For some reason, I kept thinking that today was Saturday.

I got up a bit after 6AM. Walked Chelsea and took a shower. It is Halloween. I put on my new orange shirt with the witch embroidered on the turtleneck and the nice Halloween sox that Nancy gave to me and was ready for the day.

I went over to the Center at about 8:30AM so I could be with Dick for the kids from Here We Grow when they came up trick or treating at about 9:30. We missed part of it because Dick was down at his physical therapy session, but he felt he had his share. These are pre-schoolers and are cute as the dickens. We saw superheros, princesses, animals, fairies and anything else you can imagine. Two of the caregivers brought in their kids too. It was fun to see their children.

I love pre-schoolers. They were not ashamed at all to stare at Dick's stump and to ask him what happened. We told them that it got hurt or sick and that the doctor had to take it off but we also assured them that he was going to get a new one.

Jeff stopped by to see Dick at about 10:15. Dick had just gotten involved and could not visit but they were able to say HI! I had to leave about then too in order to go to the Blood Center to donate blood today. Jeff and I stopped at the condo as Jeff had some venison and veggies for us. He measured for the wheelchair platform and ramp we will need when Dick comes home. I need to do some research on length and premade, then we will decide. Thank God for such a wonderful family. Jeff has been ready to help all along with this ramp thing.

So, I gave blood today. That went well. My appointment was at 11 and I was out at noon, in time to get to the Dairy Queen for lunch with my bank buddies. I had not been there for SO long. It was good to catch up. Marlene, Joyce, Ceil, Barb and Dawn were there. Betty will be back home from the east tomorrow.

When I finished lunch, I stopped at home to walk the girl and pick up the mail. Then back to stay with Dick until I had to leave for Rhine for the bust up party. Jim and Michelle came in shortly after I did. They WERE going to take Dick's computer home but he decided that he wanted to keep it there for just a little while. So they "trick or treated" from the remainder of the candy we had to give the Here We Go kids and then came here to clean. Yes, they are still cleaning for me which is a blessing. They took care of feeding Chelsea and giving her meds to her so I could go right out to Rhine.

The bust up party was fun. With Toni and Janet and Nancy shooting pistol, it makes it more exciting for me. I got there at 5PM and Doc immediately told me that I was going to be the MC announcing the Trophy Winners and running the gun room.
The meal was super delicious. We had chicken, potato salad and beans and desserts to die for. Bill Olson brought his famous peach cobbler, Lynn Reich brought a great banana cake that is in the current Kraft Food and Family, Toni Nevicosi brought a pumpkin pie and Jean brought sugar cookies.

The MCing went very well. I just told them that as each trophy was presented I got a hug. I had to stand on a chair to be seen and heard. As soon as I was done, Doc made me get off the chair, I think he was afraid that I would fall.

Anyway, it was a nice evening and a good meal. I left early enough to be able to stop and give Dick a good night kiss. Now I am home. I have been home less than an hours and that goofy Chelsea is asking to go out for the third time. I am sure that she really just wants me to go to bed now AND she wants attention. But she is such a pest. Here is something I wrote about her last winter.


THE TROUBLE WITH DOGS

The trouble with dogs
Is that they steal your heart.
Then they age so fast
That YOU fall behind.

Love

Mary

Well, it was cold when I woke up this morning. 37 but warmed up nicely during the day. Chelsea tries to get me up at 5AM but I gave her some lettuce and managed to sleep until 6:30.

I had received a call from Gary at Burkhart that they had a loaner for me. I am glad. Kate is SO sweet to let me use hers but I don't like her to be car less either. Anyway, the trick was to get her car back to her and me to Burkhart. Kate was trying to get all those baskets ready for the raffle on Saturday at St. John's AND get ready to take Ron to St. Luke's Hospital tomorrow morning and couldn't be transporting me. SO, I called on my friend Nancy again. She lives just a half a block from Kate and I asked her if she would drive me to the car dealers. So, I dropped off the car at Kate's, then walked over to Nancy's house and she drove me there. I am now driving a Ford Escape. Gary told me that the parts HAVE come in so I may have The Explorer before next Wednesday if all goes well.

I spent time with Dick while he did his PT. I had a nice long talk with Lori about making the home accessible and safe. She said that a ramp is probably a given so I think I will talk to Jeff about that tomorrow. He is going to be here and stopping to see Dick in the morning before going over to Mom's to do some things for her.

I came home to eat at noon and watered the plants that are now in the garage, finished sweeping the deck and pruning things and make some potato salad and deviled eggs for our supper. I oven roasted some chicken legs to go with them and Dick was a happy camper tonight. He even asked for an NA Beer.

Tomorrow is Halloween. If Dick is not downstairs at therapy, he will have the pleasure of handing out candy to a bunch of Here We Grow preschoolers who will trick or treat at the Center. It is always fun to see the really little ones.

Did I tell you that Dick stood for 50 seconds today? We were really excited. At least I was. He was tired.

Love

Mary

Today was "Doctor Day!" I had to rush a bit through Chelsea and breakfast and shower so I could get to the Care Center by 7:45. Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up at 8AM so we could get to The Sheboygan Clinic by 8:45AM for our first appointment which was with Dr. Moreno. We got to see both Dorothy AND Brian the nurses when it came time to wrap up his right leg again. Dr. Moreno said that the wound is bigger but it is not deeper. It is as he expected now that Dick is putting pressure on it in therapy. We are just going to keep working on it until it is healed. It will be better once he gets the prosthesis and can take pressure off of the right foot. Dr. Moreno also instructed him as to how to try to stand and prescribed an antibiotic to mix with the salve that is being put on the wounds.

Then we went down to Dr. Fehrman's office. He is VERY pleased with the healing on the amputated limb. He is telling the therapy department that we need to start proceeding with the prosthesis process. This in itself is not a quick thing but the limb is healing and rounding up and narrowing so we need to get started.

We go back at about 10:30AM. I left before he went to therapy so I could get the shopping and banking done and get our lottery tickets. Then I went home for lunch and worked abit around here. I had to go over to Kate's twice today. (I am using her car, you know.) First, she is making baskets for raffle at the St. John the Baptist Craft Fair that takes place this Saturday and I had stuff she needed in the trunk. Then she mentioned that she was trying to figure out how to raise the items in the baskets to people could see them and I remembered that I have some Styrofoam and odd fillers from various packages that I have saved. Some of them will work so I am glad I remembered.

I got a call from Gary at Burkhart and believe that I will have a loaner car tomorrow, so I can give Kate her car back. She is more than unbelievably generous, but I am so afraid that I might leave her stuck at some point.

Ron, her husband, has to to back to St. Luke's on Friday VERY EARLY. There is still a problem with the artery that has been "fixed" twice already. The doctor said that perhaps it relates to that awful infection that he had last fall. DUH!! Anyway, everybody pray hard on Friday. This is serious stuff.

She will obviously not be available to work the Craft Fair so I told her that I would go over between 11 and 2 to give the ladies that help her a break. I will still be able to be with Dick three times and have supper with him after Mass.

Tomorrow is a quiet day. I have NOTHING scheduled. Will have to get the loaner and get Kate's car back to her and visit Dick but no scheduled appointments. Can you believe that? I can hardly.

The sun shone and it warmed up nicely today. The next few days are supposed to be good too so we must enjoy them. The cold days of winter will come soon enough. It too has its beauty but is best enjoyed from the comfort of a warm home.

Love

Mary

It did not get as cold as they predicted last night but it was cold anyway. Chelsea and I had a nice walk anyway after it got light. That is working quite well. I take her out to relieve herself, but wait until after my shower, our breakfasts and whatever until it is light. We don't see anybody at that time, which kind of surprises me. I wonder if the walkers we used to see just stick to the time, even if it is dark.

I now have almost all of my outdoor work done, Just a couple of pots to decide what to do with. I wish I could save my fuchsia, it is still lovely despite the cold.

My friend Nancy came and picked up Chelsea and me at 9:45AM. Barb Wallner's daughter Dana was working at Kettle Moraine this morning and took her in to draw the blood. Then, I heard this afternoon from Dr. Connors. Chelsea's B.U.N. level is up more, so she is adjusting the meds again and we will retest next week again.

Nancy then dropped us both off at Kate's house. Kate and I had a cup of coffee and Chelsea explored. She seemed to enjoy Kate's home. Probably smelled the cats. She did manage to fall down the stairs during her exploration but did not hurt herself. Her vision is getting kind of weak and that stairwell is dark with high steps.

