Such a lovely day we had today. Gorgeous sun, warm temperatures and a gentle breeze blowing. I slept until 8:30AM this morning. What a pleasure.
Then I got up and did the "morning" chores and went down in the den to do some sewing. I am making a bit of headway on my projects and am using the time for a bit of me time.
I went over to see Dick at about noon. We had lunch together, I helped him put on his prosthesis for a few hours. Good to do that every day. He seemed a BIT stronger today. I hope this continues. We also went outside for a stroll and roll this afternoon.
I came home at about 3:30PM to take a nap and rest. Nice afternoon and evening. Tomorrow will be another rather quiet day. I intend to enjoy before busy starts again.
God love you
Mary
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 09, 2011
Boy did I get a lot done today. I woke up with a little energy. First I reviewed the CWI Branch newsletter, and sent it out. Then I printed the ones that had to be mailed and got them sent out. I left Jody cleaning at about 9AM as Tim was picking Dick up for his doctor appointments at 10AM.
I got there and had plenty of time to get him ready, including putting on his prosthesis as we are trying to have it on more hours of the day so that when the new one comes he will not have to adjust to two of them.
We got to Aurora in plenty of time and saw Dr. Fehrman first. He is really pleased with the healing on his new amputation and will not have to see him again unless something goofy happens.
Dr Sharon was next. He is concerned about the recurring pneumonia and has referred Dick to a pulminary specialist. The trouble is that that doctor is booked until September 28. I told the nurse that he could be in and out of the hospital two times before then. She is going to try to call them to see if anything can be done to move it up.
We picked up some soup and a sandwich at the restaurant in the clinic so that Dick did not have to go down to the dining room. Not a problem usually, but he was so tired. Then he had to go to both OT and PT because of a Medicare assessment so he was not able to really unwind until almost 3PM. Boy was he a tired guy. He did very well in therapy. We also got him a different wheel chair cushion that we hope will relieve the pressure on his coccyx and allow that area to heal.
So that was the day. I came home and did a bit of sewing. Then, Nora called and we had such a nice visit. After dinner, Bart and Barb called to check on the doctor appointments. So good to talk to people and have the concern.
I called my friend Maureen about the CWI newsletter and IBAM which is in November. IBAM is Irish Book Art and Music put on by the Irish American Center in Chicago. I will be reading some of my poetry at the event this year in our Literary Parlor. I am excited.
So now it is the end of another day and time to settle in for the night. Roxie will be delighted.
Have a good weekend. Mine will be quiet.
Love
Mary
The Importance of walking
Walking can add minutes to your life.
This enables you at 85 years old
to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing
home at $4,000 per month.
I got there and had plenty of time to get him ready, including putting on his prosthesis as we are trying to have it on more hours of the day so that when the new one comes he will not have to adjust to two of them.
We got to Aurora in plenty of time and saw Dr. Fehrman first. He is really pleased with the healing on his new amputation and will not have to see him again unless something goofy happens.
Dr Sharon was next. He is concerned about the recurring pneumonia and has referred Dick to a pulminary specialist. The trouble is that that doctor is booked until September 28. I told the nurse that he could be in and out of the hospital two times before then. She is going to try to call them to see if anything can be done to move it up.
We picked up some soup and a sandwich at the restaurant in the clinic so that Dick did not have to go down to the dining room. Not a problem usually, but he was so tired. Then he had to go to both OT and PT because of a Medicare assessment so he was not able to really unwind until almost 3PM. Boy was he a tired guy. He did very well in therapy. We also got him a different wheel chair cushion that we hope will relieve the pressure on his coccyx and allow that area to heal.
So that was the day. I came home and did a bit of sewing. Then, Nora called and we had such a nice visit. After dinner, Bart and Barb called to check on the doctor appointments. So good to talk to people and have the concern.
I called my friend Maureen about the CWI newsletter and IBAM which is in November. IBAM is Irish Book Art and Music put on by the Irish American Center in Chicago. I will be reading some of my poetry at the event this year in our Literary Parlor. I am excited.
So now it is the end of another day and time to settle in for the night. Roxie will be delighted.
Have a good weekend. Mine will be quiet.
Love
Mary
The Importance of walking
Walking can add minutes to your life.
This enables you at 85 years old
to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing
home at $4,000 per month.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
I feel a lot better today. I don't know why but I will not question it.
I got up and did some kitchen cleaning, some wash, some quilting and cleaned the oven. I left a bit early to stop at Fleet Farm to try to find some new shirts for Dick as a couple of his current shirts are really getting worn. Luckily, I was there at the changed of season and found three of a kind that he likes in the size 3X not 3XT so I took them all. He liked them.
I got to Rocky Knoll to see the end of his OT and then join him and the "guys" - in this case just Bud and Fred as the other Ernie was out with his wife - for lunch. Dick's appetite is still not good. He ate about half of his meal today. He said that he had an egg and toast and a piece of cheese for breakfast.
After lunch the speech therapist, Susan, stopped in to remind him of the things he must do and the throat exercises that he should to to be sure that all the food goes down into the stomach instead of aspirating into the lungs. Then he had his PT. He was quite tired by then but did a great job anyway. He even stood twice for longer than he had managed since he got the pneumonia.
Today, he finally felt well enough to look at the pictures I took in Oklahoma and to look at the plans I brought back from a builder there. This is a good sign as he is still much to weak to want to play games or go outside.
Tomorrow he has appointments with both Dr. Fehrman and Dr. Sharon. I have a list of concerns to present. He really is not rallying the way he should. I know you are all praying for him and I just want you to know how much we rely on those prayers and your good thoughts.
Since I have been so repetative lately, I will insert one of my brother Matt's poems for you.
Tree
it's busy head aloft in the sky
when the wind comes roaring
it will lean it's head and cry
it will cry until it's empty
of all it's tears & all it's grief,
and in it's final autumn of anquish
will shed leaf after lonely leaf.
He never used capital letters.
God love you
Mary
I got up and did some kitchen cleaning, some wash, some quilting and cleaned the oven. I left a bit early to stop at Fleet Farm to try to find some new shirts for Dick as a couple of his current shirts are really getting worn. Luckily, I was there at the changed of season and found three of a kind that he likes in the size 3X not 3XT so I took them all. He liked them.
I got to Rocky Knoll to see the end of his OT and then join him and the "guys" - in this case just Bud and Fred as the other Ernie was out with his wife - for lunch. Dick's appetite is still not good. He ate about half of his meal today. He said that he had an egg and toast and a piece of cheese for breakfast.
After lunch the speech therapist, Susan, stopped in to remind him of the things he must do and the throat exercises that he should to to be sure that all the food goes down into the stomach instead of aspirating into the lungs. Then he had his PT. He was quite tired by then but did a great job anyway. He even stood twice for longer than he had managed since he got the pneumonia.
Today, he finally felt well enough to look at the pictures I took in Oklahoma and to look at the plans I brought back from a builder there. This is a good sign as he is still much to weak to want to play games or go outside.
Tomorrow he has appointments with both Dr. Fehrman and Dr. Sharon. I have a list of concerns to present. He really is not rallying the way he should. I know you are all praying for him and I just want you to know how much we rely on those prayers and your good thoughts.
Since I have been so repetative lately, I will insert one of my brother Matt's poems for you.
Tree
it's busy head aloft in the sky
when the wind comes roaring
it will lean it's head and cry
it will cry until it's empty
of all it's tears & all it's grief,
and in it's final autumn of anquish
will shed leaf after lonely leaf.
He never used capital letters.
God love you
Mary
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Grocery shopping today. So I got up before 7AM even if the bed felt oh so good. Because of the holiday, today was trash day too, so I took that out before I went to the store. I saw my neighbor Jean, and she mentioned that she has a friend who has horses and uses old newspapers shredded. So I will now give those to Jean when the bag is full. She is now adding her empty aluminum cans to mine outside my garage for the lady who comes around collecting them.
