So sorry!

So much has happened since March.  I feel so bad neglecting my blog.  Truthfully, things have been difficult so the blog was the least on my mind.  First of all I had a major M.S. attack on my brain stem.  I believe it was due to a stressful situation I had just had and then about 2 weeks later I woke up with the left side of my face completely numb.  It was a Sunday morning, so my family was busy at church.  I had to call my daughter Kelly to tell her what was happening in case it was a stroke.  Well, to make a long story short, it was an attack on my brain stem and after everything was figured out (about 5 days) I ended up in the outpatient infusion center where I had a 5 day Solu-Medrol treatment with a taper of predinsone.  I felt ok even good for one day.  But the neuropathy in my legs quickly came back.  I found out later that this kind of attack doesn't really heal well.  My neurologist was encouraged that I wasn't blind or unable to walk.  That is always fun!  This was and still is a terrible attack.  I woke up and started washing my face.  Suddenly I noticed that the left side of my face was completely numb.  Not tingling or weird feelings but numb, like you had Novocaine!  I would scratch my face and could not feel the pain!  I would brush my teeth with my electric brush and not feel the left gum at all.  Now, months later, I still have numbness but not as bad.  It is mostly in my upper and sometimes bottom left lips. 

I guess the depression that comes from this kind of set back had me just doing the minimum to survive.  Blogging seemed not important.  I thought about completely deleting it....but here I am with my simple life stories hoping maybe they can encourage someone who has M.S. to keep trying and keep positive!

A couple of weeks ago we went to our annual family camp.  I was determined to catch a fish this year!  And I did.  I caught not only one fish but 6 and the biggest one to win the fishing derby!  Woot!  Woot!

Can you believe that?  I went in a boat!  Now, those of you who are 50ish and have M.S. know how hard this is.  Spasity is such a problem to bend then get up in a little boat that is bobbing around! I was determined to do it!  and we even took our grand son out with us. He got a second place ribbon!  Our church has the greatest family camps!

I have one other grand son that was born in July!  His name is Ezekiel.  He is a little sweetie

Here he is just about 6 weeks old.  Can't wait to take him on the boat and catch the biggest fish!  

Well, that is the update for now.  I'm still here.  A little worse with M.S. but enjoying what time I have and my grand kids especially.

I deeply miss my little Momo. The birds are fun but not like she was!

Hello! I need some names!

It's been a while since I have written.  I have a few updates.

First of all, I applied and received Social Security Disability.  I was no longer able to be consistent at my work so I applied and went through the process of application.  It was a long and sometimes humiliating process, but in the end I received approval in the first try.  I am thankful for the added income, even if it is very small.  If you find yourself in the process of applying for Disability and have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

Since the death of my sweet dog Momo, I decided to buy a couple of zebra finches.  I guess the house felt a little empty and I have always loved birds.  So, I decided the finches are the least amount of work and trouble.  Although Momo is gone, it is nice to be able to think of going somewhere without worry of where she could be comfortable, etc.

So one day after CJ came over from school, I said "let's go and buy some finches"!  She was very excited and I really enjoyed the idea!  So, we came home with two awesome finches.  A male and a female, who I have yet to name.  It was suggested I have a contest here....and if anyone wants to post possible names, then I would be happy to entertain them.  And I think I will send a prize to the one I choose.  Just not sure what to choose....so what do you have to loose?  Suggest a name, and maybe win something! 

Here are my finches...


I was surprised he started taking a bath while I was standing there!  So, luckily I had my phone to catch the moment! 

After I had the birds for a couple of weeks, I noticed they seemed to want to build a nest.  So we put a nest in the cage and some material for building.  I never expected in my wildest dreams that they would actually mate and lay eggs!  But, they did!  After we came back from Disneyland there was 4 eggs, or so I think.  But in just a very few days I heard peeping! 

As you can see....there are baby birds!  Wow...suddenly I have quite a few more than 2!  It is a fascinating thing to watch...a little overwhelming!

I thought there were 4 but now I'm wondering if there are 5? (you can't really see in the nest...it is so small.  so I have to put the iphone up to it and flash away...hopefully they won't be blind!)

Wow...I'm now a flock owner!  Help...I need name ideas!

There was one more video I wanted to share with you....for weeks this was happening at my home...

Good-Bye Dearest!

I knew this day was coming but still I was not prepared for her leaving.  I must say....I have been so sad about this.  On New Years Eve our dear dog Momo died.  She was the best dog I have ever had...and I've had many.  She was so wonderful to the kids, and never caused any trouble. 