Next, I took her home and went over to see Dick for the first time today. He was all done with his therapy. We ate lunch together in his room. Shortly after two, Ross, the social director, came in and said that Marlene Schueffner was looking for Dick. She is one of my bank retired ladies and calls BINGO once a month as a volunteer. So Dick and I went down to the dining room and he played bingo. Everybody wins. That is cool. He won a very nice crocheted lap robe and a candy bar that made his sugar shoot up to 180. He said it was worth it.

I left at about 3:30 so I could get home to walk Chelsea and give her the pills and get over to Kate's for the CWI Conference call. That went very well. Kate and I left almost immediately for St. Paul's Episcopal Church for a weekly fellowship dinner that they are hosting. It is free for anybody and this week, St. John's provided the food and bodies to work. The idea is to provide a meal out for fellowship, fun and/or need. It is fledgling but seems to be going well. Kate had made meatloaf for the meal.

After we were done there, I came home to dry some of Dick's shorts and to feed Chelsea before going over to the Center to say goodnight to him and deliver some clothes.

Tomorrow will be busy also. I have to be at the Center at 7:45 because we will be leaving for Dick's doctor appointments at 8AM. I wonder about his breakfast.

I have to go to the bank and grocery shopping too so that will fill up the day.

Hope all is well with you and that the days stay nice, today may have been cold, but it was pleasant.

I have printed this before but it is worth repeating. "Whenever God closes one door He always opens another, even though sometimes it is hell in the hallway."

Love

Mary

Today was really really busy. Chelsea tried to get me up at 5 - fat chance. I gave her some lettuce (I think she is working me) and got up a bit after 6 to begin our day. I showered and got some computer stuff done and ate breakfast and took Chelsea for her real walk. She was quite perky this morning. It was cold but not too windy so we enjoyed it.

At about 8:30 I left and stopped at Mike Burkart Ford to get an estimate on the Ford. They needed more time and Gary told me that they would need the car for three to four days SO I went on to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study and to see Mother before I committed the car to them. Mom is fine and was going over to church to play cards this afternoon. People are REALLY good. Gloria Zeisel called while I was there to find out if Mom was planning on going to the card playing. She make plans to stop and take Mom across the street because it looked like it would be too windy and they care about Mom.

I got home just before noon and packed up some stew and salad for Dick and I to eat for our lunch together, then at 2 I went back to Mike Burkart. Gary drove me home and I walked back to see Dick for a couple of hours. I walked BACK home at about 4:30 and am here for the night.

This afternoon, called my friend Nancy who will take Chelsea and I to the Vet tomorrow. I will then have her drop me off at Kate's house. I called Kate too, to see if she could come and get me at 3:30 tomorrow so we could connect with the CWI conference call and then go to the church dinner that she is cooking meatloaf for. She told me that I should just come after Chelsea's appointment and I can use her car for the next couple of days. People are SO good. What a relief. It saves so much time as I was planning on walking back and forth at least twice each day. Anyway, that is solved and am I ever grateful. God is good. He has sent me good friends who watch over me.

Bible Study was very interesting as we were reading a passage in the Old Testament from Wisdom which alluded to an afterlife and a reward for goodness. This is very unusual in the Old Testament as the Jewish people, at least at that time, considered their afterlife to be the continuance of the Jewish people - children. It was Wisdom 3 1-9. We rediscovered that not all Christian Bibles have the book of Wisdom. One of our participants, Helen Morgan, announced that she was without Wisdom and would just have to listen when we went round the table reading the verses. It became a lively discussion. All three readings related to hope. We came to the concensus that the word Hope in the bible means expectation and not "wishing'.


Have a good week

Love

Mary

It was in the words of Winnie the Pooh, a blustery day. It actually started out pretty nice. I did not give Chelsea a long walk because by the time it was light, it was drizzling but she got out LOTS of times. She is quite insistent on that these days. Now it is almost 8:30PM and I know that she really wants to go to bed.

I worked on medical bills and the paperwork that must have felled a forest. Got a lot done. I also took my herbs from the deck to the garage as we are supposed to be getting a freeze and I am going to try to winter them.

Jim and Michelle came over at about 9:30AM to clean for me. Yes they are still cleaning and it is a great help. With them on vacation, I was doing things a bit at a time between visits to Dick and other things. They brought Boots over and put him in the downstairs bathroom as they were setting off bug spray in their house. They said that he was a very unhappy kitty and perhaps thought he was at a Vets. He was SO very happy to be home again.

Anyway, when they got here, I went over to spend the morning with Dick. I came home for lunch though an let him get a bit of a nap before I got back at 2PM.

Shortly after, the phone rang. It was Suzi, Dick's niece. She and her friend Jerry were in Plymouth and trying to find the place. She said she got up this morning, got dressed and told Jerry that they were going to come and visit her Uncle Dick. She is a ray of sunshine, literally. We had a lovely visit. Hazel is doing well. Jim and Michelle stopped in while they were there so they got to visit too. Everybody left at about 4:30. Jim and Michelle came here to feed and give Chelsea her meds. So I stayed and had dinner with Dick. It was a hamburger. Not too bad. I was able to be there tonight when the nurse changed the dressing on his right foot. It looks pretty good but I am glad that he sees Dr. Moreno on Wednesday because it DOES need some debreding.

So it was an altogether satisfying day. We need more like that. I am not sure I want tomorrow to come too fast as I have to face the car thing.

Just before I left the Care Center, however, I learned that a dear patient, a man who sits at Dick's table, fell and hurt himself pretty bad. He is a sweet man and an adorable flirt. Please pray for him tonight. I will update.

Love

Mary

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'

Today was much less eventful than yesterday. Thank God.

I didn't mention something kind of weird. I met Bobbie inside the American Club, in one of the stores. We brought our own cars. When we left, we went out together and discovered that we were parked next to each other.

We waited until it got light, but this morning, Chelsea and I took the first really nice walk that we have had in several days. The wind had not picked up as of yet. It was cold, but we don't mind that. She was a happy little girl.

At 9AM, I went over to Kate's. We drove together to get our SHARE. I am now getting a smaller selection. The big one was really too much. As it is I may be stockpiling until Dick comes home again. Before I came home, I had a cup of coffee with Kate and Ron. Keep praying for Ron too. He is having his stress test FINALLY on Monday.

I had noon dinner at the Center with Dick. We ate in the Solarium. That was pleasant. They had corned beef and cabbage which was quite good. Dick ate well too, all of his meat and half of the cabbage and potatoes. Jim and Michelle came in to visit at about 2:30. I left to get ready for church and do a few things around here. Church at 4, then I ate some stew and a baked yam for dinner.

I went back to the center to spend a bit of the evening with my guy. We just sit together. I did some sewing tonight and he worked a crossword puzzle. We heard an alarm coming down the hall during the evening. Steady and pulsing. It was the new guy. He had gotten up from his wheel chair and was walking down and up the hall. A nurse finally got to him. I think he is trying to find his way home. Isn't that sad. He actually had a better day today. He was at least eating.

Now I am home again and ready to settle down for the night.

Tomorrow, I have nothing scheduled. Jim and Michelle are going to come to clean around noon and I will go see Dick then.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Mary

Not a dull day today. Started off with Dick's doctor appointment at 8:45AM. This is after walking and feeding the dog, feeding Boots folding clothes and showering.

Dr. Sharon checked him over and is pleased with his general health. Dick told him that he is starting to cough up lots of phlegm now that the breathing treatments are done, SO he ordered another round of that. Perhaps we can get everything icky out of those lungs, especially now that he is moving a bit more.

At about 11 I came home and fixed a half a sandwich to eat with Dick when he had his dinner. Then I took off for Kohler for the Food and Wind event that Kohler was hosting at the American Club. Bobbie had emailed earlier this week to ask me if I wanted to go with her. I did and am glad that I did. We got to taste lots of great cheeses, I bought two, a blue and a "Menage" which is a blend of sheep, cow and goat milk. They are both a bit different and really good. I also found a raspberry/honey dipping mustard witch is excellent. Not done yet. Bobbie and I found Cholives - chocolate "olives" made of dark chocolate with a soft center that were designed for chocolate martinis. The are delicious and fun.

