While I was at the water polo game, G took our recycling out front. He saw a couple walking two Boxers, and was, of course, interested. He didn't recognize them, and I don't blame him. He only met them once.
It was the couple who are friends (and one a classmate) of my daughter. They had fallen on really hard times a few years ago. They had lost their jobs and were near eviction from their home. They had only one vehicle and it was so hard to even look for work for both of them.
We had just purchased our SUV, and we weren't going to get but about $1500 for my beloved Pontiac. We hate trying to sell a car outright. There are just too many horror stories - one included when we sold one that never had the title changed on! That Pontiac was the epitome of the vehicle "driven by the little old lady school teacher to and from school!" And school was about 5 miles from home. It was in impeckable shape.
To cut to the chase - we gave this couple the car.
They live about three blocks from us on a cul-de-sac, so we really don't ever go by their house. We heard from our daughter the car was saved during Harvey. Their house got water in it, but that little green Gran Prix was saved!
After tslking with them, G found the husband still drives that car daily to and from work! I am so happy we did this one bit of paying it forward. That act was never about doing anything for us. It was to help a good but struggling family get back on their feet. It still can make me happy though - especially because that was the car of my dreams when I bought it! I am so happy it still lives and is functional!
Friday, March 02, 2018
Thursday, March 01, 2018
To continue
This thing has gotten so much worse - so fast!
On Tuesday, I went to Granddaughter's water polo game. It was at 5:30 and I drove - which is something I TRY to not do at all. It was dusk when I got out. First, with my diminished peripheral vision, I didn't see the step down in the parking lot. I missed it and fell - fortunately on my butt. That was embarrassing. Then coming home, I was scared to death. I really couldn't see that well as the night grew darker, and judging distance was really hard.
I knew all I see is blurry objects - letters disappear, but I just was kidding myself into believing it wasn't this bad. It is.
So I go back next Tuesday to me "measured" for the lens. And probably some other things as well. I lost all she was saying - just to come in next week. Then on the 27th is the surgery.
I love my doctor. She is so funny. I told her I was nervous with all that has happened to this eye. She said I shouldn't be. I told her that was easy for HER to say!
I really am thinking I don't have that much to lose. I know, saw the "movie" about the surgery at her office, and she said I could lost my vision, but there isn't that much left!
Keep you posted as things progress!
On Tuesday, I went to Granddaughter's water polo game. It was at 5:30 and I drove - which is something I TRY to not do at all. It was dusk when I got out. First, with my diminished peripheral vision, I didn't see the step down in the parking lot. I missed it and fell - fortunately on my butt. That was embarrassing. Then coming home, I was scared to death. I really couldn't see that well as the night grew darker, and judging distance was really hard.
I knew all I see is blurry objects - letters disappear, but I just was kidding myself into believing it wasn't this bad. It is.
So I go back next Tuesday to me "measured" for the lens. And probably some other things as well. I lost all she was saying - just to come in next week. Then on the 27th is the surgery.
I love my doctor. She is so funny. I told her I was nervous with all that has happened to this eye. She said I shouldn't be. I told her that was easy for HER to say!
I really am thinking I don't have that much to lose. I know, saw the "movie" about the surgery at her office, and she said I could lost my vision, but there isn't that much left!
Keep you posted as things progress!
Big day - I guess
And I am nervous. Last time I saw the Retinal Specialist, the doc said the cataract was getting to the point he couldn't see the retina. SO - I see the ophthalmologist today - in about an hour.
I cerebrally know it will be fairly painless, and I will be happy with the results. I know I haven't got a lot to lose. I do still have vision, but it is like looking through waxed paper that has been smeared with vaseline. But it IS surgery. On my eye.
I cerebrally know it will be fairly painless, and I will be happy with the results. I know I haven't got a lot to lose. I do still have vision, but it is like looking through waxed paper that has been smeared with vaseline. But it IS surgery. On my eye.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Nothing really new
Our weather is still bad. I am so tired of being cold that I almost miss menopause! Usually here in Swampland by this time of the new year, we have reached 80 at least once. So far that hasn't happened. Perhaps tomorrow when the forecast is high 70's. I am doubting that however since we haven't seen the sun in days!
My arthritis is really kicking butt. It is amazing that one session in the pool in July of last year sent my shoulders into such a state. Many nights the pain accompanied by my insomnia means I don't get much sleep. I know I have had problems with these shoulders since I was a teen, but they are both really bad. The diagnosis is arthritis in the left and a torn rotator cuff in the right. But the real pain began when I was doing some isometric style exercises in the pool. I just don't understand.
But the shoulders, back, and knees (yes those titanium knees that still hurt) are going to have to wait. I went to the retinal specialist yesterday. While my right eye is still ok (last time he was seeing some fluid build up), he said it is time for the cataract surgery. I will see better - of course since I am legally blind in the left eye because I have a "filmy" cataract in that eye - that is a given.
The state of Texas has done a real number on its teachers - both in service and retired. Our insurance is costing us a lot more, and the coverage is poor. I have been waiting to book this cataract stuff. I really SHOULD have done it last year when the insurance was better. I didn't think the same insurance company would become so terrible this year, but it has. But I called to begin the process. So we will see.
So here it has been another gripe session. Moaning and groaning about health in general. Sorry about that. It seems that is life in these parts these days. G has back problems that the ortho said is treated with surgery. That didn't go over well at all. So they are going conservative with injections and physical therapy. Our days seem to be spent deciding who has what doctor's appointment. So that's where the mindset is.
Stay warm! Let's all look forward to spring!
My arthritis is really kicking butt. It is amazing that one session in the pool in July of last year sent my shoulders into such a state. Many nights the pain accompanied by my insomnia means I don't get much sleep. I know I have had problems with these shoulders since I was a teen, but they are both really bad. The diagnosis is arthritis in the left and a torn rotator cuff in the right. But the real pain began when I was doing some isometric style exercises in the pool. I just don't understand.
But the shoulders, back, and knees (yes those titanium knees that still hurt) are going to have to wait. I went to the retinal specialist yesterday. While my right eye is still ok (last time he was seeing some fluid build up), he said it is time for the cataract surgery. I will see better - of course since I am legally blind in the left eye because I have a "filmy" cataract in that eye - that is a given.
The state of Texas has done a real number on its teachers - both in service and retired. Our insurance is costing us a lot more, and the coverage is poor. I have been waiting to book this cataract stuff. I really SHOULD have done it last year when the insurance was better. I didn't think the same insurance company would become so terrible this year, but it has. But I called to begin the process. So we will see.
So here it has been another gripe session. Moaning and groaning about health in general. Sorry about that. It seems that is life in these parts these days. G has back problems that the ortho said is treated with surgery. That didn't go over well at all. So they are going conservative with injections and physical therapy. Our days seem to be spent deciding who has what doctor's appointment. So that's where the mindset is.
Stay warm! Let's all look forward to spring!
Saturday, January 20, 2018
FINALLY melted!
I took pictures after three days in the deep freeze, but I am just too lazy to download them from the camera, but we still had snow (ice) on roofs, cars, and shady places in the streets. This is Southeast Texas for goodness sakes! We are semi-tropical. This is ridiculous.
Schools were closed for two days, and well they should have been. Our temperature didn't get out of freezing both of those days. I knew that the buses would not run. And they didn't.
I am not looking forward to our gas bill. We have two furnaces that ran A LOT! Fortunately, we had gotten our firewood before all this, so we were good on that. Our fireplace is really an important asset to our heat in the den. Even with new ductwork that should have been able to send the air better, the master bedroom gets the lion share of the air (both a/c and heat). It gets so hot in there, but the den, kitchen, and breakfast room get just a little so we have been freezing!
Today we are to have (finally!!!) temperatures in the 60's, but it is cloudy with occasional showers. That makes it seem a lot colder. Tomorrow temps in the 70's. I wish the sun were to be out, the rain will be greater.
So that is what is going on in Southeast Texas. With the flu rampant, and the terrible weather, we are sticking close to the house.
Hope all it better in your neck of the woods!
Schools were closed for two days, and well they should have been. Our temperature didn't get out of freezing both of those days. I knew that the buses would not run. And they didn't.
I am not looking forward to our gas bill. We have two furnaces that ran A LOT! Fortunately, we had gotten our firewood before all this, so we were good on that. Our fireplace is really an important asset to our heat in the den. Even with new ductwork that should have been able to send the air better, the master bedroom gets the lion share of the air (both a/c and heat). It gets so hot in there, but the den, kitchen, and breakfast room get just a little so we have been freezing!
Today we are to have (finally!!!) temperatures in the 60's, but it is cloudy with occasional showers. That makes it seem a lot colder. Tomorrow temps in the 70's. I wish the sun were to be out, the rain will be greater.
So that is what is going on in Southeast Texas. With the flu rampant, and the terrible weather, we are sticking close to the house.
Hope all it better in your neck of the woods!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
This and that
First - there won't be much done today. We are once again under mixed precipitation and a winter storm warning. What?? Tropical Houston! Yes - right now here in Little Sub of Houston it is 27 and falling at 10:00 AM. My car and roof are covered in sleet. Our neighbors are without power - with the repair being done with repair being done between 11 am and 4 pm. Thank God for our generator (that we got for hurricanes but use more in the cold!).
I. Am. Tired. Of. This. We were at the SSB with my son and his family for New Years. It SNOWED, and the temps ran in the teens. People - we are in the south! This isn't supposed to happen.
Today this freeze covers the state and all over schools are closed, governmental offices are closed. The joke is that Texas is closed. And, sadly it is true. But it is a good thing - we aren't prepared for this stuff!
*********************************************************************************
In other news, my cataract isn't getting one bit better. I really am legally blind in my left eye. When I went to the Retinal Specialist last week I got the "wonderful" news that now there is a little fluid under the retina in the right eye. That means the dry macular degeneration is affecting the right eye. I am really upset. That will mean injections in both eyes.
*********************************************************************************
My shoulders (right - torn rotator cuff, left - no cartilage to buffer bones) are terrible. Now the sciatia isn't bad, but the degeneration is causing a lot of pain. I cannot stand for much more than 15 minutes.
Getting old isn't for the weak. I am lamenting as so many of us do - if I had known I was going to live this long... Well if I had known I would fall apart like this, I think I would not have done things like moving heavy antique furniture upstairs by my self!
Peace to you all.
I. Am. Tired. Of. This. We were at the SSB with my son and his family for New Years. It SNOWED, and the temps ran in the teens. People - we are in the south! This isn't supposed to happen.
Today this freeze covers the state and all over schools are closed, governmental offices are closed. The joke is that Texas is closed. And, sadly it is true. But it is a good thing - we aren't prepared for this stuff!
*********************************************************************************
In other news, my cataract isn't getting one bit better. I really am legally blind in my left eye. When I went to the Retinal Specialist last week I got the "wonderful" news that now there is a little fluid under the retina in the right eye. That means the dry macular degeneration is affecting the right eye. I am really upset. That will mean injections in both eyes.
*********************************************************************************
My shoulders (right - torn rotator cuff, left - no cartilage to buffer bones) are terrible. Now the sciatia isn't bad, but the degeneration is causing a lot of pain. I cannot stand for much more than 15 minutes.
Getting old isn't for the weak. I am lamenting as so many of us do - if I had known I was going to live this long... Well if I had known I would fall apart like this, I think I would not have done things like moving heavy antique furniture upstairs by my self!
Peace to you all.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
WOW!
I knew my vision was getting worse, but I didn't realize just how bad it really was until I began making some Christmas presents for my dear friends.
I had not used my embroidery machine since July when I hurt my shoulders. They are upstairs, and those stairs are nicknamed "killer" because they are steep, and the very bottom one can be in a shadow - thus missed.
The minute I sat down, I realized just how little I can see clearly in my left eye. That cataract is really bad. I know I am legally blind in that eye at this point.
I was so thankful for a GOOD self-threader on the machine I was using. It pretty much never fails, unlike the other one. I have almost no depth perception. Which is why I don't drive the main freeway that links my house with downtown and even church. I take back roads because that freeway is under construction with extremely skinny lanes and lots of bumps.
I guess sometime after the first of the year I will see my ophthalmologist for the surgery. I don't know if it would be worth my while to wait for my next scheduled appointment which is in July. The retinal doctor thought I would be doing the surgery soon.
This whole situation with my eyes is so ironic anyway. When I was teaching, our first week was spent on lab safety. The kids were instructed to use safety goggles. I would preach to them just how precious their vision was - "you only have one set of eyeballs." Now look. I am losing my vision.
But the gifts got made, but the get together doesn't seem to be happening. I put out the original emails and a follow-up, but I looked to them for setting a date and place. That didn't happen. If nothing else, I will just put the things away. I can either participate in the craft show next year - or keep them as gifts either for these friends or someone.
It was nice to get back to using my machines. I have a "pig purse" to make for one of the granddaughters and I will do that probably next week. But it pointed out just how old I am getting and how many faculties are disappearing. I sat too long the last time pushing to finish, and that hurt my BACK.
Geesh - getting old isn't for sissies! I probably won't be back before Christmas - so Merry Christmas to all.
I had not used my embroidery machine since July when I hurt my shoulders. They are upstairs, and those stairs are nicknamed "killer" because they are steep, and the very bottom one can be in a shadow - thus missed.
The minute I sat down, I realized just how little I can see clearly in my left eye. That cataract is really bad. I know I am legally blind in that eye at this point.
I was so thankful for a GOOD self-threader on the machine I was using. It pretty much never fails, unlike the other one. I have almost no depth perception. Which is why I don't drive the main freeway that links my house with downtown and even church. I take back roads because that freeway is under construction with extremely skinny lanes and lots of bumps.
I guess sometime after the first of the year I will see my ophthalmologist for the surgery. I don't know if it would be worth my while to wait for my next scheduled appointment which is in July. The retinal doctor thought I would be doing the surgery soon.
This whole situation with my eyes is so ironic anyway. When I was teaching, our first week was spent on lab safety. The kids were instructed to use safety goggles. I would preach to them just how precious their vision was - "you only have one set of eyeballs." Now look. I am losing my vision.
But the gifts got made, but the get together doesn't seem to be happening. I put out the original emails and a follow-up, but I looked to them for setting a date and place. That didn't happen. If nothing else, I will just put the things away. I can either participate in the craft show next year - or keep them as gifts either for these friends or someone.
It was nice to get back to using my machines. I have a "pig purse" to make for one of the granddaughters and I will do that probably next week. But it pointed out just how old I am getting and how many faculties are disappearing. I sat too long the last time pushing to finish, and that hurt my BACK.
Geesh - getting old isn't for sissies! I probably won't be back before Christmas - so Merry Christmas to all.
Friday, December 08, 2017
My new or continuing nemisis
Amazon. While I have to be totally honest - about 99% of my transactions are great, there is still the nagging problem of getting my orders.
Back in early November, I ordered the book Wonder, Now I know I can go watch the movie, but I don't want to do that for several reasons the primary being I am afraid I will fall in the theater.
That sounds drastic, doesn't it? With my vision deteriorating as it is doing (now a special kind of cataract that has a "film" on it to further distort vision), I just don't see well with the macular degeneration coupled with glaucoma. Plus, after falling twice in about 2 weeks, well I have had enough. So I don't want to go to a theater.
I also enjoy reading the book rather than watching parts of it in a movie. So I ordered it.
Aaaaaannnnnnnnd - it was delivered. Yes, it surely was. The only problem, it shows it was delivered to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Yes, that is a little problem. I happen to live in the Houston, TEXAS area. Just next door, doncha know.
So I notified the seller. Crickets commenced. I notified the seller again. Crickets louder. I did the A-Z guarantee on Amazon. You guessed it. And today I requested a refund. We. Will. See.
I do have to say all the Christmas presents I ordered arrived on time - one early.
