I got up at 6AM and spent the morning getting the end of the cleaning that needed to be done this week. Whew. I did it.
Dick had to be at therapy at 10AM. Andrea the orthotist was there and informed us that she had talked to Dr. Moreno. She told him that she felt that with adaptations and refining she thought she could get the ready made shoe we have been using to work - otherwise she said we would have to go to a custom shoe. Dr. Moreno said that this is what he wanted from the beginning and that this is how we should go.
SO - Andrea took a cast of the foot. She also took the shoe for a sample to send along and to salvage the bracing and straps which will be used on the custom shoe. Now we need to wait for three to four weeks for the shoe to be manufactured. In the meantime we will not have therapy. Dick will have to continue with the exercises that have been given to him by the therapists and continue standing and practicing balance here at home but since he cannot walk or do any of that it is silly to be paying for therapy. So a bump has appeared in the road but it is better than a sore on the foot which would signal a potential disaster.
I had a great nap this afternoon. Then I took care of a couple of financial and medical insurance items that have been pending before getting things ready for dinner. Dinner WAS quite simple but I wanted to be totally ready so we could visit with Michelle and Jim as we will not be seeing them for a long time in all likelihood.
The arrived a bit before 6PM. Michelle worked her last day at Oshkosh Corporation today. They have been packing their hearts out. We had a cream of tomato and basil soup and a grilled Cuban sandwich with chocolate banana cake frosted with chocolate and brown suger frosting for dessert.
Tomorrow they will leave for Oklahoma as soon as the movers have their belongings loaded. They expect to be in Oklahoma City by Saturday evening and unless they are too exhausted will start their jobs as managers of the apartments on Monday. Wow. THis has gone fast and we are sure glad that they were able to come to visit this one more time before they leave. Pray that their trip is safe and that all is as it appears to be so that they will be settled nicely.
Tonight I went to Ric Iverson's house for the first Ad Hoc meeting for the Condo association to review the items that we need to review with the developer. The committee is going to try to meet with the developer on Monday if all goes well so that we have a report before May 16th which is the Association's annual meeting.
Now it is after 10 and I am tired and ready for bed. Tomorrow I will be leaving at noon to go the the Celtic Women Gathering in Lake Geneva. SO. You will not hear from me until Sunday Evening. I hope you will miss me. I am intending to renew and try to gain some strength.
Emily Dickinson said "I never spoke to God nor visited in Heaven... yet certain am I of the spot." I think heaven is not a place but a way of being and that we are even now on the fringes of it if we just open our hearts and look for it.
Love
Mary
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
That Chelsea woke up at 3AM again. I sometimes wonder if because I wake her up from such a sound sleep at 9PM she is not really ready for her last nighttime bathroom call and that is why she is coming so early. Oh. Well. I went back to bed until 6AM and did get my sleep anyway.
I watched all of Good Morning America today because it was exciting to see the "gang", Diane, Robin, Chris and Sam all in Waukesha for a block party. Wow. They served them brats, but they were Milwaukee brats on a "brat bun" with a sauce of beer and onions rendered down on them. I think they should taste a real Sheboygan brat on a proper hard roll with butter, catsup, mustard, dill pickle and onion. Not that is a brat.
After the show,I went to the bank and then grocery shopping. When I got home, Dick was sleeping so I made a fruit salad and then cooked some brats out on the grill (the show did make me hungry for them). I got Dick up at noon and we had a proper brat on a hard roll with salad for lunch.
Then at 2PM I went to Rocky Knoll for the Amputee Support Group meeting. We had a speaker today. Dinah Federer came an talked to us about her new book called Chasing Normal subtitled A Guide for the Newly Disabled and for Those Who Love Them. She has had a disability since birth but in recent years developed a second condition which caused her to eventually have to stop working and gave her the basis for this book. I have not read it yet but after listening to her speak am looking forward to it and feel that there will be a lot to digest in it.
Rocky Knoll is so welcoming of the Amputee Support Group. They give us a room to meet and always bring coffee and treats. Today they had mini chocolate covered cream puffs that were absolutely decadent.
Now we are listening to the President's speech about his first 100 days. He is handling the questions well. We will see how the nation responds to it. He seems unflappable. He mentioned that when he started running for the office the War in Iraq was the main issue out there. Before he took office the economy had tanked and health care had loomed it's ugly head again. So there are all kinds of balls that have to be kept up in the air. We need patience and have to give time for the plans to work. This is not an easy when we still have our young men and women in foreign countries dying when they should be home. We have too many people unemployed and underemployed. The banks and our auto companies are in a sorry state. We need to continue praying and to work together. I am sorry that he is "pro-choice" but I do understand the concept. I have the other outlook that a life upon conception is a life and somebody has to advocate for those most helpless and defenceless human beings. But I do agree with him that abortion itself is a moral not a legal issue.
So the day is almost over and am I ever glad. Only one more full day before I get my mini vacation. I can hardly wait for that.
That naughty Roxie jumped up onto the TV last night and knocked the lovely bouquet of daffodils off onto the floor. I picked them up and put them back. They look a little bedraggled but are hanging in there. I think I rearranged things so that she can't make that trip again.
Mother Teresa said " Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."
Love
Mary
I watched all of Good Morning America today because it was exciting to see the "gang", Diane, Robin, Chris and Sam all in Waukesha for a block party. Wow. They served them brats, but they were Milwaukee brats on a "brat bun" with a sauce of beer and onions rendered down on them. I think they should taste a real Sheboygan brat on a proper hard roll with butter, catsup, mustard, dill pickle and onion. Not that is a brat.
After the show,I went to the bank and then grocery shopping. When I got home, Dick was sleeping so I made a fruit salad and then cooked some brats out on the grill (the show did make me hungry for them). I got Dick up at noon and we had a proper brat on a hard roll with salad for lunch.
Then at 2PM I went to Rocky Knoll for the Amputee Support Group meeting. We had a speaker today. Dinah Federer came an talked to us about her new book called Chasing Normal subtitled A Guide for the Newly Disabled and for Those Who Love Them. She has had a disability since birth but in recent years developed a second condition which caused her to eventually have to stop working and gave her the basis for this book. I have not read it yet but after listening to her speak am looking forward to it and feel that there will be a lot to digest in it.
Rocky Knoll is so welcoming of the Amputee Support Group. They give us a room to meet and always bring coffee and treats. Today they had mini chocolate covered cream puffs that were absolutely decadent.
Now we are listening to the President's speech about his first 100 days. He is handling the questions well. We will see how the nation responds to it. He seems unflappable. He mentioned that when he started running for the office the War in Iraq was the main issue out there. Before he took office the economy had tanked and health care had loomed it's ugly head again. So there are all kinds of balls that have to be kept up in the air. We need patience and have to give time for the plans to work. This is not an easy when we still have our young men and women in foreign countries dying when they should be home. We have too many people unemployed and underemployed. The banks and our auto companies are in a sorry state. We need to continue praying and to work together. I am sorry that he is "pro-choice" but I do understand the concept. I have the other outlook that a life upon conception is a life and somebody has to advocate for those most helpless and defenceless human beings. But I do agree with him that abortion itself is a moral not a legal issue.
So the day is almost over and am I ever glad. Only one more full day before I get my mini vacation. I can hardly wait for that.
That naughty Roxie jumped up onto the TV last night and knocked the lovely bouquet of daffodils off onto the floor. I picked them up and put them back. They look a little bedraggled but are hanging in there. I think I rearranged things so that she can't make that trip again.
Mother Teresa said " Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."
Love
Mary
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I was able to spend most of the day at home. Chelsea and I had a really lovely walk shortly after 6AM. Then I picked up some breakfast for Dick and me from Mc Donalds. We haven't done that for a long time and I seem to be out of milk and eggs which rules out most breakfasts. I would settle for toast and cheese or bread and peanut butter but these do not seem to thrill Dick. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day so we will be stocked up again.
