I got up at 6AM. Kind of puttered around til 9AM. Dick did walk this morning and I fixed a really good breakfast. We had bacon, eggs and toast.
At 9AM I went to pick up Kate and we drove over to the Armory to pick up out SHARE. I have been getting the smaller portion, but next month I am going for the full portion as the freezer is not as full as it should be and I need to stock up. I also really liked the selection. I think I have told you about SHARE. It is a food program for anybody that supplies food at "discount". For $25. You get a package of groceries that is worth at least $45 to 50 and includes meats, veggies and a couple of extras like, maybe a cake mix, or strawberries. It is a great way to cut the grocery bill.
After we put our groceries away, Kat and I walked from her house on Collins down to Reed Street to attend the 2009 Home and Garden "Porches on Reed Street." Five classic homes on Reed, opened their homes, and/or their gardens for tour by the public. We had a great time. They had reenactor's, high school students who told us about the homes in character of the original builders of the homes. They were all wonderful. They re all trying to get Kate to put her home in next year. I told her I would help hostess if she does.
We ended with the program of the day,Linda Godine of Herbs N' Such gave a presentation on growing and using herbs. We ate like pigs. Starting with herbal dips and working our way through cheese spreads and pastas and rice and moving on to fruit salad and breads that were fantastic. Kate and I are going out to her place in Kiel to stock up on a few herb plants and I want to take her a couple of my favorite recipes to add to her stock. She was really excited about my Lemon Balm Wine.
Got home about and fixed a sandwich for Dick. Then I took a nap as I was exhausted. My knee really hurt during that walk. It got pretty rested while we were listening to the herb presentation.
I went to the 4PM Mass. We had a very special guest at our parish this weekend. An Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, Niagra is visiting our community. He is fascinating. I will be able to meet him again tomorrow a t the Parish Family Celebration Picnic. As Fr. Van Beeck said. They have two bishops in Milwaukee this weekend, but we have an Archbishop in Plymouth. Quite a coup.
So the day is now waning.
Oscar is not eating well. He did not do badly at breakfast for did not eat at all this evening. His big green eyes are so wide. I just hope he is not in any pain. The site that Bobbie sent me about his problem indicates that there is usually not pain involved. I will cling to that.
So it was a pretty good day. Tomorrow should be nice AND busy also.
"Should you encounter a problem along your way, Change your direction, but not your destination."
I need to keep that in mind these days.
Love
Mary
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
I got to sleep until 6:30AM this morning. Chelsea got me up at four but I got back to sleep OK. I think I could have stayed in bed much longer if it was not for those critters needing food.
This in not a day that I would like to relive. You will see why.
Mom called quite early, about 9:30AM. She got a call from the nurse telling her when her colonoscopy is scheduled. It is next Friday, July 3, at 8AM at the Plymouth Surgical Center with a Doctor Rana Sokhi. I will pick her up at 7:45AM or so on Friday and take her too the surgical center to get her checked in. Jeff will join me that morning, as soon as he can get there. So I won't have to wait alone.
Dolores will be with her on Thursday night and Jeff will take her home from the procedure on Friday. (I will follow if he needs help.) Eileen is coming Friday after work and will relieve Jeff and stay the night if necessary. Randy and Donna will come over as needed and as they can. So I think we have it covered. It is so great to have such a loving support family as we have. But with a Mother and Dad like ours it is not too big a surprise.
The other thing that was difficult today was my Big Oscar. When Bobbie was here the other day, she noticed a lump in his abdomen. We thought it MIGHT be a hairball, but Bobbie looked things up in the computer and lumps are usually something to be concerned with. I had already decided that if he was off his feed one more meal, or did not throw up a hairball I was making an appointment with the Vet. I was able to get him in at 11AM this morning. The news is not good at all. Our Oscar has two enlarged kidneys. One is about the size of an orange. His BUN levels are up and his red blood count is low. With both kidneys affected, there is really nothing that we can do for him but keep an eye on him and when he develops symptoms of pain, or not eating then we will have to probably help him pass on. We have changed his diet and will just keep loving him. He is about the sweetest kitty that I have ever had. This is hard.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning, the kitchen and the bathroom, and ironing.
Then, Nancy Roehre and I went out to Rhine to practice our pistol shooting. Some major renovations have been done to trap one. New cement poured and the electrical wiring all redone. Josh and Dennis and Matt were all there working on it. I guess there was another blow up at the club regarding the camping situation. I told Dennis that maybe I will skip the next meeting. I won't but good grief can't we all get along. I may ask to use the clubhouse for a CWI meeting on July 17. I am going to try the library first because there we could have access to reference material and maybe even computers. As a member, I can use it if it is not in use for a club function.
Guess that is all for now. Enough I think. After all the junk I will end with a joke.
The weekend is here and I intend to enjoy it with a Garden Walk, a picnic at church and a graduation party.
Love
Mary
THE IRISH PROSTITUTE
An Irish daughter had not been home for over a year. Upon her return, her Father cussed her. 'Where have ye been all this time? Why did ye not write to us, not even a line? Why didn't ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother thru?'
The girl, crying, replied, 'Sniff, sniff....Dad...I became a prostitute...' 'Ye what!!? Out of here, ye shameless harlot! Sinner! You're a disgrace to this Catholic family.'
'OK, Dad-- as ye wish. I just came back to give mum this luxurious fur coat, title deed to a ten bedroom mansion plus a $5 million savings certificate. For me little brother, this gold Rolex. And for ye Daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes limited edition convertible that's parked outside plus a membership to the country club (takes a breath) and an invitation for ye all to spend New Years Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera and... .'
'Now what was it ye said ye had become?' says Dad.
Girl, crying again, 'Sniff, sniff....a prostitute Daddy! Sniff, sniff.'
'Oh! Be Jesus ! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant. Come here and give yer old Dad a hug.
This in not a day that I would like to relive. You will see why.
Mom called quite early, about 9:30AM. She got a call from the nurse telling her when her colonoscopy is scheduled. It is next Friday, July 3, at 8AM at the Plymouth Surgical Center with a Doctor Rana Sokhi. I will pick her up at 7:45AM or so on Friday and take her too the surgical center to get her checked in. Jeff will join me that morning, as soon as he can get there. So I won't have to wait alone.
Dolores will be with her on Thursday night and Jeff will take her home from the procedure on Friday. (I will follow if he needs help.) Eileen is coming Friday after work and will relieve Jeff and stay the night if necessary. Randy and Donna will come over as needed and as they can. So I think we have it covered. It is so great to have such a loving support family as we have. But with a Mother and Dad like ours it is not too big a surprise.
The other thing that was difficult today was my Big Oscar. When Bobbie was here the other day, she noticed a lump in his abdomen. We thought it MIGHT be a hairball, but Bobbie looked things up in the computer and lumps are usually something to be concerned with. I had already decided that if he was off his feed one more meal, or did not throw up a hairball I was making an appointment with the Vet. I was able to get him in at 11AM this morning. The news is not good at all. Our Oscar has two enlarged kidneys. One is about the size of an orange. His BUN levels are up and his red blood count is low. With both kidneys affected, there is really nothing that we can do for him but keep an eye on him and when he develops symptoms of pain, or not eating then we will have to probably help him pass on. We have changed his diet and will just keep loving him. He is about the sweetest kitty that I have ever had. This is hard.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning, the kitchen and the bathroom, and ironing.
Then, Nancy Roehre and I went out to Rhine to practice our pistol shooting. Some major renovations have been done to trap one. New cement poured and the electrical wiring all redone. Josh and Dennis and Matt were all there working on it. I guess there was another blow up at the club regarding the camping situation. I told Dennis that maybe I will skip the next meeting. I won't but good grief can't we all get along. I may ask to use the clubhouse for a CWI meeting on July 17. I am going to try the library first because there we could have access to reference material and maybe even computers. As a member, I can use it if it is not in use for a club function.
Guess that is all for now. Enough I think. After all the junk I will end with a joke.
The weekend is here and I intend to enjoy it with a Garden Walk, a picnic at church and a graduation party.
Love
Mary
THE IRISH PROSTITUTE
An Irish daughter had not been home for over a year. Upon her return, her Father cussed her. 'Where have ye been all this time? Why did ye not write to us, not even a line? Why didn't ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother thru?'
The girl, crying, replied, 'Sniff, sniff....Dad...I became a prostitute...' 'Ye what!!? Out of here, ye shameless harlot! Sinner! You're a disgrace to this Catholic family.'
'OK, Dad-- as ye wish. I just came back to give mum this luxurious fur coat, title deed to a ten bedroom mansion plus a $5 million savings certificate. For me little brother, this gold Rolex. And for ye Daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes limited edition convertible that's parked outside plus a membership to the country club (takes a breath) and an invitation for ye all to spend New Years Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera and... .'
'Now what was it ye said ye had become?' says Dad.
Girl, crying again, 'Sniff, sniff....a prostitute Daddy! Sniff, sniff.'
