Today was exhausting and scary. It started out OK, though rather early.

I set the alarm for 5:30 because I wanted to get to the hospital by 7 so I would not miss Dr. Fehrman. That worked. He just updated us on what would be happening in a perfect scenerio.

Shortly after he left, Jim and Michelle came in and they spent most of the day also.

Dick had a rather good night though he was experiencing pain. We were all told that the had to stay "ahead of the pain" and that he could push the morphine button every 8 to 10 minutes. He was SO sleepy and then the technician came in at 9:30 to start the ultrasound to check his heart. While that was going on, Jim, Michelle and I kept tabs on the time and pushed his button for him. Not a good thing to do we found out at about 11AM. He cannot overdose, BUT the morphine had built up in his system and he was out like a light. At 4:00 or so, he was still out, when the PT guy came to try to get him out of bed for the first time. Well, we tried to wake him and somehow or other, the phlem that had been building while he slept so long, breathing through his mouth got into a BAD place and he choked and could not get it out.

I was terrified and so was he. The nurses came with syphon tubes, oxygen masks and other stuff and finally after about a half an hour got him calmed down and most of the phlem out of him.

The rest of the night was quiet but he is very weak. They did and EKG and everything IS OK.

I am home now. I stopped at Mom's to drop off a prescription for her and update her. And now I just want to get ready for bed and go there. I want to be back at the hospital at 7 again, so I get the reports in person as this was such a bad day.

Just remember if you every have a loved one on a morphine pump. THEY are supposed to push the button themselves. We were told that the deep rest he got was worth the mistake, BUT it is not recommended. The three of us were horrified to realize that as Jim and Michelle said. " We drugged Daddy." One of the nurses said that she usually tells people but some of the other nurses were watching us do it and never said anything. We did feel better when a nurse that we know who came in to just say hi said that she did the same thing to her Dad.

Tomorrow will be better. I know. My poor sweetheart deserves nicer things.

Love

Mary

Well, this day is done, thank God. Dr. Fehrman said that all went as he expected.

I will start from the beginning. Chelsea and I got up a bit early this morning, just because I woke up and was ready to go. It was nice walking weather. We ran into two of our Tall Grass neighbors also on the road. Then, I did a few things around here and headed for the Care Center. Dick had a very poor night. The nurse had lots of trouble with his IV that started at 8PM and it did not finish til after 2:30AM so he got virtually no sleep. He dozed while I was there until about 10:30. Then we started getting him ready to go. Richard and Brenda got there at 11ish. I left to let Chelsea out one more time at about 11:30 so I could get to the hospital before his transport arrived with him. As soon as we knew what room he was in we called Bobbie who arrived right away.

He was taken down for the surgery 2:30 as scheduled. The surgical nurse is the daughter of the gentleman who shares the bathroom with Dick at the Care Center. Ed also had a leg amputated.

The surgery took about 1 1/2 hours with a similar time for recovery. Dr. Fehrman came down after surgery to give us his report. He seemed satisfied, so at this point we are too.

While they were getting him all hooked up and checked out, Jim and Michelle, who arrived just AFTER Dr. Fehrman's report, Richard and Brenda and myself went down to eat. Bobbie joined us for a bit before going home to fix dinner for Bill.

Then we stayed with Dick until 7:30. He is experiencing pain. Phantom pain too. He is on a morphine pump which should get that under control. I hope he can sleep but on the other hand he should push that pump every 10 minutes or so.

If this is a little rambling, that is the way my brain seems to be working tonight. A good night's sleep will help. I do have to be at the hospital at 7AM so I can see Dr. Fehrman with Dick in the morning.

The hospitoligist (Hospital Doctor) is Dr. Phelan who was Dick's doctor before he went into the hospital doctor specialty. We REALLY like him and he is a GREAT doctor. He remembers and likes Dick so is glad to be able to help him now. There are things that need to be regulated with his meds. This should help the shortness of breath and coughing that he has been experiencing.

That is all.

I am tired.

I will post again tomorrow. Please keep up the prayers.

Love

Mary

I got to sleep until 6:15 this morning. That is almost unheard of. It is kind of dark at that time, but not too bad. Chelsea seems to be getting a bit tired. She sits down more often. But once she sits, she speeds off again, so she is not TOO worn out.

I got to the Care Center at 9AM. Dick and I were both so tired that we BOTH took naps. I went tot he 10:45 Mass. Fr. Van Beeck had a good story. He asked everybody to pick up their envelope for the Super Raffle that will be held at St. John's in November. He said it will save mailing costs of 50 Cents per person which amounts to about $800 for the parish. But then he said that he understood that everybody would be in a hurry to either watch the Packers or the Brewers. He then proceeded to tell us about his sister, the sister, who is a nun stationed in Africa. At their Motherhouse, in the chapel, on Packer Game day, candles are lit for the Packers. Fr. Van Beeck said, "Just think what God is going through. In all the other football cities, there are nunneries with candles lit to Him, asking that He help their team win. He must be in a quandry." What to do, what to do.

Actually, I think God probably laughs at us.
When I got back, Jim and Michelle were there and we all watched the end of the game together. The Packers lost. At one point it looked like they would pull it off, then things fell apart. Icky.

The Brewers, however, did win and I believe have clinched a wild card spot.

I took care of Chelsea at about four and brought back the rest of my crab salad to have with Dick when he had his dinner. We just sat together until 7PM til I had to come home to get some rest.

Jeff called to just check in and tell me that he was there if I need him. I wonder if he knows how much that means. I asked him if he will come later, when we have the PT people come and evaluate the house and see what we can do to make it safe and easy for Dick.

Then Jacquie called. I had emailed Vikki and told her what was happening and she called Jacquie. I love those people. Isn't it wonderful that we can be friends still after all these years. I am so glad that Vikki found me again and that she and Bret are seeing each other once in a while. They need each other. Family is SO important.

Now I am closing down for the night. Tomorrow it will be over. Please pray that Dr. Fehrman's skills do the job that they should and for the success of the procedure. I am counting on you.

Love

Mary

I liked today. Chelsea and I slept until shortly after six and it was almost light when we started on our walk.

I got caught up on our bills and in quicken, emailed a couple of people, washed and folded a couple of loads of wash and got over to see Dick shortly before 9 so I could tell him that I had to go and pick up or SHARE order. It was all ready so I was back to the Care Center by 9:30and able to visit until shortly after 11AM.

Then I left to take care of Chelsea and go over to Bobbie's house. We sent to Jumes for lunch. I had a tuna melt, one of my favorite things. Then we proceeded to go to the Sheboygan County Quilt Guild's annual show. It was at a different place this year, the South Alliance Church out past Deertrace Shopping Center in Kohler. A bigger place and it made for a nice show. Lovely quilts and Bobbie and I ran into a lot of old friends. The shops represented were great too. I bought one little wool kit that will be to set my single cup tea pot on. It is so cute.

I was home by 4. I took care of Chelsea and prepared a serving of Crab Louis to take with me to the Care Center so I could sup with Dick. He is feeling much better today. I took his CPAP machine to him last night and it seems to be making all the difference in the world. DUH!!! Where was our brain? Well, we know now.

I came home at 7. We watched the Wisconsin game until it became too painful. Somehow it reminded me of my Grandpa Deeley and the Milwaukee Braves. They were Milwaukee's team before the Brewers, you know. Grandpa LOVED the Braves and would sit up in his room with his radio and listen to every game. He had his own way of keeping track of the score and how they were doing. Grandpa used a cane. I his Braves won, he trotted down the stairs swinging that cane like it was a fashion statement. If they lost, he NEEDED it, descending slowly and with great difficulty.

One game, the Braves fell way behind and were making lots of mistakes. It got to the 9th inning and he figured they were done and came hobbling down the stairs in disgust. When he got to the main floor, his son, my Uncle George, said something to the effect that they were really coming back and Grandpa roared and headed back up the stairs. I guess he made it for the end and he never gave up before the LAST ball was thrown after that.

Love

Mary

What a disjointed day. It was 48Degrees when Chelsea and I went for our walk this morning. Great walking weather but it was a bit too dark for my liking. She seemed a little tired and sat down a couple times as we moved along. She also managed to pick up a few burdocks that I had to cut out of her fur before I fed her.

