I am sitting in the living room with the doors open, just letting the house air out in this beautiful cool, dry air.   Roxie is on my lap now but keeps going from one door to the other to enjoy the sounds and smells of out doors. 

I left here at about 9:30AM.  Picked up some vitamins for Mother and some yeast so that I could start a bread tonight on my way to visit Mother.    She is doing well.   We had a great visit.   I set up her pills for the week and we talked about so many things including Uncle Henry and Gypsies.

Uncle Henry was Grandma Bowser's younger brother and Mother's Godfather.   When she came to visit me in California, we went down to the San Diego Area to visit him.   He lived in a mobile home not far from his daughter, Ellen.  Mother and I met him at his mobile home and he gently escorted, escorted is the right word, into his home and served us a drink while we waited for his granddaughter to come and lead us to Ellen's house.   He was such a gentleman and so sweet.   He died at the age of 99 years old at King Veteran's hospital.

Mother asked me if I remembered the Gypsies coming to Sheboygan Falls.    I DO remember.   When I worked at the bank in Sheboygan Falls, they came one summer.    They were just as you picture them.   Their caravan was brightly colored and they dressed in Gypsy garb.   The merchants were rather nervous as they were known for light fingers.   They did odd jobs and whatever to support themselves and stayed down in the area we called the Flats which now has several factories on it.    The wandering people have lost their way of life.    Mother and I wonder what happened to the gypsies.    I may check if I get the urge.

I went to Rocky Knoll from Mother's and had lunch with Dick.   He was still in PT when I arrived.   Bobbie got there just as we were finishing our lunch so she was there to visit with me and him while he did his OT.   He is still too weak to stand.   But he tried and did well with the other therapy they put him through.

I left at about 2:30 and came home to take a nap.  Roxie was delighted.    I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a bit of cooking and cleaning.   I decided to keep it quiet as it IS a holiday and I need one too.

So. it is close to bed time.   Tomorrow will be the beginning of getting back into a routine.


I'll send a couple of picture

God love you

Mary

Hi Happy People
At least I hope you are happy because I am in need of happy people right now.

Last night I slept quite well and woke up shortly before 8AM.   Just in time to have breakfast, shower, take care of household things and get to Rocky Knoll by 9AM.    Dick is very weak today but some of his functions have improved from yesterday. 

I went to Mass at 10AM,  I wheeled a lovely lady down to Mass.   This was her first Sunday here so she got a special blessing before I took her back.   Then as we were going into Woodland Village,  one of the therapists caught her and talked her into a session of OT.  

Dick and I had lunch together with Ernie, another resident.   Dick did not eat too well but did eat.   When we got back to his room he went back to bed and seems to be sleeping a lot.   I left at 2PM so that I can get some extra rest, but I am really concerned about him.   His voice is weak, which is that sign that something is wrong.  

The nurses are all aware that this is happening so I will see what is happening in the morning.  

In the meantime, I am trying to get to bed early so that I can get rested for the battle.

Roxie was so happy that I was home early and actually took a nap this afternoon.

God love you all
Mary

Well, I WAS on the run most of the day but I still feel more rested than yesterday.    I was in bed at 7PM last night.   I slept really well until Miss Roxie started bugging me at about 3AM.    I think it was the storm coming in and that she wanted reassurance but I was not happy with her.

I finally got up at about 5:30AM because I wanted to be ready to pick up Debbie O Grady to to the the Scottish Highland Games in Waukesha.    I had decided that I had to go because I had the CWI Banner and things for the table.  When I got there, I found that Linda, the gal in charge, had not received the list of our members that I had sent to her by email, so I was able to get that set at the gate before anybody else arrived. 

We had a table which we set up as a booth in the Cultural Area.   I liked that area, we met people at the Welsh and Cornish tables, the Shamrock Club and several vendors and craftspeople, some who were familiar with us and some not.    We made a lot of contacts.  

I did a bit of buying again.   I got a tea cozy and some tea and shortbread. 

They had a lovely tea area set up with tea served in pots and real cups and a great assortment of scones, breads and cakes.   SUPER.

I got to interact with several of our members and then  took an hour to roam the grounds to see what was there and then had to head for home.    I did eat a pasty for lunch.  

I arrived home at 1, did a couple of things here and then headed to Rocky Knoll.    I found Dick in therapy.   He had both PT and OT today.    Good that he is right back in.   He will not start standing again until Monday.   That will give him time to gain strength.

I stayed with him through supper and now am home for the night.   It sure feels good.   He seems much better today.   Very weak, but the pain in his shoulder is gone and the fever is also broken.  He ate a good meal so I am encouraged by that.

Tomorrow will be a "normal" Sunday.    That will get us back into a routine.   Labor Day will give us a bit of a break too.

So all is better - it seems.   Take care of yourselves

God love you

Mary

Whenever God closes one door, he always opens another, even though sometimes it's hell in the hallway.

Today was very exhausting also, so I will defer til tomorrow to really update you on the Oklahoma trip.

I will also, hopefully, have uploaded my pictures and can share some of them with you also.

Today, Jody cleaned from 8 to 10.   Then I drove to Rocky Knoll to pick up clean clothes for Dick as I had received a call from the caseworker that they were sending him back to Rocky Knoll early this afternoon.   Then I picked up some Anniversary flowers for Mother and went over to see her as I needed to get updated on what vitamins she needed.   I always get her flowers on her and Dad's anniversary because I love seeing the smile on her face and hearing about the wedding day.

Then I went to Sheboygan Memorial so that Dick could get dressed for his trip back to the rehab center.   Tim picked him up at 12:30PM.   I followed but had to make a side trip to Fesslers Drug store to pick up some supplies for Mother and drop them off at her house on my way to Rocky Knoll.   Whew.

I stayed with Dick for the bulk of the afternoon. I left at 4ish.   The speech therapist came in and explained what she would be doing for Dick.    It seems that they are suspecting that the fact that the pneumonia is reoccurring is because of what is called aspirational pneumonia.   He is not swallowing sufficiently and particles settle in the lungs and infect.   This is apparently not too uncommon.    ANYTHING is worth a try at this point.

So I am home and fed and have done Dick's wash so am going to go to bed early.   Tomorrow morning I will be going to Waukesha for the Highland Games.   Debbie will ride with me and I will leave early to be at Rocky Knoll with Dick by 2PM.   Should be nice.    I have the banner and the table decorations and will just take a quick run of the event after setting up and helping with the table.   I will try to find Mike, the guy who brought our motorized chair.   He is in a reenactment group.

So.  Good night and God Bless.

Mary

I know.   I am home from Oklahoma and should be able to be writing a really good blog.

However.   I am tired.  While I was gone, as most of you know, Dick got pneumonia again.

I called him every night.   Monday - he sounded great.  Tuesday he sounded weak.  Wednesday, I got a call from Rocky Knoll that his was being transported to Sheboygan Memorial because he has Pneumonia again.

I got to the hospital at 1:30ish today.   Bobbie was in his room.   They had just taken him for an aspiration test, so we went to have a cup of tea together while we waited for him to come back.

It seems that they MAY have figured out the problem.  I am not going into it here because it is quite complicated.  But I am praying that this will be the end of the pneumonia.    Pray with us.   Your support is SO important.

I am not telling about the wonderful trip I had to Oklahoma in detail tonight.  Just say, that I was treated like a queen and Barb and I had such wonderful experiences together.  I also need to tell you about our potentional house which is so cool   Dick is excite about what little I told him.

