Cold again today.    I got up at about 7:30AM because it is trash day an I wanted to be sure it was out.  This week, and from now on, I put it in the back of the car so I don't have to carry heavy bags all the way down to the corner.   Trying to heal the arm you know.

I spent the morning paying bills.  I feel good about everything.    Then at about 11AM, I took Kate's trees back.   I also gave her the ornaments that I culled from my still immensely big Christmas collection. She builds baskets for St. John the Baptist's winter Craft fair.   A lot of money is made at this event.   There is a silent auction, tons of vendors, a bake sale, food and a raffle of super baskets.   Kate puts together many of these baskets and I know that she will put the ornaments to good use  and money will be earned for the church.

Then I went to the Trophy shop to get my initial information on preparing a plaque for Dick to be hung at Mead Library.    Now I have direction and have sent the information to the kids so that they can input.

A last stop was at the bank where I cleaned up one more loose end.   Will they ever end?

Then I came home, lunched and took a nap.

This afternoon, I sewed on the Crazy Quilt wall hanging and washed and folded some clothes.    Too bad these mundane jobs keep interrupting creativity. :)

( I hope that is a smile,   not too good at the symbols.)

So it is wind down time.    I feel good about today.    Tomorrow is a special day.   I will go to Mass in Sheboygan Falls at 1PM.   My friends Joseph and Felicia have dedicated tomorrow's Mass there to Dick.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am back to marathon Mondays.   Started out OK.   I left the house a bit after 9AM for Bible Study at Blessed Trinity.   We had a nice group of 6.  Our little lady, Jan, was back.   Joseph was able to pick her up.   We ladies were hesitant to bring her in the winter as she is so frail and we worried about being able to help her if she had trouble.  

We are discussing Psalm 73.  The discussion was the criteria that we use to determine self worth now as compared to what determined our self worth as children.   Think about it.

I went right to Mother's and we got her bills paid, her pills laid out and had time for a bit of a visit before it was time for her Meals on Wheels.   I left from there and went on to Sheboygan for a Sheboygan County Writers meeting.  I have not been able to go to one of them for probably four years (except for the parties).  This year because of circumstances, I missed the Christmas party too.   There were not too many familiar faces but enough that I felt at home.    I read the Tree and the Christmas poems and got good response.    Good to get back to real creativity.

Home again, I am still able to keep quite busy with general cleaning and all of the things necessary to bring my life to that of a single person and get the finances squared away.

Ann Pirrung,  a dear friend, was there.  She was a page at Mead at the age of 16 and remembers "Mr. Kunert" with great fear and trepidation.    I know that Dick used to wander through the library occasionally just to "Make His Presence Known."   I can imagine what a 16 year old would think of that.

So life goes on.   I can hear Dick saying to lay back and take it easy.   They mentioned that they need a secretary for the Sheboygan Writers and I "heard" him telling me to just shut up.  So I did.  He would be so proud of me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a nice Sunday.    I slept until 8AM.   I slept much better than I have for quite some time.   I hope that this will continue tonight.   I used to go to bed and sleep until morning.   

Lately I have trouble getting to sleep and then I wake often.

I did some mending and general cleaning before Rosemary Mugan picked me up at 11:30AM to go to Lincoln.    The world of Plymouth was encased in a thin layer of ice but she made it and the main roads were pretty well melted or salted by then.  The movie was fantastic, so now I can cheer for it whenever it receives a Golden Globe or Oscar.

Home again, I have just been being really lazy and flitting from one little thing to another.   Since my lunch was popcorn and soda, I fixed a small casserole of hot dog, broccoli, noodles and cheese for supper with a salad on the side.

Tomorrow will be busy until about 3PM.     I will leave it all for a surprise for you tomorrow.

Roxie is sprawled out on the desk, not under her lamp as she was accustomed to, but right smack in front of me on whatever papers that I am working on.  She probably missed our nap today.    Not that she didn't have HER nap which is usually most of the day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku by me

Sunny sky so blue
The naked trees sillouettes
Like pencil sketches.   

My quiet Saturday got perked up a bit this morning.   My friend Peg Payne called.   She had an extra ticket to see Beef Tea at the Plymouth Art Center this evening.    So after Mass, I met Peg and our friend Joan at Culvers for a hamburger before we went down to the concert.

Beef Tea is a very good local band.  They started out Irish, then added Bluegrass and now are doing a kind of modern folky country along with bluegrass and Irish.    I really liked the concert.   I left a little early because my arm and neck started hurting quite badly.   I think I liked them better a bit more Irish though.   My friend Nancy's son-in-law is in the band.   Nancy and Warren were there and another friend, Gary Anderson and his friend Sue.

The early part of the day was spent sewing and baking. 

This morning another friend, Rosemary Mugan, called and wondered if I would like to go see the movie Lincoln with her tomorrow.   I jumped at the chance.   Dick and I both wanted to see that one.  So she will pick me up just before noon tomorrow for that.

A quiet weekend has become quite eventful.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Woke up this morning to temps in the high thirties, that crept up to the high forties as the day went on.  Of course, the warm air and the rain make the morning VERY foggy.   

Jody came to clean at about 8:15AM.   She was able to give me a status report on the roads as I had to leave at 9:30AM for a 10AM appointment with Attorney Voss.   We have everything legal set up.   I will go back at the end of the month to sign the new will and powers of attorney.   He will file the will and see that the deed is recorded in my name alone.   Another big item crossed off.   Only a couple of necessary things to do then I can start making other decisions.

After I left there, I did some other errands and then joined the other bank ladies at Dairy Queen.   We had a really good visit this week.   I ordered a chicken quesadilla.   It was good.   I have 1/2 of it left for tomorrow.

This evening I rode out to Rhine with Warren and Nancy to visit with friends while they shot.    That was a pleasant way to spend an evening.

So.  Heading into a quiet weekend.    I plan on doing some sewing and more organizing.

It has been a good day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

William James wrote: "Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing."

This was a really nice day.   Bobbie and I met for lunch at Field to Fork in Sheboygan.    We hadn't seen each other for some time and it was a perfect time to visit and exchange information and cards for the Memorial fund.     We had a good lunch.   I love Field to Fork.  

Then we walked to Mead so that I could see the placque that is dedicated to Marie Barkman.  It is like an open book with her name and the dated of her service and her title and then a nice quote on the other side.   Gives me a direction to go.   I will go to a trophy shop next week to see if they can help me with the design.   Then I will let the kids know and get approval from the library.

I had a quiet afternoon with a very good nap.

I was telling Bobbie that this morning, I walked past the extra room upstairs where I have the wheelchair and the stand lift.    The wheel chair was turned on.    Dick is playing games with me. I did not turn it on and it was not on long because it was fully charged.     What a trickster he is.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I feel good about today,

This morning was very busy.    I went grocery shopping first and then went to Klips and Tips to have my hair cut.    A stop at the bank and then home.

I spent the rest of the day finishing putting Christmas put away.    I have a whole box of nice ornaments that I have decided not to keep.    Now I have to decide what to do with them.    Some of them are VERY nice and they are all in good shape.   I also finished cleaning out the pantry and have discovered several cans and boxes of dated food.     I guess this happens and the past year I have not done the cooking that I did before because Dick's appetite was so reduced that we had to cut back on quantities and some things were just not being made.    I feel like a bit oops.   But I have it under control now.

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mom's this afternoon.   The door to the closet is almost ready to be put back on.   He just needs a strong pair of arms to help get it hung.  He brought me a container of homemade wild turkey soup.   I had some for supper and it is very good.

Tomorrow will be a good day.    I am having lunch with Bobbie at Field and Fork.   We are going to talk about the use of Dick's memorial funds.   It will be so good to spend time with her.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day today.   It was a pretty quiet day.    I got all of Christmas down and have a whole box of ornaments that I would like to find a home for.   

Not too much else happened.   Except, my neighbor, Jean, called this morning.   She broke her leg and asked if I could take out her trash for her.    Poor lady.   I will be picking up her mail and paper for a few days too.    It is not a really bad break but she is wearing a special shoe and has to take it easy.

So I got a LOT done today and am hoping that I sleep tonight.   I have been having trouble sleeping. 

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This morning was very busy.    I got a call from Eileen at about 8:30AM.   She had gotten a call from Mother as Eileen's was the first number that came into Mom's head.    Mom's caregiver was not there again.    Eileen doesn't have their number so I called to find out what was up. 

There was a "mix up" AGAIN.   This is not the first time that Trish has not communicated to her caregivers and I let her know that we are not happy.   This is our mother.   She gets distressed when they are not there.   She ends up having to get out of bed by herself at least by 8AM which is one of her vulnerable times.     I let Trish know that we expect something to be done.    Eileen, Dolores andI have discussed the fact that there are other care giving services out there.  

