Whew, what a day.   I got up at 6ish as Jody was coming to clean at 8AM.  Dick was up by7:30AM but really has been very subdued all day.   He slept well last night but does not seem to get rested.

We had the VNA PT person come today to review how I get Dick in and out of bed and move him around.   She really does not see how things could be changed without great expense and lots of cranes and cranks and so on.    She did call Matt at Home Care Resources to see if he can come up with any adaptations that might help.   He is going to call next week.

Then we had lunch and Nancy came at 12:30PM to clean Dick up and attend to those needs.   We left him in bed then for a nap.    He woke up when Kay from Embrace got here at 3:30PM

I left for my therapy appointment which was at 4PM then did a couple of other errands and was home by 5PM.

Dick was coughing really badly and is exhausted.    I tried to get him to eat but he just nibbled. He is already in bed at 6:30PM.   Worries me but I gave him some cough medicine which seems to have eased the coughing a lot.

I have strengthening exercises to do for my arm and will go back next week and possible the following week to see how things go.

So that was the day.   Tomorrow will be a much more fun day.   First, at 10AM, the Condo meeting (Not the Fun Part of the Day.)   Then after a quick check on Dick   (Heather, from Embrace will be with him all day.) I will pick up Kate and we will go to the Plymouth History Museum to help set up for the Tea.    The weather is supposed to be good for us.  Yea.   There was lots of advertizement so I hope we have a good crowd.    Jeff Ward who is singing for us is SO good.

After the event Kate and I  will go to Mass and  I will be home by 5:30PM.    Home until 6:30PM on Sunday.   I can even sleep late on Sunday if all goes well.

I am so glad for that.

Bless you all and I hope your holiday plans are going well.  Remember that love is what it is all about.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A very busy day.  

I had to get up at 6AM to be ready to leave at 7:30AM for the annual Gibbsville safari.

Heather, from Embrace, arrived on time and I drove right over to pick Kate up.   We stopped at the Diner on 57 for a breakfast together.   Good one too.   We both got the special.  Two eggs, raisin toast, bacon and fruit.   SO good.

Then the drive out to Gibbsville Cheese.   I spent a "fortune" as usual, but have both Mother and my shopping done.    Now the last thing I have to do is get the candy and ornaments packed and mailed to the "out of Staters".

Kate and I had such a good visit.   Breakfast and the trip back and forth was a nice long time.

We will go to the Christmas Tea on Saturday and then to Mass on Saturday also.

I got home a bit early even.   It was just after 10AM when I walked in the house.   At. 10:30AM exactly Curt from Mike's appliance came to work on the ice maker.   Yes, the ice maker on the refrigerator broke.   We are LOST without ice.  Even Roxie expects ice in her water these days.

I told you that didn't I?    We caught her lapping up Dick's ice water one day and Dick told me to put her own ice water on the desk between us.   It has become "expected."   Somebody we know is quite insistent on her ice water.   (I know, but it amuses us so - so it is good.)

Anyway, Curt came at 10:30AM and got the ice maker working.   He has ordered a new pump and will replace that.   We are not sure but the pump could be leaking which would cause it to freeze up where the water flows in and I would rather that it is RIGHT.

Two ladies came from the VNA to explain Palliative care and Hospice to us.  These programs offer much more aid that is provided by the Medicare program and will provide much relieve for me in the taking care of Dick.   \They will bring in therapy, nurses and other help that will help us to know if and when we need to be thinking of hospice.   The exciting thing to Dick is that Nancy, a nurse from the Home Care we received in the early part of the year will be back.   She is a jewel and I know that she will be there for us.

I am rather beat up these days.  Don't worry, I am trying to get help and the Palliative care is one of the things that I am exploring to make things feasible for me to continue to take care of Dick at home.    He needs to be here with me.   I am way too lonely without him.

Pray for us as we explore these options.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I did not post last night,  I was just too tired.

Today was busy too but there is a lot going on.  I had to get up at 6AM because Kim from Embrace care was coming at 7AM and I had to leave shortly after for an 8AM appointment with Dr. Poppy, the chiropractor.  My right arm and shoulder are hurting almost all the time.   Her work did not do anything to relieve that.   I am hoping that my appointment with therapy on Friday for strengthening will provide some help.

