Tucson
Okay, anyone who know me longer than a millisecond knows I am scared to death of snakes...any snake. And don't try to tell me there are "good" snakes in this world, -- uh, NO! The only good snake is a dead snake to me.
However, this morning I took the dogs to "snake training" to teach them to be afraid of snakes. All I really needed was my mother here to do that, since she did it to myself and my younger brother so effectively that it has stuck our entire lives! But since I couldn't have my mommy here, I WILLINGLY signed up the dogs for snake avoidance training. I should have read the fine print I think!
UP at the horrible hour (at least for me anymore) of 6:00 a.m. so I can be at snake training by 7:00. There are 10 dogs at the area for the training. I get my two out of the van and on their leashes and let them go socialize with the other dogs. Then the fun begins. The trainer says that we will go individually to the snake .. wait, a live snake??? YUP! What happened to the harmless rubber snakes that I am also afraid of???? Okay Jo, buck up and do this. First up is Schuster. The trainer attaches the shock collar to him and we walk him towards where they have the snake leashed and tied up. First of all, before I go on, who in the hell put the leash on this snake and how??? And do snakes know how to get off leashes???? Also the snake is defanged and therefore rendered harmless (so they say, they don't know me!) As we walk towards where the snake is, all you can hear is my knee's knocking so loudly they sound like rocks being banged together! ULP! The closer we get to the snake, the louder my knees get. The handler finally looks at me and says "Are you afraid of snakes?" Well, DUH! But to save my dogs lives, I walk toward the offending thing. The snake is a western diamondback rattler, and he is busy rattling away. Schuster isn't the least be afraid of it!!!! WAKE UP DOG! We inch towards the snake and finally Schuster gets the scent of the snake. He stops, but is curious. He starts towards the snake and gets a shock from the shock collar! Schuster yelps about the same time I do. We take him back to the "safe" area. He is pretty shook up. So am I. Finally we get him calmed down and the handler says "I want you to walk with us to the snake and then you walk past the snake to the other side"...uh, okay? Somy banging knees and I do this, and all Schuster wants to do is go with me, so he gets another shock. Another yelp and I am almost in tears...either from fright or from him yelping, not sure at this point which. All the time Beau is watching from the car. Finally, Schuster won't go near the dreaded beast with no legs and feet. Hooray! But then I have to walk him past another snake on the other side of the road, which is leashed and staked out as well. Schuster won't go near the snake...not within 10 yards...nope, he is afraid as I am now. (Thanks Mom!)
Now it is Beau's turn. Same procedure. However, Beau wants to play with the snake...thinks it is a long ball, or toy. So he gets shocked, but it only took him one shock and he decided he wants nothing to do with it and won't go within 30 yards of it. All he wants is to get away and back to the safety of the car. By this time my nerves are shot and I need a drink (did I say this was at 7:00 a.m. -- my day is shot!)
The last test we have to pass (and I am paying for this whole thing by the way!!) is to walk the dogs towards/past a snake that is hidden in a bush. The snake is in a mesh bag, securely tied, and hidden in the bush. The snakes rattles are taped so they make no noise. Neither dog will even get off the street towards the bush. Nope, they aren't going, period! They passed with flying colors. I, on the other hand, needed to sit down and rest and quit hyperventalating. I guess I passed as well, but I tell you the three of us couldn't wait to get back into the car and get the hell outta' there.
I feel this was good training for the dogs however. At least they know what a snake is and can do. And I feel more comfortable with the knowledge that they are aware of snakes and how nasty and evil they are!
And by the way, you will notice there is no picture present of the snake....nope, can't do it! I tried to copy a picture from the internet, but got the shakes just looking at the damn thing.
I will have nightmares no doubt tonight......
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
ACHOOOOOOOOOOO!
Achoo, achoo, achoo...hmmm...achoo. Nose running, eyes running, achoo, palo verde in bloom and several other desert "things", achoo! Can't stop sneezing today. And for once, this morning the wind is DEAD! YEAH! achoo! Even the dogs and cats are sneezing. Jose just about turns himself inside out (Ick) when he sneezes....makes me laugh every time he does it. And he never sneezes once, he sneezes several times in a row, and then emits this low growl (and remember he is a cat) after he is done! I know the feeling! I want to growl after a sneezing fit as well.
Doctor appointments all day today...whoopee! At least maybe we will have time to have lunch at our favorite Chinese place today. Al is doing very well, however, his blood sugar is running very high so today we see the endocrinologist. And I a learning how to spell all these BIG words, like endocrinologist, cardiologist, infectious disease, etc. And don't even get me started on the different medicine's spelling. ARG!
It is suppose to be 92 today. Spring has finally arrived. Remember, here it isn't spring until it reaches at least 90----and then you know summer isn't far behind.
Achoo...gotta' go find another box of Kleenex. Have you ever wondered where they (whoever, "THEY" are) came up with the name Kleenex? Kleen-ex??? Oh, that leaves my snot clogged brain with way too many possibilities. BYE!
Doctor appointments all day today...whoopee! At least maybe we will have time to have lunch at our favorite Chinese place today. Al is doing very well, however, his blood sugar is running very high so today we see the endocrinologist. And I a learning how to spell all these BIG words, like endocrinologist, cardiologist, infectious disease, etc. And don't even get me started on the different medicine's spelling. ARG!
It is suppose to be 92 today. Spring has finally arrived. Remember, here it isn't spring until it reaches at least 90----and then you know summer isn't far behind.
Achoo...gotta' go find another box of Kleenex. Have you ever wondered where they (whoever, "THEY" are) came up with the name Kleenex? Kleen-ex??? Oh, that leaves my snot clogged brain with way too many possibilities. BYE!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Happy 75 Al
Tucson
Things have certainly been calm for the last few days as far as health issues go...kinda' scary! Al is doing very well. His arm has cleared up nicely and he is doing well on his oral antibiotics. It's about time things returned to somewhat normal around here.
Last week we enjoyed an overnight visit from friends from San Diego. Pete and Diane Reilly were here for a quick visit. Al and Pete have known each other for many, many years and we were with Pete in Saudi. We enjoyed their visit -- they are wonderful people.
Dick and Lano arrived from Yuma on Wednesday and will go home tomorrow :-( We really enjoy having them here. However, they wind up helping do so many things around the house one wonders why they keep coming back!!!! We certainly don't complain! Dick helped me repair a light fixture in the 5th wheel and wire back up some outside lights that had been disconnected.
Speaking of the house, for the last 2 weeks we have been in the middle of having the outside painted. It is finished now and boy what a difference. We went about 10 shades darker (the paint color is called "light mocha"..coffee anyone?) The painters did an excellent job on the house. Gary and Mike...thank you so much.
Now they have started on the rental house....it needs painting as badly as this one did. And no paint sprayer...this is all roller and brush.
Last night we had Al's 75th birthday party here. I had thrown him a birthday card party and he recieved over 50 cards...thank you all for sending them and making his 75th birthday special for him. He enjoyed hearing from all of you. Last night we had 20 people here for his party. I cooked a turkey and made several different salads, people brought salads, appetizers and fruit plates to help out. Lots of food and fun.
The doctors are still controlling our lives right now. Last week we had 4 appointments; this coming week we have 6. ARG! Still no idea when the doctors will release Al to travel. We hope to head north the middle of May, but it all depends on when he can travel. Last Sunday we were both suffering from a bad case of cabin fever; so we hopped in the car and did some local exploring. We drove to Green Valley and then out to Madera Canyon...very pretty drive with GREEN TREES! Then we took a dirt road (I am getting used to these scary dirt roads)
over to Sonita and went to Patagonia Lake. Very pretty there as well. Then we came back to Tucson and had dinner with Al's cousin Gary. It was a nice outing for us and we didn't have to see a doctor once! Unusual for us lately as all of our outings have somehow involved a doctor or two!!!
It has been nice here, but a bit windy. I don't mind a nice, gentle breeze, however, sometimes it does get a bit "gusty" here...we had gusts to 60 MPH last week...that is not fun. I commented to Al the other day that I couldn't remember it being this windy last April. THEN, I remembered WHY I couldn't remember it ... we were floating around the Panama Canal this time last year! Now it makes sense!
That's about all from the neck of the woods for now. Later..............
Things have certainly been calm for the last few days as far as health issues go...kinda' scary! Al is doing very well. His arm has cleared up nicely and he is doing well on his oral antibiotics. It's about time things returned to somewhat normal around here.
Last week we enjoyed an overnight visit from friends from San Diego. Pete and Diane Reilly were here for a quick visit. Al and Pete have known each other for many, many years and we were with Pete in Saudi. We enjoyed their visit -- they are wonderful people.
Dick and Lano arrived from Yuma on Wednesday and will go home tomorrow :-( We really enjoy having them here. However, they wind up helping do so many things around the house one wonders why they keep coming back!!!! We certainly don't complain! Dick helped me repair a light fixture in the 5th wheel and wire back up some outside lights that had been disconnected.
Speaking of the house, for the last 2 weeks we have been in the middle of having the outside painted. It is finished now and boy what a difference. We went about 10 shades darker (the paint color is called "light mocha"..coffee anyone?) The painters did an excellent job on the house. Gary and Mike...thank you so much.
Now they have started on the rental house....it needs painting as badly as this one did. And no paint sprayer...this is all roller and brush.Last night we had Al's 75th birthday party here. I had thrown him a birthday card party and he recieved over 50 cards...thank you all for sending them and making his 75th birthday special for him. He enjoyed hearing from all of you. Last night we had 20 people here for his party. I cooked a turkey and made several different salads, people brought salads, appetizers and fruit plates to help out. Lots of food and fun.
The doctors are still controlling our lives right now. Last week we had 4 appointments; this coming week we have 6. ARG! Still no idea when the doctors will release Al to travel. We hope to head north the middle of May, but it all depends on when he can travel. Last Sunday we were both suffering from a bad case of cabin fever; so we hopped in the car and did some local exploring. We drove to Green Valley and then out to Madera Canyon...very pretty drive with GREEN TREES! Then we took a dirt road (I am getting used to these scary dirt roads)
over to Sonita and went to Patagonia Lake. Very pretty there as well. Then we came back to Tucson and had dinner with Al's cousin Gary. It was a nice outing for us and we didn't have to see a doctor once! Unusual for us lately as all of our outings have somehow involved a doctor or two!!!