We tasted wines from several Wisconsin and one Missouri wineries. We each bought three bottles for our "stock". Altogether a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

When I got home, I mixed up and baked a batch of Brown Bread because I had some sour milk that had to be used up. I fed Chelsea and gave her her medicine. Got over to the Care Center at about 4 so I could take Dick a cholive before heading for Nancy's house and Rhine to finish shooting the last of our league targets.

Jim and Michelle came in just before 5 safe from their vacation and with presents. They gave me a bottle of Riesling Wine and what a bottle. The bottle is a black cat and adorable. Also a book of suduku AND crossword puzzles and a book to read. We are glad they are safe home and I am glad that they are taking care of Boots again.

This is where things kind of fell apart. I left at 5 to go pick up Nancy. As I crossed the intersection of Clifford and South, I must have had a blind spot and pulled right into another car. I did not see him and pulled out from a stop sign. He had the right of way. Was he ever mad. He swore at me but there was nothing I could do at that point. The police came very quickly. The policeman who talked to me was VERY nice. He said it must have been the look/look/drive thing but and that he was sorry but he had to give me a ticket for not yielding right of way. I told him that I understood and thanked him for his help. He gave me the very minimum fine and kind of suggested that I could go to the court date to possibly get the points reduced. I will.

The car is drivable. The lights are working and the damage is to the fenders and bumper as near as I can see. Haven't been able to reach the insurance company as yet.

Anyway, I called Nancy and told her then drove home after everything was written up and all. I almost immediately got a call from Doc at Rhine. Nancy went to finish her targets and told him what happened and he wanted to tell me to come and finish too. I stopped at the Center so Dick could see that I was alright, then DID go out to finish league. Janet and Rick Bieschke were there too so I visited with them for a while after I shot. My first two were not good, but the last was REALLY good. I just needed to settle down. Janet is really a good person to have around when things are icky. She if very comforting.

Would you believe that on the way back to Plymouth from Rhine I came THIS close to hitting a deer? Neither could I but I did. Once is slowed up enough to miss it I just started laughing. A miss is as good as a mile.

So I am home now. Thank God and intend to just wind down and go to bed as soon as possible.

I sure was disgusted. My driving record has been pristine since I got a ticket at least 15 years ago. Now I have to start all over again.

Love

Mary

Hello again.

This morning was very busy and I hope successful. Chelsea had her appointment at the Veterinarian this morning at 8AM. So we got a really early start. She is not alarmed but is not really thrilled about going there. The Vet did another series of tests on her and her BUN level which tell s us the condition of the kidneys is high. SO we have another medication to add to the two that she is already taking. Of course, it has lots of warnings and so on. I picked them up at about 3PM and she had her first one this evening. That is an expensive visit what with tests and medications and vaccinations. I joked that I was going to go home and tell Chelsea that I wondered if she was worth that much. The receptionist was great. She said that Chelsea had called and told her to tell me that it did not matter how much it was, she was worth it.

She and I went right from there to Mother's. I had a prescription for her AND brought her some of the stew. We had a nice visit. Chelsea liked that a lot. On the way home I stopped at Walgreens and picked up some nasal spray for Dick, batteries for Mom and lotion for Mom AND me. By the time we got home, Chelsea was a really tired little old lady. I think she was glad that I left right away to see Dick so she could get some sleep.

I had dinner with Dick and stayed until 3 when I came home to medicate and feed Chelsea and make some soup. The soup is so so. But Chelsea was really glad to see me. Then I went back to be with Dick til 7. I fed Boots for what I am sure this time is the last night. Just tomorrow morning. Jim and Michelle should be home for his evening feeding.

Did I ever tell you about the time I got arrested for loitering in a bar? I was 19 or 20 and dating a guy, K. C. Wilson, who owned a bar. I was IN his bar in downtown Sheboygan on a side street, (I have even forgotten what street and what the name of the bar was. I know it is gone now, and was on the same street as a movie theater that is also gone.) Anyway, the police raided the place. I went in the ladies room, but that did me no good. The police were very nice about everything but still gave me a ticket or something. I had to go to court. It cost me $25 for loitering. I got off easy because one of the policemen did testify that I was dating K. C. and that was why I was in the bar. But it cost me $25 which was a LOT to me then. Grandma Bowser was horrified, because my name appeared in the Press. Somebody asked Mother if she was going to court with me. She said No that I got myself in the mess and could get myself out. Such a wise lady. I don't know if I learned much, but I did learn that I could take care of myself.

Love

Mary

Cold again this morning, but a bit warmer than yesterday. I did the same thing. Let Chelsea out to relieve herself then tried to take her for a longer walk when it was light. She seemed to be stiff, or achy or something and did not want to go for a long walk, so we turned back at her suggestion and just came back home so she could rest.

I folded clothes and rolled ace bandages, put a stew in the crock pot and went grocery shopping. After I put the groceries away, I went to see Dick, just in time to accompany him with the nurse to his first shower in weeks. He has been having to settle for bed/sponge baths. It is somewhat of a hassle as he can't stand and has to sit on a bench that the nurse had to use the sling to get him too. But he could actually soap up and rinse off with a stream of water. After the shower, he went downstairs to physical therapy and to have Lori rewrap his stump. It really looks like it is healing well and Lori's wrapping is getting it to form a nice round shape which he will need when it comes time to fit a prosthesis. So much work.

I went home for lunch, did some more wash and baked some beer bread.

I took stew over this evening and we had dinner together in the solarium. He said it was good stew but did not eat much. Did I tell you his weight is down to 247? The last I remember before this was 271 so it is a considerable loss.

He was very sleepy tonight. I stayed until 7 any way but he was not very stimulating company. I hope that the sleepiness carries through and he gets a good night's sleep for a change.

I came home and took care of Boots. Now Chelsea and I are all settled in for the evening and I am just waiting for 9PM so I can go to bed.

The mulching is all done in our berms and gardens in Tallgrass. I have a few things to do outside to batten down for the winter, mainly figuring out how I am going to winter my herbs. They really do look good, and I hope to keep them alive through the winter. It would be nice to have fresh herbs all winter anyway.

Have a nice sleep. Chelsea goes to the doctor tomorrow.

Love
Mary

A six AM wakeup. Chelsea got a LONG walk, but not until almost 8AM. It was 35 degrees and just plain too dark at 6. So we did a short walk, then I got trash out and fed Boots. He is always glad to see me. I feel bad that I don't have time to stay with him but he is kept fed and watered and his litter box is cleaned twice a day too.

I stopped at the bank and Walgreens. One of Mother's prescriptions was ready. Now I have to find time to get that to her, It is the one she takes once a week, so there is a bit of leeway.

Dick was glad to see me when I got there. He had his occupational therapy really early but the physical therapy was put off until afternoon because the therapy department was having an open house.

So I went down with him and did my exercises while he did his. He did everything but stand up and that was not a bad thing because he does a lot and it was late in the day.

The rest of the day was quiet, but I found out that they had not dressed his wound yesterday and am not a happy camper. The nurse PROMISED to get it done tonight and I will talk to the head nurse tomorrow. That leg is of primary importance. If they don't have time, I will do it.

I am going to end with a recipe that I HAVE to try. I haven't yet so if you do, let me know if it works.

Love

Mary

3-MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
>
> 1 Coffee Mug
> 4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)
> 4 tablespoons sugar
> 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
> 1 egg
> 3 tablespoons milk
> 3 tablespoons oil
> 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
> Small splash of vanilla
>
> Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well .
> Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
> Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
> Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
> Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
> The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
> Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
>
> “And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
> Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at
> any time of the day or night!”

Today was mainly a Mary Day.

It was kind of rainy when we woke up so Chelsea did not get a great walk, but she got enough to do her some good anyway. I did some busy work around here and then left at 8:30 because I had to get gas, stop to give Dick a Good Morning hug and be at bible study at 9:30AM. As it turned out, I even had enough time to stop at Walmart to get some vitamins.

Bible Study was, as always a nice replenishing hour. There were only five of us, all, as we said, Chicks. It doesn't seem to matter how many, the sharing and praying is important to all of us. We have an interesting question. Are there Pharisees today in the Jewish religion. In our modern time, because they were instrumental in the crucificion and because they were always trying to trip Jesus up, we think of them as sleazy and underhanded, BUT they were a priestly sect in the Old Testament and well thought of. I am going to try to Google it. The readings are telling us that we have to take care of those who are in need.