I have to go to bed now.   I am drained.   Tomorrow will be better.

God love you all

 I sure do.

Mary

It was a button up day.    I got up at about 7Am to be sure that I would get all the things done here that I needed to do.  

Then, I left in time to stop at the Pig to purchase the lottery tickets for the coming week as I will not be here on Wednesday for my usual grocery shopping.   I took the tickets to Dick so that he can check them while I am gone.

I to to Rocky Knoll at about 11:30AM, just in time to go down to the dining room for lunch.    I purchased the lunch today because I am trying to keep the food in the fridge down to a minimum.    It was good.   Pork chop, Brussel sprouts, buttered noodles and cream puff.

Then we spent the afternoon, playing cards, taking a walk outside and just visiting until I had to leave.

I went from there to Mother's to be sure that anything I do for her is OK.   Otherwise, it would have been two weeks between visits and that is not a good thing.

So this is the last that you will hear from me until Thursday evening.   I am keeping this very short because I am being picked up at 3:15AM and need to get to bed ASAP.

I love you all

Hope you miss me

God love you

Mary

This was a perfect summer day.   As Dick and I were heading out for a walk, Bobbie and Bill came into Rocky Knoll, so we all walked together.   We let Dick lead the way and decide the time and route.   He is not really an outdoor person, but it got him out into that wonderful day for a little while.    We had a lovely visit with Bobbie and Bill.  Bobbie is getting lots of information on the Kunert family history through Ancestry.    I get so anxious to be working on mine, but must be patient until we get Dick all healed again.  Time is my friend.  

I slept til almost 8AM.   Like Bobbie said, I was a real slug a bed.   It felt SO good to just snuggle up in there.  I ate breakfast and then drove over to the Plymouth Armory to pick up SHARE.   A nice selection of fruits and veggies today.   Plums, oranges, cantaloupe, green peppers and lettuce.   

I re setup Dick's computer for him today.  He needs something to amuse him when I am gone next week.

He seems to be feeling a bit better each day.   He has the weekend off from therapy, so that gives him a chance to rest a bit more.


On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

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



Try to do the above.   I will

God love you and our country


Mary

Today was too busy.   It was good.   We had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Sharon at 10AM.   I know.   It is really Dick's appointment but we are in this together so I consider it ours.

Dr. Sharon is satisfied with the progress that Dick had made.  He still has a long way to go but his lungs seem clear and the other concerns we have, Dr. Sharon feels will decrease with time and his body gaining strength.

We got to eat out today.   There is a coffee shop at the Aurora in Plymouth and Tim knew he would be a bit longer than usual, so we went to the restaurant and enjoyed a nice lunch together.   Dick ordered their chili and found it to be quite good.   He ate it all which really pleased me as his appetite has been so depressed.

We got back to Rocky Knoll at about 12:30PM just in time for him to rest for his double therapy session.   He did the full gamut including standing twice for a total of almost 5 minutes.   A real accomplishment after being so sick and weak.

I came home at about 3PM and worked on banking stuff.  I also managed to get a call in to all six of our kids to update them on their dad.  Whew!

Now it is almost 9PM and time for Mary to go "up the wooden hill to four corners."   I look forward to sleep.

God love you all
Mary

It was a beautiful day.   The sun shone.   The humidity was not too high.

I left home this morning at about 8AM to visit my friends Lee and Janice.  They have Marigolds.   I picked two quarts of the blossoms this morning and froze them. When I get back from Oklahoma, I will start a batch of Marigold wine.   This may be my last batch of Marigold , which had become Dick's and my signature wine.   A delightful wine that is constantly good.   How poignant.

I did a bit of sewing on my quilting this morning.   It was nice to have an hour to do that.   Then at 11:30AM I went over to Rocky Knoll to be with Dick.   He was in the middle of PT.   I was there in time to see  him standing.  He managed to stay up for a bit over there minutes.   Simply spectacular as he has not stood for over a week.  

The we had lunch and I met his new table companion Carl, who seems quite nice.  

He had OT at 1:15PM.   Followed by a bit of PT to catch up on minutes.   Then we found out that he DID get scheduled for a hair cut this afternoon so we were guided to the beauty/barber shop and he got his hair and beard cut.  He feels much better now.   Our friend Rich stopped by after the cut and told him that he looks much younger with the shorter hair and beard.   Rich was asking what he could talk to Dick about to get him talking and I tried to explain that Dick doesn't talk a lot but what he says is a treasure to hear.
I told him about Dick and his friend taking the trip to Wyoming years ago and probably saying no more that three words a day to each other.   But they were content and happy with that.  I think Rich caught on when he stopped in this afternoon and just listened.  Rich is like me.  Full of talk and energy.   But we need people like Dick to just be and make us really Listen.   Rich knows that when Dick talks it is worth listening to.

Dick had a very busy day.  A bath this morning,  therapy, a hair cut and me.    WOW.

I got home at about 5PM to a Kitty that felt I was late.   She is happy now and will be until I leave again tomorrow.

Jim and Michele called.  So good to hear their voices.   I will see them when I am in Lawton next week.   Two of my boys together at once.  What a joy.

That is all for today.
\
Be Well and God love you

Mary

It did not get nearly as hot as they had predicted it would today and now there is quite a breeze out there, I think bringing in a cool front.   One of Dick's nurses said she thinks that Weather men and women have it made.   They get paid very well for being wrong a good percent of the time.

I went shopping at 8AM, as I like to because there are usually very few people in the store at that time.  It was a very easy shopping, I did not need much but decided to buy a rose plant for Dick's room. at Rocky Knoll.   He needs something cheerful now that the flowers from the Celtic Tea that I brought him are LONG gone.

When I got home, I spent the morning bookkeeping and preparing a couple things for sewing before going over to Rocky Knoll to be with Dick.   He was just finishing up his PT when I got there.    Codey put the prosthesis on his left leg as I had brought the stockings for lining it.   She worked on breaking down the scar tissue in his right leg today to.   Tomorrow he will try standing again.  

He is still very weak and his voice is soft. 

We had lunch together, then he had OT. for about 45 minutes.   At 3PM we went down  to On the Rocks for the cocktail hour.   He wanted to go but is oh so quiet.  Between his therapy and the cocktail hour, I was tired and took a nap.   I really miss my afternoon naps.

When I got home, I fixed a light supper and then Jeff stopped by on his way home to help me fix a couple of little things that were broken in the house.   I have such good family.  

I had a 6PM appointment for a haircut so that is done for 6 weeks now.  

A full day - again.

Tomorrow I am going over to a friend's house to pick marigold blossoms for what may just be may last batch of wine.

Have a good sleep.   Sleep refreshes.

God love you

Mary

It rained this morning.   Kind of late in the morning but rain none the less and my plants really needed it so I was glad.   The temps were in the 70s.   It was a bit muggy but nothing to get alarmed about so I feel it was a perfect summer day.

I got the trash out first thing then caught up on a couple of email projects before leaving for Sheboygan Falls to join my friend Bob Fleming for breakfast at the Park View Restaurant.   We had a great catch up breakfast.  He is busy with several projects.   I saw him for just moments at Irish Fest.   But since we had this breakfast planned,it just gave us more to talk about.   He is the guy that sends cards - hand made by him with the envelopes so pretty that one hates to throw them away too.