'Oh! Be Jesus ! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant. Come here and give yer old Dad a hug.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Got up a bit after six. I would have really enjoyed staying in bed longer this morning. It was a busy day at home.
Dick did get three walks in today. He gets breathless but said he is not experiencing quite as much discomfort in the effort.
I also vacuumed the upstairs carpets and did some other cleaning. The White Zinfandel wine that we are making is now all stirred and just has to sit to clear before bottling. I will also be stirring Bobbie's Strawberry Wine daily until she comes next week to put it into a secondary fermentor.
Bobbie has five batches of wine in various stages. Isn't that exciting and ambitious.
Chelsea had a little seizure this evening. Oscar is kind of off of his feed. (I think a hairball will be appearing soon.) So Roxie is the only totally healthy creature in the house.
Well, poor Farrah Fawcett died today. She certainly showed us bravery as she faced her death. Also Michael Jackson which was a surprise. We will be hearing about him for days. A lost soul. I will pray for both of them along with all the others on my list of needs.
Not anything else to report tonight. I am suddenly very weary and will be heading to bed now.
Take care
Mary
Dick did get three walks in today. He gets breathless but said he is not experiencing quite as much discomfort in the effort.
I also vacuumed the upstairs carpets and did some other cleaning. The White Zinfandel wine that we are making is now all stirred and just has to sit to clear before bottling. I will also be stirring Bobbie's Strawberry Wine daily until she comes next week to put it into a secondary fermentor.
Bobbie has five batches of wine in various stages. Isn't that exciting and ambitious.
Chelsea had a little seizure this evening. Oscar is kind of off of his feed. (I think a hairball will be appearing soon.) So Roxie is the only totally healthy creature in the house.
Well, poor Farrah Fawcett died today. She certainly showed us bravery as she faced her death. Also Michael Jackson which was a surprise. We will be hearing about him for days. A lost soul. I will pray for both of them along with all the others on my list of needs.
Not anything else to report tonight. I am suddenly very weary and will be heading to bed now.
Take care
Mary
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
An early morning. We went on our walk after my shower and taking care of the cats at about 7AM. It was already getting warm. 76 degrees at 7AM. It got up to about 94 before the day was over and it is muggy.
Chelsea is always so alert and full of life in the early morning hours. The rest of the day her tail is drooping. We noticed when we first got her that her tail was most always flared up over her back like a fine wagging bustle. When she got very tired, her little tail would drag behind her as she tried to find a quiet place. Now, more and more, her little tail is dragging even when she is just observing things.
I went to Walmart early and got Dick an exercise ball that has been recommended by his therapist. Then I went grocery shopping. I got home at about 9:30AM. I put the groceries away and blew up the exercise ball. It came with a pump. Now the next chore is to get Dick to use it. The exercises are to improve the abdominal muscle strength so he walks more upright and does not lean so on his walker.
Bobbie came over in time for lunch. We had mainly leftovers, venison, bratwurst and carrots, with beans and salad. Then we went down to the wine room and Bobbie mixed up a batch of strawberry wine. She now has five batches going - all to onst.
She mentioned that she was going to have to start writing down when she has to do something on each or she will lose track. So I gave her one of my extra calendars to write everything on.
Two O'clock was the Amputee Support Group meeting. We had a nice turnout and played bingo. Everybody brought 5 white elephant gifts. It was a lot of fun and then we ended by just having a jam session sharing the things we have in common. I came home with a box of keeenix, a bag of hot chocolate mix and a puzzle book. Everybody all wish Dick would come. I certainly do. The wife of one of our amputees was a cookie lady at Plymouth Care and said that I must tell him that she is very disappointed that he has not come.
Bobbie was still here when I got home. She had to wait some time because the must had too cool before she could add the yeast. She will be back in a week now and I will stir the strawberry once a day until then.
Now it is getting on towards bedtime. The temperature has dropped but only to 85 degrees. Heat amd thunderstorms are predicted for the next couple of days though they say this is the hottest day. I hope we do get a bit of that predicted rain. I watered the plants that really need it but rain is so much better for the plants.
I also dried some lemon balm. I now have two jars of that for the year. More than enough as I can use fresh for most of the summer. My other herbs are doing OK but I wish the purple basil would be growing faster. My tomato plants look wonderful.
Tomorrow, I have no scheduled errands so except for cleaning it will be a quiet day. I intend to do some reading and some writing.
Have a nice quiet Thursday yourself.
Love
Mary
Chelsea is always so alert and full of life in the early morning hours. The rest of the day her tail is drooping. We noticed when we first got her that her tail was most always flared up over her back like a fine wagging bustle. When she got very tired, her little tail would drag behind her as she tried to find a quiet place. Now, more and more, her little tail is dragging even when she is just observing things.
I went to Walmart early and got Dick an exercise ball that has been recommended by his therapist. Then I went grocery shopping. I got home at about 9:30AM. I put the groceries away and blew up the exercise ball. It came with a pump. Now the next chore is to get Dick to use it. The exercises are to improve the abdominal muscle strength so he walks more upright and does not lean so on his walker.
Bobbie came over in time for lunch. We had mainly leftovers, venison, bratwurst and carrots, with beans and salad. Then we went down to the wine room and Bobbie mixed up a batch of strawberry wine. She now has five batches going - all to onst.
She mentioned that she was going to have to start writing down when she has to do something on each or she will lose track. So I gave her one of my extra calendars to write everything on.
Two O'clock was the Amputee Support Group meeting. We had a nice turnout and played bingo. Everybody brought 5 white elephant gifts. It was a lot of fun and then we ended by just having a jam session sharing the things we have in common. I came home with a box of keeenix, a bag of hot chocolate mix and a puzzle book. Everybody all wish Dick would come. I certainly do. The wife of one of our amputees was a cookie lady at Plymouth Care and said that I must tell him that she is very disappointed that he has not come.
Bobbie was still here when I got home. She had to wait some time because the must had too cool before she could add the yeast. She will be back in a week now and I will stir the strawberry once a day until then.
Now it is getting on towards bedtime. The temperature has dropped but only to 85 degrees. Heat amd thunderstorms are predicted for the next couple of days though they say this is the hottest day. I hope we do get a bit of that predicted rain. I watered the plants that really need it but rain is so much better for the plants.
I also dried some lemon balm. I now have two jars of that for the year. More than enough as I can use fresh for most of the summer. My other herbs are doing OK but I wish the purple basil would be growing faster. My tomato plants look wonderful.
Tomorrow, I have no scheduled errands so except for cleaning it will be a quiet day. I intend to do some reading and some writing.
Have a nice quiet Thursday yourself.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chelsea let me sleep until 4AM this morning. I wish she would be consistant. I finally got up at a bit after 6AM. After feeding everybody, showering and walking Chelsea, we got Dick all ready for his busy day.
We left at about 10:45AM for Plymouth Care Center for therapy. Dick walked several times. Twice on the bars and twice with the walker. Wendy, the therapist, gave us some new exercises to do to strengthen his mid section. I have to go to WalMart to get a proper exercise ball tomorrow so we can start that.
We left there for Dairy Queen. We each had a cheeseburger and shared an order of fries and a Pepsi. Then, on our way to Wisconsin Prosthesis, we stopped at Mother's to pick up her fecal test that had to be dropped off at the Clinic and to leave her prescription for an Iron supplement which we hope will after a week or so leave her with more energy.
At Wisconsin Prosthesis, Tim did some adjustments to the prosthesis cup and his insole on the right foot which we hope will solve some discomfort and/or redness problems. We were home shortly after 2PM. This was our last errand.
The rest of the day I spent working on grocery lists, phone calls and on computer stuff.
Yesterday, at bible study, my friend Shirley Moioffer asked us to pray for them. They have a family of raccoons who have taken up residence in their attic. She was frying out on Father's Day and one came clicking out in broad daylight to observe what was going on. Raccoons cannot just be killed, they have to be trapped and relocated. Shirley has found someone who will come and trap them for her and Dan at $50 a crack. Pray that the mother raccoon did not have the maximum possible litter of 10.
I remember a trip that Dick and I took with our Zero to Wausau. We stopped at a rest stop just shy of Wittenberg so that Zero could relieve himself. We pulled into the stop and into a parking place. I was just about to open the door when we noticed movement in the headlights. To our "almost" horror there were at least 8 full grown raccoons cavorting in front of us. We immediately backed out and left. Zero just had to wait. Good thing we saw it quickly enough. Zero would have been torn to shreds by those raccoons.
Love
Mary
We left at about 10:45AM for Plymouth Care Center for therapy. Dick walked several times. Twice on the bars and twice with the walker. Wendy, the therapist, gave us some new exercises to do to strengthen his mid section. I have to go to WalMart to get a proper exercise ball tomorrow so we can start that.
We left there for Dairy Queen. We each had a cheeseburger and shared an order of fries and a Pepsi. Then, on our way to Wisconsin Prosthesis, we stopped at Mother's to pick up her fecal test that had to be dropped off at the Clinic and to leave her prescription for an Iron supplement which we hope will after a week or so leave her with more energy.
At Wisconsin Prosthesis, Tim did some adjustments to the prosthesis cup and his insole on the right foot which we hope will solve some discomfort and/or redness problems. We were home shortly after 2PM. This was our last errand.
The rest of the day I spent working on grocery lists, phone calls and on computer stuff.
Yesterday, at bible study, my friend Shirley Moioffer asked us to pray for them. They have a family of raccoons who have taken up residence in their attic. She was frying out on Father's Day and one came clicking out in broad daylight to observe what was going on. Raccoons cannot just be killed, they have to be trapped and relocated. Shirley has found someone who will come and trap them for her and Dan at $50 a crack. Pray that the mother raccoon did not have the maximum possible litter of 10.
I remember a trip that Dick and I took with our Zero to Wausau. We stopped at a rest stop just shy of Wittenberg so that Zero could relieve himself. We pulled into the stop and into a parking place. I was just about to open the door when we noticed movement in the headlights. To our "almost" horror there were at least 8 full grown raccoons cavorting in front of us. We immediately backed out and left. Zero just had to wait. Good thing we saw it quickly enough. Zero would have been torn to shreds by those raccoons.
Love
Mary
Monday, June 22, 2009
Roxie still hates it when I whistle. I started whistling a few minutes ago, forgetting that she is sleeping on the printer, and her eyes opened immediately. She looked at me, daring me to continue.
Chelsea woke me up at 4AM this morning, a great improvement over yesterday. I went back to bed and was able to sleep until 6AM. We had a busy morning as Dick and I were determined to get his clothes changed AND a walk in before I headed to Bible Study. This on top of all the usual just getting ready for the morning is a LOT. But we did it and did not feel too rushed.
Two people were not at bible study but we still had a good group there. Joe was back after his vacation and brought his wife, Felicia, along today. We had lively discussions about the woman who touched Jesus' robe and was healed of her hemorraging because of her faith AND about Jarius who believed that Jesus could heal his daughter. One a Jew and one a Gentile. So he will heal us all. Next week we are starting a study of the Gospel of Mark. Our books were there so we are set to go. We will read the introduction and decide how we are going to proceed.
Dick and I had pork cop and lima bean casserole for dinner and I went to the Cream City Writer's meeting. It was a good meeting. We only had to tone Don down from his preaching twice. There were two new ladies there who seem to be really interested in being a part of us. I sure hope so. We decided to give the Fourth of July or Independence Day as an "assignment" for next month's meeting.
Don has invited us out to his place for the next meeting. He is out in the country and really wants to share his "inspiration" deck with us.
Dick was sleeping when I got home, so I took care of wine and a few other things before he woke up. I remembered to stir the wine the three times it needs and Dick walked three times so we had a pretty successful day.
Did you know that if you look very closely at the Iwo Jima Memorial statue in Washington DC you will see that there are six figures putting up the flag but there are 13 hands. The sculptor simply said that the 13th hand was the Hand of God.
Also, if you start at the front of the statue and drive very slowly counter clockwise around it, as you come around, it appears that the flag actually is rising. It is phenomenal.
Have a great Tuesday. We are saturated with medical appointments, therapy , prosthesis and some errands for Mom.
Take care
Love
Mary
Chelsea woke me up at 4AM this morning, a great improvement over yesterday. I went back to bed and was able to sleep until 6AM. We had a busy morning as Dick and I were determined to get his clothes changed AND a walk in before I headed to Bible Study. This on top of all the usual just getting ready for the morning is a LOT. But we did it and did not feel too rushed.
Two people were not at bible study but we still had a good group there. Joe was back after his vacation and brought his wife, Felicia, along today. We had lively discussions about the woman who touched Jesus' robe and was healed of her hemorraging because of her faith AND about Jarius who believed that Jesus could heal his daughter. One a Jew and one a Gentile. So he will heal us all. Next week we are starting a study of the Gospel of Mark. Our books were there so we are set to go. We will read the introduction and decide how we are going to proceed.
Dick and I had pork cop and lima bean casserole for dinner and I went to the Cream City Writer's meeting. It was a good meeting. We only had to tone Don down from his preaching twice. There were two new ladies there who seem to be really interested in being a part of us. I sure hope so. We decided to give the Fourth of July or Independence Day as an "assignment" for next month's meeting.
Don has invited us out to his place for the next meeting. He is out in the country and really wants to share his "inspiration" deck with us.
Dick was sleeping when I got home, so I took care of wine and a few other things before he woke up. I remembered to stir the wine the three times it needs and Dick walked three times so we had a pretty successful day.
Did you know that if you look very closely at the Iwo Jima Memorial statue in Washington DC you will see that there are six figures putting up the flag but there are 13 hands. The sculptor simply said that the 13th hand was the Hand of God.
Also, if you start at the front of the statue and drive very slowly counter clockwise around it, as you come around, it appears that the flag actually is rising. It is phenomenal.
Have a great Tuesday. We are saturated with medical appointments, therapy , prosthesis and some errands for Mom.
Take care
Love
Mary
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Two o'clock again. That dog is toying with me. At least I was able to get back to sleep and stay that way until 6AM. Last night was much better over all than the night before but I am still exhausted tonight.
There were several people out and about when Chelsea and I took our walk this morning. She is always such a perky and happy girl that noone believes that she is failing. Today was not great for her. I can tell because her little tail drags when she is not feeling too well.
However, Bobbie and Bill came over this afternoon. Bobbie had to do the next step on her Bay Leaf Wine. We went down to the wine room. Of course, Roxie was right behind us and complaining as usual. She doesn't understand what we are doing down there and tells us so. Oscar followed shortly. Then, to our surprise, we heard funny sounds on the stairs and, for the first time in months, Chelsea had managed to make her way down the stairs to see what was going on. She is really afraid of the stairs, I think because her cataracts are getting worse and she can't really judge the drop. Then, poor thing, she started up the stairs with Roxie and Roxie turned on her and belted her in the face. No claws, but I think it really confuses the her. She really is a sweet dog.
I fried out brats and venison chops this noon. We had brats, fresh cooked carrots and fruit salad with lunch along with pudding and whipped cream for dessert.
Tonight we had chef's salad. and an ice cream cone for dessert.
Dick had a pleasant Father's Day. We heard from everybody which makes him feel good. He walked today but only once. Tomorrow, I am going to push him a bit more. We need to get him moving.
Tuesday, therapy and a visit to the prosthesist again. He will be a busy guy. Wednesday will be the amputee support group meeting. I have been trying to get Dick to go. After all, though it is for caregivers too, he IS the amputee.
Today was the first day of summer. It got up to 82 degrees but has already dropped to 72. We might get a bit of rain tonight but it looks like a pretty good week ahead over all.
You enjoy your week now.
Mary
There were several people out and about when Chelsea and I took our walk this morning. She is always such a perky and happy girl that noone believes that she is failing. Today was not great for her. I can tell because her little tail drags when she is not feeling too well.
However, Bobbie and Bill came over this afternoon. Bobbie had to do the next step on her Bay Leaf Wine. We went down to the wine room. Of course, Roxie was right behind us and complaining as usual. She doesn't understand what we are doing down there and tells us so. Oscar followed shortly. Then, to our surprise, we heard funny sounds on the stairs and, for the first time in months, Chelsea had managed to make her way down the stairs to see what was going on. She is really afraid of the stairs, I think because her cataracts are getting worse and she can't really judge the drop. Then, poor thing, she started up the stairs with Roxie and Roxie turned on her and belted her in the face. No claws, but I think it really confuses the her. She really is a sweet dog.
I fried out brats and venison chops this noon. We had brats, fresh cooked carrots and fruit salad with lunch along with pudding and whipped cream for dessert.
Tonight we had chef's salad. and an ice cream cone for dessert.
Dick had a pleasant Father's Day. We heard from everybody which makes him feel good. He walked today but only once. Tomorrow, I am going to push him a bit more. We need to get him moving.
Tuesday, therapy and a visit to the prosthesist again. He will be a busy guy. Wednesday will be the amputee support group meeting. I have been trying to get Dick to go. After all, though it is for caregivers too, he IS the amputee.
Today was the first day of summer. It got up to 82 degrees but has already dropped to 72. We might get a bit of rain tonight but it looks like a pretty good week ahead over all.
You enjoy your week now.
Mary
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I did not sleep well last night but at least Chelsea did not get me up until 5AM. I woke up a bit before that and was actually afraid to get up and look for her. I sure was glad that she finally came to get me. We went out for our walk right away and I just stayed up.
I had a nice nap this morning, which was SO nice after the rotten night that I had.
Except for church, I was able to stay home all day. I finished my cleaning and did some baking. I made some Lemon Balm scones which turned out to be very tasty. I also put a fruit salad together. We do like out fruit salads. As long as the fruit is so good, we decided that I will make one each week. this one has watermelon, orange, blueberries, kiwi, grapes and strawberries.
Dick walked twice today and we got his bath accomplished. We both agreed that the bath is getting easier all the time. In time, he will be able to do most of it himself. The foot is looking pretty good after he walks, so we are encouraged.
Mass was nice. The folk choir sang and we were celebrating the 100th birthday of Dolores Gentine. She looks pretty darned good too. Next week an Archbishop from Jos in Nigeria, Ignatius Kaigama, will be spending time at St. John the Baptist for the Annual Mission Appeal. We are also having a Picnic to celebrate the conclusion of the Faith in our Future Campaign. So it will be a very full weekend.
Tomorrow I do not have to go anywhere. Bobbie will be coming over to work on wine. So company we will have. I am frying out. I am going to do some brats and some venison steaks. You can join us if you would like, there will be plenty.
Love
Mary
I had a nice nap this morning, which was SO nice after the rotten night that I had.
Except for church, I was able to stay home all day. I finished my cleaning and did some baking. I made some Lemon Balm scones which turned out to be very tasty. I also put a fruit salad together. We do like out fruit salads. As long as the fruit is so good, we decided that I will make one each week. this one has watermelon, orange, blueberries, kiwi, grapes and strawberries.
Dick walked twice today and we got his bath accomplished. We both agreed that the bath is getting easier all the time. In time, he will be able to do most of it himself. The foot is looking pretty good after he walks, so we are encouraged.
Mass was nice. The folk choir sang and we were celebrating the 100th birthday of Dolores Gentine. She looks pretty darned good too. Next week an Archbishop from Jos in Nigeria, Ignatius Kaigama, will be spending time at St. John the Baptist for the Annual Mission Appeal. We are also having a Picnic to celebrate the conclusion of the Faith in our Future Campaign. So it will be a very full weekend.
Tomorrow I do not have to go anywhere. Bobbie will be coming over to work on wine. So company we will have. I am frying out. I am going to do some brats and some venison steaks. You can join us if you would like, there will be plenty.
Love
Mary
Friday, June 19, 2009
2:30AM again. I might as well just have a newborn in the house. No matter how late I take Chelsea out lately, she is still poking me early.
Oh Well, I guess there is nothing that can be done about it but I sure am starting to feel it. Broken sleep is a bummer and I need my sleep. Naps are helping when I can get them.
I vacuumed the living room this morning and Dick walked early. I left at about 9:30 take Mother to Fesslers for her colostomy supplies. It was nice dealing with Barb, the lady that handles those specialty items. She remembered helping Dick get his stockings fitted. She was sorry to hear that he lost his leg but pleased that things are improving.
Mother and I went directly from there to the Clinic for her blood test. That went really quickly. She should hear on Monday or Tuesday, I would imagine, if she is indeed anemic. If so, an iron supplement should correct that and perhaps she will get a bit of energy back. Years ago, I was anemic and was tired all the time.
I got home in time to fix a Chef's Salad for Dick's lunch. Then trotted over to the Dairy Queen for lunch . There were four of us there today. Betty said that someone actually dug up the flowers that she had planted at her husband's grave. Can you believe anyone being as low as that? To take tributes that people have planted for their departed loved ones? We were all just horrified. She did call the police but what good will that do.
When I got home, I did take a nap. Slept pretty good too. Roxie likes that. All I have to do is head for the couch and she is right there. She loves to nap with me.
I fixed pork chop and Lima bean casserole for our supper. Haven't had that in a long time and it is really good. Very simple too. You mix a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup with a package of frozen green Lima beans and grate in some Velveeta (not easy to grate, but you don't have to be fancy). Put three or four pork chops in the bottom of a baking dish, spread the Lima bean mixture over the top. Top with a can of French fried onions and bake covered for about an hour, then take off the cover and bake about 15 minutes more.
Tonight I cleaned off my desk. I have a whole folder of things that need to be taken care of tomorrow, but did get rid of a lot of stuff. There is still too much on my desk but at least I have a bit of a handle on it.
Except for church, I get to stay home for the next two days. I am so glad.
Our newly paved road is a pleasure to drive on. We are no longer dodging holes in the road and the two visitor parking spots are now paved also so they are not mud holes any longer.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Love
Mary
Oh Well, I guess there is nothing that can be done about it but I sure am starting to feel it. Broken sleep is a bummer and I need my sleep. Naps are helping when I can get them.
I vacuumed the living room this morning and Dick walked early. I left at about 9:30 take Mother to Fesslers for her colostomy supplies. It was nice dealing with Barb, the lady that handles those specialty items. She remembered helping Dick get his stockings fitted. She was sorry to hear that he lost his leg but pleased that things are improving.
Mother and I went directly from there to the Clinic for her blood test. That went really quickly. She should hear on Monday or Tuesday, I would imagine, if she is indeed anemic. If so, an iron supplement should correct that and perhaps she will get a bit of energy back. Years ago, I was anemic and was tired all the time.
I got home in time to fix a Chef's Salad for Dick's lunch. Then trotted over to the Dairy Queen for lunch . There were four of us there today. Betty said that someone actually dug up the flowers that she had planted at her husband's grave. Can you believe anyone being as low as that? To take tributes that people have planted for their departed loved ones? We were all just horrified. She did call the police but what good will that do.
When I got home, I did take a nap. Slept pretty good too. Roxie likes that. All I have to do is head for the couch and she is right there. She loves to nap with me.
I fixed pork chop and Lima bean casserole for our supper. Haven't had that in a long time and it is really good. Very simple too. You mix a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup with a package of frozen green Lima beans and grate in some Velveeta (not easy to grate, but you don't have to be fancy). Put three or four pork chops in the bottom of a baking dish, spread the Lima bean mixture over the top. Top with a can of French fried onions and bake covered for about an hour, then take off the cover and bake about 15 minutes more.
Tonight I cleaned off my desk. I have a whole folder of things that need to be taken care of tomorrow, but did get rid of a lot of stuff. There is still too much on my desk but at least I have a bit of a handle on it.
Except for church, I get to stay home for the next two days. I am so glad.
Our newly paved road is a pleasure to drive on. We are no longer dodging holes in the road and the two visitor parking spots are now paved also so they are not mud holes any longer.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Love
Mary
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Since I took Chelsea out at 10PM or later last night and she was very very "good", one would have thought that I could sleep uninterrupted until at least 4 or 5. But NOOOOO! the little goof came to ask me to take her out at 2:30am. I had to get up at 6AM because I had to do a lot of things before going to take Mother to the Drug Store at 10AM. I vacuumed the bedrooms and made cookies today.
So. I got to Mother's and she was in curlers. She thought that we were going tomorrow. I had said tomorrow but she had Friday on her mind and that was what she planned on. SO. I called Fesslers (Aurora Superior) and we found out the Barb, the person that was going to help us get Mom's supplies, was sick today anyway. SO. I am going to call the drug store at 9:15AM to be sure that Barb is there and then I will call Mom and start out to pick her up. This afternoon she called me again. Dr. Hancock's nurse had called her and he wants her to have another blood test. Apparently, the first one shows that she is a bit anemic and they want to confirm this. We are going to stop at the Clinic on our way home from the drug store for the blood test. This could be some of the reason that Mother is feeling so much more tired these days. Perhaps a regimen of extra iron will help to rectify that.
Home again, I parked the car back in Lion's Park parking lot. I need to go get it soon. They seem to be done with the paving and it has been long enough that I should be able to bring it home. As I walked home I stopped to visit with neighbors, Tom and Rita Engel. Tom filmed a lot of the paving for his grandsons. They are 2 and 5 and nutso over trucks. He is able to film in movies and stills and will show his grandsons on TV this weekend. The workers even waved for them.
I liked this crew. When Chelsea and I set out at about 4 to get the mail, one of the workers stopped is roller and called to me to pick Chelsea up as the blacktop would be too hot for her little feet. Wasn't that sweet?
That is really the end of the busy things that I did today.
Now is the time to just settle down and do nothing for the rest of the evening.
By the way, Dr. Murthy's nurse called and told me that the MRI shows that there is a small tear in the meniscus of my right knee and that I need to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. So I called the Orthopedic department and Dr. Fehrman will call me early next week after he looks at the MRI. I feel better in that I know that there is something real wrong and maybe this time it will be something that can be fixed.
Take Care
Mary
So. I got to Mother's and she was in curlers. She thought that we were going tomorrow. I had said tomorrow but she had Friday on her mind and that was what she planned on. SO. I called Fesslers (Aurora Superior) and we found out the Barb, the person that was going to help us get Mom's supplies, was sick today anyway. SO. I am going to call the drug store at 9:15AM to be sure that Barb is there and then I will call Mom and start out to pick her up. This afternoon she called me again. Dr. Hancock's nurse had called her and he wants her to have another blood test. Apparently, the first one shows that she is a bit anemic and they want to confirm this. We are going to stop at the Clinic on our way home from the drug store for the blood test. This could be some of the reason that Mother is feeling so much more tired these days. Perhaps a regimen of extra iron will help to rectify that.
Home again, I parked the car back in Lion's Park parking lot. I need to go get it soon. They seem to be done with the paving and it has been long enough that I should be able to bring it home. As I walked home I stopped to visit with neighbors, Tom and Rita Engel. Tom filmed a lot of the paving for his grandsons. They are 2 and 5 and nutso over trucks. He is able to film in movies and stills and will show his grandsons on TV this weekend. The workers even waved for them.
I liked this crew. When Chelsea and I set out at about 4 to get the mail, one of the workers stopped is roller and called to me to pick Chelsea up as the blacktop would be too hot for her little feet. Wasn't that sweet?
That is really the end of the busy things that I did today.
Now is the time to just settle down and do nothing for the rest of the evening.
By the way, Dr. Murthy's nurse called and told me that the MRI shows that there is a small tear in the meniscus of my right knee and that I need to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. So I called the Orthopedic department and Dr. Fehrman will call me early next week after he looks at the MRI. I feel better in that I know that there is something real wrong and maybe this time it will be something that can be fixed.
Take Care
Mary
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What a day. It started early (6AM) and is finishing late (for me anyway, it is 10PM already.)
It was raining when Chelsea got me up at 3ish but had stopped by the time I finally got up. I did all the morning things with cats and dog and showering and all and then drove over to Mc Donalds. Dick and I had decided to have Mc Donalds breakfast because it was grocery shopping day and we always had breakfast out when we shopped together. We will do that again some day.
After breakfast, I did go grocery shopping. I got home to find that Dick and Chelsea were napping, so I put the groceries away and made the phone calls that I needed too. Mother called. The colostomy supplies she needs are at Fessler Drug store and she has to go in to pick up the first batch because they need her Medicare info and her signature. After that she can just call in her order. We are dealing with a gal named Barb who was very helpful for Dick when he got the elastic stockings that he needed. SO I will take her to Sheboygan tomorrow to take care of that. Tomorrow they are blacktopping Tallgrass Lane so I parked the car in the parking lot at Lions park. They are doing it in such a way that we CAN get in and out but I would really rather wait until everything has settled before I drive over it.
AT 11:15AM, I went to Plymouth Aurora to have an MRI done on my knee. I don't have a lot of hope that they will find anything, at least anything they can fix for me. I am being told that I am a very young and healthy 69. Yet, I have side aches, neck and arm soreness and my knees are really sore. The diagnosis so far have been to tell me what it is and say. Live with it. I am taking Tylenol twice a day for the aching. I wonder if it would be worse without that.
We had meatloaf sandwiches and soup for lunch. Then Bobbie came over and we mixed up two more batches of wine for her. She is trying bay leaf and grapevine. They both smell really good. The other two that she has working are settling nicely and are still fermenting. Sunday she will be back to do the next steps on these last two and will help me finish adding to the White Zinfandel.
Tonight was the Celtic Women meeting. We went to 52 Stafford for dinner and the music. It was very pleasant but we decided that next time we will dinner somewhere else where it is quieter and then go over to the Stafford for the music. We will do that any time that the 17th lands on a Wednesday when Stafford has the pick up band playing.
There were 13 of us there which is a good turnout and we all had a lot of fun. I ordered corned beef and cabbage and brought home enough corned beef for lunch for Dick and me tomorrow.
Well, that covers the day. I will hear about the MRI by Monday, I would guess. Hope they find something and that something can be done. I have not had a good long walk for such a long time. I walk until it starts hurting then turn back. The doctor said that walking won't damage anything but it isn't any fun walking when it hurts.
Take care and enjoy your Thursday. We are supposed to have dry weather until late in the afternoon, then thunderstorms are rolling in. I will be back home and hopefully will be able to get the car back into the garage.
Love
Mary
It was raining when Chelsea got me up at 3ish but had stopped by the time I finally got up. I did all the morning things with cats and dog and showering and all and then drove over to Mc Donalds. Dick and I had decided to have Mc Donalds breakfast because it was grocery shopping day and we always had breakfast out when we shopped together. We will do that again some day.
After breakfast, I did go grocery shopping. I got home to find that Dick and Chelsea were napping, so I put the groceries away and made the phone calls that I needed too. Mother called. The colostomy supplies she needs are at Fessler Drug store and she has to go in to pick up the first batch because they need her Medicare info and her signature. After that she can just call in her order. We are dealing with a gal named Barb who was very helpful for Dick when he got the elastic stockings that he needed. SO I will take her to Sheboygan tomorrow to take care of that. Tomorrow they are blacktopping Tallgrass Lane so I parked the car in the parking lot at Lions park. They are doing it in such a way that we CAN get in and out but I would really rather wait until everything has settled before I drive over it.
AT 11:15AM, I went to Plymouth Aurora to have an MRI done on my knee. I don't have a lot of hope that they will find anything, at least anything they can fix for me. I am being told that I am a very young and healthy 69. Yet, I have side aches, neck and arm soreness and my knees are really sore. The diagnosis so far have been to tell me what it is and say. Live with it. I am taking Tylenol twice a day for the aching. I wonder if it would be worse without that.
We had meatloaf sandwiches and soup for lunch. Then Bobbie came over and we mixed up two more batches of wine for her. She is trying bay leaf and grapevine. They both smell really good. The other two that she has working are settling nicely and are still fermenting. Sunday she will be back to do the next steps on these last two and will help me finish adding to the White Zinfandel.
Tonight was the Celtic Women meeting. We went to 52 Stafford for dinner and the music. It was very pleasant but we decided that next time we will dinner somewhere else where it is quieter and then go over to the Stafford for the music. We will do that any time that the 17th lands on a Wednesday when Stafford has the pick up band playing.
There were 13 of us there which is a good turnout and we all had a lot of fun. I ordered corned beef and cabbage and brought home enough corned beef for lunch for Dick and me tomorrow.
Well, that covers the day. I will hear about the MRI by Monday, I would guess. Hope they find something and that something can be done. I have not had a good long walk for such a long time. I walk until it starts hurting then turn back. The doctor said that walking won't damage anything but it isn't any fun walking when it hurts.
Take care and enjoy your Thursday. We are supposed to have dry weather until late in the afternoon, then thunderstorms are rolling in. I will be back home and hopefully will be able to get the car back into the garage.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Would you believe that Chelsea got me up at 2:30AM? I had some trouble getting back to sleep but then did not wake up until 6:40AM. Kitties were a bit miffed because their breakfast was late.
Chelsea and I had a reasonable walk. I was able to go a bit further than I have been. My knee actually did not hurt too badly till later in the day today.
Dick had his therapy at 11:00PM. We told them that he had not walked on Sunday or Monday because of that funny little blister that kind of dried up and then peeled. Dale, the therapist, and Tim, the prosthisist, looked at the foot and said that it looked really OK and that he should be walking. UNTIL he walked for the first three minutes and when they checked his foot, that area was shiny. Shiny is not good. Dale said that I had a very good eye.
SO - we followed Tim back to his office so that he could do some corrections to the shoe. Now, for the next few days, we will inspect, walk and inspect again to see if the corrections have fixed the problem.
We got home at about 12:30 and had a lunch of meatloaf, potato salad and beets. I took a short nap before going over to Just Jane's for my haircut. I zipped over to the Sewing Basket to get some thread and stopped at Walgreens on my way home to get Dick's prescriptions.
I have spent a chunk of the day trying to figure out how to scan a packet of papers from my HP6400 into Picasa as one file. I can do each sheet individually but should be able to do them through the feed as one file. Oh Well, I will try again tomorrow.
Bobbie is coming over tomorrow to mix up another batch of wine. I hope that it is time to mix the rest of the addins to the White Zin. Then she can help me with that. We will see what the specific gravity is at when she gets here.
It will really be a busy day. We decided that we are going to get Mc Donalds for breakfast as it is grocery shopping day.
Have a good evening.
Love.
Mary
Chelsea and I had a reasonable walk. I was able to go a bit further than I have been. My knee actually did not hurt too badly till later in the day today.
Dick had his therapy at 11:00PM. We told them that he had not walked on Sunday or Monday because of that funny little blister that kind of dried up and then peeled. Dale, the therapist, and Tim, the prosthisist, looked at the foot and said that it looked really OK and that he should be walking. UNTIL he walked for the first three minutes and when they checked his foot, that area was shiny. Shiny is not good. Dale said that I had a very good eye.
SO - we followed Tim back to his office so that he could do some corrections to the shoe. Now, for the next few days, we will inspect, walk and inspect again to see if the corrections have fixed the problem.
We got home at about 12:30 and had a lunch of meatloaf, potato salad and beets. I took a short nap before going over to Just Jane's for my haircut. I zipped over to the Sewing Basket to get some thread and stopped at Walgreens on my way home to get Dick's prescriptions.
I have spent a chunk of the day trying to figure out how to scan a packet of papers from my HP6400 into Picasa as one file. I can do each sheet individually but should be able to do them through the feed as one file. Oh Well, I will try again tomorrow.
Bobbie is coming over tomorrow to mix up another batch of wine. I hope that it is time to mix the rest of the addins to the White Zin. Then she can help me with that. We will see what the specific gravity is at when she gets here.
It will really be a busy day. We decided that we are going to get Mc Donalds for breakfast as it is grocery shopping day.
Have a good evening.
Love.
Mary
Monday, June 15, 2009
After my three o'clock jaunt with Chelsea we finally got up at 6AM as usual. I had a couple of calls to make before leaving for bible study.
I also had to stop at Walgreens on the way. I thought Dick had a prescription ready but have to stop again tomorrow. It was not a wasted stop because Mom needed vitamins and we needed batteries.
There were seven of us there this morning. We are still discussing the Sunday readings but I had Lynn order the books for the study of the Gospel of Mark that we will start as soon as they arrive. The readings today were from Job, Paul and Mark.
Job was getting chided because he was complaining about things and God told him to remember who made the earth and set up the boundaries for the ocean and the waves and, after all, who is in charge. Mark was about the trip out on the water with the disciples when the storm hit and they got scared. He was a bit exasperated with them. He said "Why were you terrified? Don't you have faith yet?"
At the end of this I will put an email that I received this week that fit in beautifully with the Gospel. Oh Heck, I'll put it here.
Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him
alone.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the
blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.
He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he does this, he must not talk about it.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad
must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified.
He can hear all kinds of noises.
Wild beasts must surely be all around him.
Maybe even some human might do him harm The wind blew the grass and
earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the
blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his
blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next
to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don't know it,
God is watching over us,
Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes,
All we have to do is reach out to Him.
Well, enough of that. I stopped at Mom's next. Jeff was there. He took Mom for her doctor's appointment today. We all reviewed what she wanted to ask the doctor. I am hoping that Jeff and Dr. Hancock can bring her closer to agreeing to have someone in with her in the mornings when she sometimes gets weak.
I had lunch with my friend Peggy. Peggy's husband is a resident at Plymouth Care and was across the hall from Dick for most of his stay. He is now on palliative hospice which is for those not really near death who need help and their caretakers. Peggy said that they have been invaluable for her since they came on. They go to the staff if she sees problems or if they see problems. I got a bruschetta pizza and was it ever good.
Home again. One of my calls was to Mike the appliance repair guy. Had two things. The vent hose thing had come off of the dryer again. He fixed it and put a metal clamp on which will hold better. The icemaker was not working on the fridge and he fixed that too. Boy, I hope that is the last of these appliance mishaps.
We had chicken, potato salad and beans for supper. Then I picked up Kate at 6PM and we went to Mead for the second part of a four session event called Sheboygan Reads. It was a panel discussion on Self-Publishing. We learned quite a lot. I was impressed that the book featured in the program "The Green Steed" by Betsy Jones Michael was published by Sun Graphics. Terry Evans, owner of Sun Graphics, his graphic designer, a graphic designer named Gary Shaw and Betsy's marketing specialist were on the panel. Kate wrote down their names and I will get them from her as I need to know them.
So now the day is over and it is 9:45PM. Not too bad considering all that managed to get packed into it.
Tomorrow we go to Dick's therapy in the morning. And will see what they think about the foot.
Take care and sleep tight.
Mary
I also had to stop at Walgreens on the way. I thought Dick had a prescription ready but have to stop again tomorrow. It was not a wasted stop because Mom needed vitamins and we needed batteries.
There were seven of us there this morning. We are still discussing the Sunday readings but I had Lynn order the books for the study of the Gospel of Mark that we will start as soon as they arrive. The readings today were from Job, Paul and Mark.
Job was getting chided because he was complaining about things and God told him to remember who made the earth and set up the boundaries for the ocean and the waves and, after all, who is in charge. Mark was about the trip out on the water with the disciples when the storm hit and they got scared. He was a bit exasperated with them. He said "Why were you terrified? Don't you have faith yet?"
At the end of this I will put an email that I received this week that fit in beautifully with the Gospel. Oh Heck, I'll put it here.
Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him
alone.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the
blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.
He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he does this, he must not talk about it.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad
must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified.
He can hear all kinds of noises.
Wild beasts must surely be all around him.
Maybe even some human might do him harm The wind blew the grass and
earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the
blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his
blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next
to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don't know it,
God is watching over us,
Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes,
All we have to do is reach out to Him.
Well, enough of that. I stopped at Mom's next. Jeff was there. He took Mom for her doctor's appointment today. We all reviewed what she wanted to ask the doctor. I am hoping that Jeff and Dr. Hancock can bring her closer to agreeing to have someone in with her in the mornings when she sometimes gets weak.
I had lunch with my friend Peggy. Peggy's husband is a resident at Plymouth Care and was across the hall from Dick for most of his stay. He is now on palliative hospice which is for those not really near death who need help and their caretakers. Peggy said that they have been invaluable for her since they came on. They go to the staff if she sees problems or if they see problems. I got a bruschetta pizza and was it ever good.
Home again. One of my calls was to Mike the appliance repair guy. Had two things. The vent hose thing had come off of the dryer again. He fixed it and put a metal clamp on which will hold better. The icemaker was not working on the fridge and he fixed that too. Boy, I hope that is the last of these appliance mishaps.
We had chicken, potato salad and beans for supper. Then I picked up Kate at 6PM and we went to Mead for the second part of a four session event called Sheboygan Reads. It was a panel discussion on Self-Publishing. We learned quite a lot. I was impressed that the book featured in the program "The Green Steed" by Betsy Jones Michael was published by Sun Graphics. Terry Evans, owner of Sun Graphics, his graphic designer, a graphic designer named Gary Shaw and Betsy's marketing specialist were on the panel. Kate wrote down their names and I will get them from her as I need to know them.
So now the day is over and it is 9:45PM. Not too bad considering all that managed to get packed into it.
Tomorrow we go to Dick's therapy in the morning. And will see what they think about the foot.
Take care and sleep tight.
Mary
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I was home ALL day today. What a nice situation but I had way too much to do.
Got up at 6AM and after shower and everything took Chelsea for a nice walk. We got quite a ways down the road before my knee started to hurt. We had scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast. Then Dick went down for a nap and slept until noon.
SO. I spent the morning catching up on the computer. My desk is mainly clear. I have to prepare a couple of envelopes for mailing and get a few items up from downstairs for a Wednesday meeting.
I made a meatloaf for our lunch, we had fried potatoes and beets for side dishes. I have enough potatoes and eggs to make a potato salad for tomorrow's supper. Tonight we had some leftover dump soup and egg salad sandwiches.
Tomorrow will be a day mostly for me. I have bible study, lunch with a friend and a program at Mead Public Library tomorrow night on Self Publishing.
I will stop and see Mother after Bible Study. Jeff will be there as he is taking Mom to a doctor appointment at 11:30AM. We are really trying to encourage her to consider having someone there in the mornings when she gets up. That is when she is weakest and it would be safer for her and make us feel better.
Jim and Michelle called this evening. We were so glad. They are through with their training at work so are now fully in their new positions. They are settling into the community and are learning their way around. They are going to start taking classes as they were in Oshkosh so are busy people. AND they have found a couple of acceptable Coffee Shops in the city. Whew.
It was so good to hear their voices and know that they are well.
That is all for now. Soon it will be time to go to bed. I will take Chelsea out and make sure that all water dishes are full.
Til tomorrow.
Mary
Got up at 6AM and after shower and everything took Chelsea for a nice walk. We got quite a ways down the road before my knee started to hurt. We had scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast. Then Dick went down for a nap and slept until noon.
SO. I spent the morning catching up on the computer. My desk is mainly clear. I have to prepare a couple of envelopes for mailing and get a few items up from downstairs for a Wednesday meeting.
I made a meatloaf for our lunch, we had fried potatoes and beets for side dishes. I have enough potatoes and eggs to make a potato salad for tomorrow's supper. Tonight we had some leftover dump soup and egg salad sandwiches.
Tomorrow will be a day mostly for me. I have bible study, lunch with a friend and a program at Mead Public Library tomorrow night on Self Publishing.
I will stop and see Mother after Bible Study. Jeff will be there as he is taking Mom to a doctor appointment at 11:30AM. We are really trying to encourage her to consider having someone there in the mornings when she gets up. That is when she is weakest and it would be safer for her and make us feel better.
Jim and Michelle called this evening. We were so glad. They are through with their training at work so are now fully in their new positions. They are settling into the community and are learning their way around. They are going to start taking classes as they were in Oshkosh so are busy people. AND they have found a couple of acceptable Coffee Shops in the city. Whew.
It was so good to hear their voices and know that they are well.
That is all for now. Soon it will be time to go to bed. I will take Chelsea out and make sure that all water dishes are full.
Til tomorrow.
Mary
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I got up at 6AM as usual. Chelsea and I had a pretty good walk before my knee started hurting. Dick had not slept well at all, so after all the morning things (which seem to get more complicated every day) he went back to bed. He slept until I woke him up shortly after noon so we could have lunch.
He did only walked once today because we are keeping an eye on a red spot on the graft on his foot and want to keep things kind of quiet until the therapist and/or the doctor give their opinion on it. I think it is ok. It feels firm and is not in any way open but it is reddish and it seems a bit shiny. We will check it again in the morning and have him walk again then.
I made a fruit salad and an apple crisp today. I used Splenda Brown sugar for the apple crisp so it is an OK dessert for Dick.
I also cleaned the bathrooms today.
The only time I left the neighborhood was to go to Mass at 4PM. It was a nice Mass. I visited with a couple of people that I know. It is nice to feel part of the community. I was able to give communion again. I always feel good about that.
Chelsea has a small seizure this afternoon, nothing like that last one but a seizure none the less. She is always so confused.
So that is Saturday. We heard from Jim and Michelle with a new phone number and a blog entry a couple of days ago. They seem to be doing fine.
I need to go to bed now so Good Night and Sweet Dreams.
Mary
He did only walked once today because we are keeping an eye on a red spot on the graft on his foot and want to keep things kind of quiet until the therapist and/or the doctor give their opinion on it. I think it is ok. It feels firm and is not in any way open but it is reddish and it seems a bit shiny. We will check it again in the morning and have him walk again then.
I made a fruit salad and an apple crisp today. I used Splenda Brown sugar for the apple crisp so it is an OK dessert for Dick.
I also cleaned the bathrooms today.
The only time I left the neighborhood was to go to Mass at 4PM. It was a nice Mass. I visited with a couple of people that I know. It is nice to feel part of the community. I was able to give communion again. I always feel good about that.
Chelsea has a small seizure this afternoon, nothing like that last one but a seizure none the less. She is always so confused.
So that is Saturday. We heard from Jim and Michelle with a new phone number and a blog entry a couple of days ago. They seem to be doing fine.
I need to go to bed now so Good Night and Sweet Dreams.
Mary
Friday, June 12, 2009
Chelsea slept until 4AM this morning. I got up finally at 6AM. We had another short walk as I stopped as soon as my knee stopped working. I did tell you that Dr. Murthy has scheduled an MRI for Wednesday, just to be sure that there is not tear or anything. If not I guess we will try a cortisone shot. I know that really helped when I had the problem with my sternum tear.
I finally was able to connect with Heidi, the VNA who was working with Mother. We arranged to meet at Mom's at 10:30AM. I think we have things under control now. As the VNA had actually released Mother and Heidi has been working with her questions just because she is a nice gal, we got the problems solved. 1. Heidi called Dr. Hancock and has them ordering the equipment (bags and appliances and adhesive) for six months. We have the numbers of the items and will be getting them from Aurora on Superior the old Fesslers. That is where Dick gets his knee sox when he needs them so we know Barb, the liaison there quite well. 2. She did not know why VNA had told Mom to make an appointment with Dr. Hancock. But Mother indicated that she would really like to see him anyway because she has questions so Jeff will take her on Monday to see him. I made a list for her to take with her of her questions and will make sure that Jeff takes it with them. It is so easy to forget things when one is actually with the doctor. 3. Everything is working just as Heidi expected it too.
Mom has been released from VNA and from now on will call Dr. Hancock with questions. We would really like to get someone in there in the mornings when she gets up. Mother is resistant to that so we need to try to make her comfortable with the idea.
I got home in time to fix Dick's lunch and the then to the Dairy Queen for lunch with the Bank Ladies. We had a nice visit. Everybody is fine but I am not the only one who is having leg trouble. Ceil is also having trouble with ehr legs.
Then home again.
I got the kitchen cleaned, the garage floor washed down and the downstairs bathroom cleaned today. Pretty good. It will be a quiet weekend so maybe I can get some stuff done just for me. Especially on Sunday.
We had leftovers for dinner, Red beans and rice, cauliflower and hot dogs. Really good. Now tomorrow I will have to start from scratch as the leftovers are all eaten up.
My friend Janet Bieschke stopped by this afternoon with her granddaughter Jillian. Janet was picking up something for CWI. Jillian is two and adorable. She was fascinated by Roxie and Chelsea and the stuffed animals also. Roxie and Chelsea were kind of fascinated by her too. They have not seen little people in at least three years. Jillian is a sweet child so they interacted very well.
I went out on the deck for about a half an hour this evening to read. It was wonderful. The deck is above the mosquitoes, but I sprayed with Listerine just to be sure. This is the first day that it was warm enough to do this. Hope there are a lot of days like this to come.
Have a lovely weekend. We intend to.
Love
Marymom
I finally was able to connect with Heidi, the VNA who was working with Mother. We arranged to meet at Mom's at 10:30AM. I think we have things under control now. As the VNA had actually released Mother and Heidi has been working with her questions just because she is a nice gal, we got the problems solved. 1. Heidi called Dr. Hancock and has them ordering the equipment (bags and appliances and adhesive) for six months. We have the numbers of the items and will be getting them from Aurora on Superior the old Fesslers. That is where Dick gets his knee sox when he needs them so we know Barb, the liaison there quite well. 2. She did not know why VNA had told Mom to make an appointment with Dr. Hancock. But Mother indicated that she would really like to see him anyway because she has questions so Jeff will take her on Monday to see him. I made a list for her to take with her of her questions and will make sure that Jeff takes it with them. It is so easy to forget things when one is actually with the doctor. 3. Everything is working just as Heidi expected it too.
Mom has been released from VNA and from now on will call Dr. Hancock with questions. We would really like to get someone in there in the mornings when she gets up. Mother is resistant to that so we need to try to make her comfortable with the idea.
I got home in time to fix Dick's lunch and the then to the Dairy Queen for lunch with the Bank Ladies. We had a nice visit. Everybody is fine but I am not the only one who is having leg trouble. Ceil is also having trouble with ehr legs.
Then home again.
I got the kitchen cleaned, the garage floor washed down and the downstairs bathroom cleaned today. Pretty good. It will be a quiet weekend so maybe I can get some stuff done just for me. Especially on Sunday.
We had leftovers for dinner, Red beans and rice, cauliflower and hot dogs. Really good. Now tomorrow I will have to start from scratch as the leftovers are all eaten up.
My friend Janet Bieschke stopped by this afternoon with her granddaughter Jillian. Janet was picking up something for CWI. Jillian is two and adorable. She was fascinated by Roxie and Chelsea and the stuffed animals also. Roxie and Chelsea were kind of fascinated by her too. They have not seen little people in at least three years. Jillian is a sweet child so they interacted very well.
I went out on the deck for about a half an hour this evening to read. It was wonderful. The deck is above the mosquitoes, but I sprayed with Listerine just to be sure. This is the first day that it was warm enough to do this. Hope there are a lot of days like this to come.
Have a lovely weekend. We intend to.
Love
Marymom
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What a strange morning. Chelsea slept until almost 5AM. Dick and I were almost afraid to get out of bed. With all the coughing Chelsea has been doing we don't know exactly how we will find her. But she finally came to get me to take her out. Guess What, I did NOT shower today. I wasn't going anywhere anyway so I just got dressed and took Chelsea for a walk. We couldn't go far because my knee started hurting really quickly.
I vacuumed the rugs this morning and swept the second half of the garage this afternoon. I still have to wash the concrete in the garage but at least I have made some headway. Dick walked twice today for three minutes each time. We are going to try to increase it to three times tomorrow.
We went for a little drive in the country about lunch time and got our lunch at Culvers. By the time Dick was ready, it was after 12. We wanted to go to Chesters but at that time on the last day of school, there is no way that we wanted to wait that long to eat there. We drove out towards and through Rhine Center, then worked our way back on Highway M. Just admiring the fields and the farms and the scenery. It was the first time that Dick wanted to go out so I was pleased.
It is kind of warm in the house tonight so I opened windows and doors to freshen it up in here. The trouble is that if I open the front door both kitties run there so I can't leave it open too long. We don't want the wrong people to see two kitties.
They have done the prep work on Tallgrass for the paving. The paving will be done late next week, weather permitting. Hopefully that will shut up the dissidents in the complex. The ad hoc committee has been very effective if you ask me.
Guess that is all for now.
I did a bunch of Celtic Women work today too. I am almost all caught up on paperwork.
Take care
Mary
Headline in paper:
Ten Commandments, Supreme Court says some are OK some are not.
As the caption said. Didn't know we had a choice.
I vacuumed the rugs this morning and swept the second half of the garage this afternoon. I still have to wash the concrete in the garage but at least I have made some headway. Dick walked twice today for three minutes each time. We are going to try to increase it to three times tomorrow.
We went for a little drive in the country about lunch time and got our lunch at Culvers. By the time Dick was ready, it was after 12. We wanted to go to Chesters but at that time on the last day of school, there is no way that we wanted to wait that long to eat there. We drove out towards and through Rhine Center, then worked our way back on Highway M. Just admiring the fields and the farms and the scenery. It was the first time that Dick wanted to go out so I was pleased.
It is kind of warm in the house tonight so I opened windows and doors to freshen it up in here. The trouble is that if I open the front door both kitties run there so I can't leave it open too long. We don't want the wrong people to see two kitties.
They have done the prep work on Tallgrass for the paving. The paving will be done late next week, weather permitting. Hopefully that will shut up the dissidents in the complex. The ad hoc committee has been very effective if you ask me.
Guess that is all for now.
I did a bunch of Celtic Women work today too. I am almost all caught up on paperwork.
Take care
Mary
Headline in paper:
Ten Commandments, Supreme Court says some are OK some are not.
As the caption said. Didn't know we had a choice.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Well, another Wednesday gone and one more therapy under out belts. Dick had therapy at 11AM this morning. Diane, a therapist who has worked with him before, helped us today. She had him walk twice in the parallel bars and then for a couple of sessions using a walker.
We, I looked too, checked his foot after each walk. We noticed some redness on the graft area but it seems to fade with resting and shows no sign of breaking down so we are just going to go slow and keep observing it. No therapy until next Thursday. We found out that Jaren, who was supposed to work with him tomorrow, broke his wrist, arm and possibly shoulder. It is OK because now Dick just needs to practice and can do so here.
So until next Tuesday, we will be doing walking exercises and I will be checking the foot.
I went grocery shopping and too the bank this morning and then after therapy we stopped at Walgreens for Mom's meds and a few other things.
We had hot dogs, beans and salad for lunch. I had purchased Johnsonville Butcher shop hot dogs in casings and they are really good.
Bobbie got here shortly after lunch and we worked on wine. We had to put both her elderberry/rhubarb and our White Zinfindal into the secondary fermenters (the jugs). Now we wait. In 10 to 12 days, I will be adding the rest of the additives to the White Zin and we just have to wait for Bobbie's wines to settle out. Probably about 30 days will be right for the first racking. Then racking every several weeks until clear. Patience. As they say, No wine before its time.
Roxie and Oscar always come downstairs when we are in the wine cellar to check things out. This is brand new territory, you know. The door to the downstairs is usually closed and when I go down to quilt, the wine room is always closed. So WOW. They are fascinated. Roxie always complains a lot. She would really like to get up on shelves and work benches but we discourage that.
Poor little Chelsea won't come down with me any more. The stairs frighten her. I believe that the cataracts in her eyes are impairing her vision so that she cannot see depth. So she patiently waits at the top of the stairs, usually sleeping, these days.
My knee started hurting earlier in our walk this morning. I just don't know what to do to fix it. I left a message for Dr. Murthy to contact me now that I am done with the series of Celebrex that he gave me.
Tomorrow we do not have to go anywhere. I intend to do some cleaning and computer catch up and Dick said that perhaps it would be nice to just go for a ride in the country. We haven't done that in years. I think I would like that. I hope Dr. Murthy calls early.
Til tomorrow
Mary
A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord,
if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time just like I am."
We, I looked too, checked his foot after each walk. We noticed some redness on the graft area but it seems to fade with resting and shows no sign of breaking down so we are just going to go slow and keep observing it. No therapy until next Thursday. We found out that Jaren, who was supposed to work with him tomorrow, broke his wrist, arm and possibly shoulder. It is OK because now Dick just needs to practice and can do so here.
So until next Tuesday, we will be doing walking exercises and I will be checking the foot.
I went grocery shopping and too the bank this morning and then after therapy we stopped at Walgreens for Mom's meds and a few other things.
We had hot dogs, beans and salad for lunch. I had purchased Johnsonville Butcher shop hot dogs in casings and they are really good.
Bobbie got here shortly after lunch and we worked on wine. We had to put both her elderberry/rhubarb and our White Zinfindal into the secondary fermenters (the jugs). Now we wait. In 10 to 12 days, I will be adding the rest of the additives to the White Zin and we just have to wait for Bobbie's wines to settle out. Probably about 30 days will be right for the first racking. Then racking every several weeks until clear. Patience. As they say, No wine before its time.
Roxie and Oscar always come downstairs when we are in the wine cellar to check things out. This is brand new territory, you know. The door to the downstairs is usually closed and when I go down to quilt, the wine room is always closed. So WOW. They are fascinated. Roxie always complains a lot. She would really like to get up on shelves and work benches but we discourage that.
Poor little Chelsea won't come down with me any more. The stairs frighten her. I believe that the cataracts in her eyes are impairing her vision so that she cannot see depth. So she patiently waits at the top of the stairs, usually sleeping, these days.
My knee started hurting earlier in our walk this morning. I just don't know what to do to fix it. I left a message for Dr. Murthy to contact me now that I am done with the series of Celebrex that he gave me.
Tomorrow we do not have to go anywhere. I intend to do some cleaning and computer catch up and Dick said that perhaps it would be nice to just go for a ride in the country. We haven't done that in years. I think I would like that. I hope Dr. Murthy calls early.
Til tomorrow
Mary
A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord,
if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time just like I am."
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Well, this morning I was at least able to read the clock correctly and got up at about 6:15AM. I was able to walk as far as yesterday before my knee started hurting. But it still hurts. I guess I will have to call Dr. Murthy in the morning to find out what to do next.
We had to be at the first therapy session at 11:15AM. That was exciting for us. Dick did very well. Dale was his therapist today. Lori, the therapist that has been working with us for all those months in Plymouth Care, is on maternity leave. We will be having whoever is available for the next six weeks, perhaps until he is done with therapy. We don't know how long it will take. Dale said that he must walk at home and build up his time. We are now at 3 minutes each time with rest in between. We will have one more session this week. We were supposed to have two but Jaren, Dick's first therapist at Aurora those many moons ago, was in an accident an will not be able to be there on Thursday. Pray for Jaren. He is a nice man and has a family. Let us hope that it is not serious.
We ate a quick lunch then zipped over to Sheboygan to see Tim. He is pleased with the way things are going with the prosthesis and will see us again next week on Tuesday in therapy at Plymouth Care. The next step with him is a leg that looks pretty normal.
When we got home, Dick used the walker a couple of times. It is harder than he thought it would be. Good thing there is no deadline. He will keep practicing, and tomorrow, I will bring our walker to the Center. That takes a little different skill.
We are listening to Yo Yo Ma at Lincoln Center. It is a very pleasant concert with a group he formed called The Silk Road Ensemble. It is very oriental. Covering Korea, China and others. I find it interesting but beyond my understanding on much of it. I suppose that thest artists would feel the same way about Irish traditional music. I am no expert on that but have learned much and it is in my ethnic soul. I can listen to that for hours. I need to prepare a mini lesson on Celtic music for the Sheboygan CWI group. I want to share what I learned from my correspondence class through UWM. I am excited to have two CDs of Cornish music and hope that Mary Schultz was able to find some Galatian music for me. I only have one Galatian song that I am aware of. Oh well, we share what we have.
Hope you have a good Wednesday. I will be shopping and then taking Dick to therapy.
Love
Mary
We had to be at the first therapy session at 11:15AM. That was exciting for us. Dick did very well. Dale was his therapist today. Lori, the therapist that has been working with us for all those months in Plymouth Care, is on maternity leave. We will be having whoever is available for the next six weeks, perhaps until he is done with therapy. We don't know how long it will take. Dale said that he must walk at home and build up his time. We are now at 3 minutes each time with rest in between. We will have one more session this week. We were supposed to have two but Jaren, Dick's first therapist at Aurora those many moons ago, was in an accident an will not be able to be there on Thursday. Pray for Jaren. He is a nice man and has a family. Let us hope that it is not serious.
We ate a quick lunch then zipped over to Sheboygan to see Tim. He is pleased with the way things are going with the prosthesis and will see us again next week on Tuesday in therapy at Plymouth Care. The next step with him is a leg that looks pretty normal.
When we got home, Dick used the walker a couple of times. It is harder than he thought it would be. Good thing there is no deadline. He will keep practicing, and tomorrow, I will bring our walker to the Center. That takes a little different skill.
We are listening to Yo Yo Ma at Lincoln Center. It is a very pleasant concert with a group he formed called The Silk Road Ensemble. It is very oriental. Covering Korea, China and others. I find it interesting but beyond my understanding on much of it. I suppose that thest artists would feel the same way about Irish traditional music. I am no expert on that but have learned much and it is in my ethnic soul. I can listen to that for hours. I need to prepare a mini lesson on Celtic music for the Sheboygan CWI group. I want to share what I learned from my correspondence class through UWM. I am excited to have two CDs of Cornish music and hope that Mary Schultz was able to find some Galatian music for me. I only have one Galatian song that I am aware of. Oh well, we share what we have.
Hope you have a good Wednesday. I will be shopping and then taking Dick to therapy.
Love
Mary
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