I went right over to Mom's from there. She had a nice weekend, including a birthday party for Elizabeth, Becky's daughter who is already a whole year old. She had a great time but is glad of a quiet week ahead.

Then home to walk Chelsea and get ready for Writer's club. I met Peggy, the gal who's husband is right across the hall from Dick, for lunch at the Exchange Bank. We had Cheese and Broccoli soup and bread. Did I tell you that Kate and I stopped in there for a cup of coffee last Wednesday and I told the owner I would be back on Monday for lunch with a friend. He immediately asked me what kind of soup I wanted. So I said Cheese. By Golly, he had it there for me. It was delicious too. I would recommend that place anytime. Anyway, Peggy and I had a nice lunch, then walked over to Book Heads, the book store, for the Cream City Writer's meeting. That went well too. There were 8 of us there including Peggy and she liked it. She was comfortable enough to share a poem of her own and enjoyed the group. I believe she will be back.

I went right from there to the post office to mail a couple of things, then to see Dick. I found him in therapy. So I waited with him and did mine while I was waiting. I went home long enough around four to take care of Chelsea and fix a supper for myself to bring back to eat with Dick.

We went down to the dining room. It was a pleasant supper. The new guy was there and reasonably calm. I wish he would smile. It makes me sad to see him look so empty. A speech therapist joined the new guy at supper and seemed to bring him out a bit. He was nice and included everybody in the conversation. Dick really got him with a zinger. If I could remember it, I would quote. It was something about a foot and no leg to stand on.

Then we went back to the room and just were together until 7:00 When I had to come home. I helped him get his teeth brushed and a couple of other things but we mainly just were together. We miss each other.

I got home, walked Chelsea, took care of Boots and now am settled, I hope for the evening.

Talked to Kate today, she is feeling a bit better, I think I told you she has been under the weather. They are waiting for results and more tests on Ron. Keep praying. Kathy Keyes wants to join Kate and me when we get our guys all healed for that huge Hot Fudge Sundae.

Love

Mary

This would have been a day where I said. "I got to stay home ALL day." No appointments, no meetings.

Richard and Brenda spent last night so we had breakfast together. I sure liked having someone in the house with me and Chelsea. I fixed bacon and cheese biscuits for breakfast. It was nice to have someone to eat with too. Chelsea was pleased also.

We went over to see Dick at about 10AM. Richard and Brenda just went to say goodbye, then headed back to Madison. That Richard sure makes a great Kunert Spinach, Noodle, Egg Casserole.

Dick was rather uncomfortable most of the morning but we managed to solve most of the problems by noon so he and I "drove" the wheelchair down to the dining room and I joined him and Ed, a table companion for dinner. I had to back down the first hallway because one of the front wheels on his wheelchair is not behaving. A man is going to fix it tomorrow, I HOPE! Managed to go down the second hallway and return going front ways. One of the housekeeping staff came out of a room while I was backing him down and started to laugh. "I don't want to know!" she said.

I had the pork chop dinner and Dick had chicken. They had coconut cream pie for dessert. All pretty good.

Just before the big Packer Game, Ross, the activities director brought in some popcorn. Then the game. And what a game. The Packers just whupped the Colts. We were delighted. The Jets lost. I was not too happy with that as I had picked them on my pool. I am not really performing too well on that this year. Oh Well. We are not even half way through the season yet.

I talked to Bret this afternoon and Barbara this evening. All seems well on those fronts. Talked to Jeff too. His friend who likes to hunt has already gotten his deer in the TZone so I will have a new supply of venison. I asked Jeff if we could get the burger in 1lb packages instead of 2lb packages.

I am going to make a good venison/beer stew this week.

Tomorrow is MY day. Bible study and Writers Club. I am looking forward to that. A lady I met at the Care Center is joining me for lunch at the Exchange Bank and then at the Writers Club. She writes poetry and is looking for things to do for herself. This should be a good outlet for her.

Take care and enjoy your week.

Love

Mary.

A new Maxine

"As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools."

What a satisfying day. I slept until after six. Got a lot of "business" done on the computer, (bills and all) and a couple of emails. My desk actually has a top again anyway.

I went to the bank this morning to FINALLY get my stash money transferred and to get a bit of cash as I was almost broke, then went to the Care Center to visit the man. Oh My Gosh. He Was Not In His Room! All was OK. He was down in therapy. We did not expect therapy on Saturday but because he missed a day of OT, they had to make it up to meet Medicare guidelines. So I found him. I did my therapy while he was doing his. This works well as I am usually too tired if I wait for night.

I came home at about 11 and did some cleaning and more computer work. Then at 1:30 I went over to Jan, a neighbor's home, for that Tastefully Simple Party. That was really fun. We got to taste lots of dips and sauces and breads and cakes and spreads. Naturally, I bought some. There were just five of us including the demonstrator so it was very intimate and we could really ask questions and discuss.

Next I went to Mass with a quick stop at the Center to give Dick a kiss. Fr. Van Beeck gives a good sermon and does a nice service always. I stopped after Mass to ask my friend Ceil about Marlene's, Warren who had back surgery. (Please pray for a quick recovery.) Ceil had not heard anything. I saw Kate and a few other people who are all praying hard for Dick. It was good that I could update them with good news, such as the stitches being out. Kate is worried about Ron. Keep praying for him.

I got home and called Dick to find that Richard, Brenda, Bobbie and Bill were all there with him, the lucky guy. Richard and Brenda came here to put the spinach,noodle, egg casserole in the over. When it was warm, we went back to the center and commandeered the "Nook" for our dinner. The casserole was unbelievably perfect and Bobbie had baked a spectacular chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. So we are well fed and had such a nice visit. We left Dick a very tired guy. I hope, with all the activity that he gets a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow I will be able to breakfast and visit with Richard and Brenda, then spend quiet time with Dick during the day.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Handle every stressful situation like a dog.

Piss on it and walk away.

Mary

Today was a beautiful fall day. Chelsea and I took a walk but tomorrow will be the day that we really set up our Fall and Winter Schedule. I will take her out at about 6 to just relieve herself, then at about 7 or 7:30 we will take a nice long walk. It is just not a good thing to be walking when it is dark.

I stayed home until about 9:30 waiting for the Culligan Man. He got here at shortly after 9. They were supposed to come yesterday but missed my "windows"

I got to the Care Center in time to watch Dick do some of his therapy but had to leave before he stood up again. I made a mac and cheese casserole for our lunch today. The center had its famous - liver and onions one day followed by cod the next day - As the noon dinner offered is always the day's menu or the previous day's entree you KNOW that Dick would have ended up with a sandwich. The casserole was REALLY good. He ate a nice serving. I had enough to take some to Mother and leave a bit for a meal or maybe two for me.

During this day, I also found 4" Ace bandages for Dick's wraps, picked up Chelsea's meds, exchanged a shirt for Dick, dropped off the old printer at the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center,and got the casserole and some Vitamins to Mom. So there was not any sitting around.

I ate my leftovers from lunch yesterday with Dick and the "guys" in the dining room tonight. Then came home for the evening.

I am feeding Boots until next Thursday. Poor guy will be lonely. I have usually tried to spend a bit of time with him but I am way too tired these days. Well he will at least see me and get fed, watered and his litter box cleaned twice a day.

This morning when I was walking Chelsea, Jan, our neighbor one building down stopped to ask how everything was going. I updated her on Dick. She has had knee surgery so they have been kind of kindred patients for a while. She is doing much better but had not heard about his amputation. She is giving a Tastefully Simple Party tomorrow at 1:30 and asked if I would like to come for a break. Sounds good to me. I need breaks like that that just take a bit of time and involve other people and things. These parties are fun anyway.

So that was my day. Dick and Brenda will be here late tomorrow afternoon. That will be nice. We will all have supper with Dick over there. I am going to try to get a table or two in the NOOK which is a little more intimate than the board room or whatever they call it that we used before.

I am looking forward to a pleasant though cool weekend. It is not supposed to be rainy for a few days. Sunshine would be nice.

Love

Mary

I spent a good chunk of the day waiting for the Culligan Man. They called yesterday and said they were coming today. I called early this morning to tell them that they had to come between 9 and noon or after 3PM. They did not show. I guess I will call them and schedule for a day that is not so busy.

Chelsea let me sleep until almost 6 this morning. I could have used more.