After we ate I "surprised" our poor Chelsea with a bath. She is now the prettiest little doggie in town. She literally glows.
Then Dick went for a nap with Chelsea and Oscar so I did a couple of errands. I went to Amy's Mary Lee to stock up on cards because I had a $7 coupon that was expiring in a couple of days. It seems silly to throw away $7. I dropped of some clothes for Mother and Dick's old shoes at St. Vinnie's. Now I need to go through my closets and pare things down. There are lots of things I have not worn for almost 8 years, when I retired, and it is really silly to keep them any longer.
This swine flu is really becoming a thing, it seems. When I was at Mom's yesterday, she was remembering the pandemic flu that ran the world shortly after WW1 in 1918 or so. She barely remembers as she was born in 1916. They lived out on a farm that Grandpa Bowser was running and she just remembers that whole families were sick and the neighbors, like the Bowsers who were not sick, would take care of their own animals and chores and then go over to the farms of neighbors that were sick and take care of their animals and chores too. Such a wonderful cooperation. I wonder if we would do that, would we even know that our neighbor needed help.
This afternoon, the doorbell rang and when I went to the door there was standing our neighbor Jean Steiner with a bouquet of daffodils that she had just cut. I thanked her for spring and put them in a vase on the TV.
I am really having trouble staying awake tonight. BUT I am going to stay up for Dancing with the Stars. That is over when I need to take Chelsea out anyway so it is a good goal and I would like to see who is let go this week. I really do enjoy that show.
Til tomorrow then.
All my love
Mary
After we ate I "surprised" our poor Chelsea with a bath. She is now the prettiest little doggie in town. She literally glows.
Then Dick went for a nap with Chelsea and Oscar so I did a couple of errands. I went to Amy's Mary Lee to stock up on cards because I had a $7 coupon that was expiring in a couple of days. It seems silly to throw away $7. I dropped of some clothes for Mother and Dick's old shoes at St. Vinnie's. Now I need to go through my closets and pare things down. There are lots of things I have not worn for almost 8 years, when I retired, and it is really silly to keep them any longer.
This swine flu is really becoming a thing, it seems. When I was at Mom's yesterday, she was remembering the pandemic flu that ran the world shortly after WW1 in 1918 or so. She barely remembers as she was born in 1916. They lived out on a farm that Grandpa Bowser was running and she just remembers that whole families were sick and the neighbors, like the Bowsers who were not sick, would take care of their own animals and chores and then go over to the farms of neighbors that were sick and take care of their animals and chores too. Such a wonderful cooperation. I wonder if we would do that, would we even know that our neighbor needed help.
This afternoon, the doorbell rang and when I went to the door there was standing our neighbor Jean Steiner with a bouquet of daffodils that she had just cut. I thanked her for spring and put them in a vase on the TV.
I am really having trouble staying awake tonight. BUT I am going to stay up for Dancing with the Stars. That is over when I need to take Chelsea out anyway so it is a good goal and I would like to see who is let go this week. I really do enjoy that show.
Til tomorrow then.
All my love
Mary
Monday, April 27, 2009
Strange day. Would you believe that Chelsea woke me up at 3AM? Well she did. At least, I was able to get back to sleep and got up for good at 6:20 or so.
Chelsea hardly touched her breakfast so I put it on the counter and set a heavy metal trivet on it to keep the cats out of her food. A lot of good that did. When I got out of the shower Dick said that he heard a crash in the kitchen and sure enough that naughty Oscar had gotten up on the counter, knocked the bowl AND the trivet onto the floor and he and Roxie had finished off Chelsea's breakfast.
By then it was not raining so Chelsea and I took a long walk. I found it quite refreshing and felt good when we got back. She was happy too. But I am concerned about her sporadic lack of appetite. She was quite hungry tonight and ate her whole dinner but mornings seem to be another story.
I went to bible study this morning. We had a good group, 8 of us and the discussion was lively. Next Sunday's Gospel is the Good Shepherd story. This story is so familiar that it is good to put a new slant on it. We took the viewthat the story is not really about shepherds but about us. We are supposed to make choices to offer service, sacrifice and love given freely as did the Good Shepherd. We too must lay down our lives out of love.
Anyway, a good lively discussion.
Then I went over to Mother's for a visit. I took her a couple of the pasties because I know she likes them. They make an easy meal for her to prepare also. I also took her a bottle of wine.
On the way home I picked up a new toilet seat for my bathroom. The tip lid hinge broke. I decided, no more wooden seats for me. Either the lid cracks or the hinges break. I put the new one on this afternoon.
Dick had therapy at 1:45. Tim from Wisconsin Prosthetics came to check the prosthesis and to talk to Dr. Moreno about his concerns about the shoe. They discussed the shearing that seems to be causing redness on the bony prominences of Dick's foot. Dr. Moreno is still pushing for a fully custom shoe as this one fits width wise, height wise but is a bit too long. The orthotic people think that the adapted shoe should be OK. So Andrea, who fitted him for the shoe, will come to the Care Center on Thursday and review everything and perhaps talk to Dr. Moreno again. Int he meantime, Dick cannot do any walking so we are again at a standstill. A bit of a disappointment but we did get good news on the prosthesis. Tim said that the stump is just about stable and we are ready for the next casting - one step closer to the final prosthesis.
I think I have everything about ready for the weekend. I have to take lots of stuff that belongs to CWI so that we can have a good gathering. I have a box of items such as books for sale and scarves and sweatshirts. Now it has finally reached 9PM and I will have to wake up my poor little old doggie so that she can go out to go potty one more time before I go to bed. I sure hope that she lasts longer than 3AM this morning. She is no longer consistent, yesterday it was 5AM.
Tomorrow we have no appointments at all. Isn't that going to be a strange day. I am so glad. I do intend to take a bunch of stuff over to St. Vinnies just to clear out the garage a bit. I will be going through my closets soon too. As I told Dick, I will weed out my work clothes and keep just a couple of good suits for special occasions. I certainly don't need all of them as I did when I was working. It is always hard to do that but I have not worn some of them for seven years and that is really long enough. Someone else might as well be getting the use out of them.
Take care and I hope your tomorrow is a special one.
Mary
Chelsea hardly touched her breakfast so I put it on the counter and set a heavy metal trivet on it to keep the cats out of her food. A lot of good that did. When I got out of the shower Dick said that he heard a crash in the kitchen and sure enough that naughty Oscar had gotten up on the counter, knocked the bowl AND the trivet onto the floor and he and Roxie had finished off Chelsea's breakfast.
By then it was not raining so Chelsea and I took a long walk. I found it quite refreshing and felt good when we got back. She was happy too. But I am concerned about her sporadic lack of appetite. She was quite hungry tonight and ate her whole dinner but mornings seem to be another story.
I went to bible study this morning. We had a good group, 8 of us and the discussion was lively. Next Sunday's Gospel is the Good Shepherd story. This story is so familiar that it is good to put a new slant on it. We took the viewthat the story is not really about shepherds but about us. We are supposed to make choices to offer service, sacrifice and love given freely as did the Good Shepherd. We too must lay down our lives out of love.
Anyway, a good lively discussion.
Then I went over to Mother's for a visit. I took her a couple of the pasties because I know she likes them. They make an easy meal for her to prepare also. I also took her a bottle of wine.
On the way home I picked up a new toilet seat for my bathroom. The tip lid hinge broke. I decided, no more wooden seats for me. Either the lid cracks or the hinges break. I put the new one on this afternoon.
Dick had therapy at 1:45. Tim from Wisconsin Prosthetics came to check the prosthesis and to talk to Dr. Moreno about his concerns about the shoe. They discussed the shearing that seems to be causing redness on the bony prominences of Dick's foot. Dr. Moreno is still pushing for a fully custom shoe as this one fits width wise, height wise but is a bit too long. The orthotic people think that the adapted shoe should be OK. So Andrea, who fitted him for the shoe, will come to the Care Center on Thursday and review everything and perhaps talk to Dr. Moreno again. Int he meantime, Dick cannot do any walking so we are again at a standstill. A bit of a disappointment but we did get good news on the prosthesis. Tim said that the stump is just about stable and we are ready for the next casting - one step closer to the final prosthesis.
