A LONG LONG day but well worth experiencing.
We got up at 5:00AM, as usual these days. It was only 6 degrees out there. Chelsea seems agreeable to shortening her walks at that hour and in those temperatures so despite the fact that I had to help Dick get his stockings on we made it to Valley View by 6:00. Everything went well, even the dressing change. We were very relieved to see Denice was on duty because Dick says her dressing change hurts the least.
I baked two batches of Kahlua Brownies for the bust up tomorrow. Boy are they good. I made one batch with nuts and one without. Cleaned bathrooms too AND took a nap.
We got to Valley View this evening JUST at the right time. Nurse Lisa got us hooked up and going just before patients started streaming in to Urgent Care like there was no tomorrow. We had to wait for a bit to be unhooked and flushed because they were so busy. But as I said, if we had come there for an urgent reason, I would want me to come first before someone who just needs to be unhooked.
This evening I went to the Plymouth Art Center for Shamrocks and Shenanigans. It was VERY good. All local performers who sang and played guitar and fiddle and told jokes for almost three hours. We had soft drinks, Guiness and O Douls available and fresh potato chips during intermission. It ended with a sing a long. Some was not exactly professional but who cared. They all had good voices and really sang with enthusiasm and care. I was pleased.
Sunday there is going to be a seisiun at the Center from 1 to 3PM. They are serving Tea and breads. I will bake some brown bread and join them. I told Mary Calvey that I would be there and would bring my book of poems to share.
Guess that is all for now. I am tired, but am so grateful for an evening away with the Irish.
Love
Mary
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Only 6 more days until the next evaluation. The intravenous went well, except that this evening the nurse accidentally set the time on one of them for an hour. I realized it when a whole half hour was complete and went to tell her. She was able to reset it for only 10 minutes more but that did add time to the procedure. It was almost 6 when we got home.
We did get to spend the entire day except for the hospital at HOME. I went downstairs and did some quilting twice. Got two motifs done.
I worked on a couple of other projects and caught up on phone calls today also.
Tomorrow we will go grocery shopping AND I have my Irish Program in the evening. Guess I had better bake those brownies too. There won't be much time on Friday what with hospital, lunch, helping prepare the bust up and the bust up itself. We have almost 80 people signed up to come so it should be quite a bash. Del, our scorer and MC, had throat surgery. I wonder who will be doing his emceeing for him. We are having roast beef sandwiches, chips, chicken soup and I am making a tuna casserole for the mackerel snappers.
Does anyone out there know how to get a form in Publisher to print the vertical grid lines?
I'll tell you about the Shamrocks and Shenanigans show tomorrow night. I am going to get up my Irish Decorations tonight. Of Course, the downstairs has LOTS of Irish art and stuff.
Love
Mary
We did get to spend the entire day except for the hospital at HOME. I went downstairs and did some quilting twice. Got two motifs done.
I worked on a couple of other projects and caught up on phone calls today also.
Tomorrow we will go grocery shopping AND I have my Irish Program in the evening. Guess I had better bake those brownies too. There won't be much time on Friday what with hospital, lunch, helping prepare the bust up and the bust up itself. We have almost 80 people signed up to come so it should be quite a bash. Del, our scorer and MC, had throat surgery. I wonder who will be doing his emceeing for him. We are having roast beef sandwiches, chips, chicken soup and I am making a tuna casserole for the mackerel snappers.
Does anyone out there know how to get a form in Publisher to print the vertical grid lines?
I'll tell you about the Shamrocks and Shenanigans show tomorrow night. I am going to get up my Irish Decorations tonight. Of Course, the downstairs has LOTS of Irish art and stuff.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
One more week to go. I sure hope that this round will clear things up. We went in at 6AM as usual. Denice was our nurse. She is the one who prayed with us over Dick's leg. You would all like her. She just exudes enthusiasm. Today, she told us a story. Her husband went to give blood at the Bradley Center so he could get free tickets to a Bucks game. They wouldn't take his blood because (get this) he had slept with a woman who spend over a year in Africa. It was Denice. They met there when she was in the Peace Corp. She spent two year there. He was only there for a few months but that is when they met. Anyway, because he slept with her, he is ineligible to give blood.
I had my annual eye exam this morning. Dr. Cheryl says my eyes are healthy and there is very little change in the vision so we will wait til next year for glasses changing.
We left there and trucked to the Aurora Pharmacy on Superior to pick up some new compression stockings for Dick's poor sad legs. Then we went to the house on Hunters Glen and changed the air fresheners and poured baking soda down the drains to freshen. It has been vacant long enough that it is beginning to smell stale. If it ever warms up, we will open everything and let it air out.
Next time, I may bring some cinnamon and a pan and freshen it that way. Maybe a bag of apples.
We got home in plenty of time for me to take a nap before we headed off to Valley View again. We had to be there a bit early so the lab could bet blood samples from Dick. The Lab closes at 4PM. The evening doses went well and we are now home and winding down.
Barbara called tonight. I was able to tell her that Dr. Phelan says things are better but that we are still traipsing over to the hospital twice a day. She had some sad news. Their dog, Sheva, has cancer and is in quite a bit of pain. They are still exploring things but it does not look good. She is a really sweet creature.
I read this in the Reader's Digest. A Jonathan Katz said "I see a sign that says 'Caution, Small Children Playing.' I slow down , and then it occurs to me: I'm not afraid of small children."
Have a good Wednesday. Except for Valley View I don't have to go ANYWHERE!!!!
Mary
I had my annual eye exam this morning. Dr. Cheryl says my eyes are healthy and there is very little change in the vision so we will wait til next year for glasses changing.
We left there and trucked to the Aurora Pharmacy on Superior to pick up some new compression stockings for Dick's poor sad legs. Then we went to the house on Hunters Glen and changed the air fresheners and poured baking soda down the drains to freshen. It has been vacant long enough that it is beginning to smell stale. If it ever warms up, we will open everything and let it air out.
Next time, I may bring some cinnamon and a pan and freshen it that way. Maybe a bag of apples.
We got home in plenty of time for me to take a nap before we headed off to Valley View again. We had to be there a bit early so the lab could bet blood samples from Dick. The Lab closes at 4PM. The evening doses went well and we are now home and winding down.
Barbara called tonight. I was able to tell her that Dr. Phelan says things are better but that we are still traipsing over to the hospital twice a day. She had some sad news. Their dog, Sheva, has cancer and is in quite a bit of pain. They are still exploring things but it does not look good. She is a really sweet creature.
I read this in the Reader's Digest. A Jonathan Katz said "I see a sign that says 'Caution, Small Children Playing.' I slow down , and then it occurs to me: I'm not afraid of small children."
Have a good Wednesday. Except for Valley View I don't have to go ANYWHERE!!!!
Mary
Monday, March 05, 2007
This morning the alarm went off at 5AM. I was the ONLY living creature who woke up. Even Chelsea slept through the whole thing. So I slipped into the shower and got ready before I took her out. Then we walked and got back at 5:30 so that I could wake Dick up for our first trip to Valley View. That went well this morning except that he had to have his dressing changed and it was not Denise on duty. The nurse this morning is very nice but she seems to feel that pulling it off quickly and fast is the best way. The area was still stinging this afternoon. That skin under the arm is really tender.
We went out for breakfast at the Wilderness today. I was hungry for corned beef. Could only eat half of it. (They serve way to much like most restaurants.) We brought the rest along with about 2/3 of Dick's potatoes home. Next stop was Valley View again for the third of our four classes on diabetes. We talked about exercise and foot care mainly. June agreed that until Dick is feeling better, exercise is pretty hard to be regular with.
I drove to Sheboygan Falls after lunch to bring a few things to Mother and visit for a bit. Her new walker is really sharp and I think she is pleased with it. She figures it will give her some freedom outside once the weather warms up. I took Chelsea along. Mom was glad to see her. Remember when she was afraid of Mother's kitchen floor? Well, she isn't any longer. We decided that the "little people' must have moved out or else, she has come to no longer consider them a threat.
The evening Valley View visit went well also. It was quiet there and we were all done and home by 5:30PM. I fixed something to eat and then went on to the meeting at Rhine.
A busy day and tomorrow will also be full. But I won't have to go out in the evening tomorrow. That makes it a little easier.
We went out for breakfast at the Wilderness today. I was hungry for corned beef. Could only eat half of it. (They serve way to much like most restaurants.) We brought the rest along with about 2/3 of Dick's potatoes home. Next stop was Valley View again for the third of our four classes on diabetes. We talked about exercise and foot care mainly. June agreed that until Dick is feeling better, exercise is pretty hard to be regular with.
I drove to Sheboygan Falls after lunch to bring a few things to Mother and visit for a bit. Her new walker is really sharp and I think she is pleased with it. She figures it will give her some freedom outside once the weather warms up. I took Chelsea along. Mom was glad to see her. Remember when she was afraid of Mother's kitchen floor? Well, she isn't any longer. We decided that the "little people' must have moved out or else, she has come to no longer consider them a threat.