Then I stopped at the bank to take care of a couple of things before going to Rocky Knoll for Dick.    I had lunch with him.  I brought a salad for me.   Dick is still very weak, but the pain in his neck and chest is receding.   Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today and brought the shrinkers for the right leg along.   So, we are started on the process.  He also resumed therapy though it will have to be built up again because of his weakness.  He was unable to stand but almost got up on the third try so we were happy with that.

I was watching that Dawn commercial about washing the oil drenched creatures in the Gulf and it reminded me of a story.

In my previous life, when Bart and Bret were babies, we had a cat named Samantha.   She was part Siamese,  black as coal with the greenest eyes I have ever seen.   In those days at that place, one did not keep cats in the house necessarily and Sam was pretty much both.   She had a couple of litters of kittens while we had her.   One of the litters had a black kitten with a hernia.   It had this lump the size of a golf ball on its tummy.   Then one morning,  I went out into the garage where we kept Sam and her kittens to feed and water her and found that this poor kitten had fallen into a bucket of grease that my ex husband had in the garage.    Poor thing,    Sam had gotten it out of the oil but then rejected her because she was unable to lick her clean  without getting sick.

So,  I called the Vet's office and explained the situation.   I told about the lump and the oil.   He said to bring the kitten in to have the lump checked.   I said that was fine, but what about the oil.   It got very quiet at the other end of the line,  then he said. "How to get oil off a kitten.   Hold on Please."   They suggested washing the kitten in baby shampoo but I wish we had had Dawn then.   Baby Shampoo helped but did not do too much good.

That poor little kitty,  I took her in,  they got her all cleaned up and wrapped her tummy in a truss which helped the hernia temporarily but when the bandage was off, out it came again.  So I finally had to have her put away.   That was hard.  But it was best for her.

So that is my story for the day.   Tomorrow is shopping, the "cocktail hour" at Rocky Knoll and a hair cut.

Whew.   I thought this was going to be a quiet week.

God love you

Mary

What a day!

I got up at 7AM and would have loved to sleep later, but had some Monday things to do.   I had decided not to go to Bible Study but still had to pick up something for Mother and had decided to spend some time with her this morning.   So I got to her house at about 8:30AM and we had our Monday morning visit.   I was able to update her on Dick and tell her about the Irish Fest day.

Then on to Sheboygan Memorial to see Dick.  When I got there, Dr. Phelan was in the room along with three other personnel, discussing his situation.   Dr. Phelan had determined that he was well enough to go back to Rocky Knoll.  So the morning was spent preparing for that.    Tim came to pick him up at 1PM and got him back safe and sound.    I had to stop at home to pick up a couple of things for him.   When I got there he was settled in bed and very exhausted.   I stayed til 2:30 then came home to be there when Mat from Home care resources came to estimate the cost of installing good hand grips in the bathtub so Dick can be safe getting in and out.   It will be a bit more than I had wished but they are guaranteed up to 800 lbs so I know that he will be fine.

Then I cooked up the fresh corn that Jeff had sent for me for supper.   I just got things cleaned up when Dick called.   He was concerned about being alone, so I went back to Rocky Knoll to be with him for a bit.

Now I am back and am very tired.  I intend to go to bed in about 10 minutes.   I have to get up by 7AM to finish up the trash but that will be OK.    I think I will really sleep soundly and Roxie will be very happy to have me settled in one spot.

So Until tomorrow.   God love you

Mary

I had a lovely day today at Irish Fest.   I drove to my friend's (Joan and Dick) house at 7AM.  Then Joan, Dick, Dorothy Rose and I left for Milwaukee.

We got there close to 8:30AM, just in time for Joan and Dorothy to report to our friend Sheila as they were helping with the Mass.   Dick and I held down the seats for everybody in the Marcus Amphitheatre so that the "workers" would have a place to sit when their job was done.

Archbishop Listecki was the celebrant at the Mass and it was very nice.   He called himself O'Listecki  for the day and was "adopted" by we Irish.  The Ampitheatre was pretty packed.   It always amazes me how they so quickly and efficiently distribute communion to those crowds.

After Mass, I pretty much set out on my own.    I got breakfast.   Eggs and Irish Breakfast Sausages, then headed to the Irish Cultural Village intending to look around there until I could meet Mary Pat at about 1AM.   Then Jeff called.    They, Jeff, Kathy, Sara, Shane, Georgie and a friend Mary were all in the Snug, so I hiked back to there and visited with them, listening to the group, playing there until 12:30PM.   At that point, I went to the Hedge School and connected with Mary Pat.   She was rushing around trying to get her head centered for her lecture at 1PM and asked me to help her so I did.   We got a bit of visiting between crises and I met her husband, Martin.   He is delightful.  After the lecture, I helped her a bit until the rush of book buyers left and then went on my way to take in the ambience and to do my bit of shopping.   I stopped to say Hi to Dan Virks who organizes the Sing Along.   I couldn't really spend time there this time but just wanted to say HI to him.

During my shopping, I found Bob and Pat Becher so we visited for a little bit, then on the the north end of the park.  I picked up a great big diet Pepsi on the way as I was very thirsty.    I shopped at the north end of the Fest, finding a present for Christmas, A present for Mom and for me and cute little necklace as I forgot to wear my Cross this morning.

At about 3:30PM I walked over to the Tipperary Tea Room to have my Irish Coffee and buy a couple of scones for breakfast tomorrow and Tuesday.

The Walsh Sisters came walking by and joined me.   Rosemary and I went to the Parade Starting place at 4PM to walk with our Celtic Sisters and the banner.  It was a great parade.   I saw Jeff and family, Bobbie and Bill, my friend Bob and got a hug from a man I never saw before in my life.   

After the parade,  the four of us had supper and then headed home.

I am very tired,  a good tired, walking at the beautiful Festival Park with all the great music and people around me refreshed me.  I will sleep well.   I did stop at the hospital on the way home to see how Dick is doing.   He is still very weak and we should have answers tomorrow.   Dr. Phelan will be the hospitalist tomorrow.   This makes us very happy though Dr. Mirza is very very nice and thorough.

So.   Until tomorrow.   God bless you.

Mary

Well, this has been a discouraging day unless it turns out to be the crossroads to health for Dick.

I got a call this morning that Dick was feeling more pain in his chest, neck and shoulder and that he was terribly flushed, especially on the left side of his face.   They had contacted Dr. Sharon and he asked that they send him to Sheboygan Memorial for a complete evaluation.   I went over to Rocky Knoll to be there when the ambulance came to make the transfer.    We got to Sheboygan Memorial shortly before noon.

After all the preliminary tests, they decided to admit him.   So,  up we went to the third floor for the next day or two.   A hospitalist, Dr. Mansoor Mirza, is the doctor in charge today.   I am quite pleased.   After gathering all the information, he came in to talk to us and was very clear and kind in his diagnosis at this point.   Of course, there is much more information to gather.  He has ordered a Cat-scan, as an example.

At this point, he has ordered intravenous antibiotics for the pneumonia, a diuretic to help release the fluids in his lungs and has cancelled his blood pressure meds because his blood pressure is again so low.  He has expressed concern that Dick's heart seems to be enlarged, probably because it is working so hard to try to cure the pneumonia and heal his body.

So.  We all need to pray.  He sent me home a bit after three to rest and I am going to bed very soon.   I am exhausted I know.   And with him in good hands, I can rest.

So. Til tomorrow.   Call or email if you have questions.

God love you and protect us all.