I think I have everything about ready for the weekend. I have to take lots of stuff that belongs to CWI so that we can have a good gathering. I have a box of items such as books for sale and scarves and sweatshirts. Now it has finally reached 9PM and I will have to wake up my poor little old doggie so that she can go out to go potty one more time before I go to bed. I sure hope that she lasts longer than 3AM this morning. She is no longer consistent, yesterday it was 5AM.
Tomorrow we have no appointments at all. Isn't that going to be a strange day. I am so glad. I do intend to take a bunch of stuff over to St. Vinnies just to clear out the garage a bit. I will be going through my closets soon too. As I told Dick, I will weed out my work clothes and keep just a couple of good suits for special occasions. I certainly don't need all of them as I did when I was working. It is always hard to do that but I have not worn some of them for seven years and that is really long enough. Someone else might as well be getting the use out of them.
Take care and I hope your tomorrow is a special one.
Mary
Sunday, April 26, 2009
It was both a busy and quite wonderful day.
Chelsea did not wake me up the first time until almost 5AM. Which is almost unheard of. I took her out and then went back to bed until a bit after 6. I spent the morning getting things ready for the noon meal and helping Dick with his bath.
Jim and Michelle came back from Oklahoma City on cloud nine. They had updated their blog so we knew that things went well, but it is even better to hear things from their own lips.
I prepared enchilada stacks, bean and chicken tostadas and for Jim since we don't know when they will be here for dinner again for at least some time, Chocolate Mousse. (Dick says Jim always gets what HE asks for.) I have not made that in a long time and I don't know why. It sure does taste good.
Everything tasted good and we found out a LOT about their new job and the place.
I called Bart and Barb tonight and updated them on Jim and Michelle's move. They are delighted and would like to show them around if they need it and want to take them for dinner or have them over for dinner. If our children are moving away, at least they are moving closer to each other.
We lazed around the rest of the day and listened to the rain. I opened a couple of windows today and some kitties we know sure got excited. Roxie's ears sure perked up when she heard the birds singing.
With all the blackbirds singing their hearts out this spring, I thought I would reprint my poem about the red winged blackbird that greeted me every morning one whole summer when we lived at Hunters Glen. People tried to tell me that he was protecting his nest but I know he just was saying Hi. If he wasn't on the street sign when I approached it, I would see him flying across the wetland to get there before I did. I will send a picture too.
Have a good week
Mary
THE SENTINAL
The red-winged blackbird waits
Bounding jauntily
On the street sign at the corner.
He trills his song for me.
Bounding jauntily.
Is he greeting or scolding?
He sings his song for me
Each morning.
Is he greeting or scolding
There on his perch
Each morning.
I would miss him.
There on his perch.
How long will he stay?
I would miss him.
The red-winged blackbird waits.
Chelsea did not wake me up the first time until almost 5AM. Which is almost unheard of. I took her out and then went back to bed until a bit after 6. I spent the morning getting things ready for the noon meal and helping Dick with his bath.
Jim and Michelle came back from Oklahoma City on cloud nine. They had updated their blog so we knew that things went well, but it is even better to hear things from their own lips.
I prepared enchilada stacks, bean and chicken tostadas and for Jim since we don't know when they will be here for dinner again for at least some time, Chocolate Mousse. (Dick says Jim always gets what HE asks for.) I have not made that in a long time and I don't know why. It sure does taste good.
Everything tasted good and we found out a LOT about their new job and the place.
I called Bart and Barb tonight and updated them on Jim and Michelle's move. They are delighted and would like to show them around if they need it and want to take them for dinner or have them over for dinner. If our children are moving away, at least they are moving closer to each other.
We lazed around the rest of the day and listened to the rain. I opened a couple of windows today and some kitties we know sure got excited. Roxie's ears sure perked up when she heard the birds singing.
With all the blackbirds singing their hearts out this spring, I thought I would reprint my poem about the red winged blackbird that greeted me every morning one whole summer when we lived at Hunters Glen. People tried to tell me that he was protecting his nest but I know he just was saying Hi. If he wasn't on the street sign when I approached it, I would see him flying across the wetland to get there before I did. I will send a picture too.
Have a good week
Mary
THE SENTINAL
The red-winged blackbird waits
Bounding jauntily
On the street sign at the corner.
He trills his song for me.
Bounding jauntily.
Is he greeting or scolding?
He sings his song for me
Each morning.
Is he greeting or scolding
There on his perch
Each morning.
I would miss him.
There on his perch.
How long will he stay?
I would miss him.
The red-winged blackbird waits.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Such a lovely day. I picked up Kate at 9AM and we went and got our Share groceries. Then we stopped by her house and put her groceries away and came back to my house to finish the pasties.
Kate and I spent the next three hours, chopping veggies, grinding meat and mixing everything together. Then we rolled out the balls of pastry into rounds and stuffed them with the mixture. We baked all that we were not eating tonight for 30 minutes and then wrapped them in foil for freezing.
About halfway through we had our lunch.
We each ended up with 16 pasties and a nice bunch of ground meat and veggies for hash for our breakfast tomorrow.
We used pork, venison, potatoes, cabbage, onion, carrots and rutabaga in our pasties. We had them for supper tonight and they are really good.
Then I tried to nap but did not have much luck. I went to the 4PM Mass. It was a nice Mass. I saw several friends there, notably Ruth Dobrozinski. Her husband Wally has been quite sick so we decided that we are tough wild women and will use each other as rocks to lean on. She is a real dear.
Tomorrow we will be hosting Jim, Michelle, Bobbie and Bill as Jim and Michelle will be returning from Oklahoma, we hope and are sure, with good news and will be leaving withing the month for a new position in Oklahoma City. We pray that this will be the case and that all will go well. It is a big move and another of our children will be further away, but this is the way things go and we can always go visit.
That is all the news for now. Take care and have a good Sunday.
Love
Mary
Kate and I spent the next three hours, chopping veggies, grinding meat and mixing everything together. Then we rolled out the balls of pastry into rounds and stuffed them with the mixture. We baked all that we were not eating tonight for 30 minutes and then wrapped them in foil for freezing.
About halfway through we had our lunch.
We each ended up with 16 pasties and a nice bunch of ground meat and veggies for hash for our breakfast tomorrow.
We used pork, venison, potatoes, cabbage, onion, carrots and rutabaga in our pasties. We had them for supper tonight and they are really good.
Then I tried to nap but did not have much luck. I went to the 4PM Mass. It was a nice Mass. I saw several friends there, notably Ruth Dobrozinski. Her husband Wally has been quite sick so we decided that we are tough wild women and will use each other as rocks to lean on. She is a real dear.
Tomorrow we will be hosting Jim, Michelle, Bobbie and Bill as Jim and Michelle will be returning from Oklahoma, we hope and are sure, with good news and will be leaving withing the month for a new position in Oklahoma City. We pray that this will be the case and that all will go well. It is a big move and another of our children will be further away, but this is the way things go and we can always go visit.
That is all the news for now. Take care and have a good Sunday.
Love
Mary
Friday, April 24, 2009
I got to stay home all day until Nancy came to pick me up to go to Rhine at 5PM. It was really nice.
I cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms in the morning and fixed baked potato, chicken and beets for dinner. Then Kate came over at about 1PM and we mixed up the dough for the pasties that we are going to put together tomorrow. Ron simply LOVED them so we are making a double batch so we each will have 16 pasties, lots to freeze for the future. They make such a good meal and cook well - from frozen to the plate in 1/2 hour.
Shooting was OK. I didn't do too well, but each one improved and Nancy and I always have fun. And at least each one DID improve.