The evening Valley View visit went well also. It was quiet there and we were all done and home by 5:30PM. I fixed something to eat and then went on to the meeting at Rhine.
A busy day and tomorrow will also be full. But I won't have to go out in the evening tomorrow. That makes it a little easier.
POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE BERSERK, AMEN!!!!
The U.S. Mint hopes the redesigned $1 coin will win acceptance with consumers.
It doesn’t have IN GOD WE TRUST on it.
DON’T ACCEPT THESE COINS…. RETURN THEM TO THE BANK....
Love
Mary
Sunday, March 04, 2007
This was a unique and crazy day at the hospitals.
This morning we got there just at 8AM. The same time as the weekend nurses arrived. They took us in right away which was REALLY nice and got us all hooked up. I went out to look for something to read for Dick a bit later and the waiting room was FULL. There was a woman waiting in a chair. Two people at the counter. A car pulled up and some people were walking from the lot. Boy - were we glad we got there early. Once we are hooked up we just have to wait to be done. Then they flush the ports and send us on our way.
We came home and I got ready for the rest of the day. Went to the 10:30 Mass. I had to find someone to substitute for me as a Eucharistic Minister for the 8AM as that is JUST when we have our weekend hospital visits. I feel like that is the only ministry that I am doing right now and I keep having to find subs. But this too shall pass.
Went right out to Rhine for my Sunday shift. Bobbie was already there. She and Bill had a wonderful time at the Fireside. I think you know that since we couldn't go, we asked if they could and they went. It was their first bus trip and their first visit to the Fireside. They had discussed doing this and we gave them a perfect opportunity to "test the waters". Bobbie said that Bill loved it because he could see everything and she said he talked the whole trip. I am so glad it was enjoyable.
Rhine was quite busy until a bit after 3PM then it went dead. So we closed down the cash boxes and Bobbie and I left for home. Dick had expressed an interest in KFC Pot Pies. I planned on picking them up on the way home. Got to KFC in Plymouth to find they no longer make them there. Fortunately, we had two Market Day Chicken Pot Pies so I popped them in the oven.
Then I called Jane Kocmoud, a fellow writer, to tell her that we were going to be in Sheboygan at Memorial at 6:PM. We were delighted that this was convenient for both of us to have Jane bring the poetry entries for the "Write Stuff" (the middle school writing contest sponsored by the Sheboygan Press and our Writer's Club) to me for MY judging. I have about a week and then must get them to Paul, another member, for his input. Anyway, she lives just about around the corner from the hospital, so she loaded her dog and the poems in the car and dropped them off to me after I got Dick settled in his room. There are 107 of the bloody things.
This is were it gets goofy. They hooked up the Cefipine and the nurse mentioned that she figured that she would use the half hour to find the Dapamyicin, which was NOT to be found. As it turned out, it was not here, they had to mix it from their stock (or something like that) and it was almost 8PM before they even got it started. We got home JUST before 9 and are exhausted. Now we have to look forward to getting up at 5AM to be at Valley View at 6AM. Then we have a Diabetes Class at 8:30AM so it will be another Marathon Day.
Our Chelsea must be very confused. I just wonder what the early daylight savings will do to her. At least we will only have two days that we have to get up at the ungodly hour of "4AM". I know the clock will say 5 but our bodies are going to say 4.
When Bret was a little baby and getting his first shots he started to display his gift for words. He was about 6 weeks old and due for his first shot. Dr. Roper gave him his shot and he looked at me wide eyed and shocked but did not make a sound.
HOWEVER, I got him all settled in the car for the ride home and the minute we started moving he started complaining . One would have thought he knew how to talk but was using some foreign language and that little person cussed me out all the way from Laguna Beach to Santa Ana Heights.
Yes, my doctor was in Laguna Beach, about 20 miles from home but the doctor was recommended by my Aunt Lenore, my Grandpa Bowser's sister, a nurse. I don't know if you have ever heard of "The Greeter" Eiler Larson, a Dane, with long hair and a beard who stood on a corner in town and waved at ALL who passed. He was eventually proclaimed the official greeter of Laguna Beach, an art community. Two statues of him immortalize him in Laguna Beach. I saw him every time I took the kids to see Dr. Roper.
Laguna Beach is REALLY an artists community and has the Pageant of the Masters and Art Festivals every year.
Love
Mary
This morning we got there just at 8AM. The same time as the weekend nurses arrived. They took us in right away which was REALLY nice and got us all hooked up. I went out to look for something to read for Dick a bit later and the waiting room was FULL. There was a woman waiting in a chair. Two people at the counter. A car pulled up and some people were walking from the lot. Boy - were we glad we got there early. Once we are hooked up we just have to wait to be done. Then they flush the ports and send us on our way.
We came home and I got ready for the rest of the day. Went to the 10:30 Mass. I had to find someone to substitute for me as a Eucharistic Minister for the 8AM as that is JUST when we have our weekend hospital visits. I feel like that is the only ministry that I am doing right now and I keep having to find subs. But this too shall pass.
Went right out to Rhine for my Sunday shift. Bobbie was already there. She and Bill had a wonderful time at the Fireside. I think you know that since we couldn't go, we asked if they could and they went. It was their first bus trip and their first visit to the Fireside. They had discussed doing this and we gave them a perfect opportunity to "test the waters". Bobbie said that Bill loved it because he could see everything and she said he talked the whole trip. I am so glad it was enjoyable.
Rhine was quite busy until a bit after 3PM then it went dead. So we closed down the cash boxes and Bobbie and I left for home. Dick had expressed an interest in KFC Pot Pies. I planned on picking them up on the way home. Got to KFC in Plymouth to find they no longer make them there. Fortunately, we had two Market Day Chicken Pot Pies so I popped them in the oven.
Then I called Jane Kocmoud, a fellow writer, to tell her that we were going to be in Sheboygan at Memorial at 6:PM. We were delighted that this was convenient for both of us to have Jane bring the poetry entries for the "Write Stuff" (the middle school writing contest sponsored by the Sheboygan Press and our Writer's Club) to me for MY judging. I have about a week and then must get them to Paul, another member, for his input. Anyway, she lives just about around the corner from the hospital, so she loaded her dog and the poems in the car and dropped them off to me after I got Dick settled in his room. There are 107 of the bloody things.
This is were it gets goofy. They hooked up the Cefipine and the nurse mentioned that she figured that she would use the half hour to find the Dapamyicin, which was NOT to be found. As it turned out, it was not here, they had to mix it from their stock (or something like that) and it was almost 8PM before they even got it started. We got home JUST before 9 and are exhausted. Now we have to look forward to getting up at 5AM to be at Valley View at 6AM. Then we have a Diabetes Class at 8:30AM so it will be another Marathon Day.
Our Chelsea must be very confused. I just wonder what the early daylight savings will do to her. At least we will only have two days that we have to get up at the ungodly hour of "4AM". I know the clock will say 5 but our bodies are going to say 4.
When Bret was a little baby and getting his first shots he started to display his gift for words. He was about 6 weeks old and due for his first shot. Dr. Roper gave him his shot and he looked at me wide eyed and shocked but did not make a sound.
HOWEVER, I got him all settled in the car for the ride home and the minute we started moving he started complaining . One would have thought he knew how to talk but was using some foreign language and that little person cussed me out all the way from Laguna Beach to Santa Ana Heights.
Yes, my doctor was in Laguna Beach, about 20 miles from home but the doctor was recommended by my Aunt Lenore, my Grandpa Bowser's sister, a nurse. I don't know if you have ever heard of "The Greeter" Eiler Larson, a Dane, with long hair and a beard who stood on a corner in town and waved at ALL who passed. He was eventually proclaimed the official greeter of Laguna Beach, an art community. Two statues of him immortalize him in Laguna Beach. I saw him every time I took the kids to see Dr. Roper.
Laguna Beach is REALLY an artists community and has the Pageant of the Masters and Art Festivals every year.
Love
Mary
Saturday, March 03, 2007
A quiet day. Except for the morning and evening, of course. Being as I got to sleep until after 6:00AM, it started off with a rested me. Chelsea and I had a good walk. The streets were snow covered but not too deep. Chelsea really wants to go around the park BUT with the sidewalk not plowed again and a couple of feet of snow you aren't going to catch ME attempting that until things are melted again and a bit dried out.
I spent some time in the kitchen this morning. First, I mixed a cream cheese-veggie spread for lunch. I found a recipe for this to be served on an open face slice of wheat bread with smoked salmon. Had it for lunch and it was VERY good. I also cleaned and sliced some carrots for snacking and sliced strawberries for shortcake.
Did some more sewing on the Kitty/Dog quilt. I can see headway. And I went to the Plymouth Art Center to see their current exhibit WOMEN WHO RUN WITH SCISSORS. It is a marvelous collection of quilt art. Such imagination and wonderful talent these ladies have. They come from Denmark WI. I also bought a ticket for an Irish event that will be held there next week called Shamrocks and Shenanigans. It was done the first time last year for one night and was so popular that Mary Calvey is extending it to three nights this year. I couldn't go last year because it was the same night as the Unity Concert, the concert that Blessed Trinity's choir sang in last year and for which I wrote the words to the song.
While we were in the hospital tonight there was an Irish special, kind of a travelogue and for some reason, the pictures of Trinity College reminded me of the first time I went there. Bobbie and I were together and when we walked through the gates we saw this big crowd of yelling students assembled around a few on a platform. We asked what was going on and were told that it was an Iron Stomach Contest. Asking further we found out that it was a contest in which students eat and drink and smell disgusting things until all but one have thrown up.
I was also telling Dick today about a talent that my ex husband had. If he saw ducks swimming down the harbor on Newport Bay he could quack and the ducks would swim towards him. As soon as he stopped they would turn and resume their journey. A strange but amusing talent.
Love
Mary
I spent some time in the kitchen this morning. First, I mixed a cream cheese-veggie spread for lunch. I found a recipe for this to be served on an open face slice of wheat bread with smoked salmon. Had it for lunch and it was VERY good. I also cleaned and sliced some carrots for snacking and sliced strawberries for shortcake.
Did some more sewing on the Kitty/Dog quilt. I can see headway. And I went to the Plymouth Art Center to see their current exhibit WOMEN WHO RUN WITH SCISSORS. It is a marvelous collection of quilt art. Such imagination and wonderful talent these ladies have. They come from Denmark WI. I also bought a ticket for an Irish event that will be held there next week called Shamrocks and Shenanigans. It was done the first time last year for one night and was so popular that Mary Calvey is extending it to three nights this year. I couldn't go last year because it was the same night as the Unity Concert, the concert that Blessed Trinity's choir sang in last year and for which I wrote the words to the song.
While we were in the hospital tonight there was an Irish special, kind of a travelogue and for some reason, the pictures of Trinity College reminded me of the first time I went there. Bobbie and I were together and when we walked through the gates we saw this big crowd of yelling students assembled around a few on a platform. We asked what was going on and were told that it was an Iron Stomach Contest. Asking further we found out that it was a contest in which students eat and drink and smell disgusting things until all but one have thrown up.
I was also telling Dick today about a talent that my ex husband had. If he saw ducks swimming down the harbor on Newport Bay he could quack and the ducks would swim towards him. As soon as he stopped they would turn and resume their journey. A strange but amusing talent.
Love
Mary
Friday, March 02, 2007
Just got home from Rhine. Bobbie and I worked tonight. It was busy, but the guys let me go home at about 8:30 because of the wind and snow. It was pretty bad out ther. Bobbie left about an hour before that because we were worried about her having to drive all the way to Sheboygan. Actually, I think I had it easier than she did. Not only was my distance closer, but by the time I left, the snow and wind had died down a LOT. It was slippery and the snow was drifting some but it was not too bad. Dick and Chelsea were very glad to see me.
Had to get up at 5AM again. Tomorrow and Sunday we can sleep in a bit as we won't go to Valley View until 8:00AM. Of course, the trade off is that we have to drive in to Memorial in Sheboygan and be there at 6:00PM.
I cleaned the kitchen and (almost) finished fixing the guest toilet. I needed Jim to help tighten the seals and I didn't know how to set the float. He did both and now (after some minor adjustments to the float by Dick) we think we have it.
I gave blood today at 11:00AM. I could go again on April 27 but found out that Bob and Peggy Feider will be having their annual A gallon or so for Joe on May 12 so I will sign up with Peggy at Bible Study. It went well. I have never suffered any discomfort or weakness at all. I like that.
Had lunch with the Ladies at Dairy Queen. I got a fish sandwich as I knew that there would be slim pickings for dinner. That was because, after Dick and I going for his evening intravenous, we got home at 5:30 and I had to head right for Rhine. I brought some soup and fruit which I could easily eat while working.
I shot my last two targets for league. Not impressive at all but I am having fun anyway and there is always next league. Next week Friday is the Bust Up Party. I have to call Sara Behr tomorrow so we can plan the menu. Bill Olson usually brings his "world famous" peach cobbler but told me tonight that he won't be home to fix it. I have decided to bring Kahlua Brownies. They turned out SO good for the Writers Club 50th. I must remember to put white chocolate chips on the grocery list.
Anyway, I am home, and Bobbie is home, safe and sound again. It is about time for bed and I get to sleep late (unless Chelsea betrays me.)
We are getting close to St. Patrick's Day. (It is March now, you know.) So I will share some of my favorite stories between now and the 17th.
I LOVED this and have seen it geared to Iraq also.
Ireland Declares War on France
Jacques Chirac, The French President, is sitting in his office when his telephone rings.
"Hallo, Mr. Chirac!" a heavily accented voice said. "This is Paddy Down at the Harp Pub inCounty Clare , Ireland
"Well, Paddy," Chirac replied, "This is indeed important news! How big is your army?"
"Right now," says Paddy, after a moment's calculation, "there is myself, me Cousin Sean, me next door neighbour Seamus, and the entire darts team from the pub. That makes eight!"
Chirac paused. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100,000 men in my army waiting to move on my command."
"Begoora!" says Paddy. "I'll have to ring you back."
Sure enough, the next day, Paddy calls again. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on. We have managed to get us some infantry equipment!"
"And what equipment would that be Paddy?" Chirac asks.
"Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor."
Chirac sighs amused. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armored personnel carriers. Also, I have increased my army to 150,000 since we last spoke."
"Saints preserve us!" says Paddy. "I'll have to get back to you."
Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We have modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Bar have joined us as well!"
Chirac was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100 bombers and 200 fighter planes. My military bases are surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I have increased my army to 200,000!"
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" says Paddy, "I will have to ring you back."
Sure enough, Paddy calls again the next day. "Top o' the mornin', Mr. Chirac! I am sorry to inform you that we have had to call off the war."
"Really? I am sorry to hear that," says Chirac. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Well," says Paddy, "we had a long chat over a few pints of Guinness, and decided there is no bloody way we can feed 200,000 prisoners."
Slainte
Mary
Had to get up at 5AM again. Tomorrow and Sunday we can sleep in a bit as we won't go to Valley View until 8:00AM. Of course, the trade off is that we have to drive in to Memorial in Sheboygan and be there at 6:00PM.
I cleaned the kitchen and (almost) finished fixing the guest toilet. I needed Jim to help tighten the seals and I didn't know how to set the float. He did both and now (after some minor adjustments to the float by Dick) we think we have it.
I gave blood today at 11:00AM. I could go again on April 27 but found out that Bob and Peggy Feider will be having their annual A gallon or so for Joe on May 12 so I will sign up with Peggy at Bible Study. It went well. I have never suffered any discomfort or weakness at all. I like that.
Had lunch with the Ladies at Dairy Queen. I got a fish sandwich as I knew that there would be slim pickings for dinner. That was because, after Dick and I going for his evening intravenous, we got home at 5:30 and I had to head right for Rhine. I brought some soup and fruit which I could easily eat while working.
I shot my last two targets for league. Not impressive at all but I am having fun anyway and there is always next league. Next week Friday is the Bust Up Party. I have to call Sara Behr tomorrow so we can plan the menu. Bill Olson usually brings his "world famous" peach cobbler but told me tonight that he won't be home to fix it. I have decided to bring Kahlua Brownies. They turned out SO good for the Writers Club 50th. I must remember to put white chocolate chips on the grocery list.
Anyway, I am home, and Bobbie is home, safe and sound again. It is about time for bed and I get to sleep late (unless Chelsea betrays me.)
We are getting close to St. Patrick's Day. (It is March now, you know.) So I will share some of my favorite stories between now and the 17th.
I LOVED this and have seen it geared to Iraq also.
Jacques Chirac, The French President, is sitting in his office when his telephone rings.
"Hallo, Mr. Chirac!" a heavily accented voice said. "This is Paddy Down at the Harp Pub in
"Well, Paddy," Chirac replied, "This is indeed important news! How big is your army?"
"Right now," says Paddy, after a moment's calculation, "there is myself, me Cousin Sean, me next door neighbour Seamus, and the entire darts team from the pub. That makes eight!"
Chirac paused. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100,000 men in my army waiting to move on my command."
"Begoora!" says Paddy. "I'll have to ring you back."
Sure enough, the next day, Paddy calls again. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on. We have managed to get us some infantry equipment!"
"And what equipment would that be Paddy?" Chirac asks.
"Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor."
Chirac sighs amused. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armored personnel carriers. Also, I have increased my army to 150,000 since we last spoke."
"Saints preserve us!" says Paddy. "I'll have to get back to you."
Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We have modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Bar have joined us as well!"
Chirac was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100 bombers and 200 fighter planes. My military bases are surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I have increased my army to 200,000!"
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" says Paddy, "I will have to ring you back."
Sure enough, Paddy calls again the next day. "Top o' the mornin', Mr. Chirac! I am sorry to inform you that we have had to call off the war."
"Really? I am sorry to hear that," says Chirac. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Well," says Paddy, "we had a long chat over a few pints of Guinness, and decided there is no bloody way we can feed 200,000 prisoners."
Slainte
Mary
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Up at 5AM again. When I took Chelsea out at about 5:30 it was not too bad, but by the time we headed for the hospital, there was a good coating of snow on the ground. We took it very carefully and then when we were done medicating, we drove right to Mc Donalds for breakfast. Then we went on to the bank and finally to the Pig to do our weekly grocery shopping. We were VERY proud of ourselves. It was only about 8:30 when we got home, so we made good time.
I had plenty of time to clean the bathrooms, sew on the quilt and tear apart the toilet in the upstairs guest bathroom. (It has been running so I am replacing some of the innards. Don't ask me for names of things. I have charts and stuff so know what I am doing.) I had trouble getting the final nut out of the bottom. We did not have a big enough lug wrench.
So - - on the way to the 4PM intravenous, we stopped at KMart and I picked up a bigger wrench. Then Jim and Michelle came over tonight and Jim took the nut off for me. Now I can reassemble tomorrow morning.
When we got to Valley View tonight, it was starting to rain and almost as soon as I got inside, the skies opened. By the time we left it had calmed down alot, so we got home OK.
Dick still doesn't have much of an appetite. He just had some potato salad for supper. I had some Pork Cuban Old Rags, just a bit, that I heated up to got with mine.
Tomorrow, is really going to be busy. I will report tomorrow night.
Enjoy. I got this the other day and felt it was worth sharing.
Mary
I had plenty of time to clean the bathrooms, sew on the quilt and tear apart the toilet in the upstairs guest bathroom. (It has been running so I am replacing some of the innards. Don't ask me for names of things. I have charts and stuff so know what I am doing.) I had trouble getting the final nut out of the bottom. We did not have a big enough lug wrench.
So - - on the way to the 4PM intravenous, we stopped at KMart and I picked up a bigger wrench. Then Jim and Michelle came over tonight and Jim took the nut off for me. Now I can reassemble tomorrow morning.
When we got to Valley View tonight, it was starting to rain and almost as soon as I got inside, the skies opened. By the time we left it had calmed down alot, so we got home OK.
Dick still doesn't have much of an appetite. He just had some potato salad for supper. I had some Pork Cuban Old Rags, just a bit, that I heated up to got with mine.
Tomorrow, is really going to be busy. I will report tomorrow night.
Enjoy. I got this the other day and felt it was worth sharing.
Women are like apples on a tree.
The best are in the top of the tree.
Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt.
Instead, they sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy.
The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing.
They just have to wait for the right man to come along, one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.
Now men....Men are like a fine wine.
They begin as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
Have a good FridayMary
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Another day of antibiotics, only 13 days to go. All went well today. We still have to be at Valley View at 6AM but the evening session is now at 4:00PM which makes it much easier for us. This was not a great day for Dick. His appetite was really bad and he was very tired. He did get a pretty good nap just before lunch which did help.
I have been working on inputing things into the new Quicken. The next major item will be the investments. We weren't happy with the old investment section of Quicken, so it will be interesting to see if there is an improvement.
Aside from that I just did miscellaneous chores around the house. I watered plants, quilted, made a potato salad, swept water out of the garage and took Chelsea for it seemed like 8 trips outside. She is getting worse as she gets older. Just like all old women I guess.
We are supposed to be getting a storm tonight. I hope it is not too bad. 6:00AM comes might early and it is hard enough to get going when it is clear and dry.
Dick just had a little dessert and let Chelsea lick his plate. Now she is over by me begging. She fully believes that if one of us eats something, the other simply HAS to have something too.
Love
Mary
I have been working on inputing things into the new Quicken. The next major item will be the investments. We weren't happy with the old investment section of Quicken, so it will be interesting to see if there is an improvement.
Aside from that I just did miscellaneous chores around the house. I watered plants, quilted, made a potato salad, swept water out of the garage and took Chelsea for it seemed like 8 trips outside. She is getting worse as she gets older. Just like all old women I guess.
We are supposed to be getting a storm tonight. I hope it is not too bad. 6:00AM comes might early and it is hard enough to get going when it is clear and dry.
Dick just had a little dessert and let Chelsea lick his plate. Now she is over by me begging. She fully believes that if one of us eats something, the other simply HAS to have something too.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Well, we had good news and bad news. First, Dr. Phelan is seeing improvement in Dick's legs. However, they have a way to go, so he has prescribed two more weeks of the twice a day, two antibiotics that we were on a week ago. We are now going to be getting up at 5AM again, but it looks like we can possibly go for the second session at 4PM instead of 6, which means that we won't have to go to Sheboygan on the weekend evenings.
At one point this morning, Dick had a nurse on each arm taking blood. Marsha was drawing blood for the lab tests to check his level of antibiotics etc, and Sue was poking his fingers to get the clotting level. This brings us to the second bit of good news. His level is back to the ideal, between 2.00 and 3.00. So we are happy. She will check him again when he sees Dr. Phelan in two weeks.
We accomplished LOTS of other stuff. On our way home we picked up prescriptions AND stopped at the DMV and got a handicapped card for the car. Now, if it is right, I can use the handicapped spaces if Dick is with me. I found out how useful this is when Bart and Barb met us in Branson. Bart could never have made it down that whole parking lot for some of those shows. We were almost closer than the spot that the bus let everybody off at.
I think Chelsea is trying to tell me that it is time for bed.
We were having trouble with the computer service dropping on and off, especially during the storm. A Bob Hughes from Time Warner came today and fixed it. There were several splices and extra junctions and so on and he cleaned it all up and got us back with more power and speed than we had before. He is from the area and likes to go to 52 Stafford on St. Patrick's day. His wife and kids march and he waits for them at the Inn. I also found out that he is a cousin of Jim Hughes, an attorney in town, that I used to work with when I was "mortgage banking." He said if we have any more trouble to ask for him. He also said that Paddy's Irish Whiskey is the BEST.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something RED.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday, a sea of RED much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever... certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is ..."We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something RED every Friday.
I am going to try to remember to remember to do this. Sounds simple and I have Lots of RED.
Take care. Be prepared for a very tired Mary.
Marymom
At one point this morning, Dick had a nurse on each arm taking blood. Marsha was drawing blood for the lab tests to check his level of antibiotics etc, and Sue was poking his fingers to get the clotting level. This brings us to the second bit of good news. His level is back to the ideal, between 2.00 and 3.00. So we are happy. She will check him again when he sees Dr. Phelan in two weeks.
We accomplished LOTS of other stuff. On our way home we picked up prescriptions AND stopped at the DMV and got a handicapped card for the car. Now, if it is right, I can use the handicapped spaces if Dick is with me. I found out how useful this is when Bart and Barb met us in Branson. Bart could never have made it down that whole parking lot for some of those shows. We were almost closer than the spot that the bus let everybody off at.
I think Chelsea is trying to tell me that it is time for bed.
We were having trouble with the computer service dropping on and off, especially during the storm. A Bob Hughes from Time Warner came today and fixed it. There were several splices and extra junctions and so on and he cleaned it all up and got us back with more power and speed than we had before. He is from the area and likes to go to 52 Stafford on St. Patrick's day. His wife and kids march and he waits for them at the Inn. I also found out that he is a cousin of Jim Hughes, an attorney in town, that I used to work with when I was "mortgage banking." He said if we have any more trouble to ask for him. He also said that Paddy's Irish Whiskey is the BEST.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something RED.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday, a sea of RED much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever... certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is ..."We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something RED every Friday.
I am going to try to remember to remember to do this. Sounds simple and I have Lots of RED.
Take care. Be prepared for a very tired Mary.
Marymom
Monday, February 26, 2007
I am TIRED.
The roads were clear enough today and the snow was pretty much done, so I went to bible study. There were 5 of us. Not bad after the storm and all. We were able to all give prayers of thanks that Shirley and Dan's Dave is in remission from the autoimmune disease that he had developed.
Then I went to Mother's and we had a nice visit before I came home to take Dick to Valley View. I took Mom some Spinach Egg Casserole and fruit salads. Those are things that she really likes but wouldn't make for just one.
We were talking about family. We were commenting on the fact that the Deeleys and the Bowsers were not very big people. And musing as to why so many of the grandkids are really quite tall. It always seems to be the second son too. As Bret is shorter than Bart and Matt is shorter than Shane and Kurt is shorter than Todd.
We were also talking about the electric trolley that used to run between Sheboygan and Elkhart Lake and Plymouth. That is how Aunt Helen got to work from Sheboygan Falls when she worked in the canning factory office in Plymouth.
All went well at the hospital. The last intravenous before Dick sees Phelan tomorrow. The nurse changed the dressing too. Dick was very brave but he said that it really hurt. That skin under the arm and around the PICC is really tender.
This afternoon I linked our New Quicken with the eligible bank accounts at Wells Fargo. Now we have to determine how best to use it. Once we have it mastered, it should save lots of double entries and that should cut down on errors. Lots to learn again. Are we ready for this? I hope so.
I did some quilting on the Kitty/Doggy quilt and am really seeing headway. I should be done by the end of March. When I am I will tale a picture and put it on the blog for you to see.
Nothing else exciting. We are supposed to have fairly quiet weather until Thursday then another storm will be coming in. So we had better brace ourselves. I hope it starts after we do our grocery shopping.
Have a nice Tuesday. And think of us at the Doctor.
Love
Mary
The roads were clear enough today and the snow was pretty much done, so I went to bible study. There were 5 of us. Not bad after the storm and all. We were able to all give prayers of thanks that Shirley and Dan's Dave is in remission from the autoimmune disease that he had developed.
Then I went to Mother's and we had a nice visit before I came home to take Dick to Valley View. I took Mom some Spinach Egg Casserole and fruit salads. Those are things that she really likes but wouldn't make for just one.
We were talking about family. We were commenting on the fact that the Deeleys and the Bowsers were not very big people. And musing as to why so many of the grandkids are really quite tall. It always seems to be the second son too. As Bret is shorter than Bart and Matt is shorter than Shane and Kurt is shorter than Todd.
We were also talking about the electric trolley that used to run between Sheboygan and Elkhart Lake and Plymouth. That is how Aunt Helen got to work from Sheboygan Falls when she worked in the canning factory office in Plymouth.
All went well at the hospital. The last intravenous before Dick sees Phelan tomorrow. The nurse changed the dressing too. Dick was very brave but he said that it really hurt. That skin under the arm and around the PICC is really tender.
This afternoon I linked our New Quicken with the eligible bank accounts at Wells Fargo. Now we have to determine how best to use it. Once we have it mastered, it should save lots of double entries and that should cut down on errors. Lots to learn again. Are we ready for this? I hope so.
I did some quilting on the Kitty/Doggy quilt and am really seeing headway. I should be done by the end of March. When I am I will tale a picture and put it on the blog for you to see.
Nothing else exciting. We are supposed to have fairly quiet weather until Thursday then another storm will be coming in. So we had better brace ourselves. I hope it starts after we do our grocery shopping.
Have a nice Tuesday. And think of us at the Doctor.
Love
Mary
Sunday, February 25, 2007
This weekend has been a computer fiasco. I couldn't post last night because Jim was working on the computers. I fell asleep on the couch before they left and found a note on the computer when I woke that I was not to touch it until morning. So there you go. Dick's also had a note that we weren't supposed to do anything to it either.
Then we lost our server this morning and after several calls to Time Warner and getting a message stating that we would have to wait varying lengths of time, Dick finally waited. 57 minutes later, we talked to a real person who transferred us to two others. These people walked Dick through all KINDS of fixes and finally decided that we need to have a tech come here. So we have an appointment for Tuesday between 1:30 and 4:30. He said "We can get someone there AS SOON AS Tuesday." Doesn't sound soon to me. About 20 minutes after we hung up, I suddenly got a connection. So I am posting like crazy.
We have been hit by a really heavy late winter storm. The plows finally made it down to our end of the tract just before dark and did not do a very good job. Actually, the guys that shovel next to the garage door ran out of steam, I think.
This morning I decided to try to make church. The plows had not come into Tall Grass but I determined that if Highland, the main road we empty into, was plowed, I would go. God must have wanted me there because the plows had cleared to Highland JUST past Tall Grass Lane. So I trucked up Highland, turned left on Eastern to Mill and left on Mill to the bottom of the hill to church. God hadn't told me that neither the hill OR the streets around the church and school were plowed. But I figured that since I was that close, I would go the distance. Up the hill I went and proceeded to get stuck next to the parking lot. I remembered that one should back up and try a new path and it worked. Somehow, I made it into the parking lot, which was plowed. Fr. Van Beeck officiated at an abbreviated service for the few die hards like me that had ventured out. He said that the church was PACKED last night and that he had told the congregation that he would say the masses this morning but figured that it would probably be just him and Puppy. Puppy was not at all enthused, so he was glad that we were there.
There was a respite from the snow during the mid to late morning so Dick and I had a rather easy ride to Valley View for his intravenous. Only one more to go before we see Dr. Phelan. We are really hoping that he has answers and glowing words for us. He slept a wee bit better last night, but his appetite is still very poor.
The Poetry Reading at Plymouth Arts Center was canceled and will be rescheduled. That was good because I was saved the trauma of having to make another decision about going out. We just holed up in our warm little house (except for that silly Chelsea of course.)
I did some sewing this afternoon and we racked a gallon of wine. Now we are watching the Oscars. A pleasant way to end a Sunday. We find that we haven't seen too many movies this year but it is always fun to see the celebrities, even the celebrities that we have never heard of. The clothes all seem to be really pretty this year.
Uncle Fred Michels always sends a report on the Wild Game Feast and he writes a little poem. They are always really sweet. I thought you might enjoy this one.
And now, 30 years have passed
And no one got to gassed!
We swallowed our beers, and shed no tears
When Donna won, at last.
And would you believe that the Wild Game And Beer Tasting has been going on for 30 years.
Have a nice week and stay warm.
Mary
Then we lost our server this morning and after several calls to Time Warner and getting a message stating that we would have to wait varying lengths of time, Dick finally waited. 57 minutes later, we talked to a real person who transferred us to two others. These people walked Dick through all KINDS of fixes and finally decided that we need to have a tech come here. So we have an appointment for Tuesday between 1:30 and 4:30. He said "We can get someone there AS SOON AS Tuesday." Doesn't sound soon to me. About 20 minutes after we hung up, I suddenly got a connection. So I am posting like crazy.
We have been hit by a really heavy late winter storm. The plows finally made it down to our end of the tract just before dark and did not do a very good job. Actually, the guys that shovel next to the garage door ran out of steam, I think.
This morning I decided to try to make church. The plows had not come into Tall Grass but I determined that if Highland, the main road we empty into, was plowed, I would go. God must have wanted me there because the plows had cleared to Highland JUST past Tall Grass Lane. So I trucked up Highland, turned left on Eastern to Mill and left on Mill to the bottom of the hill to church. God hadn't told me that neither the hill OR the streets around the church and school were plowed. But I figured that since I was that close, I would go the distance. Up the hill I went and proceeded to get stuck next to the parking lot. I remembered that one should back up and try a new path and it worked. Somehow, I made it into the parking lot, which was plowed. Fr. Van Beeck officiated at an abbreviated service for the few die hards like me that had ventured out. He said that the church was PACKED last night and that he had told the congregation that he would say the masses this morning but figured that it would probably be just him and Puppy. Puppy was not at all enthused, so he was glad that we were there.
There was a respite from the snow during the mid to late morning so Dick and I had a rather easy ride to Valley View for his intravenous. Only one more to go before we see Dr. Phelan. We are really hoping that he has answers and glowing words for us. He slept a wee bit better last night, but his appetite is still very poor.
The Poetry Reading at Plymouth Arts Center was canceled and will be rescheduled. That was good because I was saved the trauma of having to make another decision about going out. We just holed up in our warm little house (except for that silly Chelsea of course.)
I did some sewing this afternoon and we racked a gallon of wine. Now we are watching the Oscars. A pleasant way to end a Sunday. We find that we haven't seen too many movies this year but it is always fun to see the celebrities, even the celebrities that we have never heard of. The clothes all seem to be really pretty this year.
Uncle Fred Michels always sends a report on the Wild Game Feast and he writes a little poem. They are always really sweet. I thought you might enjoy this one.
And now, 30 years have passed
And no one got to gassed!
We swallowed our beers, and shed no tears
When Donna won, at last.
And would you believe that the Wild Game And Beer Tasting has been going on for 30 years.
Have a nice week and stay warm.
Mary
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Just a morning note. We lost our connection last evening, just about "blogger" time. And I tried until almost 10:00PM, then went to bed.
We had a decent day. The blood test showed that Dick's blood is still a bit thick. Unusual, as antibiotics USUALLY thin the blood. But then we are talking about Dick. So Sue will test it again when we see Dr. Phelan on Tuesday.
The intravenous went very smoothly and they changed his dressing. The easiest yet. Usually it hurts when they pull that bandage off of the tender skin. Denise was really good yesterday.
I went shooting but was not impressive. Oh. Well. Maybe next week.
Barring lost connections I will blog tonight.
Jim Rohn said that"Life asks us to make measurable progress in reasonable time. That's why they make those fourth-grade chairs so small - so you won't fit in them at age 25."
Mary
We had a decent day. The blood test showed that Dick's blood is still a bit thick. Unusual, as antibiotics USUALLY thin the blood. But then we are talking about Dick. So Sue will test it again when we see Dr. Phelan on Tuesday.
The intravenous went very smoothly and they changed his dressing. The easiest yet. Usually it hurts when they pull that bandage off of the tender skin. Denise was really good yesterday.
I went shooting but was not impressive. Oh. Well. Maybe next week.
Barring lost connections I will blog tonight.
Jim Rohn said that"Life asks us to make measurable progress in reasonable time. That's why they make those fourth-grade chairs so small - so you won't fit in them at age 25."
Mary
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The wind was blowing really bad this morning. Chelsea and I did manage to take our whole walk around the park today, but there were times when I was almost at a standstill when the wind was coming right at me. Much easier when the wind was at my back. Give real meaning to the old Irish Blessing, "May the wind be always at your back."
We went grocery shopping today too. Quite successful. Dick and I went to McDonald's for breakfast. Counting carbs works there if one sticks to an Egg McMuffin or simple biscuit.
We had to be at Valley View at 12:00. That went well. Only five more days until we see Dr. Phelan. Darlene, one of the nurses, let me read the description of the possible side effects from the Dactomycine that he is getting. One of the side effects is insomnia. Now he has always had trouble sleeping but it is much worse now. We are hoping that when this is all over he will have less difficulty staying asleep.
I went to John Diedrich's funeral tonight. Such a sad thing for his wife and children and all others who loved him. We know he is safe and waiting for them, but they can't touch him. We are after all human and do relish touch. Fr. Bittner told us that when we see the most beautiful sunset we should remember that John is enjoying SO much more in the kingdom of God. I still like the Celtic belief that John has not REALLY left us anyway, he is out of our sight but within our reach.
Tomorrow is another busy day. We have to get Dick's count checked, go to Valley View, I am having lunch at Dairy Queen and then will shoot pistol league in the evening. Saturday we just have the intravenous. It will be nice to spend most of the day at home. Jim and Michelle said they are coming to fix Dick's computer. I hope so. He is able to do some things but is really rather lost and with his not being able to sleep it is hard for him.
Martin Crane on Frazier. "What is this comment about a big round duff? The sands of time don't exactly flow UP the hourglass, you know!"
Have a nice Friday and get ready for a stormy weekend.
Mary
We went grocery shopping today too. Quite successful. Dick and I went to McDonald's for breakfast. Counting carbs works there if one sticks to an Egg McMuffin or simple biscuit.
We had to be at Valley View at 12:00. That went well. Only five more days until we see Dr. Phelan. Darlene, one of the nurses, let me read the description of the possible side effects from the Dactomycine that he is getting. One of the side effects is insomnia. Now he has always had trouble sleeping but it is much worse now. We are hoping that when this is all over he will have less difficulty staying asleep.
I went to John Diedrich's funeral tonight. Such a sad thing for his wife and children and all others who loved him. We know he is safe and waiting for them, but they can't touch him. We are after all human and do relish touch. Fr. Bittner told us that when we see the most beautiful sunset we should remember that John is enjoying SO much more in the kingdom of God. I still like the Celtic belief that John has not REALLY left us anyway, he is out of our sight but within our reach.
Tomorrow is another busy day. We have to get Dick's count checked, go to Valley View, I am having lunch at Dairy Queen and then will shoot pistol league in the evening. Saturday we just have the intravenous. It will be nice to spend most of the day at home. Jim and Michelle said they are coming to fix Dick's computer. I hope so. He is able to do some things but is really rather lost and with his not being able to sleep it is hard for him.
Martin Crane on Frazier. "What is this comment about a big round duff? The sands of time don't exactly flow UP the hourglass, you know!"
Have a nice Friday and get ready for a stormy weekend.
Mary
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Another gorgeous day. It was up in the 40s again. Chelsea and I really enjoyed our walk and it looks like we should have at lease two days before it gets rainy/snowy again. I need to remember to take the pedometer along with me on the walk to see how many steps we take. I know we walk for about 45 minutes. But a lot of that is spent with Chelsea sniffing and running around.
This weather is starting me dreaming of spring. I need to measure for the flower boxes I will need for the deck. I want to plant herbs and colorful flowers in them. I think I might try to plant a couple of tomatoes in the back. down towards the woods. There is a rhubarb plant down there already. Maybe I should get a butterfly house. And a bird feeder.
Must not get too excited. There are months to go before we can plant.
I went to church at 8AM because it is Ash Wednesday. The church was full, half of the kids of course, as the whole school attended. The children's choir sang. I was "minded" of Ash Wednesdays when I was young. Until I started 6th grade, I went to the public school and for some reason or other, we Catholic kids thought we were so cool to go to get our ashes in the morning and then wear them all day at school. (I don't know why either.)
Another thing I remember. When I was young, there were a lot of old world ideas still around. There were four church services that were always full. Of men. Even if a lot of them did not feel that Sunday Mass was all that important. (The women took care of that.), these men always came to Christmas (mostly Midnight Mass), Easter, Ash Wednesday, (got to get those ashes) and believe it or not St. Blaze Day. This is a saint's feast day during which they used to bless the throat against disease with crossed candles.
I read the other day that perhaps if we are going to fast during Lent, we should fast from crabbiness. I will try to do that.
Dick got the second of this new order of antibiotics. Our nurse for today, Chris, told Dick quite sweetly, not to be disappointed if he has to go another week or two after this. We have to see what Dr. Phelan says next Tuesday.
I put together another square for the Blessed Trinity Church Quilt. Only one more to go. I also did a bit more of the quilting on my Kitty/Puppy Quilt. I should have it done in a month or so. It is moving along.
Hope your Thursday is fun.
Love
Mary
This weather is starting me dreaming of spring. I need to measure for the flower boxes I will need for the deck. I want to plant herbs and colorful flowers in them. I think I might try to plant a couple of tomatoes in the back. down towards the woods. There is a rhubarb plant down there already. Maybe I should get a butterfly house. And a bird feeder.
Must not get too excited. There are months to go before we can plant.
I went to church at 8AM because it is Ash Wednesday. The church was full, half of the kids of course, as the whole school attended. The children's choir sang. I was "minded" of Ash Wednesdays when I was young. Until I started 6th grade, I went to the public school and for some reason or other, we Catholic kids thought we were so cool to go to get our ashes in the morning and then wear them all day at school. (I don't know why either.)
Another thing I remember. When I was young, there were a lot of old world ideas still around. There were four church services that were always full. Of men. Even if a lot of them did not feel that Sunday Mass was all that important. (The women took care of that.), these men always came to Christmas (mostly Midnight Mass), Easter, Ash Wednesday, (got to get those ashes) and believe it or not St. Blaze Day. This is a saint's feast day during which they used to bless the throat against disease with crossed candles.
I read the other day that perhaps if we are going to fast during Lent, we should fast from crabbiness. I will try to do that.
Dick got the second of this new order of antibiotics. Our nurse for today, Chris, told Dick quite sweetly, not to be disappointed if he has to go another week or two after this. We have to see what Dr. Phelan says next Tuesday.
I put together another square for the Blessed Trinity Church Quilt. Only one more to go. I also did a bit more of the quilting on my Kitty/Puppy Quilt. I should have it done in a month or so. It is moving along.
Hope your Thursday is fun.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
It was warm today. This morning was pleasant enough for Chelsea and me to take our longest walk through Tallgrass and then around the park and through the woods to home. She is SO happy. Then I made her unhappy by giving her a bath. She was simply filthy. Of course, I am sure that she felt that she was just beginning to smell just right. Now she smells like Puppy Love.
Dropped all our tax stuff off with Mark for figuring. He and I reviewed it a bit and then I drove Dick to his dentist appointment. He just had a cleaning. It went very quickly. Our next stop was to Valley View. The order is in for another week of one of the antibiotics. So we are on again. This time it is just once a day AND in the middle of the day so will be much easier on us.
We got to spend the rest of the day at home.
I was remembering a friend of mine from California, Ron Heinze. These were jeeping friends. Ron and his wife Connie and their kids were members of the Orange County Four Wheelers. They had a dog that was part greyhound. He was huge and a big love. His name was Tucker. When we would get ready to go out on a jeep ride, Connie would always tell Ronnie that he had to take Tucker with him. Ronnie would beg Connie to keep Tucker in camp. He always said. "Please, Connie, don't make me take him. He LEANS on me." The dog would sit between the seats next to Ronnie and Would lean on him.
One weekend it was terribly hot. We were driving along the All American Canal, a system of canals that was part of the irrigation system in that part of the desert. We pulled over and all jumped into the canal for a swim and to cool off. Ronnie tried to convince Tucker to go in to cool him off and finally just tossed him in. Tucker was not happy. The sides of the canal are cement. Tucker rose up out of the water on his claws and climbed up the cement walls - on his claws. He wore them down too. When he got to the top he glared at Ronnie and shook himself all over him.
Maybe our "heat spell" reminded me of the hot day that this occurred on.
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent. Where Is the year going?
Be happy.
Mary
Dropped all our tax stuff off with Mark for figuring. He and I reviewed it a bit and then I drove Dick to his dentist appointment. He just had a cleaning. It went very quickly. Our next stop was to Valley View. The order is in for another week of one of the antibiotics. So we are on again. This time it is just once a day AND in the middle of the day so will be much easier on us.
We got to spend the rest of the day at home.
I was remembering a friend of mine from California, Ron Heinze. These were jeeping friends. Ron and his wife Connie and their kids were members of the Orange County Four Wheelers. They had a dog that was part greyhound. He was huge and a big love. His name was Tucker. When we would get ready to go out on a jeep ride, Connie would always tell Ronnie that he had to take Tucker with him. Ronnie would beg Connie to keep Tucker in camp. He always said. "Please, Connie, don't make me take him. He LEANS on me." The dog would sit between the seats next to Ronnie and Would lean on him.
One weekend it was terribly hot. We were driving along the All American Canal, a system of canals that was part of the irrigation system in that part of the desert. We pulled over and all jumped into the canal for a swim and to cool off. Ronnie tried to convince Tucker to go in to cool him off and finally just tossed him in. Tucker was not happy. The sides of the canal are cement. Tucker rose up out of the water on his claws and climbed up the cement walls - on his claws. He wore them down too. When he got to the top he glared at Ronnie and shook himself all over him.
Maybe our "heat spell" reminded me of the hot day that this occurred on.
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent. Where Is the year going?
Be happy.
Mary
Monday, February 19, 2007
Went to bible study this morning. We had a good group, as always. Helen Maurer was back. Bad weather keeps her away, can't say that I blame her. We had a lot of prayer intentions. Everybody is praying for Dick. I also asked for prayers for Harold's son. This coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. So the readings talked of the Hebrew's being asked to bring the "first fruits" to the priests in thanksgiving for their being brought to the promised land. Did the "first fruits" mean the first of the season, Or (remembering that Cain got frowned on my God for bring second rate stuff for a sacrifice) does "first fruits" mean the best? We can't decide.
Dick saw Dr. Sharon at 1:30 this afternoon. He ordered regular flushing of the PICC and is having one of the antibiotics continued because he believes there is still infection there. He took blood tests too. So we won't go backwards anyway.
We got home at about 4, having to go from the Clinic to Valley View to get the ports flushed. We can't start the antibiotics until tomorrow though because they had to order it from Sheboygan and it won't be there until tomorrow. At least we will just have one trip a day for the time being and we will be going at about noon. Much easier than twice a day at both ends of the day.
I remembered a story about my great aunts, Josephine and Lenore and Genevieve. They were my Grandpa John Bowser's sisters. All three of them lived in California. My Uncle Noel and Aunt Lois also lived there and Noel was very good to those ladies. They did like to do little home repairs themselves but sometimes got in over their heads.
One time they decided to tile a room in one of their houses. So they called Uncle Noel to ask how to start. He told them to chalk a line down the center of the room. They asked how to do that and he told them to run a chalked string from one wall to the other side and chalk it. They said they understood but he wasn't sure so he decided to go over to check.
Sure enough, they had tacked the line from one wall to the other side and were on their knees trying to draw a chalk line on the floor. He explained that they were supposed to actually chalk the string and snap it. Needless to say he did it and got them started.
I read this the other day and shared it at bible study this morning. A Jeanne Schuler said, "In the boardroom one language is spoken that seems to make all people one. From the top, everything seems possible. Down in the streets, people from many nations struggle to make a living. With gestures and halting words, they try to understand. Sometimes customs clash or fears polarize. We back away and wonder: will we ever live as one?"
Seems the story of life. Those at the top come up with all these plans but they don't fit the people who they are aiming at or else are not understood. How can there be peace in a whole world?
Well we can have peace with all of us. We don't have to understand everything but we have to love each other.
Love
Mary
Dick saw Dr. Sharon at 1:30 this afternoon. He ordered regular flushing of the PICC and is having one of the antibiotics continued because he believes there is still infection there. He took blood tests too. So we won't go backwards anyway.
We got home at about 4, having to go from the Clinic to Valley View to get the ports flushed. We can't start the antibiotics until tomorrow though because they had to order it from Sheboygan and it won't be there until tomorrow. At least we will just have one trip a day for the time being and we will be going at about noon. Much easier than twice a day at both ends of the day.
I remembered a story about my great aunts, Josephine and Lenore and Genevieve. They were my Grandpa John Bowser's sisters. All three of them lived in California. My Uncle Noel and Aunt Lois also lived there and Noel was very good to those ladies. They did like to do little home repairs themselves but sometimes got in over their heads.
One time they decided to tile a room in one of their houses. So they called Uncle Noel to ask how to start. He told them to chalk a line down the center of the room. They asked how to do that and he told them to run a chalked string from one wall to the other side and chalk it. They said they understood but he wasn't sure so he decided to go over to check.
Sure enough, they had tacked the line from one wall to the other side and were on their knees trying to draw a chalk line on the floor. He explained that they were supposed to actually chalk the string and snap it. Needless to say he did it and got them started.
I read this the other day and shared it at bible study this morning. A Jeanne Schuler said, "In the boardroom one language is spoken that seems to make all people one. From the top, everything seems possible. Down in the streets, people from many nations struggle to make a living. With gestures and halting words, they try to understand. Sometimes customs clash or fears polarize. We back away and wonder: will we ever live as one?"
Seems the story of life. Those at the top come up with all these plans but they don't fit the people who they are aiming at or else are not understood. How can there be peace in a whole world?
Well we can have peace with all of us. We don't have to understand everything but we have to love each other.
Love
Mary
Sunday, February 18, 2007
I spent a quiet day today. The only times I went out were to church, which is always how I gather myself for the coming week and to shoot for the pistol league at Rhine.
Church was very comforting. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out a "truth" that he brought to my attention once before and was brought to my attention last night at the party for Hazel. Suzi's son, Jerry, mentioned that his wife, Laura, had recovered from surgery on a brain tumor. I said that it must make them treasure every day that comes to them now. He said they lived like that for a time, but now he is so relieved to be back to taking things and life for granted. It was like a revelation - Intense appreciation or really intense feelings cannot stay that way forever. It is comforting, healing and wonderful to be happy in the just plain NOW. And to appreciate the ordinary.
To get to Fr. Van Beeck's message. He said that if God asked us to do some really heroic thing or really difficult task in his name, we would be right there to answer the call. But usually, God only asks us to do the every day things to the best of our ability in His Name. It is hard to do that.
Last night was kind of a sparse blog. I was sure glad that Dick and Brenda were there. They figured out the easiest way for me to get out of there and back to Hwy 57. The way I came in was with directions from Google and was very complicated. It was very comforting for me to see Dick waiting in the parking lot to be sure that I had turned the right way to get to Good Hope Road.
I went to shoot at Rhine today. While I was there, the sister of Harold Diedrich's wife, Diane came in and told us that Harold and Diane's son John, only 39, had died during the night. We are all shocked. I can't imagine what the family is going through. John has two young children too.
When I was young and rather new in California, I rented a house, with Jacquie, my future sister in law, from Doris and Ronnie, also future in-laws. We had a washing machine but no dryer and hung our clothes on a line in the back yard.
One day we hung our clothes and went shopping. To our shock, when we got back, every pair of underpants that we owned was gone. So we called the police. They sent out two officers to take the report. It was quite embarrassing, as one of the officers was Al (can't remember his last name). He had gone to school with some of the Johnstons and though he tried very hard to keep a straight face, it was pretty hard especially when the standard questions are such as "Can you give us a description of the stolen property." "How many items were taken?" and so on.
Anyway, surprisingly, they found three or four of the underpants scattered a few blocks from the house. They decided it was a college prank, but it cost Jacquie and me quite a bit to replace all of our underwear. I am not sure if renters insurance would have covered underpants, but we didn't have any insurance anyway. It was a different time, a different place.
Hope your week is good. Ours is filling up.
Love
Mary
Church was very comforting. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out a "truth" that he brought to my attention once before and was brought to my attention last night at the party for Hazel. Suzi's son, Jerry, mentioned that his wife, Laura, had recovered from surgery on a brain tumor. I said that it must make them treasure every day that comes to them now. He said they lived like that for a time, but now he is so relieved to be back to taking things and life for granted. It was like a revelation - Intense appreciation or really intense feelings cannot stay that way forever. It is comforting, healing and wonderful to be happy in the just plain NOW. And to appreciate the ordinary.
To get to Fr. Van Beeck's message. He said that if God asked us to do some really heroic thing or really difficult task in his name, we would be right there to answer the call. But usually, God only asks us to do the every day things to the best of our ability in His Name. It is hard to do that.
Last night was kind of a sparse blog. I was sure glad that Dick and Brenda were there. They figured out the easiest way for me to get out of there and back to Hwy 57. The way I came in was with directions from Google and was very complicated. It was very comforting for me to see Dick waiting in the parking lot to be sure that I had turned the right way to get to Good Hope Road.
I went to shoot at Rhine today. While I was there, the sister of Harold Diedrich's wife, Diane came in and told us that Harold and Diane's son John, only 39, had died during the night. We are all shocked. I can't imagine what the family is going through. John has two young children too.
When I was young and rather new in California, I rented a house, with Jacquie, my future sister in law, from Doris and Ronnie, also future in-laws. We had a washing machine but no dryer and hung our clothes on a line in the back yard.
One day we hung our clothes and went shopping. To our shock, when we got back, every pair of underpants that we owned was gone. So we called the police. They sent out two officers to take the report. It was quite embarrassing, as one of the officers was Al (can't remember his last name). He had gone to school with some of the Johnstons and though he tried very hard to keep a straight face, it was pretty hard especially when the standard questions are such as "Can you give us a description of the stolen property." "How many items were taken?" and so on.
Anyway, surprisingly, they found three or four of the underpants scattered a few blocks from the house. They decided it was a college prank, but it cost Jacquie and me quite a bit to replace all of our underwear. I am not sure if renters insurance would have covered underpants, but we didn't have any insurance anyway. It was a different time, a different place.
Hope your week is good. Ours is filling up.
Love
Mary
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Well, it is almost 10:00Pm and I just got home from Hazel's party about 15 minutes ago. It was a NICE party. Suzi did a great job. The Olde Templeton Inn is a favorite of her and Hazel. Unfortunately, it will be closing this month because the road is being widened or extended or some such thing. They will miss it. We had an excellent meal. I had prime rib and a piece of the delicious cake that Suzi made for her mother. Bobbie said she was really pleased that it was chocolate (as were we all.)
This was a good chance for me to get better acquainted with Dick's nieces and nephews. And especially for Bobbie, Jim and Dick to get to know them.
I was especially glad to be able to talk to Theresa, who is a nurse about Dick's PICC line. She consulted with Jeannie another niece nurse and they assured me that it will be all right to not flush it for a day or two. Jeannie mentioned that she had a guy come in who had one. He had not had it flushed for almost a month and it was just fine. He told her that he had really forgotten about it. (Pretty hard to understand with the ports sticking out and all.) But Dick surely doesn't have to worry for a day or two. Whew.
Hazel was just delighted and seemed so happy with everything and everybody. She looks wonderful too. One would never guess her age. I see so many people, even my age who don't look any better. What is it about aging. I has so many variations. She told Bobbie and me that she remembers when Dick was born. He was born at home and was a big baby. She and her twin sister Helen were in their bedroom listening to every bit of it. I guess it was not an easy birth. Bobbie thought that might be a good way to encourage birth control. Of course, Hazel and Helen both had children so it didn't work for them.
Anyway, it was worth the long drive down and back. Such a lovely bunch of people. I am glad that I am related to them now.
Tomorrow for the first time in almost a month, we won't have to go to the hospital. I can't tell you how good that feels. I must go shooting in the afternoon. Otherwise, I will have to shoot too many targets at once and will get sloppy.
I read a quote that I liked. Perhaps you will enjoy it too. It is from a poet called Mary Anne Radmacher. "When I say "I am going home" I mean I am going to where you are." I liked it.
I need to go to bed now. I listened to the Irish Tenors all the way home from Sussex.
Love you all.
Mary
This was a good chance for me to get better acquainted with Dick's nieces and nephews. And especially for Bobbie, Jim and Dick to get to know them.
I was especially glad to be able to talk to Theresa, who is a nurse about Dick's PICC line. She consulted with Jeannie another niece nurse and they assured me that it will be all right to not flush it for a day or two. Jeannie mentioned that she had a guy come in who had one. He had not had it flushed for almost a month and it was just fine. He told her that he had really forgotten about it. (Pretty hard to understand with the ports sticking out and all.) But Dick surely doesn't have to worry for a day or two. Whew.
Hazel was just delighted and seemed so happy with everything and everybody. She looks wonderful too. One would never guess her age. I see so many people, even my age who don't look any better. What is it about aging. I has so many variations. She told Bobbie and me that she remembers when Dick was born. He was born at home and was a big baby. She and her twin sister Helen were in their bedroom listening to every bit of it. I guess it was not an easy birth. Bobbie thought that might be a good way to encourage birth control. Of course, Hazel and Helen both had children so it didn't work for them.
Anyway, it was worth the long drive down and back. Such a lovely bunch of people. I am glad that I am related to them now.
Tomorrow for the first time in almost a month, we won't have to go to the hospital. I can't tell you how good that feels. I must go shooting in the afternoon. Otherwise, I will have to shoot too many targets at once and will get sloppy.
I read a quote that I liked. Perhaps you will enjoy it too. It is from a poet called Mary Anne Radmacher. "When I say "I am going home" I mean I am going to where you are." I liked it.
I need to go to bed now. I listened to the Irish Tenors all the way home from Sussex.
Love you all.
Mary
Friday, February 16, 2007
The last day, or so they say. Tonight while talking to Nurse Michelle, she asked us what we were doing about keeping the PICC flushed while we are not getting the intravenous. We said, Uh, We don't know about that stuff. The three of us consulted and decided that Dick and I will go there tomorrow when Michelle is there. She will flush and check the blood return and change the dressing. We will see if we can arrange a time to flush on Sunday and than on Monday we will see Dr. Sharon. He will be able to give us direction, though we really need to talk to Dr. Phelan who is on vacation before we are done with this nightmare.
The legs are still peeling but don't seem as swollen. He is not sleeping well and his appetite is iffy. We did stop for breakfast this morning and he seemed to enjoy that but the rest of the day, he ate only because he had to.
Tomorrow I will go to Hazel's party in the evening an represent Dick. He has a sore throat on top of everything and certainly doesn't want to expose Hazel to any germs.
I wrapped the presents today.
This morning on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts was telling a bit about a trip to her home town of Pas Christian in Mississippi that was affected SO strongly by Hurricane Katrina. It brought to mind how closely involved we become with people like her who report our news and who we see every day. I remember just wanting to hug her and pat her hand when she reported to us from Pas Christian right after the storm was over and she cried. We become "friends." The trouble is that it is a one sided friendship because they don't know us from Adam.
One year at Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Eileen and I were walking around one of the stages and I saw a man walking towards me. I said. " Well, Duane Gaye. How are you?" Then it dawned on me that he had no idea in the world who I was. Duane was the morning anchor on WISN channel 12 which I watch most mornings. So. I said. "You have no idea who I am. But I wake up with you every morning." I think he was pleased and was very gracious. A couple of years later he was diagnosed with cancer and after a fierce battle during which he would come on the morning news occasionally and report his progress, he died in 2005.
I received the information that I need to "merge" Quicken and Wells Fargo. Now I need to find out how to delete the Quicken that I merged with the old Quicken after backing it up and reinstall it clean so we can start fresh. The old Quicken is corrupted and we want to start over. With the backup we will still be able to trace things.
Tomorrow I am going to make a King Cake for the beginning of Lent. I want to make it tomorrow because it is BIG and I need to be able to share. Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and I will start fasting and abstaining on the prescribed Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. I am over 60 and don't actually have to but figure it is good for my soul. God Knows, I need to do things that are good for my soul.
All my love
Be healthy and pray for Dick. Also, someone was excited about the house but needs to bring their husband around. Pray hard.
Love
Mary
The legs are still peeling but don't seem as swollen. He is not sleeping well and his appetite is iffy. We did stop for breakfast this morning and he seemed to enjoy that but the rest of the day, he ate only because he had to.
Tomorrow I will go to Hazel's party in the evening an represent Dick. He has a sore throat on top of everything and certainly doesn't want to expose Hazel to any germs.
I wrapped the presents today.
This morning on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts was telling a bit about a trip to her home town of Pas Christian in Mississippi that was affected SO strongly by Hurricane Katrina. It brought to mind how closely involved we become with people like her who report our news and who we see every day. I remember just wanting to hug her and pat her hand when she reported to us from Pas Christian right after the storm was over and she cried. We become "friends." The trouble is that it is a one sided friendship because they don't know us from Adam.
One year at Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Eileen and I were walking around one of the stages and I saw a man walking towards me. I said. " Well, Duane Gaye. How are you?" Then it dawned on me that he had no idea in the world who I was. Duane was the morning anchor on WISN channel 12 which I watch most mornings. So. I said. "You have no idea who I am. But I wake up with you every morning." I think he was pleased and was very gracious. A couple of years later he was diagnosed with cancer and after a fierce battle during which he would come on the morning news occasionally and report his progress, he died in 2005.
I received the information that I need to "merge" Quicken and Wells Fargo. Now I need to find out how to delete the Quicken that I merged with the old Quicken after backing it up and reinstall it clean so we can start fresh. The old Quicken is corrupted and we want to start over. With the backup we will still be able to trace things.
Tomorrow I am going to make a King Cake for the beginning of Lent. I want to make it tomorrow because it is BIG and I need to be able to share. Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and I will start fasting and abstaining on the prescribed Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. I am over 60 and don't actually have to but figure it is good for my soul. God Knows, I need to do things that are good for my soul.
All my love
Be healthy and pray for Dick. Also, someone was excited about the house but needs to bring their husband around. Pray hard.
Love
Mary
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