This has been an exciting day for me anyway. Bobbie came at 9AM and I was able to go to Sheboygan Falls for a really good bible study. There were six of us, including Tom and Kathy who are back for Texas, at least for a week or two.

We have just started the Psalms of Lament which seem appropriate for all of us right now. So far we have just read the commentary. It seems that God is expecting things of us. Would you believe it?

Then I went to visit Mother. We got her bills caught up, her pills set up and had a nice visit.

I got home by noon, after stopping at the bank and Bobbie, Dick and I had some of the pizza that Richard and Brenda had left for us for lunch along with blueberry pie. I sent some pie home with Bobbie for Bill.

Dick took a short nap this afternoon. I was able to get downstairs for a bit.

Tonight Heidi came at 6:30PM to learn what we do to get Dick ready for bed. I think it would have worked better if I was gone because he kept putting things off. But we finally accomplished what we needed too. She left less than an hour ago and he is already sitting up so I don't know what is going on. I guess I will settle him down and go to bed myself. This will be an adjustment for him, I know. He wants me to get rested, but it is hard for him to let someone else do things.

So. Until tomorrow. And tomorrow, I PROMISE to put the picture of his new beard and hair cut. I am just too tired tonight.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This has turned out to be a really good day.

I would have liked to have stayed in bed a bit longer, but Dick had to get up. It was not an unreasonable time, so I am not at all complaining.

We had scrambled eggs, sausage and toast for our breakfast. I spent ALL day washing clothes and still have one load to do. It is not an essential load to it will wait until tomorrow.

We got a call from Richard and Brenda this morning at about 9:30AM. They were in Milwaukee and wanted to know if we would like them to take the "long way home" and stop by for lunch. They even stopped at Dee OMalley's for pizza on their way here. I was so glad that I had baked that blueberry pie. Pizza and blueberry pie make a great Sunday dinner.

They had been in Milwaukee to see the museum sites (Cleopatra for example) and a show or two to celebrate Brenda's birthday. Sounds like a super weekend. They even saw Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.

Dick had just had a computer problem this morning. Richard fixed it for him. So we were blessed in many ways. Our kids are mighty good to us. Isn't it wonderful?

Nora, my sister, called today to see how things are going. I was glad to be able to say that there is light. It is still very dim, but it is there. I am glad that Dick was pretty alert and with it while Richard and Brenda were here. Especially because he wanted to talk to them about a couple of things.

After they left, he did become more restless but the main thing is the fact that I am getting up to help him as often as twice every hour from about 4 til he goes to bed. One of my friends says that I am losing weight. Perhaps. But I am eating well. It is just being worn off.

Tomorrow, Bobbie is coming to spend the morning with her Dad so that I can to to bible study and spend some time with Mother. My usual Monday morning. The second of the people from Embrace will be here tomorrow night at 6:30PM to be able to determine what has to be done for Dick to get him all ready for bed.

So a new week, a new adventure.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A poem written by my Father, Hutz Deeley

CAN YOU

Can you face the world with a smile?
Can you travel the hardest of roads?
Can you brave the most difficult trail?
Can you carry the hardest of loads?

Can you smile when it's time to smile?
Can you cry when it's time to cry?
Can you enjoy something worthwhile"?
Can you fail and say "again I will try'?

Can you laugh at the snow and the rain?
Can you always say "I can"?
Can you love some tender refrain?
Can you? If you can you're a man.

I spent the morning cooking. I made Pizza Soup. It made me think of my Uncle Roman and Aunt Maryann. When we went south to Texas, we stayed with them in Austin. Aunt Maryann made this soup, which is really called Zucchini Soup, while we were there and it is SO good. We call it Pizza Soup because when Sara and Nora were little, that is what they called it.

It is a huge recipe, but the good thing about it is that it freezes beautifully. So we will have soup for weeks.

I also made a blueberry pie. We were out of desserts and I need to use up blueberries from the freezer. I will be able to share it too. Bobbie will be here on Monday and I can take some to Mom.

There was a lot of wash to do and more tomorrow but I have it pretty much under control. I cut Dick's hair and beard this afternoon. I used to cut his hair until he went to Plymouth Care but never did his beard before. I think I did a good job. Tomorrow, we will take a picture and we will post it on this blog.

Today, the first of my helpers came at 3:15PM so that I could instruct her as to Dick's care, especially the stand lift, and get to the 4PM Mass. I had to miss Mass last week and for me that is hard as it is an hour that I use for centering and regrouping. I really miss Mass when I cannot go.

An aide named Kim came and it went just fine. He had taken his meds and she made the bed and did the dishes and emptied the dishwasher too. He had to go to the bathroom once and that worked well too. Now I feel a bit more confident that this will work.

He went to bed at about 7:30PM this evening and I will be following him very soon.

Tomorrow will be a day at home. I don't expect anybody either so that will be different. I wonder if Roxie will be looking for some company. She is so used to the parade that goes in and out of here.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I found a quote that I hid in a notebook some time ago. I will share it tonight.

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow. Yet we forget that he is someone today." Stacia Taucher

A busy productive day.

Jody came at 8AM an did the cleaning.

Mary from Embrace Care arrived at 10:30AM and we came to an agreement as to what we want to try for the next two weeks. Then we will reeavaluate to see if all is working well. This should give me some relief from the strain on my ribs and back and give me some time away, with someone here, to do the shopping and other errands that have been let go for the past couple of weeks. I am hoping that they can be with Dick while I go to church on Saturday.

Every day I realize how very blessed we are.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I went in to the Sheboygan Clinic to see Dr.Leben. I showed her the log that I kept for a week or more after she did the shot in my back. It did show that the shot WAS working but the benefits were destroyed because of the strains I put on the back and ribs helping Dick. She has suggested that I see Dr. Sidiki for a different kind of shot that will actually deaden the nerve and bring relief from the pain. I talked it over with Dick and he said that he would do it if it were him. That will be scheduled sometime next week.

Dick will be having a procedure done on April 16th. It will hopefully go a long way towards solving his UTIs and improve his general health. He is so weak.

Ashley, the RN form VNA came today to check him and we discussed things that are being worked on. I plan to talk to a home care management group tomorrow and wewill set up some initial help for us.

I was able to finish a project for CWI and get a half bolt of the CWI tartan ordered. I also talked to a couple of people about the Gathering. Kate has made the reservations for our room at the Inn on Woodlake. That will be a good break in just a month and is something for me to look forward to also.

So tomorrow will be rather busy. Home health care, Jody, the cleaner and Mary from the Care Management. I will be going to bed VERY soon so that I can be ready to get up at 6AM.

So Dia Dhuit

Mary

A Haiku from me

How far must I run
To feel freedom on my face
Under floating clouds.

It is now a month until the Celtic Spring Gathering, and I am making arrangements so that I can go for the weekend. By then I will REALLY need a break and what better event to go to.

Today, I did manage grocery shopping. I went very early while Dick was still in bed. I woke him enough to tell him that I would be gone for a bit. I was back in 45 minutes and he was still asleep. So that worked. Made me very nervous though.

The morning went pretty well. He seems to get restless and tired more in the afternoon and evenings.

This afternoon, Kathy from the Department of Aging and Disability came and reviewed some of our options with us. I have a lot of work to do but have people to go through it all with me. I am so very tired. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment in the early morning but will try to get to it before three when things always get out of hand here. Bobbie, you understand the afternoons, having spent one with your Dad. It is almost 8PM and I am going to finish setting out the pills for tomorrow and then will get Dick to bed and then myself.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Our only visitor today was Nancy, the home health aid who gave Dick his bath.

I managed to go to the Pharmacy early this morning while Dick was still feeling pretty well. The late afternoons and the evenings are the worst. He is weak and confused and I am tired.