I had my last physical therapy session with Becky today. She has me on a program that I can do at home. We are figuring that I will do half each day so it is not too overwhelming and I need to strengthen my knees and shoulder and arm.

I did some cooking this morning as long as I was home. It seemed like a good time to make Mac and Cheese. Last night the Plymouth Care Center served Liver and Onions, the alternate was Salisbury steak so Dick was OK. However, I'll bet tomorrow will be cod with an alternate of the liver and onions which Dick will never eat so I decided that we will have dinner, at noon, together of the Mac and Cheese.

I went out for lunch with my friend Nancy and then we went over to Rhine to shoot some of our league pistol targets. We got a bit behind this time. That was fun. We went to Antoinette's for lunch. I got a Chicken Wrap which was HUGE. Needless to say I have half of it left. It was also delicious. I was not totally happy with my targets BUT they were not too bad. I seem to be a bit shaky.

I stopped off to check up on Dick on my way home to wait some more for the Culligan Man. He was in the middle of PT so I watched that. Then Bobbie came for a visit. I was glad because he had been alone all morning and I had to leave. He must be getting pretty sick of me anyway.

At 5PM I packed up my supper and went back to join Dick and his table mates in the dining room. That was nice. I really enjoy Ralph and Ed. The new guy is also assigned to that table. He is really being a problem. He wouldn't eat tonight and had left before we got there. Later, he seemed to be wheeling himself up and down the halls and almost came in our room, but he stopped and stared at me, then retreated.

Jim and Michelle stopped in this evening too. They are going on an anniversary trip starting tomorrow morning. They are going up to Door County to work on a fundraiser walk as medics and then on to Niagra Falls. I will be feeding Bootsie while they are gone.

I am sure glad to be home and hope to be IN be at 9PM. I am really tired, despite a short nap this afternoon.

Hope all is well with you.
Take care of yourselves.

Hello. This morning was much better than yesterday. Chelsea woke up at about 5:30 but I put her out of the bedroom until 6 and she behaved. We did not do much walking because it was misting out there and I had no desire to be getting wet.

This was a Doctor Day. I got all ready and over to the Care Center by 8:45AM to be sure that Dick was all ready for Tim from Custom Care Transport to pick him up at 9AM. Tim is always on time and such a caring guy. We got to the Sheboygan Clinic at about 9:30. The first appointment with Dr. Moreno was at 10AM and he was right on time.

That appointment went well. The wounds are looking good. He is concerned that increased pressure on the foot as he does more standing could cause more breakdown. Therefore we need to concentrate on healing and on reducing pressure on those callouses. He suggests that Dick use the "sandal" that he modified to reduce this pressure when Dick does his therapy. Then we need to keep it clean and dressed and pray.

Next we went down to the first floor to see Dr. Fehrman. He is also pleased. The stump is healing very well. Dr. Fehrman removed the stitches. Only two bled a bit, not a bad thing as it shows that there is circulation to the area. Dick and I are always amazed that some of the doctors and other medical professionals sometimes get really excited about this bleeding stuff.

So, it was a successful trip to both doctors who both asked to see him in two weeks. Another good sign. If things are not good, they want to see you much sooner than two weeks.

Did I tell you that Dolores and Ken came by the Care Center yesterday to visit Dick. He was so pleased. He gets very tired but loves seeing people. I think it is good for him. He must get pretty sick of me.

After we got back, I zipped home for lunch, to take care of Chelsea and to shop. While I was grocery shopping, I saw Kate Herman, my friend. We have not connected for some days because she has not felt well but she also is worried about her best friend, her husband Ron. After we finished shopping, we went to the Exchange Bank to have a cup of coffee and catch up. The way things have been going, it may be two more weeks before we get together. Keep praying for her and her Ron. When our guys are better, we are going somewhere for the biggest Hot Fudge Sundae in the world to celebrate.

I ended up going back and forth a couple of times this afternoon, what with
Chelsea and all. When I left the Center to get my supper (Dick and I decided to have supper together in the solarium again. We need one on one time out of the room.) the ward was in a turmoil. One of Dick's table mates, who is such a sweet flirt, was crying quietly but crying because another table mate, the new one, who can't seem to get settled in was up and walking around with his alarm going. I stopped and tried to calm my friend but was not too successful. The nurse, Mary, said that the whole place had just kind of fallen apart. I can see that this can happen if there is a disruption. It must be distressing to the sensitive souls.

When I got back, things were MUCH better and my sweet friend gave me a big smile so I patted his arm and told him how happy that made me.

Dick and I had our supper, I sat with him and we watched Fred Astaire for a while and then I came home at 7PM.

So here we are.

I read a great quote today that I would like to share with you.

A Philip J. Bailey said, "All who breathe mean something more to the true eye than their shapes show, for all were made in love and made to be beloved."

Isn't that beautiful.

Love

Mary

Chelsea tried to wake me up at 3:30AM. I was not happy. I gave her some lettuce and shut her out of the bedroom. THEN, at about 5AM, I could hear her pacing and fussing in the hallway so I got up again, took her out to relieve her little self, fed her and went BACK TO BED. Finally at about 6AM, I gave up. She must be terribly confused and lonely. At about 6:30 the phone rang. It was my sweetheart. They couldn't find any shorts for him to put on. I was sure there were some (and there were) but took another pair and let Chelsea come too so she could see that he is OK and perhaps not feel so neglected.

After breakfast, I went back over to the center, after stopping at Fleet to see if I could find more shorts. No luck but I did find another shirt for him.

He spent about 1 1/2 hours in therapy today, including standing up twice again. This time he managed 20 seconds the first time and it was obviously much easier for him to get on that leg than yesterday.

I had a haircut this afternoon. Then fixed tuna sandwiches and bowls of apple salad for supper for both of us. He was not thrilled with the choices at the center tonight. Could have survived, but I like to bring him food too.

When we got back to his room, he slept until it was almost time for me to come home.

Tomorrow will REALLY be busy. He has two doctor appointments in the morning then will have therapy in the afternoon. Ha! He thought he was tired tonight. I just hope that all this activity will help him to sleep better.

Here is a wonderful little piece of advice from a little booklet called Busy Woman - finding time in your hectic life. by Marilyn Gustin

"Sing

Don't sing for anyone else, except maybe for God. Sing for yourself. Sing for the delight in it. Hum your way from parking place to work. Hum on your coffee break or even as you work. Let yourself enjoy this expression of your soul."

Mary

Today was one of the good days. I took Chelsea for her real walk after the sun came up. We are trying to change our pattern a bit because I do not like to walk in the dark.

I made a loaf of bread in the bread machine and an apple salad, then headed out for the morning. I stopped to say good morning to Dick, then on to Bible Study. There were six of us there this morning and we had a wonderful discussion that went into the upcoming election even. We don't try to express our choices, but as the Gospel is the one where Jesus told the people to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's it was a natural segway. One has to be aware that most of the rumors that arrive on the Internet or through gossip are nothing but gossip and/or rumors and are not fact. The first reading from Isaiah is the only place in the Old Testament where a Gentile was anointed. This was a big thing to the Jewish people but certainly gave us a big wedge.

I got back to the Care Center in time to have lunch with Dick. I had asked them to reserve a meal for me. We had ribs, baked potato, broccoli and cheesecake in the sun room. I thought we needed a date. We could have eaten in his room but he needs to be out of there.

GUESS WHAT!!!!!! When I got back, I ran into Lori, the PT, and she told me that Dick STOOD UP. I was so excited and told everybody I saw. Then he had more PT after lunch and he did it again. He stood for 10 seconds this time, a big deal. We are on our way.

I came home for dinner. Had to do a few things around here anyway. Chelsea needs some attention too. She is getting whiney and I am sure it is because she is old and lonely.


I did go back after supper for an hour but Dick was a real sleepyhead. He should be tired after all the work he did today.

Take care and keep praying. We are working hard.

Love

Mary

The Packers won and all is well with the world.

At least it puts a good spin on things.

I slept until 6AM this morning. Chelsea tried earlier, but I shut her out. I took her out for a quick walk then as it was still dark. Then I showered and had breakfast before she and I did a longer walk when the sun was out. It was still a bit chilly then, but warmed up to 80 degrees today.

I went over to the Care Center at about 9AM. Dick had a better night but was sleepy most of the day. We both took a little nap this morning. Then Jacki changed the bandage on his wound. They put him back in bed. They hooked him up to the breathing treatment and they changed the wrappings on the stump.