I finished the last little doll that I have been working on. I gave her a music book and she is holding it as if she is ready to sing. When I take a picture of it I will post it.
So today is over now. Chelsea is not eating too well. That and the say she sleeps is kind of distressing, but she still goes for her morning walks like a young pup.
I commented to Dick that the only living creature in this house that does not take some meds or supplements is Oscar. Roxie has six more days of her antibiotics. I told him I need one of the med carts like the nurses had at the Plymouth Care. You know, in all my growing up and all my adult years, I never wanted to be a nurse. But I do a good job at it. I still don't want to be a nurse though.
Have a great weekend. It is supposed to be wet.
The lilacs are sprouting green in the back yard. And I hear the peepers in the evening and morning from over in the wetlands. Spring is really nice.
Love
Mary
I cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms in the morning and fixed baked potato, chicken and beets for dinner. Then Kate came over at about 1PM and we mixed up the dough for the pasties that we are going to put together tomorrow. Ron simply LOVED them so we are making a double batch so we each will have 16 pasties, lots to freeze for the future. They make such a good meal and cook well - from frozen to the plate in 1/2 hour.
Shooting was OK. I didn't do too well, but each one improved and Nancy and I always have fun. And at least each one DID improve.
I finished the last little doll that I have been working on. I gave her a music book and she is holding it as if she is ready to sing. When I take a picture of it I will post it.
So today is over now. Chelsea is not eating too well. That and the say she sleeps is kind of distressing, but she still goes for her morning walks like a young pup.
I commented to Dick that the only living creature in this house that does not take some meds or supplements is Oscar. Roxie has six more days of her antibiotics. I told him I need one of the med carts like the nurses had at the Plymouth Care. You know, in all my growing up and all my adult years, I never wanted to be a nurse. But I do a good job at it. I still don't want to be a nurse though.
Have a great weekend. It is supposed to be wet.
The lilacs are sprouting green in the back yard. And I hear the peepers in the evening and morning from over in the wetlands. Spring is really nice.
Love
Mary
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Today was not as full of good news as the previous few days have been. We had an appointment with Dr. Moreno and the small red spots that we see on the bony areas of the foot are of concern to him. He wants the shoe adapted a bit so that there is no longer any shear abrasion. It is not serious now but we do not want anything to develop what with the history. So we have to suspend walking until the shoe is adapted. Andrea and Tim from Wisconsin Prosthetics and Orthotics will be meeting with us at his scheduled appointment on Monday and talk to Dr. Moreno to be sure they all agree on what needs to be done.
Not a huge thing but a little setback. Well nobody said it would be easy.
Oscar had to go the the vet to have the second half of his distemper shot. He was not a happy guy and let me know that all the way there and back. But now he and Roxie are all done for a whole year. I am still giving Roxie her antibiotics. Sure will be glad when I am done with her. I feel like I am running my own care center here. I do all the care and medicine dispensing. At least Dick won't have to go anywhere tomorrow and the only time I plan on leaving is to go shooting with Nancy in the evening.
Kate is coming over in the afternoon to mix up the pastry for the pasties that we are going to make on Saturday. I will definitely have to remember to take out the meat to get it thawed. I did remember to buy suet for the recipe and have all the veggies that I need.
I am gradually getting things gathered together for the Celtic Gathering the first weekend in May. Now I have to add a poetry talk to the list. THat will be fun. I have a general idea what I want to do.
Our neighbor, Dick, went to the Cubs game today, so I walked his little dog Katrina a couple of times for him. She is such a loving little dog and is always SO glad to see me. But I would have a problem with her as she leaks when she gets excited.
Did I tell you that I took my herbs in their planters out onto the deck last weekend? I was starting to see new growth on several of them and since they spent the entire winter in the cold garage decided that even if we get some snow and frost yet, the sun and fresh air would do them good. They are surely hardened against the cold.
It is supposed to get up into the 70s tomorrow. I can hardly wait.
Take care
Mary
Not a huge thing but a little setback. Well nobody said it would be easy.
Oscar had to go the the vet to have the second half of his distemper shot. He was not a happy guy and let me know that all the way there and back. But now he and Roxie are all done for a whole year. I am still giving Roxie her antibiotics. Sure will be glad when I am done with her. I feel like I am running my own care center here. I do all the care and medicine dispensing. At least Dick won't have to go anywhere tomorrow and the only time I plan on leaving is to go shooting with Nancy in the evening.
Kate is coming over in the afternoon to mix up the pastry for the pasties that we are going to make on Saturday. I will definitely have to remember to take out the meat to get it thawed. I did remember to buy suet for the recipe and have all the veggies that I need.
I am gradually getting things gathered together for the Celtic Gathering the first weekend in May. Now I have to add a poetry talk to the list. THat will be fun. I have a general idea what I want to do.
Our neighbor, Dick, went to the Cubs game today, so I walked his little dog Katrina a couple of times for him. She is such a loving little dog and is always SO glad to see me. But I would have a problem with her as she leaks when she gets excited.
Did I tell you that I took my herbs in their planters out onto the deck last weekend? I was starting to see new growth on several of them and since they spent the entire winter in the cold garage decided that even if we get some snow and frost yet, the sun and fresh air would do them good. They are surely hardened against the cold.
It is supposed to get up into the 70s tomorrow. I can hardly wait.
Take care
Mary
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
This day was a bit easier than it first appeared because the Amputee Support Group meeting that I thought was this afternoon is NEXT week. Apparently it is not the 4th Wednesday, as I thought, but the last Wednesday of the month. I got to Rocky Knoll and found the room we meet in empty - I mean empty. It was being cleaned and even all the chairs and tables were out of it. So I wandered the halls until I found my friend Kim Loose who is the activity director and asked her. I threw her for a loop too but she looked at her calendar and we were both reassured that it is next week. That gave me a little more time to grocery shop
We had our first appointment this morning with a Dr. Mandel, an eye doctor that Cheryl Ziegler wanted to check Dick's eyes. Whew. He checked the eyes very carefully and said that he sees no problems that would need any further care and he will write to Dr. Ziegler to tell her so. There are a couple of things to be watched and he would like Dick to be examined every 6 months or so.
We went right from there to the Care Center for therapy. Dick had to be recertified for Medicare. That has to happen every so often so they will continue covering the therapy. Diane does the re certifying and ran him through his paces. He walked several times at the bars and then twice down the hall with the walker. He is still working on proper "footwork" and placement but doing very well.
When we got home, I fixed lunch and then did the grocery shopping. It has been a long day. When I got home from grocery shopping, Dick was napping. Then I realized that I had not picked up a prescription that I needed to put out tonight so Chelsea got a ride. Boy, was she ever a happy little girl.
I was worried about her this morning. She did not want to eat her breakfast. I kept picking it up to keep it away from Oscar but I don't know who ended up finishing it. Tonight, after her happy ride time, she ate her supper right up. So that made us feel better.
It only got to the mid 50s today and there were even a few clouds and raindrops but there was no wind and that sun that shone most of the day felt just wonderful.
Tomorrow will be even warmer. I expect green on trees soon.
Love
Mary
We had our first appointment this morning with a Dr. Mandel, an eye doctor that Cheryl Ziegler wanted to check Dick's eyes. Whew. He checked the eyes very carefully and said that he sees no problems that would need any further care and he will write to Dr. Ziegler to tell her so. There are a couple of things to be watched and he would like Dick to be examined every 6 months or so.
We went right from there to the Care Center for therapy. Dick had to be recertified for Medicare. That has to happen every so often so they will continue covering the therapy. Diane does the re certifying and ran him through his paces. He walked several times at the bars and then twice down the hall with the walker. He is still working on proper "footwork" and placement but doing very well.
When we got home, I fixed lunch and then did the grocery shopping. It has been a long day. When I got home from grocery shopping, Dick was napping. Then I realized that I had not picked up a prescription that I needed to put out tonight so Chelsea got a ride. Boy, was she ever a happy little girl.
I was worried about her this morning. She did not want to eat her breakfast. I kept picking it up to keep it away from Oscar but I don't know who ended up finishing it. Tonight, after her happy ride time, she ate her supper right up. So that made us feel better.
It only got to the mid 50s today and there were even a few clouds and raindrops but there was no wind and that sun that shone most of the day felt just wonderful.
Tomorrow will be even warmer. I expect green on trees soon.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Poor little Roxie had her dental work today. I had to have her at Kettle Moraine between 6 and 7AM. They called me at about 9:30 and I was able to pick her up at 11. She had a lot of tarter and her gums are a bit sensitive but she did not have to lose any teeth and her teeth look good. She will be on antibiotics for 10 days because of the gums. I am putting it in her canned food rather than trying to shove it down her throat.
Dick had therapy at 1PM. He did a LOT of walking today. I am hoping for more freedom and more walker experience. That would make the wheel chair less needed and perhaps I won't have to be lifting it into the car for short trips at least.
What with some cleaning and more paperwork (I am locating Deeley information for Jeff too now.) the day just sped by. I am very tired. More tired than I think I should be. Perhaps, if I can just get to bed by 9, I will feel better in the morning.
We did not hear from Jim and Michelle today. I assume that this is good news on her condition. I tried to call but the answering machine picked up so we figured we had just better wait for them to contact us.
Guess that is all for now. Rest easy and deep.
Love
Mary
Dick had therapy at 1PM. He did a LOT of walking today. I am hoping for more freedom and more walker experience. That would make the wheel chair less needed and perhaps I won't have to be lifting it into the car for short trips at least.
What with some cleaning and more paperwork (I am locating Deeley information for Jeff too now.) the day just sped by. I am very tired. More tired than I think I should be. Perhaps, if I can just get to bed by 9, I will feel better in the morning.
We did not hear from Jim and Michelle today. I assume that this is good news on her condition. I tried to call but the answering machine picked up so we figured we had just better wait for them to contact us.
Guess that is all for now. Rest easy and deep.
Love
Mary
Monday, April 20, 2009
It was raining slightly this morning when Chelsea and I went out for our walk, so we did not go too far. That kind of rain doesn't bother her but I don't like it because it was also damp and chilly and that goes right into the bones.
I left for Sheboygan Falls a little after 9AM for bible study. There were six of us there this morning. A nice group. The apostles will still be in the locked room and Jesus will appear in their midst and he asks for lunch. This is Luke's version. They all have the same basic facts but different details.
Then I went over to Mom's for a visit. I took her some of the pot roast that we had on Saturday. We had most of the rest for lunch today. We, as usual, had a wonderful visit. Jeff and Kathy are going to Boston to meet with some of his old army friends at the end of May. He is going to try to do some searching for Deeley relatives out in that area. I will send him all the information that I have in my PAF files to see if it is any help in the search. Years ago, when I was very young, Daddy went to a Wool Institute for some training out in Massachusetts. He did meet with some of our cousins at that time but look how long ago that was. Well, I will be a fun trip anyway.
Got home in time to fix lunch and to find out that Jim had called, very distressed, shortly after 9AM. They were on their way to a training for Michelle's work when she developed severe pain in her abdomen and back. He took her too the closest emergency room. They believe it is a kidney stone and hope that it will pass tonight. Please pray for her that this will pass quickly and easily. The other possible scenarios are a bit more difficult, such as appendicitis. Though that can often just dissipate too. Anyway, lets pray her through this.
Then on to Cream City Writers club. Almost everybody DID try the Pantoum which I had suggested last week as an alternative to us all giving a word and trying to construct a poem from the words. Those that did them had some really good results, I thought. I will put mine in here. See what you think. Beverly Schellhaas had a haiku accepted for next years Wisconsin Poets Calendar. Yea Beverly.
BRAVE LITTLE DAFFODIL
Believing in spring is a test of faith
On these cold snowy days in March
I wonder how the daffodils feel
As they reach their arms to the sky
On these cold snowy days in March
Only to be encased in an icy sheath
I wonder how the daffodils feel
Coaxed into growing by days of warm sun.
Only to be encased in an icy sheath
When the promise of the robin's song
Coaxed into growing by days of warm sun.
With gentle warm breezes and life giving rain
Cling to dreams of summer days.
I wonder how the daffodils feel
Shivering in their sheath of ice
Believing in spring is a test of faith.
Got home at about 2:30 and took a nap. Then I worked on clearing up more paperwork and getting it in order. One would think when I got it in order I could keep it that way. Wouldn't one?
We had mac and cheese for supper and now have watched Dancing with the Stars. I really like the fact that Dick is watching it with me this year. It makes it all that more fun.
I finished reading Taylor Caldwell's Grandmother and the Priests today. The last chapter had a paragraph written about the famine that really impressed me so I will share. "The Irish do not forgive freely, and it is hard to forgive when ye must strike a spade through the frozen ground of winter in the graveyard to bury your wife or your child or your mother, who starved to death, and the food going to England. The Irish will forgive England in time, but never will they forget the Famine, and they will never forget the colleens and the lads who fled to America so they'd not eat the little left and could make some money to send back home."
Tomorrow our poor little Roxie gets her teeth cleaned. I am already apologizing to her.
Love
Mary
I left for Sheboygan Falls a little after 9AM for bible study. There were six of us there this morning. A nice group. The apostles will still be in the locked room and Jesus will appear in their midst and he asks for lunch. This is Luke's version. They all have the same basic facts but different details.
Then I went over to Mom's for a visit. I took her some of the pot roast that we had on Saturday. We had most of the rest for lunch today. We, as usual, had a wonderful visit. Jeff and Kathy are going to Boston to meet with some of his old army friends at the end of May. He is going to try to do some searching for Deeley relatives out in that area. I will send him all the information that I have in my PAF files to see if it is any help in the search. Years ago, when I was very young, Daddy went to a Wool Institute for some training out in Massachusetts. He did meet with some of our cousins at that time but look how long ago that was. Well, I will be a fun trip anyway.
Got home in time to fix lunch and to find out that Jim had called, very distressed, shortly after 9AM. They were on their way to a training for Michelle's work when she developed severe pain in her abdomen and back. He took her too the closest emergency room. They believe it is a kidney stone and hope that it will pass tonight. Please pray for her that this will pass quickly and easily. The other possible scenarios are a bit more difficult, such as appendicitis. Though that can often just dissipate too. Anyway, lets pray her through this.
Then on to Cream City Writers club. Almost everybody DID try the Pantoum which I had suggested last week as an alternative to us all giving a word and trying to construct a poem from the words. Those that did them had some really good results, I thought. I will put mine in here. See what you think. Beverly Schellhaas had a haiku accepted for next years Wisconsin Poets Calendar. Yea Beverly.
BRAVE LITTLE DAFFODIL
Believing in spring is a test of faith
On these cold snowy days in March
I wonder how the daffodils feel
As they reach their arms to the sky
On these cold snowy days in March
Only to be encased in an icy sheath
I wonder how the daffodils feel
Coaxed into growing by days of warm sun.
Only to be encased in an icy sheath
When the promise of the robin's song
Coaxed into growing by days of warm sun.
With gentle warm breezes and life giving rain
Cling to dreams of summer days.
I wonder how the daffodils feel
Shivering in their sheath of ice
Believing in spring is a test of faith.
Got home at about 2:30 and took a nap. Then I worked on clearing up more paperwork and getting it in order. One would think when I got it in order I could keep it that way. Wouldn't one?
We had mac and cheese for supper and now have watched Dancing with the Stars. I really like the fact that Dick is watching it with me this year. It makes it all that more fun.
I finished reading Taylor Caldwell's Grandmother and the Priests today. The last chapter had a paragraph written about the famine that really impressed me so I will share. "The Irish do not forgive freely, and it is hard to forgive when ye must strike a spade through the frozen ground of winter in the graveyard to bury your wife or your child or your mother, who starved to death, and the food going to England. The Irish will forgive England in time, but never will they forget the Famine, and they will never forget the colleens and the lads who fled to America so they'd not eat the little left and could make some money to send back home."
Tomorrow our poor little Roxie gets her teeth cleaned. I am already apologizing to her.
Love
Mary
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A quiet and delightful day. I spent most of the morning sorting PAPER. By this evening, I am ready for tomorrow.
I pulled up information on next Sunday's readings and marked them in the bible so I am ready for bible study. This morning's Gospel was different that the one they said would be read last week though the event was the one in the upper room with the apostles scared out of their wits. With good reason as it appeared. I went to Mass this morning at 1o:45 because Jim and Michelle were here over Mass time yesterday at the time I usually go. It was a nice Mass. The contemporary choir sang this morning. So the music was very good. And Father gave a good sermon. Our prayers are continuing for the unemployed and the under employed. I had personal prayers for my friends, Keith and Mary Dallman's family.
It was kind of chilly today. The ground was a bit damp when I woke up but it did not rain during the day. That little bit of rain made the grass on the green really brighten up. I expect that if we get more rain as we are promised the trees will burst open like firecrackers.
Another busy week of therapy and doctor appointments looms ahead. Next Friday and Saturday Kate and I are going to make another batch of pasties. It takes two days because you have to make the pastry the day ahead and refrigerate it.
I listened to the song that Jim Wilsing composed and was performed at the Unity Concert. It is absolutely beautiful. I wish I knew how to share it with you. Remind me to play it for you when we are together. The Cancer fund has extra copies for sale as part of the fundraising effort.
Take care and have a good week.
Mary
I pulled up information on next Sunday's readings and marked them in the bible so I am ready for bible study. This morning's Gospel was different that the one they said would be read last week though the event was the one in the upper room with the apostles scared out of their wits. With good reason as it appeared. I went to Mass this morning at 1o:45 because Jim and Michelle were here over Mass time yesterday at the time I usually go. It was a nice Mass. The contemporary choir sang this morning. So the music was very good. And Father gave a good sermon. Our prayers are continuing for the unemployed and the under employed. I had personal prayers for my friends, Keith and Mary Dallman's family.
It was kind of chilly today. The ground was a bit damp when I woke up but it did not rain during the day. That little bit of rain made the grass on the green really brighten up. I expect that if we get more rain as we are promised the trees will burst open like firecrackers.
Another busy week of therapy and doctor appointments looms ahead. Next Friday and Saturday Kate and I are going to make another batch of pasties. It takes two days because you have to make the pastry the day ahead and refrigerate it.
I listened to the song that Jim Wilsing composed and was performed at the Unity Concert. It is absolutely beautiful. I wish I knew how to share it with you. Remind me to play it for you when we are together. The Cancer fund has extra copies for sale as part of the fundraising effort.
Take care and have a good week.
Mary
Saturday, April 18, 2009
We were pleased with today. It was warm most of it. I wore one of my denim jackets when I walked Chelsea so that tells you something. The birds were in fine chorus all around us. We took a nice long walk, trying to build up to what we did last summer.
I fixed a pot roast for dinner this noon. Put carrots, celery and potatoes in for the last hour then made a nice gravy to go with it. I also used the last of my frozen rhubarb in a crisp. We were happy. I remember that my brother in law George would sit down to a meal like that and lean back and say. "Wonder what the rich people are eating tonight." I made the crisp completely with Splenda so it was safe for Dick to eat. It tasted great too.
Then, after dinner, We got Dick all showered and both took a nap. Jim and Michelle came by to pick up the ham they accidentally left here on Easter. They came from De Pere where they were volunteers for the MS Walk. They had supper with us. I found some Friday Chili in the freezer and made grilled cheese to go with it. Dick and I were willing to have more Rhubarb Crisp for desert then too.
Next weekend, they will be flying to Oklahoma City to finish applying for this job as managers of the apartment complex. They have to do a drug test apparently and fill out some forms. They will also see their apartment and meet the couple that they will be teamed with and who will be training them. It does sound like it will be a perfect situation for the two of them. Lets all pray that it is. Dick and I like happy, well situated children.
Tonight, I went to the Unity Concert in Sheboygan. This is its fifth year. It is a fundraiser for cancer patients and their families. All the money is used for Sheboygan people who are in financial need. It does not pay medical bills. It will provide, as an example, a wide screen tv for a young cancer patient who is having trouble seeing images on the small screen, or perhaps a window air conditioner for someone who is suffering in a cramped hot home in the summer, or gas money to get to treatments. This concert is totally volunteer. Nothing costs anything so all of the proceeds go to the fund.
I had a wonderful time but had to leave before the concert was over because it went on way to long and I had to get home in case Chelsea needed to go out AND I had to get the shoe off of Dick.
I was SO pleased to see many of my friends from Blessed Trinity. The choir was singing in the finale and other friends too, including Dave Weinhold and Mary Lou Conger. Mary Lou and I graduated from high school together and I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. Her Eddie has been gone for 9 years now. He was a very nice guy and courageous in his illness.
So now it is time for bed and Chelsea is definately in agreement with that. Oscar is being very patient. I think he is just glad that I am home.
Til tomorrow then
Love
Mary
I fixed a pot roast for dinner this noon. Put carrots, celery and potatoes in for the last hour then made a nice gravy to go with it. I also used the last of my frozen rhubarb in a crisp. We were happy. I remember that my brother in law George would sit down to a meal like that and lean back and say. "Wonder what the rich people are eating tonight." I made the crisp completely with Splenda so it was safe for Dick to eat. It tasted great too.
Then, after dinner, We got Dick all showered and both took a nap. Jim and Michelle came by to pick up the ham they accidentally left here on Easter. They came from De Pere where they were volunteers for the MS Walk. They had supper with us. I found some Friday Chili in the freezer and made grilled cheese to go with it. Dick and I were willing to have more Rhubarb Crisp for desert then too.
Next weekend, they will be flying to Oklahoma City to finish applying for this job as managers of the apartment complex. They have to do a drug test apparently and fill out some forms. They will also see their apartment and meet the couple that they will be teamed with and who will be training them. It does sound like it will be a perfect situation for the two of them. Lets all pray that it is. Dick and I like happy, well situated children.
Tonight, I went to the Unity Concert in Sheboygan. This is its fifth year. It is a fundraiser for cancer patients and their families. All the money is used for Sheboygan people who are in financial need. It does not pay medical bills. It will provide, as an example, a wide screen tv for a young cancer patient who is having trouble seeing images on the small screen, or perhaps a window air conditioner for someone who is suffering in a cramped hot home in the summer, or gas money to get to treatments. This concert is totally volunteer. Nothing costs anything so all of the proceeds go to the fund.
I had a wonderful time but had to leave before the concert was over because it went on way to long and I had to get home in case Chelsea needed to go out AND I had to get the shoe off of Dick.
I was SO pleased to see many of my friends from Blessed Trinity. The choir was singing in the finale and other friends too, including Dave Weinhold and Mary Lou Conger. Mary Lou and I graduated from high school together and I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. Her Eddie has been gone for 9 years now. He was a very nice guy and courageous in his illness.
So now it is time for bed and Chelsea is definately in agreement with that. Oscar is being very patient. I think he is just glad that I am home.
Til tomorrow then
Love
Mary
Friday, April 17, 2009
Chelsea got me up at about 5 this morning, then I went back to sleep and it was 7 O'Clock when I finally woke up again. I actually felt pretty rested most of the day.
I spent the morning cleaning, washing and folding clothes and doing computer catch up.
I had lunch at the Dairy Queen with the bank people. Marlene said she will distribute communion on May 2nd when I am in Lake Geneva for the Celtic Gathering.