I got home after shopping to find that  Nancy from VNA had run late and Kim had to stay a bit longer.   Thank heaven, the helpers just stay.   And I was only 10 minutes past the time they were supposed to be here.   I had expected Nancy at 10AM but she ran late and got here at 10:30AM.  This worked out just fine.   I was able to have help with Dick until just shortly before we had to leave for Fond du Lac to see Marty from Actra, the prosthesist.     He was able to assure me that the problems with the left prosthesis are due to wear and tear and what I have been doing to get it on is the right way.   He did a bit of work on it which should extend the wear for some time anyway.

We had tuna helper for our supper tonight.   It was really good and I have a couple of quick meals for the next couple of busy days.

Received a nice encouraging note from Jim and Michelle today.   It is always so good to get a boost just when things seem the worst. 

Tomorrow we will be consulting with a social worker and a nurse about Dick's needs.  Bobbie will be here.   I am so glad that she can be here.   Hopefully we can get help that will allow me to do some healing and keep Dick at home safe and sound.   I just need to be able to take care of him.

Tomorrow, I will be Christmas Chopping at Gibbsville,    Kate is going with me and we will have breakfast together.

So until tomorrow evening.

Dia Dhuit

Mary





"I don't think anybody feels like they're a good parent," Joan Didion told New York Magazine last year. "Or if people think they're good parents, they ought to think again."

We got up at 6AM this morning.   Dick was restless and ready and I really had a lot I wanted to get done before I went to Bible Study.   So it worked out OK.

I got most of my calls made and Dick all ready for the day before Bobbie came.   Then I stopped for gas on my way to Bible Study.  We had a good group and talked a lot about music being such a wonderful gift and path to God.

Mom was tired but pretty good.   We got all her bills paid and the pills put out for the week and had a bit of a visit.   Then I hurried home as Dick called and needed me.   Ron from the VNA was here and took the blood test for the cumadin level.   He was perfect.   2.2.   Ron will be back on Thursday to take it again.  Just because of the antibiotic.   Saturday we will be checking the urine again to be sure that the infection is all gone.

Bobbie, Dick and I had lunch together.  Then Bobbie had to go home and Dick and I rested a bit.   Actually Dick slept until 4PM and I had to wake him then.

The rest of the day has been quite.   We had steak fajitas for supper.   Dick liked that.    His appetite is none to good but we shared one and he hate his half.

Now it is time to shut down.   Tomorrow I will be going to the Kettle Quilters Christmas party.   Embrace will be here at 12:30 so that I can go.   Also, Nancy, our favorite nurse from VNA, is coming at 1PM to start taking care of Dick.    This should be the only time they overlap.   But the Embrace people do so many other things for me and I have several projects that can be done.   Also if Nancy needs help they will be here.

So that was my day.   I am hoping that Dick goes to bed early so that I can too.    Pain pills and rest might make my arm stop throbbing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We slept quite late this morning.    It was nice as nobody was coming early and I didn't have to be anywhere this morning.

I told you that I asked Dr. Sharon if he could recommend an evaluation by the VNA as I think he probably would benefit from their care.    Today, Troy, came do do the initial evaluation.  He is recommending OT, PT and some nurse visits.   The first benefit is that I will not have to take him to the clinic tomorrow for his blood test at the anti coagulation clinic.  Rob from VNA will come and do that for us.   Yea.

I got the buckeyes dipped in chocolate this afternoon. 

The Packers won,   Double Yea!.

I managed to get a bit of sewing done while Kay was here this evening to get Dick to bed.

So it was, altogether a nice day.

Dia Dhuit

Til tomorrow

Mary

It was rather muggy and damp today - all day.   Not especially cold but felt chilly because of the dampness.

I got a lot done today.   The buckeyes are all rolled and I will dip them tomorrow morning.   The bottom row of the plate racks where I am lining up ornaments is looking GOOD.   I still have the upper two but it is coming together.   The two miniature trees that Kate lent me are in place and look just lovely.  I have three nativity scenes and several of my Santas displayed.

So it was a full day.   Dick was quiet today and a bit confused but quite cheerful so all was well.  I am tired though, it was a "labor intensive day."  