This was all before noon. I left shortly before noon to walk Chelsea, eat lunch and do a few things around her, notably wash. Dick needs more ace bandages there as they rewrap every day.

I went back about 2:30 so that we could watch the game together. Jim and Michelle came over too and watched with us until about 4:30. That was almost the half and they and I left. They had to fix supper and get ready for work tomorrow. I had to take care of Chelsea and pick up my soup and sandwich to be eating with Dick. We went down to the dining room for supper. We did not stay long. It was a bit distressing today. A new resident joined Dick's table. He was very confused. He kept telling them that there was a mistake. He was supposed to be at a restaurant with his wife and not here. He tried to get up and walk out at one point. He was not violent, just determined. It rather upset Dick, so we went back to the room quickly. I saw him later and he seemed calmed down some.

Anyway, we were pleased to watch the Packers beat Seattle. I didn't do too well on my other picks for the football league, but I will keep on plugging along.

Altogether, it was a really good day. Dick felt better and therefore, so did I.

It is 8PM now and Chelsea is really pushing me to get ready for bed. We never go until 9, but she knows that when she gets me in there, I don't leave.

Until tomorrow.

Mary

I think Chelsea went bonkers overnight. She woke me up at 4AM. She was pacing so much that I took her out just to relieve herself, then tried to go back to sleep. I finally got up at a little before 5 and walked and fed her. Then I took my shower, ate breakfast and took a nap.

I stopped over to see Dick on my way to the Legion of Mary Mass and Brunch. Not a good start to the day. The wound on his right leg (the good one) had started to bleed. This might not be a BAD thing as it shows that there is circulation to the wound BUT on the other had is it a problem. I was uncertain as to whether I should be gone for the day or not but Jacki, one of the nurses, pointed out that he can bleed just as good with or without me and that they would take good care of him.

I arrived at Mother's at almost 9:30AM and we walked over to church to join the "Legion" in the rosary and then the following Mass. While we were waiting for the Mass, Fran Johnson asked if I would do the first reading and the psalm. So I did. Mother was trying to figure out how I got that job. I told her I did not know but when Fran asked, I figured that it was meant to be my gift that day. Fr. Theison was the celebrant and Deacon Bill Jens the co celebrant. They are both wonderful men of God. Deacon Bill said that he is so sorry to hear about Dick and has him held up in prayer each day. That is SO comforting. God listens to Deacon Bill. I know. Fr. Theison asked what was happening, overhearing part of the conversation. He said he did not remember Dick. When I told him that was probably because Dick was not of our faith, he got a twinkle in his eye and said that I should tell Dick that God won't mind. He will be praying too.

After Mass, we went down for the usual lovely brunch that the Legion regulars provide each year. Wonderful pastries, an egg dish, deviled eggs, cheese and juice and coffee. Then door prizes. Mother and I each got one. A lovely dish with shells and a light in it. This was to symbolize the seashore as the theme was the Footprints in the Sand story.

I went right from there to Sheboygan to Mead for the Sheboygan County Writer's Club's presentation of the winners of their Big Read contest. A fiction writing contest. We published a third book of writings from the members who wanted to contribute and the members read their work. The attendance was very poor despite lots of publicity. Such a shame, but one gentleman, a bit different, came and was our very best audience member. He enjoyed all the treats, and cheered on each participant and clapped the very hardest. I hope if we do this again, he comes. Sometimes the best presents, even people, come in strange packages. He was a treasure.

Then home again to take Chelsea out and over to visit my guy. He was feeling much better by then and the bleeding was checked. There was none on the fresh gauze on his foot. Jim and Michelle brought a batch of super brocolli cheese soup and bisquits over for supper for all of us. We ate in the sun room. Then they took things home and came back to play a game of rummy with us. They stopped at Culvers for ice cream. Couldn't ask for a better evening than that, could we?

Richard called this evening too so it was a good day. I feel much more relaxed.

Love Mary

This is the poem in the booklet that the Sheboygan County Writers just published. I hope you enjoy it.

KEEPSAKE

By: Mary J. Kunert

Precious in my heart
Is the scent of the sweet neck of my newborn son
As he sleeps on my shoulder.

Precious in my mind
Is the memory of a flight, harnessed to a parachute, into the clouds
That gave me a vision of freedom.

Precious in my ear
Is the sound of the rain on the roof drumming me to sleep
In the soft cozy nest of my bed.

Precious on my skin
Is the caress of my love when he drapes his arm around my shoulders
And gently strokes my arm.

Precious in my mouth
Is the taste of snowflakes or strawberries or s'mores by a campfire
Each to its own season.

These moments tucked in my being
Are part of what I am
Precious souvenirs that need no shelf or wall.
To take me back to their beginning.

Well, I had to shut the girl out but I got to sleep until 6AM anyway. I am trying to remember what happens to daylight when the time change goes into effect. All I know is that it is a BIG adjustment for Chelsea. Pretty soon, I will just let her out to do her business and we will take a walk later in the morning.

Got over to see Dick at about 9AM. He had a rather rough night and had already had a busy morning. Everybody is wanting "a piece of him." The Therapy people want chunks of time to do their magic and the nurses need to be changing bandages, getting him into bed for naps and change of position and various treatments and everything seems to clash. Oh Well, it has only been a week. Every day DOES get a bit easier. Today we had to add his doctor appointment with Dr. Sharon into the mix.

That went quite well. We also had an appointment with Deb of the Anti-coagulation department. Earlier this week, his count was 5.8. As it is supposed to be between 2 and 3, I was a bit alarmed. With the adjustment made at that reading, today it was at 2.4. Perfect again.

Dr. Sharon was very reassuring. He checked all the reports and listened to our concerns. He ordered a couple of tests, notably a blood test to be sure that the kidneys are back to normal and a test of his sputum to be sure there is no infection. This is because of all the coughing he is doing.

We got back in time for his lunch. I came home to take care of Chelsea, take a nap and cook a chicken/rice casserole for my supper. I had decided to eat with Dick but bring my own meal tonight. I took a nap too and I slept really deeply. Not long enough, but really deep. Before going back, Chelsea and I took a drive over to the city hall to take in our absentee ballot request forms. I found out that Dick will be able to vote at the Care Center on October 24. The clerk is coming over there to help the residents vote. I will get mine in the mail.

Dick and I ate supper in his room. He had little appetite but did eat his chips and half of a sub sandwich for his supper. I left at about 6:30 for Rhine. I wanted to shoot some of my pistol league targets. Nancy had gone out earlier. She and I will plan on going some afternoon to get a bit caught up, otherwise we will not finish before the deadline. It was good to spend a bit of time with the "guys" out there. They are all so supportive. My first two targets were pretty bad, but the last one, I took a DEEP breath and it was not bad at all.

Now I am home again, obviously and shutting down. Tomorrow, I am taking most of the day off. I am going to a Legion of Mary Brunch and a Sheboygan County Writers Club event at Mead. It will be good to be doing something outside of a hospital or care center for a whole day. I figure that I will be back in Plymouth in time to go to the 4PM mass and then have supper with Dick and spend the evening with him.

Love

Mary

WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may make you think you are whispering
when you are not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may cause you to tell your friends over
and over again that you love them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may cause you to think you can sing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may lead you to believe that ex-lovers
are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may make you think you can logically
converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may create the illusion that you are
tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW JUST IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD ACHIEVE WITH RED WINE!!!

Hello again.

It was a six AM morning again. I wish it wasn't so dark. There were a couple of people also out walking, notably Marilyn Bordeau, who I met as I turned back onto Tallgrass. They have finished installing the sidewalk that was torn up between Valley Road and Tallgrass Lane during the road construction so it is an easy walk.

Then I had breakfast and went to Aurora Plymouth for my physical therapy. That is going quite well. I have one more session with Becky to be sure she has me doing the right things and then I will be on my own. There is definite improvement and I have not been able to do the exercises every day because of the schedule.

Anyway I got to the Care Center at about 9AM and Lori, the PT was there wrapping Dick's stump. She says that it is very important to keep the stump round and not let it square off. So she is rewrapping it every day. Jacki had already wrapped his right leg and dressed the wound.

He had a pretty good night and is getting regular breathing treatments to help relieve the congestion in his lungs.