Guess what. I bought Dick a pair of shoes today. When Tim made the cast for the new prosthesis, he reminded me that we would need a new pair. So, we decided to get a good pair rather than a cheap pair because we want it to last. Fit, of course, is not a problem. Tim said to get a size 10. I went to Depke's in Sheboygan Falls. My cousin Doug's wife, Caroline, was working. She had not heard about Dick's second amputation but between her and the other workers, they found me a pair of "last year's" black size 10 Hush Puppy shoes. They were half price, so I got a good deal and a pair of shoes that will last. I have to bring a pair of socks too. They will go tomorrow.
Then I stopped at Mother's with the blouse that I mended and a part of the beer bread that I baked. She likes bread too and was almost out so my timing was good.
I got to Rocky Knoll just as Dick was getting ready to stand. He was able to get up for a couple of minutes but is still very weak. He is having trouble swallowing. He did eat lunch, a light lunch but he did eat. When I called him tonight he said that he did not go down for supper. Not good. I am sure happy that we will be seeing Dr. Sharon on Friday. I will be there when it is lunch time and will see what I can do.
I came home at about 4:00PM Roxie was glad to see me. Especially when I gave her a taste of sardine. I remembered that I had a can and had a bit on a cracker for a snack.
I spent the afternoon cleaning up and preparing a veggie dip and cleaning carrots and celery for dipping.
Now it is time to wind down. I did want to do a bit of sewing, but can get that done in the morning. I do have a couple of pieces ready for applique that I can take with me to Rocky Knoll. Dick is just too tired to play cards or review the things we want to talk about.
God love you
Mary
Love it! This has got to be one of the greatest quotes of all time.
I thought this might make you smile. :-) ...conversation overheard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai .
Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Site: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
Air Defense Site: ( ... total silence)
God bless our troops.
There is something about a Marine that makes other countries listen to reason.
Guess what. I bought Dick a pair of shoes today. When Tim made the cast for the new prosthesis, he reminded me that we would need a new pair. So, we decided to get a good pair rather than a cheap pair because we want it to last. Fit, of course, is not a problem. Tim said to get a size 10. I went to Depke's in Sheboygan Falls. My cousin Doug's wife, Caroline, was working. She had not heard about Dick's second amputation but between her and the other workers, they found me a pair of "last year's" black size 10 Hush Puppy shoes. They were half price, so I got a good deal and a pair of shoes that will last. I have to bring a pair of socks too. They will go tomorrow.
Then I stopped at Mother's with the blouse that I mended and a part of the beer bread that I baked. She likes bread too and was almost out so my timing was good.
I got to Rocky Knoll just as Dick was getting ready to stand. He was able to get up for a couple of minutes but is still very weak. He is having trouble swallowing. He did eat lunch, a light lunch but he did eat. When I called him tonight he said that he did not go down for supper. Not good. I am sure happy that we will be seeing Dr. Sharon on Friday. I will be there when it is lunch time and will see what I can do.
I came home at about 4:00PM Roxie was glad to see me. Especially when I gave her a taste of sardine. I remembered that I had a can and had a bit on a cracker for a snack.
I spent the afternoon cleaning up and preparing a veggie dip and cleaning carrots and celery for dipping.
Now it is time to wind down. I did want to do a bit of sewing, but can get that done in the morning. I do have a couple of pieces ready for applique that I can take with me to Rocky Knoll. Dick is just too tired to play cards or review the things we want to talk about.
God love you
Mary
Love it! This has got to be one of the greatest quotes of all time.
I thought this might make you smile. :-) ...conversation overheard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai .
Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Site: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
Air Defense Site: ( ... total silence)
God bless our troops.
There is something about a Marine that makes other countries listen to reason.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
A totally confusing day.
This morning I put a starter for a beer bread and the rest of the ingredients into the bread machine. It is just excellent. Moist with a nice crispy crust and a great flavor. Next time I will substitute a bit of whole wheat flour. I have been looking for a good Guiness yeast bread and now feel that I have found it. I only needed part of the bottle of Guinness so I used the rest for that quick beer bread that Jacquie gave me the recipe for. As I was all our of bread this is a good combo.
I went over to Rocky Knoll at about 8:30AM because I was intending to leave right after lunch to go the the Kettle Country Quilters meeting. Then it turned out that Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today at 1PM to cast Dick's left stump for the new prosthesis. So I had to call Helen and tell her I was unable to come after all.