Tonight I picked up Nancy Roehre at quarter to five so we could go pistol shooting. I did not do TOO badly tonight. It is better than it has been anyway.
Tonight during Ghost Whisperer I worked a bit more on that lonely little doll that has been sitting naked for a very long time. Oscar came downstairs and cuddled in my lap for the longest time. He has been very affectionate with both Dick and I all day today.
That was the day. It is coming close to the end now. I will close with a quote.
Depak Chopra said, "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you," It actually reminds me of a motto I use under pressure. "Be like a duck. Appear calm an unruffled above the surface and paddle like hell below."
Love
Mary
I spent the morning cleaning, washing and folding clothes and doing computer catch up.
I had lunch at the Dairy Queen with the bank people. Marlene said she will distribute communion on May 2nd when I am in Lake Geneva for the Celtic Gathering.
Tonight I picked up Nancy Roehre at quarter to five so we could go pistol shooting. I did not do TOO badly tonight. It is better than it has been anyway.
Tonight during Ghost Whisperer I worked a bit more on that lonely little doll that has been sitting naked for a very long time. Oscar came downstairs and cuddled in my lap for the longest time. He has been very affectionate with both Dick and I all day today.
That was the day. It is coming close to the end now. I will close with a quote.
Depak Chopra said, "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you," It actually reminds me of a motto I use under pressure. "Be like a duck. Appear calm an unruffled above the surface and paddle like hell below."
Love
Mary
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Well, here it is, almost 10PM again. I try not to be up this late, but tonight was special. You know this if you have been reading the previous blogs.
Tonight Pat Becher, Peg Payne, Barb Fishbaugher and I met at the Kewaskum High School to see Caim, Heather Innes from Scotland and Jacynth Hamel from Ireland. They are an a capella Celtic Duo. They sing Celtic prayer songs and Celtic traditional music. I saw them last year at Mead and will look for them again next year. They come to Wisconsin every year it seems and stay for a few weeks. After the concert, we Celtic Women invited them to join us for coffee. Barb had arranged for the local coffee shop to stay open a bit late for us. Heather and Jacynth did join us. We had a lovely visit and I shared CWI with them. They may join us. We CWI ladies are thinking of perhaps sponsoring them in Plymouth next year.
Did I tell you I went up on stage and danced with Jacynth as I did last year at Mead. It was such fun.
The rest of the day was really quite busy. Before we went to have Dick's anti coagulation count checked at 10, I put together a spinach egg casserole for our lunch. His count was 2.8 - perfect again so we don't have to take him to get it checked for a month.
He had therapy at 1:00PM. That went very well. He walked twice between the parallel bars then twice using the walker. This is big. A few more times with the walker in therapy and he can start using it at home. He is still working on balance, of course, but looks really good when he is walking.
So this was our day. Tomorrow is much quieter. Dick has actually four days off as he does not have therapy until next Tuesday. So - we will have to keep him standing often and be sure to take the shoe on and off as Dr. Moreno wants us too.
Be good to yourself and enjoy this marvelous weather. It is supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. I finally heard the peepers singing tonight when I took Chelsea out. Another VERY promising sign that SPRING is finally here.
Love
Mary
Tonight Pat Becher, Peg Payne, Barb Fishbaugher and I met at the Kewaskum High School to see Caim, Heather Innes from Scotland and Jacynth Hamel from Ireland. They are an a capella Celtic Duo. They sing Celtic prayer songs and Celtic traditional music. I saw them last year at Mead and will look for them again next year. They come to Wisconsin every year it seems and stay for a few weeks. After the concert, we Celtic Women invited them to join us for coffee. Barb had arranged for the local coffee shop to stay open a bit late for us. Heather and Jacynth did join us. We had a lovely visit and I shared CWI with them. They may join us. We CWI ladies are thinking of perhaps sponsoring them in Plymouth next year.
Did I tell you I went up on stage and danced with Jacynth as I did last year at Mead. It was such fun.
The rest of the day was really quite busy. Before we went to have Dick's anti coagulation count checked at 10, I put together a spinach egg casserole for our lunch. His count was 2.8 - perfect again so we don't have to take him to get it checked for a month.
He had therapy at 1:00PM. That went very well. He walked twice between the parallel bars then twice using the walker. This is big. A few more times with the walker in therapy and he can start using it at home. He is still working on balance, of course, but looks really good when he is walking.
So this was our day. Tomorrow is much quieter. Dick has actually four days off as he does not have therapy until next Tuesday. So - we will have to keep him standing often and be sure to take the shoe on and off as Dr. Moreno wants us too.
Be good to yourself and enjoy this marvelous weather. It is supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. I finally heard the peepers singing tonight when I took Chelsea out. Another VERY promising sign that SPRING is finally here.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Maybe Spring really is here. Today was not TOO warm but I was able to run out with the dog without putting a jacket on. Of course, I would not have wanted to take a long walk. There was a bit of a breeze the the temps were only in the 50s. Bret would laugh at my "heat wave".
Dick had his appointment with Dr. Sharon this morning. That went very well. He is pleased with all of his vital signs and the blood tests. We did get a chance to weigh him so now we will have a base line weight. We are sure that he has gained some weight but it is hard to tell how much because in the Care Center he was weighed without shoes and without his prosthesis. But we now have a base weight and can work from there. We are careful with portions and balanced meals so I am sure that we will be OK especially now that he is doing more activities.
WE got home to find that Josh from VNA had called. I was able to reach him and he brought over the 20" wheel chair for us to try. It rolls a little better, he fits a little less snugly, I am able to lift it in and out of the car and Dick can maneuver it through the doors with little trouble. So we went for it.
After he left, I did the grocery shopping. Then we were both home for the rest of the day. I have been inordinately tired. I napped after our lunch and then fell asleep for about an hour again after supper. I had Dick wake me up to watch Bones. Then I will get the last minute night time things done and go to bed again.
We received an email from Jim and Michelle tonight. They are making another major change in their lives. They have accepted a position as a couple to be apartment managers for a huge complex in Oklahoma City. They will be moving in a couple of weeks to take over the position. It sounds really good for them. They will have an apartment, a salary and benefits.
Guess that is all and that is quite enough news for now.
All my love
Mary
Dick had his appointment with Dr. Sharon this morning. That went very well. He is pleased with all of his vital signs and the blood tests. We did get a chance to weigh him so now we will have a base line weight. We are sure that he has gained some weight but it is hard to tell how much because in the Care Center he was weighed without shoes and without his prosthesis. But we now have a base weight and can work from there. We are careful with portions and balanced meals so I am sure that we will be OK especially now that he is doing more activities.
WE got home to find that Josh from VNA had called. I was able to reach him and he brought over the 20" wheel chair for us to try. It rolls a little better, he fits a little less snugly, I am able to lift it in and out of the car and Dick can maneuver it through the doors with little trouble. So we went for it.
After he left, I did the grocery shopping. Then we were both home for the rest of the day. I have been inordinately tired. I napped after our lunch and then fell asleep for about an hour again after supper. I had Dick wake me up to watch Bones. Then I will get the last minute night time things done and go to bed again.
We received an email from Jim and Michelle tonight. They are making another major change in their lives. They have accepted a position as a couple to be apartment managers for a huge complex in Oklahoma City. They will be moving in a couple of weeks to take over the position. It sounds really good for them. They will have an apartment, a salary and benefits.
Guess that is all and that is quite enough news for now.
All my love
Mary
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
It was a bit warmer than predicted but still damp and rather chilly. I was up at about 6:30 for good.
I had to take Chelsea in for a blood test as she was due for a prescription renewal and Dr. Pat wanted to see how her levels are holding. She is losing ground but there is not much we can do that is reasonable. Increasing her meds runs the risk of causing other problems. So we take care of her and wait. The coughing is really more intense, but I wish you could see how happy and alert she is when we go on our morning walk. And she is not in pain, though I am sure the coughing is not comfortable. It seems to be keeping fluids from forming in her lungs so that is a good thing. Anyway, she did not seem to mind her little outing.