Kay came at 3:30PM and I went to Mass.   A lovely Mass.  The adult choir sang and I visited with several friends in the choir after Mass.   Two people offered to come to stay with Dick if I need a break or someone to just be with him.   God is good.   His people are good.
I am not feeling all that confident right now as I am sore.

But lots of people have us on their prayer list.   That makes me feel very lifted up and very special.
Dick's appetite has been quite down, but he is eating balanced meals anyway. 

Tomorrow, we are going to check his blood sugars together as he is training me how to do it.   He is taking SO long that the tester turns off before he gets things done.

I got a call from Troy at the VNA tonight.   He is coming either tomorrow or Monday between 11AM and 12PM.    Now I am not sure which day it is.   I kind of assumed it would be Monday but now I am not sure.   I will be ready either way.

I asked Dr. Sharon to order an evaluation for Dick.   Perhaps we will be able to get some therapy or other help from them.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"God sends His angels to watch over those who sleep
But He Himself watches over those who lie awake in suffering."

Home all day.    It was quite pleasant outside and supposed to be even warmer tomorrow.   I plan on putting up the outdoor lights tomorrow when it is in the 50s.

Today, I wrapped some presents and mixed up the buckeye middle.  Tomorrow I will roll them and then dip them.   Then I can start preparing packages.   It is now less than 4 weeks to Christmas and the time it does fly.

My arm is really hurting a lot.    I have to try to really rest it as much as possible.

Tomorrow is another day home except for going to Mass.    Sunday also.     Things will get more festive as the holiday creeps up on us.

 It is only 7PM, but since Kay is here to help Dick, I am going to bed now and will rest and hopefully sleep until he needs me before going to sleep.

Somehow I need to get rested.

Take care

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is a bit warmer and the sun shone today.   It is supposed to be quite warm, in the 50s, on Saturday and Sunday, so I will put up my Christmas lights then.

I have set out the two little trees that Kate lent me and they are so nice.   One is a Thomas Kinkeade and the other a Spode.  I am putting my own ornaments on the plate racks over the dining room table and they should look really nice, if I can get some of the drunk ones to stand up.

I will be bringing up my nice Santas and the Nativity Scenes also.

This morning I picked up an order for therapy from John Niewalney.   Now I have to call and figure out when I can do this.    I had another appointment with Dr. Poppy, the chiropractor today also.   As my right arm is extremely painful, I believe I strained it badly in the past few days helping Dick get up, she worked on that a bit.   I really need to rest it and am trying to learn ways to help Dick without using that arm.   He is trying too.  I have decided to see if we can get the VNA in here to reevaluate possibilities for therapy.   Tomorrow I call Dr. Sharon to ask him if he will order this.

We both took a really good nap this afternoon.   That is helping tonight.

Tomorrow I have to get to work sewing and decorating some more.   Perhaps I will bring up a Nativity or so.   I am going to wrap presents and make buckeyes this weekend too.

Three days home with the only time I have to leave home being Mass on Saturday.

  Dia Dhuit

Mary

A busy morning.    Kay got here at 7AM.   I left shortly after for grocery shopping and other errands and Kay got Dick up.

Grocery shopping went well.    I stopped at Kate's house after grocery shopping.  She had a couple of small decorated Christmas Trees that she lent me because I am not putting up a big one.   It would just make it too hard for Dick to move around in here.   They are adorable.   I have one next to the TV and one as one comes in the front door.

I had my hair cut at 9AM, then swung by the Clinic to see if Dr. Sharon had the results on Dick's Urine test.   He did not.  

I got a call shortly after I got home.   He does not have a severe UTI but Dr. Sharon sent the test for more study and this evening, his nurse called and there is a mild infection that we will start treating in the morning.    I was so hoping for an infection which would have explained many of the problems that Dicks is experiencing this past week or so.    We will just have to see. 

Jeff stopped in on his way to Mother's today with a pound of Venison burger for me and he is helping us fix the closet door that good knocked off its hinges or support or whatever it is the other day, when Dick came in the house and it was open.   I was able to send a loaf of pumpkin bread and some pumpkin/raisin bran muffins home with him.   I have finally salvaged all the pumpkin from the pie that I baked without sugar.    Anybody want pumpkin pancakes?   Come over any morning and we can dish them up with some nice Johnsonville breakfast sausages.