The night she died, was like any other.  When we came home she was so cute and the bottom left picture in the collage was the last picture I took of her.  It was just hours before we found her in the back yard.  The comfort I get is that I took that picture when we came in the door.  It was like she was asking me to!  Then a little later that night, as I was laying on the couch, she stood and stared at me.  She stood there for the longest time.  It was so long in fact that I said to Gene..."look at Momo....it's like she was trying to tell me something".  I finally said to her "I don't understand!"  But now I do.  It was like she was saying good-bye, like she was saying "I love you, you gave me a wonderful home". 

I don't know what happens to our beloved pets when they die, but after looking to what others say, I have to agree with Billy Graham...

"When asked if animals go to heaven, Graham replied, `I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness' in heaven. If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there."

So, I like to believe my beloved Momo is in heaven, waiting for me!  She was truly the best dog ever! 
Good-Bye Dear Momo...until we meet again! 

Good-Bye Christmas 2010, we will miss you!

I can't believe the decline in my postings this last year. I just don't seem to get a hand on managing my life. I seem to be in slow motion. I seem stiffer and slower than usual. I guess my M.S. is progressing faster now. I occasionally walk with a cane (mostly for balance). I want to do a whole post about my health, and I know there are those of you on the other side of the world who wonder so I will... Just not this morning.

Top picture is of a dear friend Grace and my sweet dog Momo. Her and her mom stopped by just before Christmas to give me a great present! A mug and calendar! But not just any mug and calendar, one with silhouettes on it! And not just any silhouettes...some from my collection!

Wwwwhhhhaaaatttt? In fact, I'm using it right now as I type! Such wonderful friends made my Christmas wonderful. I can't believe my BFF made a whole post about my pomegranate PAMAgranate Jelly! I love you MORE Marti! And Christine and Grace I love YOU!

I feel like such a looser this year...no pictures of my Christmas card, nothing. I just couldn't keep up. Now, I am tearing down everything. Maybe tomorrow I can get it together in the blog world.

Here is a couple of things I got at Christmas...

My Darling husband got me TIFFANY earrings and necklace combo. He knew I always wanted something from Tiffany but with the economy the way it is, well, let's just say I didn't think I would be getting that any time soon. The we happened on a classy second hand store (one that takes high end gently used items). The name of the store is Castaways Concepts. (link attached to name) That is where he found this amazing gift! Thank you Gene P. I love them! A LOT!

Then my son and daughter in love gave me this eclectic charm necklace. I just love it.

My sweet daughter got me three silhouettes for my wall. But by far this one was the most unexpected. CJ with Ariel. I think I created a monster, as CJ now wants her with all characters! (she has her and Cinderella as well)

Then on one dreary day...a package was there from Disney. (which I did not order!) Low and behold the D23 fan club sent me a watch! Notice how the only numbers on the watch are 2 and 3! I guess they were sending them out to members! OK..that keeps me renewing each year! (don't judge my nails!)

When it is all said and done, December went really fast, but I did a lot. I guess it was just too fast!

Happy 2011 everyone! Keep reading and I'll try and do better on the updates!

Momo

My sweetie Momo is still here and doing pretty good. She's an old girl now. She is 13 this year! She can't jump up on lots of things anymore, but she can get on our bed (because of stairs). She is the best dog we have ever had. She is related to the famous Shiba Puppy cam dogs. I don't know if we will ever have another dog as wonderful as her. Makes me sad to think her days ahead may be less than behind. I don't know why I am feeling so melancholy this morning but as I look at her I realize she has been the best Friend, companion and dog I will ever have/had. We all love you Momo! Stay healthy!

The best thing ever!

So everyone knows by now that I collect silhouettes from the Silhouette Studio on Main Street, USA at Disneyland. This past Sunday I was given another one (my 42nd)! This one was very unique and quite a surprise!

I opened the box expecting to have one of Josh and Leia. They had given me one before but I thought they did one of one of them with a hat on due to this picture they sent me.

