. Knowing that each of us can make a difference. Next time I get a notice to appear for jury service, I won't groan and wish it on someone else. I'll go, and again experience the process that makes this country unique.
It was a civil case, involving asbestos. The plaintiff was a compressor rebuilder. Part of the process of disassembling the compressors, is to take off asbestos laden gaskets, which allow the fibers to become airborn, and when breathed in, can cause mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung.)
The plaintiff was diagnosed in 2003, filed suit, then died in 2005. His wife continued the suit.
He/She was asking for multiple millions, for value of life and pain/suffering.
The Defendant was a compressor manufacturer. The company did not make the gaskets, but did use them in their compressors.
The original suit was against a number of companies. Our understanding was that a few settled right away. A few of the cases were dismissed for various reasons. This was the last case.
We found that the Plaintiff did not prove their case. The instructions given to the jury after closing arguments were extensive. 16 pages and counting. The battle was hard-fought by the lawyers in the courtroom and by the jury during deliberations. The last week of the trial was the most stressful week I've lived through in a long time. My body rebelled, big-time. It took the entire holiday weekend to feel "normal" again. Sunday night I finally fell asleep at a reasonable time.
For a case that lasted a month, it was bound to be complicated. It taught me a number of real life lessons. Even though jury duty is a huge hassle, I thought it was worth the time and effort. It wasn't just about doing my civic duty, it wasn't just about being part of something larger than myself; it was that and more. Knowing that each of us can make a difference. Next time I get a notice to appear for jury service, I won't groan and wish it on someone else. I'll go, and again experience the process that makes this country unique.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Getting Started - Again
I've been here before, and now I'm back.
Taking inspiration from Mary's Madness, who has many blogs, but specifically one called "What's In Your Drawers", I plan to show you what's in my world, including my drawers.
Please give me a little time to figure out Blogspot. Soon . . .
Taking inspiration from Mary's Madness, who has many blogs, but specifically one called "What's In Your Drawers", I plan to show you what's in my world, including my drawers.
Please give me a little time to figure out Blogspot. Soon . . .
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