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Just Frances

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Posted on15 October 201729 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Grief and the art of “moving forward”

by Just Frances6 Comments on Grief and the art of “moving forward”

I am a widow. I was widowed when I was a young woman of 35 and my life has never been the same since. In the…

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Posted on1 October 201729 July 2021Academic Life, Musings & Ramblings

An ambitious October

by Just Frances4 Comments on An ambitious October

After returning from my Homeland Holidays at the end of August, I had great hopes for a spectacular September for my PhD. Only I got sick that first…

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Posted on29 September 201718 October 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Exploring the past: Greenwood Cemetery

by Just Frances10 Comments on Exploring the past: Greenwood Cemetery

I spent a bit of time exploring the “old” Cle Elum cemetery when I was in the Homeland this summer. And in doing so (and talking…

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Posted on16 September 201730 September 2023Chronic Illness

Tolvaptan tales: A four-month reflection

by Just Frances18 Comments on Tolvaptan tales: A four-month reflection

It has been about four months since I started taking tolvaptan, which is a great opportunity for an update. As with the post I shared about my experiences…

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Posted on29 August 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

The holiday ends here

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The holiday ends here

After three wonderful weeks in the Homeland, I am heading home to my Heartland of Scotland. My bags are packed, I’ve checked in at the airport, and…

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Posted on27 August 201729 July 2021Everyday Life

Summer reunions in the Homeland

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Summer reunions in the Homeland

One of the great things about my American holidays this year has been the reunions. Each of my three weekends has brought another group together, which means…

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Posted on26 August 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Caching up with Parker and Haden

by Just Frances2 Comments on Caching up with Parker and Haden

Holidays to the Homeland means time with my nieces and nephews. I treasure that time as it allows me to catch up with what everyone is…

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Posted on24 August 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Caching up on the Old Highway

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Caching up on the Old Highway

Before my trip to the Homeland, I checked out the local geocaches to see what new adventures I could enjoy. That’s when I found that there…

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Posted on21 August 201729 July 2021Everyday Life, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Casting shadows as the sun disappears

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Casting shadows as the sun disappears

Today was one of those “once in a lifetime” moments that I hope (and expect!) will happen more than once in my lifetime: A total eclipse…

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Posted on13 August 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

A Sunday hike to Pete Lake

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on A Sunday hike to Pete Lake

I always knew how lucky I was to grow up in the beauty of Upper Kittitas County. I loved that I could escape into the woods…

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Posted on9 August 201729 July 2021Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Child at play

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Child at play

I’m in my Homeland for three weeks and that means I’m ready for some playtime! This is my first visit home since my Daddy’s 70th birthday party and…

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Posted on7 August 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

The holiday starts here

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The holiday starts here

After nearly three years, I am finally heading home to America for a holiday. My bags are packed, my tickets are printed, and my excitement levels…

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Posted on22 July 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Back to Blackness

by Just Frances2 Comments on Back to Blackness

I was invited out for a mini-adventure with a friend and her kids. And as you know, I can rarely turn down an offer for…

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Posted on20 July 201729 July 2021Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Falkirk for a fortnight

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Falkirk for a fortnight

I have just returned home after two weeks in Falkirk where I was house sitting (whilst taking orders from the resident cat, Phoebe). It was a nice…

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Posted on3 July 201729 July 2021Academic Life

Busy presenting

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Busy presenting

In recent weeks, I have been busy presenting work related to my PhD. The first two of these presentations were workshops designed to help others understand…

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Posted on16 June 201729 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

It was his loss, too

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on It was his loss, too

When we think about the grieving that happens after the death of a loved one, we often think about the suffering those left behind are…

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Posted on10 June 201730 September 2023Chronic Illness

Tolvaptan tales: The beginning

by Just Frances12 Comments on Tolvaptan tales: The beginning

Last month I shared that I was getting ready to start a new medication called tolvaptan. The drug is meant to slow the progression of my kidney…

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Posted on22 May 201729 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Toasting twelve years

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Toasting twelve years

Yesterday was (would have been?) my 12th wedding anniversary. And much like last year, I spent the day distracting myself with my PhD before taking some time to…

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Posted on11 May 201730 September 2023Chronic Illness

Talkin’ tolvaptan

by Just Frances25 Comments on Talkin’ tolvaptan

I will start taking a new drug called tolvaptan tomorrow morning to slow the progression of my kidney disease. When I was first recommended for the drug,…

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Posted on8 May 201729 July 2021Health & Wellness

Mental Health Awareness week: Knowing my limits

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Mental Health Awareness week: Knowing my limits

It is Mental Health Awareness Week here in the UK, so I thought I’d share a bit about my recent efforts to keep my mental health in…

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About Just Frances

Just Frances is a personal website maintained by me, Frances Ryan. I am a quirky runner, writer, thinker, drinker, crafter, adventurer, and researcher. I am also a daughter, sister, aunty, friend, and widow. But mostly, I am just Frances. (She/Her)

I blog about my life, including my travels and adventures, my experiences with PKD and ITP, my life as a young(ish) widow, and my life in general, really. Learn more about the topics I write about here.

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