I stayed until about noon, then came home to have lunch, wash, take care of Chelsea and do a few other things that NEED to be done around here.

I went back at 4:30 by way of the bank and the gas station. I got there in time to join Dick for supper. They had swissburgers. Hamburgers with swiss cheese and onion rings. Not a bad supper as far as I am concerned.

We have decided that I come home at seven so I can get to bed at a decent time. So. Here I am.

I called Barb. She is in Washington DC. They sent her on another "rescue" mission to help an office that is in trouble. She does not like it there but they are already trying to talk her into staying on.

This morning when I was waiting for Becky at the Clinic, Dr. Sharon came in and saw me. He asked about Dick and I told him that I will feel much better after he sees him. There are questions on a few things that I know he can help with.

So the day is done. Not a bad day. Fr. Van Beeck said Mass at the Care Center at 10AM so I went. That is comforting.

I finally filled out our absentee ballots and will deliver them to the City Clerk tomorrow. Maxine says "They hold elections in November because it is the best time for picking out a turkey."



Have a good day.
Love

Mary

It is almost 10PM. I just got home at 9:45PM. I was actually here at 9:30 but when I hung my coat on the rack, I thought to myself, "I didn't think my jacket had a blue lining." And it didn't.

This evening, I went to 52 Stafford at 6:30PM to meet the Sheboygan County Celtic Women for dinner, a meeting and some music. We had a good group. There were 12 of us there, a good turnout and we planned our next two meetings which is the way we keep going. There were two new people, Joan Brigham and Debbie O Grady. I used to babysit for Debbie's husband. There were actually 11 of us at the dinner, including John Nevicosi, Toni's husband and then Candy Durdin joined us for a few minutes after she had her choir practice. A lovely evening and as I was sure it would be, a welcome break for me.

This was another pretty good day. Dick is kept busy all day, I tell you. With bandage changes and breathing treatments and physical therapy, it is not a quiet restful place. He is working on several things to build up strength and to learn to be self sufficient. It is going to be a hard struggle but we have time. Our goal is , if possible, to have him home for Thanksgiving.

I did the grocery shopping this morning before heading over to see him.

This morning, I watched parts of Good Morning America as I usually do. Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer reviewed Robin's journey through cancer treatments this past year. She was so good about sharing this with her fans for the sake of others who go through this every year. I was impressed with her courage in handling it. Whe had a comment today that was so pertinant to any hard ordeal that we go through in life (and WHO doesn't.) She said, " We are all a little bit stronger than we think we are." She is right. We can always do just one more day. or one more treatment or one more chore. But we can't look too far ahead. That is for God to do.

Love

Mary

Today was a much better day all around.

I got up way too early. Chelsea fooled me. She came bouncing around at what must have been 5:30AM and I misread the clock and got up with her. I couldn't figure out why it was not getting lighter until I got back home and saw that it was only a bit after 6. Oh well, she won't get me again.

I took a nap after my shower as I was still very tired, then did a few things around here before heading to the Care Center. And Nora called to see how things were going.

Dick had a much better night. He said he slept pretty well for him and he was all washed and fed. He ate toast and bacon for breakfast.

He is getting breathing treatments again as he is still coughing up phlegm. I watched when Jacki changed the dressing on his right foot and the wound looks pretty good. Dick went down for an initial physical therapy just before lunch and we have "a plan." He is also being transferred to his bed for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon so there are different pressures on his bottom. We don't need bedsores and so far have avoided that curse.

I ate lunch with him in his room. It was delicious. Pork chop, potato casserole, green beans and a piece of cake. He ate a bit of everything, but not much. He really liked the casserole though.

Then I came home for the afternoon. I caught up on our bill paying and Quicken and made a cauliflower salad for my lunches and took another nap.

I took some of the salad and a cupcake with me back to the center so we could sup together again. This time I convinced him to go down to the dining room. I think he needs to get out and moving as much as possible. After we were done, we just sat together working puzzles until it was time for me to come home.

Tomorrow there will be more therapy and Mary, the head nurse and Laura the therapist may try to get him able to use the standing lift instead of the sling, which will be great to get him stronger and much easier on him and his dignity.

Tomorrow night I will be going to 52 Stafford for the CWI meeting and the music. I am so looking forward to the break.

Have a nice sleep. Sleep is so healing.

Love

Mary

These are the beautiful plants that Dick and Brenda brought to Dick before the surgery. They are thriving on the front porch and I smile every time I walk Chelsea in and out.

Love Mary

A full day. Chelsea tried to wake me up at 5AM but I staggered out to the kitchen, gave her some lettuce and staggered back to bed, closing the door, so I could get another hour. We had a lovely walk anyway despite the fact that it is dark at 6AM nowadays.

I got a few things done, then went over to wish Dick a nice morning before heading to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study and to see Mother.

Bible study was fun. We have a new member, a man called John. That sounds very holy doesn't it. He IS very nice and has a lot to offer us. The readings were good and it will be interesting to see what the priests have to say on Sunday. The Gospel was about the wedding feast where the invited guests did not come and then some of the people who did end up coming were ejected because they did not have a wedding garment. Helen had a notation in her bible that explained that, in that time, wedding garments were provided by the host family, so there was no excuse not to be wearing one. And this applies to us also, when we get to heaven we will, if we believe and do what we are supposed to, have our proper garment.

I also stopped to give my sympathy to some friends of mine who lost a son late last week. Veronica went to Ireland with me on my second trip and one of her other sons went with Bart on his Confirmation retreat. She and her husband are a loving and wonderful couple. This is the second son that they lost and as Mother says, it just isn't right that the children go before the parents. But God must have something in mind. I guess He needs them more than we do, though it is difficult to understand.

Mother needed some banking done so we filled out all the slips and I took them with me. We will meet on Saturday Morning for the Legion of Mary Mass and Brunch and that is soon enough to bring her receipts and cash.

I stopped at home then to pick up lunch and walk Chelsea. When I got to the Care Center I found that Dick had fallen kind of out of the chair. Apparently he tried to shift his weight and the chair toppled over. He landed safely. No head, no bumps on the stump and no bruises, but he was pretty shook up and so were the nurses. Their procedure is to check him every hour for about 6 hours, then every three hours and then once a day for three days so if ANYTHING is wrong it will show up by then. He also has an appointment to see Dr. Sharon on Friday. So we had lunch and then he rested. He woke from a bad dream once during the afternoon and thought that he was falling again, but aside from that seems no worse for wear.

This afternoon, I ran some errands and make phone calls from 3 to almost 5 when I went back to have supper with him. I had the last of the Mexican Lasagna for my supper. Dick had a BLT and pears. He hate half the sandwich and half the pears so I was happy. He really is not eating.

I came home at 7ish. Jaren, the therapist who helped Dick before his knee got so sore, came in as I was leaving to do an evaluation. How good it is to see a familiar kind face.

Now, this long day is over.

Tomorrow should be much quieter. I hope to be home more and with Dick when needed.

Today some young ladies came to the Care Center and decorated pumpkins for the residents. Dick got a nice medium to small pumpkin with four faces on the four directions. It is cute and brightens up his room along with the flowers that arrived from Leslie and Bill this afternoon.

Love

Mary

These are the flowers that arrived for Dick today at Plymouth Care from Leslie and Bill. They are really beautiful and brighten up his room.

Another day gone by.

Boy was last night weird. I stayed with Dick, you know. Not much sleep involved. With him waking up and being somewhat confused OR needing the nurses to go to the bathroom, not much chance of that. But we made it through til 5:30 when I headed for home to take care of Chelsea.

She and I went for a walk, I fed her and took a shower. Then I crawled into bed and slept until 9:30AM when I got up and did a few things before going to Mass at 10:45. After Mass, I came home, got some lunch ready and took it over to the Care Center so I could have lunch with Dick. We went into the dining room. Good thing. only one of his tablemates was there and it would have been lonely for Ed.

Jim and Michelle came just as we were finishing so we all went back to the room. We watched the Packers lose. Not a pretty sight. It was not a good weekend for Wisconsin. The Brewers AND the Badgers lost too.

Then Jim and Michelle went home to fix dinner which they brought back to the Care Center so we could all eat supper together. Michelle fixed her delicious Mexican Lasagna and corn. Sure was good.

Now we have another day of healing under our belts. Tomorrow will be a busy day for Dick as he will start therapy, both occupational AND Physical. I am going to bible study and over to visit Mother in the morning but will be back in time to have lunch again with Dick.