Mary

Not a great day.   The weather was absolutely perfect.   Not humid and pleasantly warm.   With the green all around us in beautiful Wisconsin  we can be grateful for and mist hang on to the beauty of the days.

However,   I went to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM to find that Dick was not feeling well at all.  His temperature was up and his pain in his chest is more intense.   The nurses were in contact with Dr. Sharon.   My mid afternoon they put him on a different antibiotic.  Blood tests have been taken and we are waiting for the results of them.

Before I left his temperature had dropped by two degrees and he seemed a bit more comfortable.   He has a long way to go, but I hope that new antibiotic has kicked in really quickly.

Nice night on the phone.  Richard called and Jim and Michelle called.   I called Dick a few minutes ago and he sounds weak still but seems to be alert.   They convinced him to go to bed early.    He is always afraid of waking up and not getting back to sleep.   I reminded him that he can ask for more sleep aids at that point.

So the day is done,  I am tired and am going to bed very early again to read and wind down.

So until tomorrow

Mary

A typical Wednesday.    I went grocery shopping this morning.  That went well.    I was home a bit after 10AM and put everything away.     I bought some really good cinnamon rolls for breakfast. 

I worked around the house this morning and got to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM.   Dick is still very weak but said that the sharpness of the pain in the chest has eased some.    We had lunch together.   Then he had his PT.   They are doing things that don't cause breathing trouble and he is not standing until this is healed.   He is still exhausted when he is done.

Today was the weekly cocktail hour at On the Rocks.   We went there at 3PM.   When we got back I was so tired and Dick really wanted me to stay so I napped for a bit.  He doesn't care as long as I am there.  

So now I am home again.   I slept like the dead last night and am hoping for a repeat tonight.   I don't have to be up at any specific time either so I may be a slug a bed in the morning.

It is a lovely day.   I heard that it was supposed to rain in Sheboygan county but we did not get a drop here.   I will now go an water the hanging plant on the porch and call it a night.

Bless you all

Mary

I am amazed at the resilience of kitties.   Roxie is so patient and loving through all of this and I know that she is lonely with the house empty so much of her day.  When I come home she is always glad to see me.   She cuddles me and purrs her little heart out and she comes in to bed gratefully with me.   She spends most of the night either sleeping on my legs or over on the other side of the bed.

I have been opening the deck sliding door for her in the mornings.   She likes to hang out there for a while.   The other day she and a squirrel were looking at each other.   Made me a bit nervous but they seemed to be content that neither was a threat to the other.

Servicemaster came today and cleaned the carpets.   Boy did they need it.   I told Jim and Katie to bring the super cleaners as I had been putting it off, first because of Dick's surgeries and then because of the house leaks.

How nice to have the carpets clean and Katie gave me a solution that took up the black spots that had started appearing here and there.

After they left, I fixed my lunch and did a few things then left for Rocky Knoll.   Dick has been weak and has been experiencing pain in his chest.   It has been diagnosed as pneumonia (again) and he is on antibiotics again.

I ate lunch with him, then went with him to therapy.   He is very weak and is not up to games or walks but I just sat with him and read when he napped.   Dr. Sharon came in today and ordered a couple of more tests and treatments that might help heal him more quickly and perhaps prevent a reoccurance.,

As the diagnosis involved a trip to Sheboygan Memorial last night.  The ambulance picked him up at 6 and he got back to Rocky Knoll after 9:30PM.  Thank God for Tim at Custom care and Transport.  The hospital called him when we were ready to go back and just said that she had a patient to be transported back to Rocky Knoll.   He asked the nurse if this was a Medicaid patient.    I heard that and told her to tell Tim that it was Ernest Kunert.     He said and I quote. " OH.  Ernie!  I'll be there as soon as I can."      

There are wonderful people in this world.  I was walking a bit to stretch my legs and ran into Fr. Van Beek.  He was trying to find the way out, so I helped him.  When he found out Dick was a patient, he came to therapy to meet him and wish him well.   I was pleased.   Fr. Van Beek will be retiring in June of next year.
He still look pretty bent over but I saw a light in his eyes so feel that he is recovering finally from his injuries of several months ago. 

I came home at 4PM.   Roxie was very glad to see me.   I put the living room furniture back in place and fixes a bit of supper.  

Since I was up so late last night, I will go to bed early tonight.  

I can read until I am ready to fall asleep.

Be happy

Mary

Hello everyone

A lovely Sunday.   Richard and Brenda had spent the night so we had a leisurely breakfast this morning after a nice night's sleep.   Then I left for 10AM Mass at Rocky Knoll.   The mass was again very meaningful.  The Capuchin priest who officiate are very good and bring the lessons of the scripture to today.

When I got back to Dick's room Richard and Brenda were there.    So we all went into the visiting area outside his room and visited until it was almost time for lunch and Richard and Brenda wanted to get on the road for home.   Dick and I are so grateful to them for coming to celebrate our 25th and to thank them and Bobbie and Bill for the gift to Dick of the wireless computer.  He can get back into a stimulating routine again.

We had lunch together.  I ate my leftover meatloaf from last night.    Then we went for a nice walk.   It was perfect out there.  Each time we walk, we do seem to get a bit further.  The grounds are really very pleasant.  Today it was warm with a really gentle breeze.   The sun was not too hot. and the air was fresh and smelled like fresh cut grass.

Dick and I played a game or two or Rummy,  then I came home.  I was so tired that I slept for 40 minutes just like that.  

Now I am finishing up things here so that I can go to bed early to prepare for a busy Monday.

God love you all

Mary

I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night.  I was able to stay in bed a bit later this morning which helped but I really feel it tonight so think I will not have any difficulty when I go to bed tonight.

I spent the  morning clearing and sorting things again.   That seems to be a constant battle.  I also made an apple salad with yogurt to have with our breakfast tomorrow.   Shortly before 11, I drove over to Kate's house with a bowl that she sent something good home in and a can of a brand of cat food that Roxie turned her sweet little nose up at.    Kate offered some to her Riley and he LOVED it.   So either he likes junky food of Roxie doesn't know good food.    We would all rather not know.

I had a cup of tea with her and Ron before driving out to Rocky Knoll so I was in time to have lunch with Dick.   When I got there at quarter to 12, he was already down in the dining room.   He was wondering where I was.    I had a sandwich along, but they had Strawberry Schaum Torte for dessert and I got one.  Yea!  It was SO good.

Dick and I played a couple of games of cards until Bobbie and Bill got there.   Then, Richard and Brenda arrived at 3PM.   They had called earlier in the week to say they were coming and we were so glad.    They came to celebrate our 25th Anniversary with us.   Can you believe that August 16th, it will be 25 years.   The kids brought a beautiful corsage for me.  AND a wireless computer for us but mainly Dick as his need is now.  We are hoping that this will perk him up as he will be able to go back on the web and not be all those hours alone with just the TV.  It is really super and Dick is SO pleased.   I can't tell you how much we appreciate their love and care.

They also picked up dinner from Sweet Basil.   We all ate in one of the gathering places.   They even remembered a 25th anniversary cake and cute little heart balloon on a stick.   Then we toasted each other with great champagne.

So it has been a golden day.   I know.   It is the silver anniversary,  but this was a golden day anyway.    Now I am home.   The four of them stayed for a longer visit with their dad and to set up the wireless for him.   I came home to feed the cat and get things settled down so I can to bed soon.  