It has been nice here, but a bit windy. I don't mind a nice, gentle breeze, however, sometimes it does get a bit "gusty" here...we had gusts to 60 MPH last week...that is not fun. I commented to Al the other day that I couldn't remember it being this windy last April. THEN, I remembered WHY I couldn't remember it ... we were floating around the Panama Canal this time last year! Now it makes sense!
That's about all from the neck of the woods for now. Later..............
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
As it turns out....
Tucson
April 15, 3:30 p.m.
Al is home. Boy what a day this has been! I got to the hospital in time to see the first doctor of the day, he was the "hospitalist" and he said that it didn't look like the picc line was infected, however, the skin and area around the picc line was really inflamed (duh!!) and that Al had an allergic reaction to the plastic bandages and tape that was used (really??? That I could have told him!!) He said the plan was to pull the picc line from the right arm and insert it into the left arm. For this Al would have to be hospitalized for a couple of days. He had written orders to have him moved to a room (we were still in the ER at this time)and he would see us later.
Next, in comes Dr. Rumans, who is our Infectious Disease doctor. He looks at the area and the picc line and says, "Nope, picc line comes out and I am going to put him on oral antibiotics and let him go home!" Now we are talkin'! He said he would call lthe hospitalist and let him know. The Picc line team would be in about 1:00 to pull the line. Once that was done, we could go home. Whoppee.
Around noon I decided to go to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. They usually have such good food there...but not today unless you like Cheese filled manicotti and the manicotti so al dente it crunched! I get back to the room and the picc line has been pulled and after a bit of confusion with the nurses, one thinking he was to be admitted, the other thinking we were going to be discharged..she won....we are outta' there! Of course we have a fist full of prescriptions, but that's okay! The knee looks good, a bit red and warm to the touch, and of course we have an appointment to see the doc next week, but we escaped the hospital in good shape this time. Al feels good and is very glad to have escaped with less than a 24 hour stay...all in the ER!
The wind is really blowing...it has been for the past 2-3 weeks, but today seems to be the worst. Gusts up to 60 mph and we are hanging on to the top of this hill for dear life! Of course it is trash day today and our neighbor was so kind to rescue our trash can as it was blowing down the road!!! We were gone last April, but our neighbors said it was just as windy. This time last year we were sailing the Panama Canal. And Al was sick. Maybe we just skip the first 4 months of the year!!!
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy.....
April 15, 3:30 p.m.
Al is home. Boy what a day this has been! I got to the hospital in time to see the first doctor of the day, he was the "hospitalist" and he said that it didn't look like the picc line was infected, however, the skin and area around the picc line was really inflamed (duh!!) and that Al had an allergic reaction to the plastic bandages and tape that was used (really??? That I could have told him!!) He said the plan was to pull the picc line from the right arm and insert it into the left arm. For this Al would have to be hospitalized for a couple of days. He had written orders to have him moved to a room (we were still in the ER at this time)and he would see us later.
Next, in comes Dr. Rumans, who is our Infectious Disease doctor. He looks at the area and the picc line and says, "Nope, picc line comes out and I am going to put him on oral antibiotics and let him go home!" Now we are talkin'! He said he would call lthe hospitalist and let him know. The Picc line team would be in about 1:00 to pull the line. Once that was done, we could go home. Whoppee.
Around noon I decided to go to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. They usually have such good food there...but not today unless you like Cheese filled manicotti and the manicotti so al dente it crunched! I get back to the room and the picc line has been pulled and after a bit of confusion with the nurses, one thinking he was to be admitted, the other thinking we were going to be discharged..she won....we are outta' there! Of course we have a fist full of prescriptions, but that's okay! The knee looks good, a bit red and warm to the touch, and of course we have an appointment to see the doc next week, but we escaped the hospital in good shape this time. Al feels good and is very glad to have escaped with less than a 24 hour stay...all in the ER!
The wind is really blowing...it has been for the past 2-3 weeks, but today seems to be the worst. Gusts up to 60 mph and we are hanging on to the top of this hill for dear life! Of course it is trash day today and our neighbor was so kind to rescue our trash can as it was blowing down the road!!! We were gone last April, but our neighbors said it was just as windy. This time last year we were sailing the Panama Canal. And Al was sick. Maybe we just skip the first 4 months of the year!!!
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy.....
Back in the hospital AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tucson
April 15, 1:20 a.m.
Back in the hospital again! Al's picc line insertion site is infected and the picc line is pulling loose. This all started on Sunday when he complained that the area around his picc line itched. I looked at it and it was red, so I had Bruce and Holly look at it when they were here. They thought that maybe the clear plastic dressing that was over the picc line was irritating the skin, so they changed the dressing after washing the area with an antibiotic wash. Yesterday the home health care nurse looked at it and said the same thing, however, I called and got a doctor appointment for him for today. After seeing the cardiologist we went to the GP. He took one look at the picc line and said "You are on your way to the hospital"...ARRRGGG! For whatever reason, he can't admit people to the hospital, so we had to go through the ER again. After waiting in the lobby of the ER for 4 hours, we finally got to a room. A nurse came in and said, "Yup, that picc line will probably have to come out." Oh goodie! The same nurse tried to get an IV started through the picc line, but it wouldn't hold it. So he started a separate IV with a saline drip. Finally the doctor came in and said the picc line is working it's way loose, (after an xray showed this) and that it was infected. We all are praying that the knee isn't infected again, however, it is hot to the touch and red...but not swollen. More tests were taken; blood drawn for cultures, etc. Doc said, "you will be admitted and we will have to feed the antibiotics thru an IV until we can see if we can run another picc line." Oh goodie again. So the plan is for them to remove the current picc line tomorrow and keep Al a couple of days; then insert a new picc line. Of course, this all depends on the results of the cultures, blood tests, etc. and IF the knee isn't infected. If the knee is infected again, all bets are off when he will get to come home, but I don't want to go down that road right now.
I am way too tired, but can't sleep. Things were going so well and he was really beginning to feel good. He had asked the cardiologist today about possibility of getting into a cardiac exercise class. He doesn't feel bad now, however, I thought something might be going on as he said today at lunch that he wasn't hungry and didn't feel "right". That rings alarm bells in my head. And we both had just talked about going up to Showlow, Pinetop, Alpine to look at areas up there for possible summer living if we couldn't go north; and that is all it took! WE JUST MENTIONED GOING ON A TRIP and he gets sick. YYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE.
More tomorrow when I know more.
April 15, 1:20 a.m.
Back in the hospital again! Al's picc line insertion site is infected and the picc line is pulling loose. This all started on Sunday when he complained that the area around his picc line itched. I looked at it and it was red, so I had Bruce and Holly look at it when they were here. They thought that maybe the clear plastic dressing that was over the picc line was irritating the skin, so they changed the dressing after washing the area with an antibiotic wash. Yesterday the home health care nurse looked at it and said the same thing, however, I called and got a doctor appointment for him for today. After seeing the cardiologist we went to the GP. He took one look at the picc line and said "You are on your way to the hospital"...ARRRGGG! For whatever reason, he can't admit people to the hospital, so we had to go through the ER again. After waiting in the lobby of the ER for 4 hours, we finally got to a room. A nurse came in and said, "Yup, that picc line will probably have to come out." Oh goodie! The same nurse tried to get an IV started through the picc line, but it wouldn't hold it. So he started a separate IV with a saline drip. Finally the doctor came in and said the picc line is working it's way loose, (after an xray showed this) and that it was infected. We all are praying that the knee isn't infected again, however, it is hot to the touch and red...but not swollen. More tests were taken; blood drawn for cultures, etc. Doc said, "you will be admitted and we will have to feed the antibiotics thru an IV until we can see if we can run another picc line." Oh goodie again. So the plan is for them to remove the current picc line tomorrow and keep Al a couple of days; then insert a new picc line. Of course, this all depends on the results of the cultures, blood tests, etc. and IF the knee isn't infected. If the knee is infected again, all bets are off when he will get to come home, but I don't want to go down that road right now.
I am way too tired, but can't sleep. Things were going so well and he was really beginning to feel good. He had asked the cardiologist today about possibility of getting into a cardiac exercise class. He doesn't feel bad now, however, I thought something might be going on as he said today at lunch that he wasn't hungry and didn't feel "right". That rings alarm bells in my head. And we both had just talked about going up to Showlow, Pinetop, Alpine to look at areas up there for possible summer living if we couldn't go north; and that is all it took! WE JUST MENTIONED GOING ON A TRIP and he gets sick. YYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE.
More tomorrow when I know more.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter 2009
Tucson
I bet a lot of Easter Egg Hunts in Tucson were ruined today....it has been raining since early morning. Around 2:00 a.m. we had a big clap of thunder, which sent both dogs leaping into our bed, and it started to rain hard. More thunder, lightning and rain! Wheee...we need it and glad to have it. Right now it is partly sunny, but we have big, black, mean looking clouds rolling in from the west, so we will have more rain yet today.
This has been another busy week....I wonder what a slow, lazy week would be like? We are having the out side of our house painted and the painters started Monday with the prep work and washing the house. Tuesday the painting began and since we are having it rollered and not sprayed, it will take a bit longer. IT really needed it and we are glad to get it done and over with.
Tuesday was doctor appointment day. AL saw the infectious disease doctor first and he was pleased with Al's progress and doesn't want to see him for 3 weeks. Then on to our new GP, who was pleased as well and doesn't want to see him for 2 weeks. YEAH! There isn't a single doctor appointment on the books for next week! Hooray!
Wednesday was Physical Theraphy day for Al, while I did some more cleaning out of "Stuff"....I keep thinking I will find an end to all this soon, however, I keep finding more stuff to get rid of.
Thursday we shopped all day! We left here at 10:30 a.m. and got home at 5:30 p.m. We have to buy a new refrigerator, so we spent the day looking for one that we liked and we could afford. We didn't have much trouble finding one we liked, it was the afford part we had a bit of trouble with. I can't believe that you could pay up to $3500 for a refrigerator (we didn't)! We finally settled on one from Sears and it will be delivered on Monday. And not a bit too soon as the ice maker in our old one is quiting now....and here we use a lot of ice. We went to Costco and Al walked all over Costco, and also Sears and a few other appliance stores we hit. He was tired when he got home, but his knee didn't hurt!
Yesterday was spent with taking Al to have his hair cut and a pedicure for him. Too bad I can't find time to have a pedicure for me! Soon...very soon. I did some grocery shopping as well.
Today I am trying to get ready for Easter. Bruce, Holly, Cortney, Gary and Bob Grabow will be here for dinner. Jeannette is in Hawaii for two weeks (poor Jeannette, having to suffer in Hawaii---wah!) Menu is ham, sweet potatoes, salad, deviled eggs, hot cross buns and "asparagus in the round" a new recipe I am trying. For dessert is lemon coconut cake...annual tradition in this house.
I had bought chocolate Easter eggs for everyone from See's Candy -- I woke up to having NONE of them this morning. Apparently , Schuster didn't want to wait for Easter and found them on the buffet and ate every one of them! I called the vet and she said if he wasn't sick, not to worry. He LOVES candy of any kind and I usually hide it well from him, but not last night! He had his own, personal, Easter Egg Hunt!
Next Wednesday I am taking the dogs to a snake awareness class. Hope they don't use real snakes or I will have a problem!!!! Stay tuned to find out.
Happy Easter to all.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Doctors, Vets, Docs, Vets
Tucson
My week in a nut shell...doctors and veterinarians...repeat.
AL is doing very well. He had two doctor appointments this week. The first one was to our new Primary Care Physician, Dr. Dunevant, who is in the same office that Dr. Doner was. It was a little hard to walk into that office and know that Dr. Doner was no longer there. Dr.Dunevant was so kind to take us on as he is taking no new patients, but out of the kindness of his heart he took us. He is a nice man and I think we will be happy with him. He can't replace Dr. Doner, however, I think we have found a good doctor who will do what is right for us. He wanted to see AL to meet him and to get a short history of what had happened in the last month. He said he was going to read the tome that is AL's medical records and we are to see him again next week. That was on Tuesday.
Wednesday I decided to play ball with Beau and Schuster in the afternoon. Beau chased one ball and ran right into a cactus. He came back full of cactus quills...in his mouth, nose, face, paws etc. I spent about an hour trying to get them all out, but after pulling about 100 of them, I gave up and took him to the emergency vet. (Let me tell you, I am quite tired of Emergency Rooms.) They pulled out over 150 more quills. Poor dog, and he didn't utter a word of protest or whine about being hurt. All he wanted to do was play more ball!!!!
Thursday AL had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Martin. He is such a good doctor and we feel very fortunate to have him. He said Al was doing great, better than he expected and he doesn't want to see him for a month!!! YEAH. After we got done there we had lunch with Jude and Roger and Pat and Patti Voss to celebrate Pat's 62nd birthday. I always like to give him grief about being "older" than I am!!!
Friday I took both dogs to the vet for rabies shots. By now I am sick and tired of any doctors office, human or animal. As usual, when we arrived at the vet we had a greeting committee...they all love Schuster and Beau and treat them like kings!
Today we decided to go for a ride and get out of the house for a bit (and not to a doctor's office) so we went across town to a craft show where Suzi Waddick had her booth set up. It has been so windy the last few days I wasn't sure she was going to set up, but today was a bit calmer. We had a great lunch at a Greek Restaurant and we both had Shwarma's....a sandwich we used to enjoy when we were in Saudi. YUM! And the best part is that these were just like the ones we had in Saudi...finally, someone knows how to make them. WE will go back to this place!
That is pretty much what our week has been like...hope yours has been good as well.
My week in a nut shell...doctors and veterinarians...repeat.
AL is doing very well. He had two doctor appointments this week. The first one was to our new Primary Care Physician, Dr. Dunevant, who is in the same office that Dr. Doner was. It was a little hard to walk into that office and know that Dr. Doner was no longer there. Dr.Dunevant was so kind to take us on as he is taking no new patients, but out of the kindness of his heart he took us. He is a nice man and I think we will be happy with him. He can't replace Dr. Doner, however, I think we have found a good doctor who will do what is right for us. He wanted to see AL to meet him and to get a short history of what had happened in the last month. He said he was going to read the tome that is AL's medical records and we are to see him again next week. That was on Tuesday.
Wednesday I decided to play ball with Beau and Schuster in the afternoon. Beau chased one ball and ran right into a cactus. He came back full of cactus quills...in his mouth, nose, face, paws etc. I spent about an hour trying to get them all out, but after pulling about 100 of them, I gave up and took him to the emergency vet. (Let me tell you, I am quite tired of Emergency Rooms.) They pulled out over 150 more quills. Poor dog, and he didn't utter a word of protest or whine about being hurt. All he wanted to do was play more ball!!!!
Thursday AL had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Martin. He is such a good doctor and we feel very fortunate to have him. He said Al was doing great, better than he expected and he doesn't want to see him for a month!!! YEAH. After we got done there we had lunch with Jude and Roger and Pat and Patti Voss to celebrate Pat's 62nd birthday. I always like to give him grief about being "older" than I am!!!
Friday I took both dogs to the vet for rabies shots. By now I am sick and tired of any doctors office, human or animal. As usual, when we arrived at the vet we had a greeting committee...they all love Schuster and Beau and treat them like kings!
Today we decided to go for a ride and get out of the house for a bit (and not to a doctor's office) so we went across town to a craft show where Suzi Waddick had her booth set up. It has been so windy the last few days I wasn't sure she was going to set up, but today was a bit calmer. We had a great lunch at a Greek Restaurant and we both had Shwarma's....a sandwich we used to enjoy when we were in Saudi. YUM! And the best part is that these were just like the ones we had in Saudi...finally, someone knows how to make them. WE will go back to this place!
That is pretty much what our week has been like...hope yours has been good as well.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friends are Wonderful People
Tucson
I have to say that friends and family have really been wonderful to us the last month or so. Family has come to help, support and occasionally scold me into taking care of myself as well as Al. Friends have done the same. What would we do without all these wonderful, supportive people? Life sure would be lonely and boring!
First of all, thank you to all the kids...for your visits, calls, concerns, emails and generally just being there for us.
Then there is the remainder of the family, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws. Your calls and cards have been great. Claudia and Larry, thank you for all you have done for us as well.
And for the ones near......Gary and Jeannette; Holly, Bruce and Cortney; Jack and Suzi; Jude and Roger; Pat and Patti; Gary and Suzanne; Elizabeth; Bob; thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you help and care.
Then the ones far away....thanks for the cards, calls and emails. And to Eva and Bill; and Donna and Gary for the beautiful edible boquet! It is yummy!
I also got a nice surprise from Tiffany and David today....
Daivd holding Sophie and Tiffany holding Ada...
and
Just a little grandma bragging....look at those dimples!
AL is doing well today. THe nurse has been here and taught me how to inject the meds in the picc line. I know why I am not in the medical field...I am all thumbs! But we got it done. Bruce built a platform for AL's chair so he can get in and out of it easily....it's 6 inches up and we call it the "Throne"...but it helps him get out of it and that was the plan.
So until next time all I can say is "THANK YOU" once again.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
He is Home
Tucson
Al came home this morning. He is tired, but glad to be home. He is walking well and getting up the steps was no problem. He will be on IV Antibiotics once a day for 4 weeks; and the infusion company is suppose to come out in the morning to get that started. Also will have a home health care nurse every couple of days as well as Physical and Occupational Therapist will be here two or three times a week. Pat, who helped take care of my brother, will be here for 4 hours, twice a week so I can have a chance to get away to the grocery store, drug store, etc.
When the doctor told me he was coming home with the IV I wasn't very happy. For two weeks they have been doing his antibiotics orally; however, the Infectious Disease doctor wasn't happy with the results, so switched him back to the IV. When the infusion company called me and told me that it would be $288 A DAY, I about passed out. WHAT??????? After questioning them about the cost they told me that Aetna (our supplemental) wouldn't pay. HUH?? So after a very long battle with Aetna, having to go to Boeing for clarification, and back to Aetna, I finally found out that it will pay, however, I have to pay the copay...which is MUCH LESS than originally stated. And the infusion company dropped the cost to $94 a day! RIP-OFF!!! Hmmm-and the medical world wonders why National Healthcare is coming? Glad I don't accept these things as standard and not question them! YIKES!
I have six pages of orders from the doctors of things that have to be done daily. However, most of it was being done before, i.e., checking blood sugar, blood pressure, making sure he walks, does the exercises, etc.
Both dogs and cats are now happy! The dogs follow his walker everywhere, however, Schuster isn't very fond of it! And when he is in his chair both dogs are laying down beside it. As if to say, "You aren't going anywhere again without us are you?" No dogs, we hope not. And Jose is constantly in his lap....and if he gets out Juanito jumps in. I think they missed him.
Thank you all for your care, concern, prayers, calls, cards and flowers. It is nice to know that when things get rough your family and friends are there for you. God Bless you all.
Al came home this morning. He is tired, but glad to be home. He is walking well and getting up the steps was no problem. He will be on IV Antibiotics once a day for 4 weeks; and the infusion company is suppose to come out in the morning to get that started. Also will have a home health care nurse every couple of days as well as Physical and Occupational Therapist will be here two or three times a week. Pat, who helped take care of my brother, will be here for 4 hours, twice a week so I can have a chance to get away to the grocery store, drug store, etc.
When the doctor told me he was coming home with the IV I wasn't very happy. For two weeks they have been doing his antibiotics orally; however, the Infectious Disease doctor wasn't happy with the results, so switched him back to the IV. When the infusion company called me and told me that it would be $288 A DAY, I about passed out. WHAT??????? After questioning them about the cost they told me that Aetna (our supplemental) wouldn't pay. HUH?? So after a very long battle with Aetna, having to go to Boeing for clarification, and back to Aetna, I finally found out that it will pay, however, I have to pay the copay...which is MUCH LESS than originally stated. And the infusion company dropped the cost to $94 a day! RIP-OFF!!! Hmmm-and the medical world wonders why National Healthcare is coming? Glad I don't accept these things as standard and not question them! YIKES!
I have six pages of orders from the doctors of things that have to be done daily. However, most of it was being done before, i.e., checking blood sugar, blood pressure, making sure he walks, does the exercises, etc.
Both dogs and cats are now happy! The dogs follow his walker everywhere, however, Schuster isn't very fond of it! And when he is in his chair both dogs are laying down beside it. As if to say, "You aren't going anywhere again without us are you?" No dogs, we hope not. And Jose is constantly in his lap....and if he gets out Juanito jumps in. I think they missed him.
Thank you all for your care, concern, prayers, calls, cards and flowers. It is nice to know that when things get rough your family and friends are there for you. God Bless you all.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Small steps lead to bigger ones
Tucson
AL is doing much better...walking more and doing more things for himself. He can get into and out of a chair; to the bathroom and back; into and out of bed...all by himself. I know, that sounds like such "normal" things for you and I, however, he hadn't been able to do these things on his own until this week. He is using his walker much better now as well. He is still very tired and the doc's attribute that to the infection, however, his white blood cell counts are at NORMAL (Ric, you can call Aunt Joyce now) and his blood sugar is 130, BP is 145/68, so things are progressing well. He is still just wanting to stay in bed most of the time, but between the Physical and Occupational Therapist, Jude and myself pestering him to get up, he is up more and more. The "team" meets tomorrow for evaluations and the general consensus today was that he will be released to come home on Saturday, Mar 28. He will have home health care and home therapist for a few weeks, but I will be the primary care giver. Nothing new about that!
I have been busy cleaning out pantries, freezers, closets, dressers, etc. Trying to shovel out some of the excess we seem to have accumulated! Claudia and Larry brought down a load of boxes from Odessa; mostly clothes. There were 20 boxes and I have 21 boxes ready for the Boy Scouts to pick up! Needless to say, I am on a mission to get things cleaned out before Al gets home. He likes to "hang on to things", "just in case" he needs them some day. Well, I am getting rid of it all. He will probably never miss 99.9% of this stuff. I know I won't! Still have the master bedroom closet to get through before he comes home. I just got rid of most of his neck ties ... he has been retired 14 years, time to get rid of those! And I got rid of a lot of my shoes, (I know...shocking)...and a lot other stuff. If I haven't used it, worn it in the last 2 years it is GONE! Ruthless, I tell you.
We are going to have to have this house painted on the outside, so I have been interviewing painters! It's gonna' be costly! One guy was so high I laughed at him. I really don't think he wanted the job. An other guy said he could do it, but not until June. So guess not everyone is looking for work! I am waiting for bids from two others now. Should have started this process a long time ago, but really didn't want to think about it.
Other than that, I spend my days going up to rehab for lunch, coming home and working, and then back to rehab for dinner. It wears me out to sit up there with nothing to do, and sometimes Al sleeps so I leave and come back later. OH, and Freddy the Roadrunner is still here, being a pest at times, at other times he just sits and looks around. I call him our "watch bird". The weather had been wonderful, it has cooled down a little from last week, however the forecast has it going back to the mid 80's by the weekend. Fine with me.
So, until next time.....take care.
AL is doing much better...walking more and doing more things for himself. He can get into and out of a chair; to the bathroom and back; into and out of bed...all by himself. I know, that sounds like such "normal" things for you and I, however, he hadn't been able to do these things on his own until this week. He is using his walker much better now as well. He is still very tired and the doc's attribute that to the infection, however, his white blood cell counts are at NORMAL (Ric, you can call Aunt Joyce now) and his blood sugar is 130, BP is 145/68, so things are progressing well. He is still just wanting to stay in bed most of the time, but between the Physical and Occupational Therapist, Jude and myself pestering him to get up, he is up more and more. The "team" meets tomorrow for evaluations and the general consensus today was that he will be released to come home on Saturday, Mar 28. He will have home health care and home therapist for a few weeks, but I will be the primary care giver. Nothing new about that!
I have been busy cleaning out pantries, freezers, closets, dressers, etc. Trying to shovel out some of the excess we seem to have accumulated! Claudia and Larry brought down a load of boxes from Odessa; mostly clothes. There were 20 boxes and I have 21 boxes ready for the Boy Scouts to pick up! Needless to say, I am on a mission to get things cleaned out before Al gets home. He likes to "hang on to things", "just in case" he needs them some day. Well, I am getting rid of it all. He will probably never miss 99.9% of this stuff. I know I won't! Still have the master bedroom closet to get through before he comes home. I just got rid of most of his neck ties ... he has been retired 14 years, time to get rid of those! And I got rid of a lot of my shoes, (I know...shocking)...and a lot other stuff. If I haven't used it, worn it in the last 2 years it is GONE! Ruthless, I tell you.
We are going to have to have this house painted on the outside, so I have been interviewing painters! It's gonna' be costly! One guy was so high I laughed at him. I really don't think he wanted the job. An other guy said he could do it, but not until June. So guess not everyone is looking for work! I am waiting for bids from two others now. Should have started this process a long time ago, but really didn't want to think about it.
Other than that, I spend my days going up to rehab for lunch, coming home and working, and then back to rehab for dinner. It wears me out to sit up there with nothing to do, and sometimes Al sleeps so I leave and come back later. OH, and Freddy the Roadrunner is still here, being a pest at times, at other times he just sits and looks around. I call him our "watch bird". The weather had been wonderful, it has cooled down a little from last week, however the forecast has it going back to the mid 80's by the weekend. Fine with me.
So, until next time.....take care.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Progress is Progress, even if it is small
Tucson
Al is making progress...he is walking a bit more and can get up from his chair and get into bed. Baby steps, but progress none the less. He is tired, cranky and wants to come home. So things are getting back to normal, whatever normal is.
I talked with his case worker yesterday and the target date for discharge is Mar 29 at the earliest. It all will depend on how he progresses these next few days. The discharge team meets on Thursdays and they will re-evaluate his progress next Thursday and see if the 29th is still the target day.
He is not eating very well. Picks at his food. And I will say the food is not bad...I had the meatloaf last night and it was good. He says he isn't hungry and that could be because of the meds.
One good thing, they are working both legs, not just the leg/knee that had surgery. Hopefully this will make him stronger and he will have an easier time walking. It seems as if he gets lazy when he gets home, so when he comes home he will have a home healthcare provider 3 days a week and a therapist 3 days a week as well. However, I will have to be here when they are here and he will need someone with him 24/7 to begin with. Looks like I will have to search out a part time care giver so I can get a break and go do something. But I will cross that bridge when I get to it....one day at a time.
So for now, not much to report. I go to the rehab center usually twice a day, once at lunch and then again in the late afternoon/evening.
By the way, the road runner is still here and just as obnoxious.
Al is making progress...he is walking a bit more and can get up from his chair and get into bed. Baby steps, but progress none the less. He is tired, cranky and wants to come home. So things are getting back to normal, whatever normal is.
I talked with his case worker yesterday and the target date for discharge is Mar 29 at the earliest. It all will depend on how he progresses these next few days. The discharge team meets on Thursdays and they will re-evaluate his progress next Thursday and see if the 29th is still the target day.
He is not eating very well. Picks at his food. And I will say the food is not bad...I had the meatloaf last night and it was good. He says he isn't hungry and that could be because of the meds.
One good thing, they are working both legs, not just the leg/knee that had surgery. Hopefully this will make him stronger and he will have an easier time walking. It seems as if he gets lazy when he gets home, so when he comes home he will have a home healthcare provider 3 days a week and a therapist 3 days a week as well. However, I will have to be here when they are here and he will need someone with him 24/7 to begin with. Looks like I will have to search out a part time care giver so I can get a break and go do something. But I will cross that bridge when I get to it....one day at a time.
So for now, not much to report. I go to the rehab center usually twice a day, once at lunch and then again in the late afternoon/evening.
By the way, the road runner is still here and just as obnoxious.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Rehab it is
Tucson
Sunday, Mar 15
We are making progress today as Al got moved to a rehab facility. For those not familiar with TUcson, the hospital he was in was about 20+ miles from the house one way and usually in heavy traffic. It took at least 40 minutes usually to get there. We were fortunate enough to get him moved to the Oro Valley Rehab, which is in the Oro Valley Hospital that is 6 miles from home. He was very confused today after the move and disoriented. AND VERY TIRED.
Monday, Mar 16
RIc and Janet visited Al this morning and he was a bit better, but still didn't know where he was. His physical and occupational therapy started today with an evaluation of where he is now and where he has to be before they will release him.
Talked with the Endocrinologist tonight and they have had to change the antibiotic that AL was on as his kidneys were not handling the meds well. Al only has at best, a 50% kidney function, so the last thing we want is something that will reduce that. Al will have to be on an antibiotic for the rest of his life. This is due to the surgery of the knee. Optimal surgery would have been to do a total knee replacement, however, the docs didn't feel Al was healthy enough for a total knee replacement, thus the surgery that was done. Good news is he survived the surgery, bad news is the life long antibiotic usage, which in turn can cause other problems.
Tuesday, Mar 17 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S Day
We visited Al early this morning and then we went to Gary and Jeannettes for an early lunch. Ric and Janet left for home around 1:00 p.m. today. After I dropped them off at the airport I came home with all good intentions of starting to clean house, however, I made the mistake of sitting down for a moment and woke up 2 hours later!!!! Guess my body is telling me something!!!
I visited Al this afternoon/evening and he was having a very bad day. The antibiotic med change wasn't agreeing with him and has to be given every 4 hours, so he didn't get much sleep. Plus, the therapist are starting to make him walk a bit further and get up and sit in a chair, walk to the bathroom, etc. He was tired and very cranky this evening. I didn't stay too long as he kept falling asleep. Poor guy has really had a rough time of it. I came home and had a major melt down.
Wed. Mar 18
Thanks to the dogs, I was up at 6:00 a.m. They had to go outside, and then there must have been a huge pack of coyotes right below us because the dogs would bark at them then the coyotes would howl. I gave up trying to go back to sleep.
Sunday, Mar 15
We are making progress today as Al got moved to a rehab facility. For those not familiar with TUcson, the hospital he was in was about 20+ miles from the house one way and usually in heavy traffic. It took at least 40 minutes usually to get there. We were fortunate enough to get him moved to the Oro Valley Rehab, which is in the Oro Valley Hospital that is 6 miles from home. He was very confused today after the move and disoriented. AND VERY TIRED.
Monday, Mar 16
RIc and Janet visited Al this morning and he was a bit better, but still didn't know where he was. His physical and occupational therapy started today with an evaluation of where he is now and where he has to be before they will release him.
Talked with the Endocrinologist tonight and they have had to change the antibiotic that AL was on as his kidneys were not handling the meds well. Al only has at best, a 50% kidney function, so the last thing we want is something that will reduce that. Al will have to be on an antibiotic for the rest of his life. This is due to the surgery of the knee. Optimal surgery would have been to do a total knee replacement, however, the docs didn't feel Al was healthy enough for a total knee replacement, thus the surgery that was done. Good news is he survived the surgery, bad news is the life long antibiotic usage, which in turn can cause other problems.
Tuesday, Mar 17 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S Day
We visited Al early this morning and then we went to Gary and Jeannettes for an early lunch. Ric and Janet left for home around 1:00 p.m. today. After I dropped them off at the airport I came home with all good intentions of starting to clean house, however, I made the mistake of sitting down for a moment and woke up 2 hours later!!!! Guess my body is telling me something!!!
I visited Al this afternoon/evening and he was having a very bad day. The antibiotic med change wasn't agreeing with him and has to be given every 4 hours, so he didn't get much sleep. Plus, the therapist are starting to make him walk a bit further and get up and sit in a chair, walk to the bathroom, etc. He was tired and very cranky this evening. I didn't stay too long as he kept falling asleep. Poor guy has really had a rough time of it. I came home and had a major melt down.
Wed. Mar 18
Thanks to the dogs, I was up at 6:00 a.m. They had to go outside, and then there must have been a huge pack of coyotes right below us because the dogs would bark at them then the coyotes would howl. I gave up trying to go back to sleep.
I went to have lunch at the rehab center today with Al. He seemed very alert and aware of what was going on. That was good to see. But after lunch, he fell asleep and I let him sleep until they came to get him for physical therapy.
I returned to rehab around 5:00 this evening and visited while he had his dinner -- the food is very good as a rule at this hospital, but tonight sure didn't measure up. Dried out chicken breast, squash, and soup. UGH! He didn't eat much and I don't blame him. I did smuggle in a tomato for him and he ate that. Then it was time for his every four hours dose of antibiotics which is given through his PICC line. Oh Joy!
I finally left around 7:00; got home at 7:15 and he called me at 7:20 and asked why I hadn't been in to see him. :-( That caused BIG TEARS. Poor guy....he also is fighting Sundowners. It just doesn't seem fair...along with dementia and alhzeimers, why does he have to have Sundowners? I had a mini melt down tonight. Didn't know I could cry so much in such a short time frame. Should be out of tears by now.
On a brighter and prouder note, our granddaughter, Lori, was inducted into the National Honor Society tonight in Oregon City, OR. WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER! She is so smart and has so much going for her, and she is so focused on what she wants and has a plan of how to achieve it. She is 15, going on 30 sometimes!!!
As for life around here....RIC, come get your $%^& bird! He/she is driving me nuts. At all the doors "whimpering"! Ric has this ability to call birds...mimic their sounds. A few years ago he called a road runner in. Well, he did again this year and now this bird won't leave me alone! The road runner is my favorite bird, they make me laugh; however, this one is being plain ole annoying. She wants her new friend, Ric!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Al Surgery
On Thursday evening Al had surgery on his infected knee. The doc went in and replaced the "poly cushion" between the two artifical knee joints. He said it was reallly infected. He also did a antibiotic washout and felt he got all of the bacteria. The surgery was only about an hour and Al did well. He is still pretty sick and on pain meds, but doing better. He is also on massive doses of antibiotics to fight not only the staph but the strep infection in his blood. He will have to take antibiotics for the rest of his life, but if that is all he has to do that will be great.
I was down with the stomach flu yesterday all day. I didn't go to the hospital, but Ric and Janet did and said he was doing fine, very tired, but otherwise doing well.
I am feeling better today, but don't think I will go to the hospital this morning and wait and see how I feel. I don't want to give this crud to Al. This year is definely a rotten year.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I will keep you posted on his progress.
I was down with the stomach flu yesterday all day. I didn't go to the hospital, but Ric and Janet did and said he was doing fine, very tired, but otherwise doing well.
I am feeling better today, but don't think I will go to the hospital this morning and wait and see how I feel. I don't want to give this crud to Al. This year is definely a rotten year.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I will keep you posted on his progress.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Bad news, good news..
Tucson
ARG..this is definitely gonna' be one of "those" years!
We left Lake Havasu City last Thursday heading home. Al wasn't feeling too well when we left Lake Havasu and said he was a little dizzy. He slept until we stopped at a rest stop right outside of Quartzsite on I-10. I took the dogs out for a potty break and when I looked back to the car all I saw was Al throwing up! Needless to say I thought to myself "Oh-oh, here we go again!" He said he wasn't feeling good and I wanted to take him to the nearest hospital, which was in Blythe, CA (the hell hole of the earth for me!) He said no, so I put the pedal to the medal heading home. He slept all the way until we got into Phoenix, where he got sick again. You don't even want to hear that part of the trip. I made my mind up to head directly to the ER at our hospital here in Oro Valley. Once there, Al was so weak he couldn't walk into ER, so two nurses assisted him.
After a 22 hour stay in the ER (yes, 22 hours...no beds available in the hospital)he was transferred to a room. His right knee was swollen and the ER doc had attempted to get some fluid out for testing, but couldn't get enough fluid out to test. Finally on Saturday morning the orthopedic doc got two big vials of fluid out and sent it for testing. By this time Al was hollering to go home, but still very weak.
On Sunday they discharged him from the hospital, on massive doses of antibiotics. We got him home and comfortable. That night as we were trying to get him up from his chair (we being me and him) he slipped and landed on the floor. I couldn't get him up so had to call 911 for an invalid assist. The Fire Department arrived and 4 fireman finally got him up. He said he was okay and was walking with his walker.
Monday arrived and he did fine most of the day, however, he was still too weak to get up from a sitting position by his self, so I was having to pull him up. Monday evening the same thing happened that had happened the night before. I called Bruce and Holly and they came right over to help me get him up. The three of us couldn't get him up, so once more I called 911. This time it took 5 firemen to get him up and he was pretty weak and unstable and they decided they should transport him to the hospital.
After on 14 hours in ER this time (still no beds) we got him to a room. The culture they drew on Saturday was showing an infection, but they weren't sure what type of an infection it was. The orthopedic surgeon who did the original knee replacement on Al was now in on the situation. He drew yet another sample of fluid.
In the middle of all this, Ric and Janet arrived (youngest son and wife) from Seattle for a quick vacation. Some vacation, huh?
Today we found out today that the infection in Al's knee is staff and the methods to get rid of it aren't great. Option 1 is to open the knee up and do an "antibiotic wash out" of the prostheses. This option is not very optimal as it doesn't usually work well and the patient winds up going to option 2 anyway. Option 2 is not good either. It is a removal of the prostheses, insertion of a "antibiotic block" into the knee area for up to 6 weeks, of which Al would have to remain in a skilled nursing facility as no pressure what so ever can be placed on the leg; then a total knee replacement done. This is probably what will happen and he will be layed up for at least a minimum of 12 weeks.
Right now he is on massive doses of antibiotics, which will help with the infection some what, but won't get it all. He is very weak and very sick. He will remain in the hospital until surgery is done and he is not very happy about any of this.
I am hanging in there...Ric and Janet are here now so that is a huge help having family here. I also have Bruce and Holly who live very nearby to help when Ric and Janet leave. Having Bruce and Holly so close is a big comfort to me. It is going to be a long haul, but we will get through it. It just won't be pretty at times.
Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls and emails..they are truly appreciated. Keep the prayers going, we are really going to need them.
Some good news today, I have a new great granddaughter. Ada JoEllen arrived this evening weighing in at 6.5 lbs, 19 inches long. Proud parents are grandson David and Tiffany. She joins big sister Sophie who is 10 1/2 months old.
So until the next update, we hope all of you are happy and healthy and living life to the fullest...it may change tomorrow!
ARG..this is definitely gonna' be one of "those" years!
We left Lake Havasu City last Thursday heading home. Al wasn't feeling too well when we left Lake Havasu and said he was a little dizzy. He slept until we stopped at a rest stop right outside of Quartzsite on I-10. I took the dogs out for a potty break and when I looked back to the car all I saw was Al throwing up! Needless to say I thought to myself "Oh-oh, here we go again!" He said he wasn't feeling good and I wanted to take him to the nearest hospital, which was in Blythe, CA (the hell hole of the earth for me!) He said no, so I put the pedal to the medal heading home. He slept all the way until we got into Phoenix, where he got sick again. You don't even want to hear that part of the trip. I made my mind up to head directly to the ER at our hospital here in Oro Valley. Once there, Al was so weak he couldn't walk into ER, so two nurses assisted him.
After a 22 hour stay in the ER (yes, 22 hours...no beds available in the hospital)he was transferred to a room. His right knee was swollen and the ER doc had attempted to get some fluid out for testing, but couldn't get enough fluid out to test. Finally on Saturday morning the orthopedic doc got two big vials of fluid out and sent it for testing. By this time Al was hollering to go home, but still very weak.
On Sunday they discharged him from the hospital, on massive doses of antibiotics. We got him home and comfortable. That night as we were trying to get him up from his chair (we being me and him) he slipped and landed on the floor. I couldn't get him up so had to call 911 for an invalid assist. The Fire Department arrived and 4 fireman finally got him up. He said he was okay and was walking with his walker.
Monday arrived and he did fine most of the day, however, he was still too weak to get up from a sitting position by his self, so I was having to pull him up. Monday evening the same thing happened that had happened the night before. I called Bruce and Holly and they came right over to help me get him up. The three of us couldn't get him up, so once more I called 911. This time it took 5 firemen to get him up and he was pretty weak and unstable and they decided they should transport him to the hospital.
After on 14 hours in ER this time (still no beds) we got him to a room. The culture they drew on Saturday was showing an infection, but they weren't sure what type of an infection it was. The orthopedic surgeon who did the original knee replacement on Al was now in on the situation. He drew yet another sample of fluid.
In the middle of all this, Ric and Janet arrived (youngest son and wife) from Seattle for a quick vacation. Some vacation, huh?
Today we found out today that the infection in Al's knee is staff and the methods to get rid of it aren't great. Option 1 is to open the knee up and do an "antibiotic wash out" of the prostheses. This option is not very optimal as it doesn't usually work well and the patient winds up going to option 2 anyway. Option 2 is not good either. It is a removal of the prostheses, insertion of a "antibiotic block" into the knee area for up to 6 weeks, of which Al would have to remain in a skilled nursing facility as no pressure what so ever can be placed on the leg; then a total knee replacement done. This is probably what will happen and he will be layed up for at least a minimum of 12 weeks.
Right now he is on massive doses of antibiotics, which will help with the infection some what, but won't get it all. He is very weak and very sick. He will remain in the hospital until surgery is done and he is not very happy about any of this.