The rest of the day was quiet.   I started decorating for Christmas and took a really good long nap.   Good thing as I have to get up early tomorrow again.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home all day.    I did sleep a bit later this morning.   But still got up early enough to get the trash together and out.

I was busy all day with cleaning the desk, putting Thanksgiving away,  making fudge, washing clothes and putting things away.  

We again, had a rather nice morning, though Dick is very tired all the time.    Tomorrow we may have some answers as to why.

I am watching the last episode of the year of Dancing with the Stars.    I missed last night but still want to see who takes the mirror ball, if I can stay awake long enough.

Tomorrow will be a busy morning with grocery shopping, Walgreens and a hair cut.   I have to get up at 6AM again so will be in bed soon.

Hope you have a great day.   Can you believe that it is less than a month til Christmas.   Kate and I are going to Gibbsville a week from Thursday to do the cheese shopping.   I will check with Mom on Monday to see if she is doing it again.

So. Good night and sleep tight

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a goofy day.

I got up at 5:45AM.   I had intended to get up at 6AM anyway.  Isn't is odd how I miss those 15 minutes?    Very silly.

But Dick needed me at 5:45AM.  So there you go.   Boy, was Roxie irritated.  She had been trying to get me up since shortly after 4AM and she sees no reason why that MAN should have more pull than she does.   She fussed at me all the time I was taking care of Dick despite the fact that she was still fed at 6AM.

Bobbie came to be with her Dad at around 8:30AM.   I left at 9AM for Bible Study and for a visit with Mother.

Please pray for Don who has cancer and it doesn't look good at all.

Mother seemed pretty good today and looked absolutely lovely with her fresh perm and all.  We got her pills out, her bills paid and picked out a show for her to watch tonight on TV.

Home again, Bobbie said that Dick had slept the whole time I was gone.    I talked to Dr. Sharon's nurse and we are going to do a urine test to see if there is an infection.   If so, this could be accounting for a lot of the confusion that Dick has been experiencing.   I hope it is that easy.  I wish I was a better nurse, but I am learning as I go.   As I told Dick when all of this started.   Even when I was a little girl, I never wanted to be a nurse.   We both got a really good laugh out of that.

At 3PM we had to be at Aurora Plymouth for Dick's appointment with the anti coagulation clinic.   The good news is that he is just where he is supposed to be.  The bad news is that we had trouble getting him out of the car both at Aurora and at home.    He is, for some reason, leaning back, instead of leaning forward and though I was able to get him into the chair at the clinic, I had to call Plymouth Ambulance to help me get him seated in the chair and into the hours.   They came immediately and got him seated, in the house and made sure he was stable.   What nice guys.

  I don't know what is happening and am confused as to whom to call for help.   I think I will start with Embrace Care as they are the daily caregivers.   I am hurting myself trying to fix things and won't do any good if I get in real trouble.

Tomorrow we get to be home all day.    I need that.   Too many days of confusion.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary


The night has been quiet and peaceful.  Dick and I are both trying to be the "best we can be" for each other because it was such a traumatic middle.    He is so patient and brave.  

It was really a nice Sunday.    We got up an ready for the world by 8:30AM.   Dick was hungry so I fixed him a tomato, egg and cheese sandwich for his breakfast.    We had a lovely morning,   Dick was quite chatty so it was fun.   

I started getting ready for Christmas decorating, I got the wreaths outside and the lights for outside down from the garage shelf to test.

I also make my first batch of fudge.   One more batch of fudge and the buckeyes and I will be ready for mailing packages to the out of state kids and others.   I HAVE to get out to Gibbsville too.  Better check that calendar for a day..

Nora called today and we had a nice visit.   She is very good at calling when I need a pick me up.   I am very blessed with a good family and friends.

The Packer game is on.    They are not meeting my expectations so far this evening.    I hope they are prepared for my displeasure.

Tomorrow is a busy day and Dick goes to the anti coagulation clinic in the afternoon.    That should be interesting.

