DMC 815....

That's about the color of my blood as it travels through the tubes and into the apheresis machine. When I'm not stitching, I donate platelets at my local Red Cross in Johnson City, New York. I donate every other Tuesday after work. It's about a 2 1/2 hour process, but I can't think of anything more satisfying than helping to save lives. I began donating whole blood in 1989, and platelets in 2010. The only thing that would make it PERFECT, would be if I could stitch WHILE I donated. However, as you can see in the picture, that would be impossible to do as I have a needle poked in each arm!

Really, it's quite a relaxing process. I get to sit in a comfy recliner with by back against a warm heating pad while I watch a movie of my choice, complete with headphones. And if I get cold, they cover me up with fleece blankies! If I need anything....the volume of the tv turned up, my face scratched, my nose wiped, or my feet rubbed....the technicians obey my every command! Why do they bow to my every whim? Because they covet my platelets and want to keep me as a returning customer.

How great is that! For 2 1/2 hours, I am queen of the castle. But then after a refreshing snack of Keebler cookies and juice, I return to reality where if I want something, I have to do it myself.

Do any of you donate blood? (besides the occasional needle stick you might give yourself while stitching!) If not, I would encourage you to give it a try. There's nothing better than knowing you gave a perfect stranger the gift of life. And it's one size fits all!

Thanks for visiting me here, down by the creek!
Diane