Our Barge Adventure in France

This is a re-post of our fabulous trip to France. 
  It is strange because we went to France after  my ordeal with ovarian cancer some years ago.
Now 13 years later, I am battling this very same cancer.
 I am joining Anita for your "Simply Irresistible Link Party."

I am joining Anita for your fabulous "Simply Irresistible Link Party.
Every photo here is ours from the trip.

We went to France for a 2 week vacation in 2000. I thought I would  share some of our photos.  We went on a week long barge trip cruising down the canal in Burgundy. We then spent 6 days in Paris.

There were 7 of us that booked this private barge.

The owners were  husband and wife...the wife was the Captain and chef. and her husband was a doctor.  His sister was the tour guide and a young lady who did odd jobs.  As couples, we each got our own bedroom and private bath.

There was a dining room and living room where we could sit and relax. The best part was on top....Lots of sunshine and great views.

We would have  breakfast and  lunch everyday on top.

Here's a picture of the barge. It's called "Quietude"

                                          The "Quietude"

 

    

       

This was the first morning..we woke up with fog.

            My husband took this beautiful photo.

 This is  view from the barge looking forward to a lock house.

Going through the lock.  Each lock, they had to stop and turn the wheel to let the water go down.

This barge also had bicycles on board so we could ride or walk along the canals.

This woman is the lock keeper.  She is turning the wheel.  Most of these people live in the Lock house by the canal.  They also grow wonderful vegetables.  Our Chef would stop and pick up fresh veggies daily.

The canal systems in France have a multitude of locks to deal with altitude changes as you move more inland in France. Passing through a lock can be quite a pleasant experience as it enables you to get off the canal boat and meet the lock keeper. Although it’s not necessary, helping out with opening the lock gate will be appreciated. Passing through a lock is free although some people with canal boats in France do leave a tip. Many lock keepers have small stalls set up where you can buy local produce such as cheese and fruits.

               This is a picture of the back of the lock.

      This picture shows how tight some spots are in the canal.

Napoleon's Tomb

Notre Dame

 My husband with Rodan's "The Thinker".

                                      The Abbey Fontenay

      The monks' dormitory in Fontenay Abbey, northern Burgundy. They slept fully dressed, both for warmth (the room was not heated) and to be ready for midnight services. It has a beautiful roof of hand-hewn beams of Spanish chestnut, dating from the late 15th century.

                               Inside of the Abbey

                                The Abbey Forge

                      Waterfall at the Abbey.

                                   An old church

                     The Nav Church, they church was dedicated in 1147.

                           Cloisters- Fontenay Abbey

 
                            This is the oldest clock.....gorgeous....

     Expresso anyone?  The french love their coffee.. cafe.

            I love how there are so many outside cafes....

           Café au lait is one of my favorites.....

The famous Effel Tower 

Here's our group........You can see I had short hair. I had chemo and lost all of my hair and I was lucky enough to have my hair grow back in time for our trip. I had ovarian cancer and I am very lucky to be alive.

Another lock house had some wine.  I love this barrel...Bonjour....

On our last night, we had this french lady come aboard to entertain us. She played the crank box and sang.

Our dining table.  Our meals were outstanding....many courses...and of course those wonderful cheeses and fresh baked bread. Our chef would always present her dessert too. We were given a bell to ring for more wine and bread.  Needless to say, we rang that bell many times.  We got to the point, they started bringing out the jug wine...LOL

            This is Medieval City.  Quite a beautiful site.

                         We visited the Bathing pools.....

                    A quaint old village. Many shops....

 A great wine cave we visited and of courses tasted as well.

I'm at the  Champagne cave.  Yummy and cold champagne..

  My husband is in his element.  Wine galore.....LOL

  I'm relaxing an having a cocktail. What do you think of my hair?

Do I look French?   Believe me, at this point, I was extremely happy to have some hair.  I must say, it was so easy to care for.

              Anita, our captain and chef and her husband.

This was our last night photo.  We all dressed up for the occasion.

We had a marvelous time.  In between, our guide had a van and we went on side trips.  We visited wineries, castles and old towns.

 Well, I hope you have enjoyed seeing this trip through the region of Burgundy in France.

I think I need to make another post of Paris....It would make this one way too long...

My Cancer Update

Hello my friends, I haven't felt like being online for very long, however I think I should do this small post.

My friend Liz encouraged me to do a  post on my current health status.  Thank you  Liz.

It usually takes a lot for me, to not be online.
I am usually addicted to my pc, designing or blogging. 

I came through surgery with flying colors, "black and blue". 
  I guess some humor is always good.

My doctor removed all of the cancer...Yea!

Everyday is a blessing and I am starting to feel better.  Little by little, I will be back to my usual happy self.

My poor husband has been a trooper through all of my ups and downs.  I have been depressed and

emotional. Hey, I am human.....

I am going through pain, healing and just tired.

To keep Linda away from her computer is unheard of......LOL

My doctor called recently with the surgery biopsy report.  She said she thought the cancer was

triggered by the small dose of estrogen I was prescribed.  My Oncologist at the time prescribed it.

My doctor said NO MORE ESTROGEN?  My husband is shaking in his boots....wait, I mean his shoes......

He had told me at one point, to never run out of those magic pills.  Now, it seems, I need an alternative.

My doctor told me I might be treated with pelvic radiation, not chemo.  Should we all do a happy dance?

 That means NO hair loss.  I have never had radiation, so it's a new venture for me.

I know I am being silly with this post, however I am having terrible cramps.

I am very bloated....I look pregnant!

If I was brave enough, I would post a photo.
Pay attention to your bodies ladies.....

I appreciate all of your loving thoughts, prayers, wishes and just being there for me. Thank you.

Here's a little peak of our garden my husband built.  The watering cans are filled with Morning Glories.

I think he did a fabulous job.

Sending lots of love.........Linda

The deadly beast (C) has returned!

With a sad heart today, but a positive attitude, my doctor called me this morning with thew news, my mass is cancer.  I suspected it to be so, however I was holding  onto hope.

I am having surgery Thursday morning in Sacramento, Ca.  My doctor also has the pet scan results.

Hot spots around the mass, but it appears, no metastasis.

I feel better knowing the cancer has NOT spread.  A bump in the road, I will beat this thing!

Todays' technology is amazing.  Mostly likely my surgery will be robotic.  They are using  Da Vinci.

It is pretty interesting. I have been reading all about this procedure.

http://www.davincisurgery.com/da-vinci-surgery/

They operate on you in a head down position.  All I can say is, I am glad I will be asleep.

I want to thank each of you who have sent me your loving prayers, healing thoughts and friendship.

I will know more after the surgery.  My doctor did mention chemo again.  You know what that means..... all of your hair falls out, your eye lashes, eyebrows....I guess different cancer demand different treatment.

But, it doesn't define me.  Hair does grow back! Time will tell.
Ladies, I also want to say, pay attention to your bodies.
Also ask your doctor for a  CA-125 blood test.  It is a  marker for cancer....nothing guaranteed, but a red flag. 
Ovarian cancer is a deadly killer, so caught early,  the survival
rate is so much better.

Thank you again.....Love, Linda

Bloomin' Time!

Hello my friends, Spring is in the air again and there are so many beautiful flowers.

I wish they lasted longer.

I thought I would capture some of this beauty.

On a more personal note, here's what is going on with me.

As I've told you recently I haven't been feeling well. 
A recent visit to the doctor has revealed a mass growing in
the vaginal area.   Yes I said vagina..... 

sorry if it offends some of you. 
Some of you may know that I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 13 years ago.  I went through a complete hysterectomy and chemo treatments.  I've been in great health ever since, but this recent situation has me nervous.

I am trying to think good thought here.
I will be seeing another doctor tomorrow, and I'm sure more
tests will be done. A biopsy needs to be done and then I wait the dreaded week to get the results.

Update:  Went to the doctor today April 30th.  No biopsy was  done.  the doctor was too nervous to attempt the biopsy. She referred me to a gynecologist/oncologist.

Now, I have to wait even longer.

I can't stand the waiting.  Why won't the doctors get with the program and get me to the right doctor, do a biopsy and go from there.

Let's hope the dreaded (C) beast is not back!
I'll keep you posted about my situation, but for now I'd love for you to say a little prayer  on my behalf.

I appreciate your visit and  positive thoughts

Hugs.....