The Packer pregame is on.   So far so good they are leading at halftime and have the second and/or third string in.

So, until tomorrow,

God love you all

Mary

A lovely day.   The "evening" rain they promised came off an on all afternoon though it was really sparse.   I still feel that perhaps I should water my deck plants.  They look a bit sad out there, but the weathermen and women keep promising rain and the drops from heaven are much more nourishing than mine.

Today was also a very exiting day.   I arrived at Rocky Knoll at about 9AM.  Tim picked us up for the appointment with Dr. Fehrman at about 9:30AM.   Dr. Fehrman is VERY pleased with the look of the stump and says we are ready to call Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis in to begin the process for the prosthesis.   YIPPEE!!  Much better than we had hoped.   It makes a possible home date for 4 to 5 weeks from now.

Leaving there at about 2PM, I picked up a prescription at Walmart and returned an item to Fleet Farm.   Home again.   I keep stressing how nice it is to get her.   If only Dick were here too.   

Have a lovely weekend.   I am sure I will as Richard and Brenda will be here.

God love you

Mary

BREAKING NEWS!

To save the economy, in August, 2011, the government will start deporting older people (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and Medical costs and increase welfare funds for immigrants.

I started crying when I thought of you.

RUN, YOU OLD BUZZARD, RUN!

Well... Someone sent it to me,

and I'm not going alone!

 

An organizing morning.    I got up a bit late because I could.  It was such a pleasure to just lie there in bed for a while.

Then I spent the morning down in the family room finishing organizing the quilting projects there.   I still have to tackle the closet with all the fabric and all but I fee like at least that room is organized.

I left a bit early to do some shopping.  Then met Dick at Rocky Knoll.   We had lunch together, I brought a sandwich.    He had more therapy as usual, we went for a stroll and roll and then played cards for the rest of the afternoon.  His stump looks much better but still has scabs on it.    We see Dr. Fehrman in the morning, hopefully this will be the week we can start the process for shrinking and forming the stump for a prosthesis.   Pray hard.

I am home and winding down for the night.    Richard and Brenda are coming to see Dick on Saturday and will stay overnight.  That will be a joy.

I tried to take a picture of a beautiful butterfly feeding on my blooming Squaw Flowers, but he got camera shy just as I got out there.  I haven't been able to identify it but will try to get a picture as they really like my flowers and perhaps someone can help me find out what species he is.

Have a good day and pray for us tomorrow as we see Dr. Fehrman.

God love you

Mary

This is going to be short.

I went grocery shopping this morning, then finished cleaning windows and dusting down in the family room.

At 11:30AM, I got to Rocky Knoll in time to watch Dick stand some more as he finished his PT.   We had lunch and then he had his OT.   

Today was the weekly cocktail hour at the On the Rocks area down the hall, so we played cards and charged his wheelchair until it was time for that.   That cocktail hour is a nice break in the week and a good chance to mingle with people.   Today, we met his new "next door neighbor", Chuck.

I came home after he went down to dinner at 5PM, came home and fed the cat then walked over to Lions Park with my cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic.    A beautiful day and a really well planned picnic.   A nice ending to a lovely day.

Hope your day was as nice.

God love you

Mary

This was a lovely day.   Dick and I took two short walks this afternoon,  the weather made it possible.   He is not really an outdoor person so does not stay out long, but he suggested the second walk and we sat on a bench in the shade for a bit before going in.   I know he liked getting out of the building for a while for something that was not a doctor appointment.

I got there at 11:30AM this morning, just as he was standing.  He did it three times for a total of 3minutes.   Really good as that involved standing and sitting back down too.  He is complaining less of pain in the current prosthesis.   That is REALLY good.

I baked cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic which is tomorrow night at Lions Park at 5:30PM.

Today was nice.  I had to go over to Mother's to pick up Bobbie's currents that Jeff and Kathy had left for her to make wine with.   Then I baked the cupcakes, then I cleaned out some of my sewing cabinets and boxes.  Then I went over to Rocky Knoll.

I came home again when Dick went down to dinner.   

Roxie and I had a nice evening.  I cleaned out some more of my sewing stuff and now am having my tea and getting ready to go to bed.

I got this as part of an email today and wanted to share.

It's so dry and hot in Manitoba that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.   
Have a great Wednesday.   It is the day at Rocky Knoll with the coctail hour and I will be going to a picnic, so it will be fun for me.

God love you


Mary
 

I do like Mondays.

Bible study was nice.   I brought my friend, Sy Regan's book, Psalms To Go, to share with the group.   They all know Sy too.   He grew up in Falls and was Deacon at Blessed Trinity until her retired.  He composed a Cinquain for each of the 150 Psalms.    A cinquain is a poem that consists of 5 lines.   The first with 2 syllables, the 2nd with 4, the 3rd with 6, the 4th with 8 and the last again with two.

Here is one of mine for an example

Treasured


I am
Never alone.
I know those who love me
Surround me in the darkest times.
God's gift.

There were 8 of us there so we had nice discussions.

Then I went over to Mom's house.   She didn't have any bills at all so we visited until Jeff got there with lunch.   I brought the fixings for Apricot Cream Biscuits for our dessert.   Jeff really liked them so I will send the recipe to Kathy.    They are really easy but such a nice hot weather dessert.  I also gave him a jar of Apricot Pineapple Jam and he brought fresh produce, beets, cukes, kohlrabi and a tomato.    They have a couple ripening, mine are growing but have no color yet.

I spent the afternoon with Dick.   He was just finishing therapy when I got there.  He was standing for the third time that day and the therapists were there, of course, but not holding him up.   He was standing on that one prosthesis and using his arms on the bars for the rest of his support.   Yea Dick.

We played cards and visited until dinner time.   I ate with him, then came home.    It has been a quiet pleasant evening, just Roxie and me.    Mainly me because Roxie is sleeping.   She usually wants to visit at 4AM.

So have a nice Tuesday.   We are getting some rain tonight - Good   Then I won't have to worry about watering things.

God love you

Mary

.  

Sunday Sunday.  

I went to Rocky Knoll at 9:00AM and spent some time with Dick before going to Mass at 10AM.   It was again, a lovely Mass.  The priest who officiated is very sweet.   He spoke on  the gospel alone.   It was the story of Peter trying to walk on water.    Father concentrated on the phrase "Do not be afraid!"  and made it real for today and our situations.   It is really comforting to not be afraid.    I really liked the first reading too.  It is from Kings and tells the story of God coming to Elijah.   First there was a strong wind, but God was not in the wind.   Then there was an earthquake, but God was not in the power of the earthquake.  Next there was a fire, but God was not in the fire.  Finally, there was a gentle breeze and God was in the gentle breeze.

After Mass, we went for a roll and stroll.  We went down the hill and around the building then back again to the Woodland entrance.   Then we roamed the  halls until it was time to go into the dining room for lunch.

Dick and I had lunch together.  I bought their meal.  They do make wonderful apple desserts.   He is again seated at a full table.    People are coming in there every day it seems.  Of course, people leave too.  

Dick and I played rummy for a while,   then Bobbie and Bill came to visit.  Bobbie was wearing a lovely dress that she created on Zelda, her dress form.  

Now I am home and Roxie is glad.   Ah to be so much in demand.

I finished cleaning the windows in the family room downstairs.   Tomorrow I will do the windows in the bedroom down there.   Then I will have all the inside windows done.  I can do the outside of the downstairs windows but Dick made me promise not to do the other outsides as I have to get up on a ladder.   I have to think about that.

