Cloudless Sky

After three days of storm, a bright sun and a cloudless sky greeted us.

   

It is also time for recovery.

Linking with Skywatch.

Surviving Jonas

We survived blizzard Jonas!

It's been three days of on and off shoveling and trying to clear the driveway from snow. My arms and back are so sore and I am just physically and mentally exhausted. Storm Jonas dropped about 3 feet of snow in my area and it will take time before we'll recover.

Saturday, second day of storm: the snow was up to 2+ feet. Our neighbor was out battling snow with his snowblower, which later broke.

It was a losing battle.

Our main street and sidewalks disappeared in a few hours.

 

Sunday was the second time we were out shoveling again. The sidewalks were more like trenches.

While we shoveled all day, Daisy found solace on the snow and welcomed the warmth of the sun.

Linking with Wordless Wednesday

Winter Advisory And Blog Award

Taken - January 2015.

I thought Mr. Winter had forgotten the good ol' State of Maryland.  For some time now, our weather has been more spring-like than winter. It was sort of a dull Christmas season because it was devoid of any sort or form of white dusting. Then lo and behold, there's been a lot of chatter about a winter weather advisory for this coming Friday! We're talking about a blizzard watch!

I'm not sure if I should get excited or worried because I commute to work and a snow storm means slippery roads and train delays. I'm still hoping our office will decide to close and I'd get my first snow day of the year. Yipeee!

Well, let's leave the topic of weather for the time being.

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This week, I've been given a blog award by Saturday Thoughts; it's been ages since I received one. Thank you so much for the award.

7 Random Facts About Me

1. Since my transplant and I lost all my hair due to chemo, I have no patience in letting my hair grow. I've been keeping my hair really short since then.
2. I work in an industry that has nothing to do with what I studied in college. Can anyone guess what I do?  (I studied History in undergrad by the way.)
3. I still prefer snail mail to e-mail.
4. I love it when it rains. It brings me a feeling of relief.
5. I am starting a new blog dedicated solely for travel and photos - kayni: travel cafe. I hope I can keep it up. This blog, kayni's corner cafe, will remain as my personal blog.
6. If asked what I'd love to do full-time - travel.
7. I love to travel but I hate flying.

NOTE: I am supposed to nominate a number of blogs for this award, but I'd suggest that anyone who'd love to do this post are welcome to do so. Just do let me know so that I can come read your post.

Mechanics:

Display the award in your blog.

Thank the person who nominated you.

Share 7 random facts about yourself.

Ireland: Driving Through The Connemara Loop

To pick up where I left off before I went on my unplanned hiatus from blogging, I'll continue featuring photos I took from our May 2015 vacation to Ireland.

In Galway, we stayed at a B&B called Periwinkle. Our host, Joan, was great and so helpful in providing maps and directions regarding our travel plans there. For our drive, we followed the Connemara Loop.

Although it rained on and off during our drive, I managed to capture (I think!) the essence and beauty of the scenic Connemara National Park. We planned Connemara National Park to be a full day of driving, but the area is so beautiful that each turn is a delight. We had to make so many stops.

We passed through this area on our way to Killary Fjord.

A cutie was actually observing me when I got off our car to take some photos.

Kepi and I sat here for a long time. The fairy island looks so inviting and the view was calming and beautiful.

Irish Blackface Sheep grazing nearby.

At the Connemara National Park, it was the emerald open fields and mountains that spoke to me. Located on the West Coast of Ireland, this place have survived time and the lashing of the Atlantic wind. It is wild and I absolutely love it!

I am linking with Skywatch Friday.

Second BMT Re-Birthday!

Today, I'm celebrating my second re-birthday from a bone-marrow transplant (BMT) that took place on January 11, 2013. If you're interested about my BMT journey, it's here.

Thank you to my family, friends and my BMT medical team for all their help and support.

Most of all, THANK YOU to my unrelated donor for giving me the gift of life.

Of Walls And Tears

It's a dreary, drizzly Saturday.

Kepi just lighted the fireplace, and I could hear wood crackling as the fire devours the pile. Today, I'm enjoying the company of Kepi, Daisy and Dizzy. I treasure days like this - quiet and relaxing.

Yesterday was a different story. It was a day of medical tests and the ever dreadful bone-marrow biopsy. What really surprised me (and made me emotional) was that they've started performing the biopsies at the floor where I got my ATG and chemo treatment.

The walls were like pages in a diary. Every minute I was there, the memories of my bone-marrow transplant flooded my emotions. It was those same walls that witnessed the most terrifying, painful and challenging days of my life.

Yesterday, the same walls welcomed me back and recognized that I am still fighting and standing. Because life is always worth fighting for.

Tears poured after my biopsy.

Chatting with the nurses and technician before my bone-marrow biopsy.

New Year's Day

On New Year's Day, Kepi, Daisy and I were out for an afternoon walk when we caught glimpse of the lovely Maryland sky. The sky was a perfect backdrop to the almost leafless trees of winter.

The sky was on fire for a moment, then darkness took over.

This is my entry to:
 Wordless Wednesday
Ruby Tuesday
and Skywatch Friday.