But they were so tricksy! They were just sending a picture of a random kid who was not happy about having to do a silhouette. Anyway, as it turns out Sylvia remembers me, my collection and our little church. Not long ago she cut this for me

It's of my dog Momo. I sent a picture of Momo (left profile) via iphone to another wonderful family from the church who were doing silhouettes for me, half as a joke and half wondering if it could be done. Apparently the Silhouette Studio will do silhouettes from pictures. They said they needed it to be a right profile and that the photo I sent was not clear enough. I said, "ok....next time and thanks for trying". Well, they flipped the photo and had her cut it as a surprise. What wonderful friends I have! Anyway, back to the surprise silhouette from Sunday. Josh and Leia asked her if she would do a self portrait. She asked them to come back after about 30 minuets as she needed to think about it. She graciously said yes! So she did her first ever self portrait and what was she cutting out? (you might be wondering) MOMO! So cute! Then she signed and dated it! Wow, what an amazing keepsake!

So thanks a million Josh and Leia! You are amazing!

And a big thank you to Christine & Alex for the surprise of Momo!

And if you would like seeing Sylvia talking about the Studio, click here!

Here is a cute you tube of the shop (not Sylvia)

I just love the Silhouette Studio! My kitchen takes your breath away when you walk into it! I guess if I fill up the kitchen, I'll have to go to the rest of the house! I hope they never close the shop. I have one 30 years old! I love Disneyland!

I put Sylvia up on my wall in between Momo and Josh & Leia.

I forgot to mention why I think this is the best thing ever. I am not easily surprised! I think I was named Pandora appropriately! I can't stand a wrapped package or unopened box. I have been known to open a Christmas gift then re-wrap it! (and "act" surprised of coarse when I do officially open it!) I didn't see this coming. I figured they were doing one with an Indiana Jones hat on (which would be great!). Never in a million years would I have guessed they had this in mind! So, for that surprise which I rarely (ok almost never) get, it's the best thing ever! Thanks guys!

Of Fairy Godmothers . . .

Since I have been so lame in posting the past few months, I thought it would be nice to hear from others in my life! So, if anyone is reading or wants to participate feel free to send me a post at pam.pensiero@gmail.com and I would love to post it. Use whatever topic you like. he following is from my BFF's daughter Amy. There she is above with my beloved dog Momo. You can read a few of my thoughts on Amy here. (click link)
This is Amy. Her smile it lights up the whole room! I think you will agree! So, without further Ado, here's Amy's post! (with pictures and red text added by me)-

Fairy Godmothers are a rare breed. There are not many fairy tales that actually have them. Thanks to the magic of Disney, there are a few really good ones (and I'm definitely including the the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio in this group).

Hello, everyone! My name is Amy and I will be your poster for today. Feel free to put me up on the wall. No autographs, please. ;-)

When I was a little girl (VERY little, we're talking 3 or 4 here) my favorite Disney cartoon was Pinocchio and I wanted to be the Blue Fairy when I grew up. I also wanted a cricket for a friend and a black and white cat I could call "Figaro," but that's not important right now. (Yes, I DID get the cat. I won't use the word "spoiled" though.)

Being from a big, fat, Cuban family that had originally-at-some-point-but-not-really-anymore been Catholic, we maintain the tradition of godparents. So, technically speaking, I have an actual godmother (my aunt) and as a child I really did think she was a fairy. Her job as my "fairy godmother" basically consists of giving me gifts and cards on major holidays and she still does it to this day. But, I have been blessed. I'm lucky. I have a SECOND Fairy Godmother (one more, and I'm a regular Sleeping Beauty).

She showers me with gifts. Little gifts. These amazingly thoughtful and personal things that overwhelm me with a feeling of love and security. Plus, I know that I can call her at any moment and she will be there for me in any way she can.

I know I called her my 2nd godmother, but she's also like a 2nd mother. Actually, I call her my "almost mother." You see, she had been dating my father and, after she broke up with him, was the one who introduced him to my mother. The two couples used to do everything together.

(Amy's mom took this picture in Catalina on one of our many vacations together!)

It really was like right out of a movie or a sit com. At least, that's what it looks like to me. As it does, life happened and the couples lost touch. Only to reconnect again years later thanks to the magic of Disney . . . wait, no, the magic of the Internet! =D

So, this godmother of mine knows how much I love Lord of the Rings. In fact, I do believe that was how we really got re-connected. We used to send our favorite LOTR quotes back and forth to each other . . . for DAYS.

(This is a shot of the line at Trilogy Tuesday in 2003. We needed Amy's help to tell us the words to the Hobbit Drinking Song. Then we sang it and won stuff!)

When the Return of the King came out and it was an all-day extravaganza, my FGM (Fairy GodMother) was sharing the day with me. She would ask for help with trivia questions, she would send pictures. It was a blast. And then, because I know she just adores me more than I could ever deserve, she sent a bunch of the stuff that she won to me.

Ok, I hope I've established that this FGM will do just about anything to see me smile (and no, she does not work at a McDonald's). We constantly share the simple things that are happening in our life. She will send me a picture of LOTR on TV with a quote from the movie. I'll send her a picture to let her know I'm at Disneyland and she's on my mind.

So, the other day she sent me a short video of her husband reading to their granddaughter. He was doing an accent and everything. It cracked me up to the point that I wanted to know what book it was because I definitely wanted to go buy it. She told me that she would have him read the whole thing and that she would send it to me. So, I expected to get another message sent to my phone, but this time, the message came via the magical Internet:

I can't believe they did this for me. I am so touched. I think it is just so funny!

I'm sure you know that she collects silhouettes from Disneyland now. Well, since she always sends me such thoughtful gifts,there was just one thing I could do . . . I had to send her one of me, with THE Fairy Godmother. Ms. Bippity-Boppity-Boo herself. No, the Disney people did NOT have one ready to go. I had to pour through picture books and find just the right one. The Disney people liked it so much that they put it in their book as a regular one that they offer.
(We are such trend-setters!)

I am so grateful to have a Fairy Godmother like Pam in my life. She brings magic to my world in ways that no one else can. (I love you!!)

(I love you MORE!)

Thanks Amy for the wonderful post! Can't wait to hear all about your trip to Cuba!

Their back!!!!!

I can't believe it! The second litter of puppies are back! I guess they were on the Sunday Today show yesterday! For 6 weeks, I will do nothing but watch them. Click here and watch! Fun! BTW, they are related to Momo!

Sorry there is a weird psychic add at the beginning of the live feed. I guess they have to make money someway! The puppies are cute!

Had a bit of excitement tonight!

My son and his lovely wife have this sweet little cat named Tuna. She has been over at our house the last couple of days. She went through a surgery last week and has developed an infection from it, so they didn't want to leave her home alone. They stopped by tonight to visit and watch an episode of "The Deadliest Catch". We figured that Momo and her would get along since she was here yesterday most of the day and there wasn't much protest from either animals. We were wrong. Tuna didn't like Momo and let us all know it. So, we ended up putting Momo outside while they were here. Anyway, we notice Momo was barking. Well, she never barks. As we listened we noticed all the neighborhood dogs were barking. Gene goes outside and what does he see?

A Great Horned Owl! Not just one, but two. We think they flew out of the neighbor's palm tree. I ran to get the camera and I couldn't believe it would focus since it was way up on the telephone pole and it is very dark out. But there it is! I'm so proud!

Thanks to a sweet iphone app(iBird Plus), I was able to identify the bird as the Great Horned Owl! (because of their call)

Click above and hear what we heard! "The pair calling" (first one) is what we heard.

Can't I have considerate neighbors?

This is my beautiful dog Momo. She is a Shiba Inu and is 12 years old. (looking pretty great for 84, don't you think?) She is a quite dog and pretty much only barks when someone knocks at the door. Sometimes she does an "alert bark" which is one small "bark" (if you can call it that) which means-"I want to go outside, I want to go for a walk, or I want to eat)

My favorite is when I walk by her bowl and she look at me, makes eye contact, then looks at her bowl, then back to me. I say "it's not time to eat yet"!

Our past dogs, Siberian Huskies, were even less barkers than Momo. This means they virtually NEVER barked. You can see Aurora howling (sort of....she was old) here. The huskies wouldn't even bark if someone came to the door. They weren't really friendly but would go with anyone, if you know what I mean. They could give or take you. Pretty much all you (the human) are good for in their eyes, is feeding them! But we struggled through with 3 different huskies over almost 20 years.

I'm struck when I look at that picture how much Momo looks like these dogs. Maybe that is why people think she is a puppy. In reality, Momo is about 1/3 the size of these dogs. These dogs weighed about 60 pounds.

Then there are my neighbor dogs....

The one Momo is looking at here. Mind you, Momo doesn't bark...but this little dog (smaller than Momo-who is 22 pounds and about 16" high) barks A LOT! Not constant, but a lot. Her run just happens to be on the side of the house that CJ's room is located. I get so upset when CJ is napping and that dog starts barking. It usually only barks if something is happening -like the UPS man, bottled water guy, mail man, you name it.....The only problem is that it gets into a barking fit and just won't stop. Since the family is mostly not at home during the day, they seem to not know or care. They will yell at it if they are home and it is barking at me doing yard work.

Then there is this dog...

Doesn't he look nice mean? He lives behind us in a huge 2 story home. He is left to himself a lot, from what I can tell. This weekend especially he was really annoying and scary. He goes up the stairs to the 2nd floor balcony and glares into our yard. EVERY time we go outside he barks like crazy.

Looking just like that!

And when Momo goes outside he starts tearing up his blanket that is up there


He just tears into it. Then just stares back at me. I think he would tear me apart if he could. Pretty scary.

Which leads me to my question. Why can't I have considerate neighbors? I mean, why have a dog if you don't want to have it part of your life? Why not deal with it? Why let it bark and annoy your neighbors all day long? I am always amazed that people have pets and then just leave them in their back yards. Hey, it's hot and miserable right now.

But, I guess, every dog can't be as pampered as mine!

If you thought I am crazy, you were right!

I really miss the shiba cam! I found this little clip on u-tube (where else?) that made me cry! I know I am so weird! Who knew something so sweet could affect me so much. With all the horrible news in the world and all the cruelty Thank heavens for surprises like the shiba cam! I received an email from the National Shiba Inu Club that told me about this

A calendar for 2009 with the puppies from the famous litter! Of coarse I bought it! Proceeds go to Shiba Rescue. I thought that was especially cute. Of coarse, you remember my own little Momo is related to these pups in a round about way. and Momo was in the official 2006 Shiba Inu Calander.

We affectonately refer to her as Miss November! And pictures of our little family are posted on the National Shiba site, but I digress.

Thank you so much Shiba Puppy Cam Owners! We loved watching them! I for one and sad they are gone but trust their new owners are giving them as much love as we give ours!

Bye puppies! Hope to hear some day how you all are doing!

2009?

I'm just getting use to the year 2008 and now it will be 2009 in a couple of days? I can report a couple of things! I got most of my Christmas decorations down and am enjoying the semi-clean home. I've made a decision about next year. I want the gold tree that was shown on Live With Regis and Kelly! It's called Toasted Champagne Gold Tinsel Tree and yes I found it on the Internet! I was seriously tempted to get the red one.....

Pretty presumptuous since I don't know if I get another year! Anyway, I'm going gold. I don't know if I will even use ornaments or maybe all one color. How about red? I wonder if I will do it or not? I can never break away from the past. Part of me thinks "hey, why not"and the other part of me thinks "but what about all the memory's from the past"? I just don't know. I wish I could do something different just for me! Well, that is a year away!

I got some fun presents this year! I also gave some great ones as well! First, my loving husband, got me a Disney art watch. For those of you who don't know, Disney has watches like they have pins. They have original art watches, where you have the artist do something only for you. That is why Elliot is on my site. Gene had that one done for me a year or so ago. (right hand side need bottom of blog page-the dragon that says "I love you too") The one he got me this time was an open edition with this art.

I mean, who can resist Jack and Sally? I just love the vibrant colors!

Mary and John gave me a thing I am very excited about.... an AeroGarden! I love fresh spices and have tried to grow them. But it is just so hot here (from about April to October), then it is so cold (from about November to April). Inside my home might be ok except I have no sunlight coming in. It is one of those dark 70 style homes! So I have been wanting to try the AeroGarden. Thanks guys!

I can't wait to see if I can do it! The seeds seem very reasonable and so are the grow bulbs. Believe me, I'll keep you posted!

Geno and Kelly got me a nice little bling for my iPhone.

It's important to have a little Bling!!!!

And I think the favorite thing they did was this-

It was wrapped as beautiful as ever. Then inside was this little Olszewski pill box. This was really nice since the one I had broke a while ago. But when you look closer you see this-

Inside was satin rope with a note that read "open me". It was so Alice in Wonderland, don't you think?

So, I opened it! What was inside?

A sweet little Mickey charm! I loved the whole thing. Kelly has certainly gotten into the spirit of gift giving! Thanks Kelly!

Then there is this

The monkey peeler that CJ picked out all by herself! Who said that 2 year old's (going on 3) don't have a sense of humor? We always ask CJ if she is a monkey and she says "no, I'm CJ!".
How funny she choose that!


Even Momo was into the Christmas spirit!

Happy 2009 everyone! (or almost 2009!) God Bless you EVERYONE!