Well, I have finished what I needed to accomplish today and it is bedtime,  so I am heading there.

Love you all

Mary

Today was a lovely day.   Perhaps a bit warm but certainly tolerable and with all the lush green fields and trees, Wisconsin was spectacular today.

I did a bit of cleaning this morning and harvested a batch of Basil for the winter. At about 11AM, I left to join Dick at Rocky Knoll.    Allison was freshining Dick's house for an open house tomorrow, so I stopped in to say Hi and see how things were going.

I arrived at Rocky Knoll just before lunch time.   We started down the hall to lunch almost immediately.    I had brought some soup and cheese for my lunch.   Dick had a ham casserole and beets and potato and ordered a cookie bar for me for dessert.  Isn't he special.   

After lunch, we played a couple of games of rummy, then we went out for a walk.  It was a might warm for him so we did not stay out long, but we did cruise the hallways for a while after we came in.

Then we played more cards until it became time to take him down the hall for dinner and for me to head home.

 Roxie was pleased to see me on time for a change.    She is always ready, of course, when I get home.    I finally had to dispose of the flowers that I had brought to Dick from the Celtic Tea which was August 17.   There are STILL about 6 small flowers that are lookin' good, so I put them in a cup.   I was glad to bring the lovely tea pot home.   I will put it above the cupboards in the kitchen.  Next time Bobbie is here, we will have to use a teapot for our tea.   Silly not to, I have three really pretty ones now.    I would like to make a tea cozy or two also.   There is a pattern in the Irish Quilting Magazine that one of the members of the Kettle Quilters gave me.

Dorothy Rose stopped by tonight to return a book.   I gave her a nice cold drink and we had a visit.   I will be riding to Irish Fest with Joan and Dick Kramer and Dorothy will also ride along.
Only two weeks til then.

Another Sunday is rolling around, I cannot believe how fast the weeks are going.   I think I told you yesterday, that Gary finished all the work on the house.   I am cleaning up a bit each day.

That is all the news here.   Richard called his Dad this morning.  That pleased Dick.   He got to hear about the Colorado trip.  

Love you all and God does to

Mary


Funny Story

TEXAS BEER JOINT OWNER SUES CHURCH over LIGHTNING STRIKE !
                                 
Texas Beer Joint Sues Church In Mt.Vernon, Texas , Drummond's Bar began
construction on expansion of their building to increase their business.

In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the bar
from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until
the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the bar and it
burned to the ground!

After the bar burning to the ground by a lightning strike, the church
folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about  "the power of
prayer ", until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the
church . . ."was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building,
either through direct or indirect actions or means."

In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all
responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
  The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and  the defendant's
reply, and at the opening hearing he commented  "I don't know how I'm
going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork  that we have a
bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church
congregation that now does not."

True Story.

A friend sent me an email with this in it.

Quote of the day:

'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.'

I stayed home all morning.  Jody came at 8AM and Gary got here just before noon.    I did windows and washed towels and made a couple of important phone calls before lunch.

Then I went to my friend Joan Kramer, for a reflexology treatment.    That relaxed me so so much and visitign with Joan is always helpful too.   Now I have pretty toe nails.

I went right over to see Dick after leaving her.   We had supper together.   Then visited until about 6:30 when I came home to feed Roxie.

So that was the day.   

I came home to a reassembled house.  Gary got it all done today.    Now I can call Ed to order carpet cleaning.   Then I will be ready with a clean house when Dick comes home.

Take care.   And have a nice weekend.   I don't have to do anything but church and go to see Dick.   Love that.

Mary 

 

Today was really lovely.   It did get a bit too hot this afternoon, but at least it was not humid.

I got up at 6:30AM or so and took care of the cat and me before Gary got here at 8AM.  I left shortly afterwards to be at Rocky Knoll when it was time for Dick to go to Advanced Eye Care for his eye exam.   We had delayed it for a couple of weeks after the surgery because we did not feel he was strong enough.  Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up shortly after 9 so we were early for our 10AM appointment.

But it was a good day to be out as Dick has been cooped up at Rocky Knoll for so long.   He had already been given his Thursday bath, but because of the timing, he had both hours of his therapy in the afternoon.   As he was unable to nap in the morning (which he usually does) he is a really tired guy tonight.    He will try to stay up til at least 9PM so he stays on his schedule.  Hate to mess that up as he has been sleeping very well there.

The appointment went well.   There is some dryness of the eye again, so Dr. Cheryl is re prescribing an ointment to help that.  She thinks it is probably related to all the things that have happened to his body and to the meds.  Otherwise all is well.

I came home after lunch.  Gary is getting close to being finished.  He is done under the deck, so I put ant sticks all around and sprinkled that powder around the whole exterior of our unit.   We have also sprayed like heck inside everywhere, so that should be the end of the ants.  He will be back tomorrow to finish.   There is a little on the deck and the door and in the basement to finish.

Then I will have Ed send his carpet cleaners in to clean everything.

I finally put the "summer" floor mats in the car and washed the winter mats.    I also got involved and swept and vacuumed 1/4 of the garage and washed the windows in the garage

I have to find time to wash the rest of the outside windows soon.   I am almost done with the indoor upstairs.

Leslie sent a Bossier City Newspaper with a wonderful article about our Nora's accomplishment as one of the 12 airmen of the year.   I will take that tomorrow to share with her Grandpa.

So it has been a very full day and I am more than ready to go to bed.   I have to wait a bit though as it is still rather early.

God love you

Mary

A Haiku

Sandhill Cranes proudly
Standing tall beside the field
Full of dignity.

What a day.   The weather was and is really nice.   A bit humid for my taste but pleasant temperatures and blue skies with green all around us.

I hung around until 9AM waiting for Gary, the repairman.   At 9AM, I left for grocery shopping and left a note and the door open for him.   Shopping went really well.    I got the tickets, stamps for mother and the groceries. and was back before 10AM.

When I got home, Gary was there and working.   He had an appointment for an estimate and ran late.    He started right in working and did we have and adventure,   When he took of the door to the deck, and what a mess we found.  Carpenter antes all around the door jam.   We sprayed like crazy and he dug out all of their gook.

Then I had to leave for lunch with Dick and for the afternoon visit.  I go there just as he finished up his OT and then we had lunch.    I had brought a sandwich.   I DO have that wonderful Fireside bread for a while you know.    He had physical therapy shortly after lunch, then we played a couple hands of Rummy before it was time for the On the Rocks Cocktail hour.   

When I got home Gary had the door almost reinstalled with the rotted pieces fixed and said he saw no signs of the ants any more.   So we are pretty sure they are eliminated and he has sealed the door so it is no longer accessable.   If they did get in there, they should die from all the poison anyway.

So a busy day again.    I called Bret.   Hadn't heard from him for quite a while.   I had to let him know that his sister Bobbie thinks he should come and get the toy box that I have saved for him all these years.   It was make just for him.   Even has his name on it.   Bobbie thinks it would make a good ice chest for beer at their new bar by the River.    Just a nice metal case inside the toy box area and some insulation and Whalaa.  A super unique ice chest.    He laughed, of course, but actually thought it was a good idea and would like the toy chest if we can just figure a way to get it there.

So Gary will be back tomorrow and hopefully will able to finish the job.   Pary for no more surprised.    Those ants were just gross.