The early one was a problem too when I think about it. I bought my kids cutting boards to go with the spices I had ordered from another company. Amazon was out. So I thought I would be sure to have my name ready when they came in. We were going to be at the SSB, and if the boards were not in stock, they would be delivered when we got home. NOPE! They came on Wednesday when we were gone and not returning until the following Monday. Fortunately, Krissi could come by to get them so the package gremlins that like to strike didn't get them. She wanted to know what was in the package, but I put her off - since it was partially her Christmas present!!
So all MAY be good with Amazon. Hopefully I get my refund, and hopefully, the bra I ordered months ago not knowing it had to come from China will be here on the 14th!
Back in early November, I ordered the book Wonder, Now I know I can go watch the movie, but I don't want to do that for several reasons the primary being I am afraid I will fall in the theater.
That sounds drastic, doesn't it? With my vision deteriorating as it is doing (now a special kind of cataract that has a "film" on it to further distort vision), I just don't see well with the macular degeneration coupled with glaucoma. Plus, after falling twice in about 2 weeks, well I have had enough. So I don't want to go to a theater.
I also enjoy reading the book rather than watching parts of it in a movie. So I ordered it.
Aaaaaannnnnnnnd - it was delivered. Yes, it surely was. The only problem, it shows it was delivered to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Yes, that is a little problem. I happen to live in the Houston, TEXAS area. Just next door, doncha know.
So I notified the seller. Crickets commenced. I notified the seller again. Crickets louder. I did the A-Z guarantee on Amazon. You guessed it. And today I requested a refund. We. Will. See.
I do have to say all the Christmas presents I ordered arrived on time - one early.
The early one was a problem too when I think about it. I bought my kids cutting boards to go with the spices I had ordered from another company. Amazon was out. So I thought I would be sure to have my name ready when they came in. We were going to be at the SSB, and if the boards were not in stock, they would be delivered when we got home. NOPE! They came on Wednesday when we were gone and not returning until the following Monday. Fortunately, Krissi could come by to get them so the package gremlins that like to strike didn't get them. She wanted to know what was in the package, but I put her off - since it was partially her Christmas present!!
So all MAY be good with Amazon. Hopefully I get my refund, and hopefully, the bra I ordered months ago not knowing it had to come from China will be here on the 14th!
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Little trials
I am cheap! I don't like to pay a lot for a wristwatch, so I go to my favorite place - Amazon. I can usually find one I like for about $10. Then by the time I get tired of it, I don't mind replacing it!
Last week I was to take my daughter to an outpatient procedure. I was getting dressed in the dressing area with the tile floor. I was already not happy with the current watch I had because it was difficult to put on. The band (metal) was one that would completely open, so clasping it with one hand was difficult.
As fate would have it, it dropped. It landed crystal down. I immediately assumed that the crystal would be shattered, but when I picked it up all appeared to be well. It was in tack and still running, so I assumed all was just fine.
Since my granddaughter also wanted to be there for moral support for her mom but needed to be in school that afternoon, G took daughter and I rode with my granddaughter. That means we were a bit later getting there since we had to drop the younger daughter at school at the same time my daughter was to be at the hospital.
We got into the room where Krissi was waiting for her procedure. I looked at my watch to see how much longer we had until her scheduled procedure. It was 8:05. Ok - great. We all four chatted for a while. Things were moving along well, and I looked at my watch again. It was 8:05!!
This watch I had was a fake chronograph. Around those dials were little rings. Apparently, when this watch dropped and landed on the tile, it dislodged one of those rings. It was lodged between the 8 and the 5!! The watch hand just jumped around a bit!
But then the real trial began. I went online to shop for the replacement. I first went to the discontinued watches. Some were priced as low as 49 cents - but the shipping was usually about $5. So I went to the regular ones to get my Prime shipping. And here the trial begins.
I shopped on Friday afternoon and got my order in. I was to get my watch on Sunday by 8pm. BUT I knew I was in trouble when it went to Amazon's shipping. Sunday 9pm - no watch. I went to the orders page and there it was delivery was from two to four days later. Watching the page for tracking, that watch bounced around Houston for two days before going out for delivery.
The watch DID finally arrive on Wednesday, but I am so disgusted with the change in their delivery policy. If one questions something not making the two-day delivery, they say they cannot promise. Well, that is supposed to be their selling point for being a Prime member.
I am still buying from them - I got my daughter-in-law's lists for her kids. Those came as they should, but I have one order still wandering someplace. Amazon replaced it, but the inconvenience was still there.
Last week I was to take my daughter to an outpatient procedure. I was getting dressed in the dressing area with the tile floor. I was already not happy with the current watch I had because it was difficult to put on. The band (metal) was one that would completely open, so clasping it with one hand was difficult.
As fate would have it, it dropped. It landed crystal down. I immediately assumed that the crystal would be shattered, but when I picked it up all appeared to be well. It was in tack and still running, so I assumed all was just fine.
Since my granddaughter also wanted to be there for moral support for her mom but needed to be in school that afternoon, G took daughter and I rode with my granddaughter. That means we were a bit later getting there since we had to drop the younger daughter at school at the same time my daughter was to be at the hospital.
We got into the room where Krissi was waiting for her procedure. I looked at my watch to see how much longer we had until her scheduled procedure. It was 8:05. Ok - great. We all four chatted for a while. Things were moving along well, and I looked at my watch again. It was 8:05!!
This watch I had was a fake chronograph. Around those dials were little rings. Apparently, when this watch dropped and landed on the tile, it dislodged one of those rings. It was lodged between the 8 and the 5!! The watch hand just jumped around a bit!
But then the real trial began. I went online to shop for the replacement. I first went to the discontinued watches. Some were priced as low as 49 cents - but the shipping was usually about $5. So I went to the regular ones to get my Prime shipping. And here the trial begins.
I shopped on Friday afternoon and got my order in. I was to get my watch on Sunday by 8pm. BUT I knew I was in trouble when it went to Amazon's shipping. Sunday 9pm - no watch. I went to the orders page and there it was delivery was from two to four days later. Watching the page for tracking, that watch bounced around Houston for two days before going out for delivery.
The watch DID finally arrive on Wednesday, but I am so disgusted with the change in their delivery policy. If one questions something not making the two-day delivery, they say they cannot promise. Well, that is supposed to be their selling point for being a Prime member.
I am still buying from them - I got my daughter-in-law's lists for her kids. Those came as they should, but I have one order still wandering someplace. Amazon replaced it, but the inconvenience was still there.
Tuesday, November 07, 2017
Tale of Woe
Or how I am becoming a real Klutz!
First of all - holding to my determination to keep this blog politically free - I will only say I am so disturbed and disgusted by the events in South/Central Texas and the responses to it.
My sad tale begins two weeks ago. We have a chest freezer that is not frost free, thus needing defrosting at times. We had gotten about 2 years past defrosting, or so it seemed.
G kept making snarky remarks about it, so I told him that on this particular Monday we would do the task. Plenty of fair warning - about four days. So he unplugged this freezer on Sunday night so it would begin to loosen the frost that held the baskets like prisoners.
The morning was wearing on, and there was no movement on his part. So I began taking things out of the freezer. I was able to loosen a lot of the binding frost and start removing the baskets. I put them around the breakfast room and into the attached den. So where was the lord and master?
He had found an old briefcase and was sitting down going through it. Then going to the shredder that was behind the breakfast table. Of course, I was the one removing food from the freezer.
I wanted to make sure to try to organize the freezer as much as possible which is a task much like herding 50 cats. I got the bright idea to use three laundry baskets to place the different proteins in. One poultry, one pork and one for beef.
I put them close to the utility room door so I would reach them easily. But L&M was still shredding cr*p. So they were too close to the door really, but I thought I had a reasonable path.
When I was removing berries from one of the baskets still in the freezer, I had to go across where these baskets were into more of the den. I thought I had cleared one of them well, but I didn't. My three toes on my left foot got tangled, and I went down. HARD. Remember - I have two titanium knees and am not supposed to even kneel. I hit my on my right knee, and the pain was tremendous.
As fate would have it, there was a basket that had chicken breasts in it. I immediately put one on that knee. I became fast friends with that chicken breast, but finally decided that I really needed to get up.
My biggest fear since having my knees replaces is falling. The strength has never returned to my legs, and I really use more upper body strength to get up. Well - remember the shoulder situation? (And Marti - no I am not going to have either rotator cuff repair NOR replacement on them!!!) Using the breakfast table and a chair, I was up. Hurting, but up. And then - I got to finish the freezer with minimal help. Good thing I am not really a physically violent person - or, well let's just say G is still alive.
On Saturday of that week, we looked to be getting some fall/winter weather. We have about 8 Hawaiin flower plants - Plumeria. They can take a lot, but they do not like temps lower than 45. So since they do well just unpotted or dug out if in the ground, that is what G was going to do. But he needed help (hahahahaha - could have been MY chance).
I helped. That is until I stepped down off the deck, and something felt like a tendon tore in my right thigh and hip. But where do you go on a weekend that is covered by insurance and not cost $$$. Not many, so I suffered,
It killed me to put a lot of weight on my right leg. It sent me into spasms of pain. AND we were scheduled to trek to the SSB on Wednesday. Come Wednesday, Shadow decided to become a hidden cat. Looking for him - like under beds, etc. aggravated my hip. I was really in pain for 5 hours.
I wish this were the end of this story. On Thursday we had to go into town to get Clyde his rattlesnake vaccine booster and used this trip to get groceries.
In Texas, the opening of White Tail Deer Season is a BIG deal. It brings LOTS of money in. The hunters hit the little grocery store like a swarm of locusts, so on Thursday, they were preparing for this influx.
When I walked in, there were pallets of supplies EVERYWHERE. It was difficult to get through the aisles, but the refrigerated sections along the sides and back were almost impassable. I had to backtrack at one point in the back. There was a man who was trying to get by, and I was going to try to move to an open spot to allow him to pass while I looked for my item. I was backing into the end of an aisle that looked clear, but just as he was warning me, I was tripped by a single empty pallet at the end cap of that aisle.
You can imagine the rest. Other than scraping the back of my left ankle pretty badly, I wasn't hurt. In fact, my hip was better!! I don't know what happened, and other than some residual soreness I am better. BUT I knew the problem was getting up.
I was so terribly embarrassed. I am not one to be able to accept help. Since there is no rotational movement in these knees, it is hard to get set up. To make a long story short, I finally got up. The store is scared to death I will sue - which I won't. Their insurance company has called home, but I haven't returned the call yet since we are still at the SSB, but it looks like things are OK. For a while before this, I really was afraid I was going to need a hip replacement now, but I think I may escape that.
Yes - I have become a Klutz I guess!
First of all - holding to my determination to keep this blog politically free - I will only say I am so disturbed and disgusted by the events in South/Central Texas and the responses to it.
My sad tale begins two weeks ago. We have a chest freezer that is not frost free, thus needing defrosting at times. We had gotten about 2 years past defrosting, or so it seemed.
G kept making snarky remarks about it, so I told him that on this particular Monday we would do the task. Plenty of fair warning - about four days. So he unplugged this freezer on Sunday night so it would begin to loosen the frost that held the baskets like prisoners.
The morning was wearing on, and there was no movement on his part. So I began taking things out of the freezer. I was able to loosen a lot of the binding frost and start removing the baskets. I put them around the breakfast room and into the attached den. So where was the lord and master?
He had found an old briefcase and was sitting down going through it. Then going to the shredder that was behind the breakfast table. Of course, I was the one removing food from the freezer.
I wanted to make sure to try to organize the freezer as much as possible which is a task much like herding 50 cats. I got the bright idea to use three laundry baskets to place the different proteins in. One poultry, one pork and one for beef.
I put them close to the utility room door so I would reach them easily. But L&M was still shredding cr*p. So they were too close to the door really, but I thought I had a reasonable path.
When I was removing berries from one of the baskets still in the freezer, I had to go across where these baskets were into more of the den. I thought I had cleared one of them well, but I didn't. My three toes on my left foot got tangled, and I went down. HARD. Remember - I have two titanium knees and am not supposed to even kneel. I hit my on my right knee, and the pain was tremendous.
As fate would have it, there was a basket that had chicken breasts in it. I immediately put one on that knee. I became fast friends with that chicken breast, but finally decided that I really needed to get up.
My biggest fear since having my knees replaces is falling. The strength has never returned to my legs, and I really use more upper body strength to get up. Well - remember the shoulder situation? (And Marti - no I am not going to have either rotator cuff repair NOR replacement on them!!!) Using the breakfast table and a chair, I was up. Hurting, but up. And then - I got to finish the freezer with minimal help. Good thing I am not really a physically violent person - or, well let's just say G is still alive.
On Saturday of that week, we looked to be getting some fall/winter weather. We have about 8 Hawaiin flower plants - Plumeria. They can take a lot, but they do not like temps lower than 45. So since they do well just unpotted or dug out if in the ground, that is what G was going to do. But he needed help (hahahahaha - could have been MY chance).
I helped. That is until I stepped down off the deck, and something felt like a tendon tore in my right thigh and hip. But where do you go on a weekend that is covered by insurance and not cost $$$. Not many, so I suffered,
It killed me to put a lot of weight on my right leg. It sent me into spasms of pain. AND we were scheduled to trek to the SSB on Wednesday. Come Wednesday, Shadow decided to become a hidden cat. Looking for him - like under beds, etc. aggravated my hip. I was really in pain for 5 hours.
I wish this were the end of this story. On Thursday we had to go into town to get Clyde his rattlesnake vaccine booster and used this trip to get groceries.
In Texas, the opening of White Tail Deer Season is a BIG deal. It brings LOTS of money in. The hunters hit the little grocery store like a swarm of locusts, so on Thursday, they were preparing for this influx.
When I walked in, there were pallets of supplies EVERYWHERE. It was difficult to get through the aisles, but the refrigerated sections along the sides and back were almost impassable. I had to backtrack at one point in the back. There was a man who was trying to get by, and I was going to try to move to an open spot to allow him to pass while I looked for my item. I was backing into the end of an aisle that looked clear, but just as he was warning me, I was tripped by a single empty pallet at the end cap of that aisle.
You can imagine the rest. Other than scraping the back of my left ankle pretty badly, I wasn't hurt. In fact, my hip was better!! I don't know what happened, and other than some residual soreness I am better. BUT I knew the problem was getting up.
I was so terribly embarrassed. I am not one to be able to accept help. Since there is no rotational movement in these knees, it is hard to get set up. To make a long story short, I finally got up. The store is scared to death I will sue - which I won't. Their insurance company has called home, but I haven't returned the call yet since we are still at the SSB, but it looks like things are OK. For a while before this, I really was afraid I was going to need a hip replacement now, but I think I may escape that.
Yes - I have become a Klutz I guess!
Sunday, November 05, 2017
A Little Rusty
It has been almost a year since I have put words on paper here. That doesn't mean I haven't been putting words into social media, but not here.
Almost a year. TJ has been cremated and had a memorial service. She was to be interred next to her parents' graves. That is still hanging. The ex says it's because Drew isn't ready yet. I really thought it was because his present wife is not doing well physically - at all.
As far as Drew - he is a surprise. I am not close to him at all. If I ran into him on the street honestly I would not recognize him. But last month he sent a friend request for FaceBook. I was shocked.
When I read his page, I found he was in rehab. From what I saw of him the day we found TJ and the way he acted at the memorial service, it is not too soon. His drug problem was really bad.
Apparently, he also has disconnected with the,e little sweetie he was with. She was real pond scum, and I could tell she wouldn't be good for him. Hopefully, he can turn his life around but after all these years ... It just seems doubtful. He has been in rehab a couple of months.
Since I never wanted this blog to be political in any way - that is another reason I have been silent. But here goes because I simply cannot keep it inside any longer. I am overwhelmingly sickened at the way our country is going. So there - I said it here. Hopefully, that will be the only time I will post anything like this IF I keep writing.
My grandchildren are, as usual, doing good things. Katie is still doing great with her water polo. She is striving to win her school competitions in both the butterfly AND breast this year. She is driving - and that is a problem. She has had three accidents since March - only one was her real fault. But not good.
Reagan was playing Middle School football, which was his dream. He badly sprained his ankle two weeks ago so football is over. He still wants to play basketball. The greatest thing he did though was to stand up to "baseball hero dad" to tell him he didn't want to play baseball last spring. Finally.
The youngest, Karrington, is really into her gymnastics. She will be our high school dance squad/cheerleader.
Brian's oldest, William, is strong into Boy Scouts. He has always loved the outdoors, so scouting is his forte.
Delaney is another gymnastic kid. She wanted a gymnastics pad for her birthday, and she uses it all the time,
Holden is playing basketball - at age 6. I just HAVE to make one of his games.
It was recommended to me to get a shoulder replacement. SO I found another ortho doc. The other shoulder has a small rotator cuff tear, so they both hurt. Went to 4 PT sessions, and then the insurance gave out.
All told - the degenerative skeleton is killing me. Soon I will just be a miserable blob of protoplasm!
Almost a year. TJ has been cremated and had a memorial service. She was to be interred next to her parents' graves. That is still hanging. The ex says it's because Drew isn't ready yet. I really thought it was because his present wife is not doing well physically - at all.
As far as Drew - he is a surprise. I am not close to him at all. If I ran into him on the street honestly I would not recognize him. But last month he sent a friend request for FaceBook. I was shocked.
When I read his page, I found he was in rehab. From what I saw of him the day we found TJ and the way he acted at the memorial service, it is not too soon. His drug problem was really bad.
Apparently, he also has disconnected with the,e little sweetie he was with. She was real pond scum, and I could tell she wouldn't be good for him. Hopefully, he can turn his life around but after all these years ... It just seems doubtful. He has been in rehab a couple of months.
Since I never wanted this blog to be political in any way - that is another reason I have been silent. But here goes because I simply cannot keep it inside any longer. I am overwhelmingly sickened at the way our country is going. So there - I said it here. Hopefully, that will be the only time I will post anything like this IF I keep writing.
My grandchildren are, as usual, doing good things. Katie is still doing great with her water polo. She is striving to win her school competitions in both the butterfly AND breast this year. She is driving - and that is a problem. She has had three accidents since March - only one was her real fault. But not good.
Reagan was playing Middle School football, which was his dream. He badly sprained his ankle two weeks ago so football is over. He still wants to play basketball. The greatest thing he did though was to stand up to "baseball hero dad" to tell him he didn't want to play baseball last spring. Finally.
The youngest, Karrington, is really into her gymnastics. She will be our high school dance squad/cheerleader.
Brian's oldest, William, is strong into Boy Scouts. He has always loved the outdoors, so scouting is his forte.
Delaney is another gymnastic kid. She wanted a gymnastics pad for her birthday, and she uses it all the time,
Holden is playing basketball - at age 6. I just HAVE to make one of his games.
It was recommended to me to get a shoulder replacement. SO I found another ortho doc. The other shoulder has a small rotator cuff tear, so they both hurt. Went to 4 PT sessions, and then the insurance gave out.
All told - the degenerative skeleton is killing me. Soon I will just be a miserable blob of protoplasm!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Still Not Done
TJ was found dead December 30. We still cannot close this incident.
G had to call the ex-husband last week because the storage place called him wondering what was going to be done about the rental on the unit for February and March. Not our problem, but he called the ex. Supposedly that has been taken care of.
They went on talking and Troy was talking about the problems his current wife is having. She has had two heart attacks and is facing spinal disc fusion surgery. This is a hard time for him. Even after he and TJ divorced, I know he still cared for her a lot. It was a case of where love simply wasn't enough.
Troy said that the internment of TJ ashes would probably not happen until next month. Understood. Other than closing this chapter, there certainly is no rush. BUT - I wish he had simply said his wife needed his attention. Instead, he said Drew just wasn't ready.
To use a common phrase: "I call bullsh*t on that." That young man isn't broken up over this. And I sincerely doubt that he is wearing the locket with her ashes. I doubt he has had one made.
A positive of his non-caring - at least it appears he hasn't been at "her" house in a while. We don't go onto the property, but the last two times we have been to the SSB, there are no signs of life around the place. I don't trust him, and I don't want him on our place. It appears even the hunters haven't been there. I know Doug WON'T go back because I think he would beat Drew to a pulp. To my knowledge, Mike has been kicked off by Drew because he had the nerve to stand up to Drew about the animals. There is another guy G met in January, I believe, but we haven't seen anything of him either. Strange.
In the credit card mess. I think I have finally taken care of all payments that are made via that card. It hasn't been easy. Yesterday I spent the better part of an hour trying to get one particular medical billing taken care of. In the last 4 months, I have had a change in email (Earthlink dumped my free email - after only 25 years!!), my health insurance company changed, and my credit card changed. That does a lot of changing on medical things!
But as for now, things seem to be moving along rather smoothly. Katie has gotten her drivers' license. All the others are doing well. So I guess all is right in our world.
G had to call the ex-husband last week because the storage place called him wondering what was going to be done about the rental on the unit for February and March. Not our problem, but he called the ex. Supposedly that has been taken care of.
They went on talking and Troy was talking about the problems his current wife is having. She has had two heart attacks and is facing spinal disc fusion surgery. This is a hard time for him. Even after he and TJ divorced, I know he still cared for her a lot. It was a case of where love simply wasn't enough.
Troy said that the internment of TJ ashes would probably not happen until next month. Understood. Other than closing this chapter, there certainly is no rush. BUT - I wish he had simply said his wife needed his attention. Instead, he said Drew just wasn't ready.
To use a common phrase: "I call bullsh*t on that." That young man isn't broken up over this. And I sincerely doubt that he is wearing the locket with her ashes. I doubt he has had one made.
A positive of his non-caring - at least it appears he hasn't been at "her" house in a while. We don't go onto the property, but the last two times we have been to the SSB, there are no signs of life around the place. I don't trust him, and I don't want him on our place. It appears even the hunters haven't been there. I know Doug WON'T go back because I think he would beat Drew to a pulp. To my knowledge, Mike has been kicked off by Drew because he had the nerve to stand up to Drew about the animals. There is another guy G met in January, I believe, but we haven't seen anything of him either. Strange.
In the credit card mess. I think I have finally taken care of all payments that are made via that card. It hasn't been easy. Yesterday I spent the better part of an hour trying to get one particular medical billing taken care of. In the last 4 months, I have had a change in email (Earthlink dumped my free email - after only 25 years!!), my health insurance company changed, and my credit card changed. That does a lot of changing on medical things!
But as for now, things seem to be moving along rather smoothly. Katie has gotten her drivers' license. All the others are doing well. So I guess all is right in our world.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
It happened.
My Discover Card has been hacked. I have had my card for over 20 years. I have never been hacked. And they did a fantastic job in one day.
I happened to look at an email alert on my phone. It said there was unusual activity. Discover is so good about tracking this nonsense, only tonight it surely wasn't nonsense. With the first notice, there was already $1000 charged. All in all the amount was closer to $2000. I am going to sound like an as for Discover, but I will owe nothing on this. Not. A. Dime.
The real problem here is now I have about 10 services that I have paid through that card. This is going to be a monumental process. I don't have the new card yet, but when I get it I will have to begin this process. And of course - we WILL BE AT THE SSB. (I need to have a blood draw - fasting, and Monday the earliest appointment is 11:45 - so I will change the entire appointment with Dr. Poison. Not a convenient time to be gone at all)
I also think I know how my card was compromised. We ordered a pizza in February. That is the ONLY out of the normal charge I made. A whopping $28 and some change. We never charge these, but neither of us had cash. I don't carry cash, and G was low not having gone to the bank recently. Someone at that Pizza Hut scammed my card. I so hope they get caught.
G said they waited a long time to use it. Well - sure. I will bet this isn't the first time they have done this. Waiting would mean there would be less of a chance that this would fall back on them. But they were stupid in that they didn't leave this area. The greater Houston area is LARGE. Our neck of the woods is just a small area in comparison.
So I am feeling really unsettled. My faith is people is trashed. I know things like this happen. It happened at a fine-dining restaurant several years ago. G's card that was used to pay for the meal was compromised and at the same time, my daughter's card which was used to pay for drinks was too. They were smart with G's. They made small purchases at a Kroger. BUT they were exactly the same amount minutes apart. USAA was the card issuer and picked up on it immediately. They called and canceled the card.
In a way, I have some sympathy for these people. They missed out on a lot of life lessons.
I happened to look at an email alert on my phone. It said there was unusual activity. Discover is so good about tracking this nonsense, only tonight it surely wasn't nonsense. With the first notice, there was already $1000 charged. All in all the amount was closer to $2000. I am going to sound like an as for Discover, but I will owe nothing on this. Not. A. Dime.
The real problem here is now I have about 10 services that I have paid through that card. This is going to be a monumental process. I don't have the new card yet, but when I get it I will have to begin this process. And of course - we WILL BE AT THE SSB. (I need to have a blood draw - fasting, and Monday the earliest appointment is 11:45 - so I will change the entire appointment with Dr. Poison. Not a convenient time to be gone at all)
I also think I know how my card was compromised. We ordered a pizza in February. That is the ONLY out of the normal charge I made. A whopping $28 and some change. We never charge these, but neither of us had cash. I don't carry cash, and G was low not having gone to the bank recently. Someone at that Pizza Hut scammed my card. I so hope they get caught.
G said they waited a long time to use it. Well - sure. I will bet this isn't the first time they have done this. Waiting would mean there would be less of a chance that this would fall back on them. But they were stupid in that they didn't leave this area. The greater Houston area is LARGE. Our neck of the woods is just a small area in comparison.
So I am feeling really unsettled. My faith is people is trashed. I know things like this happen. It happened at a fine-dining restaurant several years ago. G's card that was used to pay for the meal was compromised and at the same time, my daughter's card which was used to pay for drinks was too. They were smart with G's. They made small purchases at a Kroger. BUT they were exactly the same amount minutes apart. USAA was the card issuer and picked up on it immediately. They called and canceled the card.
In a way, I have some sympathy for these people. They missed out on a lot of life lessons.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Interesting week
I think I am going to have a love/hate relationship with my PCP. W*lgreen's is my usual pharmacy (unless it is a three month supply), and those prescriptions are on a fill as needed. (Just thought - so are my mail ordered ones) Anyway, Nurse Practitioner put me on a thyroid med. It was a 28 day supply, and on Sunday last the pharmacy sent a refill OK to the office. I had pills to last until Thursday. There was no notification that the script had been filled, so, on WEDNESDAY I called the Dr office. They then allowed the script to be filled. If I have to do this on all my meds, there is not any reason to have the dispensing pharmacies to follow them for me. I don't want to have to call the office each and every time. I am not going to be a happy camper on this.
As for the new cardio doc, I am at an age where change is hard. I THINK I like him. I was surprised for him to do both an EKG and an echo on that first visit. Waiting with baited breath for the EOB on the insurance. I THINK they approved them, but we will see. I was fully expecting him to change my meds. I got the idea when they came due right after the other cardio guy retired. The doctor in that practice didn't want to renew one because another was basically the same med. Then with the new PCP when they came due, that was when she said I had to see the cardiologist. He really didn't like that combination, so I am on new meds. I wonder if age didn't get to the old cardio doc. I am sure he was pushing 80.
Yesterday my daughter's youngest spent the day with me. She was amazed that I called to see if she would like to do that. I usually take the oldest (16 years
old). Karrington is 9, and she hasn't been really able to handle some things, and I do so much better with the older kiddos anyway. But I decided I would try. Katie is in Cali for the Olympic Development National games, and I knew My grandson would probably have baseball games all day. She was elated, even saying "she wants ME to spend the day?" That told me a lot!
So we experimented with baking a cake. That went well, and she was still not bored - not telling me how much she missed her mom. (Mom had been out of town since Tuesday - business trip Tuesday through Thursday, coming home only to leave the next morning for Cali until Monday). Karrington is a MOMMIE'S GIRL!
After we completed the cakes, we went up to my "woman's cave" - the upstairs. That has exploded into my craft area - completely. She had been asking me to teach her how to sew. I honestly wasn't sure how that was going to go, When I tried it with Katie, it wasn't so good. But up we went.
I cut some muslin into strips and had her practice just sewing straight. She did that fairly well, and I found a scrap of fabric that had been a sample of drapery fabric. I cut it in half and told her we were going to make a pillow. Her eyes lit up.
To make it a little fancier, I got a scrap of felt. I chose a simple design on the other embroidery machine to put a design on the pillow. We had to wait for her to sew the seams on the pillow while I did the embroidery. She came over to watch and she was completely fascinated to watch that machine work! I admit it is fascinating to watch that machine sew all by itself.
Then we went back to the machine she was working on. She sewed the seams (she got one perfect - and I had to resew two others) she turned the pillow and stuffed it. She was beaming the whole time. She is hooked. She said she didn't know sewing could be so much fun. She wants to come back on Monday - which is great. It is her Spring Break, and at least she will have something to do.
She really matured a lot yesterday! My BP is coming back under control, and I have at least a month of my meds. All good.
As for the new cardio doc, I am at an age where change is hard. I THINK I like him. I was surprised for him to do both an EKG and an echo on that first visit. Waiting with baited breath for the EOB on the insurance. I THINK they approved them, but we will see. I was fully expecting him to change my meds. I got the idea when they came due right after the other cardio guy retired. The doctor in that practice didn't want to renew one because another was basically the same med. Then with the new PCP when they came due, that was when she said I had to see the cardiologist. He really didn't like that combination, so I am on new meds. I wonder if age didn't get to the old cardio doc. I am sure he was pushing 80.
Yesterday my daughter's youngest spent the day with me. She was amazed that I called to see if she would like to do that. I usually take the oldest (16 years
old). Karrington is 9, and she hasn't been really able to handle some things, and I do so much better with the older kiddos anyway. But I decided I would try. Katie is in Cali for the Olympic Development National games, and I knew My grandson would probably have baseball games all day. She was elated, even saying "she wants ME to spend the day?" That told me a lot!
So we experimented with baking a cake. That went well, and she was still not bored - not telling me how much she missed her mom. (Mom had been out of town since Tuesday - business trip Tuesday through Thursday, coming home only to leave the next morning for Cali until Monday). Karrington is a MOMMIE'S GIRL!
After we completed the cakes, we went up to my "woman's cave" - the upstairs. That has exploded into my craft area - completely. She had been asking me to teach her how to sew. I honestly wasn't sure how that was going to go, When I tried it with Katie, it wasn't so good. But up we went.
I cut some muslin into strips and had her practice just sewing straight. She did that fairly well, and I found a scrap of fabric that had been a sample of drapery fabric. I cut it in half and told her we were going to make a pillow. Her eyes lit up.
To make it a little fancier, I got a scrap of felt. I chose a simple design on the other embroidery machine to put a design on the pillow. We had to wait for her to sew the seams on the pillow while I did the embroidery. She came over to watch and she was completely fascinated to watch that machine work! I admit it is fascinating to watch that machine sew all by itself.
Then we went back to the machine she was working on. She sewed the seams (she got one perfect - and I had to resew two others) she turned the pillow and stuffed it. She was beaming the whole time. She is hooked. She said she didn't know sewing could be so much fun. She wants to come back on Monday - which is great. It is her Spring Break, and at least she will have something to do.
She really matured a lot yesterday! My BP is coming back under control, and I have at least a month of my meds. All good.
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Hello!
Still in pretty much of a writing funk. One day just melds into another without anything unusual happening.
I really don't quite understand why it has been decided to bury the "beautiful urn" that was bought for TJ's ashes. Mine can go into the "free" wooden box we got when we arranged for our cremation. What happens after that - I don't care. I won't know and will be WAY beyond caring. BUT "they" want to bury those ashes in the plot where a lot of the family is buried. Of course,c there is a hitch.
I absolutely detest the company that manages this cemetery. They handles - bungled really - my dad's funeral, and have given G's family grief about these plots they own. And it continues. Seems like BIL and G have to send NOTARIZED statements as remaining kin owning this site (and so was TJ, but I guess she no longer counts) that she can have her ashes put there.
We were supposed to trek to San Antonio the last weekend in February, but this has, obviously, been postponed. The real kicker here is it is going to cost her estate over $900. Just to put an urn in the ground! There will be no funeral but the funeral director gets something like $600 of that. I really, really detest this bunch of creeps. They are true vampires of the funeral business.
********************************************************************************
In October my cardio doc retired. I seem to have a negative influence on my doctors (although I guess retirement is good). My ortho guy who replaced both knees died of a heart attack a few months after doing my knees. I still need to find someone I like and trust to check them on a regular basis. I haven't, and it's been several years.
I always thought I didn't need a cardio doc just to manage blood pressure. So I finally found a PCP. When I made the appointment for the highly suggested physical, the Nurse Practitioner was available, and I thought that would be perfectly fine.
All has gone well - until. There's always an "until" isn't there. I had signed a ream of requests for my records from the stable of physicians I have. I have quite a regime of meds from the cardio doc, and I was doing really well.
When it came time for a refill on those, the NP wouldn't refill one the way I had been taking them. I was told to - get ready for it - to go back to a cardio doc. I wasn't supposed to be taking that amount of the med. So now my BP is raging, and guess what - I have an appointment with a new CARDIO DOC. Sheesh. I surely miss my old doctors who have retired, died, and retired and then died!
********************************************************************************
And so it goes. Just one excitement in my life after another. And I still don't always have the urge to put it down "on paper," Perhaps one day ...
I really don't quite understand why it has been decided to bury the "beautiful urn" that was bought for TJ's ashes. Mine can go into the "free" wooden box we got when we arranged for our cremation. What happens after that - I don't care. I won't know and will be WAY beyond caring. BUT "they" want to bury those ashes in the plot where a lot of the family is buried. Of course,c there is a hitch.
I absolutely detest the company that manages this cemetery. They handles - bungled really - my dad's funeral, and have given G's family grief about these plots they own. And it continues. Seems like BIL and G have to send NOTARIZED statements as remaining kin owning this site (and so was TJ, but I guess she no longer counts) that she can have her ashes put there.
We were supposed to trek to San Antonio the last weekend in February, but this has, obviously, been postponed. The real kicker here is it is going to cost her estate over $900. Just to put an urn in the ground! There will be no funeral but the funeral director gets something like $600 of that. I really, really detest this bunch of creeps. They are true vampires of the funeral business.
********************************************************************************
In October my cardio doc retired. I seem to have a negative influence on my doctors (although I guess retirement is good). My ortho guy who replaced both knees died of a heart attack a few months after doing my knees. I still need to find someone I like and trust to check them on a regular basis. I haven't, and it's been several years.
I always thought I didn't need a cardio doc just to manage blood pressure. So I finally found a PCP. When I made the appointment for the highly suggested physical, the Nurse Practitioner was available, and I thought that would be perfectly fine.
All has gone well - until. There's always an "until" isn't there. I had signed a ream of requests for my records from the stable of physicians I have. I have quite a regime of meds from the cardio doc, and I was doing really well.
When it came time for a refill on those, the NP wouldn't refill one the way I had been taking them. I was told to - get ready for it - to go back to a cardio doc. I wasn't supposed to be taking that amount of the med. So now my BP is raging, and guess what - I have an appointment with a new CARDIO DOC. Sheesh. I surely miss my old doctors who have retired, died, and retired and then died!
********************************************************************************
And so it goes. Just one excitement in my life after another. And I still don't always have the urge to put it down "on paper," Perhaps one day ...
Monday, February 13, 2017
Wow!
At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to get to this spot! After about 30 years with Earthlink - my email address, I got dropped. Just because I was getting an email address free for all this time - I mean gosh! WAAAAY back when our cable company was Warner, then Time Warner, and now Comcast I signed up for my internet with Earthlink. They were THE choice. Of course then came Road Runner and so many more. Yes - I have two Gmail accounts and a Yahoo account, but we just kept Earthlink.
I had been getting emails about my credit card having expired. Well, yes, it certainly did. But there are so many scams about money these days, I just ignored them. I wasn't going to PAY for that service anyway - it was just an email account. Then in December, they sent one saying they were going to close the account. I didn't take it very seriously, but I DID make a copy of my address book - you know, just in case.
Well February 3, I was locked out. So I decided Gmail was good. I don't expect them to go belly up anytime soon. So that there is a third email account with them. This is where my problem for today began. Without really thinking I went to the new account to sign in here. When it was to set up a new blog, I realized my mistake and came to this account. When I signed in, it wasn't MY PAGE. I am so terrible with this form of social media, even after all these years, I was lost. I thought this page was lost to me to write on! But alas - here I am and I can continue with what I was going to say today!
Last week TJ's ex called to tell us that TJ was finally cremated. The autopsy report came back indicating she had a heart attack. There was a part of me that felt relief. Her death wasn't something more lingering - until I thought about it more. How long did the heart attack last? Was she trying to get to her phone? Was she suffering long? I just was caught thinking about her dying alone. All alone. I know it had to be painful. Was she afraid?
It was then I realized I am not over the whole incident. I was thrown back into thinking about it all and worrying about what happened. The autopsy report did nothing to stop my thinking about it.
Then last night at family dinner, my SIL was talking about the trade show he and his company was showing at. He was saying in a booth about four down from them a chef was cooking but then told his colleagues that he needed to sit down. He wasn't feeling right. He then lost consciousness and died. He had a heart attack - right there.
Why am I mentioning this? Because it gave me hope that TJ died the same way. She felt something different, knelt down (she died in a position like she was kneeling in prayer, but holding her midsection) and died. How I hope this is what is was. And it very possibly was. She didn't thrash about. She wasn't askew, She was just kneeling. How I hope it was quick as this man did.
Her ex went on about the internment. I know we will be cremated. But the kids are going to have to do something with our ashes, I am not going to take up any land anywhere. That's just me. In this day and time, no one in big cities visits graves (or mausoleum either). I haven't been to my parents' since Dad died. We don't even go to San Antonio anymore. But whatever. The BIL and SIL will have say as to when that will happen. Of course, no worry about when WE could make it - since we are the furthest away. But ok. that will be that.
The ex also asked if G wanted any of TJ's ashes. G was rather astonished at THAT one, but the rationale was that DREW wanted some to put in a locket to wear around his neck. I almost laughed out loud. Good show, Drew. You couldn't even show up for the memorial and you didn't stay long for the luncheon. And it wasn't because you were so devastated by your mother's death. You were high as a kite.
I had been getting emails about my credit card having expired. Well, yes, it certainly did. But there are so many scams about money these days, I just ignored them. I wasn't going to PAY for that service anyway - it was just an email account. Then in December, they sent one saying they were going to close the account. I didn't take it very seriously, but I DID make a copy of my address book - you know, just in case.
Well February 3, I was locked out. So I decided Gmail was good. I don't expect them to go belly up anytime soon. So that there is a third email account with them. This is where my problem for today began. Without really thinking I went to the new account to sign in here. When it was to set up a new blog, I realized my mistake and came to this account. When I signed in, it wasn't MY PAGE. I am so terrible with this form of social media, even after all these years, I was lost. I thought this page was lost to me to write on! But alas - here I am and I can continue with what I was going to say today!
Last week TJ's ex called to tell us that TJ was finally cremated. The autopsy report came back indicating she had a heart attack. There was a part of me that felt relief. Her death wasn't something more lingering - until I thought about it more. How long did the heart attack last? Was she trying to get to her phone? Was she suffering long? I just was caught thinking about her dying alone. All alone. I know it had to be painful. Was she afraid?
It was then I realized I am not over the whole incident. I was thrown back into thinking about it all and worrying about what happened. The autopsy report did nothing to stop my thinking about it.
Then last night at family dinner, my SIL was talking about the trade show he and his company was showing at. He was saying in a booth about four down from them a chef was cooking but then told his colleagues that he needed to sit down. He wasn't feeling right. He then lost consciousness and died. He had a heart attack - right there.
Why am I mentioning this? Because it gave me hope that TJ died the same way. She felt something different, knelt down (she died in a position like she was kneeling in prayer, but holding her midsection) and died. How I hope this is what is was. And it very possibly was. She didn't thrash about. She wasn't askew, She was just kneeling. How I hope it was quick as this man did.
Her ex went on about the internment. I know we will be cremated. But the kids are going to have to do something with our ashes, I am not going to take up any land anywhere. That's just me. In this day and time, no one in big cities visits graves (or mausoleum either). I haven't been to my parents' since Dad died. We don't even go to San Antonio anymore. But whatever. The BIL and SIL will have say as to when that will happen. Of course, no worry about when WE could make it - since we are the furthest away. But ok. that will be that.
The ex also asked if G wanted any of TJ's ashes. G was rather astonished at THAT one, but the rationale was that DREW wanted some to put in a locket to wear around his neck. I almost laughed out loud. Good show, Drew. You couldn't even show up for the memorial and you didn't stay long for the luncheon. And it wasn't because you were so devastated by your mother's death. You were high as a kite.
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Still here
Yes, I am still around. I just haven't felt like posting. My old email provider just dumped us, and I have spent hours reloading my address book. Fortunately even though they gave a warning, I get so many spam emails I ignored it, but I did make a hard copy of my address book.
When will I come back to posting. I really don't know.
When will I come back to posting. I really don't know.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Life goes on
And with it will be a celebration this evening. My oldest granddaughter, Katie, is turning 16 on Tuesday, but she is having a surprise party tonight. I don't know if a "surprise" is going to happen. It is really hard to keep that kind of a secret, but it might be.
She is playing in a water polo tournament today. I understand third hand they handily won their first game 16-2 with Katie making at least 5 of those goals with the defense hanging all over her. She will be leaving before the last game which is about 5 this evening. Hope the rest of the team can hold up!
She has been told she is leaving early because a family friend is coming from Wisconsin for a dinner with her and the family to celebrate her birthday. Fortunately, he is also coming for business that he could arrange to coincide with her birthday. But instead of dinner - they will be coming to the party. I hope it does surprise her. But I am having trouble with this little thing that I kept while mom worked for almost two years, the light of my life really, is almost grown!
**************************************************************
Yesterday TJ's hunters were to go to pick up their blinds and feeders. I just hope DH wasn't there. I am not sure he plans to live there, so with any luck, all went smoothly for them. I became Facebook friends with one of the guys. They are such nice men. When they began hunting there I thought they were just some typical DH friends. Most of them are real asses. It wasn't until I found out how much they helped TJ that my attitude changed. They are grown men with great jobs - electricians. They tried to help DH, but of course being such a turd, that wasn't going to happen. Then to find how much they REALLY cared for TJ melted my heart. I just wish we could offer them hunting on our place, but our hunters have been with us over 20 years, and help us like those guys helped TJ. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
**************************************************************
The youngest of the grandchildren had his fifth birthday on the 12th. With all going on, I haven't even thought of a gift for him. There is not a thing in this world he needs, and I don't know what he wants. Last Sunday night I would have cheerfully given him a spanking for his actions while we were at the SSB, but that isn't being a nice Grandma! He was into everything, and when I told him not to do something, he just looked me in the eyes and went right on. You just don't know how tempting it was. Yes, I did believe in spanking my own - even if it weren't often. That action of his would have granted him a good one. When he broke the plate because he was acting like a fool didn't make me very happy either. If truth be told, all three of them were rather terrible that night! They were so terribly loud, even the dog was upset. He refused to eat. They never stopped until bed time.
So I am off for now with a silent prayer that things remain calm for a while.
She is playing in a water polo tournament today. I understand third hand they handily won their first game 16-2 with Katie making at least 5 of those goals with the defense hanging all over her. She will be leaving before the last game which is about 5 this evening. Hope the rest of the team can hold up!
She has been told she is leaving early because a family friend is coming from Wisconsin for a dinner with her and the family to celebrate her birthday. Fortunately, he is also coming for business that he could arrange to coincide with her birthday. But instead of dinner - they will be coming to the party. I hope it does surprise her. But I am having trouble with this little thing that I kept while mom worked for almost two years, the light of my life really, is almost grown!
**************************************************************
Yesterday TJ's hunters were to go to pick up their blinds and feeders. I just hope DH wasn't there. I am not sure he plans to live there, so with any luck, all went smoothly for them. I became Facebook friends with one of the guys. They are such nice men. When they began hunting there I thought they were just some typical DH friends. Most of them are real asses. It wasn't until I found out how much they helped TJ that my attitude changed. They are grown men with great jobs - electricians. They tried to help DH, but of course being such a turd, that wasn't going to happen. Then to find how much they REALLY cared for TJ melted my heart. I just wish we could offer them hunting on our place, but our hunters have been with us over 20 years, and help us like those guys helped TJ. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
**************************************************************
The youngest of the grandchildren had his fifth birthday on the 12th. With all going on, I haven't even thought of a gift for him. There is not a thing in this world he needs, and I don't know what he wants. Last Sunday night I would have cheerfully given him a spanking for his actions while we were at the SSB, but that isn't being a nice Grandma! He was into everything, and when I told him not to do something, he just looked me in the eyes and went right on. You just don't know how tempting it was. Yes, I did believe in spanking my own - even if it weren't often. That action of his would have granted him a good one. When he broke the plate because he was acting like a fool didn't make me very happy either. If truth be told, all three of them were rather terrible that night! They were so terribly loud, even the dog was upset. He refused to eat. They never stopped until bed time.
So I am off for now with a silent prayer that things remain calm for a while.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Memorial Service
As we were getting to the church, a gold Toyota small pickup came flying through the intersection of our county road and the farm road. I remarked that was DH. Daughter said the same.
We got to the church, and his dad was on his cell. He looked agitated. And come to find out (later). he was - most definitely.
We had arrived 45 minutes before the service. Some were up in the Fellowship Hall. It was COLD - 12 degrees when we woke up. We all had enough coffee so we went into the church. My SIL and BIL were there and we made small talk. As time went on, friends and relatives began to filter in. I was amazed that family that had made the 6 hour trip from Pearland. But they did. We talked to them quite a lot.
The service began. DH was not there. When it came time for remembrances from friends and family, DH's dad stood. He said his son wasn't there because he had gone back to the ranch to get some scarves for the women in attendance. Then he gave his talk which was really touching. He said even though they divorced, they really had a good marriage, and they had been talking a lot over the last four months. I am sure it was about all the legal trouble DH was in, but never the less - they were on good terms.
At the reception, DH did show with his blood red eyes and barely able to stand. He stayed for a while - pretty much avoiding everyone. Floozie was in the same condition. After about 30 minutes they were gone again.
I talked to the dad. He was actually good. He is fed up with DH. Someone asked what was going to happen to the property, and he said he honestly didn't know. He would try to help DH as much as possible.
Frankly, I am still so down on that kid (of 25 - 26 next week) that I really would like to see him fall flat on his ass. I am hoping I will soon be rid of this feeling. I hope I can forgive him. I just know it is going to take me a LONG time.
We got to the church, and his dad was on his cell. He looked agitated. And come to find out (later). he was - most definitely.
We had arrived 45 minutes before the service. Some were up in the Fellowship Hall. It was COLD - 12 degrees when we woke up. We all had enough coffee so we went into the church. My SIL and BIL were there and we made small talk. As time went on, friends and relatives began to filter in. I was amazed that family that had made the 6 hour trip from Pearland. But they did. We talked to them quite a lot.
The service began. DH was not there. When it came time for remembrances from friends and family, DH's dad stood. He said his son wasn't there because he had gone back to the ranch to get some scarves for the women in attendance. Then he gave his talk which was really touching. He said even though they divorced, they really had a good marriage, and they had been talking a lot over the last four months. I am sure it was about all the legal trouble DH was in, but never the less - they were on good terms.
At the reception, DH did show with his blood red eyes and barely able to stand. He stayed for a while - pretty much avoiding everyone. Floozie was in the same condition. After about 30 minutes they were gone again.
I talked to the dad. He was actually good. He is fed up with DH. Someone asked what was going to happen to the property, and he said he honestly didn't know. He would try to help DH as much as possible.
Frankly, I am still so down on that kid (of 25 - 26 next week) that I really would like to see him fall flat on his ass. I am hoping I will soon be rid of this feeling. I hope I can forgive him. I just know it is going to take me a LONG time.
Friday, January 06, 2017
How are we?
I have been asked how we are at this point. The realities have settled in. The acceptance has begun. I still think of TJ often. I am remembering all the good things about her. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Even when she was in the depth of her last psychotic episode, she was still sweet and kind. Her behaviors were obviously bizarre, but her gentleness was still there.
I think of her son. That still is disturbing to me. I haven't shared his actions with BIL, but I honestly believe he will show everyone his true colors soon.
G has been so strong - until he posted her passing on his FB page. When he thought I wasn't aware, I saw he did finally break down. At the beginning, he did say he would/could never forget finding her body. Nor will I but obviously it was far more for him.
Her memorial service is Sunday. We are back in Houston and will head out tomorrow morning. Of course, the weather, as January weather is in Texas is horrid. Many of you will think of is as babies, but we are not accustomed to highs in the 30's and low in the 20's. We will probably have ice on the roads, and my son and his family will probably still leave tonight. That worries me. I just read from a neighbor that it was 18 this morning and will not get above freezing today. But he is a careful person. He will be OK.
I am still worried about the service itself. I hope Druggie's dad has been schooling him on the proper behavior of a child whose mother has passed. I worry about him and the hunters meeting. I just don't know what will happen, I just pray for peace.
We are awaiting the results of the autopsy. Don't know what it will reveal.
thank you. GK
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Sincere thank you to all
Yesterday, I was still reeling from the happenings of the last couple of days. I had to divest myself of the thoughts and pain. My post probably was hard to follow, and perhaps even not making any sense. My pain is still with me. It will be with me for a long time I am afraid.
To give a little background that might make those ramblings a little clearer I will give some history here. My SIL is G's sister. G is the oldest, his brother is a middle child, and the sister was the baby. She was 65 when she passed.
It's time to give some information about her. Her name was Tommie Jean, with TJ as her nickname. She was, of course, the light of her parents' eyes. That is both good and bad. To be honest, being the only girl AND the baby - she was spoiled.
TJ, in her early years - like college years - had a drug problem. Her parents found her once in her apartment pretty close to having overdosed on hydrocodone. This was something that followed her for a number of years. I believe she pretty much got away from the heavy drugs, but she still did marijuana. In fact - the sheriff found her "stash" while investigating her death. The marijuana wasn't in plain sight, but her pipes were.
If TJ wanted a new car - she got a new car. Whatever she wanted, she got. Of course, the brothers got an "equal" amount of cash out of the deal. Parents tried to be fair.
TJ married when she was mid-twenties. What a blow out her reception was! No expense was spared. But the marriage didn't last. Her husband wanted children even though he knew she did not. He found a child and arranged a private adoption. This child is the one who was celebrating TJ's death and his inheritance of her property. He will be referred to for now as DH.
DH has always had problems. He is dyslexic, ADHD, and from what I just found out he also has anger issues - severe ones. I don't believe his drug habits came from the parents, he was simply one of those kids who didn't fit in, so the most accepting group is the other kids who don't fit in either. And those kids have problems. He has been in trouble with the law numerous times. It was just the group he ran with.
After the marriage dissolved, her mother was so worried she would never have a house of her own. I still don't fully understand that dilemma, but that was the overriding thought when their will was drawn up, and the properties divided. TJ was to get the land with the house that is part of the properties here around our SSB property. She was also to get the house the parents were living in. With her getting the house here, that put her right in the middle of all the land. Brother got the "mountain" which is the property G wanted. Brother wanted the house so badly. We got the "new" addition to the property that had absolutely NO improvements.
When TJ lost her job as a Special Ed teacher because she forged a legal Special Ed document, she needed to have a place to live. So she packed up everything and moved to the house up here. From that time on - it has been a huge mess. At one time she had the furniture that was there plus all the furniture from her apartment. Things got worse from there. Her mental illness overtook everything. The last thing she needed was to live up here, miles from civilization, alone. She spiraled down and down.
Last year she had a crisis. She was sure that her house had been invaded by ticks that were brought in with firewood. She said they were crawling on and under her skin. She has a meltdown in a PCP's office, and in fact, the law was called. Brother got her into a mental facility where she got intensive therapy. It was going well until DH checked her out. The road had been rocky since. But DH still didn't come up to check on her. He sent a friend who was just as bad as he is turning out.
We still don't know exactly when she died. We found her on the 30th. We know she went to Austin on the 25th, and we are pretty sure she went into Tiny Town (again - no real names) on the 27th. There was a half of a gallon of milk in the backseat of her truck, and the sheriff did find a receipt from the grocery store dated the 27th.
Now to DH. We have never been close to him. Brother and other SIL had them living with them for a while, so they know them better. DH's father got fed up with DH about 8 years ago and kicked him out of the house. DH came out here to live with TJ. It was a very rocky time. He fount the underbelly of the small town and got into drugs and other bad things. The sheriff knew him well. He would roam around the countryside. A relative (and we are mostly all relatives) at the end of the road
found him peeking in the old house that had been her mother-in-law's. She told him if she ever caught him on her property again, she would shoot him.
One day when we were here, DH and a "friend" just walked over to "say hello." I do not believe nor will I ever believe that was their intention. Recently he and his girlfriend of 5 or so years broke up. Apparently, he had physically attacked her to the extent EMS was called. She has a restraining order out against him. Nice person (who is probably about 24 now).
Would I have ever believed this would be something that happened in my family? Absolutely not. We are what I thought to be a normal upper-middle class family. We have strong religious backgrounds, and pretty much well educated. This is something that I always presumed to be completely out of character.
TJ's problem was always mental illness. Her mother, while never formally diagnosed nor treated was mentally ill, and grandmother was treated with Electro-shock therapy. It is in the family. But a kid going bad, and remaining bad is something else. He cannot hold a job. As the former girlfriend said, he has a violent temper, a total liar, and nothing is ever his fault.
So now he has suddenly a net worth in excess of $500,000 or perhaps even more. Just the land is worth about $400,000, and I believe she still had some of the money she inherited. He doesn't know a thing about how to handle this. We are thinking he will sell the property. And from there It will probably all go into drugs. I told G that I fully expect that we, in our 70's, will outlive DH. Again, thank you for your comments. This is a rough time, and it isn't over. I was so surprised to hear from DH"s dad that there will be a memorial service - next Sunday. So now I had to get ready for that. Facing those people isn't going to be an easy task. But we will get through it.
To give a little background that might make those ramblings a little clearer I will give some history here. My SIL is G's sister. G is the oldest, his brother is a middle child, and the sister was the baby. She was 65 when she passed.
It's time to give some information about her. Her name was Tommie Jean, with TJ as her nickname. She was, of course, the light of her parents' eyes. That is both good and bad. To be honest, being the only girl AND the baby - she was spoiled.
TJ, in her early years - like college years - had a drug problem. Her parents found her once in her apartment pretty close to having overdosed on hydrocodone. This was something that followed her for a number of years. I believe she pretty much got away from the heavy drugs, but she still did marijuana. In fact - the sheriff found her "stash" while investigating her death. The marijuana wasn't in plain sight, but her pipes were.
If TJ wanted a new car - she got a new car. Whatever she wanted, she got. Of course, the brothers got an "equal" amount of cash out of the deal. Parents tried to be fair.
TJ married when she was mid-twenties. What a blow out her reception was! No expense was spared. But the marriage didn't last. Her husband wanted children even though he knew she did not. He found a child and arranged a private adoption. This child is the one who was celebrating TJ's death and his inheritance of her property. He will be referred to for now as DH.
DH has always had problems. He is dyslexic, ADHD, and from what I just found out he also has anger issues - severe ones. I don't believe his drug habits came from the parents, he was simply one of those kids who didn't fit in, so the most accepting group is the other kids who don't fit in either. And those kids have problems. He has been in trouble with the law numerous times. It was just the group he ran with.
After the marriage dissolved, her mother was so worried she would never have a house of her own. I still don't fully understand that dilemma, but that was the overriding thought when their will was drawn up, and the properties divided. TJ was to get the land with the house that is part of the properties here around our SSB property. She was also to get the house the parents were living in. With her getting the house here, that put her right in the middle of all the land. Brother got the "mountain" which is the property G wanted. Brother wanted the house so badly. We got the "new" addition to the property that had absolutely NO improvements.
When TJ lost her job as a Special Ed teacher because she forged a legal Special Ed document, she needed to have a place to live. So she packed up everything and moved to the house up here. From that time on - it has been a huge mess. At one time she had the furniture that was there plus all the furniture from her apartment. Things got worse from there. Her mental illness overtook everything. The last thing she needed was to live up here, miles from civilization, alone. She spiraled down and down.
Last year she had a crisis. She was sure that her house had been invaded by ticks that were brought in with firewood. She said they were crawling on and under her skin. She has a meltdown in a PCP's office, and in fact, the law was called. Brother got her into a mental facility where she got intensive therapy. It was going well until DH checked her out. The road had been rocky since. But DH still didn't come up to check on her. He sent a friend who was just as bad as he is turning out.
We still don't know exactly when she died. We found her on the 30th. We know she went to Austin on the 25th, and we are pretty sure she went into Tiny Town (again - no real names) on the 27th. There was a half of a gallon of milk in the backseat of her truck, and the sheriff did find a receipt from the grocery store dated the 27th.
Now to DH. We have never been close to him. Brother and other SIL had them living with them for a while, so they know them better. DH's father got fed up with DH about 8 years ago and kicked him out of the house. DH came out here to live with TJ. It was a very rocky time. He fount the underbelly of the small town and got into drugs and other bad things. The sheriff knew him well. He would roam around the countryside. A relative (and we are mostly all relatives) at the end of the road
found him peeking in the old house that had been her mother-in-law's. She told him if she ever caught him on her property again, she would shoot him.
One day when we were here, DH and a "friend" just walked over to "say hello." I do not believe nor will I ever believe that was their intention. Recently he and his girlfriend of 5 or so years broke up. Apparently, he had physically attacked her to the extent EMS was called. She has a restraining order out against him. Nice person (who is probably about 24 now).
Would I have ever believed this would be something that happened in my family? Absolutely not. We are what I thought to be a normal upper-middle class family. We have strong religious backgrounds, and pretty much well educated. This is something that I always presumed to be completely out of character.
TJ's problem was always mental illness. Her mother, while never formally diagnosed nor treated was mentally ill, and grandmother was treated with Electro-shock therapy. It is in the family. But a kid going bad, and remaining bad is something else. He cannot hold a job. As the former girlfriend said, he has a violent temper, a total liar, and nothing is ever his fault.
So now he has suddenly a net worth in excess of $500,000 or perhaps even more. Just the land is worth about $400,000, and I believe she still had some of the money she inherited. He doesn't know a thing about how to handle this. We are thinking he will sell the property. And from there It will probably all go into drugs. I told G that I fully expect that we, in our 70's, will outlive DH. Again, thank you for your comments. This is a rough time, and it isn't over. I was so surprised to hear from DH"s dad that there will be a memorial service - next Sunday. So now I had to get ready for that. Facing those people isn't going to be an easy task. But we will get through it.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Good bye and good riddance
2016 cannot end fast enough. Just about 5 hours left, and that's too much.
In addition to all the horrid things that have occurred, yesterday topped them all.
G was getting ready to go out hunting when a stranger appeared at our door. He introduced himself as one of my SIL's hunters. He said he thought something was wrong at her house, so he went in.
He found her on the floor in the hall and she was unresponsive.
She was dead. And it appeared she had been dead for a couple of days. Since she lives alone - out here at the end of the earth, no one knew.
We spent the afternoon/ evening there. We had EMS, the sheriff, the Justice of the Peace, and the mortuary there.
We tried to find her good for nothing drug head son. We located his father who knew where he was. They came up about 10pm. We had left, but G went back just before they got there. And I wanted to tell one of the hunters something, and G didn't answer his phone. So I was there also when they arrived.
We both left again about 11. The hunters had built a fire and were around it. They said the drug head came out of the house waving a piece of paper that was the will and dancing around. Later he yelled this is mine, all mine. He didn't care that his mother had just died.
They ransacked the house and grabbed anything that they could take to be pawned. They were totally drunk - Drug head and his girlfriend each had a gallon of vodka they were carrying around with them, DH looked at one of the hunters and said "this is f***ing over, and you are f***out of here.
Those hunters treated SIL like she was their mother. They did so much for her. The one guy was absolutely traumatized by his discovery. Another had said he was going to take the dog and the two cats. Druggie managed to get the dog away and sped off (drunk and drugged up) into the night with SIL's truck packed to the maximum. The hunter asked about the cats and he replied
"F**k them, leave the door open and let the coyotes get them"
I was reeling from just the discovery, but when I learned of Druggie's behavior this morning, I was physically ill.
This year needs to end. NOW. I just had to vent. I cannot believe anyone would act like this. Guess I was really wrong.
In addition to all the horrid things that have occurred, yesterday topped them all.
G was getting ready to go out hunting when a stranger appeared at our door. He introduced himself as one of my SIL's hunters. He said he thought something was wrong at her house, so he went in.
He found her on the floor in the hall and she was unresponsive.
She was dead. And it appeared she had been dead for a couple of days. Since she lives alone - out here at the end of the earth, no one knew.
We spent the afternoon/ evening there. We had EMS, the sheriff, the Justice of the Peace, and the mortuary there.
We tried to find her good for nothing drug head son. We located his father who knew where he was. They came up about 10pm. We had left, but G went back just before they got there. And I wanted to tell one of the hunters something, and G didn't answer his phone. So I was there also when they arrived.
We both left again about 11. The hunters had built a fire and were around it. They said the drug head came out of the house waving a piece of paper that was the will and dancing around. Later he yelled this is mine, all mine. He didn't care that his mother had just died.
They ransacked the house and grabbed anything that they could take to be pawned. They were totally drunk - Drug head and his girlfriend each had a gallon of vodka they were carrying around with them, DH looked at one of the hunters and said "this is f***ing over, and you are f***out of here.
Those hunters treated SIL like she was their mother. They did so much for her. The one guy was absolutely traumatized by his discovery. Another had said he was going to take the dog and the two cats. Druggie managed to get the dog away and sped off (drunk and drugged up) into the night with SIL's truck packed to the maximum. The hunter asked about the cats and he replied
"F**k them, leave the door open and let the coyotes get them"
I was reeling from just the discovery, but when I learned of Druggie's behavior this morning, I was physically ill.
This year needs to end. NOW. I just had to vent. I cannot believe anyone would act like this. Guess I was really wrong.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
To all, Happy Holidays. To so many that greeting is not correct, but I grew up in a neighborhood that had a large Jewish population. So we celebrated the Christian as well as the Jewish holidays! Now the country is more diverse, and there are other holidays. I saw it well put when someone says they say "Happy Holy-Days." I like that!
Many things have transpired around here. All the running around shopping and the like. One of the greatest was being able to get together with two old/new friends. We met and became close when we all attended our previous church. When you add our girls and their kids, there were 13 of us for a lunch meeting. It was a grand time.
When my labs came back from my physical, all were really good - with one exception. My TSH was out of limits, but the T3 and T4 were good. While not critical, there is something causing that number to be wonky, so I had an ultrasound done on my thyroid. With the holidays, I don't really know when to expect the results, but I am curious about those!
Hope your holidays are wonderful. We, as usual, will be headed off again for the SSB. Am I thrilled - no. But ...
See you next year.
Many things have transpired around here. All the running around shopping and the like. One of the greatest was being able to get together with two old/new friends. We met and became close when we all attended our previous church. When you add our girls and their kids, there were 13 of us for a lunch meeting. It was a grand time.
When my labs came back from my physical, all were really good - with one exception. My TSH was out of limits, but the T3 and T4 were good. While not critical, there is something causing that number to be wonky, so I had an ultrasound done on my thyroid. With the holidays, I don't really know when to expect the results, but I am curious about those!
Hope your holidays are wonderful. We, as usual, will be headed off again for the SSB. Am I thrilled - no. But ...
See you next year.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Blown away
First - let me apologize for the red highlight in yesterday's post. I don't know how it got there, and I surely didn't know how to get rid of it! So you had to read through it. I am so sorry.
Last night was wonderful. Once a band mom - always a band mom, even if you are a grandmom!
I am trying to find a picture of the whole beginning band, but I would bet there are close to 100 kiddos in that band. I showed my son (who was band from 6th to 12th grades) the picture. He was also amazed at the pure number of kids. He went to the same schools by the way.
We got there a little early, and the director was working with the band. They had only had one rehearsal as a full band prior to last night's concert. So he was running through some spots with the band. They sounded so good. Now there were a few blip notes - a trombone and a trumpet that I could pick out, but overall they were absolutely great!
It made me so happy to see that the music (band really - haven't seen the choir) program is doing so well. I urged Reagan to stay with it, and he said he would because he liked it! Great news. I really hope he stays like this.
Other than that, all is about the same. With the arrival of one package, which is really a birthday present for my daughter on the 18th my shopping is done.
G is going to be able to go back to the SSB with our son. He is going to be able to do some hunting again. He hasn't had any venison in a couple of years. To those who don't like hunting, we do not trophy hunt at all. In fact, we call our son the "mercy killer." Almost every deer he has ever killed is one who had a serious injury. We have so many deer on our place, and it is a semi-arid climate which means forage is often (too often) scarce. We have more deer die from malnutrition and/or old age than are ever taken. And all the meat us used. Nothing goes to waste.
So it will be a fun weekend for them, and a QUIET one for me. Yea!
Last night was wonderful. Once a band mom - always a band mom, even if you are a grandmom!
I am trying to find a picture of the whole beginning band, but I would bet there are close to 100 kiddos in that band. I showed my son (who was band from 6th to 12th grades) the picture. He was also amazed at the pure number of kids. He went to the same schools by the way.
We got there a little early, and the director was working with the band. They had only had one rehearsal as a full band prior to last night's concert. So he was running through some spots with the band. They sounded so good. Now there were a few blip notes - a trombone and a trumpet that I could pick out, but overall they were absolutely great!
It made me so happy to see that the music (band really - haven't seen the choir) program is doing so well. I urged Reagan to stay with it, and he said he would because he liked it! Great news. I really hope he stays like this.
Other than that, all is about the same. With the arrival of one package, which is really a birthday present for my daughter on the 18th my shopping is done.
G is going to be able to go back to the SSB with our son. He is going to be able to do some hunting again. He hasn't had any venison in a couple of years. To those who don't like hunting, we do not trophy hunt at all. In fact, we call our son the "mercy killer." Almost every deer he has ever killed is one who had a serious injury. We have so many deer on our place, and it is a semi-arid climate which means forage is often (too often) scarce. We have more deer die from malnutrition and/or old age than are ever taken. And all the meat us used. Nothing goes to waste.
So it will be a fun weekend for them, and a QUIET one for me. Yea!
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Big Night! (Relatively speaking)
My eldest grandson is in sixth grade. This is where they can qualify for band.
So why is this a big deal? Well, apparently my grandmother was quite a piano player. She learned "by ear" and though I never heard her, I will take my dad's word for it. I began piano at six, continuing until I was sixteen. At that point, I switched to the organ. I was the assistant organist, moving into the position of organist two years later. I have been an organist off an on since then.
My dad began his passion for music in his 80's. He took up organ lessons and became pretty good! Especially when he began showing signs of dementia. My son began band in the sixth grade, playing the trumpet. He ended with a partial college scholarship with that. He now has his own band, and plays at the Houston BBQ cook-off and other venues.
Now we have another musician!!!
I bring this up because his band concert tonight. Sunday night at Family Dinner,he asked me if I would be coming. He had such pride in his invitation!! He was just glowing.
I will move heaven and earth to make that concert. I want to support him with everything I have because I know he doesn't get much support on his music. His dad is completely gung-ho sports. He was honestly upset when Reagan went into band. I won't go much more into detail with this. I just think there are a lot of more important things in life that being a jock. I am not sure the boy really likes sports. Even though his father thinks he is the greatest athlete that ever walked the face of the earth - he doesn't like to run! He is his happiest playing video games. And that's why my daughter has him playing water polo. No running, but physical activity is there.
So I will be there cheering him on. Hoping that since he will have had a tooth filled this afternoon - his mouth isn't numb because he plays the euphonium, and those lips are sooooo important!!
So why is this a big deal? Well, apparently my grandmother was quite a piano player. She learned "by ear" and though I never heard her, I will take my dad's word for it. I began piano at six, continuing until I was sixteen. At that point, I switched to the organ. I was the assistant organist, moving into the position of organist two years later. I have been an organist off an on since then.
My dad began his passion for music in his 80's. He took up organ lessons and became pretty good! Especially when he began showing signs of dementia. My son began band in the sixth grade, playing the trumpet. He ended with a partial college scholarship with that. He now has his own band, and plays at the Houston BBQ cook-off and other venues.
Now we have another musician!!!
I bring this up because his band concert tonight. Sunday night at Family Dinner,he asked me if I would be coming. He had such pride in his invitation!! He was just glowing.
I will move heaven and earth to make that concert. I want to support him with everything I have because I know he doesn't get much support on his music. His dad is completely gung-ho sports. He was honestly upset when Reagan went into band. I won't go much more into detail with this. I just think there are a lot of more important things in life that being a jock. I am not sure the boy really likes sports. Even though his father thinks he is the greatest athlete that ever walked the face of the earth - he doesn't like to run! He is his happiest playing video games. And that's why my daughter has him playing water polo. No running, but physical activity is there.
So I will be there cheering him on. Hoping that since he will have had a tooth filled this afternoon - his mouth isn't numb because he plays the euphonium, and those lips are sooooo important!!
Monday, December 12, 2016
TRAFFIC!!
The little local med center where I have most of my doctors can be a mess!! It consists of a fairly small hospital, and two medical buildings. There. Is. Not. Sufficient. Parking!!!
I had to go for my mammogram today. This is a follow-up because seven months ago, the doctor at the office was comparing my mammograms to find a small calcification. That is a huge red flag for a breast cancer survivor. So I had to go back.
Now that visit was supposed to be a six months. When I called Dr. Poison's office, I never got a return. That is a large practice with several offices around the Greater Houston area. So you go to the main switchboard to leave a message for the nurse. You never know if that message got there. And apparently. mine didn't.
It was just before Thanksgiving, and, gee, everyone KNOWS that time is so plentiful around Thanksgiving. I got another letter reminding me about making an appointment after Thanksgiving. Now I don't know why I needed a referral from Dr. Poison - he didn't think the calcification was a big deal in the first place, and it was the radiologist there that did the recall, but I called again - rather incensed about not getting a call back the first time. To cut to the chase - I got the referral sent by fax.
And that brings us to today. At one time, I fought to get the first available appointments of the day. Parking, I thought, was easier. Well, when I had to take some appointments around noon, I found that THAT's the time to schedule. This one today was at 2:30, and I hoped my luck would hold. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. There wasn't a parking place to be had. We were circling the incredibly small parking lots like vultures. I was really incensed by the independent ambulances who were parked in the handicapped spaces. Their patients were not going to be walking to the ambulance. It would move to the curb to pick them up.
Tempers (yes, mine included) were flaring. I called G because I didn't take my appointment book with the phone for the clinic. I was going to tell them there was no way I could get there because I couldn't park! Suddenly a truck was leaving. I told him if the car that appeared from the other direction was going to try to take that space I would hit them! He said he would stay on the line to see if I got shot!
But I got there. Got the mammogram done. All is well - at least for at least six months (but hopefully a year since this one was good!
Now my PCP has the results of my blood work. And I need to see her. Surprise. I can tell you what she is going to say, and I am not going to like it. Not one bit!
I had to go for my mammogram today. This is a follow-up because seven months ago, the doctor at the office was comparing my mammograms to find a small calcification. That is a huge red flag for a breast cancer survivor. So I had to go back.
Now that visit was supposed to be a six months. When I called Dr. Poison's office, I never got a return. That is a large practice with several offices around the Greater Houston area. So you go to the main switchboard to leave a message for the nurse. You never know if that message got there. And apparently. mine didn't.
It was just before Thanksgiving, and, gee, everyone KNOWS that time is so plentiful around Thanksgiving. I got another letter reminding me about making an appointment after Thanksgiving. Now I don't know why I needed a referral from Dr. Poison - he didn't think the calcification was a big deal in the first place, and it was the radiologist there that did the recall, but I called again - rather incensed about not getting a call back the first time. To cut to the chase - I got the referral sent by fax.
And that brings us to today. At one time, I fought to get the first available appointments of the day. Parking, I thought, was easier. Well, when I had to take some appointments around noon, I found that THAT's the time to schedule. This one today was at 2:30, and I hoped my luck would hold. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. There wasn't a parking place to be had. We were circling the incredibly small parking lots like vultures. I was really incensed by the independent ambulances who were parked in the handicapped spaces. Their patients were not going to be walking to the ambulance. It would move to the curb to pick them up.
Tempers (yes, mine included) were flaring. I called G because I didn't take my appointment book with the phone for the clinic. I was going to tell them there was no way I could get there because I couldn't park! Suddenly a truck was leaving. I told him if the car that appeared from the other direction was going to try to take that space I would hit them! He said he would stay on the line to see if I got shot!
But I got there. Got the mammogram done. All is well - at least for at least six months (but hopefully a year since this one was good!
Now my PCP has the results of my blood work. And I need to see her. Surprise. I can tell you what she is going to say, and I am not going to like it. Not one bit!
Monday, December 05, 2016
Orthropedist
I really thought it was too good to be true. When I called last week and got an appointment for today, I really thought that was just too good to be true. And apparently, is was!
When I got there and signed in, I was told she has someone in the 10:10 spot. As she checked - I wasn't on ANY date. This really hit me hard. Today is a bad one for most of us here. It is rainy (with street flooding - not usual) and cold. I was thinking I trekked all that way in this miserable weather...
She then said she would try to work me in, handing me the book into which I was to write my autobiography. These booklets we produce often leave me wondering. As I was diligently entering all of the vital information, she said they could only check out one shoulder - not both. One IS better than nothing. My right shoulder was hurting so much last night, I thought I wold have to sleep in my blouse, bra, and camisole. I couldn't lift my arm above the breast line much less over my head.
I got called back, and to my surprise, none of the nurses proceeded to ask me any of
the million questions I had just given in my booklet! Things moved along quite handily. I was whisked back to -ray where things went along quite well until the seated x-ray. I simply was too stiff to handily get my head out of the picture!
When the doctor came in, he rotated both shoulders. The left having no x-rays to look at seems to be basically "frozen." I got exercises for that. The right has a combination of arthritis (geesh t is hard to get old!) and a small tear in the rotator cuff. I had already made up my mind there would be no surgery on the arm, but he said I wasn't a candidate anyway.
I left the office with a pamphlet and an injection of cortisone in my right shoulder. After the holidays, I think I will see if we can't get the poor old left one treated also.
This is the week of visiting doctors. Tomorrow is the eye injection. Nothing makes your week like having a needle stuck in your eye! Thursday is a "physical" with this new primary. I think I like him, but I am so accustomed to my other doctors, I am a little worried. They are all aware of how crazily my body works. This cortisone injection will have to be noted when the blood work is analyzed. It will raise my blood sugar. My blood sugar is JUST out of normal range, but it as stayed the same for over 10 years. With the spike that will show - I don't know what this new one is going to try to do. I don't want any new meds.
Since my oncologist FINALLY called in the orders for the new mammogram since the regular one showed a small calcification, I probably can work that in this week also. So more poking, prodding, and smashing are in my future. And there is my week! Four out of five days will be in a physician's office!
When I got there and signed in, I was told she has someone in the 10:10 spot. As she checked - I wasn't on ANY date. This really hit me hard. Today is a bad one for most of us here. It is rainy (with street flooding - not usual) and cold. I was thinking I trekked all that way in this miserable weather...
She then said she would try to work me in, handing me the book into which I was to write my autobiography. These booklets we produce often leave me wondering. As I was diligently entering all of the vital information, she said they could only check out one shoulder - not both. One IS better than nothing. My right shoulder was hurting so much last night, I thought I wold have to sleep in my blouse, bra, and camisole. I couldn't lift my arm above the breast line much less over my head.
I got called back, and to my surprise, none of the nurses proceeded to ask me any of
the million questions I had just given in my booklet! Things moved along quite handily. I was whisked back to -ray where things went along quite well until the seated x-ray. I simply was too stiff to handily get my head out of the picture!
When the doctor came in, he rotated both shoulders. The left having no x-rays to look at seems to be basically "frozen." I got exercises for that. The right has a combination of arthritis (geesh t is hard to get old!) and a small tear in the rotator cuff. I had already made up my mind there would be no surgery on the arm, but he said I wasn't a candidate anyway.
I left the office with a pamphlet and an injection of cortisone in my right shoulder. After the holidays, I think I will see if we can't get the poor old left one treated also.
This is the week of visiting doctors. Tomorrow is the eye injection. Nothing makes your week like having a needle stuck in your eye! Thursday is a "physical" with this new primary. I think I like him, but I am so accustomed to my other doctors, I am a little worried. They are all aware of how crazily my body works. This cortisone injection will have to be noted when the blood work is analyzed. It will raise my blood sugar. My blood sugar is JUST out of normal range, but it as stayed the same for over 10 years. With the spike that will show - I don't know what this new one is going to try to do. I don't want any new meds.
Since my oncologist FINALLY called in the orders for the new mammogram since the regular one showed a small calcification, I probably can work that in this week also. So more poking, prodding, and smashing are in my future. And there is my week! Four out of five days will be in a physician's office!
Friday, December 02, 2016
And so on
Today was a nice day. Pedicures, then haircuts. Love it Afterward we went to the grocery store. That used to be a real trial. Walking through the store was so hard on my back. They have the wonderful new service. You go on-line, order what you want, set the time you want to pick it up, then arrive at the store. You call the number telling them the space you are in, how you are paying, and they BRING YOU YOUR GROCERIES!!!! I am so in love with that service! AND it keeps me from impulse buying. My grocery bill is going down, down, down. You get three "free" trips like this, and then it is $4.99. That is such a good price for what I am getting for the bucks!
I know I am aging into pretty much an old grump about a lot of things, but people on social media are worse than I. There is an on-line social site called Next Door. It is pretty much nationwide so you may have heard of it. They are neighborhood specific and meant to be a place where local happenings are posted. In the last two days, I have seen such hatred there. Actually the same goes for Facebook. This is a really sad time. I am making a bigger effort to be more positive now. I don't want to be the old woman who is always mean.
I am awaiting the avalanche of packages as I have ordered all gifts on-line ... again! Am I becoming a recluse? Sure seems like it.
Next week are doctor's appointments again. I got into an ortho doc that I had been to with my knees. He referred me to his partner for surgery. The ortho surgeon is the one who had a heart attack and died shortly after my last knee. I think both shoulders have impingement issues and cause a lot of pain, but after reading more about impingements I don't think there is anything that can be done about it.
I need exercise, but with the deteriorating back problems I can't walk far, and with the impingements, I can't really swim. Swimming is one of the things that causes the problem in the first place. I discovered this summer that swimming really hurts. This is a bummer!!!
And with the Debbie Downer stuff at the end - I wish you a great weekend!
I know I am aging into pretty much an old grump about a lot of things, but people on social media are worse than I. There is an on-line social site called Next Door. It is pretty much nationwide so you may have heard of it. They are neighborhood specific and meant to be a place where local happenings are posted. In the last two days, I have seen such hatred there. Actually the same goes for Facebook. This is a really sad time. I am making a bigger effort to be more positive now. I don't want to be the old woman who is always mean.
I am awaiting the avalanche of packages as I have ordered all gifts on-line ... again! Am I becoming a recluse? Sure seems like it.
Next week are doctor's appointments again. I got into an ortho doc that I had been to with my knees. He referred me to his partner for surgery. The ortho surgeon is the one who had a heart attack and died shortly after my last knee. I think both shoulders have impingement issues and cause a lot of pain, but after reading more about impingements I don't think there is anything that can be done about it.
I need exercise, but with the deteriorating back problems I can't walk far, and with the impingements, I can't really swim. Swimming is one of the things that causes the problem in the first place. I discovered this summer that swimming really hurts. This is a bummer!!!
And with the Debbie Downer stuff at the end - I wish you a great weekend!
Saturday, November 26, 2016
We made it
Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Hope you ate until you popped, and then just vegetated the afternoon away!
We are here at the SSB, and the throng of relatives have all gone home. At one point, we had 12 humans, two dogs, and one cat within out 1700 (about) square foot house. For the most part, the weather cooperated, and (remember - my family hunts because we like venison) there was always one or two out hunting.
The only hiccup was that my daughter and family were trying to leave on Thanksgiving Day as soon as possible. They had a wedding on Friday. That is a strange day for a wedding, but then the bride is a strange one anyway. I was surprised there was such a push to go to this event. The bride has caused all sorts of problems. She is a nutcase who really caused my eldest granddaughter problems.
I will never again, however, have dinner ready at noon on Thanksgiving again. It was totally rushed. I had a ham that was supposed to cook in the slow cooker for 6 hours. With a normal dinner time, no problem. At noon - I had to put it in the night before, and it was completely over cooked and basically ruined. Never. Again.
I was a little worried about the time we were together. There is a BIG political divide in the family, but nothing was said at all. Each newscast did worry me, however!
And so now we are cleaning up the remains of a total of eight days with people here. That is a considerable mess. Our septic is rather small, so I am worried about that. After uncounted numbers of dishwasher runnings, showers, and general use, I am trying to spread out the uses of the washing machine. Today it is the mountain of towels.
So now we are on to the Christmas season.
We are here at the SSB, and the throng of relatives have all gone home. At one point, we had 12 humans, two dogs, and one cat within out 1700 (about) square foot house. For the most part, the weather cooperated, and (remember - my family hunts because we like venison) there was always one or two out hunting.
The only hiccup was that my daughter and family were trying to leave on Thanksgiving Day as soon as possible. They had a wedding on Friday. That is a strange day for a wedding, but then the bride is a strange one anyway. I was surprised there was such a push to go to this event. The bride has caused all sorts of problems. She is a nutcase who really caused my eldest granddaughter problems.
I will never again, however, have dinner ready at noon on Thanksgiving again. It was totally rushed. I had a ham that was supposed to cook in the slow cooker for 6 hours. With a normal dinner time, no problem. At noon - I had to put it in the night before, and it was completely over cooked and basically ruined. Never. Again.
I was a little worried about the time we were together. There is a BIG political divide in the family, but nothing was said at all. Each newscast did worry me, however!
And so now we are cleaning up the remains of a total of eight days with people here. That is a considerable mess. Our septic is rather small, so I am worried about that. After uncounted numbers of dishwasher runnings, showers, and general use, I am trying to spread out the uses of the washing machine. Today it is the mountain of towels.
So now we are on to the Christmas season.
Monday, November 07, 2016
As close as it gets
I strive and will continue to strive to keep politics COMPLETELY out if this venue. This one is as close as it will come because it applies to both of the sides.
I worry about what is going to happen after tomorrow. This crazy campaign has caused so much hatred in this nation. Lies are taken as the absolute truths.
Even our family, as tightly knit as I once thought, has been split by this campaign. There are hurts that I don't believe will ever heal. The chasm is so deep.
We are the laughing stock of the world. I heard today that other nations are looking at this fiasco and laughing. And why shouldn't they?
I am afraid things will never be the same again.
I worry about what is going to happen after tomorrow. This crazy campaign has caused so much hatred in this nation. Lies are taken as the absolute truths.
Even our family, as tightly knit as I once thought, has been split by this campaign. There are hurts that I don't believe will ever heal. The chasm is so deep.
We are the laughing stock of the world. I heard today that other nations are looking at this fiasco and laughing. And why shouldn't they?
I am afraid things will never be the same again.
Sunday, November 06, 2016
This and that
Nothing really spectacular has been happening in these parts recently. I just had nothing to say/post! But that changed on Friday.
Before that - ending DLST. I don't care which way we mess with the time, I am tired afterward. I should be highly refreshed and good to go, but I am dragging. I am so close to completion of Steven King's marathon novel Needful Things, but I cannot keep my eyes open to finish it. It is working like a sleeping pill. But I will bet you that if I tried to read it TO go to sleep, it wouldn't work that way. Melatonin or whatever - when insomnia hits, it hits hard.
Now Friday! My pantry has been updated. I had my contractor get his cabinet guy to make the pull out drawers to go on the shelves. I haven't been able to get to the back of the lowest and next to lowest shelves in way over 10 years.
Getting ready for the installation of the shelves, I pulled everything out. Some of it was just flat disgusting. The only way I could have reached it before was getting on the floor. Nice if I were still 60. There is no way for me to get up from a tile floor these days. I would have to kneel, and my beloved (deceased) orthopedist told me the only way I could get on my knees was with a well-padded surface, and he didn't like that either. He said that padding the patella between outside sources and the titanium knee is never very successful. The patella tends to crack.
So this weekend I have been putting the rescued items back into the pantry. I knew all along I would be minus a couple of inches because of the glides for the drawers. That was a pretty good swap for me. What I didn't realize was that even though glass bottles and all could go right up to the outside, I would still run out of room for what had been in the pantry. And this is even after discarding a lot of stuff that was outdated. (the old out of sight - out of mind thing, only it was out of reach - pretty much out of mind)
My biggest offender in the pantry is duplicate herbs and spices. Who in their right mind needs three bottles of cloves? Well - I guess I needed some cloves three times, and couldn't find them. Who needs three bottles of molasses? Again, I guess I did three times. Those things just pushed themselves into the deep dark recesses of that pantry.
I am still going to have a problem with the herbs and spices. They all nestle down into that drawer with its four-inch sides (thus covering the labels completely) unless I do something. So I have come up with my next (as if I needed a next) project. I am going to make labels to go on the lids of these items. At least I might have a fighting chance.
So - next week, I will be busy making labels! I will let you know how that comes out!
Before that - ending DLST. I don't care which way we mess with the time, I am tired afterward. I should be highly refreshed and good to go, but I am dragging. I am so close to completion of Steven King's marathon novel Needful Things, but I cannot keep my eyes open to finish it. It is working like a sleeping pill. But I will bet you that if I tried to read it TO go to sleep, it wouldn't work that way. Melatonin or whatever - when insomnia hits, it hits hard.
Now Friday! My pantry has been updated. I had my contractor get his cabinet guy to make the pull out drawers to go on the shelves. I haven't been able to get to the back of the lowest and next to lowest shelves in way over 10 years.
Getting ready for the installation of the shelves, I pulled everything out. Some of it was just flat disgusting. The only way I could have reached it before was getting on the floor. Nice if I were still 60. There is no way for me to get up from a tile floor these days. I would have to kneel, and my beloved (deceased) orthopedist told me the only way I could get on my knees was with a well-padded surface, and he didn't like that either. He said that padding the patella between outside sources and the titanium knee is never very successful. The patella tends to crack.
So this weekend I have been putting the rescued items back into the pantry. I knew all along I would be minus a couple of inches because of the glides for the drawers. That was a pretty good swap for me. What I didn't realize was that even though glass bottles and all could go right up to the outside, I would still run out of room for what had been in the pantry. And this is even after discarding a lot of stuff that was outdated. (the old out of sight - out of mind thing, only it was out of reach - pretty much out of mind)
My biggest offender in the pantry is duplicate herbs and spices. Who in their right mind needs three bottles of cloves? Well - I guess I needed some cloves three times, and couldn't find them. Who needs three bottles of molasses? Again, I guess I did three times. Those things just pushed themselves into the deep dark recesses of that pantry.
I am still going to have a problem with the herbs and spices. They all nestle down into that drawer with its four-inch sides (thus covering the labels completely) unless I do something. So I have come up with my next (as if I needed a next) project. I am going to make labels to go on the lids of these items. At least I might have a fighting chance.
So - next week, I will be busy making labels! I will let you know how that comes out!
Monday, October 17, 2016
Glad I am retired
The best thing about being retired is that every day is a holiday or Sunday. That's good because Sundays are my busiest day it seems!
Yesterday began with church. That is the norm again after a time when we didn't go regularly.
After church, G suggested we stop for lunch, which I wasn't really wanting to do. I wanted to pick something up and head for home because I had to get Family Dinner started. And, of course, church was late getting out. I was on a tight schedule. The crockpot time for the pork was 6 hours, and I was barely going to make it!
We got home, and I immediately got the two (!!) pork loins and the seasoning into the crockpot all the while relieved that they both fit into one pot. I do two because two of the grandchildren are teens. Katie, the swimmer/water polo player, eats everything that isn't nailed down. She works it off in the pool. Reagan is a typical teen boy, but he could cut down a little on the groceries because he is not active. I will never say that to anyone else - I could skip some groceries myself!
I had gotten a big amount of fresh green beans at the grocery store, and I put them in the second crockpot (so glad I kept it). The reason for the crockpot cookery is that we were going to a local symphony!
I got the salad together, the rolls out of the freezer and everything set out in case we were late coming back -and the kids could just get the things together for the final dinner.
We went to the symphony. It was delicious! That may be a strange description, but it has been SO long since I have been to a live symphony program. The program featured a well-known violinist. He was so great. His performance gave me chills and moved me to tears ar some points. It was such a wonderful experience.
We left at intermission so we would make it home on time, and wouldn't you know it - all the kids were LATE! Oh, well.
The teens hit the food the minute they walked in. Then slowly everyone else made their plates. I was the last to eat, and there was about 1/4 cup of beans left! I can't believe they were consumed like that. I would have thought they would have fed 20 rather than 10 (really 7 because I had not eaten, William (8) and Delaney (6) also had not eaten). There was plenty of pork and salad, but the beans were gone!
Unfortunately, I had to use my teacher's voice. I try to not use that anymore, but when you use it for 29 years, it is still in the background. The youngest two boys (8 and 5) were getting way to boisterous (apt term!). I asked them to stop throwing a shoe at each other once - in a normal tone. When they kept it up, nearly knocking over the lamp and did a glass, that's when teacher Karen came out. I know William (the 8) doesn't really like me because I am not the sweet NieNie (his other grand) who will let him pretty much get away with anything. Well - I am not that person. When he reaches the limit - which doesn't seem to be within him because the other maternal grands (divorce there) also let him run wild. I am the veteran of three others that I kept as babies. They know there are rules of behavior, and I have warmed the butts of at least two of them.
I really hate to be the one who disciplines. Will I do it again? In. A. Heartbeat, It is like with my own kids - I am not your friend, you have plenty of those. Even as a grandparent, I feel that I am also somewhat responsible for teaching them.
Yesterday began with church. That is the norm again after a time when we didn't go regularly.
After church, G suggested we stop for lunch, which I wasn't really wanting to do. I wanted to pick something up and head for home because I had to get Family Dinner started. And, of course, church was late getting out. I was on a tight schedule. The crockpot time for the pork was 6 hours, and I was barely going to make it!
We got home, and I immediately got the two (!!) pork loins and the seasoning into the crockpot all the while relieved that they both fit into one pot. I do two because two of the grandchildren are teens. Katie, the swimmer/water polo player, eats everything that isn't nailed down. She works it off in the pool. Reagan is a typical teen boy, but he could cut down a little on the groceries because he is not active. I will never say that to anyone else - I could skip some groceries myself!
I had gotten a big amount of fresh green beans at the grocery store, and I put them in the second crockpot (so glad I kept it). The reason for the crockpot cookery is that we were going to a local symphony!
I got the salad together, the rolls out of the freezer and everything set out in case we were late coming back -and the kids could just get the things together for the final dinner.
We went to the symphony. It was delicious! That may be a strange description, but it has been SO long since I have been to a live symphony program. The program featured a well-known violinist. He was so great. His performance gave me chills and moved me to tears ar some points. It was such a wonderful experience.
We left at intermission so we would make it home on time, and wouldn't you know it - all the kids were LATE! Oh, well.
The teens hit the food the minute they walked in. Then slowly everyone else made their plates. I was the last to eat, and there was about 1/4 cup of beans left! I can't believe they were consumed like that. I would have thought they would have fed 20 rather than 10 (really 7 because I had not eaten, William (8) and Delaney (6) also had not eaten). There was plenty of pork and salad, but the beans were gone!
Unfortunately, I had to use my teacher's voice. I try to not use that anymore, but when you use it for 29 years, it is still in the background. The youngest two boys (8 and 5) were getting way to boisterous (apt term!). I asked them to stop throwing a shoe at each other once - in a normal tone. When they kept it up, nearly knocking over the lamp and did a glass, that's when teacher Karen came out. I know William (the 8) doesn't really like me because I am not the sweet NieNie (his other grand) who will let him pretty much get away with anything. Well - I am not that person. When he reaches the limit - which doesn't seem to be within him because the other maternal grands (divorce there) also let him run wild. I am the veteran of three others that I kept as babies. They know there are rules of behavior, and I have warmed the butts of at least two of them.
I really hate to be the one who disciplines. Will I do it again? In. A. Heartbeat, It is like with my own kids - I am not your friend, you have plenty of those. Even as a grandparent, I feel that I am also somewhat responsible for teaching them.
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Hello - not from Hawaii
We are not in Hawaii as was the plan. And a plan I was worried about from its inception. I had a bad feeling about this trip.
We got to the airport on Tuesday, went through security without an incident - which for me is amazing - then all hell broke loose.
We were to fly out of gate 45. That gate was at the end of the airport. I almost made the entire trek without stopping, but I finally had to sit! We were, of course, two hours early. The joys of flying.
We were sitting there reading (and starving since it was 1pm and lunch was to be on the plane), when the announcement was made that we would be boarding out of Gate 18,
One must remember we were at the Houston Intercontinental Airport. It. Is. Huge. So off we went. We got about half way (probably a mile - no kidding!) when my back decided I had abused it enough. I stopped at the handicapped area and said I needed to go the rest of the way on a cart. You see, Gate 18 was at the OPPOSITE end of the airport.
When we got there, it was wall to wall people. That was when I really got a bad feeling. The gate we were supposed to be in was not to Los Angeles but to Orange County. The next one was to Washington.
To cut to the chase - our plane was over an hour late. Normally that would be just a minor irritation. In this case - a disaster. We wouldn't make out connecting flight to Hilo. Apparently, we were not the only ones on the flight to LA because they told us to go to customer service (and that is most definitely an oxymoron),
G trudged off to Customer (dis)Service. We were told we (1) would be put up in a hotel if we missed our connection and fly our the next day, or (2) we could fly to LA, change planes and fly to San Francisco, then change planes and fly to Honolulu, and then change planes and fly to Hilo. We save our pennies and fly first class because we don't fit into the 18 inch seats in coach. Yes, it is horribly expensive, but we simply don't fly often (wonder why). We would not have our first class seats with any of the choices offered.
SO - we cancelled the flight. Getting our checked luggage back took another two hours. Son in law came back and brought us home.
What a nightmare that was. I was a little relieved I have to admit. I don't know what the rest of the trip would have had in store for us. It could have gotten so much better, or this could have just been the beginning. Who knows, but I am in the comfort of my own home, sleeping in my own bed!
We got to the airport on Tuesday, went through security without an incident - which for me is amazing - then all hell broke loose.
We were to fly out of gate 45. That gate was at the end of the airport. I almost made the entire trek without stopping, but I finally had to sit! We were, of course, two hours early. The joys of flying.
We were sitting there reading (and starving since it was 1pm and lunch was to be on the plane), when the announcement was made that we would be boarding out of Gate 18,
One must remember we were at the Houston Intercontinental Airport. It. Is. Huge. So off we went. We got about half way (probably a mile - no kidding!) when my back decided I had abused it enough. I stopped at the handicapped area and said I needed to go the rest of the way on a cart. You see, Gate 18 was at the OPPOSITE end of the airport.
When we got there, it was wall to wall people. That was when I really got a bad feeling. The gate we were supposed to be in was not to Los Angeles but to Orange County. The next one was to Washington.
To cut to the chase - our plane was over an hour late. Normally that would be just a minor irritation. In this case - a disaster. We wouldn't make out connecting flight to Hilo. Apparently, we were not the only ones on the flight to LA because they told us to go to customer service (and that is most definitely an oxymoron),
G trudged off to Customer (dis)Service. We were told we (1) would be put up in a hotel if we missed our connection and fly our the next day, or (2) we could fly to LA, change planes and fly to San Francisco, then change planes and fly to Honolulu, and then change planes and fly to Hilo. We save our pennies and fly first class because we don't fit into the 18 inch seats in coach. Yes, it is horribly expensive, but we simply don't fly often (wonder why). We would not have our first class seats with any of the choices offered.
SO - we cancelled the flight. Getting our checked luggage back took another two hours. Son in law came back and brought us home.
What a nightmare that was. I was a little relieved I have to admit. I don't know what the rest of the trip would have had in store for us. It could have gotten so much better, or this could have just been the beginning. Who knows, but I am in the comfort of my own home, sleeping in my own bed!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Yea!
Got the cortisone injection on Friday! It has helped so much. I am not completely pain-free because there are other problems in my back, but the sciatica is so much better.
Things are about the same around here. I saw the physician who will be my new primary today. I like him - it's just he wants to do a yearly physical. Do. Not. Like. Those. But then I guess I will live through them. I have been going to so many specialists for so long, I forget about a primary care one!
Tomorrow is my eye injection - one of my favorite things to do. Just can't wait for that one.
Then it's off to the SSB - again. I so want to stay home, but that isn't an option. Geesh.
Then on the 4th is the trip to Hawaii. I KNOW I should be excited, and I am a little since I am not in such pain, but once again - I wish we were just staying home.
So that's my life. Isn't it exciting?
Things are about the same around here. I saw the physician who will be my new primary today. I like him - it's just he wants to do a yearly physical. Do. Not. Like. Those. But then I guess I will live through them. I have been going to so many specialists for so long, I forget about a primary care one!
Tomorrow is my eye injection - one of my favorite things to do. Just can't wait for that one.
Then it's off to the SSB - again. I so want to stay home, but that isn't an option. Geesh.
Then on the 4th is the trip to Hawaii. I KNOW I should be excited, and I am a little since I am not in such pain, but once again - I wish we were just staying home.
So that's my life. Isn't it exciting?
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Visit to pain doc
Friday I will have the cortisone injection for my back. The shoulder is going to wait. I will see (a new) orthopedist (since I seem to not be able to keep one - either death or retirement gets them). There will be a major body check with him.
The big (horrible) surprise is that my blood pressure is up again. It has been so good for so long. Yesterday it was so high. And that news kept me awake most of the night.
Monday I see a new (primary) physician. Another to add to my list.
This getting old - and having doctors retire or die - isn't for weaklings!
The big (horrible) surprise is that my blood pressure is up again. It has been so good for so long. Yesterday it was so high. And that news kept me awake most of the night.
Monday I see a new (primary) physician. Another to add to my list.
This getting old - and having doctors retire or die - isn't for weaklings!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Relief soon?
I am really undecided about the Turmeric and its effectiveness for pain relief. Things were going fairly well until last night and today. The relief is not there.
I have always had trouble falling asleep. When the house gets quiet, my brain is on high alert. I simply cannot shut it off. My son is the same way. We really understand each other. The rest of the family has no clue, but we know. When my arthritis really flares as it has been last night and today, sleep just doesn't come. I cannot get comfortable.
I am not sure if the left shoulder might be a rotator cuff tear. That was once the diagnosis, but I certainly didn't trust that guy. He wasn't going to do an arthroscopic surgery. He was going to go "old school" and lay my shoulder open. Hmmmm. No! AND he was just way too eager to start cutting on me. His office called after I said I wanted to think about it (I was just trying to be nice and get out!) and wanted to schedule me. Don't think so. That was nearly 8 years ago - just before William was born.
Last night I was ready to do ANYTHING however. Today in church it just was aching terribly.
Tuesday I go to the pain doctor. I told her before I didn't want the meds, but I think I am changing my mind. I know she can schedule me for the cortisone injections very quickly. Then I know she will prescribe PT. I remember the exercises from PT for my back, but when I tried the one that felt so good the last time it was painful, and the pain remained for a day or so.
So here I sit. Aching, moaning, and complaining to you once again. I never understood the old saying "if I had known I would live this long - and that I would feel this way - I would have taken better care of myself!" How true, how true!
I have always had trouble falling asleep. When the house gets quiet, my brain is on high alert. I simply cannot shut it off. My son is the same way. We really understand each other. The rest of the family has no clue, but we know. When my arthritis really flares as it has been last night and today, sleep just doesn't come. I cannot get comfortable.
I am not sure if the left shoulder might be a rotator cuff tear. That was once the diagnosis, but I certainly didn't trust that guy. He wasn't going to do an arthroscopic surgery. He was going to go "old school" and lay my shoulder open. Hmmmm. No! AND he was just way too eager to start cutting on me. His office called after I said I wanted to think about it (I was just trying to be nice and get out!) and wanted to schedule me. Don't think so. That was nearly 8 years ago - just before William was born.
Last night I was ready to do ANYTHING however. Today in church it just was aching terribly.
Tuesday I go to the pain doctor. I told her before I didn't want the meds, but I think I am changing my mind. I know she can schedule me for the cortisone injections very quickly. Then I know she will prescribe PT. I remember the exercises from PT for my back, but when I tried the one that felt so good the last time it was painful, and the pain remained for a day or so.
So here I sit. Aching, moaning, and complaining to you once again. I never understood the old saying "if I had known I would live this long - and that I would feel this way - I would have taken better care of myself!" How true, how true!
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Better mood, lousy pain
I am sure I am in such a bad mood so often is the continual pain I am in. I am trying something new - especially with all the news reports on NAISD pain relievers. I am trying Turmneric capsules. I only began last night, so I cannot say yea or nay. For a while - and when I went to bed it seemed I had a good deal of relief. Right now (5 pm) that is not the case at all. I tried to sit at the embroidery machine for a while and only lasted 45 minutes. Negotiating the stairs was a really scary thing to do because I was afraid I would fall since it hurt so to move. I will try more capsules in just a bit.
Travel - I still don't really want to do it, but I am not as rabid about it as I was. I especially do not like to fly. It isn't because I am afraid of flying. Not at all. I just hate going through TSA. I am tired of being wanded, patted down and the like because I have titanium knees. Of course, there is the never to be forgotten time at LAX with Katie was 5 (now 15) when I shut down the whole airport. The idiot at the curb didn't give out 6 boarding passes, and the little girl was too busy flirting at the first check-point so when I got to the final concourse with the e-ray machine that was a real security breach.
I don't mind relatively short flights. It is the loong ones that kill me. Sitting with my knees flexed for a long period of time is very painful. So with the airlines wanting to transport us like cattle on a cattle truck I don't have the luxury of stretching out my legs.
All else around here is the same.One day just flows into another and time is racing by.
Have a good one.
Travel - I still don't really want to do it, but I am not as rabid about it as I was. I especially do not like to fly. It isn't because I am afraid of flying. Not at all. I just hate going through TSA. I am tired of being wanded, patted down and the like because I have titanium knees. Of course, there is the never to be forgotten time at LAX with Katie was 5 (now 15) when I shut down the whole airport. The idiot at the curb didn't give out 6 boarding passes, and the little girl was too busy flirting at the first check-point so when I got to the final concourse with the e-ray machine that was a real security breach.
I don't mind relatively short flights. It is the loong ones that kill me. Sitting with my knees flexed for a long period of time is very painful. So with the airlines wanting to transport us like cattle on a cattle truck I don't have the luxury of stretching out my legs.
All else around here is the same.One day just flows into another and time is racing by.
Have a good one.
Friday, September 02, 2016
I am back!
And the computer is better than new!! At least I guess it is. It was pretty bad when I had Mike work on it, and then I had to use the OLD Dell which I am afraid is on its last legs. This one speeds along. He cleaned up some things and talked me into a solid state hard drive. Wow! It now loads so fast and moves so fast. Best money spent ever!
Let's see - what have I done. Well, we went to the Lutheran Gathering in New Orleans, I wasn't so much blown away with this one. And getting around would have been fine - IF I were 30 years younger. The Convention Center there is about three blocks long. I. Don't. (Can't) Do. Three. Blocks. My knees and back simply prohibit that. With the stenosis, degeneration, and sciatica I can simply forget that kind of walking.
The buses would let us off at one end of the place - where registration and the services were. To get to any of the sessions, you had to go the second floor and at the other end of the place. I really hated it.
I love Cajun food, but every night for a week wore thin. G liked the little place across the street from the hotel, so that's where we went. Got my fill of fish for a long, long time. I have never been a big fish eater anyway.
We headed back on the Monday after the Gathering. That's the day after the heavy flooding in Baton Rouge. On the train, they said if we could get past Lafayette we would be good. We did, but the waters were high!
Then a few days later it was off to the SSB.
To make my complaints complete I have to add another. I shouldn't complain about this one, but once again - if I were 30 years younger I would be excited. G has us to go to Hawaii. He simply doesn't understand that with my arthritis and other joint problems I DO NOT enjoy traveling. I really do not want to go.
So I made an appointment with my pain doctor. I know I can't get the PT in before this trip. And before I told her I didn't want the pain meds, but I really believe I am going to change my mind this time. I just hurt too badly. It's terrible to be set to go to such a beautiful place and hate the thought.
Let's see - what have I done. Well, we went to the Lutheran Gathering in New Orleans, I wasn't so much blown away with this one. And getting around would have been fine - IF I were 30 years younger. The Convention Center there is about three blocks long. I. Don't. (Can't) Do. Three. Blocks. My knees and back simply prohibit that. With the stenosis, degeneration, and sciatica I can simply forget that kind of walking.
The buses would let us off at one end of the place - where registration and the services were. To get to any of the sessions, you had to go the second floor and at the other end of the place. I really hated it.
I love Cajun food, but every night for a week wore thin. G liked the little place across the street from the hotel, so that's where we went. Got my fill of fish for a long, long time. I have never been a big fish eater anyway.
We headed back on the Monday after the Gathering. That's the day after the heavy flooding in Baton Rouge. On the train, they said if we could get past Lafayette we would be good. We did, but the waters were high!
Then a few days later it was off to the SSB.
To make my complaints complete I have to add another. I shouldn't complain about this one, but once again - if I were 30 years younger I would be excited. G has us to go to Hawaii. He simply doesn't understand that with my arthritis and other joint problems I DO NOT enjoy traveling. I really do not want to go.
So I made an appointment with my pain doctor. I know I can't get the PT in before this trip. And before I told her I didn't want the pain meds, but I really believe I am going to change my mind this time. I just hurt too badly. It's terrible to be set to go to such a beautiful place and hate the thought.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Really quickly
Having to use wonky back up computer until other one is fixed.
Been gone a lot - SSB and New Orleans
Otherwise - same old stuff with lots of rain coming down.
See ya' next week, I hope!
Been gone a lot - SSB and New Orleans
Otherwise - same old stuff with lots of rain coming down.
See ya' next week, I hope!
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
What a week it was!
My daughter's family is home, and so is their dog. She spent the week with us. She is an 11-12 year old Boxer who had been with them for about 6 years. Our vet rescued her after the puppy mill breeder dumped her alongside the road. She has the canine equivalent of ALS. The nerves in her spine are losing their covering sheaths and eventually she will be paralyzed. But everyone here enjoyed her with the exception of the cat! Things were going fine - until Thursday of last week.
Shadow is fed his wet food at 9pm. That night, he decided he would "slink" back through the entry hall. By this time Princess had become very comfortable here. She had been "protecting" her new home all day. So when she saw this creature slinking through the shadows, she was on the attack. That made Clyde attack too. She moved so quickly - it was amazing. Her partially paralyzed left leg moved just fine! Normally Clyde just lets Shadow bite him on the butt and goes on. That was the end of it all for the cat. He wouldn't venture into the den on his own! He is so happy she went home yesterday.
The pinnacle of the week was my main laptop deciding it wasn't going to load. Fortunately I had backed up almost everything, but still it is a bad, bad thing. I have the wonky Dell that I keep upstairs for loading the embroidery designs onto USB sticks when I want to use them, but it's getting VERY old!
I found it will load in Safe Mode, but that isn't the answer. I called my computer guru. He is busy for the rest of this week and will be out of town next week. Well, so will we so I guess that means when we all get back I will have him look at it.
In trying to recover things from the computer, I discovered that I had NOT been backing up my most recent genealogy work. I was going to use this one to do more this week, but I have apparently lost about a month of work. Even though the backup on the "down" computer said it was the recent work - it wasn't. There was supposed to be a backup on a disc, but guess what - it didn't. At least all the embroidery designs both already files and those recently downloaded that have to be worked are untouched.
Next week we will be in New Orleans. It is the Lutheran Gathering. It brings Lutherans from all over the country for meetings and worship. We went to another many years ago that was in the Lutheran Mecca - Minneapolis. This is quite an event, and since it was so close we are going. Plus we have so many "miles" from Amtrak, we get a free sleeper. We don't need it for sleeping since the trip is only about 9 hours, but it will be so much more comfortable. Plus this means meals are included.
So we are preparing for a week in New Orleans. I just wish I were younger. Our last vacation there was 45 years ago. I don't think this will be a similar trip.
Now I have to see how Princess is adapting to being home after Grandma and Pa spoiled her rotten!
Shadow is fed his wet food at 9pm. That night, he decided he would "slink" back through the entry hall. By this time Princess had become very comfortable here. She had been "protecting" her new home all day. So when she saw this creature slinking through the shadows, she was on the attack. That made Clyde attack too. She moved so quickly - it was amazing. Her partially paralyzed left leg moved just fine! Normally Clyde just lets Shadow bite him on the butt and goes on. That was the end of it all for the cat. He wouldn't venture into the den on his own! He is so happy she went home yesterday.
The pinnacle of the week was my main laptop deciding it wasn't going to load. Fortunately I had backed up almost everything, but still it is a bad, bad thing. I have the wonky Dell that I keep upstairs for loading the embroidery designs onto USB sticks when I want to use them, but it's getting VERY old!
I found it will load in Safe Mode, but that isn't the answer. I called my computer guru. He is busy for the rest of this week and will be out of town next week. Well, so will we so I guess that means when we all get back I will have him look at it.
In trying to recover things from the computer, I discovered that I had NOT been backing up my most recent genealogy work. I was going to use this one to do more this week, but I have apparently lost about a month of work. