It seemed like a very long day today and I only had to leave home once.

I slept until almost 8AM.  Dick wanted to get up when Roxie did at 6AM, so we got him all put together, I gave him his meds and some tea and juice, fed the cat and went back to bed.  That extra time really meant a lot.  

When I got up, I fixed breakfast and did some sewing and cleaned under the refrigerator (I hadn't really planned on that, but one of Dick's wheelchair wheels popped the refrigerator vent below and as long as it was off, it seemed like a good idea.)  I also gave Dick a sponge bath as the home health aid had not been here for a few days and we knew he would feel better.   Good thing I did, there was one little sore to be tended to.

Sara, the PT, came at about noon and put Dick through his paces.   For some reason, his right heel was very sore today.   We are trying different ply sox on that stump to see if different pressure will help.

I tried a nap when Sara left but it did not work.

So I went to Walgreens to pick up the prescriptions that were waiting there and a couple of things for Mom, then on to the bank for money, then to the post office.   Jim and Michelle, your Christmas Box finally came back and I have relabeled it and sent it to the RIGHT address.   You should be getting your Gibbsville box any day now,  after the post office, I stopped at Plymouth City Hall to pay the RE taxes, then finally a run into the police station to dispose of some meds that we are no longer using. WHEW.   But it was all one nice convenient circle and now ALL those errands are done.

A nice quiet evening.   And I am winding down and almost ready for bed.    I am enjoying a perfect Irish Coffee.  Decaf, of course, with Jamison, of course.

Are you jealous?

Until tomorrow
Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was quite a nice day despite the fact that we had to take Dick to Wisconsin Prosthesis this afternoon in a rain snow mix.

I slept until 7:30AM and then went grocery shopping.  Dick was still sleeping, I woke him enough to tell him that I would be gone for an hour.   He was willing to sleep more, so that worked out quite well.

I got home and he was still sleeping, so I put the groceries away and caught up in Quicken.  Then he was sitting up in bed, so we got him all ready for the day.   And a busy day it was.   

Bobbie got here at about 10AM.   We had wine to work on.  We bottled two gallons of beet wine.   It sure is a pretty wine.   We hope it tastes as good as it looks.    So far one of them just tastes like beet juice, but it has to age for a while to find out its potential.    As the saying goes.   "No wine before its time."   Bobbie got a new siphon which really works well.   It stops when the bottle is full so that you can switch bottles without drips and spills.

We had hamburger helper for our lunch.   Dick has been asking for that.   I picked up a box of cheesy hamburger flavor.    We had that, a salad and lavender cookies for lunch.

Dick's Health care worker was supposed to come to give him his sponge bath but could not because her daughter had the flu.   So tomorrow, I will wash him down in the morning.    Bobbie and I took Dick to Wisconsin Prosthesis at 2PM.   He had his "second fitting" for the permanent prosthesis.   We go back in two weeks for another and then hopefully two weeks later he will have it.   It is a long process but has to be I guess.

We got home at about 3:30PM.   Tomorrow will be a quiet day.    Sara for PT at about noon and I need to go and run several errands at about 3PM.  

I accidentally shut Roxie in the wine room downstairs for about 45 minutes.    I thought she might have followed me downstairs when I took the potatoes and onions down but did not realize that she had gone in there.   I even left the door at the bottom of the stairs open so that she could come up.   When Bobbie got here we started looking and heard her meowing.   She was quite indignant.

So now you know the day.   Now I will be signing off.   I will share with you a St Bridget tradition that continues to this day in Ireland.   St.Bridget's day is February 1st.   I will be doing it myself.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Brat Bhríde

In Ireland there has been a custom down through the centuries of putting a white cloth out on a bush beside the house on the Eve (31st January) of St Bridget's Day. This cloth was left out over night and it is believed St Bridget passed over it during the night and blessed it. In the morning the cloth was taken in and folded away for the year. People believed in had powers of curing sore throats, headaches and toothaches. If someone developed any of these conditions they wrapped the cloth around their heads to help cure whatever was the problem. This cloth was known as Brat Bhríde and in many parts throughout Ireland the custom still exists of putting out the white cloth on the night before St Bridget's Day. The custom is still widespread throughout the country.

The day is over and what a day.

We had Dick's first appointment with Dr. Kream at 10:30AM.   So we both slept a bit late.   The trip there and back went very well.   Dick is really good at getting in and out of the car.   The appointment went well also.   Dr. Kream is pleased with Dick's improvement, is asking the VNA to update his CPAP machine.   After 8 years there are much improved machines, and he is adjusting his meds a bit.   We will go to see him after Dick has used the new CPAP for 30 Days.

Then this afternoon, we saw Dr. Phillips, a throat specialist.   He checked Dick's throat because we have been concerned that Dick's voice seems so weak and a bit rough.   He says that the throat looks great BUT age is causing a bowing of the larynx.  This causes weakness and hoarseness of the voice but is not a problem unless we feel it is.   There is a surgery but as long as we know there is no tumor or inflammation, we would certainly not opt for surgery.

So Yea! is has been a good day.

So we hope to sleep well because tomorrow is also a busy day.

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

A typical busy Monday.  I got up at 6:30AM.    There is always so much to do before we just get "even". 

I left at about 9Am because I had to get gas in the car before heading out.   I had actually let it get a lot lower than usual so was getting worried in this cold weather. 

Then I went to Bible Study at Blessed Trinity.  There were 7 of us there today.    A nice group, especially with three of our intrepid attendees off to warm parts of the word.   Ione is in Hawaii for another couple of weeks and the Keyes will be gone until almost Easter.   We miss them but what a blessing that they are able to get away during the worst part of the winter.

It was a good bible study.

Then I went to see Mother.   She is fine but the weekend was tiring for her.    Her birthday Saturday was busy with visits and calls.   And Sunday was quite active too.    She handled it quite will and got lots of presents and calls and visits on her 96th birthday.   We got her bills caught up and I explained the Cindy Matyi/Dolores Whelan perpetual calendar that I had purchased for her for her birthday.     She loves the Irish Spirituality so this was a fun sharing for us.

I got home by noon because the PT was coming then.   I have told them that Monday mornings are mine.  Then I get a call last night that someone wanted to come at 11AM.   I flat out told them no.   I could be back by noon, but not before.  I keep hearing how the caregiver has to take care of him or herself.   One would think that one morning a week would not be hard to work around.    Anyway, she agreed to come at noon.  

This afternoon, I finally got my kitchen uncluttered and a lot of other things sorted.   I finished a baby quilt top,  Now I have to get to work assembling it. 

We had scalloped potatoes made with mushroom soup for our lunch and leftover pizza for supper.

A nice day altogether. Spending time with Mom always makes it good.   Tomorrow Dick has two doctor appointments.   Pray for good weather.

All my love

Dia Dhuit

Mary

So.   Here it is.   Getting towards late on a Sunday evening.   It has been a quiet day.   I went to Mass this morning as I was not up to spending another hour away from home, AND Bobbie needed to get home to her Bill.

The Family Irish Day was wonderful.   I suppose you expected that ,as I usually find that the things I enter into are wonderful. 

The Celtic Women hosted a High Tea which was very successful.   We served over 200 people and it was a super Irish event.   We were located to the right of some of the best Irish music available in this area,  Mary Calvey and Jim Wilsing.      I was able to share the Icon that Jim Fleming did for me of Bridget of Ireland.   Jim Wilsing was awed.  When I told him that I was buying it and did not know how much it would be, he said "It does not matter." and he is right.  I gave it back to Jim to have him put the final coat on it and sign the work.   But it is MINE.  As I told Jim Fleming.   I want an original of an artist that I admire.    I do have two from a friend who has probably for gotten that I exist.  And I have an original painting from my Uncle George Bowser.    When I was visiting from California one year, I told Uncle George that I sure would love one of his paintings.   Before we headed back, he sent one of his paintings, an autumn scene because he said that since I did not have that season in California, I should have something to remember it with.   I treasure this painting SO much.

But I digress.   The Irish day was super.   Mary Calvey and Jim Wilsing performed just to the right of us.   In back of us was a table where people were learning how to make Brigid Crosses.    They used Raffia and ribbon to teach people.   In Ireland we used the reeds and rushes but sure as shooting someone would have said they developed an allergic reaction if we tried that here.

In the ARTery, Children were making potato stamps and learning how to write their names in Ogham, an old Gaelic Alphabet.     I love it .   It was fun to be able to convey this information to the Art Center and to give them a picture of a stone carved in Ohgam.  

I was able to try my wings as a storyteller.    Only time will tell if it was worth the effort.  I know that it was worth it for me.    The first session, had two little girls in attendance.  First they asked if they could sit on the chairs next to me and then one of the girls crawled up on my lap for the end of the session.   I figured if she was comfortable and happy with my "gig".   I was happy too.

The second session was fun.  Several close friends were there.  Then when I was really done, a woman came and asked if I would mind doing a bit more for four young people who were disabled.   I said sure and told  about Fairies, how to idientify a Fairy Field and the story  of Liam Clancy trapped in the Fairy Field.    When we were done, I had four "coins" with shamrocks, clovers etc.that I was able to give to each of them (After I asked if it was OK Of Course.)  I was rewarded with a lovely hug and thanks from one of the four little people so I felt that the whole day was worth it.


What a day, wouldn't you agree.   I am glad that today was quiet.  I was able to get MOST of little Marcus's quilt done today.   I like it.  I hope he does.   (It will be nice if his Mom and Dad do too, but it is most important what he thinks.)  I mainly want it cuddly.

So tomorrow starts another day.   Monday is reasonably busy but Tuesday and Wednesday are even more so, because Dick has to leave the house.

Take care of you and be happy

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The weather held out quite well.   It was cold a a witch's nose, but the sun shone and there was no wind to speak of.

The event, Family Day Ireland, was very successful.   I am really a little too tired to tell you the whole scenario, so will save that for tomorrow.   Let us just say that  our Celtic Women International High Tea was very well received.   I did OK with my first storytelling attempt and the music and other amenities were super.

I got home at 4PM and we had leftovers, mainly from the Ireland day.    I brought home colcannon and potato patties and Mulligatawny soup which was left from my lunch.   I am glad that Dick got to share it.    He would have liked the event.    I will  go into more detail tomorrow.

Be happy and rest for tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew!   This day our house was like a revolving door and I had to be part of the revolving.

Jody came at 8AM to clean.   We got the Santas down from above the kitchen cupboards and she cleaned up a storm.    I had to leave at 9:30AM to be at Blessed Trinity before Wally Dobrzynski's funeral so that I could hug the family before Mass.   As it turned out, the choir of five of the members that I had sung with several years ago was singing for the service with Zack Holzer playing and leading, asked me to join them.   I thought that was OK, as I had been in the choir for so many years with them and with Wally and his family too.   It seemed a fitting tribute and way to honor Wally.    I teased Zach in the fact that the least he could have done was have a Mass that I did not have to sight read.

I had to leave in the middle of Judy's Eulogy, as it was very Wally.   I had to get home because Rachel, the RN was coming at 11:00Am.   Fortunately she was a bit late so I even beat her home.    We got blood drawn for the anti coagulation clinic and a urine sample to see if his infection is gone.   Both came out very well.   The coagulation count was 221.    Which is as close to perfect as one can get and his urine infection is apparently healed.   Thank God.

I cooked up some grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.   We were just finishing lunch at about 12:30PM when Sara, PT, came.  Then Dick got a coughing spell.   It was pretty bad.    We finally got it settled and had him do a Albuterol inhalant, which seemed to provide some relief.    He was pretty weak by then but was able to walk and do a  number of the exercises that will keep him strong.
 
At 1:30PM Andrea, the home health aide came to give him his bath.   He really needed it after the coughing spell.    I took advantage of that time to switch the sleeve of his right prosthesis and wash the other one.   Tonight I will clean the left sleeve and have it ready to put on in the morning.

Shortly before 3PM, my Scottish friend Mike, from Accessability came to check out the chair.    He took the stump rests, as we don't need them any longer and showed me how to tighten the foot rest when it gets loose, as it has been.  He also told me that there is a Highland Games in June.   I will be in communication with him as to when that is as I would like to see him in action.   I will probably need a break from the action here about then.

So now you know why I am saying WHEW!

This was a really crazy day.    Tomorrow I will be spending about 6 hours enjoying my Irish heritage at the John Michael Kohler Art Center.   I baked scones to add to the Barm Brack and Lavender Cookies that I am taking for the Celtic Women High Tea we are hosting.    I won't be able to do much with the tea as I am being a storyteller poet for at least an hour probably more.     I just hope that I make a good storyteller/poet.

Pray for me.


So I want to get to bed early tonight so that I can finish gathering stuff for tomorrow.  I feel like I am taking half the house with me.   

I will let you know how it goes tomorrow after I get home.  Bobbie is coming to spend the day with Dick while I am gone.   So I won't have to worry about him at all.

God love you and bless you this weekend.

Mary

A day spent totally at home.    I slept until almost 8AM and Dick slept until 8:30AM which worked out quite well.

We had breakfast and then I started baking.   I made the country bread that I had started yesterday and Barm Brack and Lavender cookies.   The Barm Brack and cookies are for Saturday.   Tomorrow I still have to make scones.   Then I will be all ready.

I did some wash, sewed and took two naps.   

The only visitor we had was Sara, the PT, shortly after lunch.  He did very well with the therapy, including showing him how well he is getting in and out of bed using the bed pull up.   That device was Sara's suggestion and since we got it, I no longer have to get up to help him sit up.   This is such a relief as I can get a much better night's sleep.    Dick is one to wake up of and on during the night and if he can sit for a while he can usually get back to sleep.

So that was the day.   Tomorrow it is going to be like Grand Central here.  So I am going to bed early and trying to get ready for it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I would have been able to stay home all day except for one thing.    As I wanted to start a batch of Barm Brack for Saturday,  I needed brown sugar.   Imagine my surprise when I looked in the cupboard and was out of it.  

I did not bet up until 8AM and Dick slept til 9AM.   I kind of like him sleeping later than me because I can get myself ready for the day and do a couple of things before the second wave hits.

We had a good late breakfast, washed Dick's hair and then I zipped off to the store to get the brown sugar before we had to think about Andrea, Health Aid and Sara, PT, coming.    I mixed up the raisins, sugar and tea for the brown bread and made a few phone calls while all of that was going on. 

He is all sparkly clean.  He informed me that he ALWAYS sparkles though.   And his exercises went very well.  He walked and did several balance and strengthening routines.   Sara says that he is definitely getting stronger as we go on.   I know he is working hard between sessions as we have goals to meet.   We may have slightly different goals but they aim for the same targets.

I accomplished a lot of other things.    I got more done downstairs on the quilting projects that I am working on. I have a box of tea pots and tea cups and saucers ready to stow in the car for Saturday and I have started a batch of country bread.

So it has been a very satisfying day.    Tomorrow I get to stay home also.   Then Friday will be a day from hell.

Please pray for the soul of my friend Wally Dobrzynski, who went to be with Our Lord yesterday.  His funeral is Friday at 10AM so I have fit that into the day along with everything else.    I sang in choir with him and his daughters Debbie and Judy and son Tim.   His wife, Ruth, is a dear person too and I know she will miss him.

So that is the day.   We are having Chicken Breasts stuffed with Spinach for supper tonight.  

Hope you are eating as well.   My brother in law, George Hiner, used to say when sitting down to a great meal. "I wonder what the rich folks are eating tonight."

Dia Dhuit

Mary

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.
With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.
Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.
Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute (I'm at this level).
After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.
 
   

It was a snowy day almost all day.    I left for grocery shopping before it started, hoping to get home before it was slippery.    That did not really work.   By the time I finished, the car was white and so was the parking lot, but as I am not far from the store, it was  a slow but careful and safe drive home.

My friend, Bob Fleming, was coming for lunch.  I called to see if he felt safe coming because of the slippery roads but he was already on the road for another errand so DID come.    We had a great visit.   He has been working on an Icon art piece of Bridget for me and is done unless I want some embellishments.    It is so great.   I will share it with the other Celtic Women on Saturday.   But I told Bob, that I want to buy the original.   I want it to be mine.    We had salad, chili and strawberry shortcake for lunch.    A great visit, now I am worried about him as he was going to call when he got home to let me know he made it.   I am sure he was just running late and went right to work.    I left a message on his phone and will call again in the morning.

The rest of the day was quiet as will be the next couple.   I need to be gathering up things for Saturday and baking.   I have no other outside commitment until Friday Night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

An extra busy Monday.

I got up reluctantly, as my night's sleep was rather broken, at 6:30AM.  As Dick was sleeping, I took my shower and got dressed and cleaned the cat box and got the medicine out before he  wakened.  Then we finished up the morning things and had our breakfast before I had to leave for Bible Study at 9:15AM.

There were 5 of us there this morning and it made for an intimate discussion.of what integrity means to us in the royal sense.   We all have a royal obligation to be truthful, the  sweep the wicked from our lives and to love one another and cherish one another.

  Did you know that God expects us to follow a royal code of conduct?  Read Psalm 101.

Then I went to visit Mom.   She is doing well but seems tired to me.    We got her checkbook and bills updated and had a nice discussion of everything, as we are wont to do.   Just before I left Aunt Kathleen called.   She wanted Mother to know that she was coming out to visit her.   That will be good for both of them.    Mother and Aunt Kathleen have always been close and it is good for them to be together this close to losing Uncle Bob.

I got home in time to fix a good meal of ham and mac and cheese for our lunch before picking up Lynn and Jena and Kate to go to Beverly's home for our Cream City Writer's meeting.. Beverly fell and broke her hip just before Christmas and ended up with a hip replacement.   She just got home from all the rehab and everything last Friday and asked us to come to her home for the meeting as she is still healing and shouldn't be doing a lot of traveling and/or moving.    We had a nice meeting, reading what we had written in the past month and discussing what we want to do in the next.   

I have more little cuts and wounds on my hands and arms and managed to cut my index finger on a soda can tab tonight.   Good Grief.   One \would think that as one gets older one would get more adept at things.

I received the following from a friend today and thought you all might get a kick out of it.

To help save the economy, the Government will announce next month that the Immigration Department will start deporting seniors (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs. Older people are easier to catch and will not remember how to get back home. I started to cry when I thought of you. Then it dawned on me ... oh, crap ... I'll see you on the bus.

A good rest to you and Dia Dhuit

Mary 

A whole day at home with nobody coming in to disrupt the flow.

I spent the morning working on preparing a quilt or two.   I have two that have to be done by the end of the month.   At least the top assembly.   We had meatloaf, roasted potatoes and veggies for our lunch.

Then I took a nap.

I actually did not get to sleep but did gt a bit of rest.   I made some very important calls this afternoon and then baked some beer bread for my friend Beverly and for Mom.

Then we watched the Packers lose.    BOOOOOOO!!!.   Where was our defense?   Aaron did the best he could but with all those dropped balls by the offense what could he do?    Oh Well.   There will be a next year.

I am drowning my sorrows in a glass of Bailey's and then will go to bed.

Hope you had a good weekend.   I will be busy all week getting ready for the Family Irish Day at John Michael Kohler Art Center.   It is next Saturday from 11AM to 3PM.   Cost $8 for non members and $6 for members.  The Celtic Women will be hosting a tea and I will be doing poetry reading and story telling.  There is music by Ceol Cairde and dancing lessons and much more.
  Hope you can come.

Joy to you and a super week.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I just got home from 4PM Mass a bit ago and found my Roxie waiting at the door pointing to the clock.   I WAS, you know, five minutes after 5PM and she should have the food down on the ground by 4:55PM.   Everybody knows that.

I slept until almost 8AM this morning.  That was nice.   We got up then and managed to get everything ready for the day pretty efficiently.  I can't believe how much there is to do before we event get to breakfast.

I fixed fried potatoes, spam and egg for breakfast.    That tasted good.   Then I finished my football picks.  I was quite disappointed.   One of the sources that I use for my picking did not report this week so I used only partial information.  There are only four games so I can't do too badly,   I hope.  However,   New Oreleans is not doing too well for me so far.

Except for Mass, I was home all day.    I baked that biscotti, recipe to follow.   It turned out kind of ugly, but tastes good so I will pick the best looking pieces to take to my friend's house and call it good.

I did some more quilt cutting out this afternoon.

This morning Andrea, the home health aid, was supposed to be here at 10:30AM.  It was almost 11:30AM when she got here, but we were here all day anyway.   She comes from Two Rivers.   Wow.   She also has four children, including a new baby.   Dick likes her because she knows what she is doing and doesn't talk a lot.    He appreciates that some of the aids think they have to entertain him but he is just as happy with just a little talk.   I suppose you find that surprising.

I am hoping to crawl in bed early tonight.   I know I will have to get up with Dick at least once but a head start wouldn't hurt.    We purchased a thing called a bed pull up for him and so far it is a godsend.   Sometimes he has trouble sitting up if his prostheses are not on and this gives him a ballast.   Which means he doesn't have to use me.  And it IS working.

So,  until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Biscotti

1 Pkg. butter pecan cake   (I used spice cake today)
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
3 tbsp. maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup white baking chips
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup finely chopped pecans

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, flour, butter, eggs, syrup, coffee granules and vanilla until well blended (dough will be very thick.)  Fold in chips.

Divide dough in half.  Flour just your hands if it is too sticky.  On an ungreased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 12" X 2" rectangle.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.  Place pans on wire racks.  When cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board;  cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 3/4 inch slices.  Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until firm.   Remove to wire racks to cool completely.  

In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and coffee.  (Today, I just frosted them lightly with some leftover icing that I had.) Drizzle over biscotti.  sprinkle with pecans.   Let stand until set.   Store in an airtight container.

Another day at home.  Mostly.

I had to get up at 6AM though because Dick got up then.    I might have been able to sleep some more
BUT  By the time we got him assembled and ready to go to his desk and doling out his meds, I was pretty much out of the mood.    Also, since Jody comes at 8AM, I would have had to get up in an hour anyway.

So I just got up.   I showered, fixed breakfast, emptied the new litter box for the first time.    Did I tell you we got a new one?    It is a roll and empty model and works quite well.  The old one had lost its clips a couple of years ago and when the handle broke the other day, I decided it was time to upgrade.   Roxie had no trouble adjusting.    I put it in the same spot and used the same litter as I had just changed it all on Tuesday, so she felt comfortable.   Maybe she can see that it is an upgrade.

I did some quilt preparation this morning and did a lot of wash.

Sara, the PT, came shortly after lunch and put Dick through his paces.   He did very well.    He had already walked once this morning so got a second walk and lots of balancing exercises.   A very good day.    I hope it tired him out a lot for tonight's sleep.

Tomorrow Andrea, the home health aide, will come to bathe him.   That is such a help for me.    We can wash his hair easily enough and it is good therapy too as he stands by the sink and I do the washing.

I took a nap after Sara left.    Needed it after the short night's sleep and the busy morning.   Then Nancy and Warren picked me up to go to pistol league.     It actually started last week.   I missed the first week, but that will be OK.   So I saw lots of my friends at the club.    I did not renew my membership this year because I don't feel that I can commit the time that is needed to be a member.   But I can still shoot pistol and I really do enjoy that.

My first target was not too bad,  the other two were a disappointment, but I find that my arm was tired.  I must practice building up stability and strength so that won't happen any more.

Tomorrow, the only place I have to go is to Mass at 4PM, and Andrea is coming at 10AM so it will be a comparatively quiet day.   I have been able to keep the weekends quiet lately.    That will end with this weekend though.   Things will start to happen next weekend, starting with the Family Irish day next weekend.

I am going to make biscotti tomorrow.    I have a really easy recipe that you make with a cake mix.   I'll put it in tomorrow.

Time to get ready for bed now so good rest to you all and good rest to me also.

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

A day at home.   I was glad that it turned out that way, as a winter storm was and perhaps is coming in.    There was no appreciable snow until after noon, but it does seem to be accumulating now.

I slept until almost 8AM.  Would have stayed in longer but I was starting to ache.   Dick slept until 10AM and I had to wake him up.   I was a bit concerned because he should be eating at somewhat regular intervals.    So far his sugar counts have been just fine, but we don't want to mess up a good thing.

I finished a big project for CWI today and cleaned up the kitchen.  Jody always finishes it, but there are certain things that she doesn't do, like bleach the sink every so often.

The new litter box for Roxie arrived today.    The old one finally broke enough pieces that I decided to replace it.    I got a rolly polly one that supposedly will, when I roll it put all the Icky stuff into a container that I just have to pull out and throw away.     I like that better than scooping.   It will be interesting to see how Roxie takes to it.  I cleaned the area really deep, vacuuming the carpet and the edges and washing the plastic pad and place mats that I keep under the box.   I put her old litter in it so she should be all right.

Sara came at 12:30PM to put Dick through his paces.   He did pretty will and she is going to see about an extension to the trapeze on his bed.   We should get the bed pull up tomorrow and these things will make it easier for him to sit up in bed unassisted.   Good for him and good for me.

We took the decorations off the tree this evening so that Jody can help me pack up and take the tree downstairs tomorrow.    Then next week, she can help me take down all the Santa Clauses and clean the top of the cupboards.   

Tomorrow I will be able to stay home all day too.   If it is OK, I would like to go to shoot pistol, but I can go out Sunday afternoon, if I need to.   Don't want to get too far behind.

Snow is still falling.  Should make for a nice night for sleeping.

I hope your night is peaceful too.  

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

This was a very busy day.    I did get to sleep until 7AM.  The night was short.  I did not finally get to sleep until almost 11PM.   But those hours were pretty good.

I spent the early part of the morning finishing phone calls and emails that I have been behind on.   I did most of the cooking for the Chili Mac that we had for lunch and got Dick's hair washed.   That is a good way for him to be exercising too as he has to stand by the sink and balance while I do the washing.

Bobbie got here at about 10AM.  We had two batches of wine (mine - Marigold and Marigold/Current) to rack and two batches of wine(hers - both beet - one with brown sugar, one with white) to filter.   That took a bit.  My brother Jeff came at about 11AM to fix a door jam that had been knocked off.   He is so good.  He told me to call if I needed help so I did.    Can one ask for better relatives than that?
He was on his way to Mom's.  He intended to take her out for a walk.   Eileen brought a wheel chair and with today SO beautiful, it seems like the perfect day to get fresh air.  

I even opened the deck door for Roxie for a bit.

Dick had his appointment with the prosthesist.   We have a new one, as Tim has moved on to another company.  His name is Marty and he seems to be very nice.   He casted Dick's left stump and we should have the semi final prosthesis in two weeks.   Boy will that be a relief.   We are using way too much ply for the padding on the temporary one.

So, I have washed all day and still have one more load to go.   I am tired and going to bed very early.  I can read and relax.   Dick can just call as he needs me to help him.

Take care of you.   We are supposed to be getting a pretty good winter storm tomorrow.    I am glad that I do not have to go anywhere and feel sorry for the health aids that are coming to care for Dick.

Dia dhuit

Mary

This will be short and sweet.   

I had an appointment with Dr. Leben, the physiatrist, who gave me the results of my back MRI.   She did find an area of concern and a slight curvature which can be treated.   We are starting by having me take a medicine for the nerve called Gabapentin.   I will take it for 3 or 4 weeks to see if it will be useful.  The other option is a cortisone shot and I really don't want to do that.   Time will tell and I sure hope that this will help.

I went right from there to JMKAC to bring a flag, some CDs and some pictures to Danika, who is in charge of the Irish Family Day.   We discussed other needs to and had a great conversation.    I got home at noon and prepared tuna sandwiches with potato salad for our lunch.

We finished before Rachel, the RN from VNA, came to check Dick over.    We are pleased with the way the wounds are healing.   She made note of the bladder infection and will be here a week from Friday to take blood tests and to collect a urine sample to be sure that he does not need more treatment.

Then I napped for an hour.   I spent the rest of the afternoon kind of trying to get caught up on computer work.   I STILL have a lot to do there.

At 6:30PM, I left and picked up Kate to go to Fr. Van Beek's last "Evening with the Pastor", his adult education project.   He will be retiring in a few months and I really wanted to be at this evening.   He does such a nice presentation, tonight talking about prayer and Faith and trust.   He also is starting to get us used to the idea of accepting a new priest when the time comes.   He wants the transition to be good for him, and for the man who takes over and for us as the congregation that will welcome him. 

By the way, did you read that Timothy Dolan, our previous Archbishop is going to be a Cardinal.    I am not surprised and am very pleased.   He is a good man.

So I am home and going to be going "up the wooden hill to four corners" soon.   Have you ever heard that expression.   Mother used to say that to us when it was time for bed.

Love and Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today I was able to get back to a "normal" Monday morning.   Bible Study and a visit with Mother.

Bible study was well attended for our winter group.   Tom and Kathy are in Texas until spring and two others could not come, but we were 6 strong and had a good discussion of Psalm 101, especially as it relates to the responsibilities of rulers and the people - and in this pre-election climate, there was a lot.   We DO try to keep too much politics out of our discussions but this was a psalm that just called for it.    How does one make people see their moral responsibilities in the leadership?    None of this is new.   But it will lead to destruction unless somehow, we see the mistakes of the past and change them.   As a democracy, the people should be able to do this.   The tools are there, but someone has to take the reins and do it.    Congress, as an entity, has become a greedy pig, voting itself raises and benefits that are beyond reasonable.   The members of congress should be on the same SSI program, the same health care program and the same pension possiblities of every citizen of this country.   Also, one term in office should not entitle a person to a lifetime of pension.    Who will step forward to get this going?   Dick won't let me.  He says I am too busy.


Mom and I got her finances squared away.    It was simple.  Only one bill this week.  Then we had a nice visit.   She said that she felt a little stronger today which was good to hear.    Eileen was coming out this afternoon to take her tree down.   The tree has shed a circle of pin needles around itself,  much like a fairy circle.

I got home just before noon and fixed Dick lunch before the first of our VNA helpers, Sara, the PT, came.  He is doing very well.   He had already taken a walk this morning, long before shewas due.

Then at 3PM the health care nurse came to give Dick his bath.    So we are well cared for.


I am rather tired tonight and told Dick that I am going to bed early tonight, even if it means that he has to get me up to help him.   I really need the sleep.   I will be glad when the bed pull ups the we ordered come and he can get himself into a sitting position ALL the time.   Sometimes he can, even now, but we are not sure how.   It is hard to figure out when one is half asleep.  I know he tries very hard to get up  before calling me, but sometimes, he just can't get up without help.  Especially when he is half asleep.

So that is our day.   I will end this with a quote that  I used as a prayer at the bible study.   Actually two of them.

They make one think. One challenges us and one asks us to trust.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

St.  Basil:  "The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked;  the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is bare foot;  the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit."

St. Gregory Nazoreane.  "God accepts our desires as thought they were a great value.   He longs ardently for us to desire and love him.   He accepts our petitions for benefits as though we were doing Him a favor.   His joy in giving is greater and ours in receiving.   So let us not be apathetic in our asking, nor set to narrow bounds to our requests; nor ask for frivolous things unworthy of God's greatness.

It was quite pleasant outside again today.   No precipitation or wind and the temperatures stayed in the low 40s.

I stayed in bed until a bit after 7AM after feeding the cat and helping Dick get up between 6 and 6:30AM.   So I was quite rested for most of the day.    It is not almost 8PM and I am winding down nicely, but don't feel too exhausted.

Of course, we had no visitors today at all.   No VNA on weekends.

Dick did his walking and his standing exercises once each today so that was a good beginning.   He looked good doing them too.   And I did not have to help him at all.

I spent a bit of today, getting my Ireland pictures from this year and from the time Bart, Barb and I went all labeled.   Now I can make up a disc to take to JMKAC for use with a projector.   I also have picked several of my CDs for music when live music is not playing.    I have several nice traditional and Irish American traditional CDS that should work well.

I also started putting Christmas away.   That is a major job, not as formidable as some years, as I didn't put everything out this year.  Tomorrow I will do a bit more and will get to work on a couple of quilting projects that I have to have finished by the end of January or early February.  I also have a couple that I would just LIKE to work on.

I went to Mass at 4PM.   The Folk Choir was singing tonight.   This is the last of the Christmas celebrations,  The Epiphany- the Coming of the Magi.   Fr. Van Beek had a sweet story about this feast.   He said that when he was a kid and would hear the story and when Herod would tell the Three Kings to report back to him as to where the Baby King was, he wanted to jump up on the pew and yell.   "No. No.  Don't tell him.   He is a bad man."    How fun it is for a child to become so involved in a tale, especially one of such importance.   This is after all the feast when Jesus was made known to us Gentiles.  Before this it was just to the Jewish people

We had a steak for lunch with garlic bread, beets and a fruit salad.    Then we had Chicken Waldorf salad and a piece of gingerbread pudding pie for supper.

Tomorrow will be another quiet day.   These days are nice for us to get back into the routine.    I hope Dick keeps increasing his walking practices.  Each time he does so will make him stronger.   He has said that he would like to go away, perhaps up north or somewhere for a couple of days in May.   He has that as a goal.    I just pray that he will be able to continue becoming more independant.

So rest easy in your bed tonight and wake up refreshed and ready to be fully a part of you day.   May it be a beautiful, loving day and all you dream.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

These were really good.   I had some oranges that were starting to get kind of old.   I even forgot to brush them with the egg and they were still good.


Orange Scones
Yields 12 2-inch round scones
Orange Scones
Adapted from Inside a Black Apple

1 3/4 cup flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup white sugar
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Add the butter using a pastry tool (or your hands) and mix until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized chunks. Stir in the orange juice and sour cream until just blended. Do not overmix or it will result in tough scones.
Roll scones into a ball and flatten slightly on a cookie sheet to resemble 2 inch rounds. Whisk together the egg and milk and brush over the top of the scones. Let scones rest for 10 minutes before baking.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Cool until room temperature before glazing.
Orange Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. If too thick, add more orange juice until it is smooth. Drizzle lightly over scones.

We got to stay home all day today.   Of course, that did not stop the stream of people wending their way through the house.

I got up at 6AM with the cat.   Got Dick up between 6:30AM and 7AM.   Jody came to clean at 8AM and was followed closely by Denise, the RN.   She did a deep check on him.    All his vitals and changing his dressings (all of the wounds are almost healed.) and helping us figure out how to use the new lung treatment.   At Rocky Knoll all of the treatments went into the nebulizer.   One of the refills has its own dispensing system.   Not hard but very precise.    Just enough to be DIFFERENT and we know what we think about different.  Anyway, Denise was able to help us and we are feeling pretty good about his progress, except for the possible bladder infection.    Denise took a sample and a blood draw to the lab for testing.    We did not hear from Dr. Sharon, so I hope all is well.

We were alone for a whole hour before Lauren, the OT came.   We asked her for some ideas in helping Dick get dressed by himself.   He can do his shirt and all but the shorts get difficult.    She showed him what he needs to do to be able to accomplish this and we have determined that there needs to be more practice on balance and standing.   He CAN do it, so if I were gone, it would be possible but it is very slow and tiring.

She left and was followed closely by Sara the PT.   Sara put him through walking, balancing and some stretching exercises.    Now if he will take my reminders or remember himself to do these things, he will continue to improve.  I run a fine line between being helpful and a nag.

This afternoon, I took a nap.   I am also gathering things to take to Danika ant KMJAC for the Irish Family Day.  I want them all together by Tuesday when I have a doctor appointment in Sheboygan.   I am trying to group my traveling.    The gas bill should go down some now that Dick is home.   Of course the grocery bill will go up, but not by much.

The weekend looks very quiet.   I will be going to Mass tomorrow evening, but that should be the only time either of us have to leave Tallgrass.   

Have a wonderful vacation yourself.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It isn't going to be easy.    I seem to have sprained my ankle.    When we were getting Dick in the car to take him for his appointment with Dr. Sharon, I had to go back into the house to grab his med list and I apparently hit the ramp on an odd angle and twisted my right ankle.

That was at 11:00AM.   I thought I had walked it off actually.    It was tender when we were at the Clinic.   I was doing just fine when I went to the wake for Uncle Bob Finger.

That was a great experience.   I know that funerals are not supposed to be happy, but we have such a marvelous family.   Bob had a perfect death.  He basically just fell asleep.  And I got to see all of my Ayers first cousins, their spouses and lots of beautiful second cousins.   Aunt Kathleen is so brave.    We all agreed that she and Bob were truly blessed.   This was the second very special marriage for both of them and they had 24 years of joy and companionship.   What a guy he was.  

My ankle was still OK, but then I went to the meeting at JMKAC.   When I got up there, I knew I was in trouble. 

The meeting went VERY well.   I have several things to do but will be able to do most of them sitting at my desk with my foot up.   I am more worried about what I will be able to do as far as taking care of Dick.    I can reheat several meals and he can just do some more but I am needed.   Tomorrow, we will have a nurse and a therapist during the afternoon, which will be a big help.

I still hoped that if I got home and iced the ankle it would be OK.   No such luck.   I finally called Bobbie at about 4:30PM to ask her to come and drive me to Urgent Care.    They don't open before 8AM but do stay open until 8PM.  Perhaps they can wrap it or something.

Bobbie will be here any minute and I will finish this when I get back.   Isn't it strange, that I expect you to follow my conversations, even on the blog?

We are back from Aurora.   Bobbie heated up dinner for Dick and I and has headed back to her own home.   I am so grateful that she could come to take me.   The injury is to my foot, not the ankle.   Fortunately, there is no break.    I have a neat ankle brace and it is wrapped with an ace bandage which is really helping the pain.  I am also taking Tylenol for the pain and inflammation.

Dick and I will really have to be a team for the next few days.   But I will heal quickly, I know.

Love and Dia Dhuit

Mary

Dick had a very successful PT session with Sara this morning at about 11:00AM.   He walked twice, quite a distance, and stood by the cupboard and practiced going from side to side and balancing.   We are also working on ways so that he can sit himself up in bed without a leg for "balast" and without my help.   We are going to have to do that because I can't be straining my ribs and back too much.

I did the grocery shopping today.    That went well.   I also went to the bank, mailed Jim and Michelle's Christmas (Aren't you glad, Jim and Michelle?  Christmas isn't over yet.) and picked up a few supplies.

Aside from that I am still picking up loose ends and trying to keep up with the daily grind.   I will be glad when it becomes just part of the routine and I am not forgetting things.    It took a half an hour or more without Dick and he has added a lot.   Today was trash day too.

I am reading about leprechauns and fairies for the Family Festival Ireland on January 21st.     I will be doing two half hour storytelling times.  I intend to spend a half hour on each of the small people.  I will end each tale by letting the children or whoever know that the fairies and the leprechauns came over with the Irish people and are still here.   The tricky part is finding stories that are not to grim.   I want to make a little "purse" to put a shilling in for the leprechaun.    They carry a magic coin, you know.  When somebody does get their money, it comes right back to the purse.

Tomorrow will be very busy.   I have an MRI in the early morning.   Dick sees Dr. Sharon at 11:00 and then I will go tot he viewing for Uncle Bob and to a meeting at JMKAC.   I should be home and ready to settle in by 3PM.  I am hoping 2:30PM so that Dick won't be alone too long.  


Be safe and pray for Uncle Bob's soul and for Aunt Kathleen and the family that will miss him.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

So here we are.   Two days into 2012 already.    With the first of the year being on Sunday - the Packers playing on Sunday then the Rose Bowl Parade and the Badgers playing IN the Rose Bowl today, Monday, it seems like there were two New Year's days.

We did have two health aids from the VNA come today.   The nurse, Rachel, and the home health aid to give Dick his bath.   Aside from that, we were home alone today.

I did go to see Mother after lunch, as it is Monday and  I like to keep the Monday visit as regular as possible as this is the day we check the bills and visit.   She seemed a bit weaker today but was in good spirits.   Shortly before I left, Uncle Pat and Aunt Joan came to visit her.  They stopped on their way to see Kathleen.  A couple readers might not know that Uncle Pat is Mom's youngest brother and is only about 6 years older than I am.   He looks more like my Grandpa the older her gets.    A handsome man.    I stayed for a short visit with them, then left so they could really visit with Mother.

Yesterday, Mom was trying to remember the name of the boat that Phillip King's parents went down on.    It was the Lady Elgin.    I think I have discussed this before in the blog.    When Phillip's parents died, he was taken in and raised by Timothy Clifford who would be my 2nd great grand uncle.   Then Phillip married my great grand aunt Charlotte Bowser.  That was why I got such a pleasure out of A Rising Wind - The Lady Elgin Story a play presented by the John Michael Kohler Art Center.   It may be on public television soon.   They were negotiating at the time it was presented in Kohler.  It is an amazing play.   On the order of Driving Miss Daisy on stage or Our Town.   Very little as far as sets.   The actors tell the story.   

When the Lady Elgin went down it changed whole political landscape of Milwaukee.

Mom had gotten the Phoenix disaster in her head, so I brought her the book by my friend John Textor, Phoenix, the Fateful Journey for her to read.    John was in the Sheboygan Writer's Club.  He died a couple of years back but his book is great - about the disaster that occurred withing sight of the Sheboygan Harbor.   A couple of hundred settlers of Dutch ancestry died in that sinking.

So this is my day.   The Rose Bowl game is still on.   It seems to be lasting at least as long as the Packer game did yesterday.   Don't know what is wrong with these Wisconsin players. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The New Year came in with a whisper. 

We were mainly just HOME.  I left to take Mother her dinner and eat with her at 11:30AM.    I fed Dick before I left so that he wouldn't have to mess with anything.    Mother and I enjoyed our dinner together and the nice visit.   She looked beautiful.

Home again, we just watched the Packers win and puttered.   I went downstairs to find a couple of quilt patterns and pull out some fabric.   Otherwise,  just rested as much as I could. 

Tomorrow,  we will have the nurse and the home health aid here and I want to go to see Mother to take care of the bills and bring her some information.  Still a rather quiet day as some of the work with Dick will be taken out of my hands.   I will be glad when we finally see Dr. Sharon on Wednesday.

 “Athbhlian faoi mhaise!  which means Happy New Year in the Irish.


Mary

What a nice New Year's Eve and Day.   Dick slept all night until 6AM so I got a good night's sleep also.

We got up and kind of lazed into the day.  A light breakfast and I did a lot of wash.  I also got the Christmas Box for Michelle and Jim FINALLY packed and ready for the post office.

I finished making a lovely strawberry tart for tonight's dessert.   Suzi couldn't come because she was sick but Bobbie and Bill came so we had the same meal.   I saw no sense in changing anything.   The strawberries were really nice. - from Florida.   I also prepared Braciole de Manzo, one of my venison dishes, with a side of garlic Parmesan spaghetti and a carrot salad.     We had Bobbie's Barolo wine with dinner and a Barefoot Pinot Grigio Champagne to toast in the New Year. 

It was a nice way to see out the old year.    I am sure that I will be asleep before midnight and we all got to toast the old and welcome the new with t he Champagne with a strawberry dropped into it.

I went to Mass today at 4PM.   Tomorrow I will only go out onec, at around lunch time.   I am taking Mom's noon meal to her and will eat with her.

I talked to George today to update him on Uncle Bob's funeral arrangements.    We will miss Uncle Bob and his great smile.   

So Happy New Year to you all.

Until 2012

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was not the best day but not the worst either.

Suzi was going to come tomorrow, but called early this afternoon to say that she is sick and we will have to put her visit off until she is better.   We don't want germs brought into this house and certainly don't want her traveling from Sussex if she is ill so we will look forward to her visit in 2012.  Can you believe that Sunday will be January 1st of 2012.    I think I mentioned this many years ago.     When I was a little girl, as I was born in 1940, I realized that I would be 60 years old at the turn of the century.   That seemed so old.   Now I am 71, and as my Mother would say.   "It still seems old."

Usually I don't feel old, so don't give me the lecture about your are only as old as you feel.   Sometimes I DO feel every year and when I do I deserve to feel that way.   Most of the time, I am still eager to get on with the things I love to do and when I am doing them, and caring for others, especially Dick and Mom, I do not feel old.  Often, very tired, but never done.

The only person who came into our house today was Jody, my house cleaner.   She is always welcome as she gets the house in order for me and if I ask for anything she always does it.   Today, I asked that she help me make the bed downstairs for Suzi.   She just did it herself.   She said that I look tired.  

I don't know whether I mentioned it, but Jeff called last night to tell me that Uncle Bob Finger, Aunt Kathleen's husband, died yesterday.   He had been ill enough that they delayed their trip south for the winter, but he had been doing quite well.   So it was unexpected.  I will miss his yearly call to see if I want to purchase the Optimist's Packer yearbook.   Aunt Kathleen is my godmother, you know.  I am very blessed.

Dick did not sleep well last night.   So he slept off and on all day.  I hope this is not the beginning of the old being up all night and sleeping all day that he had going before.   I guess I should not be a pessimist.   One night does not a pattern establish.

We had some of the turkey pot pie for dinner.  It really is good.   We will get one more meal out of it.    I worked on preparing our New Year's dinner.   Even if Suzi can't come, Bobbie and Bill will be here.   We will have Braciole de Manzo, garlic buttered spaghetti and carrot salad with strawberry tart and Champagne with fresh strawberries dropped in it so we can see them bounce up and down.

So until tomorrow, the LAST day of 2011.    Sleep well,   Another year is upon us, pray that it will be a good year but whatever it brings we will hang together and make the most of it.

I love you all

“Athbhlian faoi mhaise


Mary  

A pretty good day.   We did sleep until 7ish this morning, as since Dick had trouble getting to sleep last night, I did too. 

But up we did get and in plenty of time to be ready when the PT, Ellen and the OT, Lauren, came so that they could work together on Dick's "getting up out of bed skills".    Between them and the later aids, we did come up with a couple of nice hints, such as lowering the guard rail when he is getting into bed and raising and/or lowering the bed if it will help.

After they left, Dick stayed in bed for about an hour and I cleaned up the kitchen and a couple of drawers in the bathroom.   I am trying to come up with an efficient way to centralize all of the different cleaning products and lotions that we have gathered over this past several months.  

We had the rest of the meatballs and rice for lunch.   Then I rested until about 1:30PM as the next VNA, a home care specialist came at 2PM to give Dick a REALLY good sponge bath.    I think I mentioned that yesterday we washed his hair as we always did.   He stood by the sink and I just did it.   Just as we did before.

The home health aide was named Nancy, but she probably won't be back again. This week is hit and miss because of the holidays.  Too bad.  We really like her and now she knows the ropes. 

Then, just as she was leaving at about 3PM,  Ashley, our nurse for this week, arrived and Nancy handed Dick over to her to get the dressings on his legs checked, cleaned and changed.   They really look good.   I see no signs of anything new.   Cross your fingers.    She checked all his vitals and all is good.   We also discussed the fall.   She checked and I changed the bandage on the scrape on his left arm that Dick and I had  discovered yesterday morning.    It also is healing just fine.   We will change the dressing every other day of so.

Guess What!   Tomorrow, - NOBODY is coming and I don't have to go ANYWHERE.   We are both just ecstatic about that.   We have not had a whole day alone yet.

So.  We plan on being in bed before 9PM and sleeping as late as we want.

Now I am going to have a cup of warm decaf coffee with a glass of Bailey's, a gift from Richard and Brenda at Christmas.  

So Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was pretty quiet.    I only had to leave the house once, to go to my doctor's appointment with the Physiatrist, Dr. Leben right after lunch.

We, of course were busy just with getting ourselves into the day, what with showers and breakfasts and washing clothes and preparing lunch.

We did not get up until after 7AM and there was a good reason for that.    There was an "incident" or "adventure",   you decide.     We got ourselves into the bedroom finally by 9PM last night.  I was so tired and Dick wanted to get himself into bed.    (He has moved himself before.) 

However,   I was staring to doze off when I heard a crash and saw my husband sinking towards the floor.     He apparently decided that he could do this WITHOUT the walker and it did not work.   So, I rushed over and helped him get onto his back and seated.   He said that he had hit his head.   Fortunately, he did not hit any furniture - the bump on his head is more of a rug burn as he hit the carpet which is on a wood floor so the damage was minimal.

Again -  However.    We had no way of getting him up.  So, after we discussed the possibilities agreed to call 911.   They were here in minutes,   The police, the fire department paramedics and an ambulance.    They checked him all over and found no serious damage, then three of them lifted him up onto the bed.   Thank God for them.   We had no other way to get him up as he can't even kneel and push up.

Needless to say, he has agreed not to take shortcuts and will be sure that I am there as much as possible even if he does do it himself.  At least for a while.

So that is why we slept late.   The day was good.   No nurses or anybody visiting.   Tomorrow, we will have four Visiting Nurse people here throughout the day.

I made a really good turkey pot pie for our lunch.    We have leftovers and I am sure it will heat up beautifully.

So now you know what has happened since yesterday.

Hope you like the picture.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This is the floral arrangement that Jim and Michelle sent us for Christmas. And we will have a lovely Thomas Kincaid Village music box to remember it by.

Thanks kids.

Marymom

Here we are at the end of another busy day.

The first appointment was at 9AM.   Ellen, the PT, came and put Dick through his paces.  

Before she came, I did all the usual things, ( the additions for Dick are STARTING to fall into place). and then took the trash out.   It was a crap shoot as to whether they would come today.   They are not consistent, but sometimes with a holiday involved, they will come the next day.   I KNOW that they picked up the recyclables and assume that they have also picked up the regular trash.

After she left, I went to the bank and then on to Rocky Knoll to drop off the cushion to therapy, pay the bill and pick up the few things that I had not noticed that last day.  (We seem to have gained an enema bag.  Yippee!.  Don't know who would do the administering.   Not Me!  Got to draw the line somewhere.)

I got home in time to take my time preparing lunch.   We had chili - easy, but it was frozen so I had to defrost it.   I took a nice short nap after lunch and then did our grocery shopping.   I found a new cooking tool.   A simple device to put olive oil into and spritz it on to food or onto grills or pans.   This way I won't need to buy spray cans of stuff.  

Lauren, the OT, came at 4:15PM.   She reviewed several things with us as to bathing and getting in and out of bed and gave some suggestions.    She will be back on Thursday at 9AM with Ellen, the PT.   Tomorrow we are supposed to have a Home Health Care Worker come to give Dick a really good sponge bath.   We will wash his hair tomorrow if they do not come as we know he can stand by the sink for way long enough time to do that.

We still have nice things to eat for our evening meal.   Little bits that can offer a variety.   I had a slice of pizza and Dick had a cup of soup and half a sandwich.  Then we had Bobbie candy for our dessert.   We are a spoiled couple of senior citizens.

I called Mom to see how she is.   She is still a bit under the weather, but saw the doctor today and he has her on liquids until tomorrow, to clear out her system.  Sound like a similar treatment as I got for my food poisoning.   I will call tomorrow afternoon to check on her again. 

So.  The night is drawing to a close and so am I.

Bless you all and keep us safe through the night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Yesterday did not leave any time to post.   I hope you were also so involved in your special Christmas celebrations and did not have time to even think about my little blog. 

Christmas morning was spent getting Dick and my all "spit and polished" and ready for out company.   Richard and Brenda and Bobbie and Bill were arriving in mid afternoon for the beginning or our family celebration.   Dick and I emptied our stockings.   Yes.   Santa did fill the stockings again.   He is always so nice to us.   Candy and desk supplies.    I also gave Dick the Green Bay Packer stock certificate that "Mrs. Santa" obtained for me to give to him.

Leslie called early Christmas afternoon and I had a lovely talk with her and Bill.    She was fixing a turkey for their dinner.   We opened the box from them today and it is a sugar free Whitman Sampler.   What a good idea.

Everybody arrived between 3 and 4PM for the big gathering.  Bobbie put on a super meal beginning with a sumptuous array of appetizers.  Stefano's Glop is really GOOD.    We had a glass of Prairie Fume with the appetizers.

Dinner was preceded by the present opening.   I think everybody was happy.  I know that Dick and I marvel at the care and love that is put into the gifts that were presented to us.   We are so blessed to be so loved.  For example, I was given a set of Waterford stainless silverware because my loved ones saw how pitiful my silverware was.  AND it is BEAUTIFUL.   I would like to feed the world.

Bobbie then put dinner on the table.   Rolled Italian bread loaf and Spinach bread rolled loaf - accompanied by a salad and frozen peas with homemade Bobbie Candy for dessert   We had Bobbie's Domaine Du May Italian Barolo with dinner and an excellent Champagne, brought by Richard and Brenda to drink with the super candy.   I recommend good candy with good champagne.

We finished off the evening with a Packer victory.   Bobbie and Bill had to go home before it was over but it was a fitting ending to a perfect day.

Today I got up shortly before 7AM.  I knew that I could not go to both bible study and to visit mother as it would be too long away to Dick, so I opted out of bible study.     Ellen, our physical therapist called and came to work with Dick at 10AM.   Then Denise, a RN came at 1:30 PM to check him all over and work with us. 

Richard and Brenda were with us until 1:30PM.    Richard has our computers working like clockwork and has showed us that we have SKYPE and can now communicate with other SKYPE people with a flick of a finger.   I am so excited.    I am sure that Bart and Barb will have this capability and, of course, Brenda and Dick do and we were all signed up with them.    YES!

After Denise left, I hightailed it over to see Mother.   I knew that she had had a rather difficult night but she seems to be improving rapidly and was not abnormally tired or weak so I felt better about her when I left.   I took her her Christmas Present a book called  "It's Not Yours, 'Til You Like It"  a book about Prange's in Sheboygan.   There is a story told by Mother about Grandpa Bowser, her father and my grandpa in the book.   I transcribed it for her and sent it in  for her.

So Boxing Day is over.   I hope things slow down some by the end of the week.   After a bit, I won't have to be so involved in watching the therapy.    Unless something new comes up.

So thats it for the day.   We have two therapy appointments tomorrow and I will go to the bank and grocery shopping.    Pretty easy Huh!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

JUST FOR FUN

 Subject: Copper Wire

 

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago
 
Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet and shortly after, a story in the LA Times newspaper read:"California archaeologists' discover 200 year old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers."
 
One week later, a local newspaper in Manitowoc, WI, reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 feet in his pasture near Valders, WI, Ole Olsen, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Ole, has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Wisconsin had already gone wireless."
   Makes one proud to be from Wisconsin.

Today was another busy day but certainly much more manageable.  We were up a couple of times in the morning from 4AM on but it was for minor things and for feeding Roxie.   We finally got up at 7AM.   I had to keep a move on as the blow up bed ( which works quite well, I thought,)  had to be deflated and out of the bedroom by 9AM.

I knew my new twin was being delivered between 9 and noon and as we are so close to the store just figured it would be the first delivery or so.   I was right.  We got a call at 9AM and the bed was set up before 9:30 and they had the queen spring and mattress down in the basement before they left.  The way it is set up, I have more room to walk around it than with the blow up bed.  Thank heaven.  And I am closer in height to Dick too.   So it will feels like we are more in the same bed.

He walked two times today and the urinary tract infection seems to be showing improvement already.  I took a nice long nap this afternoon after we had a Tbone steak and garlic bread  for our dinner. 

Then I went to the 4PM Mass.   I got there at 3:30PM trying to beat the crowds.  But that is impossible before this particular Mass as the Folk Choir does a pre mass concert and the place is packed from about 3PM on.   I did finally manage a seat and the Mass and music were spectacular.   Great tradiditonal songs including the Messiah.   AND I was an assigned Eucharistic Minister and had the privilege of serving the wine to my  fellow worshipers.   I never get over that.

Home again Dick and I had a glass of Christmas wine together and ate leftovers for our supper.   And I finally finished wrapping the presents.   It is after 8PM and we are starting to get ready for bed.   Our aim is always 9PM.    This will be my first night in the new bed.   I hope it is as nice as it seems.     And I hope that Roxie likes it too.

Tomorrow is Christmas.   I am so happy.   The tree is as decorated as it is going to be.    The presents are all decorated.   Bobbie is bringing the meal.    All I have to do is "neaten up" as they say so that we have places to eat and sit and set things down.

Merry Christmas - God bless us every one.

Mary

I felt pretty good this morning when I got up.   Dick slept until 4AM then wanted to sit on the bed for an hour or so just relaxing, I guess, so I got some more sleep.   As much as I could with Roxie being an absolute brat.   After she was fed, she, of course, left me alone. but I helped Dick finish getting up at that time.

Jody got here to clean at 8:00AM and Bobbie arrived shortly after.   Between the two of them and my looking like I was doing something (I hope), they got the queen sized bed disassembled and the mattress and springs leaned up against the wall for the Furniture people to take downstairs when they come with my twin sized bed tomorrow.

We managed to eat and get vitamins and nebulizer treatments in during that time.   Josh from VNA came with the bed at about 10:30AM.   He got it all together, except, the trapeze that he brought was not right so he had to go back to the shop to get the right on.

Rachel the nurse from VNA came at 11:30AM.   She gave him a good going over.    She will be back next week and I have instructions for his sores and dressings.   There are more dressings and wound wash on the way.   Dick has been showing signs of a urinary infection.   I picked up a sample bottle yesterday and we were waiting for Dr. Sharon's OK.    Rachel got that and took the sample to the lab.

Whew.   That was the morning.  I had put in a pizza for lunch so we snacked as we went.

Then, this afternoon, Michelle and Jim called for a Christmas call and a really good update on what and how they are doing.   I was able to let them hear the lovely music box on the Kincaid Village music box floral arrangement and tell them that Roxie loves it too.    Bobbie found that one of the roses has been lightly nibbled.   And we know who the flower eater in this house is.  We are all SO disappointed that their trip up here was thwarted and in such a miserable way for them.    But at least they are safe at home and not stranded in some storm as some were.

While on the phone with them, Jean. my neighbor, dropped over with cookies and a request for me to pick up the mail.   AND Josh came back with the trapeze for the bed and installed that.

When I hung up from talking to Jim and Michelle, there was a message from Dr. Sharon's office.   Dick, indeed, does have and infection and I had to go over to Walgreens to get his antibiotics.  

Home again, I put the sheets and all on Dick's bed and then fixed soup and grilled cheese for Supper.   Then I blew up the inflatable twin that is going to be my bed just for tonight as tomorrow morning the new twin bed will arrive.   After I get that in place and the delivery guys take the queen stuff downstairs, I can finally get our bedroom in order. 

Now it is after 7:30PM.   I am exhausted.   I am hoping that all of this prep will gradually make the days easier because in between all these things, Dick needs help when there is walking or standing involved.   Sometimes very little but I like to and feel that I need to be there for him.

So pray for us that our weary bodies get the rest they need tonight.   We look forward to each day together, even when they are not perfect as we know how much more imperfect they are when we are apart.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Enjoy these blessed days.

Dick is home.  YEAAAAA!!!

It was not the smooth gentle homecoming that I had planned on but he did get her on the 20th, the day we had picked.

On Monday night, around midnight, I started getting sick.    I ended up vomiting and with diarrhea for 6 hours.   At 7:30AM, I dragged myself out to the car and drove to the Plymouth Clinic, hoping to be able to go to urgent care.   I thought they opened at 7AM.  They don't.   But my angel was watching over me.   Dr. Murthy comes in early on Tuesdays and he saw me.   They even sent a nurse to bring me up in a wheel chair.   You can imagine how exhausted I was.  He was able to determine that I did not have anything contagious.   He told me to go home, drink water, slowly all day long and gradually introduce food and to sleep.   So I made arrangements to delay Dick's release from Rocky Knoll to between 4:30 and 5PM. 

Roxie was quite glad to see Dick.   When he sat at his desk, she went right over to be petted.  

We both went to bed at around 8PM.   He was content with chicken soup for supper as he had a big dinner at Rocky Knoll.   I drank some of the broth from the soup and kept it down and things seemed OK.  We both slept until almost 6AM Wednesday morning.

So, I ate some cereal and moved on with the day.   I was still SO weak but we got through it.  I did the grocery shopping and gassed up the car.   Ellen from VNA came in the afternoon, ran through some tests and made several recommendations.  She sent an OT person this afternoon and she came herself this morning.   She also has an RN coming tomorrow.   I am concerned about the blister on Dick's leg and will be happy to have someone who can show me what needs to be done.

So today was a real road race.   Neil from Steger Heating came to give our furnace its winter check.   Ellen came at 12:30PM.    We have decided, on Ellen's recommendation, to get a hospital bed (which will be provided as long as needed, I understand).   We have decided to store the queen downstairs, and buy a twin for me to use so that we won't have to be in different rooms.    The only other way would have been to put him in the other bedroom with the hospital bed and leave our room as is.    We want to be together. 
The bed will have railings and a trapeze. 

He woke up at 2AM this morning and we had a heck of a time getting him up.   Without those railings and the trapeze, it is SO hard for him to turn and raise himself up.  The hospital bed will come tomorrow and my bed on Saturday.   Tomorrow, Bobbie will come to help me stack the queen up against the wall so that they can get the hospital bed set up.   I will use the blow up bed I got for a spare for the one night.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

I was calling Bobbie to ask her if she could help, when the door bell rang and there were Bobbie and Bill at the door with two wooden dowel things that Bill made to help Dick get a solid base on the bed and make it easier to push up on.  

Mat from Home Care Resources arrived at 4PM with tennis balls for the walker and a wheel chair cushion so that I can take back the one we seem to have borrowed from Rock Knoll.  He has just been a wonder.  He installed several grab bars for us too.    He is so nice.   He is a huge man and guarantees them for anything up to 400 lbs.

We also heard from Jim and Michelle,   their trip up here got aborted by the weather and Greyhound.   They were two hours late leaving Oklahoma City and were put on a bus with no heat and a hole in the floor and dirty to Tulsa.   When they got there they found they would miss the connection to St. Louis and would not have gotten here for so long, it was no longer worth the trip.    We are so disappointed and so are they.   I will have to send their presents next week.   They can celebrate us next week then.   I am just glad, from the sound of things that,at least, they are home safe and sound.

So as you can see, it has been a busy busy busy day and we are both very tired. and will be heading "up the wooden hill to four corners" very soon.

At least you know why you did not hear from me for a couple of nights.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A typical, non-typical busy Monday.   I left the house at 9AM after making some phone calls and catching up on some general pickup and computer stuff.  Went first to Bible Study.    We had a pretty full crowd and a lovely discussion of the fact that baptism mad us "priests" as adopted sons of God and what responsibilities this carries.

Next I went over to Mother's house.  She looks pretty good.   A bit weak but she is back to her normal routine, except that she decided not to exercise for a day or two so her strength comes back.   She moves around the house as needed anyway,  that will be enough.    While I was there, we talked to Meals on Wheels and they will start delivering her noon hot meal on Wednesday.    They do not deliver on weekends and the day after Christmas is a day  off too, but they will resume on Tuesday.   After a week or so we will evaluate how it is working for her. 

I stopped at home on my way to Kate's for our Cream City Writer's party, to pick up the present and the salad for the pot luck.  I had intended to go right to her home to help but got a call from Jena asking that I pick her and her mother Lynn and her sister Hope up on my way.   I knew that it would not be a help to have them there early, so timed it to get to Kate's at 12:30PM when it was scheduled for.

We had a lovely party.  Don, Kate, Lynn and I read Christmas readings.   I read my new Acrostic,  I will put it at the end of this blog and a poem my brother Matt wrote.   

Kate had made a ham and potato casserole.   I brought the Broccoli Cauliflower salad and everybody else brought cookies or appetizers.   Some people do have an odd idea of a pot luck.   But we were well fed and entertained.   Then we exchanged our gifts.     I received a Gibbsville Cheese cup and instant cocoa to go with it.

Kate also gave me a present.   A neat Tea for One, a book and a candle.    How fun is that.  She is a good friend.

Tomorrow Dick comes home!!!!!!   He called tonight and seemed a bit distressed but I talked to the nurse and she said that she would keep an eye on him.   I will shop early and then be there until we sign him out and Tim comes to pick him up.    We had a new walker delivered today.  Mat, my friend from Home Resource, brought it and he will drop the tennis balls to stablize the legs tomorrow.  He will also measure for a cushion like Dick has been using at Rocky Knoll.   I think we really need that too.

So.   I am home.   I have his tea ready and I have prepared the Spinach Casserole and have it ready to just pop into the oven.   Special treat.   Pray for us that all goes well. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

CHRISTMAS

Come to the stable.
Hurry to the light of the star.
Run to tell the shepherds.
It is joy and the promise kept.
Silent in the night
The Lord sent His Son.
Mary the gentle mother
Prepared a manger for his head.
Softly the Angels sang a lullaby.

Today did not go as planned, but it did, in the end, turn out OK.

I was just getting ready to leave for Rocky Knoll for Mass, when Alicia, Mom's caregiver, called and told me that Mother was semi conscious and sick.  Should she call an ambulance.  I, of course, said yes and that I would be there as soon as I could.    On the way, I left a message for Jeff on his cell as I just had to push one button to call him and I called Dick to tell him that I would be late.

When I got the Mother's they were already wheeling her out of the house.   I talked to her but she was in pretty bad shape at the time.   As it turns out just trying to come out of the fainting spell.   So I talked to Alicia and the policeman that was there and then went to Sheboygan Memorial to be there when she got there.   Alicia had also called Dolores because she had her number also on her phone.   I called Eileen when I got to the hospital. 

By the time they got her to the hospital, she was already asking to go home, but they put her through the battery of tests that they always have to.   She is just fine though a bit weak.   Randy and Eileen took her home as soon as the tests were complete and she was able to walk the halls with a walker.   I left to be with Dick this afternoon.    Eileen is spending the night.

Dick was fine.  I got there just in time to lunch with him.   We watched a bit of the game together.   Then Bobbie and Bill came to visit.  I was so tired and Dick sent me home to rest.    I was not able to sleep but did lie down for an hour and I am going to bed early tonight as I have a really big day tomorrow.

Please pray that Mother stays well for a long time now.   I told her that she has to stop going to the hospital just before Christmas every year.    It was just about this time last year that she dislocated her shoulder.   She just laughed at me.

So that was the day, exept that the Packers lost.    I have a really bad fantasy league this week.   Lots of upsets and I scored high on some of them.

Tomorrow will be a better day.   Though as Mom is OK now, I count this as a blessed day anyway.

Dia Dhuit

Mary