Falling Down and Getting Back Up

I have been falling lately. Luckily, I haven't fallen on my elbow that just was operated on! We went to see a Shakespere play, and during intermission we took Montana out for a short walk. I had just handed off his leash to Arnie, when we began climbing a set of cement stairs. I fell, with my right knee landing on the step. Needless to say, it hurt and I said a very bad word. Montana came back down the stairs without prompting to help me get back up.

Does this mean my balance is getting worse, even on the Tysabri? I sure hope not, because I was at my baseline for months--my baseline is low but I'm still walking with a forearm crutch on my right and with Montana on my left.

For the play, we got handicapped seats which turned out to be the best in the house. There was room on the side of my chair for Montana to spread out, plus the seats had arm rests and pillows. The rest of the seating was bench-style, plus there were short stools up on stage for some who wanted to be a lot closer to the action.

Wednesday, we're taking a trip up to northern Virginia to see a few sights. The following week, we'll go to Richmond to see the Holocaust Museum (we've been there before, and it is humbling to see). There are Holocaust survivors who volunteer there to answer questions.

We're trying to get in as many trips as possible before June 7, when Arnie goes back for more CT scans, and then two days later we see the oncologist to find out where we need to go from there. Please send my dear husband positive thoughts as we get nearer to this event in our lives. Thank you!

aha moment: coming out of my shell.

aha moment: coming out of my shell.

Applesauce Cranberrry Cookies

We had Montana's thyroid tested, as he is gaining a lot of weight recently and is more lethargic than normal. We should have the results either today or Monday. I really hope that's what it is. The vet went ahead and did a CBC, and those results all came out normal.

Here's a new recipe I made yesterday. Montana approved wholeheartedly!

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour


• 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour


• 3 tsp cinnamon


• 1/2 cups dried cranberries


• 1/2 cup oat bran


• 1 egg


• 1/2 to 1 cup unsweetened applesauce


• 2 Tbsp honey


• 1 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients. The ones I made were a little dry, so I would suggest more applesauce (1 cup vs. 1/2 cup). Mix thoroughly. Roll into small balls, about 1" in diameter, and place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with Pam. Press each one down with your hand to flatten the cookies.

Bake 18-22 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool completely on a paper towel. Store at room temperature in a loosely covered container, or freeze. I stuck half in the freezer and half in the fridge.

Cranberry Cinnamon Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil


• 1/2 cup water


• 1/4 cup honey


• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour


• 1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal


• 2 tsp cinnamon


• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Mix oil and water, slowly add flour and other ingredients. Roll dough out on a flat surface and cut with cookie cutter. Bake 35 minutes on a 350 degree oven. Allow to cool on a wire rack (I use paper towels).

Store in airtight container in fridge, or freeze.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• 2 cups whole wheat flour


• 1 cup canned pumpkin


• 2 Tbsp. molasses


• 1-2 tsp. cinnamon


• 1 egg

Combine all ingredients together and mix until a dough forms. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Use cookie cutter or a knife to cut into shapes. Place on cookie sheet that has been pre-sprayed with Pam. They can be placed rather close together as they do not expand much during baking.

Bake 20-25 minutes. Transfer and let cool completely on wire racks (I use paper towels). Store cookies in an airtight container in fridge, or freeze.