I made some phone calls, sent some emails and gathered up clothes to take over to Dick. Got there at a bit after 9AM. Did I tell you that Dr. Moreno is going to the hospital to see Dick and check out the wound on the right foot? He is so good. One of his nurses, Brian, works there too and will check us out and let the Doctor know when is a good time. I am amazed and so grateful.

Took Dick down to the Beauty Shop this morning to get his beard cut. He is all set now. The beautician did a really nice job. He looks good.

I left at about noon to take care of a few things and then went to the Dairy Queen to have lunch with my bank friends. Marlene, Joyce, Ceil, Barb and Alice were there. I am the one with problems right now and they will all be storming heaven on Monday. Our friend, Betty is in Connecticut taking care of her daughter who had a very serious stroke, so pray for Julie too.

Joyce was getting teased because she had a "date", a lunch with the widower of a friend of hers. She said that her daughter said the she can't get a date and her mother has two beaus. So she must have someone else that she does things with too. She is a kick.

After lunch I was back in time to watch Dick do his therapy. He is doing really well with the transfer board. He does get exhausted quite easily. But he is plugging along. We had supper together. I went into the dining room and ate with him and the "guys". I think it is good for him to get out of the room. They had scalloped potatoes and ham for supper. It was quite good. Tomorrow, I am going to bring my supper from home and we will go into the sun room. His appetite is really poor.

I left at about 6:30PM and picked up Nancy to go shoot pistol out at Rhine. We both shot 3 targets. Nancy started off with a bang but I think she is trying to think too hard now. Maybe trying to remember too many things. She will get it back. I am my usual self. OK - but no whiz kid. When I got home I received a call from Dick, he needed something, so I loaded Chelsea into the car and we took it over. He was glad to see her and she was very excited to go to see him.

Now I am home and trying to get to bed by 9AM. Tomorrow I have to pick up Share. I want to find out if they are in California too. Bret would like to find something like this.

Mother Teresa said "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much!"

AND
Pericles said "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."

Have a lovely weekend. Even if it rains it is still warm enough to be pleasant. Enjoy!

Love

Mary



I

Guess What. I got to sleep until 6:07AM. Aren't digital clocks something. When I was a kid they were not and we would have rounded the time to 6:10AM. We saw another little dog that was new to us this morning and Sara Behr called a nice hello as we walked by her house.

I did stuff around the house and got all ready so that I was able to be at Plymouth Care by 9AM. Dick is all cleaned up and breakfasted by then so we can kind of settle before he goes to therapy. This morning was a bit different though. We had a CARE meeting this morning. The nurse, the social worker, the activities director and the physical therapist all met with us at 10:30AM to review Dick's care and discuss the wins and goals. He is really doing quite well in his therapy. We are concerned that he has a few breathing issues and of course are trying to somewhat be on the same page as to his care after the surgery on Monday. The hospital has contacted both the Care Center and me as to the time (2:30PM). He has to be there at 12:30 and arrangements have been made for Custom Care and Transport to pick him up at 11:45AM. I will meet him at the hospital. That way I will have the car there.

He went right from there into therapy so by the time we had lunch, together, he was exhausted. I went home after lunch and caught up on a few things and phone calls, then took Chelsea over to see him for a few minutes. She likes the ride and is glad to see him but is not a cuddly dog so we only stay about 15 minutes, then I take her back home.

I came home again for supper. I had made a Crab Louis for lunches. It was such a large amount. So I emailed Michelle and told her to come and share. She was glad because Jim doesn't like crab (his father's son) and she does. We like to share such things.

I stayed with Dick until they were ready to hook up his IV for the four hour drip, then came home. I am so tired. At least I have been sleeping through the night.

Chelsea and I did some watering and a bit of culling of the dead plants in the planters today. We filled the birdbath too. Don't want our feathered friends being thirsty.

When I was a little girl, my Grandma Deeley bought me a bunch of packets of seeds that were all named for bible things. There was St. Joseph's staff, I wish I could remember what that was, but the one that really stood out was Mary's Thistle. It was indeed a thistle. It has fuzzy leaves going one way crossed by rather smooth leaves that went the other. It grew quite large too. Dad patiently planted all of my seeds with me. Some did OK but the Mary's Thistle became legend. Every year after that Mary's Thistle would show up SOMEWHERE in the garden. Dad never knew where but he would look for it. Usually there were several and he would always keep just one. It was a fond memory of his Mom, my Grandma, for both of us.

Love

Mary

Hi. This has been a busy day and a rather good one.

I got to sleep until almost 6AM and had a really good sleep.

Then I met Nora and Leif at the Family Restaurant in downtown Plymouth for breakfast. They are here until Thursday and Sunday I was beginning to think that I would not get to spend time with them. I remember coming home for visits when I lived out of state and time gets short and there are so many people to see. But they made time. I saw them Monday at Mother's and today. We had a nice visit and catch up at breakfast. Then they came to the house with me so we could drop off the veggies that Jeff and Kathy had sent for me. (Beets, kohlrabi, tomato and a gorgeous red pepper. I am going to fix that beet one evening and bring it to Dick for a special dinner. He LOVES fresh beets and I am trying to tempt him. His appetite is not good.) Then we all went over to the Plymouth Care Center so Nora and Leif could visit with Dick for a bit. That was good for him and for me. We had a lovely catch up visit. I was able to complement Leif on his journal of their Danube Cruise. Stenn has certainly set the bar high with his wonderful journal of his and Bing's trip to China for the Chinese New Year.

After they left we eventually got down for Dick's therapy. After that I left for home to take care of Chelsea, do the grocery shopping and have lunch. We always pick up our lottery tickets on Wednesday and I found out that the prize is up to something like $170 million. We buy a ticket every week and with all that has been happening I have not been paying much attention. It would be nice to win, but I wonder if it would make much difference. Could it buy better care for Dick? I don't think so. But maybe I could bring him home sooner with live in help. Sounds good, Right?

When I got back to Plymouth Care, I rested for a bit, then went to Fr. Van Beeck's prayer service in the chapel. I was delighted to see that my friend Maryanne Robinson was playing the organ. Fr. Van Beeck talked a reading from Proverbs which pretty much asked God to give us enough, so that we don't waste time better spent praising Him searching for the necessities and not so much that we get caught up in the power of possessions and things.

Jim and Michelle stopped by after work. A pleasant visit for Dick. They were sent, I think. I was just getting ready to go home to feed and "medicine" Chelsea and hurry back to have dinner with Dick. They were there to save me one trip. We were sure glad to see them.

Dick and I had a nice supper, a brat sandwich, beans and a cookie. Then just relaxed together until about 7 when we figured that I had better get home because there was "stuff" to do before I go to bed.

I am almost done now and Chelsea thinks it is WAY past bedtime.

I have a lovely article about "Thin Places." The definition of a thin place is a place where the veil between this world and the Other world is thin. Sounds interesting doesn't it.

Be happy. We are because we are there for each other. I'll be there for you if you need me.

Love

Mary

This will not be a long blog.

Chelsea got me up at 5:45, too late to go back to sleep so we went for out walk early. It is really dark at that hour these days but pleasant walking. It was not very light when we finished either.

So I showered, folded clothes, made a few business calls and just picked up around her.

I got to the Care Center at about 9AM. Just in time to go down with Dick for his physical therapy. He was really tired today and rather short of breath. I hope that clears up soon.

I went home at about 11:30 so that I could walk Chelsea and eat my lunch before we left for the Clinic. Custom Care and Transport Service, Tim, picked us up at 1:15. We saw Dr. Mc Calla who is the infection specialist. He adjusted the time between his doses of antibiotic and said he would see us next week. HOWEVER

our next stop was x-ray and then Dr. Fehrman.

This was not a happy meeting. They unwrapped the foot and things are not good. The x ray shows a small break at the bottom of both the tibia and the fibula. The choices are: l: going in again with the odds stacked really badly against him and using plates and screws putting it back together or 2: amputation. I told Dick that I would back any decision he made. He decided on amputation. It appears that this will get rid of the problem infection, make healing much easier and the recovery time is at least half the time of the operation to repair. It is not easy but in many ways we are relieved now that the decision has been made because this has been looming like an elephant in the living room for some time. The surgery will be on Monday. Please pray for us. Right now we are both VERY tired.

Love Mary

Here is a Haiku that I wrote yesterday.

Riding the cool wind
I can fly to anywhere
In the whole wide world.

A charmed day. Chelsea and I headed out on our walk at a bit after 6AM. It is so pleasant this time of the year. I got back and prepared a couple of pieces of mail, showered, fixed breakfast and greeted Dick and Brenda when they woke up and before I left.

I had to tell them what there was around to prepare for breakfast.

Then I zipped over to Plymouth Care to bring Dick his iced tea and give him a morning kiss before heading to Sheboygan Falls for bible study. Interesting readings. The Jewish people always felt that children suffered from the sins of their parents and that the children were not responsible for their deeds. Ezekial refuted this long before Jesus came along and stated that we are responsible for our own actions. The Gospel is the one about the two sons who were asked by their father to work in the vineyard. The first said NO and then went, the second said YES and then didn't go. Hard to understand but again we are reasponsible for our actions.

Then I went to Mom's. Nora and Leif were there and the four of us had a nice visit. I brought them up to date on Dick's condition. We are planning to get together on Wednesday and they will stop in to visit with Dick.

WE had lunch in the sunroom at the care center with Richard, Brenda, Jim and Michelle. A perfect end to Richard and Brenda's visit. I stayed until about 3:30PM and then ran some errands before I came home to be with Chelsea and feed her and me our supper before going back to spend a couple more hours with Dick.

Barbara called tonight to let us know that they are with us in all of this. So many good people praying. Miracles will happen.

We have Dick taking Tums for the calcium now. Richard was the one who suggested that. Calcium and vitamin D are so important. I remember when the boys were little that they would get colds and sick more in the winter when the sun was not out giving them those vitamin Ds. We made them plural and I would chase them around and pinch them and say Vitamin D Vitamin D and they would giggle and run away from me. We had fun.

All done now and ready to get prepared for bed.

C O W S

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

Love

Mary

A very nice Sunday, both quiet and eventful.

Chelsea and I had a nice morning walk. It is kind of dark when we start off these days so I am bringing a flashlight along. But by the time we get home it is light.

Did a bunch of bill paying and clothes folding and other stuff around here until close to 9AM, then headed over to the Care Center when I was sure Dick was done with his breakfast. We just sat around and he did some dozing until I had to go home to take care of Chelsea and fix my lunch. When I went back, Jim and Michelle were there which was a nice surprise. It was a nice afternoon, so we took Dick out onto the patio outside the main dining room. We also found a nice soft serve ice cream machine. Such a deal, free ice cream and a pleasant garden to enjoy it in.

Dick and Brenda arrived at about 4 this afternoon. At that point, I went home with them to get settled and then we went back again prepare for our little party. I brought wine and n/a beer, Bobbie and Bill joined us almost immeciately with homemade peach ice cream and Dick and Brenda ordered pizza from DeO'Malley's down on Mill Street.

We had a nice get together and meal in the banquet room. Then Jim and Michelle left for Milwaukee and their Eagles concert. Lucky them. The rest of us proceeded up to Dick's room to watch the start of the Packer game. We all left Dick at about 8PM as they were going to hook him up to his antibiotics. He is back to every 24 hours and each one takes 4 hours. So that is tiring for him. At 8 I am really getting tired anyway.

We will watch the rest of the Packer Game (I hope I last, it is only the half and already almost 9) and then go to bed.

It was kind of fun today. Two nursing home dogs came in to visit. The first was Katie, a poodle/bischon mix. She came into the room and immediately jumped up on my lap for a cuddle. Her mistress said that she is really supposed to ask first but she probably could tell that I would like it. The second came in while Jim and Michelle were there. He just ambled in all by himself and greeted everybody, very politely but kind of wet for all who were willing to be slurped. His name was of all things, Bart.

I seem to be rambling a bit tonight. Chelsea is being a real pest as she wants to go to bed RIGHT NOW and I am distracted by the game which is not going well.


My sister Nora is in town. I will see her and Leif at Mother's tomorrow after bible study and we will arrange a place and time to get together again. Their time is really getting all booked and I would really like to spend a bit of time with them. It is hard when one is only in the area for a few days and everybody wants some time.

We are supposed to have a pleasant week and we are looking for good news on Tuesday when Dick sees Dr. Fehrman. At least we will be able to see what is happening under that big ball of bandages.

Take care - until tomorrow.


Mary

So

A strange Saturday. I woke up tired and stayed that way most of the day, though I did have a fairly decent sleep. Chelsea tried to get me up at 5AM. Silly girl.

I did a bunch of stuff here. I feel much more in control. Then went to see Dick at 9ish. He had a so so night but no events. He was all clean and dressed. We had a fairly quiet morning, no therapy. I came back home at 11ish to wait for Bobbie and Bill and Jim and Michelle to discuss things. That went well and we all went over to celebrate with Dick for an hour or so. Then Jim and Michelle came home and cleaned the house and took care of Chelsea, bless them. They have been just wonders during all of this. I just hope they know how I feel. Chelsea too. I went to church at 4 then came back to sup with Dick. He does like that. We had soup and grilled cheese sandwich, one of my favorite meals.

After we got back to the room, Dick was Very tired and started to doze a lot so I came home at 7 to do some more home stuff.

I filled out my fantasy football sheet. Looking at it reminded me of a Bart story. He played soccer when he was in grade school. One year he got on a team with purple uniforms. The teams got to pick their own names. That was the year Denver, a football team of course, but more popular than soccer in our country, was really hot. The Orange Crush. The kids wanted to be the Purple People Eaters. One of our moms spent five minutes explaining the Orange Crush and touting it and really making it sound SO wonderful. Then she asked. "Do you want to be PURPLE CRUSH or purple people eaters." and eleven little boys in unison shouted. "Purple People Eaters." So that is what they were. Their banner was so cute purple people eaters with each of the boys names in them and they got to keep them at the end of the season. I wonder whatever happened to that.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Mary

I ALMOST forgot to post. I was actually in bed when I remembered. I was a rather busy confusing day.

I did sleep well last night. No achy hips or knees. Chelsea was an early bird at 5AM but I gave her lettuce and shut her out until almost 6. We had a really lovely walk.

I did some wash and some computer catch up and then went over to see Dick. He was at breakfast and really glad to see me. It is so nice to be welcomed with so much love. We spent the morning together. I went down to therapy with him. Then we were able to get an appointment with the beauty shop downstairs to have his hair cut and washed. That was a relief. It has been difficult and we have been doing mostly just washing with cloths. So a shampoo was a pleasure for him.

I came home at about 11:30 to walk Chelsea and prepare a meal for us. Usually the meals are very good. I am sure these were too. They always have an entree and an alternate, the alternate being the leftovers from the day before. However, yesterday the meal was liver and onions, Dick HATES liver and onions so opted for a repeat of Wednesday's Salisbury steak which he does like. Today was a cod dinner and Dick does not like cod either, with liver and onions as the alternate it seemed logical for me to bring something. So I had some Braciole de Manza, a venison rollup and colcannon which I put in the new dishes that I had bought at Cooks Corner to bring meals in. I also brought him some nice fresh picked cherry tomatoes. We had lunch together in his room.

I brought Chelsea to see him this afternoon too. She is not exactly a cuddly dog and just runs around the room panting but I think it is still good for both of them.

I went and worked at Rhine for about an hour and a half but they said I could leave because I wanted to stop at the Care Center before too late to discuss something with Dick. Bobbie came down too and we had a good visit. Guess that's all for now.

Maybe tomorrow I will remember earlier.

Love

Mary

Today was much better than yesterday, I did not get discouraged at all. Even when I talked to Dr. Fehrman's nurse, Karen, who affirmed that the ankle does have two new fractures. They are small but they are there. We are wondering if he possible injured it the first time because of disorientation caused by the pain pills. A distinct possibility, but we will never know. At least now everything seems to be under control.

I did have a terrible night's sleep last night. I woke up about 2AM with my hips and knees just aching and had to get up and soak in a hot tub. That helped. Then Chelsea dragged me up at 5Am. So I took her out long enough to relieve herself, fed her and went back to bed until 6AM. Just kept on moving until 9 when I went over to the Care Center to see Dick. He had a reasonable night. No events anyway. I just stayed with him and kind of napped until 11 when I had to go home to take care or the girl.

Bobbie and Bill picked me up between 11:30 and noon and we drove up to Green Bay to Cook's Corner. For those of you who don't know, Cook's Corner was in Manitowoc. An absolutely WONDERFUL kitchen supply store with any kitchen gadget etc that you can think of. It also has a fudge and coffee counter and interesting foods. They closed the Manitowoc store and not too long ago we found out that they had reopened in Green Bay.

They took me to Olive Garden for lunch. We all had the soup and salad lunch. We all had Zuppa Toscana soup too. It was SO good. I wish we would get an Olive Garden in Sheboygan County.

I sure had fun at the store. I found that they carry Revolution brand tea. I got three kinds that I like, Earl Grey with Lavendar, Tropical Green Tea and White Pear tea. I also replaced several gadgets and utensils that needed replacing. Altogether a wonderful day and I feel much more rested and relaxed.

After I got home, I took care of Chelsea, then went over and spent a couple of hours with Dick. We had supper together and then I left.


Bret called tonight. He has been trying to call since I left him the message, but not catching me home. He is fine and sounds so good. I miss my boy.

It was a Beautiful Day. in the mid 70s and sunny. A few trees are beginning to show color which is scary in mid September. Tomorrow it is supposed to get up into the 80s. We have really been on a roller coaster. It was 48 this morning when Chelsea and I walked.

Maxine says: "If there's a law against showing boobs on TV, then what's with all these campaign ads"

Enjoy your Friday.

Love

Mary

Tonight was kind of a meltdown. I am beyond exhaustion. So Dick sent me home at 7:30PM with instructions to get to bed BY 9:00. Sooner if possible.

Got up at 6AM. Walked Chelsea, showered and got over to the Care Center by 8AM so I could have breakfast with Dick. He was all cleaned and ready when I got there. It was a busy morning. He had therapy and people were in and out all morning. Then at 10:30 I went home to walk Chelsea, then picked up Kate Sliwinski, a cousin on the Uelman side, who wanted to share the Uelman genealogy that we have gathered. We drove to Sheboygan Falls and picked up Mother. We ate at the Fireside Pizza and found that we had a LOT to share. Kate remembers coming to my Grandma and Grandpa Bowser's home. It was cool. I got a veggie pizza and have some left for breakfast tomorrow.

We were discussing a church, St. Matthias, out near Long Lake where the Uelman's used to go. Mom told her the story that Grandpa told about the poor young girl who had lost her mother and was treated just terribly by her father and brothers. Finally the poor woman drowned herself in Mauthe Lake. Grandpa remembered them bringing her poor body up from the lake on a farm wagon with her hair streaming down the back of the wagon. Then to add to the poor woman's indignity, she was buried "over the fence" from the graveyard as in those days suicides could not be buried on hallowed ground. We all agreed that it is a good thing that the church has come to its senses about that.

Got back in time to ride with Dick in the Custom Care andTransport Van to The Sheboygan Clinic to see Dr. Mc Calla about the antibiotic drip and Dr. Moreno about the wound on his right foot. Would you believe that Dr. Moreno came DOWN to Dr. Mc Calla's office so Dick did not have to move all over the clinic? He is so caring. The wound is looking good and has shrunk quite a bit.

When we got back I went home for supper and to feed Chelsea. I returned to the center to find that Dr. Fehrman had called. The X Rays from the other day show a couple of small fractures in the foot. We don't know the cause, but they are not bad and we have to be double careful that he keeps off of that foot AND that he keeps the legs up. He will be re x rayed on Tuesday AND see Dr. Fehrman.

Anyway, I am home now and going to bed.


Sleep will be a welcome friend.

Mary

I have been back and forth to Plymouth Care Center four round trips today and I am exhausted. Dick is really exhausted too.

First, though, I got up at 6, walked Chelsea and then gave her a bath. She was filthy and this is the day I decided to take her over to see Dick.

I walked over this morning at a little before 9AM. It is about a mile and takes 15 to 20 minutes. An easy walk but I won't want to be doing it in the evening as I wouldn't want to talk it in the dark.

By the time I got there he had already been visited by the Occupational Therapist who is making sure that he can bath and dress himself and is helping get him moving around safely. He had Physical Therapy at about 1oAM. I went down with him. They put him through a nice steady regimen that should keep his muscles in shape and will help him again with moving safely.

I brought lasagna and ate with him in the dining room. He had turkey and said it was quite good. He still has little appetite but did OK.

After lunch, I walked home and got Chelsea ready and in the car. She loves a ride so was very excited. She was a good girl at the Center. Bobbie and Bill were also visiting. I think that was good because she had four people she knew in this room we sat in. We did not stay long as she was kind of hyper and I did not want her to tire Dick or wear out her welcome. She did so well that she can go again in a day or so.

Then I stayed with Dick til it was time to go and give Chelsea her meal and medicine. I stopped at KMart to find some shorts for Dick and at the bank also. I fixed myself supper when I got home. I had more soup.

I stayed with Dick then this evening until about 8. He was sleeping most of the time but likes to have me there.

Now it is time to sleep. I don't seem to really get rested. I did try dozing in the chair we brought for Dick today. But it is hard when they come in every so often to check things. They seem to be coming in all the time, until he pages them for something. Then it takes forever. The nurses are all very kind and caring but often slow in response. I imagine that is simply logistics. They can't be two places at once but sometimes the need gets pretty urgent.

So that is the story of the day. Tomorrow, I will be lunching with Mother and Kate Sliwinski, who is related through the Ullrichs on the Uelman side of the family. Sounds complicated doesn't it. My Grandma Bowser was an Uelman and one of her sisters married an Ullrich. I think. I am sure all will become clearer tomorrow. Anyway we are going to Firehouse Pizza and I have decided that I am going to have pizza. I have been hungry for one for some time now and will satisfy that hunger.

Have a good day. And we appreciate the prayers so much.

Love

Mary

This morning I shut Chelsea out of the bedroom and actually slept until 6:30AM. It was such a pleasure and I REALLY needed that extra sleep. Then Chelsea and I had quite a nice walk before I headed over to check in on Dick.

His night was not too good. He woke up and was confused and got himself out of bed and into his wheel chair by himself. Not good. They took an X-Ray just to be sure. Dr. Fehrman will not be able to look at it until tomorrow BUT Dr. De Roos, who actually put Jim back together 20 some years ago, looked at it and did not tell them to bring him right back. He said that Dr. Fehrman can look in the morning. Whew, we think.

Tonight they will put a motion sensor on the floor when Dick is in the bed in case he dozes off and has a similar problem. I will sleep better knowing that.

I went to bible study this morning. We had a nice session and all shared our concerns and will keep each other firmly wrapped in prayer. This is a wonderful support group for us. They are all SO caring and helpful.

I then went over to Mom's for a short visit. A friend of hers picked her up at 11:00 and I was able to help get Mom and her walker into the car. I also picked up a deposit to take to the bank for her. I am her banker, you know.

Dick and I then had lunch together in his room. We had intended to join the guys in the dining room but he was still hooked up to the IV drip and it was just too difficult. So they brought our trays to us. I had ordered a meal to eat with him today. I am glad that I did. It was ribs with broccoli and baked potato and a nice cheesecake/strawberry dessert.

I stayed until about 3:30PM when it was time to go take care of Chelsea and get to my appointment for physical therapy for my knee. Becky did an evaluation and has prescribed three exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the knee. I will see her once a week.

I fixed soup and crackers for my dinner then went back to spend the evening with Dick. I sure hope he sleeps better tonight but we did have a pleasant visit.

This morning I pulled myself together and got two poems sent of to the Robert Frost Foundation poetry contest. I need to be creative again. Actually, during the past couple of weeks, I have crocheted a penguin which I gave to Michelle, a koala bear, who still needs a home and am working on an appliqued St. Basil. I get so restless so have to vary my activities a lot.

Tomorrow, Chelsea gets a bath. Then I can take her to see her man. She will hate the bath and love the little outing.

Nora called tonight and my friend Janet stopped by the Care Center this afternoon. With all the support I received at bible study, I am pretty strong for this evening anyway.

I am going to embellish a Maxine for you for a thought to sleep on. Just think in 40 years we will have a whole bunch of old ladies named Tiffany and Amber with tattoos AND to top that picture off, rap music will be the golden oldies.

Love

Mary

Another rainy day. When Chelsea and I got out for the walk it was really quite pleasant but by the time I went out, intending to WALK to the Care Center, it had started to rain again and did not stop until late this afternoon. At least we did get a good walk.

Dick had a much better night last night. He did not sleep much but at least did not get disorientated when he woke up from naps. I got there at 9AM and stayed there through lunch. I brought some lasagna for myself. They have a microwave to heat bring ins. I can also join him at any meal for the price of $5. The first day I did and the food is really quite good. It was double cool because Jim and Michelle came by and when they found out what WE were doing, Jim went home and got stew and corn bread for THEIR lunch and we all ate together and started watching the Packer Game.

I had to go home for an hour or two but got back in time for us all the see the spectacular ending of the game. Can you believe three interceptions returned for touchdowns. The first half was pretty good too. They had to give us our heart attack and catch up in the fourth quarter though.

Wow, we are starting off at 2 and 0.

I came home at about 7PM and have been spending most of my time taking Chelsea out. She seems to think that I owe her these days. I don't know if she really feels she has to go, after all she does take water pills, if she wants attention or if she wants to go to bed.

Tomorrow or the next day, I will take her in to visit Dick. She will like that I know. Just the ride will make her happy.

Well, we have another adventurous week ahead of us. I know that Dick will start therapy, both physical and occupational tomorrow. We have to get him safely mobile. I will also start some therapy for my knees. They have been getting worse lately and I know that proper exercises would help me.

Thanks for all the prayers. I pray for you all every day too.

Love

Mary

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.

My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,

I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.

My doctor said eating right doesn't have to

be complicated and it would solve my physical

problems. He said just think in colors...

Fill your plate with bright colors... greens,

yellows, reds, etc.

I went right home and ate an

entire bowl of :

M &Ms

It rained most of the day and stayed quite warm. When I came home tonight, it was still 70 degrees.

Chelsea and I did not take a very long walk this morning - because of the rain. She also got me up much to early, so after I got her back home and fed her, I went back to bed for an hour. Then I fixed breakfast, showered and got ready to go to see Dick. Jim and Michelle came over at about that time too and they took the green recliner to the Care center. Dick MAY never sit in it but if he gets more mobile, he may find it more comfortable. I think he is afraid that he would not be able to get up if he got in it. A valid concern. I was there by 9AM but he was already really missing me. It was another disturbing night for him. He forgets where he is when he wakes up and tried to get out of bed. I hope that the meds and the trauma dissipate soon and he becomes less forgetful. The day pretty well went OK.

There are nurses all over him and the physical therapist came in today. He will continue that AND start occupational therapy on Monday. He will not be bored.

This morning I called and left a message for Bret and talked to Barb so they would know the situation. Then my Bart called tonight. He had a lot of good advice for us, having gone through traumas to his body and all kinds of med situations. I have made notes of his suggestions and will bring them up to the doctors as the questions arise.

Now that he is closer, I am able to come home to take care of Chelsea easier and to do a few things around here without leaving Dick for long periods of time. I went to Mass at 4PM and then came home for a bit. Jim and Michelle invited me to their place for a delicious beef stew dinner with fresh hot corn bread muffins. It was SO good and such a nice break. Eating at their house gave me the added benefit of not seeing things that need to be done in one's own home. I really have found their help this week invaluable. So good to have children that are near and care so much. We are a lucky couple. ALL of our kids have been so supportive in whatever way they can. I feel their love and know that Dick does too.

Fr. Van Beeck reminded us today in his sermon, that we are not supposed to "instruct" God but to ask for his help and trust that he will do what is best for us. I told Dr. Fehrman on Friday that I figured he had used his skills and knowledge and now the rest is up to God.

As Bret would say. "It'll be OKAY , Mom. Don't worry."


Love You

Mary

Dick is all transferred to the Rehab Place. He is at the Plymouth Care Center.

I got up at just after 5AM and really rushed Chelsea on her walk so I could get showered an to the hospital before 7AM. I wanted to be there when Dr. Fehrman came and I MADE it. Dick was again glad to see me. He is still having difficult nights and is SO glad when I get there.

The morning was spent with bathing, therapy, tests and checking out. He had very little time to rest and then the Wheelchair Taxi came. I had intended on leaving earlier and picking up the things that he needed but he wanted me to stay for the checkout so I did that.

I got to the Care Center before he did. Jim and Michelle had hooked up his computer for games and gotten the TV working so the room was as set as it could be. We got there just in time for lunch which we ate together. On the way to the sunroom, which is a bit more private than the dining rooms, Mary, one of the nurses gave us a tour of the facility so Dick could get his bearings. The lunch was delicious, salmon, rice and asparagus with lemon meringue pie for dessert. Then started the admission process. This was exhausting for him but thank heavens it only has to be done once.

I left at just before 3 to try to get a nap. I did manage a short one before the phone rang but it did help, I felt much better for the rest of the day.

I did a load or two of wash and gathered up the things that Dick needs to be comfortable over there. I am so glad that he is so much closer now. On the way I filled the gas tank.

I spent a bit over an hour with Dick. Jim and Michelle came for a quick visit too while I was there. I changed the right food dressing and then left. I had to go to Walmart to exchange the cell phone and get the number and the minutes that I had left transferred. My old one died JUST when I needed to give it to Dick in the Rehab Center. There are no phones in the rooms and it would cost $50 to hook one up PLUS cost for calls. It would have been nice if I did not have to replace the phone but even that only cost $20.

Now I am home and winding down. Chelsea is glad that I am here. She will be in for a surprise next week when I take her to visit Dick. Pets are welcome. Isn't that nice?

Actually, Chelsea is DEMANDING that I go to bed now. So I will not disappoint her.

Now Dick is settled for at least several weeks until we have the safety issues settled. I miss him already. Please also pray for my friend Kate's husband, Ron, who had another stint put in his heart.

Love. Mary

Chelsea and I got up at about 5:30 this morning. It was a perfect day for a walk and I got the kinks out before I headed for Brantmeier to get the car serviced. It was actually past due but now we are back on schedule. Then I came back home to give Chelsea one more chance to empty her very old bladder before I went back to Memorial to be with Dick.

He is doing OK but is very tired and forgetful. I will be so glad when all the meds are out of his system and he is settled down. He is exhausted. Tomorrow, he will be transferred to Plymouth Care Center at the old Valley View Hospital. There he will be safe and undergo therapy to build him up again. Jim, Michelle and I went over there this afternoon to view the room and take a TV over there for Dick. It is a nice room at the end of the hall. I liked the staff. We met the director, the admissions social worker and three of the nurses. The nurses seem to be all named Mary. This will be easy AND confusing.

Jim and Michelle were also taking Dick's computer over so that he will be able to use it. He will have everything but internet. So he can play games and do a lot of other things that are resident. I will be taking his wheelchair and walker and probably the green recliner. He is not too excited about that but I think we will insist. He needs a variety of places to sit and be comfortable. We don't want sore bottoms or anything like that.

I feel bad that I am not more able to be three nurses which seems to be the magic number required at this point to move him safely, but I am not. We will be just fine.

Yesterday I saw Sy Regan walking down the hall so I zipped out to say Hi and found out that his wife Nora had had a second hip replacement. Today, I saw that her door was ajar so asked a nurse if she was "receiving" visitors and then went to see her. She is in great humor and already walking a bit. She had the other hip done in June and because that went so well was willing to do this one. She is really a joy. She told me that she was just glad that she is not a spider. Six more would be just too much.

Tom Keyes and Lorraine Schaap were in the hospital to visit Nora today and I happened to see them so they came in to say HI to Dick and we prayed over him. Prayers are the answer now. We have used his tools, the doctors and medical science and now we need Him to finish the job.

Take care,

I NEED to go to bed now

Mary

Another LONGGGGG Day. But I am ready to hang it up finally.

Left for the hospital at 7:30AM. I still missed Dr. Fehrman. But he had talked to Dick at some length and Dick was aware enough (yesterday, as I said, he was not really assimilating the information because of the drugs he was on) to know what the prognosis is.

As I said, it is risky because of the circulation problems. We will just have to wait out the next week to ten days to see if his body is cooperating.

So. I stayed with him until about noon, then zipped home to spend some time with Chelsea and shop and bank. I got back to the hospital at about 3:15Pm. Dick is doing well overall. The nurses love him, of course, and take good care of him. When his dinner came, I went down and got mine so we could eat together.

The person from the social service/release area came and talked to us about what happens when he is released. He cannon put any weight on his left foot for several weeks. We know that he would not be safe at home unless we had full time nursing and a lot of equipment that we DO NOT have. Therefore, we are opting for rehab. There is a rehab center at the old Plymouth Hospital which is about three blocks from here. That is where we went every day for 8 weeks last year to get the antibiotics to clear that horrible infections. We know a lot of people there and it is close. I feel good about that. We have to consider Dick's safety and we want every chance of healing to be there.

Anyway, while I was waiting today, I finished crocheting and assembling a Koala Bear. Maybe I'll take a picture and send it to you tomorrow. I am so delighted with little FUN things these days and my little Koala Bear is cute.

Love

Mary

Hey. I did a rundown of yesterday and forgot to tell you a couple of really goofy things that happened. So, you get an extra. In case you already read last night's post you can enjoy these things.

I mentioned that Jim and Michelle went down to the cafeteria to be with me when I ate dinner. We parted on the first floor, they to home and me back up to the 4th floor. I walked down the long hall and into room 451 and THE ROOM WAS EMPTY. The bed was gone with my sweetheart in it. I stood there a second, mouth gaping and then dashed to the desk. Where is he Where is he. They started to laugh and assured me that all was OK. He had been taken down to Dr. Siddique to have the pick line put in his arm and he was back up in about 45 minutes. Right after Dr. Siddique came to talk to me.

The other was not as dramatic. After we hung up from talking to Richard, the desk nurse gave me a note to call a Gene at a Sheboygan number. We didn't recognize the number or remember a Gene who would be calling but I called anyway just in case. This Gene had the wrong hospital or ward or room because he was looking for someone named Elmer. So I took the note back out to the nurse and they do not have an Elmer on the floor.

Love

Mary

Another VERY long day, though I am winding down much earlier than last night.

Chelsea tried to get me up at 5:45AM. I decided to give her some lettuce and try to rest a bit longer. It only lasted for another half an hour but I REALLY needed that half hour.

I walked her, showered and headed off to the hospital, missing Dr. Fehrman by just minutes. He had been in, told Dick what the plans were and that they were hoping to do the reduction at noonish. So I decided to zip down to the cafeteria for a bagel as I was really hungry by then. To my dismay, when I got back, Dr. Fehrman had been there AGAIN, because he forgot to mark the foot he was working on. A very important thing.

So we sat together, visited when he was not dozing and waited. He did not have TOO bad a night because of the morphine. Then somewhere aroung 10, Bobbie walked in. She had read the blog and my message while having her breakfast after her walk and decided to just come on down. We were sure glad. She left just about the time they were going to come to get him as she had to get home. Bill was due home from work and they were going to visit her mother, Barbara.

He went up to surgery at about 12:30PM. I zipped back down to the cafeteria to get something for lunch and came right back up to the room. I was not taking any chances on missing the doctor again. I did not have to worry about that. There is plenty else to be worrying about as it turns out.

After about an hour the nurse came to tell me that word had come down that they were unable to do the reduction from without and had to operate. Dr. Fehrman even called in Dr. Livermore to try to help but they were unable to put the bones back manually. So, there are now three more wounds and three pins in that poor left foot. Dr. Fehrman came down after the surgery to explain everything. It is, as we all know, very serious because of the poor circulation in his legs. The next week to 10 days will be crucial.

Poor Dick did not get back to the room until almost 4:30. He was a long time in recovery and is still not recovered. Jim and Michelle came at about 3PM and stayed until almost 6, even going down to the cafeteria to stay with me while I ate something. Michelle jokingly said that she WANTED to be there because people who are coming out of anesthetic are funny to listen too. They are too.

He is bothered and can't put his finger on it. Tomorrow we will go through everything with Dr. Fehrman when he is able to hold it all together. I am sure he feels bothered because it has not sunk in that he ended up with a major surgery instead of the manipulation that we so prayed for.

Richard called from Madison and talked to his Dad. That was comforting to Dick. I got home and had a call from Eileen and a message from Nora. These are all so welcome.

Please pray hard that God puts his healing hand on Dick. A Dr. Mc Calla, a infection specialist, has put a pick line in Dick's arm again. He wants to give antibiotics to be sure that the bones are totally clear. Anything to ward off creeping infection. Dr. Siddique put in the pick line and came up to see me. He is such a comfort and I am SO glad that he did that procedure. I got to see a couple other nurses that have helped us over the years and Brian from Dr. Moreno's office. We have way too many friends in the medical profession. They all love Dick.

Anyway, now I am HOME and Chelsea is begging me to go to bed with her. (Either that or she has to go out to "you know what")

I will give her the opportunity for the latter and then we will do the former.

Until tomorrow.

Love you all

Mary

It is ten after ten in the evening. Way past my bedtime and I am just starting the blog. Why? you ask?

It all started this morning. I am not sure that I mentioned that Dick's left foot, the one with the surgery, was "bent" He has been walking pigeon toed. It started on Friday evening or Saturday. We noticed that the foot was kind of sideways. We attributed it to the loss of the bone and little toe on that foot, but by Saturday we could not straighten the foot at all and it was hurting. By Sunday he could not walk on it at all. We were both up almost all of Sunday night. He had an appointment with Dr. Moreno at 8:15AM. He is the wound specialist but we had him look at the foot anyway and he said that he thought it might have a break. He ordered an X-ray and sent notice to Dr. Fehrman's office. We went and got the x-ray and they sent us home with more Vikadin.

As we were getting ready to load up, some paramedics came up behind his chair and asked us to move. We were a little startled but they were pushing a woman on a gurney. It was really good luck for us as they helped us get Dick out of the wheel chair and into the car.

Home again, we had a miserable day. At one point it took Jim, Michelle and myself to get him into bed to rest. Then he couldn't stay long because it hurt that way too.

Dr. Fehrman was in surgery until 4:30. W did hear from his nurse who said he would get back to us either tonight or tomorrow. By 4:30 I knew there was NO way we could make it through another night and after much insisting, finally convinced the nurse that Dr. Fehrman HAD to look at the x-rays and get back to us. He finally did at about 5:30PM. The ankle is not broken. There is a dislocation of a bone in the ankle which has twisted the foot into a very unnatural painful position. This CAN be as bad or worse than a break and is obviously every bit as painful.

To make a long story short, Dick is now a patient at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital where they can treat his pain and hopefully provide him with the care he needs. Tomorrow, Dr. Fehrman will go in and fix it. I don't know if it has to be surgically, or if they can do a manual adjustment but he has to be under sedation. He is relieved that something will be done, but very uncomfortable. I am relieved but tired and miss him already.

Tomorrow will come soon and I want to be back there at about 7:30 or so. Therefore Chelsea and I are going to go to bed now. Just wanted to update everybody. Jim and Michelle went with me tonight. It is good to have support.

We appreciate all the prayers and hope that this will be a beginning of improvements. The open wound on the right foot DOES look better.

Take care

Love

Mary

Today was a mixed day. Mostly good. The morning was a worry because Dick is having so much trouble standing. His feet hurt, mainly the heels and ankles and he is afraid to stand on them at all.

Chelsea and I took a shortened walk so that I could get everything done before I went to Blessed Trinity for the Mass and Faire. We did his sequential compressions, changed the dressing on the open wound and fed us all a good breakfast. Then I helped Dick lay down for his morning nap before heading out to Falls.

Bobbie and Bill were here at 11Am and said that he was just getting out of the bathroom when they arrived so Bobbie was able to help him get in his wheel chair and back to the desk, then Bill went to Chester's for burgers and fries all around which they said were Delicious. Chester's makes Burgers and Fries the way they are supposed to be made. Think Bob's Lunch for those of who who lived in Falls.

I got to church at 9 in time for part of the rehearsal. The prelude started at 9:30 with harp and instrumentals with Irish Dancers on the altar, two songs by our combined choir. We had the Blessed Trinity Choir, The choir from St. Peter's Episcopal in Fall, St. John the Baptist in Kohler and St. Mary's in Chilton. A FULL choir and it was beautiful. The Kindrcore also sang. THEN we went into the Mass. The procession in and out was led by a bagpiper, Jo Stauber, a member of Blessed Trinity. Confirmation Students followed him with banners and then the lectors, Deacon Jens, and Fr. Bob. Very impressive. If you have not attended this mass, plan on coming next year. We are very proud of the tradition and the beauty of the service.

Jeff and Kathy came from Hilbert and brought Mother over. She is so precious. My niece Sara came with her boyfriend Bill too. He seems very nice and was puppy sitting. What a guy, he brought the dog with him and the dog was a perfect gentleman.

Randy and Donna worked the beer tent and Becky and Bryan were there with the beautiful Elizabeth. She is growing into such a charmer with the most gorgeous brown eyes in the whole world.

My friend Nancy asked if I was going to sing so I asked the bandleader if I could join them for a song. He and I sang Isle of Innisfree for the crowd. After a few false starts to get the right key it turned out OK and I got hugs all around from the band. The dancers also spelled the band for three sets during the afternoon. They are local dancers and were WONDERFUL and beautiful.

I loved the day and came home to a contented husband. Bobbie and Bill were good for him. When I got home he quite quickly went down for a nap. While was sleeping Jim and Michelle came over for a bit to visit with Bobbie, Bill and me. Bobbie had brought some homemade Mocha Sherbet for four , so I invited Jim and Michelle back for dessert later.

Dick and I had hamburger soup for supper and then capped off a perfect day with the sherbet with Jim and Michelle. I found out that Michelle has another whole week off so we will be seeing them more this week than usual also. That is a nice treat.

So except for the fact that we are concerned about Dick's feet, it turned out to be a mostly up day. Good Deal. Much better to have more ups than downs.


Tomorrow starts doctor visits. Pray that we can figure out the pain problem and pray for my friend Kate's husband Ron who may have to go to St. Luke's on Thursday.

Love you all

Mary

A public notice. I think it is important.


*Subject:* Get YOUR FLAG READY


Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign and PLEASE forward this
Email immediately to everyone in your address book asking them to
also forward it. We have a little less than one week and counting to
get the word out all across this great land and into every community
in the United States of America .

On Thursday, September 11th, 2008, an American flag should be
displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the
United States . Every individual should make it their duty to
display an Am erican flag on this seventh anniversary of one our
country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their
lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue
to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and
abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed
in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and
stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags
have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some
tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in
solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and
together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds


Tell everyone you know and we can get the flags out there again. Our guys over there and serving us here need to know that we care about them and about our country.

Today was a nice day.

I got to sleep until 6AM which is always a plus. Actually, Dick said that Chelsea was acting really strangely. She just sat on his side of the bed and kept staring at him, but never came over to try to wake me. We had a lovely walk. It was cool. Not quite Fall-like but getting there. We ran into an elderly lady that we see often and Chelsea seemed happy to see her. We heard a "lone goose" flying overhead honking his head off. Then we were home.

Dick was back in bed, so I put all the planters back on the deck. The decks have been resealed, also the front porch railings. The decks look great and so do my planters. I have mainly herbs in them but enough flowers and veggies to be interesting. Chelsea liked that too because we went in and out of the house several times.

The rest of the day was reasonably quiet. I did go to a good bye party for my friend Esther Hasler. She is leaving for Florida to be close to one of her sons who wants to take care of her. That is a good thing. Esther is a good soul with a lot of health problems and a wonderful attitude. I just wanted to be able to say goodbye to her. As she said, we have email and can keep in touch. Just think how it was in ages past. When someone moved to another state or another country, the odd were you would not hear from them for months or even years. Often, these people were lost forever and never heard from. First telegraphs and good mail service, then phones and now email has mad this world so much smaller.

We got in all three of the sequential compression sessions and I just have to clean and dress wounds before going to bed. We got a good bath in too. That is difficult because we can't get his feet wet AND he has so much difficulty standing. But we did it.

Now night is here and I have heard from both of the Johnston boys and Barbara. They both called to check on Dick. Good boys. They are both doing quite well. Barbara is worried about her father. He has health problems also.

Bret and I were remembering Zero tonight. Bret was laughing as he remembered how sometimes he would sit on the couch with a bowl of cereal or ice cream and Zero would jump up next to him to keep an eye on the spoon as it moved from bowl to mouth. The only problem he had is that he would end up falling asleep watching, sitting up and leaning on the back of the couch.

What a dog. Zero the wonder dog, worth a little less than nothing. But priceless.

Love

Mary

Today was a rough one. Dick was very uncomfortable. The foot that had the surgery is starting to really hurt. As long as he does not use it, it does not but he has to do bathroom etc. I think it is also part of the healing. We had to go to the Plymouth Clinic for his blood coagulation test. We are GLAD that we can do it at the Plymouth Clinic now, that saves us at least 20 miles a test and Deb, our new nurse, is very nice and helpful.

He was exhausted and lay down for a nap. I left to give blood at 10:30AM. I was scheduled for 11 but did not get called until almost 11:45. So I was getting nervous because I really figured that I would not be gone much over an hour and a half. Once they got me in, it went really fast. I ended up with quite a bruise this time. It didn't seem too bad when they put the needle in but they did have to shift it a bit and it must have been just enough.

I got home totally exhausted. We hooked Dick up to the sequential and I lay down on the couch to rest. Did pretty good for about 45 minutes, then the door bell rang. It was the medical supplies from VNA and as soon as I lay down again the phone rang. We didn't answer that. When I got up, we checked and it was Leslie. So I called her back.

Good news. Leslie and Bill are driving up on September 20 and will be here on the 21. They are going to stay for a week. This is a good thing and Dick and I are very pleased. We were so disappointed when they had to cancel August. So now they will be here. It has been way too long. Leslie feels that way too and wants to see her Dad.

Then I had to go to Rhine to work the first night of Fall Trap League. I did the gun room. Nancy came out with her grandson, Colin, and we DID go down to shoot our first targets for pistol league and let Colin shoot for the first time. We had mixed results but ended up pretty good. Colin liked it and MAY decide to shoot league too. It would be wonderful to get young blood in there. He is 15, Nancy said and a very nice young man. He listened carefully to our instructions.

Tom and Doc let me come home early so I was here by 8:30 which is great because I was able to change Dick's dressing and put him on the compressor again. I will be in bed by 10, Thank God.

My Bret called while I was gone but said he will call back tomorrow. Now I have something to look forward too tomorrow.

I received the following this morning. I think I saw it before, but decided to share it tonight because it is cute. I love "all I ever learned" things.

Mary

> 
> Noah's Ark
>        Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark ...
> 
> ONE: Don't miss the boat.
> 
> TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!
> 
> THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
> 
> FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
> 
> FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
> 
> SIX: Build your future on high ground.
> 
> SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
> 
> EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
> 
> NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
> 
> TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
> 
> ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
> 
> My instructions were to send this to the people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you.
> 
 
> Most people walk in and out of your life......but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart. 

A lovely comfortable rainy day. No thunder or lightening, just a nice gentle steady rain all day long. Our plants should be very very happy.

I got my haircut today. I actually had an appointment last week and forgot. I was so embarassed when I remembered and called right away. Jessica forgave me and let me come today. This time we put my number with the name, just in case. Jessica understood what was happening last week. She is a real dear and does a nice job on my hair.

Dick had a followup appointment with Dr. Cheryl Ziegler for his eyes. She is just keeping an eye on the cloudiness that is starting to appear in his implants. There has been no change since last time so we are OK until next April. This was a new adventure. We took the wheel chair because I felt it was too far to walk in with the walker and we did not know that Advanced Eyecare has a wheelchair. They do, so next time I won't have to load the chair which is heavier than the walker. I am pleased though that I now know that it is doable and don't have to worry about that.

We just had bacon cheeseburgers for dinner tonight. That is more than plenty. I had make hamburger soup for lunch.

Tonight I went to Blessed Trinity for the choir practice for Celtic Mass. We had a BIG choir. Members from Blessed Trinity, St. John's in Kohler and St. Peter Episcopal all joined together to make a beautiful sound. It will be GREAT on Sunday. I had to leave at 7:45 to get home to hook Dick up to the sequential but was there for most of the songs with parts.

The kids sang first. They are singing Brendon before Mass and are singing the first Communion song. We have dancers this year too. I am excited. The CWI Sheboygan County group is also having our meeting after Mass out on the grounds. I am excited about that too. I will be gone for several hours but Bobbie and Bill are coming here at about 11:30 to spend some time with Dick so he won't be alone too long. I figure on coming home at about 2PM.

So the end of a busy day. Tomorrow is not much better. League starts at Rhine Plymouth and I have recruited a couple of more people for the pistol league. We should have fun. I will have to work tomorrow too. Jim and Michelle are here for most of the time I will be gone so I don't have to worry then either. They have been such a help and I DO appreciate the time away when I don't have to worry.

I have to change the dressing on the right foot, not the foot with the surgery, but the wound on the other foot twice a day now. The left foot is really looking good. Keep praying.

Today was my Bret's birthday. I think I have mentioned that he was born ON Labor Day and there were about 6 ladies all arriving at Santa Ana Community Hospital, two of us on the same elevator. One of the nurses came in and said. "Just because it is Labor Day didn't mean you ALL had to come in at the same time."


Have a good Friday.

Love

Mary

Well, this has been an up and down day.

Started off at about 6:15. Chelsea did not try to wake me up at 5AM. Probably because Dick locked her out of the bedroom. But it was a nice walk. Oh - Something odd. We saw a dead opossum on Highland Avenue. That surprised me a bit.

I got a hold of Dr. Moreno's nurse at about 9 or so and we set up an appointment for 2PM because of the change in the wound on the right foot. Then I went grocery shopping.

We met with Dr. Moreno at 2PM and, indeed, the wound is getting worse. Needless to say I am really upset. No matter how hard we try things don't seem to heal. Dr. Moreno cleaned the entire callous off, built a special shoe for him to reduce pressure, gave me explicit instructions as to how to change the dressing twice a day and we are to see him next Monday. Please keep praying. It is so distressing after all the work and care to have this happen. Dr. Moreno says that there is every reason to believe that we can turn this around.

So we will go with that.

I called Kate today and her Ron is also having health problems so lets all pray for these guys. We ladies will take the very best care that we know how.

Today, Dick and I were listening to a program on Public Radio about a man who received the winning football from his really shining game in high school, some thirty years or so after the event. He was describing the ball and how hard it was to hold on to as it was not leather, but a synthetic and it reminded me of a story of Bret when he was playing Little League. I may have told this before but it would have been a long time ago.

After the first year or two of Little League, the kids would have try outs and the coaches would choose their players based on what they saw, taking turns, and no kid was ever left out if he wanted to play. Anyway, they were pitching to the kids in turn to see how they could hit and there was a bunch of about a dozen boys including Bret at the end of the field just milling around waiting for their turns. The young man at bat hit a really hard one and it sailed down right into t that bunch. Everybody scattered. Except my Bret. He just watched the ball coming an caught it. That's my boy. He saw an opportunity and grabbed it.

Take it easy and enjoy the rain that we need a lot.

Mary

Pretty flowers from Leslie and Bill. They add a nice bit of sunshine.

Love

Mary

Hey. Today was not bad.

I got up at 6:30ish. (Chelsea got up much earlier, but Dick shut her out of the bedroom.)
We had a lovely walk. It is quite cool these mornings and very pleasant for our walks. Chelsea is a wild puppy in the mornings and then a tired little puppy the rest of the day.

We had a quiet morning. I picked up a few things and did a load or two of wash and then we headed out to see Dr. Fehrman. That went VERY well. Dr. Fehrman is pleased with the condition of the wound . He said that it looks even better than he expected. We had him look at the other wound on the right food and he said he will send an email to Dr. Moreno. I am concerned, the callous is getting thicker and more separated and reminds me of the one that got so deep. Dr. Moreno will be back in the office tomorrow and we want Dick checked as soon as possible.

On the way home, we stopped at Rick's House of Flowers in Falls and picked up a bouquet for Mother. This is the anniversary of her and Dad's wedding and I always bring her flowers. It is such a joy to see the pleased look on her face and she always relives their wedding day. I could not stay long because I needed to get Dick home but she said that this was a hot day and so was her wedding day. I know she has told me before about the heat and that they went to Milwaukee for their honeymoon.

We stopped and got a blizzard to share for lunch and then both laid down for a nap. I was just ready to lie down when their was a knock at the door and it was a florist truck with flowers for Dick from Leslie and Bill. They are beautiful. Yellows, and oranges and greens with a kicky balloon topping off the whole thing. I will take a picture tomorrow and send it to you. I is such fun to share special things. Dolores called today and we had a nice visit. Another special thing. It is so good to know that others are thinking of us.

Now it is evening and things are quiet and peaceful around here. I don't think there is anything undone that I was supposed to do. A good feeling.

Tomorrow will be another day unto itself. As they say Carpe Diem. Sufficient unto the day.

Love

Mary

Another quiet day. They are so few and far between. Chelsea tried to get me up at 5:30AM but I shut her out of the room with lettuce until 6AM. We saw a lot of the regular walkers this morning. I was really a perfect day for it.

The rest of the day was delightfully dull. I catalogued all of our video tapes and DVDs. There is a box of them that Dick has to go through. I hope he does this soon. This is something that he SHOULD be able to do just sitting there. Since he cannot do much walking one would think that these type of thing would get done.

We had an wonderful supper of sweet corn, beets and tomatoes from Jeff and Kathy's garden with the last cupcake from Bobbie's gift. It was really scrumptious. I almost said truly scrumptious but controlled myself.

Beth Hoegger called today so we could review the worship folder for the Celtic Mass. It was good talking to her. We must pray for her daughter Julie who is having some tests done tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we go to see Dr. Fehrman. I hope all is well. It should be and I am going to ask him to look at the other wound.

I hope your holiday was restful, or fun or exciting or ALL of the preceeding.

Love

Mary

A picture of Mom, Dolores and me at the Reunion of the Clans out at St. Michaels this summer.

Mary

Now is the quiet part of the day. Chelsea and Dick have gone down for a short nap. It is about 7PM. Dick is very sleepy these days, I am sure his body is working on recovering from those two days of invasion. He is feeling overall pretty good. He has little to no pain and there has been no bleeding since the very first day. We will be relieved when Dr. Fehrman looks at it on Tuesday.

Today, we got to stay home ALL day. Chelsea woke me up at 5:15. What a little you know what. I finally took her out at 5:30 and then went back to bed. Dick had to shut her up in the old office to settle her down. For some reason she wanted me up. Maybe she did not feel too well, but I was sure glad to get more sleep.

I finished crocheting a penguin today. I had found some patterns for three animals, a penguin, a koala bear and a turtle on the Women's Day site. While I was sitting with Dick on Wednesday when he had his stint put in, I got almost all of the penguin crocheted. All that he needed was one little wing. So today, I made him his wing, stuffed his little parts and put him all together. He is really quite darling. Jim and Michelle came over for a minute after they got home from the fair with a couple of freebees for us and when I showed it to her she loved it. I found out she likes penguins, so I gave it to her. Nice to have homes for the little creatures.

I baked a loaf of bread today because we were down to two crusts and about a slice and a half of my sourdough.

Jeff and Kathy stopped by on their way to Mom's. They brought some fresh veggies from their garden for us. Tomorrow, we will have fresh corn and beets for dinner. Now they will be able to tell Mom that Dick looks pretty good which will reassure her.

Jim and Michelle were also able to instruct me as to how to attach files to send in emails. I am just so full of knowledge today, I can hardly stand myself.

Gustave is heading steadily towards New Orleans. One wonders why they would build in the same basin that was flooded two years ago. Are all humans in total denial? As they say, don't mess with Mother Nature. I am glad that things were learned from Katrina. At least there is a plan for evacuation and it is being implemented. Sure is messing up the Republican Convention but maybe they can get a spin on that too.

I am getting some rest the past couple of days and am feeling better. George Bernard Shaw said "In this world there is always danger for those who are afraid of it." I hate getting bogged down in fear and am resting enough to be rising above it.

Thanks for all the prayers.

Love

Mary