I talked to Jacquie, my ex sister in law, tonight. Found out that George is in the hospital. He has developed diabetes and had a count of 600. WOW. Please pray for him.

I have been thinking, a dangerous thing I know. Some people I know seem to avoid doing things, trying things, seeing things and enjoying being with each other. How sad it is to go through life not being a part of it. I guess the fear of being hurt outweighs the joy of being in the midst of all the wonderful things of this life. I wouldn't trace any of the rough times that Dick and I have been going through, despite the fear and concern, for one MINUTE of the wonders we have lived together.

Remember, the dance is worth the pain. God is good.

Love

Mary

Well, Dick is back at Plymouth Care Center.

It was a long day, starting with a walk with Chelsea at 5:30AM in 32 degree temperatures.

I got to the hospital at 7AM, then found out that Dr. Fehrman was not coming in so I could have slept a bit later. But it was a good thing I was there. The nurses had given Dick an Ambien at 3AM and he was affected by it all day long. Sleeping, and getting confused. I can't figure it out as Ambien is listed as an allergy for him, but they did it.

Anyway, Dr. Phelan came in just before noon and said that everything is stablized enough that we could take him back to Plymouth. We managed to get him ready by 3 and Custom Care and Transport, who have moved him before came to take him back.

I left him being rebooked in and will be heading back to spend the night after taking Chelsea out one more time so she will be comfortable until morning. Then I will came back home at 5:30 or 6AM tomorrow to take care of her again and to shower and get ready for the day.

So I am going to sign off now.

Take care, thanks for all the prayers. We still need them but are on our next step of the journey.

Love

Mary

I got up at about 5:30 this morning to get to the hospital by 7AM so I wouldn't miss Dr. Fehrman. He never came.

However, I was there all morning. I was able to see Dick's therapy. He did pretty well, but of course, has a long way to go. He did sit up in his wheel chair for about three or four hours.

Dr. Phelan came in late morning. He says Dick is about ready to be released to rehab. Either tomorrow or Sunday. Probably tomorrow. He has now taken him off of all the intervenious treatments, either suspended them or changed to oral. He has taken him off of oxygen and removed the catheter. If all is well tomorrow, it is a go.

We have a recurring problem with the wound on his right foot now. Because everything is so tenuous, it is getting aggrivated when he does any weight bearing. Dr. Moreno came over today and debrided it and redressed it. He left instructions for the nurses and we will be following up closely. I will need to find out when we should see him again.

Bobbie came by in the afternoon and spent time with me and then with Dick when I drove home to walk and feed the Chelsea. She was leaving just as I came back at 5PM. I can't tell you how much I appreciate our kids. They are just plain GOOD!!

I ate supper with Dick and then stayed with him until 7 when I had to come home. I am so tired. Dick would have liked me to come back and stay the night with him, but I just can't do anymore today. I need to sleep.

So the news is mostly good. It will be so good to have him close again, and I can bring Chelsea to see him a couple of times a week. I promised him that I would spend the first night back at the Rehab center with him so if he got disoriented, I would be there to remind him of where he is.

It is really hard to realize that it is October already. Soon it will be Halloween. I will get my spider web wall hanging and my bones for the carved post on the front porch out soon. We don't seem to get trick or treaters but that is OK. We did our share at Hunters Glen. I had to get five or six packages of treats there. Now I get one and Dick and I end up eating it eventually. I remember my kids always liked Halloween. We always lived in neighborhoods that they could safely go, at least in groups.

Have a good Saturday.

Love

Mary

Subject: Important Stock Information

Best advice I can give.

Normally I avoid discussing any advice regarding buying or selling of stocks, but I felt this is important enough to share and warn you since this explosive situation might prove to be yet another ENRON. Please review any holdings you might have in the following stocks: American Can, Interstate Water, National Gas Company, Northern Tissue Company. Due to uncertain market conditions, I advise you to sit tight on your American Can, hold your Water, and let go of your Gas. You may be interested to know that Northern Tissue touched a new bottom today, and millions were wiped clean. It's a tough market out there. Be careful!

Another long day. You must get bored hearing that. I got up a bit after 5:30 and took Chelsea for a misty walk. It was cold too. Then I showered, got gas and headed for the hospital. I got there just after 7AM and missed Dr. Fehrman by five minutes. Darn. Dick said he really didn't have anything new. I will get there BEFORE 7 tomorrow.

Dick looked pretty good. He said he slept OK and he is eating a bit. The nurse who came on this morning suggested that we get one of those overhead grab bars for him. He wanted that from the beginning because he CAN do a bit of shifting around himself that way. We had to switch beds completely which was a major event. They had to line up both beds, transfer him with a board and three people and rearrange the whole room for both the lining up and the moving of the old bed out. But it is done. He was exhausted and immediately started dozing.

I headed home to check Chelsea at about 10 so I could get back in time to be there for the PT session at 12:45. Of course that was when Dr. Phelan came in so I missed him too. Dick said he did not have much to report either. I NEED to be there.

Therapy was very exciting. The first time he stood up, with help of course, was traumatic for him. He swayed and had to sit down right away, but then he managed to get up and onto the commode and then up and back to bed. So he is accomplishing a lot. As Ken said, he now has to stand and balance on one leg and this is new and not easy.

Bobbie came shortly after the therapy and Jeff and Kathy came by to see him too. So the afternoon was not so long. Jeff and Kathy brought me some fresh veggies. Num Num.

When going to the Clancy Brothers concerts, the crowds would always want encores and more than one if they could get away with it. Liam would finally say. "Have you no homes to go to?" and the crowd would roar "No." But I do have a home to go to and am so glad to be here. Right now it is a lonely home. But Chelsea and I are going to keep it warm and ready until our guy comes back.

Chelsea is whimpering at me to go to bed. Old and cranky doggies get very set in their ways.

Love

Mary

Well, last night's blog was not the end of the day. I got into bed at 9:00, just as planned. About 10 minutes later, the phone rang. It was Dick. He was still confused from the events of the day and had forgotten that I left. He wanted me to come back. So, I did. I got there just before 10 and was able to sleep on a sofa bed that is in his room. Of course, I got little sleep, as he did, because they are constantly checking on him and doing things. But at least I did get some sleep.

My only worry was Chelsea, our poor little lonely old doggy. I called Jim and Michelle and they took her out in the morning and fed and gave her medicine. Then I called our neighbor Dick to take her out at about 9AM just for good measure. I went home at 11:00 to check on her, clean up and change my clothes. I also did the grocery shopping and bought lottery tickets. Chelsea was sure glad to see me. She is a good little girl but I can tell that she is feeling neglected.

Today was MUCH better. Dr. Fehrman came in at about 7:30 and changed the dressing on his stump. It looks pretty good. The leg is no longer swollen and the wound does not look red or puffy or anything. So the circulation must be good there.

Then Dr. Phelan came in with good and bad news. The good news is that the ecko on his heart showed that the right side of the heart is fine and healthy. The bad news is that the left side does show some problems, however, they are related to the sleep apnea and are being dealt with so that is OK. The lungs ARE clearing but have a ways to go and he is getting respiratory treatments so we don't end up with pneumonia. The only other bad thing is that there is sign of kidney failure. Again, the good thing is that kidney function can return when caused by this kind of trauma and Dr. Phelan has adjusted his meds to try to accomplish this.

The bad news is that he will be in the hospital for probably four or five more days.

Physical Therapy came in today and he was almost able to pull himself to a standing position, using his upper body, the right leg and a walker. Almost. Whis is good as weak as he is and considering that his last physical therapy was on Friday.

Anyway, an altogether successful day, we think. I intend to sleep soon and I hope he has a good night too.

I can't believe that it is October already. We will aim at getting Dick home for Thanksgiving.

When Bret was in Kindergarten, he had a wonderful teacher called Miss Gamel. She was young, very pretty and blond. As a matter of fact one of the boys in her class, she had 16 boys to 4 girls, told his Dad that his teacher was a "big, beautiful blond." One day, Bret came home from school and told me that two of his classmates had gotten in a fight and Jimmy hit Johnny 21 times. It mentioned it to Miss Gamel because it sounded SO funny. She agreed and thought that she really might have noticed a fight that had 21 hits in it.

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is all.

I am tired.

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

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary