I went shopping today with my friend who does my food shopping for me. We went to a new Kroger store. It was huge. I was overwhelmed at its bigness. I was able to ride around on a putt-putt for the infirm and the aisles were wide enough for me to get through.
This store has so many items that I can't find elsewhere, and I really wanted to go see what was available so that when I send my friend shopping for me, I have some new items for her to get for Alan and me to enjoy.
I only covered about 1/3 of the store before I ran out of steam, so to speak. I love to ride around the store on the putt-putt, but standing up to read the shelves that are higher than a two-year old can read is wearing. So, I gave up at the soda aisle.
We stopped at Starbucks (in-store) and had something to drink -- she coffee, me hot chocolate. Her dear son went with us and he was very helpful to me at various times along my trail through the store.
Next time I go I'm going to visit the meat department and see if they carry such things as leg of lamb or scrapple. The meat department seemed to me to be very, very large, and that was the public department, not the one where you wait at a counter for someone to serve you. I'll find out next time I go.
Today's weather was absolutely beautiful. Tomorrow promises to be even better. I'm going to open all the windows tomorrow because there is no pollen at the present time and it wont' affect Alan's allergies. Airing out the place will be so nice. Can't wait.
Full moon tonight. And we'll actually be able to see it because the sky is clear! Yippee!
ttfn
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Alan and physical therapy
Forgot to mention this yesterday. I took Alan down to the PT place in pouring, cold, rain. It was really a yucky afternoon. We almost missed our time because I under-estimated the amount of time it would take me to get Alan into the car. That aside!
When we went in -- he was wobbling pretty bad and it's only about six or seven steps from the car to the entrance to the facility -- we were met by Trish, who took one look at him and said, "Sit."
He sat.
She decided to take his BP and it was 180/110. They decided they wouldn't risk any physical therapy with him with his BP that high. She asked if he was taking his meds. He told her that he was when he remembered to do it (which means, no, he wasn't taking his BP meds). She asked about his other medicines, and he said that the only one he was getting on time was Interferon because his wife likes to stick him with a needle. If he only knew, I hate giving him those shots because I hate hurting him.
He also admitted that he hadn't renewed most of his meds and so he was out of most of them.
When we got home from a co-pay of $50 for nothing, which I told him about, I wouldn't let him sit in his (actually my) recliner nor turn on the TV until he took his morning pills and ordered his prescriptions from Walgreens for pick-up today.
I'm about to leave to go get those pills but I wanted to write down what happened yesterday.
PS: After we sat in the waiting room for about an hour, his BP was down to 150/100, still too high for them to work with him.
PPS: They gave him some exercises he can do while he's sitting in his chair that are lower leg moves and toe and heel moves. Now, if he'll only do them without me "nagging" him. I'm not saying a word to him about them. He can admit to Trish that he didn't do his exercises. She'll look at me, and I'll say, "Not nagging him about it." He receives any reminder as a nag. She'll understand.
ttfn
When we went in -- he was wobbling pretty bad and it's only about six or seven steps from the car to the entrance to the facility -- we were met by Trish, who took one look at him and said, "Sit."
He sat.
She decided to take his BP and it was 180/110. They decided they wouldn't risk any physical therapy with him with his BP that high. She asked if he was taking his meds. He told her that he was when he remembered to do it (which means, no, he wasn't taking his BP meds). She asked about his other medicines, and he said that the only one he was getting on time was Interferon because his wife likes to stick him with a needle. If he only knew, I hate giving him those shots because I hate hurting him.
He also admitted that he hadn't renewed most of his meds and so he was out of most of them.
When we got home from a co-pay of $50 for nothing, which I told him about, I wouldn't let him sit in his (actually my) recliner nor turn on the TV until he took his morning pills and ordered his prescriptions from Walgreens for pick-up today.
I'm about to leave to go get those pills but I wanted to write down what happened yesterday.
PS: After we sat in the waiting room for about an hour, his BP was down to 150/100, still too high for them to work with him.
PPS: They gave him some exercises he can do while he's sitting in his chair that are lower leg moves and toe and heel moves. Now, if he'll only do them without me "nagging" him. I'm not saying a word to him about them. He can admit to Trish that he didn't do his exercises. She'll look at me, and I'll say, "Not nagging him about it." He receives any reminder as a nag. She'll understand.
ttfn
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Spring cleaning
It has begun. I've started getting projects completed in my mind, and physically by my dear cleaner, Tamara and her "crew." What a blessing they are to me. Each week they come and either shop or clean.
Now, the projects are getting done, in addition to the regular cleaning. Project number one was my sun porch. I was out there several days in the last two weeks and trying to get some of the cleaning accomplished myself. Not so much! I could conceptualize what had to be done, but the old body didn't cooperate, mostly.
So, today, the sun porch was cleaned from top to bottom, except for one screen which is out of track and will require a strong man to reinsert it into the track (which isn't Alan at this point or me, my hands wouldn't do what I was trying to tell them to do), and the windows which I can do if I have a mind to, and I do. I can still do some things.
Next project? The attic. It's full to over-flowing and most of it is half-full boxes of Christmas junk, and I mean junk, that needs to be weeded through and tossed away. And there are several blankies in there as well. Also, all the pool stuff for kiddies is in there.
My attic is a room with sloping roof about 10x10, if that. Most people make it into a wine cellar, I needed the storage space. In the winter you can regulate the heat so that very little is put in there and the temperature can be maintained year round (with the A/C in the summer on full) at about 55 degrees, which I'm told is a good storage temp for wine. We drink about 3 bottles of the stuff a year, and two bottles each of beer, if that much. We're not drinkers. Unless the wine is very sweet and has a very low alcohol content, I don't like the way it tastes and won't drink it. So, I'm not a connoisseur.
After that we'll tackle the pantry, then the dust collecting plant shelves which are in all the rooms, and then my office. I really need to have a scrapbooking party to get rid of all the extra stuff that I don't need. Maybe I'll do that. All my goods for less than cost, or free, depending on what the product is.
I'm putting aside lots of kiddie stuff to take to Runnemede with me for the children because I know most children love stickers and "scraping". I always did, and my mom was very good about letting me do my own thing. She'd provide a scrap book, old cards, and few pictures, and let me have at it. I think that will be a fun thing for the grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews, if their parents need something other than swimming to occupy their time. And what they don't use in Runnemede, they can take home. So, the office will have to be finished before I leave for the East coast.
I'm so glad I have someone willing to stay at the condo while we're gone. I hate leaving it, especially since people reading this can know that we're not home, thinking they're going to get free reign on our place. Well, sorry for all those sinners out there who would like to delve into my goods, which are really bads, if truth be told, because the home will be occupied by a very nice couple (newly weds, sort of) and I'm excited that they'll be able to have a retreat for the few days we're gone. A vacation for them, and a vacation for me.
So, I'm off of here now. I need to give Alan a shot (his keep-alive meds, according to his oncologist). The doc said she was surprise he was even walking at all because of the effects of Interferon for 10 years, and while it is good at bone-marrow building, it is also toxic. Hmmmm. Maybe that's why he can't walk? No one would admit to that, now, would they? Lifting him up all the time is wearing, sorry folks to end on a downer, but he is doing better, I think. Not walking better, but mentally doing better.
Thanks to all for praying.
ttfn
Now, the projects are getting done, in addition to the regular cleaning. Project number one was my sun porch. I was out there several days in the last two weeks and trying to get some of the cleaning accomplished myself. Not so much! I could conceptualize what had to be done, but the old body didn't cooperate, mostly.
So, today, the sun porch was cleaned from top to bottom, except for one screen which is out of track and will require a strong man to reinsert it into the track (which isn't Alan at this point or me, my hands wouldn't do what I was trying to tell them to do), and the windows which I can do if I have a mind to, and I do. I can still do some things.
Next project? The attic. It's full to over-flowing and most of it is half-full boxes of Christmas junk, and I mean junk, that needs to be weeded through and tossed away. And there are several blankies in there as well. Also, all the pool stuff for kiddies is in there.
My attic is a room with sloping roof about 10x10, if that. Most people make it into a wine cellar, I needed the storage space. In the winter you can regulate the heat so that very little is put in there and the temperature can be maintained year round (with the A/C in the summer on full) at about 55 degrees, which I'm told is a good storage temp for wine. We drink about 3 bottles of the stuff a year, and two bottles each of beer, if that much. We're not drinkers. Unless the wine is very sweet and has a very low alcohol content, I don't like the way it tastes and won't drink it. So, I'm not a connoisseur.
After that we'll tackle the pantry, then the dust collecting plant shelves which are in all the rooms, and then my office. I really need to have a scrapbooking party to get rid of all the extra stuff that I don't need. Maybe I'll do that. All my goods for less than cost, or free, depending on what the product is.
I'm putting aside lots of kiddie stuff to take to Runnemede with me for the children because I know most children love stickers and "scraping". I always did, and my mom was very good about letting me do my own thing. She'd provide a scrap book, old cards, and few pictures, and let me have at it. I think that will be a fun thing for the grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews, if their parents need something other than swimming to occupy their time. And what they don't use in Runnemede, they can take home. So, the office will have to be finished before I leave for the East coast.
I'm so glad I have someone willing to stay at the condo while we're gone. I hate leaving it, especially since people reading this can know that we're not home, thinking they're going to get free reign on our place. Well, sorry for all those sinners out there who would like to delve into my goods, which are really bads, if truth be told, because the home will be occupied by a very nice couple (newly weds, sort of) and I'm excited that they'll be able to have a retreat for the few days we're gone. A vacation for them, and a vacation for me.
So, I'm off of here now. I need to give Alan a shot (his keep-alive meds, according to his oncologist). The doc said she was surprise he was even walking at all because of the effects of Interferon for 10 years, and while it is good at bone-marrow building, it is also toxic. Hmmmm. Maybe that's why he can't walk? No one would admit to that, now, would they? Lifting him up all the time is wearing, sorry folks to end on a downer, but he is doing better, I think. Not walking better, but mentally doing better.
Thanks to all for praying.
ttfn
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Stupid
How stupid am I?
1. I took my husband to physical therapy.
2. I watched as they put him through his paces.
3. I did what he did -- the same exercises, in other words.
4. I brought him home.
5. I didn't sleep because I was so cramped up from following the exercises they made Alan do.
6. That's really stupid.
Okay, I should have known better, but I didn't want Alan to think he was alone in his effort to try to learn to walk again. So, I told him I would do what he did, and we would work on these things together. I don't really want to do these exercises with him every day, but I will.
He has to go down to the facility twice a week. Each time he visits they will pile more on him. I'm really looking forward to that (NOT). The more they pile on him, the more I get piled on myself because I'm STUPID for saying I would work out the same as he is.
So last night (it's still night, but I'm up now) when I went to bed I was hurting really bad, and throughout the night it didn't get any better, and I couldn't sleep. Now, I'll be both sleep deprived and walking deprived, not that walking deprivation is anything new. Nor is sleep deprivation. I'll catch up some time.
This is such a busy week. I have to get the car registered, and if I am awake enough I'll do it today. PT on Thursday. And this PT thing is going to eat up my schedule for the next few weeks, or for however long the Medicare holds out. I have to get my eyes examined. I want to order some new clothes for my trip East. The cleaning ladies are coming either tomorrow (actually today) or Wednesday, and I have to get Alan and me in for hair cuts. We both look like homeless people, our hair is so long and scruffy.
Mark Levin had a great idea. Since BO said over and over that each family would get a reduction in their health insurance bill of about $2500, we should all write to BO and request our $2500 NOW, after all, it's a RIGHT, and we DESERVE it. Isn't that what the HC bill was all about, our RIGHT to health care? Balderdash. We have no right to health care, any more than we have a right to a McD's hamburger. And we don't deserve a break today either. Don't get started, Judi...don't get started!
I wrote to the White house this week, but didn't get a response. I guess they just want to say we got millions of letters on this issue and we're working on it. Actually, I wrote about the lack of jobs and why wasn't BO working on jobs instead of health care. I know the answer. The health care bill kills off old people, babies, babies who are born early, babies who are born with any kind of defect, fat people, people with diabetes, and people with a pre-existing condition (regardless of what they were pushing). That just about does it. Sounds like Germany in the 30s to me.
And, yes, I think they'll come and get me for this rant. So what. I'm old. I'm ready to go Home. I just pray, pray, pray for you youngsters who are being saddled with this stuff, and the bad things that you'll have to endure because of it.
ttfn
1. I took my husband to physical therapy.
2. I watched as they put him through his paces.
3. I did what he did -- the same exercises, in other words.
4. I brought him home.
5. I didn't sleep because I was so cramped up from following the exercises they made Alan do.
6. That's really stupid.
Okay, I should have known better, but I didn't want Alan to think he was alone in his effort to try to learn to walk again. So, I told him I would do what he did, and we would work on these things together. I don't really want to do these exercises with him every day, but I will.
He has to go down to the facility twice a week. Each time he visits they will pile more on him. I'm really looking forward to that (NOT). The more they pile on him, the more I get piled on myself because I'm STUPID for saying I would work out the same as he is.
So last night (it's still night, but I'm up now) when I went to bed I was hurting really bad, and throughout the night it didn't get any better, and I couldn't sleep. Now, I'll be both sleep deprived and walking deprived, not that walking deprivation is anything new. Nor is sleep deprivation. I'll catch up some time.
This is such a busy week. I have to get the car registered, and if I am awake enough I'll do it today. PT on Thursday. And this PT thing is going to eat up my schedule for the next few weeks, or for however long the Medicare holds out. I have to get my eyes examined. I want to order some new clothes for my trip East. The cleaning ladies are coming either tomorrow (actually today) or Wednesday, and I have to get Alan and me in for hair cuts. We both look like homeless people, our hair is so long and scruffy.
Mark Levin had a great idea. Since BO said over and over that each family would get a reduction in their health insurance bill of about $2500, we should all write to BO and request our $2500 NOW, after all, it's a RIGHT, and we DESERVE it. Isn't that what the HC bill was all about, our RIGHT to health care? Balderdash. We have no right to health care, any more than we have a right to a McD's hamburger. And we don't deserve a break today either. Don't get started, Judi...don't get started!
I wrote to the White house this week, but didn't get a response. I guess they just want to say we got millions of letters on this issue and we're working on it. Actually, I wrote about the lack of jobs and why wasn't BO working on jobs instead of health care. I know the answer. The health care bill kills off old people, babies, babies who are born early, babies who are born with any kind of defect, fat people, people with diabetes, and people with a pre-existing condition (regardless of what they were pushing). That just about does it. Sounds like Germany in the 30s to me.
And, yes, I think they'll come and get me for this rant. So what. I'm old. I'm ready to go Home. I just pray, pray, pray for you youngsters who are being saddled with this stuff, and the bad things that you'll have to endure because of it.
ttfn
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Birthdays
This is Victoria (we call her Tori) holding Jack. No, folks, that's not Cyndi, although, they could pass for twins, I'll tell you.
Jack is now walking, but still prefers crawling because he can go faster. Here he is playing with a puzzle while watching his mama, who is never out of his sight. He's at that clingy stage that none of her other children went through.
Jonah -- what a sweet boy. Quiet. Doesn't seem to get into the fray of things. Almost always smiling. When he smiles his eyes smile as well. In this picture he's concentrating on watching Jack put together a puzzle -- not so well, on Jack's part, I might add.
Jack getting used to me-mom.
Isn't that just a precious picture?I do love granchildren birthdays. I love them because I get to see and enjoy the children for a couple of hours, mostly at my house, because my own children realize that my days of traveling to them are about over.
So, Alan and I were privileged to celebrate two more March birthdays yesterday. The birthdays were --- drum roll please -- Ellie May's, who is now three, can you believe that? And, Jack's. He's one already. Where did the year go?
Cyndi brought the children over -- Tori, Adam, Jonah, Ellie Mae, and Jack (Shandon 2.0 did not come, as he was fishing with Shandon 1.0). Hey, I just did something remarkable! I remembered all six of their names! Yes, folks, remembering is not one of my strong points any more.
I didn't mention that Ellie May was born on March 20, while Jack was born on March 18 -- in different years, of course. And I didn't mention either that the big birthday party was going to be on Saturday night, but since I have such difficulty getting into Cyndi's beautiful house on most days, she brought the children to me. They stayed until Jack got fussy, and then they left.
I love those children. And I am always so surprised when I see them, especially Adam and Jonah, because they are getting so tall. And, Shandon 2.0 is driving now. Can you believe that? A few more weeks and he'll be on his own, and Cyndi can send HIM to the store to get the MILK. Ah, yes, I remember it well. A child gets a driver's license and mom uses that child for shuttle service, no longer having to provide it herself. Thing is, in KY, you can only have ONE friend in the car with you until you're 18. But you can have family members in the car with you. So shuttling family is still a possibility.
Did I mention that the porch is being using more and more each day? I even got Alan to go out and sit in the sun for about 10 minutes yesterday. But, today, he's back in his "let Judi do it, so I don't have to walk anywhere" mode. Need to get him walking. The more he walks the better he gets at it!
ttfn
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Clear!
Yes, the weather is CLEAR! But so is Alan. No cancer, none at all! Yeah! Now, if we can just get his legs to behave properly, we'll have it made, I think.
I also think that maybe physical therapy might help him, but it sure won't help me. I'll have to get him to the car, both going to and coming from, and wait while they put him through his paces. I'm not looking forward to this, but if it helps, I'll do it. At least I have my Kindle, so I can read while he sweats!
Today's weather was wonderful, too bad I was in the doctor's office with Alan for a large part of my day. I crashed around 3 p.m., and we got home around 1 p.m., ate lunch with Phil, who went with us to the doctor's in case Alan has another collapsing episode, and then shortly after he left, I went back to bed, where I promptly fell asleep, not to see daylight until it was almost dark outside.
I know a lot of you folks love the light at the end of the day, but being the morning person I am, I prefer it in the a.m. It doesn't get light until almost 8 o'clock. I need that light to get me moving! I can't wait until the middle of May when the light in the a.m. will be creeping into my window around 6:30 a.m. That's what I'm saying! I find that the evening light is interrupted by dinner, or we have dinner later and later and later, which has been the case the past week. I'm used to eating when it's dark. It's 8:30 p.m. and we just finished dinner.
So, while this is a short entry, I wanted to make sure I saved it so when I look back on these years, I'll know what I did when, and what the weather was like.
ttfn
I also think that maybe physical therapy might help him, but it sure won't help me. I'll have to get him to the car, both going to and coming from, and wait while they put him through his paces. I'm not looking forward to this, but if it helps, I'll do it. At least I have my Kindle, so I can read while he sweats!
Today's weather was wonderful, too bad I was in the doctor's office with Alan for a large part of my day. I crashed around 3 p.m., and we got home around 1 p.m., ate lunch with Phil, who went with us to the doctor's in case Alan has another collapsing episode, and then shortly after he left, I went back to bed, where I promptly fell asleep, not to see daylight until it was almost dark outside.
I know a lot of you folks love the light at the end of the day, but being the morning person I am, I prefer it in the a.m. It doesn't get light until almost 8 o'clock. I need that light to get me moving! I can't wait until the middle of May when the light in the a.m. will be creeping into my window around 6:30 a.m. That's what I'm saying! I find that the evening light is interrupted by dinner, or we have dinner later and later and later, which has been the case the past week. I'm used to eating when it's dark. It's 8:30 p.m. and we just finished dinner.
So, while this is a short entry, I wanted to make sure I saved it so when I look back on these years, I'll know what I did when, and what the weather was like.
ttfn
Monday, March 15, 2010
It's Monday!
Where, oh where, did the end of last week go? I don't know.
Alan is improving, but last night he was sick to his stomach, and that wasn't good. Today? I don't know, he's still sleeping. I let him sleep as much as he can because he only gets his sleep in short spurts. His back is getting worse, and the pain is increasing. This has nothing to do with the rubbery legs.
Okay, moving on. I know this BLOG is about growing old and the ailments and survival techniques of this age, but sometimes I feel it's so depressing to be always listing the downside of getting older. There are positives.
(1) I know more every day! I'm smarter now than I was 10 years ago.
(2) My grandchildren are getting older and their antics are such a pleasure to read or hear about.
(3) God is more a part of my life than he was a week ago. The older I get, the more I talk to God and try to hear what he's saying to me.
(4) I don't have to be on a schedule of any sort. I can take one day at a time, and enjoy each day as I live it.
(5) I don't have to feel guilty if I spend all day in bed. I can sleep when I want, and do laundry at 3 a.m. if I want.
(6) I get discounts almost every place I purchase something. There are old folks days at almost every restaurant and small grocery store.
(7) Heaven is nearer everyday! See my Lord face to face is nearer every day!
And the list goes on and on and on.
I wish I knew, however, why I feel it's my responsibility to make sure we all get to Runnemede for the celebration of the church. Yes, I'm the oldest in the family at this point, but shouldn't I be able to leave it up to everyone else who is going to the event to take care of themselves? I guess there needs to be someone to coordinate everything, but am I the one? I seem to be. I know I will feel bad if something goes wrong, if someone doesn't show up, etc.
I want so badly for this to be a great "family reunion" because let's face it, the next reunions will be for funerals -- this is going to be a fun experience. Funerals are not fun events. I pray that the families can all get to Runnemede for those few days and we can enjoy each other for that time.
ttfn
Alan is improving, but last night he was sick to his stomach, and that wasn't good. Today? I don't know, he's still sleeping. I let him sleep as much as he can because he only gets his sleep in short spurts. His back is getting worse, and the pain is increasing. This has nothing to do with the rubbery legs.
Okay, moving on. I know this BLOG is about growing old and the ailments and survival techniques of this age, but sometimes I feel it's so depressing to be always listing the downside of getting older. There are positives.
(1) I know more every day! I'm smarter now than I was 10 years ago.
(2) My grandchildren are getting older and their antics are such a pleasure to read or hear about.
(3) God is more a part of my life than he was a week ago. The older I get, the more I talk to God and try to hear what he's saying to me.
(4) I don't have to be on a schedule of any sort. I can take one day at a time, and enjoy each day as I live it.
(5) I don't have to feel guilty if I spend all day in bed. I can sleep when I want, and do laundry at 3 a.m. if I want.
(6) I get discounts almost every place I purchase something. There are old folks days at almost every restaurant and small grocery store.
(7) Heaven is nearer everyday! See my Lord face to face is nearer every day!
And the list goes on and on and on.
I wish I knew, however, why I feel it's my responsibility to make sure we all get to Runnemede for the celebration of the church. Yes, I'm the oldest in the family at this point, but shouldn't I be able to leave it up to everyone else who is going to the event to take care of themselves? I guess there needs to be someone to coordinate everything, but am I the one? I seem to be. I know I will feel bad if something goes wrong, if someone doesn't show up, etc.
I want so badly for this to be a great "family reunion" because let's face it, the next reunions will be for funerals -- this is going to be a fun experience. Funerals are not fun events. I pray that the families can all get to Runnemede for those few days and we can enjoy each other for that time.
ttfn
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What a day yesterday was.
Yesterday -- a day that I'd rather put out of my mind forever.
Alan had his MRI. Okay, so I was prepared for a LONG, LONG, day sitting in a waiting room and listening to the thrum, thrum, thrum of the machine as I read from my Kindle. I guess the new MRIs are shorter than the old ones. Faster. He was only on the slab for two hours instead of the usual six plus hours. That was good. I did grab a few minutes to run over to Panera's to get some great bread to freeze.
Well, when Alan got off the slab he had a bit of trouble walking. Nothing new there. So after he entered the waiting room, we sat and waited for his legs to get to what we thought was back to normal.
I forgot to mention that this waiting room actually had comfortable chairs and even a sofa which was as comfy as my own sofa at home.
So, we walked out to the car, which I had parked about 20 steps from the door of the MRI place. I think I counted 24 -- I do that from time to time -- count steps as I'm walking. Anyway, no problem getting him into the car. We had a discussion about where we might go for late lunch, early supper -- it was around 3:30 p.m. Well, I should have gone to a place that I like (Izzy's), instead of going to IHOP which I can't stand. Izzy's would have been take-out. IHOP, not so much. The chairs in IHOP apparently are not good for him, and this happens everytime he goes there, which he seems to forget, but which I will never forget again. The chairs are built so that the circulation in his (and my) legs are cut off, and basically the legs fall asleep. Well, that's what happened to my dear husband yesterday.
After he finished eating he made his usual, compulsory trip to the men's room. And promptly collapsed. Just like he did at the Grand Canyon. A man went in and found him trying to get up off the floor, and since I was waiting by the RR doors, this dear man knew I was the person he should look for. Well, we (this dear man and I)got him into a chair wth no help from any staff persons, and I went out to the car to get the walker. I got him hoisted to an upright position and he was able to walk about 10 steps before his legs gave out again. Can you believe that during that whole time not one IHOP staff person asked if they could help? Several customers did, but not one IHOP staffer. Believe me, IHOP is off my list for the rest of MY life.
Picture this: Alan going 10 steps at a time to get out to the car which WASN'T parked real close to the exit, nor was there a possibility that I could move the car close to the exit at IHOP. We had just come from the hospital MRI and I suggested taking him back to the hospital. He said emphatically: "NO!" Alrighty then.
So with me lifting him and with the aid of the walker I was able to get him to the car, with lots of "Please, Jesus, just give him three more steps. Please, Jesus, just give him two more steps." Etc., etc.
When I got him home I ran into the house and got the wheel chair to get him the rest of the way to his chair -- which is actually my chair, but which he took as soon as we got it home. I digress.
He was able for the rest of the day to make his trips to the bathroom, kitchen, office, bed, etc. by himself. And today he is almost back to normal, but says he hurts.
He hurts? He should feel my body. I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck. I hope the doctor is happy with the outcome of the MRI. And I'm glad we don't have to go through that until next year, when I'll bring the wheelchair with us instead of just the walker! And....
ttfn
Alan had his MRI. Okay, so I was prepared for a LONG, LONG, day sitting in a waiting room and listening to the thrum, thrum, thrum of the machine as I read from my Kindle. I guess the new MRIs are shorter than the old ones. Faster. He was only on the slab for two hours instead of the usual six plus hours. That was good. I did grab a few minutes to run over to Panera's to get some great bread to freeze.
Well, when Alan got off the slab he had a bit of trouble walking. Nothing new there. So after he entered the waiting room, we sat and waited for his legs to get to what we thought was back to normal.
I forgot to mention that this waiting room actually had comfortable chairs and even a sofa which was as comfy as my own sofa at home.
So, we walked out to the car, which I had parked about 20 steps from the door of the MRI place. I think I counted 24 -- I do that from time to time -- count steps as I'm walking. Anyway, no problem getting him into the car. We had a discussion about where we might go for late lunch, early supper -- it was around 3:30 p.m. Well, I should have gone to a place that I like (Izzy's), instead of going to IHOP which I can't stand. Izzy's would have been take-out. IHOP, not so much. The chairs in IHOP apparently are not good for him, and this happens everytime he goes there, which he seems to forget, but which I will never forget again. The chairs are built so that the circulation in his (and my) legs are cut off, and basically the legs fall asleep. Well, that's what happened to my dear husband yesterday.
After he finished eating he made his usual, compulsory trip to the men's room. And promptly collapsed. Just like he did at the Grand Canyon. A man went in and found him trying to get up off the floor, and since I was waiting by the RR doors, this dear man knew I was the person he should look for. Well, we (this dear man and I)got him into a chair wth no help from any staff persons, and I went out to the car to get the walker. I got him hoisted to an upright position and he was able to walk about 10 steps before his legs gave out again. Can you believe that during that whole time not one IHOP staff person asked if they could help? Several customers did, but not one IHOP staffer. Believe me, IHOP is off my list for the rest of MY life.
Picture this: Alan going 10 steps at a time to get out to the car which WASN'T parked real close to the exit, nor was there a possibility that I could move the car close to the exit at IHOP. We had just come from the hospital MRI and I suggested taking him back to the hospital. He said emphatically: "NO!" Alrighty then.
So with me lifting him and with the aid of the walker I was able to get him to the car, with lots of "Please, Jesus, just give him three more steps. Please, Jesus, just give him two more steps." Etc., etc.
When I got him home I ran into the house and got the wheel chair to get him the rest of the way to his chair -- which is actually my chair, but which he took as soon as we got it home. I digress.
He was able for the rest of the day to make his trips to the bathroom, kitchen, office, bed, etc. by himself. And today he is almost back to normal, but says he hurts.
He hurts? He should feel my body. I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck. I hope the doctor is happy with the outcome of the MRI. And I'm glad we don't have to go through that until next year, when I'll bring the wheelchair with us instead of just the walker! And....
ttfn
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I'm not missing, sick, nor dead
I've just been enjoying the few days of sunshine that we recently had in our area of the country. The weather today was wonderful, but it's beginning to rain now, and we're in for four or five days of wet weather. At least it's not "white" as a friend of mine put it.
Yes, I've been enjoying the sunny, warmish weather and spending time on my dirty sun porch. I sit out there for as long as I can stand looking at the winter dust and dirt and the empty plant pots with the sticks of old plantings sticking up through the dirt. I know what I need to do, and so far I've gotten only two small things accomplished. I was going to have my house-cleaner tackle the pots for me, but we ran out of time this week, so I either have to bite the bullet, so to speak, and stop whining and complaining about the dirt and clean it myself, or wait another couple of weeks until my cleaning lady can do it.
I do enjoy the sun and the birds flitting from tree to tree, so maybe the dirt is worth that much at least.
And yes, I've been enjoying my Kindle and the mini-library I've installed on it. I read a couple of really good books in the past few days: Just Jane by Nancy Moser, and Saving Sailor by Renee Rica. Just Jane is about Jane Austen -- a biography -- not unlike Becoming Jane, but more factual, and in some places tedious, but all-in-all very enjoyable.
Saving Sailor is written by an Italian woman about the 9th year of the heroine -- the most memorable year of her life was the year she was 9 years old, she says, and then proceeds to describe that year and her turning into a 10-year-old. It is a very funny book. Written like an Italian -- at least like the Italians I know. There's that sense of humor that I grew up with, and the familiality that I'm so familiar with. I really recommend this book. I'm getting ready to read the sequel, mainly because I like to laugh.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Alan is finally getting his full-body MRI which we postponed from mid-February. He's not coughing any more, so I figure it's okay to have it now. He has an appointment with the oncologist next week and the MRI is needed for that appointment. Anyway, these MRIs usually take us 6-10 hours depending on how many stops Alan puts on them while he's laying on the slab. His back gets very, very painful.
I'll have my Kindle and a stock of books, so I'll be fine.
Now, I'm off to make a coconut/peanut/beef/noodle casserole for dinner. It's something I make a lot, but I'm changing the recipe a little bit to match something I saw on Iron Chef America last weekend. I hope Alan likes it. He's lost 20 pounds in the past month. Good for him. I wish I could keep pace with him, but I've only given up 10, which I'm sure I'll get back as soon as I'm finally over this tiredness and lack of desire to put fork from plate to mouth.
So, I'm off to the kitchen.
ttfn
Yes, I've been enjoying the sunny, warmish weather and spending time on my dirty sun porch. I sit out there for as long as I can stand looking at the winter dust and dirt and the empty plant pots with the sticks of old plantings sticking up through the dirt. I know what I need to do, and so far I've gotten only two small things accomplished. I was going to have my house-cleaner tackle the pots for me, but we ran out of time this week, so I either have to bite the bullet, so to speak, and stop whining and complaining about the dirt and clean it myself, or wait another couple of weeks until my cleaning lady can do it.
I do enjoy the sun and the birds flitting from tree to tree, so maybe the dirt is worth that much at least.
And yes, I've been enjoying my Kindle and the mini-library I've installed on it. I read a couple of really good books in the past few days: Just Jane by Nancy Moser, and Saving Sailor by Renee Rica. Just Jane is about Jane Austen -- a biography -- not unlike Becoming Jane, but more factual, and in some places tedious, but all-in-all very enjoyable.
Saving Sailor is written by an Italian woman about the 9th year of the heroine -- the most memorable year of her life was the year she was 9 years old, she says, and then proceeds to describe that year and her turning into a 10-year-old. It is a very funny book. Written like an Italian -- at least like the Italians I know. There's that sense of humor that I grew up with, and the familiality that I'm so familiar with. I really recommend this book. I'm getting ready to read the sequel, mainly because I like to laugh.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Alan is finally getting his full-body MRI which we postponed from mid-February. He's not coughing any more, so I figure it's okay to have it now. He has an appointment with the oncologist next week and the MRI is needed for that appointment. Anyway, these MRIs usually take us 6-10 hours depending on how many stops Alan puts on them while he's laying on the slab. His back gets very, very painful.
I'll have my Kindle and a stock of books, so I'll be fine.
Now, I'm off to make a coconut/peanut/beef/noodle casserole for dinner. It's something I make a lot, but I'm changing the recipe a little bit to match something I saw on Iron Chef America last weekend. I hope Alan likes it. He's lost 20 pounds in the past month. Good for him. I wish I could keep pace with him, but I've only given up 10, which I'm sure I'll get back as soon as I'm finally over this tiredness and lack of desire to put fork from plate to mouth.
So, I'm off to the kitchen.
ttfn
Friday, March 5, 2010
Another sunny day!
I'm loving it. I had time with the Lord on my sun porch this morning and had to open a couple of the sliders because it got so hot. While it's only about 35 degrees outside, that porch sure does heat up fast in the morning when the sun is shining in.
The birds are becoming more numerous and I actually heard one singing at 6 a.m. Isn't there some saying about getting up with the birds? Oh, no, that's chickens/roosters. Well, birds sing early and since there are no hens nor roosters around here, they tweet their tweets early. Do I care? No! I'm so glad to finally hear something besides the quiet of snow. Again, I must admit that I do love snow, but enough is enough, and it's time for the season of winter to go away and for Spring to sprung.
Reminder: Pray for Alan. He's is a slow healer because of his immune system and while the cough of the bronchitis is gone, the drags are lingering, same as with me, although I have a few more hours of wakefulness/work ability than he does. Poor guy, he's so tired and tries to do things and just can't, then he gets frustrated and feels worthless because all he can do is sleep.
I must get to the laundry room and do another load of wash. I'm so far behind. And as far as putting clothes/linens away? Forget it. When I need something, I rummage through the piles and pull something out. I need for myself to get some work done. Exhaustion is so fast in coming when I do that, though, and I don't like the way that feels. The doctor says it's normal after the bout I had with bronchitis, and now I know how hard it had to have been for my dear DIL last year when she had pneumonia and was barely able to walk from bed to bath, and had four under-10 children to care for.
Reminder: Pray for Phil. Still no job. God, please provide for that family. I know that things are really getting tight. God, Give grace to Phil and Amy. Calm them down. Thank You for Your provision for them so far.
Reminder: Pray for Bob. Father, let the doctors find the cause of his misery and provide healing for him. Help Nancy as she nurses him through this time. Please limit his suffering. Thank you for his blessing in Alan's and my life. Bless him and he has blessed others.
ttfn
The birds are becoming more numerous and I actually heard one singing at 6 a.m. Isn't there some saying about getting up with the birds? Oh, no, that's chickens/roosters. Well, birds sing early and since there are no hens nor roosters around here, they tweet their tweets early. Do I care? No! I'm so glad to finally hear something besides the quiet of snow. Again, I must admit that I do love snow, but enough is enough, and it's time for the season of winter to go away and for Spring to sprung.
Reminder: Pray for Alan. He's is a slow healer because of his immune system and while the cough of the bronchitis is gone, the drags are lingering, same as with me, although I have a few more hours of wakefulness/work ability than he does. Poor guy, he's so tired and tries to do things and just can't, then he gets frustrated and feels worthless because all he can do is sleep.
I must get to the laundry room and do another load of wash. I'm so far behind. And as far as putting clothes/linens away? Forget it. When I need something, I rummage through the piles and pull something out. I need for myself to get some work done. Exhaustion is so fast in coming when I do that, though, and I don't like the way that feels. The doctor says it's normal after the bout I had with bronchitis, and now I know how hard it had to have been for my dear DIL last year when she had pneumonia and was barely able to walk from bed to bath, and had four under-10 children to care for.
Reminder: Pray for Phil. Still no job. God, please provide for that family. I know that things are really getting tight. God, Give grace to Phil and Amy. Calm them down. Thank You for Your provision for them so far.
Reminder: Pray for Bob. Father, let the doctors find the cause of his misery and provide healing for him. Help Nancy as she nurses him through this time. Please limit his suffering. Thank you for his blessing in Alan's and my life. Bless him and he has blessed others.
ttfn
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thank you, Father
I am so thankful to the Father for giving us a beautiful, sunny day. How long has it been? I can't remember the last day we had when the sun was out from dawn until noon (it's almost noon now). And the sky in the west is still clear, which means a full day, hopefully of sunshine.
I was actually able to sit out on my sun porch and get some "rays". I know my weakness and lackadaisical feeling has to do with my lack of Vitamin D. I did buy a bottle of those but I have misplaced it. Of course, my office is in that "state" again -- "state of disarray."
But back to shinier, nicer things. Yes, I spent a couple of hours browsing my Kindle and watching the birds flit from tree to tree trying to find their spots for their spring homes. So many birds today -- I saw a blue bird, several cardinals, a couple of robins, and the resident mourning doves. Coo-coo. Tweet-tweet. Twitter-twitter. Chirp-chirp.
I love it.
After sitting through this cold winter, and it's still cold, even though the sun is out. The piles of snow are evidence of how cold it has been. But they promise us a "warming trend" by the end of the week. Oops, it is the end of the week. Well, they mean later in the week, like Saturday! That's okay. We have our portable heaters now, finally, after several weeks of getting a set that didn't work, and then having them send us new ones in exchange for the cords of the old ones. Now, we don't need them! Well, we now have them for next year. We're all set!
ttfn
I was actually able to sit out on my sun porch and get some "rays". I know my weakness and lackadaisical feeling has to do with my lack of Vitamin D. I did buy a bottle of those but I have misplaced it. Of course, my office is in that "state" again -- "state of disarray."
But back to shinier, nicer things. Yes, I spent a couple of hours browsing my Kindle and watching the birds flit from tree to tree trying to find their spots for their spring homes. So many birds today -- I saw a blue bird, several cardinals, a couple of robins, and the resident mourning doves. Coo-coo. Tweet-tweet. Twitter-twitter. Chirp-chirp.
I love it.
After sitting through this cold winter, and it's still cold, even though the sun is out. The piles of snow are evidence of how cold it has been. But they promise us a "warming trend" by the end of the week. Oops, it is the end of the week. Well, they mean later in the week, like Saturday! That's okay. We have our portable heaters now, finally, after several weeks of getting a set that didn't work, and then having them send us new ones in exchange for the cords of the old ones. Now, we don't need them! Well, we now have them for next year. We're all set!
ttfn
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