He had OT in the morning. That went quite well. I also spoke to the Social Worker about how the time is holding out and how the hospital days count towards the Medicare allowed days. I feel more in control now and was able to tell Dick. It is good that we are working on the prosthesis now. Tim says he will probably have it by next week, then Dick will really have to get to work.
He is still so weak as he recovers from his last pneumonia. We see Dr. Fehrman and Dr. Sharon on Friday. I have a list of questions for them too.
I came home at about 2:30PM. Rested for a while, went down and mended a jacket for Mom then did a bit of quilting. I came upstairs to begin my pepper jelly when the phone rang. It was Dick with a problem. He had gotten the impression that he was supposed to be able to put the rests for his stumps on to the motorized chair by himself. I went back over there to show him that this was not possible and be sure of that myself. He gets so concerned about things lately and I worry.
Hopefully tomorrow he will be stronger and more alert.
God love you
Mary
This morning I put a starter for a beer bread and the rest of the ingredients into the bread machine. It is just excellent. Moist with a nice crispy crust and a great flavor. Next time I will substitute a bit of whole wheat flour. I have been looking for a good Guiness yeast bread and now feel that I have found it. I only needed part of the bottle of Guinness so I used the rest for that quick beer bread that Jacquie gave me the recipe for. As I was all our of bread this is a good combo.
I went over to Rocky Knoll at about 8:30AM because I was intending to leave right after lunch to go the the Kettle Country Quilters meeting. Then it turned out that Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today at 1PM to cast Dick's left stump for the new prosthesis. So I had to call Helen and tell her I was unable to come after all.
He had OT in the morning. That went quite well. I also spoke to the Social Worker about how the time is holding out and how the hospital days count towards the Medicare allowed days. I feel more in control now and was able to tell Dick. It is good that we are working on the prosthesis now. Tim says he will probably have it by next week, then Dick will really have to get to work.
He is still so weak as he recovers from his last pneumonia. We see Dr. Fehrman and Dr. Sharon on Friday. I have a list of questions for them too.
I came home at about 2:30PM. Rested for a while, went down and mended a jacket for Mom then did a bit of quilting. I came upstairs to begin my pepper jelly when the phone rang. It was Dick with a problem. He had gotten the impression that he was supposed to be able to put the rests for his stumps on to the motorized chair by himself. I went back over there to show him that this was not possible and be sure of that myself. He gets so concerned about things lately and I worry.
Hopefully tomorrow he will be stronger and more alert.
God love you
Mary
Monday, September 05, 2011
I am sitting in the living room with the doors open, just letting the house air out in this beautiful cool, dry air. Roxie is on my lap now but keeps going from one door to the other to enjoy the sounds and smells of out doors.
I left here at about 9:30AM. Picked up some vitamins for Mother and some yeast so that I could start a bread tonight on my way to visit Mother. She is doing well. We had a great visit. I set up her pills for the week and we talked about so many things including Uncle Henry and Gypsies.
Uncle Henry was Grandma Bowser's younger brother and Mother's Godfather. When she came to visit me in California, we went down to the San Diego Area to visit him. He lived in a mobile home not far from his daughter, Ellen. Mother and I met him at his mobile home and he gently escorted, escorted is the right word, into his home and served us a drink while we waited for his granddaughter to come and lead us to Ellen's house. He was such a gentleman and so sweet. He died at the age of 99 years old at King Veteran's hospital.
Mother asked me if I remembered the Gypsies coming to Sheboygan Falls. I DO remember. When I worked at the bank in Sheboygan Falls, they came one summer. They were just as you picture them. Their caravan was brightly colored and they dressed in Gypsy garb. The merchants were rather nervous as they were known for light fingers. They did odd jobs and whatever to support themselves and stayed down in the area we called the Flats which now has several factories on it. The wandering people have lost their way of life. Mother and I wonder what happened to the gypsies. I may check if I get the urge.
I went to Rocky Knoll from Mother's and had lunch with Dick. He was still in PT when I arrived. Bobbie got there just as we were finishing our lunch so she was there to visit with me and him while he did his OT. He is still too weak to stand. But he tried and did well with the other therapy they put him through.