I am hanging in there...Ric and Janet are here now so that is a huge help having family here. I also have Bruce and Holly who live very nearby to help when Ric and Janet leave. Having Bruce and Holly so close is a big comfort to me. It is going to be a long haul, but we will get through it. It just won't be pretty at times.
Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls and emails..they are truly appreciated. Keep the prayers going, we are really going to need them.
Some good news today, I have a new great granddaughter. Ada JoEllen arrived this evening weighing in at 6.5 lbs, 19 inches long. Proud parents are grandson David and Tiffany. She joins big sister Sophie who is 10 1/2 months old.
So until the next update, we hope all of you are happy and healthy and living life to the fullest...it may change tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
They are all now 40!
Lake Havasu, AZ
We left Yuma on Monday and drove to Lake Havasu City to visit with Dan and Billie and Carl and Ruby Skidmore. AND to help Billie celebrate her 40th birthday! Yup...all the kids have now passed the "40" mark...yikes, that makes us officially OLD! ARG!
For her birthday Dan got Billie a Wii and a Wii Fit. We couldn't wait for her to open it! Needless to say..3 of us have had a blast with it. But the funny thing...the youngest (Billie) injured her right arm first thing! Guess the Wii Fit was a bit much for her..and she is the fittest of anyone I know! This girl is not only a Lt with the LA County Sheriff, but runs daily and works out daily..at least once. AND SHE IS THE ONE THAT PULLED A MUSCLE! Tee hee... I love the bowling, tennis, baseball, skiing on the Wii. Haven't tried the aerobics yet, but LOVE the yoga. Al and I went out and bought one yesterday for us. I hope he will use it a little as I bought him the hunting game...anything to get him moving a little. Our doctor, before he died, recommend the Wii as a method of excercise and maybe getting Al interested in moving a little. I AM HOOKED!
Last night we went out to dinner at ShoGun...and had such an excellent tepenyaki meal that we are going back tonight! It was 100% better than BeneHana's and a lot cheaper as well. They just opened last weekend and we hope they make a go of it. Now I am going to have to look for one in Tucson. Oh, and the Sushi was great as well.
Billie and Dan have a new puppy..Mocha. She is a mix of cocker and poodle and boy is she ever cute and full of energy. She is giving all of us, including Beau and Schuster! So much energy in one little, cute, fluffy ball!
As you can see Mocha never stops moving!
We visited briefly with Ruby and Carl when we arrived on Monday and told them we would spent today with them. Well, things haven't exactly worked out right. Ruby was complaining on Monday that her heart was really racing (paying attention here Jeannette?)...turns out she is in atrial fibralation and her doctor threw her in the hospital yesterday to get her heart rate down and run some tests. We are getting ready to go see her and find out what is going on. THIS IS NOT A GOOD YEAR I tell ya'!
We will drive home tomorrow to get ready for Ric and Janet's visit next week. Also Jack and Suzi will be at our house this weekend as Suzi has a show in Oro Valley this weekend. Drop by her stained glass booth if you are in the area...Stained Glass by Suzi. She really has some great things.
Hope this finds everyone doing well and happy with their life...remember live for today for tomorrow may not come!
We left Yuma on Monday and drove to Lake Havasu City to visit with Dan and Billie and Carl and Ruby Skidmore. AND to help Billie celebrate her 40th birthday! Yup...all the kids have now passed the "40" mark...yikes, that makes us officially OLD! ARG!
For her birthday Dan got Billie a Wii and a Wii Fit. We couldn't wait for her to open it! Needless to say..3 of us have had a blast with it. But the funny thing...the youngest (Billie) injured her right arm first thing! Guess the Wii Fit was a bit much for her..and she is the fittest of anyone I know! This girl is not only a Lt with the LA County Sheriff, but runs daily and works out daily..at least once. AND SHE IS THE ONE THAT PULLED A MUSCLE! Tee hee... I love the bowling, tennis, baseball, skiing on the Wii. Haven't tried the aerobics yet, but LOVE the yoga. Al and I went out and bought one yesterday for us. I hope he will use it a little as I bought him the hunting game...anything to get him moving a little. Our doctor, before he died, recommend the Wii as a method of excercise and maybe getting Al interested in moving a little. I AM HOOKED!
Last night we went out to dinner at ShoGun...and had such an excellent tepenyaki meal that we are going back tonight! It was 100% better than BeneHana's and a lot cheaper as well. They just opened last weekend and we hope they make a go of it. Now I am going to have to look for one in Tucson. Oh, and the Sushi was great as well.
Billie and Dan have a new puppy..Mocha. She is a mix of cocker and poodle and boy is she ever cute and full of energy. She is giving all of us, including Beau and Schuster! So much energy in one little, cute, fluffy ball!
As you can see Mocha never stops moving!We visited briefly with Ruby and Carl when we arrived on Monday and told them we would spent today with them. Well, things haven't exactly worked out right. Ruby was complaining on Monday that her heart was really racing (paying attention here Jeannette?)...turns out she is in atrial fibralation and her doctor threw her in the hospital yesterday to get her heart rate down and run some tests. We are getting ready to go see her and find out what is going on. THIS IS NOT A GOOD YEAR I tell ya'!
We will drive home tomorrow to get ready for Ric and Janet's visit next week. Also Jack and Suzi will be at our house this weekend as Suzi has a show in Oro Valley this weekend. Drop by her stained glass booth if you are in the area...Stained Glass by Suzi. She really has some great things.
Hope this finds everyone doing well and happy with their life...remember live for today for tomorrow may not come!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Yuma
Yuma, Az
It is 87 degrees out...we must be in Yuma! We drove over here on Friday to visit some good friends, Dick and Lano and tomorrow we will head to Lake Havasu City to meet up with Bille and Dan to celebrate Bille's 40th birthday! I ask you, how did all these "kids" get tp be 40+? No,don't answer that! Don't wantta' know!
Yesterday Lano and I went over to the swap meet here in Yuma...it rivals the Mesa Swap meet. We had just got there and wandered into a booth that made corian cutting boards and carried Rada knives. I looked at the man running the booth, thought to myself, he looks familiar, but then just dismissed it. The lady that rang up our purchase looked familiar as well, but...hmmm. We started to walk away when it hit me! I know those people. I went back and asked the man, "Is your name Bob?" He looked at me funny, but answered "yes"...I said "and your last name is Berry?" and then he really looked at me funny and said yes. I then told him who I was and he just exploded! I knew that was you....but I wasn't sure. Bob and Char Berry were Boeing friends, Al was with them in Iran and Bob and I worked together for awhile teaching "quality" classes at Boeing. We haven't seen them since 1998 and had lost contact. We were talking about them not too long ago and I had Googled them at that time and came up with way too many Bob Berry's. So today Al and I went back to the swap meet and visited with them for a while. They have a small business and are at the Swap Meet every weekend in the winter. It was good to see them and we promised to stay in contact. You just never know who you will meet up with, where ever you are...proving this is a small world.
Last Thursday was a busy day for me. I had a quilting class all day....this class is a bit advanced for me, but I got through it. It was fun and I learned a lot. Then, Thursday night I met the "girls", Jeannette, Holly and Suzi for dinner at Delectables, which was truly delectable, and then we all went to see "Menopause, the Musical." I had seen it once before and I knew that at least Suzi and Jeannette would find it funny...hilarious, side splitting. Holly, being so young, enjoyed it, and it gave her a preview of things to come. This truly is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. I would see it again. We laughed until we cried...our sides hurt and our eyes watered. We all had a great time...and we all said we wanted to make this a habit..once a month dinner and show with the girls.
So now we are enjoying our friend here and will see the Skidmore's when we are in Havasu and we are looking forward to a visit with them. We will be home on Thursday to get ready for the next round of company, Ric and Janet on the 10th. Jack and Suzi will be at our house over the weekend as they have a show in Oro Valley, but I don't classify them as company anymore...they are home at our house!
Until next time....
It is 87 degrees out...we must be in Yuma! We drove over here on Friday to visit some good friends, Dick and Lano and tomorrow we will head to Lake Havasu City to meet up with Bille and Dan to celebrate Bille's 40th birthday! I ask you, how did all these "kids" get tp be 40+? No,don't answer that! Don't wantta' know!
Yesterday Lano and I went over to the swap meet here in Yuma...it rivals the Mesa Swap meet. We had just got there and wandered into a booth that made corian cutting boards and carried Rada knives. I looked at the man running the booth, thought to myself, he looks familiar, but then just dismissed it. The lady that rang up our purchase looked familiar as well, but...hmmm. We started to walk away when it hit me! I know those people. I went back and asked the man, "Is your name Bob?" He looked at me funny, but answered "yes"...I said "and your last name is Berry?" and then he really looked at me funny and said yes. I then told him who I was and he just exploded! I knew that was you....but I wasn't sure. Bob and Char Berry were Boeing friends, Al was with them in Iran and Bob and I worked together for awhile teaching "quality" classes at Boeing. We haven't seen them since 1998 and had lost contact. We were talking about them not too long ago and I had Googled them at that time and came up with way too many Bob Berry's. So today Al and I went back to the swap meet and visited with them for a while. They have a small business and are at the Swap Meet every weekend in the winter. It was good to see them and we promised to stay in contact. You just never know who you will meet up with, where ever you are...proving this is a small world.
Last Thursday was a busy day for me. I had a quilting class all day....this class is a bit advanced for me, but I got through it. It was fun and I learned a lot. Then, Thursday night I met the "girls", Jeannette, Holly and Suzi for dinner at Delectables, which was truly delectable, and then we all went to see "Menopause, the Musical." I had seen it once before and I knew that at least Suzi and Jeannette would find it funny...hilarious, side splitting. Holly, being so young, enjoyed it, and it gave her a preview of things to come. This truly is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. I would see it again. We laughed until we cried...our sides hurt and our eyes watered. We all had a great time...and we all said we wanted to make this a habit..once a month dinner and show with the girls.
So now we are enjoying our friend here and will see the Skidmore's when we are in Havasu and we are looking forward to a visit with them. We will be home on Thursday to get ready for the next round of company, Ric and Janet on the 10th. Jack and Suzi will be at our house over the weekend as they have a show in Oro Valley, but I don't classify them as company anymore...they are home at our house!
Until next time....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I think I will bury my head in the sand for 2009
Tucson
ARG! ARRRGGGG! It is gonna' be one of those years. I can tell it! First off, my brother dies, now this! We had one big shock this morning. I opened an email from our doctor's office, and it informed us that our doctor had died on Friday from an unknown medical condition. ULP! We are both in shock. We loved our doctor here, we trusted him and truly liked him as a person. He was undoubtedly one of the most caring, concerned doctors we had ever come across. When my brother was sick Dr. Doner would call me in the evening to see how Dick was doing. He did the same thing when Al was sick. He was always counseling me to take care of myself so I could take care of Dick and Al. He was always genuinely concerned and he CARED. CRAP! Now we are going to have to go through the agony of finding another doctor and there will never be one that can replace Dr. Doner. So, Dr. Randall E. Doner, rest in peace, your work here is done...we will really miss you,. Now, Dr. Paplow, our doc in Seattle, make sure you take care of yourself...we are counting on you!
On a brighter note, Mike and Bev were here for the last 4 days and we had a blast with them here.
Mike and Dad just kinda' did their own thing; grocery shopping, wandering around, etc. while Bev and I did our quilting thing. On Thursday I had a quilting class and Bev went with me. After class we went to In n Out Burger for lunch as she had never had an In n Out (sorry Mel). We hit another Quilt Shop on our way home. Bev was determined to introduce me to all the Quilt Shops in Tucson. I have been stuck on Catalina Quilting since I got here....I know all the people who work there, know the owner and it is just like "home" for me, but Bev was determined I was going to spread my wings. Thursday night we had the Hubbells, Voss's over for dinner...as well as Al's cousins Neil and Bobbi were here. Neil and Bobbi came in on Monday and parked their 5th wheel up here for a few days and we are always glad to see them.
Friday was Tombstone day. We spent the day in Tombstone, looking around. It has been a couple of years since Al and I had been there so we enjoyed it as well. Friday night we took Mike and Bev to our favorite steak house, "Lil Abner's" for dinner. The food there never fails to be excellent. Sufficently stuffed, we came home and collapsed.
Yesterday Bev and I set out to go to all the other quilt shops in Tucson that we hadn't been to. What a blast. I still prefer my HOME shop, but the others had some intersting things as well. Last night we had Gary, Jeannette, their daughter Kali and husband Scott and JOSH, their 18 month old son here for dinner, along with Bruce. Holly was not feeling well and didn't come and Cortney had to work.
Since Mike and Bev left this morning Al and I are sitting here looking at each other saying "now what?"....this week is a fairly calm week -- at least the calendar says so, we shall see how it ends.
So until next time....be happy and live each day to the fullest, for tomorrow may not come!
ARG! ARRRGGGG! It is gonna' be one of those years. I can tell it! First off, my brother dies, now this! We had one big shock this morning. I opened an email from our doctor's office, and it informed us that our doctor had died on Friday from an unknown medical condition. ULP! We are both in shock. We loved our doctor here, we trusted him and truly liked him as a person. He was undoubtedly one of the most caring, concerned doctors we had ever come across. When my brother was sick Dr. Doner would call me in the evening to see how Dick was doing. He did the same thing when Al was sick. He was always counseling me to take care of myself so I could take care of Dick and Al. He was always genuinely concerned and he CARED. CRAP! Now we are going to have to go through the agony of finding another doctor and there will never be one that can replace Dr. Doner. So, Dr. Randall E. Doner, rest in peace, your work here is done...we will really miss you,. Now, Dr. Paplow, our doc in Seattle, make sure you take care of yourself...we are counting on you!
On a brighter note, Mike and Bev were here for the last 4 days and we had a blast with them here.
Mike and Dad just kinda' did their own thing; grocery shopping, wandering around, etc. while Bev and I did our quilting thing. On Thursday I had a quilting class and Bev went with me. After class we went to In n Out Burger for lunch as she had never had an In n Out (sorry Mel). We hit another Quilt Shop on our way home. Bev was determined to introduce me to all the Quilt Shops in Tucson. I have been stuck on Catalina Quilting since I got here....I know all the people who work there, know the owner and it is just like "home" for me, but Bev was determined I was going to spread my wings. Thursday night we had the Hubbells, Voss's over for dinner...as well as Al's cousins Neil and Bobbi were here. Neil and Bobbi came in on Monday and parked their 5th wheel up here for a few days and we are always glad to see them. Friday was Tombstone day. We spent the day in Tombstone, looking around. It has been a couple of years since Al and I had been there so we enjoyed it as well. Friday night we took Mike and Bev to our favorite steak house, "Lil Abner's" for dinner. The food there never fails to be excellent. Sufficently stuffed, we came home and collapsed.
Yesterday Bev and I set out to go to all the other quilt shops in Tucson that we hadn't been to. What a blast. I still prefer my HOME shop, but the others had some intersting things as well. Last night we had Gary, Jeannette, their daughter Kali and husband Scott and JOSH, their 18 month old son here for dinner, along with Bruce. Holly was not feeling well and didn't come and Cortney had to work.
Since Mike and Bev left this morning Al and I are sitting here looking at each other saying "now what?"....this week is a fairly calm week -- at least the calendar says so, we shall see how it ends.
So until next time....be happy and live each day to the fullest, for tomorrow may not come!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Where have I been?
Tucson
Oh my...it's been way to long since I posted a blog. I don't know if I can remember what all I have done in the last 12 days!!! You know, I am getting old (Shut Up Jennifer!)
Let's see...um...oh yeah. On Feb. 5 Jerry, Al and I headed to the Grand Canyon for 3 days. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams and rode the Grand Canyon train the next day to the canyon. IT WAS FREAKIN' COLD! There was this white, stiff, crusty, icy stuff on the ground (thankfully not on the roads) almost every where!!! BRRRRR. And the wind -- oh my did it ever blow, making it more cold! However, we managed to have a good time. Al and I have been to the canyon several times, but it never fails to amaze and awe us! What a big hole!
Jerry at the Grand Canyon
This time I bought a book "Death in the Grand Canyon" which amazes me how stupid people are when they visit the canyon. Yes, it is a long way down and people do die when they either 1.) fall off or 2.) jump off! The ground is hard people!
Anyway, after leaving Williams on Saturday we drove up to Flagstaff and then through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, which is always a beautiful drive. While in Sedona I called my cousin Beverly and she met us for lunch. I always try to hook up with her when I am in the area. After a short visit we headed south to Jerome, an old mining town that is just unique! Jerry spent 2+ hours wroamin' around Jerome while AL and I stayed in the car (again, it was too cold and the wind was blowing a gale, as usual). After leaving Jerome we drove into Prescott, where I decided we were going to stay for the night (I was tired and didn't want to drive in the dark.) The next morning we awoke to that damn white, fluffy, cold stuff blanketing everything out side! GRRR...fortunately, it wasn't sticking to the ground yet to we made a dash out of Prescott, getting back to Tucson around 4:30 p.m. Dogs, very glad to see us, as were the cats, however, I know they had been well taken care of as nephew Bruce took them while we were gone and they were spoiled even rottener, if that is possible!
Monday was day long doctor appointments for Al. He is doing well, thank you for asking. Tuesday we awoke to that damn white, fluffy, cold stuff covering everything outside! WTH???? GO AWAY! However, it didn't stop me from quilting. I made a baby quilt for Bruce's God-Granddaughter that he wanted to take to her for her first birthday. IT was a fun quilt to make, I included pictures of the baby on it.
Both Jerry and Bruce left yesterday....boy is it ever quiet around here. Even the dogs are moping around today! After we dropped them off at the Phoenix airport I had a surprise for Al. For his valentines day gift I took him on a trip up to Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and then over to Roosevelt Lake. We took state hwy 88 up to Canyon Lake and then continued on ... over a dirt "Trail" that was the state highway, 22 miles of dirt road, of which, I was NOT expecting to Apache Lake. A very pretty drive, however, a bit harrowing at times when I just had 6-8 inches of clearance on each side of the car and NO GUARD RAILS! Then we continued on to Roosevelt Lake and into Globe. Arizona is such a pretty and diverse state, I love to explore it. From Globe we took Hwy 60 back to Florence Jct, which was another very pretty trip and then home. I was so tired that I went to bed at 6:45 last night and slept until 8:30 this morning! I think the past month caught up with me.
At any rate, we are sitting enjoying today, which is sunny, not especially warm, but nice. Mike and Bev come in on Wednesday and the whirlwind begins again. Our plans are Bev and I taking a quilting class on Thursday, Tombstone on Friday, play on Saturday and then they leave on Sunday!!! Way too short a time! Oh well, we are just happy to have them.
We miss Bruce and Jerry....and the house that I was renting to Dick is sitting idle right now. I haven't made up my mind what to do with it. I will probably use it as a snowbird rental for a while; then when the time is right, sell it. We shall see.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Oh my...it's been way to long since I posted a blog. I don't know if I can remember what all I have done in the last 12 days!!! You know, I am getting old (Shut Up Jennifer!)
Let's see...um...oh yeah. On Feb. 5 Jerry, Al and I headed to the Grand Canyon for 3 days. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams and rode the Grand Canyon train the next day to the canyon. IT WAS FREAKIN' COLD! There was this white, stiff, crusty, icy stuff on the ground (thankfully not on the roads) almost every where!!! BRRRRR. And the wind -- oh my did it ever blow, making it more cold! However, we managed to have a good time. Al and I have been to the canyon several times, but it never fails to amaze and awe us! What a big hole!
Jerry at the Grand CanyonThis time I bought a book "Death in the Grand Canyon" which amazes me how stupid people are when they visit the canyon. Yes, it is a long way down and people do die when they either 1.) fall off or 2.) jump off! The ground is hard people!
Anyway, after leaving Williams on Saturday we drove up to Flagstaff and then through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, which is always a beautiful drive. While in Sedona I called my cousin Beverly and she met us for lunch. I always try to hook up with her when I am in the area. After a short visit we headed south to Jerome, an old mining town that is just unique! Jerry spent 2+ hours wroamin' around Jerome while AL and I stayed in the car (again, it was too cold and the wind was blowing a gale, as usual). After leaving Jerome we drove into Prescott, where I decided we were going to stay for the night (I was tired and didn't want to drive in the dark.) The next morning we awoke to that damn white, fluffy, cold stuff blanketing everything out side! GRRR...fortunately, it wasn't sticking to the ground yet to we made a dash out of Prescott, getting back to Tucson around 4:30 p.m. Dogs, very glad to see us, as were the cats, however, I know they had been well taken care of as nephew Bruce took them while we were gone and they were spoiled even rottener, if that is possible!
Monday was day long doctor appointments for Al. He is doing well, thank you for asking. Tuesday we awoke to that damn white, fluffy, cold stuff covering everything outside! WTH???? GO AWAY! However, it didn't stop me from quilting. I made a baby quilt for Bruce's God-Granddaughter that he wanted to take to her for her first birthday. IT was a fun quilt to make, I included pictures of the baby on it.
Both Jerry and Bruce left yesterday....boy is it ever quiet around here. Even the dogs are moping around today! After we dropped them off at the Phoenix airport I had a surprise for Al. For his valentines day gift I took him on a trip up to Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and then over to Roosevelt Lake. We took state hwy 88 up to Canyon Lake and then continued on ... over a dirt "Trail" that was the state highway, 22 miles of dirt road, of which, I was NOT expecting to Apache Lake. A very pretty drive, however, a bit harrowing at times when I just had 6-8 inches of clearance on each side of the car and NO GUARD RAILS! Then we continued on to Roosevelt Lake and into Globe. Arizona is such a pretty and diverse state, I love to explore it. From Globe we took Hwy 60 back to Florence Jct, which was another very pretty trip and then home. I was so tired that I went to bed at 6:45 last night and slept until 8:30 this morning! I think the past month caught up with me.
At any rate, we are sitting enjoying today, which is sunny, not especially warm, but nice. Mike and Bev come in on Wednesday and the whirlwind begins again. Our plans are Bev and I taking a quilting class on Thursday, Tombstone on Friday, play on Saturday and then they leave on Sunday!!! Way too short a time! Oh well, we are just happy to have them.
We miss Bruce and Jerry....and the house that I was renting to Dick is sitting idle right now. I haven't made up my mind what to do with it. I will probably use it as a snowbird rental for a while; then when the time is right, sell it. We shall see.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Where there is smoke there is Jo?
Tucson
Ugh...what a day I have had! Especially in the kitchen. My kitchen and I are not on speaking terms right now! First of all I have dropped just about everything I have picked up today...and of course it lands with a thud, splat on the kitchen floor. Okay, so I am having a klutzy day...I can live with that. But then things got serious. My friend Jude had made some muffins a few days ago and shared some with us...and they were soooooo good, so of course I asked for the recipe. So today I decided to bake some...of course, having a klutzy day I spilled the flour, dropped an egg, etc. FInally got everything in the bowl that I needed and mixed them up, into the muffin tins and into the oven. About 15 minutes later I say to myself, "Whats that smell, smells like burnt toast"...oh crap, muffins! Yup, they were a little burnt...then I discovered I had set the oven to 450 instead of 350! So I adjusted the heat and put the next batch in...and they didn't exactly turn out right either...they taste good, but I couldn't get them out of the %^&*# muffin pan. Shoulda' stopped there. Got out of the kitchen...and stayed out. But, oh no, I had to start dinner, which was relatively simple tonight...French Dip Sandwiches...all I had to do was heat the au jus and toast the bread. This is where the trouble began. I put the bread in the broiler to toast...and forgot all about it until black smoke began rolling out of my oven. OR CRAP! I pulled the bread out and dumped it in the sink and smoke filled, I mean FILLED the house...causing the smoke detector to go off...both of them. All the doors were already open and fans were going. Oh oh...here comes the Fire Department...roaring up the hill. Double Crap! Damn alarm system is monitored and it works! So I proceed to go out to "greet" the firemen, which, just my luck, were the same ones that came when my brother fell a few weeks ago. The one guy gets out of the truck and says..."Hey,I know you!" Bad sign folks when the firemen recognize you!!! I had to tell them that I had burnt the bread and there was really no fire for them to play with. Just me being totally mortified!!!!!!!!!!!!! AL and Jerry in the mean time are getting a big laugh out of this--HAHA~ Jerry said the oven probably will swear out a restraining order on me~ HAHAH...aren't they funny.
Some of you are probably asking "Who is Jerry?" Jerry is AL's middle son and he is here for a two week visit and we are really enjoying him. I think he is having a good time as well. He has already walked over the ridge to the next ridge, into our little town of Catalina and up and down our hills...he is a true mountain goat! ANd Beau is loving having him here...Schuster, not so much. For what ever reason, it takes Schuster a little while to warm up to Jerry, but I noticed tonight he was sitting next to Jerry getting petted...so all must be well. We will be going up to the Grand Canyon later this week for 3 days and all three of us are looking forward to the trip. If I can keep AL well long enough that is.
Super Bowl Sunday didn't turn out exactly like we had hoped. Oh our crowd at the house was fun...lots of yelling and cheering, we just didn't like the way the game ended. And no, we didn't get the porn show that some people in Tucson got at the end. Apparently Comcast had an "oops" here and for about 30 seconds some porn was shown instead of the game. And not a wardrobe malfunction either..I guess it was real hard core porn!
Our weather has been glorious...sunny and warm. Today it was 76...yesterday 74, Saturday 72, can you see a trend here? And I am lovin' it.
Okay, enough...my favorite show Medium is about to come on, so until next time.........
Ugh...what a day I have had! Especially in the kitchen. My kitchen and I are not on speaking terms right now! First of all I have dropped just about everything I have picked up today...and of course it lands with a thud, splat on the kitchen floor. Okay, so I am having a klutzy day...I can live with that. But then things got serious. My friend Jude had made some muffins a few days ago and shared some with us...and they were soooooo good, so of course I asked for the recipe. So today I decided to bake some...of course, having a klutzy day I spilled the flour, dropped an egg, etc. FInally got everything in the bowl that I needed and mixed them up, into the muffin tins and into the oven. About 15 minutes later I say to myself, "Whats that smell, smells like burnt toast"...oh crap, muffins! Yup, they were a little burnt...then I discovered I had set the oven to 450 instead of 350! So I adjusted the heat and put the next batch in...and they didn't exactly turn out right either...they taste good, but I couldn't get them out of the %^&*# muffin pan. Shoulda' stopped there. Got out of the kitchen...and stayed out. But, oh no, I had to start dinner, which was relatively simple tonight...French Dip Sandwiches...all I had to do was heat the au jus and toast the bread. This is where the trouble began. I put the bread in the broiler to toast...and forgot all about it until black smoke began rolling out of my oven. OR CRAP! I pulled the bread out and dumped it in the sink and smoke filled, I mean FILLED the house...causing the smoke detector to go off...both of them. All the doors were already open and fans were going. Oh oh...here comes the Fire Department...roaring up the hill. Double Crap! Damn alarm system is monitored and it works! So I proceed to go out to "greet" the firemen, which, just my luck, were the same ones that came when my brother fell a few weeks ago. The one guy gets out of the truck and says..."Hey,I know you!" Bad sign folks when the firemen recognize you!!! I had to tell them that I had burnt the bread and there was really no fire for them to play with. Just me being totally mortified!!!!!!!!!!!!! AL and Jerry in the mean time are getting a big laugh out of this--HAHA~ Jerry said the oven probably will swear out a restraining order on me~ HAHAH...aren't they funny.
Some of you are probably asking "Who is Jerry?" Jerry is AL's middle son and he is here for a two week visit and we are really enjoying him. I think he is having a good time as well. He has already walked over the ridge to the next ridge, into our little town of Catalina and up and down our hills...he is a true mountain goat! ANd Beau is loving having him here...Schuster, not so much. For what ever reason, it takes Schuster a little while to warm up to Jerry, but I noticed tonight he was sitting next to Jerry getting petted...so all must be well. We will be going up to the Grand Canyon later this week for 3 days and all three of us are looking forward to the trip. If I can keep AL well long enough that is.
Super Bowl Sunday didn't turn out exactly like we had hoped. Oh our crowd at the house was fun...lots of yelling and cheering, we just didn't like the way the game ended. And no, we didn't get the porn show that some people in Tucson got at the end. Apparently Comcast had an "oops" here and for about 30 seconds some porn was shown instead of the game. And not a wardrobe malfunction either..I guess it was real hard core porn!
Our weather has been glorious...sunny and warm. Today it was 76...yesterday 74, Saturday 72, can you see a trend here? And I am lovin' it.
Okay, enough...my favorite show Medium is about to come on, so until next time.........
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tribute to my brother Dick
Walter Richard Spaid 1928-2009
Tucson
My brother, Dick, died last Wednesday. He went very peacefully in his sleep. However, he had been in a semi-coma since the Sunday before. I am comforted by the knowledge that he is in peace and in heaven with his wife, parents, family & friends that have gone before him. However, there is a huge gap in my life without him. He will live forever in my heart and mind and the memories we have of him are precious to us. I am so glad we moved him down here from Alaska. One, because he was finally warm; two because we were able to spend so much more time with him. I saw him at least once a day and usually more, and we did so much as a three-some, Al, Dick and myself. He had a wonderful life and we were happy to be part of it.
Dick was born in Simla Colorado in 1928. After graduation from high school he married his sweetheart, Imy. They struggled as all young couples do, Dick finding work in Nebraska. Finally he decided to enlist in the Air Force in 1951. They already had their first child Bobby Dean by then and Imy was not in good health as she had a bad heart. In 1952 they were stationed at Luke AFB, AZ and shortly there after welcomed another son, Bruce. From Luke they were stationed several different places including Texas, Michigan and their first tour in Alaska. They all fell in love with Alaska. In 1962 the AF moved them to Edwards AFB, CA where they had a daughter, Janice Jo. Dick spent three years at Edwards before being sent to Viet Nam for over a year. After Viet Nam he was sent to Wichita Falls, TX and then back to Alaska. From Alaska the AF sent him to Davis Monthan AFB, Tucson where he retired from the Air Force and didn't waste any time going back to Alaska. He spent the next 34 years there. Imy died in 1986 and Dick stayed in Alaska where he worked for the Post Office. Dick had a major heart attack in 1981 and had struggled with a bad heart from there on. But it didn't slow him down from his love of fishing, camping, being outdoors and his gardening,and he loved spending time with family and friends. He was a lot like our father in his disposition as well...a kind and gentle soul.
His care giver here, Pat, was so wonderful to him. And Hospice was great as well. I don't know how we would have managed without them. We can't thank them enough.
His son's Bob and Bruce are here now and I am glad to have them here. They are comfort not only to each other to me as well. We have some work to do, the paper work alone is almost over whelming. But some how we will manage it, we always do.
So rest in peace Dick. You had a good, long life. I will always miss you and love you.
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