I left shortly after 9AM for bible study.  There were 6 of us there.   With Tom and Kathy in Florida this will probably be our winter group.    Please pray for my friend,Helen's daughter who has MS and has taken a turn for the worse.

Then I went to Mom's.   She actually weathered this morning pretty good.   We got her bills paid and stowed away the December Bills.   I am bringing something to put the old ones in and store it down in the basement.

I left when her Meals came.   She doesn't like her schedule messed with and with the late care givers, she did not get her excercises done this morning which really distressed her.

So I came home and have been just working on Christmas stow away AND getting the desk stuff in order.    Tomorrow I am home all day.   Yea.

So on to the rest of the week.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A rather unexpectedly busy Saturday made me forget to post yesterday.

It started out quietly enough, then Jeff called at about noon.   Mother was complaining of discomfort in her abdomen and was convinced that her kidneys were acting up.    I went to Falls and got on the line with a nurse to see if she thought it was wise to bring her to Urgent Care.  She thought perhaps we should.   However,  Mother wanted to see HER doctor and she wanted HER doctor to check JUST her kidneys and her bladder.  

She agreed finally to go to Urgent Care and Randy came over to help me take her.   We went to Plymouth and I knew the nurse and the doctor which seemed to make Mom feel better about the whole thing.  They listened to her and just checked here kidney and bladder function and except for a bit of urine concentration she is just fine.     This seemed to really relax her.  Randy and I got her home before 5PM.    I saw that she had fresh water and gave her her pills.    Than we left her to rest as she was just having soup for her supper and it was in a cup ready for the microwave when she was.  
I am sure glad that we could comfort her.

Today was OK.   I went to Mass this morning at 9:30AM and have spent the day taking down ornaments and napping.   Yesterday left me very tired.   I even had trouble keeping my eyes open in church.

This evening, my neighbor invited me over with some other of the ladies in the neighborhood for cheese and wine.  That was delightful.   We had such a nice visit.  We will have to to that again,   Some of us are alone and some still have their spouses but we had so much to talk about.

I feel that this week will be the first real normal week since Dick went to heaven and I better start out good.    It is not a really busy week but I will have plenty to do both at home and out in the world.    Things are coming together and by mid February, I think everything will be all settled.

You all have a good week too.   Bless you for all your love.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a fruitful and fun day.   Jody came and cleaned this morning.   She helped me roll up the big desk mat and get it out into the garage.   

I now have all the banking either clear or well on its way.   By the end of January, I will be able to set up a good budget and know what is coming in.   What is going out will be a bit more difficult.    Many things will be eliminated and many things will be reduced.    I am going to try to estimate myself this next week.

I have finished all the thank you notes.   Today more lovely flowers arrived with a card from the people at Advanced Eye Care.   All his caregivers wrote their sympathies.    They were always SO good with Dick and really enjoyed his humor.

I also got a card from Beth at the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center.   They are putting a rose bush in their garden dedicated to Dick.   I am so touched.

 Today, I joined my Bank Lady friends at the Dairy Queen.   There were five of us, Marlene, Betty, Barb, Ceil and me.   It was fun.   I ate a bacon cheeseburger which tasted great.  Had a lot of catching up to do.  

Then this evening, I drove out to Rhine Plymouth.   It was the first night of league.    I have decided not to shoot the winter league so that I can give my body a chance to heal, but will be going out some Fridays to visit.    Hopefully I will be not hurting when Spring league starts because I do like shooting.   I even bought ammo this week because I was close to Gander Mountain and thought I should stock up a bit.

So it was a good day.    Now the weekend and I will continue putting Christmas  away.    I am doing it slowly this year as I am going to sorting and give away things that I really don't have a strong attachment too.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am tired tonight and I have good reason.   Dick would be proud of me.

I had a lovely gathering with three of my Celtic sisters at the Exchange Bank this morning.    How wonderful is the sisterhood of woman that can just BE for their sisters that are going through a rough time.  Rough time.  That is not quite a description of what happens when your best friend goes ahead to eternity, but you know what I mean.   I was glad that Janet, Joan, LuAnne and I met for this breakfast as I went on to take care of ALL the bank things that have to be settled  after Dick went on to heaven.

I took care of most of the Investment stuff and all of the banking stuff today.  I also have an appointment for the legal stuff and the SSI stuff.   Wow am I good or what. Again, Dick would be proud of me.    He always said that whatever I did he was proud of me.   Who will be proud of me now?

Roxie gets quite distressed when I am gone for too long.   I will try to reassure her.  After all, I should have at least 20 more years.   Much more than she will stay with me.

Bart called this afternoon.   How nice is that.   I need my kids and they are being really great.

How lucky am I.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Guess I forgot to post yesterday.    I am going to be a bit disorganized for a while, so be patient with me. 

Yesterday and today were at home days.  I am just doing things as I feel like it.   There is a lot of nervous energy here, but I am trying to hear my sweetheart telling me to rest.

Yesterday afternoon, my cousin Chris and her husband Ron dropped by for a short visit and Ron took all of the wine bottles and gallon jugs from the wine making.   Ron was so sweet, he made sure that I wouldn't be making wine any longer as he didn't want to take what I might need.    I was able to tell him that this was a hobby that Dick and I had enjoyed together.   The memories brings smiles and I still have some wine that we made left but I wouldn't want to be doing it without him.   We all agreed that it is really wonderful that Bobbie has taken over the "wine business" for the Kunert family.
They were SO impressed with her label.

All of the thank you notes are done.   I am still receiving some and am writing the notes as they come in.     So many loving people who remember Dick so fondly.

Today I worked on a quilting project for about an hour.   That was a pleasant hour.   I am going to finish the wall hanging of Mother's Crazy Quilt squares by next Monday.   My intention is to take one UFO at a time and finish it.    Then I can feel that I am back quilting again.

I will in the next few days roll in some writing and reading also.  I thing, schedule person that I am, I will try to schedule for these things that I want to do and see how it turns out.

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mother's this evening with an acorn squash and some desserts from Kathy.   I am getting spoiled.   

Tomorrow I will go out for the first time really.   I will have breakfast at the Exchange Bank at 8AM with Janet and whoever else can come.   Then an appointment at the bank in Sheboygan at 10, a couple of quick errands in Sheboygan as I am there.   Then finally an appointment with a personal banker at 12:30PM in Plymouth.   

Time to get back into the world

Dia Dhuit

Mary
  

I can't believe that it is New Years Eve already.     The end of 2012 is down to the last  5 hours.   There is something about the beginning of a new year that provides the feeling of new beginning.  Perhaps this is my gift.    Starting new at the beginning a a new year.   Wow.    Dick would be so proud of me.

Had the nicest call from Jim and Michelle yesterday.   We were able to review the funeral.   They knew most but it was good to share with them.  Bart and Barb have the funeral folder and an obituary for him. Also his and Michelle's name tags.    So sad they did not come but the weather just got away from them.   Jim and I were talking about Zero - how he used to wait for me at the door when the guys got home first, no matter how long.    I have this vision of Dick crossing that Rainbow Bridge and having this swarm of critters run to greet him.  I can see Zero greeting him and then going back to the bridge and sitting to wait, all the time glancing back at Dick as if to say,  "OK.   where did you leave her?" 

Jim and Michelle have been having some difficulties too.    Hope that this New Year turns the tables for us all.

I drove to Sheboygan Falls to see Mother today.   I brought her lunch.   We had Barb's Goulash with mashed potatoes and an apple salad with a pumpkin cupcake for dessert.    Got all the bills paid and the pills in the box.   We had a really good visit.   We now share the missing of our guys.   I am grateful for her courage and hope I can be as brave.

I got home in time to take a nap before it was time for Mass.   A lovely Mass.  I sat with my friend Ceil.    She is one of the bank ladies.    I will start meeting for lunch with them at the Dairy Queen on Fridays again.

Tomorrow I get to be home all day.   My cousin Chris and her husband Ron are stopping by sometime during the day.  It will be good to have a visitor.   Ron makes wine and will be taking some of the leftover wind jugs and bottles.   Then the rest will go in the trash because Bobbie already took all she wants.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Dia Dhuit


Mary


 "For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice."
  T. S. Eliot

What a sweet day.    I slept until about 8:30AM when Roxie started to think that perhaps I should be getting up.

We were lazy.    I didn't even shower!!!.    I had breakfast and then spent the day going from one easy project to another.    I wrote some of the thank you notes.  I cleaned out one of Dick's desk drawers.  I cleaned the kitchen after I had lunch.    I had steak, potatoes, carrots and broccoli salad for lunch.

I took a nice nap this afternoon and had phone calls from Jim and Michelle, Nora, Eileen and Jeff today.   AND Bart and Barb checked in at 4:30PM, they were between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.   Then they called back at 7:30PM, passing Ft. Sill on their way home.   All they had to do was pick up some milk and then home to their critters.

Now I can relax,knowing that all of my children are safely home.

My friend Janet called and we are going to meet on Thursday at the Exchange Bank for coffee in the morning.    Won't that be a nice way to start facing the world again.

Love you all and I still feel all your love.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another day to what is now.    I think I am doing well.   I am taking each day and living it.    Thursday night we said good by to Leslie and Bill as they headed back to Bossier City.   I expect to get a call when they arrive safely home.    (Remember that, Leslie.)

Friday morning, we said goodbye to Richard and Brenda.  They HAVE made it safely home to Madison.   With the ice they were talking about that was a big relief.

This morning I said goodbye to Bart and Barb who are on their way back home to Lawton OK.  They called this evening and are making good time.  They were getting ready to stop for the night.

I saw Nora and Leif yesterday.   Twice as it turned out.   They came here to be with us a bit so that we could be together before they went back to Texas.   Then I found them at Mother's when I stopped by there for a couple of minutes.  After that I stopped at Blessed Trinity for a minute.

A friend of mine lost her husband lost her husband on Christmas and I felt that I needed to go to the church to give her a hug.    We have been Bible Study/Prayer partners for years and to lose our loves so close together at this season was to say the least hard.   We need to pray and hug each other through the next few months.

Today was pretty quiet.   Bart and Barb and I slept until between 8 and 9 AM.   Then they loaded the car and got organized for the long trip home.    They left at about 10AM.  I spent the rest of the day putting things away and getting ready for the rest of my life.  I took a lovely nap this afternoon and went to Mass at 4PM.   Now I am home and can stay here until Monday noon or thereabout and just BE.  

Feel free to call if you want.   I just don't want to leave the house and Roxie and I are looking forward to the quiet.

Bart and Barb took me to Chissy's for fish fry last night.   That was a nice comfort meal for Bart and I I.   Dick was a fish fry lover and for the first several years of our married life we went for fish fry very often and Bart loved that.    He was a good Dad to Bart.    And Bart loves him.   

That I did right.

I just got the nicest cuddle from Roxie.    She is still confused and now will probably be wondering where the "new people" ( Bart and Barb) went.   Well.   We STILL have each other and that will not change.

So. The beginning of the beginning.   I am trying to hold the big things off until January 1st because as my sweetheart would have said.   It is a tidy time to start.

Dia Dhuit  I love you

Mary

I'm still here.

Yesterday was so long.  But I was surrounded by people who love Dick and who love me.    I cannot express the comfort and support I felt during that whole day.

The gathering before the service was as I hoped, full of stories, and sharing and hugs.    Good for all of us.   Then Fr. Dan presented a lovely service for Dick to bless him and send him to heaven.   It was so special.   Finally, the Army soldiers came.   They did a 21 gun salute and played taps and opened and refolded the flag and presented it to me.    I was so touched and will treasure that flag forever.   I will get a triangle frame for it and it will stay next to his urn with me. 

We all went to The Twisted Root for lunch.   I wasn't sure where to take everybody since the Villager has sold so called Randy and Donna and Donna suggested there.   It was perfect.   The food was so good and we were able to visit more in that lovely dining room overlooking the Sheboygan River.   There were even deer walking through the trees across the river and ducks swimming.

Dick would have LOVED it.

Then we picked up the urn, the flag and the flowers and documents from Wenig and all the Kunerts and Johnstons gathered at the condo.   We just shared.   Richard and Brenda passed out their presents.  Roxie got one this year.   They gave her a packet of catnip and she really put on a show for us.

Dick would have loved that too.  We laughed and laughed at her.

Everybody helped bring up our queen sized bed and took the twin down to the basement.

I slept much better in OUR bed.   

We said our goodbyes to Leslie and Bill last night as they left early this morning.    They are in Arkansas already.   They called this evening.

Richard and Brenda came by for breakfast this morning before heading home.  They called when they safely arrived at home.    I was so glad as they were talking ice in Madison.

Bart and Barb are planning on leaving in the morning, weather permitting.   So our family is going home.   I will miss them.   But it is time for them to be in their homes and for me to begin this chapter of my life.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.   I will be OK.   I have been very blessed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Only one more day until we gather to celebrate my Sweetheart's life.     It has been so great having Bart and Barb and Leslie and Bill here.

I did a few errands today and I gathered up and put things away so that I could feel comfortable with more guests tomorrow.

Barbara made Goulash for our supper tonight.   Bill and Leslie were here too.   It is delicious and she has left several meals of the goulash and the taco soup for me to be able to eat when they are gone.   I feel very loved.

So, tomorrow is the day.   I will bring Dick home again.   He is staying with me until I die, you know.   Then he will be buried with me.

Thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts.   I can feel it.

Dia Dhuit


Mary

Merry Christmas.     May you be be blessed on this special day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I will be more consistent eventually.   At this time, I will post when I think of it.

It was a nice day,   I slept late, until shortly after 8PM.

Barbara and I went to Woodlake to do a bit of grocery shopping this morning,then came back to pick up Bart so the three of us could to to visit Mother.   She looked just beautiful in her Christmasy outfit and with her hair just done on Saturday.   We had a nice visit - not too long but she was so glad to see the two of them.

Home again,  Bart went to take a nap.    The doorbell rang and it was Leslie and Bill.   Yea.   They make better time than I thought they would.   They look wonderful.   I went to Mass at 4PM.   It was a lovely Mass.  The Folk Choir sang.   I was a Eucharistic Minister which really makes me feel close to God.    I had a lot to ask him for today so that made it especially important.  

My being gone gave Barb and Bill and Leslie a chance to get to know each other.    Barb made Taco Soup for our supper that was  SOOO good.  She made a big batch so I ell have some for meals after she leaves.  I feel so treasured.

The five of us had supper and a super visit tonight.    Tomorrow is Christmas and Bobbie and Bill will be here for dinner and the day.  

I wonder if I will ever be really rested.   Early to bed tonight again.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It has been three days now.    I still can't quite believe that Dick has really gone on ahead.   I have not been alone for such a long time, and I loved being with Dick.    We were a good team.

I baked today.  I always do a lot of cooking when I am under stress or troubled.    I remember one day Jim jokingly telling his Dad that they ought to think of a way to make me nervous so that I would bake some good stuff.  At least I think he was joking.

I have been going through the meds and all the equipment that we needed for Dick and am going to try to find homes for most of it.   

I went to Mass this afternoon.   That was good.    I always get comfort and strength from the Mass and from the sacrament.   Today was no exception.

Bart and Barb are going to be here tonight.   I will tell you about their arrival tomorrow as I will be up later than usual tonight and you know what a lazy bones I am.

So until tomorrow, I just wanted you to know that I am OKAY and will be OKAY.   Just takes a bit of time and believing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Two days.    I still feel rather lost but I was very glad to be home all day today.   If I HAD wanted to go our, the snow would have prevented it.    So it is a good thing I wanted to be home.  

Lots of calls from so many friends and family that I did not have a chance to feel really alone at all.

I kept myself occupied today just going through the house to gather all the things that remind me of Dick's illnesses.    I want them out of here so that only the loving things that we shared are here to make me smile.    We had so many happy times and I am grateful that even in his bad times, he still could make me laugh.    After 26 years that is really quite an accomplishment.   I smile just thinking of this.

Tomorrow, more of the same, but I will have Jody cleaning in the morning and a couple of people will be coming to take care of a couple of things.    I will at some time to go to the Pig for a few things that I will be needing.   Not much but there is always something.

I will be in bed tonight early.   I am slowly getting rested. now that I don't have to get up during the night.   

BUT - I would rather be getting up if I had my druthers.

Love and Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have spoken to most of my readers at some time today.  There may some of you, however, that do not know that my husband, Dick, passed away last night at Rocky Knoll.  

I was there.   I was asleep on a cot next to his bed when he also fell asleep and went on into forever.   He had been failing and when he contracted the pneumonia and a reoccurance of the UTI sent him into a spin that he never recovered from.   He had practically stopped eating and I was so afraid.   For good reason it seems.  His face was so peaceful.   No more distress, or pain or worry.   It was hard for me to kiss his sweet face for the very last time.    But I know that he is no longer in pain or confused or depressed.    He is still with me and always will be.

Thank all of my friends and family for all the prayers and love that have held us up these past years. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Quite a day.   I got up at 6AM so that I could be all ready for the day.  

I had a PT appointment at 8:15AM.   That went well, I guess.   I am not seeing much change in the pain yet.   I told Dara, I will have the strongest sore arm in town soon.

Then I stopped at Walgreens for a prescription and some toothpaste on my way to Bible Study.   It was a very nice study, our last until next year.   That always seems funny to say.   We started with our prayer and petitions first.   I was able to thank them all for all the prayers that have been showering heaven about Dick and me.  We then discussed the terrible tragedy in Connecticut.   Something like that always hits right in the heart.   It is hard to understand and we know there are never answers.   I am so impressed with the heroes of that day and feel that heaven really got a dose of beauty and innocence, all in one morning.  All those beautiful children.   Poor Moms and Dads.

Then I hurried home and gathered my food for the Cream City Writers Christmas lunch.   Beverly invited us to her home, we did pot luck.   It was SO good and so good to be with my friends.  It has been at least three months since I could go to the meetings.    Too much time away from Dick.   I had arranged for care during all of my club's parties.   Now that he is at Rocky Knoll, I was able to go to this one anyway.   Last week, when he was in the hospital, I skipped two of them.  I read my Christmas poem and the poem about the Trees that I wrote when they destroyed them in back of the condo to make way for the railroad.    I got a sweet candy dish full of candy for my gift.

Next, I dropped Kate at home and then drove out to Rocky Knoll.   Dick is extremely tired and somewhat confused.   I know that lot of it is due to the infection in his body but just wish he would start eating and that thick water is going to be a real problem if he has to continue with it.   He keeps telling me to bring ice and has "suggested" seriously that it is my fault that he is getting the thick water.  I stayed until he had dinner, such as it was, and then came home.   He is still only eating a few bites of things.   He did drink all of his tomato juice tonight.

So that was the day.   I am calling Dr. Sharon in the morning and plan on being at Rocky Knoll at about 9AM.   Hopefully in time for therapy. 

So keep on praying.   As I said, I am about out of strength myself and I know that it is all the prayers that are keeping me going and will bring the answers we need to make Dick well.

Time for bed now.    Just think, in one more week it will be Christmas Eve.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I didn't post last night.    I was just so exhausted and trying to get things done around the house.

Spent the morning at Rocky Knoll with Dick.    He still has no appetite to speak of and is so very tired.  And he wants ice water.    I have convinced the nurses to top the thick water with a couple of cubes of ice which keeps it cold and provided the feel of ice on his lips.  Bobbie brought him soda today and they thickened that.  She said he liked the Sierra Mist.

He just tells me he wants to go home.  I told him that we have to see what the doctors say first.    I had hoped he could be home for Christmas, but I am not seeing any improvement in his strength and I can't take care of him as weak as he is.

My friend, Joan Kramer,came over to the house today and gave me a reflexology treatment.   I am feeling much more relaxed and hope that this will help me get a really great sleep and that I will wake up rested.

A busy day tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, it was quite a full day again.

I got up early as I had a 7AM appointment for therapy with Jaren at Aurora.  He really put me through my paces.   I had no idea there were so many muscles and ligaments in an arm to be strengthened.  I got home in about 45 minutes in time to greet Jody when she came to clean this morning.

So, I folded Christmas cards and washed until she left and then I loaded up Dick's motorized chair into the back of the van and took off for Rocky Knoll.   I got to drive the chair of course because it is easier than trying to steer it from the side.   It is kind of fun.   My feet don't reach the footrest though.   I was a bit later than I told Dick I would be there and he was a bit anxious.   Poor guy.

He was so very sleepy today and is still not eating.  I got him to eat exactly four bites of his dinner.   He has to drink nectar consistency liquids and is not happy about that because he wants ICE WATER.   I asked about tomato juice.  That is a thick liquid, I found out so I asked that he get a glass of that each morning and the speech therapist (swallow specialist) is prescribing an Ensure type of supplement.   He has to get vitamins and minerals and nutrients into himself.   '

He also had his PT evaluation today so will start therapy tomorrow.  

I came home at about 4PM and have been really busy around here.  Roxie is delighted that I am home and was glad to see Jody this morning.   She has been feeling out of sorts I can tell with Dick gone and most of her admirers not coming to visit her.

I can't believe that it is so close to Christmas.    I would like Dick to be home before then but I am really concerned about his weakness.  Hopefully the antibiotics will wipe out the pneumonia and ITU on this round.   That would be a huge step to his recovering.  Then, he has to start eating again.  

Guess that is all for tonight.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A friend sent me the following quote:   "God sends His angels to watch over those who sleep
But He Himself watches over those who lie awake in suffering."

He is with my sweetheart.

It has been a really long day.   

I took my Christmas Card plan over to Sun Graphics an left it to be copied while I went to Sheboygan Memorial to be with Dick.  He was So tired today.   The doctor decided that he was ready to leave the hospital.   They,  however, did not recommend that I bring him home.   They felt that he was too weak for me to take care of him, he still needs 24/7 care and lots of PT an OT to regain his strength.

I am very distressed by this, but after talking to Bobbie too, who agreed with them, decided, with Dick to let him go to Rocky Knoll for a few days of rehab.   We are hoping that it will just be a few days.   Time to be sure that the pneumonia is gone, that his UTI is cured and that he has enough PT to regain his strength.

So, they picked him up at about 4:30PM and transferred him.   I picked up the cards, went home and ate and fed Roxie and then went over with clothes and his gloves.  He is in a different section this time and there are no phones in the room.    He also did not have a TV, but Joe, one of the maintenance men found one for him.   He did not have side rails on the bed  which Joe managed to get installed.

I left at about 7:30PM and am planning on hitting the bed as soon as I finish this.   I have to be up at 6AM and off to my therapy at 7AM tomorrow.

Bless you

Dia Dhuit

Mary

James Wright said "Poetry can keep life itself alive. You can endure almost anything as long as you can sing about it."

Short tonight as there is not much to report.   Dick is much better today.   Still very weak, Still coughing, Still suffering from the UTI but there is improvement.

He is getting used to "thick" liquids, even iced tea so we won't have too much of a struggle there.   I will have to be cooking softer foods for a while, but he likes casseroles and ground meat dishes so we will manage.   We ate lunch together today and will again tomorrow.    There is a slim chance he could come home tomorrow but I frankly don't see it happening.  There are too many things unstable and I would be afraid to be caring for him.    I will not be alone though, as VNA will be here to help me along with Embrace Care.  

It was very cold today, but sunny.   It is supposed to warm up a bit during the week.  Wouldn't hurt at least when I bring Dick home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I spent most of the day with Dick at Sheboygan Memorial.   I left the house at about 7:30AM.  Stopped to drop some things off at Mom's and payed her bills for her.

Then I went directly to the hospital.   He is doing much better today.   They have determined for sure that he has an aspiration pneumonia and a UTI again.  He is a sick guy.    We will decide day to day how he is doing.     We have found out that he will be on a special "diet" of thick water and food that is kind of ground up or easily swallowed.  That diet is called and EZ swallow diet.

I am very tired. I am just going to go to bed VERY early.  So I will be ready for tomorrow which will come soon enough.

Bless you all and keep praying for Dick.    Each day should be an improvement.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello.    It has been quite a weekend.  

Yesterday started off OK.   Dick was weak and having trouble with his coughing, but had no fever so I decided to to to the Condo Association meeting and see what happened from there.   I stopped at home to pick up things for the Celtic Christmas Tea that afternoon.   

Dick was a bit unsettled but he and Heather, the caregiver, agreed that I should go as she is able to do the things that he needs and he was in very good hands.   Also, I had my phone and was 10 minutes away.

The Tea went very well.   Jeff Ward, from Racine, our music was just wonderful.   He is a super balladeer and sang two requests for me.  I got to visit with lots of wonderful people, eat super treats and drink tea to my heart's content.    A lovely gathering.   We had almost 60 people there.   A good showing.

Then Kate and I drove up the hill, followed by LuAnn to go to Mass.    Just before Mass started, my phone rang.  It was Mary from Embrace Care.    Dick was running a fever and slumped sideways in his wheelchair, he was unable to sit up straight without support.   I got home as soon as I could and it was apparant that he needed to get to the hospital so we called Plymouth Ambulance Service.   They are so good, and had him to the hospital in short order.

It has been determined that he has pneumonia and his UTI has returned.  Needless to say, he was admitted and is still there.    We had a wet snow falling all day, so I stayed home and just keep calling every so many hours as it seems foolish to take a chance on an accident in the slush.   I have been taking the time to rest and get myself back on path.    The past week has been hard.

I have cancelled all my plans for tomorrow so that we can concentrate on making sure that all is OK with Dick and that he is on the road to recovery and how long he should stay and so on.   Doctors will be more available then too.

I have done a lot of resting today and made sure that everyone is up to date on all that is happening.   Another good night's sleep and I will be ready to tackle anything again.

Pray for us please.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew, what a day.   I got up at 6ish as Jody was coming to clean at 8AM.  Dick was up by7:30AM but really has been very subdued all day.   He slept well last night but does not seem to get rested.

We had the VNA PT person come today to review how I get Dick in and out of bed and move him around.   She really does not see how things could be changed without great expense and lots of cranes and cranks and so on.    She did call Matt at Home Care Resources to see if he can come up with any adaptations that might help.   He is going to call next week.

Then we had lunch and Nancy came at 12:30PM to clean Dick up and attend to those needs.   We left him in bed then for a nap.    He woke up when Kay from Embrace got here at 3:30PM

I left for my therapy appointment which was at 4PM then did a couple of other errands and was home by 5PM.

Dick was coughing really badly and is exhausted.    I tried to get him to eat but he just nibbled. He is already in bed at 6:30PM.   Worries me but I gave him some cough medicine which seems to have eased the coughing a lot.

I have strengthening exercises to do for my arm and will go back next week and possible the following week to see how things go.

So that was the day.   Tomorrow will be a much more fun day.   First, at 10AM, the Condo meeting (Not the Fun Part of the Day.)   Then after a quick check on Dick   (Heather, from Embrace will be with him all day.) I will pick up Kate and we will go to the Plymouth History Museum to help set up for the Tea.    The weather is supposed to be good for us.  Yea.   There was lots of advertizement so I hope we have a good crowd.    Jeff Ward who is singing for us is SO good.

After the event Kate and I  will go to Mass and  I will be home by 5:30PM.    Home until 6:30PM on Sunday.   I can even sleep late on Sunday if all goes well.

I am so glad for that.

Bless you all and I hope your holiday plans are going well.  Remember that love is what it is all about.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A very busy day.  

I had to get up at 6AM to be ready to leave at 7:30AM for the annual Gibbsville safari.

Heather, from Embrace, arrived on time and I drove right over to pick Kate up.   We stopped at the Diner on 57 for a breakfast together.   Good one too.   We both got the special.  Two eggs, raisin toast, bacon and fruit.   SO good.

Then the drive out to Gibbsville Cheese.   I spent a "fortune" as usual, but have both Mother and my shopping done.    Now the last thing I have to do is get the candy and ornaments packed and mailed to the "out of Staters".

Kate and I had such a good visit.   Breakfast and the trip back and forth was a nice long time.

We will go to the Christmas Tea on Saturday and then to Mass on Saturday also.

I got home a bit early even.   It was just after 10AM when I walked in the house.   At. 10:30AM exactly Curt from Mike's appliance came to work on the ice maker.   Yes, the ice maker on the refrigerator broke.   We are LOST without ice.  Even Roxie expects ice in her water these days.

I told you that didn't I?    We caught her lapping up Dick's ice water one day and Dick told me to put her own ice water on the desk between us.   It has become "expected."   Somebody we know is quite insistent on her ice water.   (I know, but it amuses us so - so it is good.)

Anyway, Curt came at 10:30AM and got the ice maker working.   He has ordered a new pump and will replace that.   We are not sure but the pump could be leaking which would cause it to freeze up where the water flows in and I would rather that it is RIGHT.

Two ladies came from the VNA to explain Palliative care and Hospice to us.  These programs offer much more aid that is provided by the Medicare program and will provide much relieve for me in the taking care of Dick.   \They will bring in therapy, nurses and other help that will help us to know if and when we need to be thinking of hospice.   The exciting thing to Dick is that Nancy, a nurse from the Home Care we received in the early part of the year will be back.   She is a jewel and I know that she will be there for us.

I am rather beat up these days.  Don't worry, I am trying to get help and the Palliative care is one of the things that I am exploring to make things feasible for me to continue to take care of Dick at home.    He needs to be here with me.   I am way too lonely without him.

Pray for us as we explore these options.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I did not post last night,  I was just too tired.

Today was busy too but there is a lot going on.  I had to get up at 6AM because Kim from Embrace care was coming at 7AM and I had to leave shortly after for an 8AM appointment with Dr. Poppy, the chiropractor.  My right arm and shoulder are hurting almost all the time.   Her work did not do anything to relieve that.   I am hoping that my appointment with therapy on Friday for strengthening will provide some help.

I got home after shopping to find that  Nancy from VNA had run late and Kim had to stay a bit longer.   Thank heaven, the helpers just stay.   And I was only 10 minutes past the time they were supposed to be here.   I had expected Nancy at 10AM but she ran late and got here at 10:30AM.  This worked out just fine.   I was able to have help with Dick until just shortly before we had to leave for Fond du Lac to see Marty from Actra, the prosthesist.     He was able to assure me that the problems with the left prosthesis are due to wear and tear and what I have been doing to get it on is the right way.   He did a bit of work on it which should extend the wear for some time anyway.

We had tuna helper for our supper tonight.   It was really good and I have a couple of quick meals for the next couple of busy days.

Received a nice encouraging note from Jim and Michelle today.   It is always so good to get a boost just when things seem the worst. 

Tomorrow we will be consulting with a social worker and a nurse about Dick's needs.  Bobbie will be here.   I am so glad that she can be here.   Hopefully we can get help that will allow me to do some healing and keep Dick at home safe and sound.   I just need to be able to take care of him.

Tomorrow, I will be Christmas Chopping at Gibbsville,    Kate is going with me and we will have breakfast together.

So until tomorrow evening.

Dia Dhuit

Mary





"I don't think anybody feels like they're a good parent," Joan Didion told New York Magazine last year. "Or if people think they're good parents, they ought to think again."

We got up at 6AM this morning.   Dick was restless and ready and I really had a lot I wanted to get done before I went to Bible Study.   So it worked out OK.

I got most of my calls made and Dick all ready for the day before Bobbie came.   Then I stopped for gas on my way to Bible Study.  We had a good group and talked a lot about music being such a wonderful gift and path to God.

Mom was tired but pretty good.   We got all her bills paid and the pills put out for the week and had a bit of a visit.   Then I hurried home as Dick called and needed me.   Ron from the VNA was here and took the blood test for the cumadin level.   He was perfect.   2.2.   Ron will be back on Thursday to take it again.  Just because of the antibiotic.   Saturday we will be checking the urine again to be sure that the infection is all gone.

Bobbie, Dick and I had lunch together.  Then Bobbie had to go home and Dick and I rested a bit.   Actually Dick slept until 4PM and I had to wake him then.

The rest of the day has been quite.   We had steak fajitas for supper.   Dick liked that.    His appetite is none to good but we shared one and he hate his half.

Now it is time to shut down.   Tomorrow I will be going to the Kettle Quilters Christmas party.   Embrace will be here at 12:30 so that I can go.   Also, Nancy, our favorite nurse from VNA, is coming at 1PM to start taking care of Dick.    This should be the only time they overlap.   But the Embrace people do so many other things for me and I have several projects that can be done.   Also if Nancy needs help they will be here.

So that was my day.   I am hoping that Dick goes to bed early so that I can too.    Pain pills and rest might make my arm stop throbbing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We slept quite late this morning.    It was nice as nobody was coming early and I didn't have to be anywhere this morning.

I told you that I asked Dr. Sharon if he could recommend an evaluation by the VNA as I think he probably would benefit from their care.    Today, Troy, came do do the initial evaluation.  He is recommending OT, PT and some nurse visits.   The first benefit is that I will not have to take him to the clinic tomorrow for his blood test at the anti coagulation clinic.  Rob from VNA will come and do that for us.   Yea.

I got the buckeyes dipped in chocolate this afternoon. 

The Packers won,   Double Yea!.

I managed to get a bit of sewing done while Kay was here this evening to get Dick to bed.

So it was, altogether a nice day.

Dia Dhuit

Til tomorrow

Mary

It was rather muggy and damp today - all day.   Not especially cold but felt chilly because of the dampness.

I got a lot done today.   The buckeyes are all rolled and I will dip them tomorrow morning.   The bottom row of the plate racks where I am lining up ornaments is looking GOOD.   I still have the upper two but it is coming together.   The two miniature trees that Kate lent me are in place and look just lovely.  I have three nativity scenes and several of my Santas displayed.

So it was a full day.   Dick was quiet today and a bit confused but quite cheerful so all was well.  I am tired though, it was a "labor intensive day."  

Kay came at 3:30PM and I went to Mass.   A lovely Mass.  The adult choir sang and I visited with several friends in the choir after Mass.   Two people offered to come to stay with Dick if I need a break or someone to just be with him.   God is good.   His people are good.
I am not feeling all that confident right now as I am sore.

But lots of people have us on their prayer list.   That makes me feel very lifted up and very special.
Dick's appetite has been quite down, but he is eating balanced meals anyway. 

Tomorrow, we are going to check his blood sugars together as he is training me how to do it.   He is taking SO long that the tester turns off before he gets things done.

I got a call from Troy at the VNA tonight.   He is coming either tomorrow or Monday between 11AM and 12PM.    Now I am not sure which day it is.   I kind of assumed it would be Monday but now I am not sure.   I will be ready either way.

I asked Dr. Sharon to order an evaluation for Dick.   Perhaps we will be able to get some therapy or other help from them.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"God sends His angels to watch over those who sleep
But He Himself watches over those who lie awake in suffering."

Home all day.    It was quite pleasant outside and supposed to be even warmer tomorrow.   I plan on putting up the outdoor lights tomorrow when it is in the 50s.

Today, I wrapped some presents and mixed up the buckeye middle.  Tomorrow I will roll them and then dip them.   Then I can start preparing packages.   It is now less than 4 weeks to Christmas and the time it does fly.

My arm is really hurting a lot.    I have to try to really rest it as much as possible.

Tomorrow is another day home except for going to Mass.    Sunday also.     Things will get more festive as the holiday creeps up on us.

 It is only 7PM, but since Kay is here to help Dick, I am going to bed now and will rest and hopefully sleep until he needs me before going to sleep.

Somehow I need to get rested.

Take care

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is a bit warmer and the sun shone today.   It is supposed to be quite warm, in the 50s, on Saturday and Sunday, so I will put up my Christmas lights then.

I have set out the two little trees that Kate lent me and they are so nice.   One is a Thomas Kinkeade and the other a Spode.  I am putting my own ornaments on the plate racks over the dining room table and they should look really nice, if I can get some of the drunk ones to stand up.

I will be bringing up my nice Santas and the Nativity Scenes also.

This morning I picked up an order for therapy from John Niewalney.   Now I have to call and figure out when I can do this.    I had another appointment with Dr. Poppy, the chiropractor today also.   As my right arm is extremely painful, I believe I strained it badly in the past few days helping Dick get up, she worked on that a bit.   I really need to rest it and am trying to learn ways to help Dick without using that arm.   He is trying too.  I have decided to see if we can get the VNA in here to reevaluate possibilities for therapy.   Tomorrow I call Dr. Sharon to ask him if he will order this.

We both took a really good nap this afternoon.   That is helping tonight.

Tomorrow I have to get to work sewing and decorating some more.   Perhaps I will bring up a Nativity or so.   I am going to wrap presents and make buckeyes this weekend too.

Three days home with the only time I have to leave home being Mass on Saturday.

  Dia Dhuit

Mary

A busy morning.    Kay got here at 7AM.   I left shortly after for grocery shopping and other errands and Kay got Dick up.

Grocery shopping went well.    I stopped at Kate's house after grocery shopping.  She had a couple of small decorated Christmas Trees that she lent me because I am not putting up a big one.   It would just make it too hard for Dick to move around in here.   They are adorable.   I have one next to the TV and one as one comes in the front door.

I had my hair cut at 9AM, then swung by the Clinic to see if Dr. Sharon had the results on Dick's Urine test.   He did not.  

I got a call shortly after I got home.   He does not have a severe UTI but Dr. Sharon sent the test for more study and this evening, his nurse called and there is a mild infection that we will start treating in the morning.    I was so hoping for an infection which would have explained many of the problems that Dicks is experiencing this past week or so.    We will just have to see. 

Jeff stopped in on his way to Mother's today with a pound of Venison burger for me and he is helping us fix the closet door that good knocked off its hinges or support or whatever it is the other day, when Dick came in the house and it was open.   I was able to send a loaf of pumpkin bread and some pumpkin/raisin bran muffins home with him.   I have finally salvaged all the pumpkin from the pie that I baked without sugar.    Anybody want pumpkin pancakes?   Come over any morning and we can dish them up with some nice Johnsonville breakfast sausages.

The rest of the day was quiet.   I started decorating for Christmas and took a really good long nap.   Good thing as I have to get up early tomorrow again.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home all day.    I did sleep a bit later this morning.   But still got up early enough to get the trash together and out.

I was busy all day with cleaning the desk, putting Thanksgiving away,  making fudge, washing clothes and putting things away.  

We again, had a rather nice morning, though Dick is very tired all the time.    Tomorrow we may have some answers as to why.

I am watching the last episode of the year of Dancing with the Stars.    I missed last night but still want to see who takes the mirror ball, if I can stay awake long enough.

Tomorrow will be a busy morning with grocery shopping, Walgreens and a hair cut.   I have to get up at 6AM again so will be in bed soon.

Hope you have a great day.   Can you believe that it is less than a month til Christmas.   Kate and I are going to Gibbsville a week from Thursday to do the cheese shopping.   I will check with Mom on Monday to see if she is doing it again.

So. Good night and sleep tight

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a goofy day.

I got up at 5:45AM.   I had intended to get up at 6AM anyway.  Isn't is odd how I miss those 15 minutes?    Very silly.

But Dick needed me at 5:45AM.  So there you go.   Boy, was Roxie irritated.  She had been trying to get me up since shortly after 4AM and she sees no reason why that MAN should have more pull than she does.   She fussed at me all the time I was taking care of Dick despite the fact that she was still fed at 6AM.

Bobbie came to be with her Dad at around 8:30AM.   I left at 9AM for Bible Study and for a visit with Mother.

Please pray for Don who has cancer and it doesn't look good at all.

Mother seemed pretty good today and looked absolutely lovely with her fresh perm and all.  We got her pills out, her bills paid and picked out a show for her to watch tonight on TV.

Home again, Bobbie said that Dick had slept the whole time I was gone.    I talked to Dr. Sharon's nurse and we are going to do a urine test to see if there is an infection.   If so, this could be accounting for a lot of the confusion that Dick has been experiencing.   I hope it is that easy.  I wish I was a better nurse, but I am learning as I go.   As I told Dick when all of this started.   Even when I was a little girl, I never wanted to be a nurse.   We both got a really good laugh out of that.

At 3PM we had to be at Aurora Plymouth for Dick's appointment with the anti coagulation clinic.   The good news is that he is just where he is supposed to be.  The bad news is that we had trouble getting him out of the car both at Aurora and at home.    He is, for some reason, leaning back, instead of leaning forward and though I was able to get him into the chair at the clinic, I had to call Plymouth Ambulance to help me get him seated in the chair and into the hours.   They came immediately and got him seated, in the house and made sure he was stable.   What nice guys.

  I don't know what is happening and am confused as to whom to call for help.   I think I will start with Embrace Care as they are the daily caregivers.   I am hurting myself trying to fix things and won't do any good if I get in real trouble.

Tomorrow we get to be home all day.    I need that.   Too many days of confusion.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary


The night has been quiet and peaceful.  Dick and I are both trying to be the "best we can be" for each other because it was such a traumatic middle.    He is so patient and brave.  

It was really a nice Sunday.    We got up an ready for the world by 8:30AM.   Dick was hungry so I fixed him a tomato, egg and cheese sandwich for his breakfast.    We had a lovely morning,   Dick was quite chatty so it was fun.   

I started getting ready for Christmas decorating, I got the wreaths outside and the lights for outside down from the garage shelf to test.

I also make my first batch of fudge.   One more batch of fudge and the buckeyes and I will be ready for mailing packages to the out of state kids and others.   I HAVE to get out to Gibbsville too.  Better check that calendar for a day..

Nora called today and we had a nice visit.   She is very good at calling when I need a pick me up.   I am very blessed with a good family and friends.

The Packer game is on.    They are not meeting my expectations so far this evening.    I hope they are prepared for my displeasure.

Tomorrow is a busy day and Dick goes to the anti coagulation clinic in the afternoon.    That should be interesting.

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I dd not post last night.     The evening was very difficult and it just did not work. 

Richard and Brenda were with us until about 11AM or so so we had more visiting time and a good breakfast before they left.   Richard put the storm door in the front for us.   I am so grateful as it was very cold today.

The afternoon was quiet, though Dick has been coughing a lot and seemed to be having trouble concentrating.  Heather came at 6:30PM and I went and did some shopping then drove over to Mother's to see how she is doing.

She is really tired and I stayed until her caregiver came to ask for some help that Mom was concerned about.   I was pleased with the response and the concern of her caregiver.

I got home shortly after 8PM.  Heather was putting Dick to bed.    That worked all right but the night was difficult.    I had to get him up in the middle of the night to sit in his chair.   I catch naps between the problems.    Last night the cough medicine finally helped with the coughing at and after sitting up for a couple of hours, the pain in his legs stopped.

We had a pretty good morning but the coughing was rough after lunch.   His sugar level was off too.  I called for advice to Aurora but Dick refused to go in.    The doctor said that he should be OK until Monday.  

Tonight I helped him to bed at about 7PM because he is in such pain in his legs.    He seems to be settled so I plan on going to bed soon also.    I am really in need of sleep.

I appreciate all the prayers and concern that you all have for my sweetheart.    I just feel so helpless sometimes and hope you don't mind my venting.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


~~~~~
I was always taught to respect my elders,
but it keeps getting harder to find one.
~~~~~

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!   It was a lovely day.   The temperatures were up in the high 60s.

Bobbie and Bill came over close to 9AM so that I could go to Mass at St. John's.   It was a well attended service.   The Adult Choir sang beautifully.    I was assigned to be Eucharistic Minister so was quite pleased.   That is always my joy.

Home again.    Dick, Bobbie, Bill and I just hung out and visited.  Barb and Bart called just before noon and we had a really good visit.   Three more weeks or so and Barb will be done with her current classes.    She needs a break.  It is so hard to go to school AND work AND have a life.   They had their Thanksgiving with Adam and Lexi and the girls today.

Richard and Brenda arrived at about 12:30PM.    We all shared a glass of champagne and then sat down to a sumptuous meal prepared by Bobbie.    We had turkey, stuffing, squash casserole, roasted Brussels  Sprouts, mashed potatoes and gravy and salad.   Oh, besides that we had devilled eggs, raw veggies and other nummies for appetizers before dinner.

Talked to Mom this morning and she seems to be feeling OK.

So Happy Thanksgiving Hope you are all stuffed

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Too much to do today.   I had my MRI on my shoulder this morning.

I think I am ready for tomorrow when Bobbie takes over the kitchen.

Happy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow

Mary

I was home until 6:30PM.    I was busy all day.

Gary Anderson came today and repaired the linoleum in the master bath.

AT 6:30PM, Heather arrived and I went to pick up prescriptions at Walgreens, Take Mother hers, had her sign a bank paper and went grocery shopping.

Got home at 8PM.   Still trying to get Dick to bed.   He is a bit confused tonight.

Mother was not feeling quite up to par either.   Just an uncomfortable day.   Maybe it is the moon.

Pray for all of us.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a very nice day.     I had to get up at 6AM so that I could be  ready to go to  my chiropractic appointment with Dr. Poppy at 8:40AM.  Bobbie got here at 7:30AM.  So all went well.   I came home between the appointment and the bible study to be sure that Dick was comfortable for the morning.   It all worked well.

Bible Study was very nice.  There were 7 of us.  A nice group.  We finished our discussion of Psalm 30.  I have such a support and prayer group with this Bible Study.    We really help each other.

Mother was doing pretty well today.  We got her bills all paid and set her pills out.    I have a bit of banking to do for her and will pick up some pills from Walgreens tomorrow.

Home again.   Bobbie, Dick and I had chili and banana cream pie for lunch.

I took a long nap this afternoon.   My friend LuAnn and her friend Elaine came by this afternoon for a cup of tea.  LuAnn is taking over the Annual Christmas Tea that CWI sponsors with the SCHRC and the Plymouth History Museum.   I am so grateful.   Getting people to chair these yearly events is going to make life a lot easier for me.   I knew people were willing but just needed to learn how to ask.

So until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

As promised, a quiet Sunday.   I was able to stay in bed until shortly after 8AM.   It was one of those days, I might have stayed in ALL day if I didn't have responsibilities.    I am actually feeling much better than I have been feeling but am still kaddy wampus.

We had our joint Chili for dinner this noon.   It is really good.  So, Dick and I make a cooking duo to contend with.  I also made Irish Brown Bread and cranberry relish today.   This week will be busy and I have to leave Wednesday afternoon free for baking  the pumpkin pie.

Got  a call from my friend, Maureen.   It was a call for help.   She couldn't find the recipe for ice box shortbread cookies that we got from the American Club at our Annual meeting.    Luckily I found it while we were talking.   I know how FRUSTRATING that is.   I was doubly glad because it gave Maureen and I a chance to just talk for a while.    It has been a long time.   I have such good friends with Celtic Women and Maureen is the best.

Jeff called a couple of times this afternoon.    Randy and Jason and Kurt all got does out hunting.   Randy and Jason on Saturday and Kurt today.    Brandon, Kurt's oldest, was out his first year.   He did get a shot off at a buck today.   What a thrill for a first time hunter.   I seems that Jason is going to butcher the deer as it is going to be warm mid week and he is currently not working.   He absolutely refuses to take it to a butcher shop.   (Sounds like Tim and Dad's spirit seeped in to him.)  So unless there are more deer harvested on Thanksgiving, we will not be butchering on Friday.

I have been having difficulty downloading pictures from my camera to the computer.   That is my project for tonight.    It is driving me bonkers.

Tomorrow is Monday already.    I will spend time with Mother and have a chiropractic session.   Hope things start feeling better soon.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Except for going to Mass, we were both home all day.

Dick did help me make the chili.   He started by chopping the veggies, but the veggie chopper gave him trouble so after a bit, he measured out the spices for me.   I was happy for the time together doing something.   Tomorrow we will sample the chili and BOBBIE, guess what we will have for lunch on Monday?

With the chili this morning and Mass this afternoon, I did not get anything else exciting done at all.  I stopped at the Pig on my way home from Mass.   So, I didn't get here until 5:30PM.   Roxie was quite unhappy with me.  But she has forgiven me now that her tummy is full.

Dick seems very exhausted tonight.   I hope he settles in OK.  

Home ALL day tomorrow.   YEAA!!!.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a good day.   The temperature was in the mid forties, but it was so damp that it felt much colder.  Kind of into the bones.

Jody came to clean at 8AM.  We had a nice morning.   I got a lot of things sorted and put away today..   I do feel a bit better but had to rest at about 10:30 as Dick had an appointment with Dr. Cheryl, the eye doctor, at 1:20PM.    We had a good trip.   The most difficult part was getting out of the car at the doctor office.    But it worked and actually, Billie, one of the staff, had a suggestion that just might help that part of the process.    Use a towel, along with the slide board.    We will try it next time.

The exam went well.   Dick's goofy eyelash was coming back but was still not scratching the cornea, so we were in time.   His sight is holding its own and we adjusted the glasses so that it will not be pressing on the bridge of his nose.

The rest of the day, we just hung out.  

Heather, from Embrace came tonight and I spent the time downstairs, mending a couple of shirts and working on the wall hanging that I am making out of Mother's crazy quilt squares.    I wanted to have the downstairs clear of my mess when Richard and Brenda come.    I do know that they wouldn't care, but they deserve an uncluttered place to rest in.

Can you believe that next Thursday will be Thanksgiving already.

I had hoped that Dick would work with me tomorrow to make a batch of his chili.   He had me buy the stuff a couple of weeks ago and keeps putting it off.    I guess I'll just have to do it myself.   It is after all, a measured chili.   I had just wanted us to do something together.

Last night my Bret called.   We had not talked for a couple of weeks and I had been meaning to call him for a couple of days too.   He is very busy at work and putting in overtime.    In the liquor business this happens around the holidays.    He said he has been dating a gal.   I am glad.   Time will tell, of course.   But she seems to be enjoying things he does and he likes doing things she does.    

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a wonderful day this was.   I am still a bit congested but feel a bit better.   I got up at 6AM to feed Miss Roxie and get myself ready for the day.

Today I went to the Sheboygan County Caregiver Conference that the Alzheimer's Association sponsored at Acuity.    It was really wonderful.   

Kay from Embrace Care got here at 8:30AM to that I could get there by 9AM for the checkin and opening ceremonies. We had two keynote speakers.  Rev. Tom Fleishman who is the county chaplain for the health care centers here in the county.   He was marvelous. Giving examples of people that he had dealt with and learned to meet them where they are not where we expect them to be.

Next was a breakout workshop on dealing with stress. It was called How do I go On and presented by Todd Heinen.   A lot of things I had learned before but a good reminder and he also gave us a cd of a meditation that we all experienced together at the end of his talk.  A good way to be able to practice meditation.

Lunch followed and it was super.   We had chicken, rice, veggies, Caesar salad and cake.   I did not have to spend a cent all day.   The cost of the event was $5.

After lunch I went to a talk on Food and Fitness for the Brain by Laura Dolfin.   I took a lot of notes and will have to sort out the information.

Then our final speaker, a women named.Lynda Markut, who spoke with a title "It Wasn't Supposed to be This Way."   The end of the quote from a man who was in a nursing home with his wife was "We were supposed to have time in the sun together."  She gave us a lot of quote's from her mother from the time after her mother was diagnosed with Dementia.   A good example.   "Tell it liked it is; but remember the truth is easier in small pieces."

She also had a wonderful quote fromSylvia Boorstein.   "I'm not OK.   You're not OK, and that's OK."

So on that I will rest for the night.

I hope your day was also good.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Wednesday already.    I slept late again.   Sure will be glad when I am over this weakness.    Just have to keep fighting the infection.

A quiet day overall.   Dick felt pretty good all day.   We had a pleasant time.

Tonight I left at 5:30PM for the Poets Corner at Mead.     Sy was ready when I stopped to pick him up.   He and I always have good visits to and from the library.   There were thirteen poets there tonight and we heard some wonderful work and had some great discussions.    I read my poem about the killing of the trees in back of us and George's poem called PRIDE about Dad from his book Old Red House.

They seemed to like them both.    We are quite the little family of poets.   I believe!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Got to stay in bed a bit later this morning but had to be ready to get the trash out on time too.   I still have a bit of a cough and headache.

The day went very well.   I FINALLY caught up on my emails.   Tomorrow, I have to send the newsletter to my non computer members.  And I will clear the desk, get ready for tomorrow night and the next day and if Dick remembers, review our financial and legal matters.   As I said.  He may not remember, but I will remind him.

This evening, I made it to the ATM machine, as I have been out of cash for four days, Walgreens and the Pig.   So it was a successful Tuesday.

Tomorrow I will be going to the Poetry Corner that Karl Elder leads tomorrow night.    I have two poems and one my brother George wrote that I would like to share.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Church Quote

"How do we make holy water?   We boil the hell out of it."

It was a very busy morning.    I should not have complained about Roxie not coming in to wake me in the morning.   She hopped up there at about 5AM and pestered me until 5:30AM.   Then she left me to myself and I almost overslept.    I had to get up this morning because I had that first appointment with Dr. Poppy, the chiropractor. 

Bobbie got here at about 8AM and I went right over for the appointment.    I should be seeing her twice a week for a while, but because of a couple of things going on Thursdays it will be once a week for a while.

I went right from there to Bible Study, stopping to fill up my tank in Falls.   We had a full table again and a great discussion about Psalm 30.    Talk about trust in God, not losing track of him or getting too complacent in our ways.

Then I went to Mom's.   She is weak but we did just fine.   She and I got her bills paid and her pills put out and we picked out a couple of things for her to watch tonight on TV.    This will be one of the first nights that her care giver will come at 8PM and stay until she is actually in bed.   She agreed that this is a good idea.    Hope she remembers this.

Bobbie, Dick and I had cabbage soup for our lunch with cheese and crackers.    Then Bobbie went home.    Dick said that she really did not have to read the blog as she either was here for it or heard about it.

Dick and I napped after Bobbie left.     I only got about an hour but it was better than nothing.   I do feel a bit better today and hope another good night's sleep will knock out the rest of this infection.

I am trying to watch Dancing with the Stars but that is always a challenge as this is the time of day that Dick needs to be moved or tucked or have legs taken off or on.  I think I have been able to get my votes in anyway.   I do have my favorites.

It was COLD today.   We even had a little bit of snow.   None stayed on the ground however.

Bart and Barb called tonight.   They were on their way back home from Wichita Falls where they did a bit of shopping.   Barb has a new car a KIA, I think,  and has her phone voice activated in the car.   Cool.  It worked just fine.  So good to hear their voices.   

So it was a busy day.   Tomorrow will be quiet until the evening when I will shop.

Take care

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a good night's sleep I had.   I woke up at about 6AM and thought I would wait for Roxie to come to get me to fix her breakfast.    The next thing I knew, it was 7:30AM and she had STILL not come so I got up.   She was sleeping on a chair in the living room and was glad but not anxious to see me.   She is changing her pattern again.  We all know how she likes to keep us guessing.

I did get quite a bit done today.   I sent out some emails, baked some scones, and wrote out a couple of cards.   I paid some bills and straightened out around here.      I also took two naps.    One would think that all this rest will pay off in restored health.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a Dr. Poppy, a chiropractor, tomorrow morning.    Dr. Leben is hoping she will be able to reset my spine and help the pain in my ribs.

All of my activities are in the morning so I should be able to keep restoring myself in the afternoon.

Please pray for the soul and family of my friend Pat Monaghan, who died last night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Boy, this was a day to remember.

I got a call at 8:30AM or so from Mom's caregiver that Mom was having another fainting event and they had called 911.   

Jody was here cleaning so I asked her if she would stay with Dick while I drove over there.  By the time I got here, she was already being transported to Memorial.   So I came home again and waited for phone calls.  Jeff let me know that she was awake and fine.   They sent her home before lunch.  Too bad, I had cancelled Meals on Wheels.    There is plenty of food in that house anyway.   Eileen was staying with her and through the night.

Tomorrow we are gathering at 10:00 to see if there is more we can do to be sure she is safe.

Dick had his cumadin level checked today.   It was 3.7 so we had to adjust meds and will be back there in two weeks.   I lost him on the way to the cumadin clinic.     We got off the elevator together.   We started down the hall and I told him I would go ahead to check him in.    When I turned around he was gone.    We finally found him.   For some reason, he had gone back on the elevator.   Last time I'll go ahead.

We saw Dr. Sharon today too.  Nothing new there, but Dr. Sharon now knows his current condition and I feel good about that.  We are trying a new med (Yippee) that might help the phantom pain.

We picked up fast food from the DQ for our lunch.   Then we rested.

I went to the bust up party at Rhine tonight.

Good visits and good food.

So  Until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Except for grocery shopping this morning, I did not have to go anywhere.    I spent as much of it as I could just resting.   I am determined to beat this infection.

Tomorrow, Dick gets his blood tested AND sees Dr. Sharon for a checkup.    I have been getting more and more concerned about the pain he feels, the exhaustion and think he needs to be seen.

Will report tomorrow night.
We had Chicken Alfredo for our lunch.   Quite good.    Tomorrow night is the bust up party for the pistol and trap leagues

I am watching Cupcake Wars and then will be getting Dick ready for bed.  When he is in bed, I can go too.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am feeling a bit better after two days of antibiotics.

Slept a bit late then had to really kind of push my sore body as I had to leave at 12:30PM  to be at the Sheboygan Clinic to see. Jon Niewolny  about my shoulder and Dr.Bobbi Leben about my ribs.

I have an MRI scheduled in two weeks for the shoulder and will make an appointment to see the chiropractor her in Plymouth for my ribs.   

So it is a waiting game but perhaps we will find something new that can help the discomfort.

I got home at 3:30PM,   Rested and just tried to catch up on a few things.

Dick is making noises in the bedroom.   He doesn't want to go to sleep until I come in.    Sometimes I just need a bit of quiet time to settle my body before going to bed.   

Tomorrow will be quiet.

Dia Dhuit


Mary

Well,   I went to see Dr. Murthy today and it is official.    I am sick.  

I had a low grade fever and after his exam he determined that I have a sinus infection.   All the drainage is causing the coughing.  Then he found that my right ear was plugged, so they cleaned that out as best they could.

So I am almost relieved.   He prescribed and anti biotic for me to pick up on the way home.   Yea.  There is a cure.   He also told me to rest. 

I got home before Kim had to leave at 12:30PM.   She had to be at another place at 1PM so I was not able to vote then.

As I was preparing lunch, the Service Master Crew came to clean the carpets.    Ed Schroeder, who is a friend and started the company, came with his kids, who now do the work, and was kind enough to stay with Dick while I drove over to City Hall to vote. 

There was a steady flow of people, but no long lines at 1:30PM when I got there.   I was able to make my marks and get out and home very quickly.

Ed helped me put Dick down for his nap as the desk pads are up so the carpet could be cleaned and can dry.  Dick knows Ed pretty well too and is good company so I was grateful.

Neither of us is very hungry, so I am fixing creamed egg on toast for our supper. 

After we ate, I laid down for a while.   Now I have to be up for a bit before going to bed.   It is almost 8PM.  Heather, from Embrace, is coming then to put Dick to bed for me.   I am so grateful.   She came in at 6:30PM, I had actually cancelled the evening visit, but we agreed that she should come back at 8PM which will be the most help for me.   Dick and I can both get ready for bed but I won't have to be moving him around tonight which will really help.   I am hoping the anti biotic will have done some good, at lease for the pressure in my head.    I am going to gargle again with salt water just before I go to bed and perhaps have a glass with salt in it in the bathroom in case I start really coughing during the night.

Tomorrow will be better.   I will see Dr. Leben about my ribs and Jon Newalney, orthopedic nurse, about my shoulder and arm tomorrow. 

Now if they can give me something to cure those pains I will be eternally grateful.

Dick said the he now has proof that God is watching over me because when Heather showed up unexpectedly, it was the answer to a prayer.    I am so weak that I was kind of dreading getting Dick ready for bed.  

So pray for me.   I cannot be sick.    We all know that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A quote from William Debs

"Too long have the workers [...] waited for some Moses to lead them out of bondage. I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds that there is nothing you cannot do for yourselves."

Today started out pretty bad.  I woke up with that same old headache and was all sweaty.   The day went on that way until after lunch.    I laid down on the couch to watch the Packer game and my head seems to have stopped hurting.    I hope I am right.    I feel pretty good about it.   I am wondering now if maybe I had a touch of the flu.

I need to really rest and hopefully will sleep well tonight and tomorrow be ALL better.   I can't stand non productive days.

Tomorrow I will be a very happy and busy person and have lots to say.

Dia Dhuit

Mary