Dick had therapy at 1:00PM. Tim, the prosthesis guy, was there and is really pleased with the walking progress and the condition and continued improvement of the stump itself. If it does not change in size over the next month, we will move on to the next step. A more permanent cup. Dick and I really felt good because Tim said that we are, as a team, really doing a good job getting him healed and shaped and ready for that.
I worked a bit on the doll that needs dressing and read a bit tonight. I wanted to be available to watch the final interview with Archbishop Dolan which is followed by Dancing with the Stars. The interview was very nice and included a bit of the Archbishops history and what he accomplished in our Archdiocese.
Tomorrow, Dick will have an early appointment with Dr. Sharon. I hope we can get some answers to a few questions we have. And perhaps some advice on a couple of problems.
So, a tired lady is going to take Chelsea out for her last evening bathroom break and go to bed.
Be good to yourself tomorrow. You deserve it.
Love
Mary
I had to take Chelsea in for a blood test as she was due for a prescription renewal and Dr. Pat wanted to see how her levels are holding. She is losing ground but there is not much we can do that is reasonable. Increasing her meds runs the risk of causing other problems. So we take care of her and wait. The coughing is really more intense, but I wish you could see how happy and alert she is when we go on our morning walk. And she is not in pain, though I am sure the coughing is not comfortable. It seems to be keeping fluids from forming in her lungs so that is a good thing. Anyway, she did not seem to mind her little outing.
Dick had therapy at 1:00PM. Tim, the prosthesis guy, was there and is really pleased with the walking progress and the condition and continued improvement of the stump itself. If it does not change in size over the next month, we will move on to the next step. A more permanent cup. Dick and I really felt good because Tim said that we are, as a team, really doing a good job getting him healed and shaped and ready for that.
I worked a bit on the doll that needs dressing and read a bit tonight. I wanted to be available to watch the final interview with Archbishop Dolan which is followed by Dancing with the Stars. The interview was very nice and included a bit of the Archbishops history and what he accomplished in our Archdiocese.
Tomorrow, Dick will have an early appointment with Dr. Sharon. I hope we can get some answers to a few questions we have. And perhaps some advice on a couple of problems.
So, a tired lady is going to take Chelsea out for her last evening bathroom break and go to bed.
Be good to yourself tomorrow. You deserve it.
Love
Mary
Monday, April 13, 2009
What a Monday.
Chelsea woke me up at her usual 4AM and I HAD to get up at 6. I did get more sleep which is a good thing because it was such a busy day.
I felt that I had put in almost a full days work before I left for bible study at a little after 9AM.
There were 6 of us there today. A nice group. Next Sunday's Gospel is the story of Thomas. Our usual source of information (Blest are We) has an error and is showing the Easter readings as being the readings for all of the Sundays until Pentecost.
I found a nice site that gave sample sermons (I assume for ministers etc) so I took advantage of it. I liked what it had to say about Thomas.
"Sometimes I think Thomas gets a bum rap. Everyone calls him "Doubting Thomas." But he only doubted for a week. He certainly seems to have done more believing than he ever did doubting.
Thomas said that he would not believe until he had seen it for himself. A rather good idea when confronted with a story as amazing as a man rising from the dead."
He did not have all the information we have and as we discussed it gave Jesus a chance to say. "Blessed are they who have no seen and yet believe." Namely us.
Stopped to see Mother next. She is looking good. The Visiting Nurse was coming by to give her some more help and training in her colostomy care. This will be her last visit, though Mother can call her with questions at any time.
When I got home, I fixed lunch and then we went to Plymouth Care for Dick's therapy. That went very well. He walked four times. Lori showed us a sock aid. It is a tool to help pull stockings on and we hope it will help prevent the abrasion sores that we are getting on his shin bone area. These heal quite quickly but occur easily because his skin is SO thin and sensitive. Hopefully because then we won't be doing tugging and possible hitting the skin with fingers it will avoid the sores. I will pick one up tomorrow.
Then I tried to take a nap. I did sleep for a bit but the phone rang with a call from the Visiting Nurses. We are going to see if I can lift a 20 inch wheel chair and if it fits halfway easily into the bathroom. This one is light and Dick DOES fit but snuggly. Because he fits snuggly, there is rubbing and it pushes harder that others that we end up in, at the clinic for example.
We had creamed egg on toast for our supper. Yum Yum.
I went to a Tallgrass Condo board meeting because I volunteered to be on an ad hoc committee to negotiate with Mark Kleinhans,the developer, for repairs and other things that need to be done around the complex. From what I see, we need to go over everything, get the promises and then follow up. It is simple but will not be at all easy. As a matter of fact with all of these people who are all "right" it will be tricky. But hopefully cool heads will prevail.
So that is my day. All settled in our nice little home with Roxie sleeping peacefully on my desk under the lamp.
Tomorrow will be a little quieter. So far we only have one appointment outside of the house, though I may have to take Chelsea in for a blood test before they will renew one of her meds. It never ends.
Have a nice Tuesday. It is supposed to be getting warmer every day this week. I wish it would be above freezing when I wake up in the morning.
Love
Mary
Chelsea woke me up at her usual 4AM and I HAD to get up at 6. I did get more sleep which is a good thing because it was such a busy day.
I felt that I had put in almost a full days work before I left for bible study at a little after 9AM.
There were 6 of us there today. A nice group. Next Sunday's Gospel is the story of Thomas. Our usual source of information (Blest are We) has an error and is showing the Easter readings as being the readings for all of the Sundays until Pentecost.
I found a nice site that gave sample sermons (I assume for ministers etc) so I took advantage of it. I liked what it had to say about Thomas.
"Sometimes I think Thomas gets a bum rap. Everyone calls him "Doubting Thomas." But he only doubted for a week. He certainly seems to have done more believing than he ever did doubting.
Thomas said that he would not believe until he had seen it for himself. A rather good idea when confronted with a story as amazing as a man rising from the dead."
He did not have all the information we have and as we discussed it gave Jesus a chance to say. "Blessed are they who have no seen and yet believe." Namely us.
Stopped to see Mother next. She is looking good. The Visiting Nurse was coming by to give her some more help and training in her colostomy care. This will be her last visit, though Mother can call her with questions at any time.
When I got home, I fixed lunch and then we went to Plymouth Care for Dick's therapy. That went very well. He walked four times. Lori showed us a sock aid. It is a tool to help pull stockings on and we hope it will help prevent the abrasion sores that we are getting on his shin bone area. These heal quite quickly but occur easily because his skin is SO thin and sensitive. Hopefully because then we won't be doing tugging and possible hitting the skin with fingers it will avoid the sores. I will pick one up tomorrow.
Then I tried to take a nap. I did sleep for a bit but the phone rang with a call from the Visiting Nurses. We are going to see if I can lift a 20 inch wheel chair and if it fits halfway easily into the bathroom. This one is light and Dick DOES fit but snuggly. Because he fits snuggly, there is rubbing and it pushes harder that others that we end up in, at the clinic for example.
We had creamed egg on toast for our supper. Yum Yum.
I went to a Tallgrass Condo board meeting because I volunteered to be on an ad hoc committee to negotiate with Mark Kleinhans,the developer, for repairs and other things that need to be done around the complex. From what I see, we need to go over everything, get the promises and then follow up. It is simple but will not be at all easy. As a matter of fact with all of these people who are all "right" it will be tricky. But hopefully cool heads will prevail.
So that is my day. All settled in our nice little home with Roxie sleeping peacefully on my desk under the lamp.
Tomorrow will be a little quieter. So far we only have one appointment outside of the house, though I may have to take Chelsea in for a blood test before they will renew one of her meds. It never ends.
Have a nice Tuesday. It is supposed to be getting warmer every day this week. I wish it would be above freezing when I wake up in the morning.
Love
Mary
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