I left at about 2:30 and came home to take a nap. Roxie was delighted. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a bit of cooking and cleaning. I decided to keep it quiet as it IS a holiday and I need one too.
So. it is close to bed time. Tomorrow will be the beginning of getting back into a routine.
I'll send a couple of picture
God love you
Mary
I left here at about 9:30AM. Picked up some vitamins for Mother and some yeast so that I could start a bread tonight on my way to visit Mother. She is doing well. We had a great visit. I set up her pills for the week and we talked about so many things including Uncle Henry and Gypsies.
Uncle Henry was Grandma Bowser's younger brother and Mother's Godfather. When she came to visit me in California, we went down to the San Diego Area to visit him. He lived in a mobile home not far from his daughter, Ellen. Mother and I met him at his mobile home and he gently escorted, escorted is the right word, into his home and served us a drink while we waited for his granddaughter to come and lead us to Ellen's house. He was such a gentleman and so sweet. He died at the age of 99 years old at King Veteran's hospital.
Mother asked me if I remembered the Gypsies coming to Sheboygan Falls. I DO remember. When I worked at the bank in Sheboygan Falls, they came one summer. They were just as you picture them. Their caravan was brightly colored and they dressed in Gypsy garb. The merchants were rather nervous as they were known for light fingers. They did odd jobs and whatever to support themselves and stayed down in the area we called the Flats which now has several factories on it. The wandering people have lost their way of life. Mother and I wonder what happened to the gypsies. I may check if I get the urge.
I went to Rocky Knoll from Mother's and had lunch with Dick. He was still in PT when I arrived. Bobbie got there just as we were finishing our lunch so she was there to visit with me and him while he did his OT. He is still too weak to stand. But he tried and did well with the other therapy they put him through.
I left at about 2:30 and came home to take a nap. Roxie was delighted. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a bit of cooking and cleaning. I decided to keep it quiet as it IS a holiday and I need one too.
So. it is close to bed time. Tomorrow will be the beginning of getting back into a routine.
I'll send a couple of picture
God love you
Mary
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Hi Happy People
At least I hope you are happy because I am in need of happy people right now.
Last night I slept quite well and woke up shortly before 8AM. Just in time to have breakfast, shower, take care of household things and get to Rocky Knoll by 9AM. Dick is very weak today but some of his functions have improved from yesterday.
I went to Mass at 10AM, I wheeled a lovely lady down to Mass. This was her first Sunday here so she got a special blessing before I took her back. Then as we were going into Woodland Village, one of the therapists caught her and talked her into a session of OT.
Dick and I had lunch together with Ernie, another resident. Dick did not eat too well but did eat. When we got back to his room he went back to bed and seems to be sleeping a lot. I left at 2PM so that I can get some extra rest, but I am really concerned about him. His voice is weak, which is that sign that something is wrong.
The nurses are all aware that this is happening so I will see what is happening in the morning.
In the meantime, I am trying to get to bed early so that I can get rested for the battle.
Roxie was so happy that I was home early and actually took a nap this afternoon.
God love you all
Mary
At least I hope you are happy because I am in need of happy people right now.
Last night I slept quite well and woke up shortly before 8AM. Just in time to have breakfast, shower, take care of household things and get to Rocky Knoll by 9AM. Dick is very weak today but some of his functions have improved from yesterday.
I went to Mass at 10AM, I wheeled a lovely lady down to Mass. This was her first Sunday here so she got a special blessing before I took her back. Then as we were going into Woodland Village, one of the therapists caught her and talked her into a session of OT.
Dick and I had lunch together with Ernie, another resident. Dick did not eat too well but did eat. When we got back to his room he went back to bed and seems to be sleeping a lot. I left at 2PM so that I can get some extra rest, but I am really concerned about him. His voice is weak, which is that sign that something is wrong.
The nurses are all aware that this is happening so I will see what is happening in the morning.
In the meantime, I am trying to get to bed early so that I can get rested for the battle.
Roxie was so happy that I was home early and actually took a nap this afternoon.
God love you all
Mary
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