I am trying to watch the elimination show of Dancing With the Stars but that is kind of turning out to be a losing battle. I don't care much about TV, but I do enjoy that show IF I get to see it.

Tomorrow the agent from the Department of Aging and Disability is coming and perhaps we can see about regular assistance. I am almost ashamed to go back to Dr. Leban and tell her I am as bad as I was before the treatment she did.

Oh Well. It will all work out.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A good night's sleep made me ready to face the day, but tonight I am ready for sleep again. Believe me.

I did zip out after Dick got up and I had him set up with his meds, his juice and Iced tea and his nebuliser. I had to pick up some meds for Mom and stop over at her house to see that the bills were all paid. I wanted to update her as to how things are going here too. These things are not easily explained on the phone especially with her hearing problem. She looks well.

I got home and fixed lunch for Dick and me. At 2PM Tim picked us up to take us to the Clinic here in Plymouth. His coagulation count is just perfect. Dr. Sharon has reviewed everything that has been presented by the other doctors and does not have a definitive answer as to the weakness and confusion but agrees that the procedure that Dr. Herman wants to do is necessary, so we will be scheduling that within a week, I would imagine. This afternoon was exhausting but at least that stand lift is making Dick's transfers safe.

Kitty thinks it is time to go to bed and I believe that I agree with her. As soon as I am done watching Dancing with the Stars, I will be there.

We will see what tomorrow brings.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


A.E. Housman, who said, "Knowledge is good, method is good, but one thing beyond all others is necessary; and that is to have a head, not a pumpkin, on your shoulders and brains, not pudding, in your head."

Today, I got the afternoon off. Bobbie and Bill came over to stay with Dick while I drove to the Marcus in Milwaukee to see Eileen Ivers and her band in concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Rosemary Mugan rode with me. We lunched at the Water Street Brewery. I ordered a super delicious yellow fin tuna sandwich. Then we walked down the street to the theater for the concert.

It was SO good. She played a lovely selection of music, from OCarolan to John Williams and as piece or two of her own. Lively and special. She and her band are very interactive too.

I got home at about 6PM. Bobbie had dinner just about finished, so the four of us ate and now it is after 8PM and I am going to bed.

Until tomorrow
Dia Dhuit

Mary

A stay at home day. I would have liked to go to Mass this afternoon, but I do not feel comfortable leaving Dick for any length of time.

He is still very weak and sometimes forgets that he cannot do what he was able to do even two weeks ago. Embrace Care Management had provided us with a method to make his transfers easier so hopefully, I will "last" as long as he needs me.

I had reserved seats at the Eileen Ivers concert in Milwaukee several weeks ago. Bobbie and Bill are coming over to stay with Dick while I am gone. There are not many people I would be comfortable with leaving him. I am so grateful for the break.

Monday we see Dr. Sharon and I hope he can coordinate the various Doctors reports and get some answers. I just can't believe that - as stable as his vital signs are - he is becoming so weak. Continue with prayers for him and for me to have the wisdom to care for him properly.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We had our first gloomy rainy day in a week. It was a bit cooler, but still not at all cold. The rain was welcome.

We started off the day with pancakes. I have been hungry for pancakes for a week and Friday seemed a good day for them. Jody got here at 8AM to do the cleaning. Yvonne, the RN, came at 9AM to check Dick's vitals. He is just fine again. Even his sugar count was only 112 this morning. OK if everything is so wonderful, why is he getting weaker by the day.

After Yvonne left, I went and did a couple of quick errands as I knew that Jody would be her if an emergency came up. Jody is a wonder. She was late coming home from another job yesterday so was going over to Mother's when she left here today.

Than, at 12:30PM, Mary Pitch from Embrace Home Management came with an aide, Heidi. We reviewed the problems that we are having. Frankly, I could not get Dick up again today. His knees and legs are not working properly. I have been sitting on the floor and holding his knees steady and this is just too hard on my body. Mary and Heidi suggested a step lift that will allow us to strap Dick to the lift. Bring him up. Move the chair and then slide the commode under him. IT WORKS. With any luck at all, I will not have to be holding his legs up on the ground any longer. The next day or two will tell the tail. Tomorrow, I can call the Embrace Home Management to find out what help we can get for Bobbie on Sunday when I will be gone.

I am seeing some light for myself. Now if we can only figure out what is causing Dick to be getting weaker every day, we would have it made.

So Tomorrow I Will be home all day and we will work on the lift. I got a call from the Department of Aging and Disability and they will work with us and with Mary to do the best we can for us. As I heard from Mary first, we will start things with her but they all do work together.

So wish us luck. I have faith that nothing is given that I can't handle. I wish God thought that I was weaker.

Dia Dhuit

mary

The weather, again, was just gorgeous.    I see that my neighbor Jean's daffodils are blooming.  Mine are coming up but still I only see one lonely bud so far.

We had an appointment with Dr. Kream at the Plymouth Clinic.   I had called Tim from Custom Care and Transport to take us.  I have him coming on Monday also to take us to the Clinic to see Dr. Sharon.  It is just not safe for me to take him until he regains some strength.     He also had an INR - and his cumadin count is finally good.   2.2.   So we are happy about that.    Dr. Kream says that his lungs are OK.   He had sent him down for an xray and there is definitely an improvement.    The tests showed no infection or cancer.   So that is very good.   He too is baffled as to why Dick is getting so weak.   We are going to coordinate all of the doctors information with Dr. Sharon on Monday.   Hopefully we can come up with some answers.

The rest of the day was fairly quiet.   Dick is still very tired.  We are having trouble transferring him but we got him to bed tonight and are just taking one day at a time.

Tomorrow we will be interviewing with a care management company to see what they might have to offer for his care.   And I will be talking to the Department of Aging and Disability for the county after we see Dr. Sharon.

So tomorrow is Friday already.    Jody comes to clean and a couple of Dick's caregivers will be here.    I NEED to get to the bank and take Dick's glasses in to get the lens changed.   Hopefully, I will be able to do that while he is resting.

One day at a time, Sweet Jesus.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another absolutely gorgeous day.  Sunshine all day and temperatures in the upper 70s.   Wisconsin is kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop and hoping  that it won't.   We are finding it rather difficult to remember the old adage "Never plant until Memorial Day."   That is two months from now, for heaven's sake.

Otherwise, it was not a great day.    We had trouble with Dick transferring from chair to wherever.   He fell again.  He is just so weak.   So I have called Tim, from Comfort Care and Transport to take him to see Dr. Kream tomorrow.    I have calls in to several agencies that say they will set up consultations with me to see how we can get help in here.  The trouble is that there are no specific times, like in the morning from 7 to 9 or in the evening from 5 to 7  that we can specify.    It is just whenever he needs to transfer.   But we will keep working on it.    Monday we will see Dr. Sharon after all the specialists have their reports in and hopefully we can come up with a PLAN.

I had my mammogram today too.  So what else can I say.

Marty from the Wisconsin Prosthesis also came by today and worked on Dick's prosthesis.   We are trying new sleeves.   So far no good because he is so very weak.  But perhaps after a good night's sleep we can have some results in the morning.

Anyway,  pray for good sleep for both of us.   I am a bit concerned as my ribs and back are a bit sore after the past couple of days.    I know that we have to figure something out.

So, tomorrow, Dr. Kream and an antocoagulation check. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Dave Barry said "You can say any stupid thing to a dog and it will look at you as if to say: 'My God, that's
fascinating!  That never would've occurred to me' "

I miss my doggy.

Another day better forgotten.

It started out OK.  Dick was somewhat unsteady getting out of bed this morning, but we got him all settled and I headed to Sheboygan to have the emission test done on the car for my license renewal.  That went very well and the car passed the test with flying colors.    On the way home I had time to stop at Walgreens to pick up Dick's prescription and a couple of other necessities.

We had to leave at 10AM for Dick's appointment with Dr. Herman's nurses.   This is where things fell apart.   We did very well getting him into the car BUT when we got to the Sheboygan Clinic, he did not have the strength to stand up and get into a wheel chair.  With a lot of help, (would you believe that one of the nurses from the emergency room visit a couple of weeks ago came by and stepped in?  Angels are watching!) he finally DID get transferred and we got him up for his visit.  

That turned out to be a dud too.   It seems that the process that Dr. Herman wanted us to do will not work at this time, so we are back to square one.    They will be calling tomorrow to let us know plan 2.   Fortunately three members of Dr. Herman's staff helped us get him back into the car so that we could go home.

We stopped for Dairy Queen on the way home.  It seemed only right.  We split a bacon cheeseburger meal.

Nice and dedadent.

Nancy from VNA came to give Dick his bath and was there to help me in transferring him twice.    I was so grateful.   He is all sparkly clean too.

We spent a very quiet afternoon.    I napped for a bit and Dick did too.   We removed and replaced his prostheses in mid afternoon to give the legs a chance to rest and be sure they were on right.   They are definitely slipping.  Marty HAS to fix that.   Along with Dick's weakness, this is a disaster waiting to happen.

Anyway.   I, for one, am glad today is over.   Tomorrow is not much better, but at least Dick does not have to go anywhere.  Home is much safer these days.

I made a couple of calls today to see about getting help in here.   It is so hard to determine WHAT help will be practical, but we have to keep Dick safe at all costs.

So.  Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Let's remember that each day is a new beginning.   And the good old saying  One day at a time.

A quick post tonight.  

I left for Bible Study after getting us up, dressed and fed.  It was about 9AM.  I stopped at the post office to send our present for little Marcus to him.  

There were just 4 of us at the Bible study and we had some really nice discussions.   We have now finished the group of Royal Psalms that we have been studying and are moving on into the Laments.   We are looking forward to them.   I have read and heard some of them at Mass and they are a good way to vent feeling lost, afraid or sorry for oneself.   I think it is probably God's way of telling us that is OK to feel that way sometimes.

Then Peggy Feider joined me to go to see Mom.   Peggy and Mom knew each other by sight and reputation, but have never really talked.    Nora and Leif were there when we got there so the five of us had a nice visit before Peggy had to leave.  Then I got to visit a bit with Nora before they had to leave to go see Aunt Kathleen.  Which left enough time for me to help Mom with the bills and fill the pill box for her.

Home again, we had our lunch and then took off for the Sheboygan Clinic.   Dick's coagulation count is coming up but is not perfect yet.   At least I don't have to give him any more shots.    Then we had an appointment with Dr. Herman, the urologist.     He had a test which shows that there are no cysts which is good news.   There is a diabetes related problem that we will be working on.  Hopefully - no more infections.

I wish that there had been more time with Nora, but we are really so blessed that in our age, travel is so much easier and that they were able to be here at all.    In our younger years, this was not an option.

Dancing with the Stars is on and I am enjoying it despite the interruptions.    There is a really good cast of Stars this time.   It is going to be really hard not to vote for them all.

Tomorrow is already full in the morning. Hopefully, I will be able to take a nap in the afternoon though.   That was impossible today.

We had a bit of rain today.  A welcome rain, not too cold and not really heavy.  Just soft and steady.  Some people have daffodils already.   Mine are coming up but no blooms yet.  But as I said, I have crocuses and they are beautiful.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a very uneventful day.   Thank God!  We got up at about 7AM and just moved apace.

As we had NO appointments and N0 body coming over the day just kind of moved.    I had a terrible night last night.   Just could not get to sleep.   I  tried naps twice today but Dick needed me before if was able to really get into either one.   I am hoping to go to bed and just zone out for 10 hours.

I prepared my homemade corned beef for our lunch and it was delicious.    We can enjoy sandwiches and hash and another whole dinner this week with that.   I need to take some to Mother too.

In the middle of the day, the Internet and the phone service stopped working.  I called Time Warner, and thank heavens, they sent somebody out right away.   He found a unconnected wire.   Someday I will tell you about it.   So we are all fixed up an off and running.

We were laughing at how dependent we are on the computers.   Even, maybe even more so, us retired people.   I am LOST without it.   I have my calendar and my finances and everything on it.

I got to talk to Nora today.   If Dick feels OK, I will go to Bible Study and mother's house and get to see her a bit tomorrow.   She is only here until Tuesday and the Irish Party was supposed to be the big get together.  I am just so grateful that Dick was not hurt.    I believe this gives me ammunition to push for a medic alert system.

We have been enjoying dessert today.   I made an Irish Cream cake that is really good.   It also has chocolate pudding and chocolate chips in the mix.   How can you go wrong.

So.  a quiet Sunday.   Pray for a quiet week.   Tomorrow is my Bart's birthday.   He is 41 years old.   I remember with such joy, his birth.   He was the only of my boys that I got to actually see come into this world.    It was a beautiful sight.    That was one of the happiest delivery rooms in the world.   The nurses were even excited.  An now I have a new great grandson,  little Marcus, who has nice round cheeks like his Uncle Bart did when he was born.

So blessings on the week

Dia Dhuit

Mary

St. Patrick's Day dawned kind of cloudy, but warm and perfect for the Festivities in Plymouth.  

I got up at 7AM and managed to get lots done before I woke Dick up at 8AM so that I could have him all settled and fed before I left for the CWI meeting at The Exchange Bank.    There were only 6 of us there, but several others joined us at the corner of Highland and Eastern for the Big Walk.  Several of us decided to walk up.   It took a bit longer than we had anticipated so  four of us who started together just joined the parade where we met it.

It was a wonderful walk.   Saw lots and lots of friends.   We got to the Stafford in good time and went in to have our shot of whiskey.   Then we, Celtic Women split up.   Some stayed at the Stafford and several of us went to eat at Antoinettes where it was quieter.    I ordered a Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries.   I was able to bring half home for Dick.

I got home at a bit after 1PM.    Then I took a nap so that I could be ready for tonight.   However, the best laid plans. 

I went to the 4PM Mass and when I got home, I found Dick had fallen.  He was sitting on his bent over prosthesis again.   No other choice but to call 911.   Those guys are really getting to know us well.   They are so very kind.   Fortunately, he did not hurt himself.  He must have a special, very tired and hard working guardian angel.   Thank God.

So, needless to say.  I stayed home instead of going to the party at Eileen's home.   I went downstairs  and found the Quiet Man movie.  I have helped Dick into bed and am watching the movie over a glass of Irish Creme with a cup of decaf, one of my favorite combinations.

Pray for us.   We have so many needs.   Of course, He knows that.

All my love and Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Good fun things happened today.

Dick had his blood tested and it IS improving.  After today, I don't have to give any more shots.

We had a lot of people in and out of here.  Dick was exhausted and because of that he wanted to go to bed at 7PM which made it easy to go to 52 Stafford to meet my friend Nancy.  Jeff and Kathy did not make it but I had a great time and am looking forward to the Irishman's Walk tomorrow.

So Bless you and make your sleep peaceful

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another lovely day.   Not as warm as yesterday, but lovely all the same.  We still have the window in the door, but I left the door open anyway so that Roxie could warm her round self in the bright afternoon sun.

We were home all day with only one visitor.   The RN to check Dick's coagulation count.   He is still too low, so I ended up having to give him another shot today.    Rachel, an RN, will be here tomorrow morning to check him again.

It should also be rather quiet tomorrow.   Except.   Jody comes at 8AM.   Rachel at 10AM and Judy the home health aid at 12:30PM.

If Jeff and Kathy come to Plymouth to see Blarney on Friday night, they will call and I will go down to join them for an hour or so.  A welcome Celtic Break.

Janet Bieschke lent me a DVD that Jean Bills gave her summarizing the first Celtic Women Gatherings.   I was at several of them and found it so delightful.   So many people that I have not seen in years and so many memories.    The music Jean Bills used for background made me proud of my music collection.   Though I can still fill it in.

I don't know quite what to do with Dick in the evenings.   He is so restless and seems most distracted then.  How does one ask for help when one does not know what to ask for?

We had cream of cauliflower soup for supper.   It is so good.   A recipe I go from the Pioneer Woman.   Dick ate quiet well too.   I baked brown bread and we had a slice of that with our soup.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible."  St. Francis of Assisi

A reasonably busy day today.   We both got up shortly after 6AM.   Dick had gone to bed at 6PM last night and except for one time to get put together for the bathroom he slept through.    He is aiming for almost the same thing tonight.   It is a bit later, almost 7PM so perhaps he will sleep through.

It got all the way up to the low 80s today and the sun shone in a blue sky too.   Boy.   I have crocuses blooming in the front.berm.

I went to the grocery story early and was home shortly after 8AM.   I had a rather fun time as I bought things to complete the corned beef dinner.    My corned beef is ready to take out of its brine and prepare to cook.  It is so exciting when a plan comes together.    I think I will prepare it for Sunday as I will be gone parading and partying for a portion of St. Patrick's day and won't be able to do it justice.

I am also baking a shamrock shaped cake for Sunday.

Marty, the prosthesist, kindly stopped at the condo on his way from Fond du Lac to the Sheboygan office to help stabilize that right prosthesis.    He also checked the left one and we agree that it was the laying in bed with them on during the procedure on Friday that must have loosened both of them and caused the unsteadiness he had on Friday evening.

Then Sara, the PT, came at 1:30PM and worked on stretching his knees and hips.   She is going to put him on a break from her therapy until we resolve the prosthesis problems and hopefully the weakness and lethergy.    We feel we would rather use those hours when they will do some good.   The home health aids and he and I can keep his muscles stretched and he stands up and sits down at 10 to 12 times a day just transferring.   I get my excercise too but it is not good for my back, I can tell you.

He has visits with the pulminologist and the urologist next week also.   So maybe we will get answers.   I refuse to lose hope.   Please keep praying for us.

Also say some prayers for Kate's husband, Ron,  he had surgery again last night on his heart, a bypass.   He is home already, of course.    Kate and I shared worries today.    We can also share prayers.

So. tomorrow I get to be home all day and the only person who will set foot in the house is the RN to take Dick's INR.   With any luck at all, the count will be 2.0 or better and I will not have to give him any more shots in the tummy.   I don't like that at all.   At least he says that I don't hurt him.   That would really make me upset.

So till tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Quite a day.    It was gorgeous outside.   No wind.  Sunshine and the temps were in the mid to high 60s and I got to be out of it for part of the afternoon.

Now, I know that Spring is here.   And here are the three reasons why.

1.  I saw several robins cavorting at the corner.

2.  Two days ago, I saw a red-winged blackbird.

3.  This morning when I walked out to take the trash to the corner, there were worms all over the blacktop.

What more proof do we need?   If you really need more proof, the crocus are also starting to show color.

Ashley, one of the RNs, came to test Dick's INR.   He is still to low to stop the shots.  (Darn.)   But it has come up some.    On Thursday, a nurse will check it again.   Hopefully that will do it.

Dick was very very sleepy today.    Nancy got here at 11:30AM to give him his bath.   Sara, the PT, is also having her do some stretching to keep his hips and muscles from shrinking.  I know shrinking isn't the correct word but it does convey the meaning.

I left as soon as she was done to meet three of my Celtic Women International sisters at Woodlake.    We are not done yet, because we dawdle and are easily distracted, but are visiting the Shops at Woodlake for donations for door prizes at our Spring Gathering on the weekend of April 26-28.    We finished today's work at the Craverie a Chocolatier Cafe.   Doesn't that sound decadent.   It is.   I had a latte and a biscotti, then headed for home.

Dick is still SO exhausted.   It is not quite 7PM and he is already in bed.    I will probably head there myself in the next hour and perhaps read for a while before going to sleep.   I am sure he will be waking up at LEAST once during the night as he has gone to bed so early.    I have some soup ready to just heat for him when he does wake up as he will need something.

A picture of our little Marcus was on Facebook this morning.   He is beautiful and I can see shades of both his mother and father in that cute little face.

The rest of the week is supposed to be about as lovely as today with perhaps some rain on one of them.  But Saturday looks just perfect for the big day and the Irishman's walk.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A day of mixed blessings.   Still adjusting to daylight savings time, I got up at 6AM so that I could get everything around here done before leaving to have breakfast with Bob Fleming at the Point at 8AM.   Dick woke up at about the same time, which was a blessing.   I always hate to have to awaken him.   This way there was plenty of time to ease him into the day and get his breakfast made.

I just got a call from Bill Smith.  We are great grandparents of little Marcus Jeremiah Limjoco who weighed in this afternoon at 7lb 12oz. in California.    Mother and baby fine and Grandma Leslie exhausted as Bill said she was up for almost 30 hours with Nora and Ernie.    But we are all very happy.   Babies are such joy and we will be most anxious for pictures of the little family.

Bob and I enjoyed our breakfast and our conversation.   He is such a good friend.   He shared the fairy houses that he helped the visitors at The Gathering Place, a ministry by St. Paul's in Sheboygan Falls, for Alzheimer and dementia people.   I want to present the Fairy Houses as a fun thing for Celtic Women to do in the spring.    They are made out of bark and twigs and leaves and grasses and are so cool.   I want to make one for sure and put it at the bottom of my garden.    I need to send the There Are Fairies At the Bottom of our Garden poem to Bob.

Bible Study was well attended.   We finished up the Royal Psalms chapter of our study.  It ended with a reading from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus stresses that the Kingdom he is bringing is not an earthly kingdom.   Too bad Israel and the whole world actually can't feel that way.  

Mom was just fine today.    We paid a couple of bills and had a lovely visit.    Nora and Leif will be here on the 15th and go back to Texas on the 20th.   Will be so good to see them on St. Patrick's Day at Eileen's St. Patrick's Day Party.

I got home shortly before noon.    We had crock pot roast beef with potatoes and green beans.   Then Sara, the PT and Rachel the RN came.   Dick's INR is still too low so I had to give him another shot today.   Pew.   They will check again tomorrow and if it is up to 2.0 I can stop doing that.  He is still sooooo weak.   I contacted his family doctor and the pharmacist independently to have them double check as to if there is some bad interaction with the Many Many meds that he takes.   They both assured us independently that there is none.

We did get a call from Dr. Kream's nurse that there was no malignancy in the fluids that were extracted.  And, so far, there is no sign of bacteria.  This is good news.  

But, we go back to the same question.   THEN WHAT IS WRONG.   He is still weak and tired and seems to be getting more so.

Oh well.   Today, I can stop worrying about it.   It is time to go to bed and dream of snips and snails and puppy dog tails and a little sweet baby that is now a part of our world.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Fairies

THERE are fairies at the bottom of our garden!
It's not so very, very far away;
You pass the gardner's shed and you just keep straight ahead --
I do so hope they've really come to stay.
There's a little wood, with moss in it and beetles,
And a little stream that quietly runs through;
You wouldn't think they'd dare to come merrymaking there--
Well, they do.

There are fairies at the bottom of our garden!
They often have a dance on summer nights;
The butterflies and bees make a lovely little breeze,
And the rabbits stand about and hold the lights.
Did you know that they could sit upon the moonbeams
And pick a little star to make a fan,
And dance away up there in the middle of the air?
Well, they can.

There are fairies at the bottom of our garden!
You cannot think how beautiful they are;
They all stand up and sing when the Fairy Queen and King
Come gently floating down upon their car.
The King is very proud and very handsome;
The Queen--now you can quess who that could be
(She's a little girl all day, but at night she steals away)?
Well -- it's Me!

Rose Fyleman

I feel much better today.   My cold is almost gone after two days of sneezing a taking advantage of Friday and Saturday, early to bed and naps.

Today was quiet.   I still took it as easy as I could.   I fixed a nice dinner, did a bit of sewing, cleaned the kitchen and remembered to turn and massage the corned beef.    In just three days I will begin preparing that.

I took a nap this afternoon.  And I went to Mass this morning as I had decided to stay home yesterday.   It almost seems funny to be going on Sunday as I mostly attend on Saturday evening.

Dick is still so very tired and gets out of breath.   He gets unsteady on his prosthesis.   I think the left one is slipping.  Tomorrow I will call Marty the Prosthesist for help.

I will be having breakfast with my friend Bob Fleming tomorrow.   He is such a good buddy.   I am getting some note cards from him.   I love his Patrick and his Francis.

So.  Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A bit of Irish Wisdom

"I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper, and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer."
-- Brendan Behan

 

I spent today doing nothing.    I took two naps.   I just rested.    I think it is making a difference, my cold definitely seems to have subsided.

So I have nothing to report at all.  Dick is still VERY tired.   However, he says there is no pain and hopefully a day or two we will see an improvement.

Monday I will have to call the prosthesist as he is still not able to stand with any confidence.

Tomorrow, I will go to Mass and maybe will feel a bit more alive.

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

Thank God that next week, Dick does not have any appointments outside the home.   I only have to go to Bible Study, see Mother and get my hair cut.  It is a virtual boring week.   I am so delighted and intend to spend as much time as I can just hiding from every real thing in this world.

We left for Sheboygan Memorial at 9:15AM and got Dick all checked in for his procedure.   They were pretty on schedule for that but we had not been informed (big surprise) how long it would take for his release.   He does seem to be breathing a bit better but the next couple of days will tell the tale.   We finally were released at about 2PM and got home at about 2:30APM.   Judy, the home health aid was here.  So Dick had to hang on for another hour while he got his bath.

We know that they took 400 CCs of fluid out of his lungs.  About a half liter.   This should, if there is a God in the heavens, provide some relief to his breathing and help with his general weakness.   This evening he is actually saying that he can breath in a bit deeper.

So this is my Blog for the night.   I have been sneezing for two days and have just spent four hours in a hospital and just want to do NOTHING>

Thank you for understanding as I know all of you will.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Thank the Lord today is over.     We had a visit from Sara at 10:30AM, a visit from Rachel at 11:30AM and had to go over to Advanced Eye Care at 1:25PM.

The therapy and the blood draws went just fine.   The eye visit did too.  Dr. Cheryl took one look at her prescription and what was sent from the manufacturer of the lens and said that no wonder there was a problem.   She has reordered and they will call us when it is ready.   We have the old lens in in the meantime.

I tried to nap this afternoon, but have a cold and it was not possible.   I am going to bed early tonight with a hot toddy to relax me and clear the nasal passages.   Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

We have to be at the hospital at 9:45AM for Dick's lung treatment.   Please keep us in your prayers.

The other evening, Dick and I had just gotten to bed and were drifting off nicely when we heard a terrible crash.   I jumped up and looked around to find that the wall sconce that Bret made for me in high school, that I had hung in the bedroom, with the statue of the Infant of Prague that I got from Aunt Helen's house that belonged to my Grandma Deeley, had fallen off the wall, God knows how.   The sconce needed to have the mirror re glued but the Infant was smashed to smithereens.   You have no idea how pathetic his little head looked so separated from his body with the world he stands on laying on the other side.   I hope that was not an omen.  But it can't be.  My Grandma Deeley would not let anything bad happen to me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A lot happened AGAIN today.   I did stay go back to bed after feeding Roxie for an extra half an hour.    I was so tired because it was one of those nights when you know you must have slept but can't for the life of you believe that you did.

After I got Dick up and settled with his pills and all, I took off for grocery shopping and a side trip to Walgreens.  Home before 9:30AM, we had the donuts I bought for our breakfast.  We were able to get Dick's hair washed today before Bobbie got here for lunch at 11:30AM.    All went well, and we loaded him up in the car to go to have Marty at Wisconsin Prosthesis do some adjustments on his right leg, the new one.    This was the first time that he was able to see Dick actually take some steps in it as he has been so weak and out of breath at the other fittings that he had to kind of do an educated guess.   Sara, Dick's PT, met us at the place and she and Marty were able to share their expertise for the adjustments.    I was so grateful to Sara for coming and Marty was so pleased too as they got to collaborate.

Sara will come tomorrow for his regular PT also.   Marty gave me a spray to use to clean the sockets and some lotion for the stumps.   Neither has alcohol so will be easier on his skin.

We got home at about 2:30.   Ashley, the RN, came at 3PM and checked Dick out.   Then she watched me give him that  shot that I have been dreading.    It went well and actually, Dick said that I didn't even hurt him.  Andrea hurt him yesterday.    Now I have several more days of that.  I have really learned more than I want to know.

Tomorrow was supposed to be a whole day at home but we will have to go out just once to have Dr. Cheryl check Dick's lens.  I got it put in the day before yesterday and it is just not right.   That too!

Roxie was especially delighted to see Bobbie today and demanded lots of love and petting.    They both enjoy it you know.  

It was as high as 69 degrees today.  A full on spring day.   It was a might cloudy and the wind was what I would call blustery but guess what, the snow is all gone.    That is always nice in March.   I hope it stays away at least through The Holy Day, March 17th so that we may march in peace and with God's own sun lighting our way.

I can see a few little green things trying to poke their heads above ground already.   Imbolc is finally upon us.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have been pretty tired and the ribs are still very sore today.   But Dick and I muddled through OK.   I rested as much as possible.

Dick is still extremely tired.  Falling asleep at every opportunity.   Today was rather hard on him too.   Nancy, the health aid, came to give him his bath at 11AM.   Sara the PT came to do therapy at 11:30AM.   And we had Angela, an RN. came to give him the first of a series of shots that will be a bridge while he is still off of the warfarin.  

Here is my tale of woe.  I spent a hunk of the morning trying to figure out what happened with the results of the blood test that Yvonne took yesterday.    I finally got the results from the Anti-coagulation Clinic and called them in MYSELF to Dr. Kreams office.   They discussed things and have scheduled the thoracentesis for Friday.   We have to get him to the hospital at 9:45AM.   I don't know what time the actual procedure will take place.

Then I was told that he would probably just stay off of the Warfarin until Friday evening, UNTIL, I got a call from the anti coagulation clinic that they decided, because of his several conditions that he should have these bridge shots of Lominox until the day of the surgery and for several days after.    Angela came today and administered the shot and had me observe.   Someone will come tomorrow to assist me, but I will give the shot and will administer all of the rest of them.     I am not thrilled, but one does what one has to do.

I did go out to the Kettle Country Quilt meeting and stayed for an hour, then I dropped old pills at the police station, stopped at Advanced Eye care to get Dick's lens replaced, cashed a couple of checks at the bank and picked up a couple of prescriptions at Walgreens, including the syringes of Lominox for Dick.   I got home at 3PM and Angela called at about 3:30PM and got here about an hour later.

We had soup and sandwiches for supper and now are winding down for the evening.  I just have to be sure that Dick does his last nebuliser treatments and takes his pills.   I have to set up my coffee pot. AND I have to get tomorrow's pills laid out for both of us.

Ha HA!   I had to get up to help Dick and everything is done now.   So I think I will go to bed and read until 8:30PM.  It is now 7PM.   I know I will be getting up a couple of times for Dick before I can get to sleep anyway.   He is having quite a difficult day.

So until tomorrow, when we will have been to the prosthesist for adjustments to Dick's legs.   The new one is so loose and needs much work, I think.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

NEW WORD – Ineptocracy

        A little hard to say – extremely hard to swallow

Ineptocracy (in-ep-tow'-cra-cee) - a system of government

where the least capable to lead are elected by the least

capable of producing, and where the members of society

least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded

with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth

of a diminishing number of producers.

            

Dick and I got up at 6AM today because of the busy schedule.

We were all up, fed and dressed when Betty, the RN, came to check Dick out and take MORE of his blood.   This time it was just for the INR.  I left while she was finishing up so that I could get to Bible Study on time.

We never heard from anybody at Aurora about what the reading on the INR was so we don't know if the coagulation count is low enough to do the procedure on his lung or not.   I will be calling Dr. Kream in the morning to find out what is going on.   

I left for Bible Study a bit after 9AM and stayed until 10AM.   We had a nice discussion about Psalm 20 and God's promise to the Israelites and to US.    I also have everybody there praying for Dick and me as we are going through all these tests and procedures.

Then I went over to Mom's.   I needed to spend an hour with her so that we could get the bills paid and I could do any other little things she needed, like fill the pill box for her.    Someone else would have done it anyway, but I was there.   I wanted to have time to tell her about the procedure that I was having this afternoon.   It is so much easier in person.

I got home at about 11:15AM and then fixed dinner for Dick before Kate came to take me to the Plymouth Surgical Center for the steroid injections.  That seems to have gone very well.   I will still have the soreness in my ribs for a couple days and right now, I am really quite exhausted.   It was, after all, an invasion of my body.   So I plan on going to bed and reading for a while.

So pray for us as I pray for you all.

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

A busy, mostly at home, Sunday.    I slept until 7:30AM or so and Dick stayed in bed until 9AM.   He actually woke up then and sat on the edge of the bed for a while before getting up.  So he had a half a sandwich after he was up and took his pills and did his nebulizer.  

Warren and Nancy picked me up at noon and we went out to Rhine to finish shooting for the pistol league.   As you remember, Friday night was not a night to be out  and about.   I found out that there was some shooting of Trap that night though.  Murphy said that he was there and shot a couple of rounds.   I suppose that those who started out there figured that they might as well continue once they got on the road.     It was not fit for man nor beast if you ask me.    That drive from Sheboygan was more than too much for me.  I didn't end up too badly.  It is still fun and that is the most important thing.     Next week is the bust up and then the new league starts the very next week.   Whew.   Sure glad I am not a member any more.    This is enough.   Work hours would kill me.

I got a lot of chores done around the house and was able to get the baby quilt for the Kettle Country Quilters to a point that I can take it with me to show it if I am able to attend the meeting on Tuesday.   It will depend on how I weather the cortisone shot at 12:30PM tomorrow.   I should be fine by then.

There is always the chance that they will schedule Dick's procedure to drain the fluids from under his right lung too.   Help!!!!!

It is going to be OKAY!  Don't worry, Mom.    That is what Bret said to me when he was about 3years old and it is a great thing to remember and know is true.   I so appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts.   I always know that Jesus and the saints (especially Dad and the rest of the family) are with me too.   Very comforting.

So.  Lets all rest easy tonight.   It is after all the beginning of a new week and as my Celtic friends say, we are now well into the holy month.   Less than two weeks until St. Patrick's Day.   I only hope that the weather is as lovely as it was last year for the Irishman's Walk in Plymouth.   I will enjoy my friends and the celebration and I believe a gathering at my sister, Eileen's home in the evening.    I LOVE the Wearin of the Green!!!


Dia Dhuit

Mary

The snow has stopped.   There was at least 6 inches on the ground.   Thank heavens for the condo.    We were all plowed and shoveled before we even woke up.

I was home until three PM when I went to pick up a prescription, some real bargains at the Pig and to Mass.

I am extremely tired.  My ribs are sore and there is always so much to do.    So you will get this much of a blog and no more.

Tomorrow, I hope to be more rested and perhaps can be more interesting.   I did take some pictures of the snow on the trees outside our condo.  Perhaps I can amuse you with that.

Anyway, I love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This day turned out to be another day from h - e  - double toothpicks.

It started out OK.   We got up at 6AM.  Dick was awake and Jody was coming to clean at 8AM so it seemed wise to just get organized.  

Then Yvonne, the RN from VNA came to take the INR blood test.   She was very concerned with the fact that Dick had trouble staying awake while she was here and examining him and conveyed this information to Dr. Kream along with the INR report.

So shortly before 11AM, after the Home Health Aid had come and bathed Dick, Amy from Dr. Kream's office called and said that Dr. Kream wanted us to go to the emergency ward.   There are tests at the hospital that cannot be done, for some reason, at the Clinic.   We were distressed by this but figured that we had better go since this is what her suggested.   I gave us lunch, and then  we headed out.    After four hours and tons of tests, we found out that nothing is really changed.    BUT as least we have some idea of what is supposed to happen in the next week.   He is to stay off of the warfurin and be tested Monday and every other day after that until it is where they want it to be.   Then we will schedule the procedure to drain the fluids from beneath the right lung.   Perhaps this will bring about a vast improvement, or will tell us that the heck is going on and we can treat it.

Of course, when we left, it had been rain/snowing for an hour and a half.  A wet heavy sticky snow.   There was already an inch and a half on the ground and it was slippery as all git out.

I did not go over 45 miles an hour all the way home. Obviously we made it safe and sound but we are an exhausted two people and will again be in bed very early tonight.    Tomorrow, the only places I have to go are to Mass and to Walgreens to pick up a prescription for Dick. 

Again, obviously, I did not go to pick up a fish dinner,  I did not go to shoot and I did not go to the Plymouth Art Center for the opening reception to show off the new addition.   Too bad.  So sad.   We were just happy to be home safe and sound.   I think our Guardian Angels must be exhausted too.   They had a heck of a time keeping us on the road.

So til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was quite a pleasant day today.   Kind of cloudy but there was no wind and it was not too cold.

We were home all day and I was busy all day.   The first day home in several and things do get behind.

Sara, the PT, came at 11:30AM.   Dick did very well today.   He walked a bit and did two balancing sessions at the sink.  He got up at about 7:30AM and had a quiet morning which I know helped.  Tomorrow she is coming again at 1PM.    He has a busier day but there should be at least 2 hours after his bath so he will probably not be too tired.   

I went to UW Sheboygan at about 5PM to enjoy the one man show by Keary Kautzer at the Fine Arts Gallery.   It was entitled Keep it Simple.   And they are just lovely, mostly water colors .  I love the vibrancy and, yes, the simplicity of his paintings.   

Now I am home and this will be very short.   I had a rather painful day but the Tylenol seems to be helping.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, we saw Dr. Kream, the pulminologist, this morning.   Bobbie met us at the Sheboygan Clinic to help get him in to the building.   

We were so grateful that the promised winter storm did not come down as low as Sheboygan County.  We had rain and the wind and the wind was a bit "brisk" on the drive over, but it pretty much stopped when Bobbie and I were getting him out of the car and in to the wheel chair.

Dr. Kream was very thorough.   He tells us that the fluid under the lungs should be removed as it is not drying up and could be the source of the infection or the recurring infection.   We have to stop the warferin for a time so that his blood will not be too thin to do the procedure.   He will be contacting a heart specialist to be aware of what is going on.   Then he sent us down to the lab for blood draws.   Dick said they took at least 10 samples for all the tests that are being done.   Friday an RN from VNA will take an INR blood draw to see how his thin his blood is and then we will start making the plans.

Whew!  

But a good thing.   We ran into Nancy, one of the CNA's from Rocky Knoll, while we were in the lab.   She retired on January 4th.   It sure was good to see her.   She was glad to see Dick too.  

We made it home at just about noon.  I had started chicken and gravy in the crock pot, so all I had to do was bake a potato and fix  a salad for our lunch.   Then I made a couple of phone calls and went right to the grocery store.  That went well.   Dick wanted raspberry ice cream.    I found raspberry chocolate and then bought some frozen raspberries to put on a vanilla based ice cream too.

I FINALLY got the currant/marigold and the marigold wines that I am brewing racked.   They are my last two batches.    In about a month I can filter them and bottle them and then I will be ALL done with wine making.  I really enjoyed it but it was much more fun when Dick and I could do it together.

Richard and Brenda called this evening.  So most of the above is old news to them.   They had such a good time in Florida and now are trying to decide what to do for Brenda's birthday next month.

I talked to Bart today too.   I wanted to let him know that Victor Williams had died on Saturday.    I forwarded Darlene, Vic's daughter's, email with the announcement so that he can read it and send a note to Darlene.   When Bart and I moved to Wisconsin from Minnesota 27 years ago, we lived in an upper above the Williams.   They were so good to us and when I bought my little house, Vic moved most of my stuff while I was at work.   They had a little dog, a Chihuahua, named Pepe.   He and Zero were best friends.   One of the sweetest memories if Vic sitting in his easy chair eating something with a dog on either side patiently waiting for his treats.   And they were never disappointed.

That's all I have.   Hope tomorrow is a bit quieter.   We will be home all during the day and I will be going to the UW in Sheboygan to see an Art Show that is featuring poems by the husband of a friend of mine.    His email is www.kearykautzer.com if you want to see some of his work.

So good night and Dia Dhuit

Mary

It has been a day of hope and a tired day too.

I had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Leban at 9:30AM so I got up at 6 and did everything I could before Dick got up at 7:30.   Then we got him ready for the day and I left for my appointment.

She reviewed my bone scan with me and it confirms her diagnosis with a twist.   The area between the 8th and 9th discs in my spinal cord is the problem.    First she treated it as a nerve problem as the MRI showed a swelling there, but the meds weren't helping much.  The bone scan confirmed that I have arthritis in that area which caused the nerve pain.   SO next Monday, I will go to Valley View Hospital here in Plymouth and have a cortisone shot in that area which should solve the problem.   Possibly permanently but at least for a rather long period of time.   Pray that this will work. 

I got home at 10:30.   There were two phone calls waiting.  I had to return the one to Christy at Dr. Sharon's office.   She was verifying the dose of a prescription that is being refilled and also making sure that we have gotten an appointment with Dr. Kream.   The other call WAS from Dr. Kream's office.    I called them back too and we have an appointment with him tomorrow at 9:30AM.   Bobbie will meet us at the Sheboygan Clinic at 9:15AM to help get him into the building.   There is an incline there and we are trying to keep the pain down in my ribs.

As I said, Dr. Bostwick believes that there is an increase in the fluid below Dick's right lung and wanted Dr. Kream to see him ASAP.   Perhaps they will drain some of the fluid.   We just need to make him better.

Nancy the Home Health Aid came and got him bathed.   Heidi the PT called.  I told her what was happening and they will call tomorrow or Thursday to start PT again.

I talked to Marty at Wisconsin Prosthesis and we have cancelled tomorrow's appointment and will reschedule as soon as we can.    Dick and I CAN go to Fond du Lac where he had hours more than in Sheboygan.   It is not much further and easy to get to.

We were home all afternoon.  I did some sewing and took a nap.

It is now getting close to settling down to bed.   I am so tired from the aching ribs that I could go right now.  As soon as Dick is tucked in I will be right behind him.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, no nap today.    We got up basically with the cat as Dick woke up then and it seemed silly to go back to bed then.   6AM is really OK if I sleep well, but I did not.   I had to get up with Dick once during the night and had a heck of a time getting back to sleep and then kept waking up.

I left at 9AM for Bible Study.   We had five of us there and had an interesting talk about Psalm 20.

Then I went to Mom's.   She only had two bills to pay so we had a nice long visit today.   I took the Bridget that Bob did for me to show to her and to the bible study.   They are all impressed. Of course.

Home again, Rachel had been here and drawn blood from Dick.   She called shortly after I got home to tell me that his coagulation count was just fine and to agree with the concerns that I had expressed to her yesterday about Dick's general condition and his forgetfulness.   She called Dr. Sharon's office.  He was not in so it was recommended that we got to Urgent Care here in Plymouth to see Dr. Bostwick.   He is the doctor who treated my sprained foot some time earlier this year. 

He took a fresh set of blood tests and an Xray and he reviewed everything else in the file.   The only thing he found is that the fluid buildup in his lower right lung is worse.   So he has left a message with Dr. Kream that Dick should see him as soon as possible.    Otherwise, we will have to wait for over three weeks for the appointment that is already scheduled.

Anyway,  We were at the Clinic from 3PM until 5:30PM and we are exhausted.   So. we are making our way towards an early bedtime.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Roxie enjoying herself as the queen she really is.

A whole day at home.   No visitors.   We slept until 8AM.   That was a pleasure in itself.   Dick had to get up once during the night but it still turned out to be a great night's sleep for both of us.

We had a very light breakfast as we got up so late.   It is just that it takes at least an hour to get us READY to eat.  Then, for lunch we had meatloaf with mashed potatoes, carrots for Dick and rutabaga mixed in with the mashed potatoes for me. 

I spent the morning getting emails caught up again.   Lots for CWI.    I also found out that March 1 is St. David's Day.  St. David is the patron saint of Wales.   So now we know three of the Celtic nations patron saints.   I wonder if the other four have them too.   I will let you know and tell you about St. David at the end of this email.

I took pictures of our Roxie sprawled out in front of the fireplace.   I will send a copy of that from Picasa later too.  

Richard and Brenda called this afternoon.   Their trip to Florida was everything they had hoped for.   The pictures show that.   They like Florida a lot.

We got a lovely thank you note from Nora and Ernie for the shower gift.    Nora also has let me know that Leslie is now out there to help after little Marcus comes to join us.

So that is all the excitement I have.   Hope your day was as gentle.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year. The date of 1 March was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David. Tradition holds that he died on that day in 589.[1] The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century.

Children in Wales take part in school concerts or eisteddfodau, with recitation and singing being the main activities. Formerly, a half-day holiday was afforded to school children. Officially this custom does not continue, although the practice can vary on a school-to-school basis.
Many Welsh people wear one or both of the national emblems of Wales on their lapel to celebrate St. David: the daffodil (a generic Welsh symbol which is in season during March) or the leek (Saint David's personal symbol) on this day. The leek arises from an occasion when a troop of Welsh were able to distinguish each other from a troop of English enemy dressed in similar fashion by wearing leeks.[13] The association between leeks and daffodils is strengthened by the fact that they have similar names in Welsh, Cenhinen (leek) and Cenhinen Pedr (daffodil, literally "Peter's leek"). Younger girls sometimes wear traditional Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and a Welsh hat.

Crawl, a traditional soup, is often prepared and served.

                       

Except for going to Mass this afternoon, we were able to be home all day.    The only other person we saw  was Jody, who came to clean today because of the weather yesterday.

So the house is all clean and we had a quiet day.   I fixed hamburgers and oven fries for lunch which was a nice change for us.    I had enough burger left to prepare a small meatloaf for tomorrow.   I took a nap this afternoon.

This morning, I spent an hour downstairs laying out my new wall hanging.   I am rather excited now that it is coming together.   I will post a picture and a description when I have it done.  Tomorrow I should have more time to work on it and hopefully the baby quilt for the quilt club.

Mass was nice.  A quiet time for me to regroup.   The evenings have been kind of difficult lately as Dick is kind of out of it by then and it is hard to take care of him.   I hope when this infection is gone and when his leg is better fitted we will get over these problems.   Tomorrow, with any luck at all, I can sleep late.

So I pray that your weekend is as quiet as mine (if you want a quiet weekend that is).   And

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We had snow. The view out the back windows is breathtaking.   We only got about 2 inches overnight and the flurries we got off and on all day did not amount to much more than just being very lovely and fairy tale like.

Jody called at about 7:30AM to ask if she could come tomorrow morning instead of today.   She had JUST gotten home from her security job in Milwaukee and was just trying to breath because the ride was so bad.   I know they got lots more snow, put to 8 inches south of us.   I told her it was fine with us, so we will see her tomorrow.

Yvonne, the RN, came at 8:30AM to draw blood for the anti-coagulation test.  She, of course, checked out all of his vital signs.  He is OK except for that heaviness in the right lower chest, that persists.   Debbie from the anti coagulation clinic called after the delivery.   I knew that it was now 2.9 so everything should be OK.   The VNA will check again early next week.

Things were rather quiet until almost noon.   I went downstairs to work on the quilting projects for a bit and then came up to fix lunch for 11:30AM as Nancy, the health aid came at 12noon.   She was close to done when Heidi, the PT came.    Dick was now tired, so she just had him walk and we checked out his stumps for redness.  Then she asked me to work with him on the therabands for upper arm strength.  

Then I took a nap before going on two errands, one to the bank and the other to Walgreens.  That done and the wash out of the dryer, I headed over to Rhine Plymouth to shoot in the pistol league.    I pretty much shot and left.  I was able to visit while I waited with Terry while I waited for Nancy and Warren to finish.    Then I went down and shot four targets.    They were not AWFUL but were none to spectacular either.   I tried shooting with my left eye as my sight seems better in that eye.   It did not hurt the score and perhaps practice will help the score if I keep it up.   I will finish shooting the league next week and the following week will be the bust up party.

Then I left and swung by St. Johns to pick up fish fry for our dinner.   They have one every week in Lent and we pick it up as often as possible.   It is kind of like sweet corn and tomatoes in late summer.   Enjoy it as long as it lasts.

Tomorrow will be a quieter day.    Jody will be here in the morning and I will be going to Mass at 4PM.   Just a nice way to spend a Saturday.   I will be able to work down stairs on my projects for a bit too.

So I am helping Dick get ready for bed and then will follow him myself, so I will say good night

Dia Dhuit

Mary



Today would have been Steve Jobs birthday.   This is a quote from him

Jobs once said, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

This is the Bridget of Ireland that Bob Fleming painted for me as an Icon painting. I am so honored.

Mary

I got up at about 6:30 this morning.    I just let Dick sleep because he had a really bad evening before getting to bed last night AND he could not eat this morning because he was scheduled for that CT Scan at 10AM.   No eating or drinking anything but water before the test.

He finally woke up on his own shortly after 8:30AM, just in time to get up, get changed, take his pills and get him over to the Plymouth Clinic.   We actually got there a bit early but they took him right in.  He said that they took HUNDREDS of pictures and the technician read them right away and had to get a couple of others.   But we left there shortly after 10:30 with him no worse for wear.

When we got home, I started lunch as it was too late for breakfast.   We ate ate about 11:30AM.   I added andouille sausage to the dirty rice and we had a salad and carrots with it.  

Then I took a nap before going down stairs to work on a couple of projects that I have going there.

They all have to be done by the end of April.

Nothing else happened that was exciting today.   I will put a copy of the St. Bridget that Bob Fleming did for me on the blog.   It is so beautiful.   He is a marvelous artist and I so enjoy his friendship.

Til tomorrow Dia Dhuit

Mary

 Not a bad day, but VERY busy.     I got up at 6:30AM.   Dick got up a bit earlier, but he slept from 8:30PM to 5:30AM so it was a good night's sleep.


We had breakfast and then I did the grocery shopping.   I was home by 8:30AM and able to get them put away and catch up on Quicken before I had to leave for Sheboygan to drop something off at JMKAC and then to to Mark Miller's to drop off the taxes.   


I got to JMKAC at a perfect time.   I was able to watch the beginning of Footlights - with the Thodos Dance Company from Chicago, that were doing a special performance for several classes of young people that had been brought in.    I was able to stay through their explanation and demonstration of ballet.   I wish I could have stayed for all of it but had to leave for my tax appointment.  


It was good to see Mark Miller again and he always does a good job with our taxes and I know that they are done correctly.    With all of the medical we have this year, I know we will end up  with a large return.    Mark and I figured we have known each other for at least 25 years because I met him when I worked at United Savings and Loan when  I first came back to Wisconsin.


I was home before noon and prepared salmon croquettes for our dinner with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and salad.  Then I took a short nap.  I had lots of computer work and remembered to massage the corned beef today.   


We had soup and sandwiches for supper and then I went to church for the Ash Wednesday service.   I have a proper black cross on my forehead.   It was a lovely service, the children's choir led us in the singing.  I got home just before 8PM. I am enjoying a nice cup of tea and then it will be time to help Dick to bed and get to bed myself.  


Tomorrow morning will be busy with Dick's CT Scan at 10AM over at Aurora Plymouth.   I hope they can determine something that will help him stop having these UTIs.    He is so weak from them.


So.  A lovely day.   Snow is supposed to come overnight.  Boo!  Just when I have to take Dick out.   Oh Well.   Each day its own challenges.


So goodnight and sleep tight


Dia Dhuit


Mary




 The second half of the information I posted yesterday.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax


STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 545 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!

This has been another day from hell.    It started off OK.   I thought I had everything under control, kind of.   I got a message to Nancy, the home health aid that we MIGHT be a out for a bit past 11AM as we made an appointment with Dr. Herman, the urologist, for 10AM at Plymouth.   We also had Deb from the anti coagulation clinic do his blood test.  He was on the verge of high, but not too bad.  That meant that the nurse did not have to come here today.

Dr. Herman has ordered new tests.   There are several things that may be accounting for the recurring UTIs and we need to rule them out.   He will have a CT scan on Thursday.   Darn!   That means that there is no day that I can JUST BE HOME this week.

We did get home in time for the home health aid and Dick got washed up nicely and I am sure feels better.   Then at 1PM, Heidi, the PT who is replacing Sara while she is on her wedding trip to Jamaca, came.  Imagine my delight when we found that we are fellow Blessed Trinity People.  I have known her for years there in Sheboygan Falls.   She is very good and gentle and was good with Dick as he was so exhausted.    I made an appointment with Wisconsin Prosthesis for his first adjustment next Wednesday as we are a bit concerned with the way his knee kind of turns in.  

I took a short nap, then drove over to Walgreens to pick up a prescription and a supplement for Dick.   I am down to 5 things on my list and with the way the day went, feel pretty good about that.

My check list is almost crossed off so I will be saying good night to you all and heading to bed soon. Pray for me, tomorrow looks just as busy.

I love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary



This is the first half of the article by Charlie Reese.  I will put the other half in tomorrow.


Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.