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I dd not post last night.     The evening was very difficult and it just did not work. 

Richard and Brenda were with us until about 11AM or so so we had more visiting time and a good breakfast before they left.   Richard put the storm door in the front for us.   I am so grateful as it was very cold today.

The afternoon was quiet, though Dick has been coughing a lot and seemed to be having trouble concentrating.  Heather came at 6:30PM and I went and did some shopping then drove over to Mother's to see how she is doing.

She is really tired and I stayed until her caregiver came to ask for some help that Mom was concerned about.   I was pleased with the response and the concern of her caregiver.

I got home shortly after 8PM.  Heather was putting Dick to bed.    That worked all right but the night was difficult.    I had to get him up in the middle of the night to sit in his chair.   I catch naps between the problems.    Last night the cough medicine finally helped with the coughing at and after sitting up for a couple of hours, the pain in his legs stopped.

We had a pretty good morning but the coughing was rough after lunch.   His sugar level was off too.  I called for advice to Aurora but Dick refused to go in.    The doctor said that he should be OK until Monday.  

Tonight I helped him to bed at about 7PM because he is in such pain in his legs.    He seems to be settled so I plan on going to bed soon also.    I am really in need of sleep.

I appreciate all the prayers and concern that you all have for my sweetheart.    I just feel so helpless sometimes and hope you don't mind my venting.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


~~~~~
I was always taught to respect my elders,
but it keeps getting harder to find one.
~~~~~

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!   It was a lovely day.   The temperatures were up in the high 60s.

Bobbie and Bill came over close to 9AM so that I could go to Mass at St. John's.   It was a well attended service.   The Adult Choir sang beautifully.    I was assigned to be Eucharistic Minister so was quite pleased.   That is always my joy.

Home again.    Dick, Bobbie, Bill and I just hung out and visited.  Barb and Bart called just before noon and we had a really good visit.   Three more weeks or so and Barb will be done with her current classes.    She needs a break.  It is so hard to go to school AND work AND have a life.   They had their Thanksgiving with Adam and Lexi and the girls today.

Richard and Brenda arrived at about 12:30PM.    We all shared a glass of champagne and then sat down to a sumptuous meal prepared by Bobbie.    We had turkey, stuffing, squash casserole, roasted Brussels  Sprouts, mashed potatoes and gravy and salad.   Oh, besides that we had devilled eggs, raw veggies and other nummies for appetizers before dinner.

Talked to Mom this morning and she seems to be feeling OK.

So Happy Thanksgiving Hope you are all stuffed

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Too much to do today.   I had my MRI on my shoulder this morning.

I think I am ready for tomorrow when Bobbie takes over the kitchen.

Happy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow

Mary

I was home until 6:30PM.    I was busy all day.

Gary Anderson came today and repaired the linoleum in the master bath.

AT 6:30PM, Heather arrived and I went to pick up prescriptions at Walgreens, Take Mother hers, had her sign a bank paper and went grocery shopping.

Got home at 8PM.   Still trying to get Dick to bed.   He is a bit confused tonight.

Mother was not feeling quite up to par either.   Just an uncomfortable day.   Maybe it is the moon.

Pray for all of us.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a very nice day.     I had to get up at 6AM so that I could be  ready to go to  my chiropractic appointment with Dr. Poppy at 8:40AM.  Bobbie got here at 7:30AM.  So all went well.   I came home between the appointment and the bible study to be sure that Dick was comfortable for the morning.   It all worked well.

Bible Study was very nice.  There were 7 of us.  A nice group.  We finished our discussion of Psalm 30.  I have such a support and prayer group with this Bible Study.    We really help each other.

Mother was doing pretty well today.  We got her bills all paid and set her pills out.    I have a bit of banking to do for her and will pick up some pills from Walgreens tomorrow.

Home again.   Bobbie, Dick and I had chili and banana cream pie for lunch.

I took a long nap this afternoon.   My friend LuAnn and her friend Elaine came by this afternoon for a cup of tea.  LuAnn is taking over the Annual Christmas Tea that CWI sponsors with the SCHRC and the Plymouth History Museum.   I am so grateful.   Getting people to chair these yearly events is going to make life a lot easier for me.   I knew people were willing but just needed to learn how to ask.

So until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

As promised, a quiet Sunday.   I was able to stay in bed until shortly after 8AM.   It was one of those days, I might have stayed in ALL day if I didn't have responsibilities.    I am actually feeling much better than I have been feeling but am still kaddy wampus.

We had our joint Chili for dinner this noon.   It is really good.  So, Dick and I make a cooking duo to contend with.  I also made Irish Brown Bread and cranberry relish today.   This week will be busy and I have to leave Wednesday afternoon free for baking  the pumpkin pie.

Got  a call from my friend, Maureen.   It was a call for help.   She couldn't find the recipe for ice box shortbread cookies that we got from the American Club at our Annual meeting.    Luckily I found it while we were talking.   I know how FRUSTRATING that is.   I was doubly glad because it gave Maureen and I a chance to just talk for a while.    It has been a long time.   I have such good friends with Celtic Women and Maureen is the best.

Jeff called a couple of times this afternoon.    Randy and Jason and Kurt all got does out hunting.   Randy and Jason on Saturday and Kurt today.    Brandon, Kurt's oldest, was out his first year.   He did get a shot off at a buck today.   What a thrill for a first time hunter.   I seems that Jason is going to butcher the deer as it is going to be warm mid week and he is currently not working.   He absolutely refuses to take it to a butcher shop.   (Sounds like Tim and Dad's spirit seeped in to him.)  So unless there are more deer harvested on Thanksgiving, we will not be butchering on Friday.

I have been having difficulty downloading pictures from my camera to the computer.   That is my project for tonight.    It is driving me bonkers.

Tomorrow is Monday already.    I will spend time with Mother and have a chiropractic session.   Hope things start feeling better soon.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Except for going to Mass, we were both home all day.

Dick did help me make the chili.   He started by chopping the veggies, but the veggie chopper gave him trouble so after a bit, he measured out the spices for me.   I was happy for the time together doing something.   Tomorrow we will sample the chili and BOBBIE, guess what we will have for lunch on Monday?

With the chili this morning and Mass this afternoon, I did not get anything else exciting done at all.  I stopped at the Pig on my way home from Mass.   So, I didn't get here until 5:30PM.   Roxie was quite unhappy with me.  But she has forgiven me now that her tummy is full.

Dick seems very exhausted tonight.   I hope he settles in OK.  

Home ALL day tomorrow.   YEAA!!!.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a good day.   The temperature was in the mid forties, but it was so damp that it felt much colder.  Kind of into the bones.

Jody came to clean at 8AM.  We had a nice morning.   I got a lot of things sorted and put away today..   I do feel a bit better but had to rest at about 10:30 as Dick had an appointment with Dr. Cheryl, the eye doctor, at 1:20PM.    We had a good trip.   The most difficult part was getting out of the car at the doctor office.    But it worked and actually, Billie, one of the staff, had a suggestion that just might help that part of the process.    Use a towel, along with the slide board.    We will try it next time.

The exam went well.   Dick's goofy eyelash was coming back but was still not scratching the cornea, so we were in time.   His sight is holding its own and we adjusted the glasses so that it will not be pressing on the bridge of his nose.

The rest of the day, we just hung out.  

Heather, from Embrace came tonight and I spent the time downstairs, mending a couple of shirts and working on the wall hanging that I am making out of Mother's crazy quilt squares.    I wanted to have the downstairs clear of my mess when Richard and Brenda come.    I do know that they wouldn't care, but they deserve an uncluttered place to rest in.

Can you believe that next Thursday will be Thanksgiving already.

I had hoped that Dick would work with me tomorrow to make a batch of his chili.   He had me buy the stuff a couple of weeks ago and keeps putting it off.    I guess I'll just have to do it myself.   It is after all, a measured chili.   I had just wanted us to do something together.

Last night my Bret called.   We had not talked for a couple of weeks and I had been meaning to call him for a couple of days too.   He is very busy at work and putting in overtime.    In the liquor business this happens around the holidays.    He said he has been dating a gal.   I am glad.   Time will tell, of course.   But she seems to be enjoying things he does and he likes doing things she does.    

Dia Dhuit

Mary