God love you

Mary

Today was a warm muggy kind of rainy day.  I left at about 8:30AM to spend the morning with Dick as Quilt Club was at 1PM.

He was a sleepy guy but we had a visit, I stayed with him through his PT and we lunched together.   Tat is always nice.   I know his afternoons get long but at least his morning was full today.

There is a little bleeding on the stump again so we are backing off on applying pressure on it.

After lunch, I went to the Plymouth Library for Quilt Club.   I shared the Celtic Knot Block that I am making.  Those who want are sharing one block.   We will then share a finished project when the year is done and our blocks are assembled.   It is always totally amazing how the same block patterns, using different fabrics from different imaginations and then assembling them in different placements makes them all so unique and breathtaking.  It was a nice meeting.  I had not been for two months.

On the way home, I stopped at the bank and then at KMart.  I finally picked up a battery charger for the times that I don't drive the car enough.   I bought one that Richard had recommended.    I found it at KMart for $4 less than the Sears catalogue, so I feel like I really got a bargain.

That is about all for today.  I pulled out and folded all of my hunting clothes as I really don't intend to go any more.    I will see if the guys can use some of it.

God love you

Mary

It did not seem nearly as hot as they predicted, though I know that it was hot. 

Gary, the repairman, arrived at 8AM, just as he promised.   He started right in.   Before I left at 9AM, he had determined that the door frame itself was not leaking.   The water is getting in under the door and at the corners.

At 9, I went to Bible Study and to see Mother.  There were 9 of us at the Bible Study.   It was a nice discussion.   We love the verse we were discussing.  Psalm 1 1-6, 

Psalm 1

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

Psalm 1

 ¹Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.    ²But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.
    ³And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whosoever he shall do shall prosper.
    ⁴Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.
    ⁵Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just.
    ⁶For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.

The tree planted by the water reminds us of that good old Gospel song.   We Shall Not Be Moved.

Mom is fine.   I brought her some of each of the breads that I got at the Fireside.   She loves good bread too and it is nice to have a variety.    I brought her two slices of each variety and told her I would bring more next week if she wants some.

I got home about noon, after dropping off the big bag of clothes that I had weeded from the closets off at St. Vinnie's.    I had lunch and stayed until Gary finished for the day.   He has everything stripped and covered the bare framing with a tarp so that things can dry out before he puts everything new over it.  He will be back possibly tomorrow for some more removal, but Wednesday for certain.

After he left, I went to Rocky Knoll with a tuna sandwich and a muffin to have supper with Dick and spend some time with him.  I was able to swing by Sun Graphics to have copies made of  the pattern for the Celtic Quilt Square that I am sharing with the Kettle Country Quilters tomorrow afternoon.   I finally finished the actual square this morning.   I like it.

Dick was fine but is getting a lot of pain in his legs.   That phantom pain is so real and really bothering him the past two or three days.   Corrie is trying to desensitize it.   But this takes lots of time.    I left after dinner with his laundry.    I should be able to get it in the dryer before I go to bed.   I somehow let him get a bit low.   He does have a change for tomorrow.   And I will be there in the morning.  

I will go at about 9AM and stay through lunch, then go to The Quilt Club at 1PM and then home again.   I have decided on another cleaning out project and a whole afternoon will be good for that.

I am trying to use the time that Dick is in rehab to pare down and get rid of or find homes for things we no longer need.

Have a nice day.  It is supposed to be REALLY REALLY hot tomorrow.

God love you

Mary 

Another hot day.   But thank God for air conditioning.

I got up at about 7AM and had breakfast and took care of the morning things around here.   Then I went to Rocky Knoll at 9AM.   I dropped my purse off in Dick's room then headed down to the activity room chapel to help bring residents down for Mass.  I made three trips and helped get people in place.   The Mass was quite lovely.   A family was visiting a Grandma so we had a curly haired little boy in the congregation.   That is always a joy.  A group from Blessed Trinity came today and took care of the Woodland Village residents.   That was nice.   I saw a couple of friends.

Next week, I won't have to help because a group of young men from St. John's come the first Sunday and take care of everything.   So.   I will just attend the Mass.

After Mass and everybody was back in their places, I went back up to visit with Dick until lunch.   I brought my lunch, a sandwich with that great bread from the Fireside.   Jack's wife also ate with us so we had a full table.   A great bunch of guys.  Jack may be able to go home on Wednesday.

After lunch, we played a couple of games of Rummy, then Bobbie and Bill came for a visit.    We all visited until 2PM, then I came home - for a nap and to get ready for the week.   While I was napping, Gary Anderson called.   He will be here in the morning to fix that leak.

I had fresh tuna for supper with spinach and cucumbers.   Tomorrow I will have fresh tuna salad for lunch.   Boy am I lucky.

So now it is bedtime.   Tomorrow will be double busy with Gary coming.   So I wish all of you a blessed sleep and a good week

God love you

Mary

Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve to death.

Such a great day.   Consisting, of course, of the bus trip to the Fireside to see David.  

The trip was quite pleasant.   I read both ways.   We got there at about 10:30 and got kind of set for lunch.  Bobbie and Bill and I sat with a lovely lady Alma who traveled many times with her husband Harold to the Fireside.   The lunch was really good.  They served a delicious salad with strawberries, grapes, pineapple, grapefruit and Mandarin oranges over greens with a poppy seed dressing, Chicken Vienna, Sweet Potato Souffle and fresh asparagus.   Of course, they also had their wonderful breads.   Then we had a lemon chess pie with strawberry coulis for dessert.  

I picked up my bread before lunch then after went to the gift shops to buy the CD of the show so I could get it autographed afterward.   I also found the cutest tea pot.   Now I have three.

The play was SO good.   It was lively, the music was super and the author presented the story of David in the same wonderful human way that he did the other three.    I loved it and recommend it to anyone who has the notion to see it.   It will be at the Fireside until August 21.

So that was my day.   I called Dick when we got home to tell him about the day.   He had a good day it seems too.   So until tomorrow


God love you

Mary

What a lovely day.   I know it was up in the 80s and a bit humid but not enough to be really uncomfortable.

I was able to be out and about a bit.    Dick and I even did a short stroll and roll this afternoon after his PT.

This morning, Jody came to clean at 8AM.   I did not hear from Gary about the repair of the leak though.   If I do not hear by Monday noon, I will call him.    This, I am going to have to be pushy about.   

I left shortly before 11AM to pick up batteries for Mom's hearing aids.   I had lunch with my friend Debbie at Richardson's Tea Atrium and figured it was a good time to fit in a visit with her and take her some food and the batteries.    We had a lovely visit.    She was so pleased to be able to spend time with everybody while they were home for the wedding.   Everybody has scattered to their corners of the world again.   Georgie's mother and little brother are still here for a bit .   Such a lovely family.    I think they all felt at home.    Several of them, including Georgie's little brother did not speak English, but we all managed with a bit of interpreting, hand gestures and, as I told Georgie's grandmother, muy poquito Espanol.

Mom looks good but still complains that she is weak.  

I met Debbie at noon.   We got the things she needs as president of CWI transferred to her and enjoyed a lovely lunch.   The last time I was at the Atrium, the food was pretty sparse.  They have really expanded the menu and it is really good.    I had spinach quiche and a wonderful salad with country bread.   As usual, I finished it with Dick this evening.    Richardson has moved their kitchen area to the other side of the store.   Boy could I ever go crazy in that area.   Debbie said that she is really not supposed to come in that store "unsupervised."

I stopped at Woodlake on my way over to Rocky Knoll.   There are a couple of things that they carry that no one else does.   I bought a fresh tuna steak for my Sunday supper, some Stilton cheese and some English Digestive Biscuits.   (I thought I would see how they compare to the ones I made.)

Dick was at PT when I got there.   He did some slideboarding.  (Do you know that Slideboarding is not in this program's dictionary.)  Good practice for him, just to increase mobility.  When he was done, we  did our stroll and roll, then settled down to some Rummy.    He beat the tar out of me all THREE games.    It was a massacre. 

After supper, I came home.   Boy was Roxie glad to see me.   It was a bit after 6 so not too late.   Tomorrow, I will be gone from shortly after 8 til shortly after 6PM so she will REALLY be lonely.   But will not miss any meals and I will be with her the whole evening.  I am looking forward to the Fireside.   A couple of my friends saw David and liked it.  You can't beat the meal.   I will bring back plenty of bread too and share with Mom on Monday.

So I hope you enjoy your Saturday.  Til tomorrow


God hold you in the palm of palm of His hand


Mary

The week and the month are both winding down.  Much faster than I expected.

I was able to sleep until I really was ready to get up this morning.   No appointments at all.

So I just spent the morning, after I got up, trying to clean up a bit downstairs.   I packed all the video tapes into boxes.   Dick and I will go through them later to see which ones we want to keep.   I wiped down the kitchen which seems to need it every day and shortly after 11Am went over to spend the afternoon with Dick.

I found him at his OT.  He is working really hard.

We went right from there to lunch.  I had brought mine, a rice burrito.  There is a new person at Dick's table.   Victor.  They have had a lot of admittances this week.  Lots of people got to go home too. 

Dick's PT went VERY well.   He stood two times.  Once for 3 minutes and the second for 4 minutes.   A record.     We played a few games of Yahtzee and then went for a little walk or as Dick says a Stroll and Roll.    We didn't go far because it was rather muggy but I figure out if we get out two or three times a week, at lease he is getting fresh air.  We can increase the time when it isn't so darn hot and muggy.

I have not heard from Gary so I am guessing that he will be coming to fix the leak in the family room next week.  Jody will be here in the morning though and can really vacuum that area.   I have been working on getting things clear for carpet cleaners, but now will wait until they are done with the repairs.  It will be nice to have things all clear and fresh when Dick comes home.

Tomorrow I will be having lunch with Debbie O'Grady to update her on some of the president things that one usually finds out about by accident.   Clubs are like that.   And we are still working on the details.   Much better and more structured than when I took over.

Here is my recipe for Lavender Cookies.  They are SO good. 

Lavender Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2  cup butter - softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose-flour
4 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl cream the shortening, butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.   Beat in extracts.   Combine the flour, lavender, baking powder and salt.  Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.Drop by rounded teaspoonsfull, 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lightly coated with nonstick spray.   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Cool for two minutes before removing to wire racks.

4. Store in airtight containers.

Servings: 18
Yield: 18

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes


Enjoy'

God love you

Mary

A very rainy day and the temps never got over 70.  Really a nice relief after all the heat and humidity of the past couple of weeks.   ( I don't have any idea why my posting is so bold and big.   I am not unhappy about it but I wish I knew why.)


I could have slept forever this morning.   But I had to get up.   Gary Anderson called me last night and was able to come to check the leak that is affecting our family room.   He agrees that it HAS to be coming from the door that goes onto the deck from the living room.   Of Course, he can't do anything til it stops raining.   We think the damage is really done when the wind blows the water from the rain from the west and we have not had wind with this rain, so we are hoping there will be little or no more leaking.   I put a towel as a dam and it might help.


He will come on Friday if it is sunny or else next week.


Then I went grocery shopping.   Didn't need much but I am keeping the schedule as it also takes care of picking up our lottery tickets.


I left shortly after 11AM to spend the afternoon with Dick.   He was still in PT when I got there and I saw him stand twice, once for over 3 minutes.   Then we went to lunch.   It was the last lunch with Rich.   He went home this evening.   So there is hope.   We added a gentleman to our table.   His name is Ernie also, so Dick is now Ernie 1.   I brought a sandwich and an apple muffin for my lunch and joined the guys.


He had OT after lunch.  Another busy hour and Sheila had him take off and put on his prosthesis for practice.    He did great though he had to figure out how to adjust to the different height than he was used to.


At 2PM, I went down to the activity room to touch with the Amputee Support Group.   Lee and Janice Lemkuil were so good to me when I was going.   I stopped because it seems silly for me to go without Dick and, as you know, he is not a group kind of a guy.    I was able to tell them about Dick losing his right leg and also to give Lee and Janice a bottle of the Marigold wine.   I got my last marigolds from them.   They said they have lots again.   Perhaps one day next week, I can go and pick a quart or so of the blossoms and make a batch this year.

Then back up to Dick so that we could join the residents at three in the On the Rocks Saloon between Woodland Village and the nursing home section.   Rich and his wife, Beverly,  joined us.   Rich had determined that he would not leave until after the cocktail hour. 


I came home at about 5PM after walking Dick down to dinner.   


A quiet evening.   I fixed supper and then went downstairs and packed away the video tapes and cleaned the walls and the book shelf that had gotten wet
Tomorrow, the shelf will be dry enough that I can put it upright and stack the DVD's on it so that some movies are available if we want them.


So.  I am very tired and will be going to bed very soon.   Roxie will be delighted.   Tomorrow, I can come back to bed after feeding Roxie and will not have to get up until I am slept out.   Nobody coming and no morning appointments.


God love you - I do.


Mary




We all get heavier as we get older,
because there's a lot more information in our heads.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. (Quote from an email.)

An interesting Tuesday.   I was home most of the morning.   I really could have stayed in bed for a LONG time but had to get up to get the trash out, so that was that.

I went in to spend time with Dick at 11:30AM.   He was still working on his OT.   When he finished that, we went to lunch.  I didn't bring anything today so bought the lunch that Dick and his buddies had.    We had BBQ chicken, buttered spaghetti, carrots, really really good cucumber salad and a scrumptious raspberry dessert.

Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today to take a first measurement on Dick's new stump   While he was there, the therapists had Dick stand between the parallel bars.   This time we rested the knee of the newest amputation on a stool so that he was able to distribute his weight better.   He stood twice, once for at least 3minutes.   Tim was able to make a couple of adjustments on the prosthesis but as Dick finally understands, the final adjustments will be made when both prosthesis are on those legs.    I heard them discussing and now know that the magic 100 days of insurance coverage will definitely be used before he can come home.

When we got back to the room, I got a call from Lenys, the board member who handles maintenance problems, in response to an email that I had put in regarding a water stain in the family room downstairs that Richard had mentioned.   It took me this long to call because I had so many other things I have been dealing with.    She and Dave, another board member, came down to check and sure enough, we found out where it is, what is causing it and I now know that it is not covered by the condo insurance.   They do not cover door or window leaks.    It was very obvious what is wrong. The water is coming in under the door from the living room to the deck.   Dave pulled out all the wet insulation.  We left it wide open to dry and I put a call into Gary, a contractor who does jobs like this and worked on the condos.     I guess I will check our condo policy to see if there is any coverage there.

Now I have had the afternoon to clear a few things up, bake some muffins and clean a couple of windows.

I will go to bed early tonight.   What a pleasure that will be.

God love you all

Mary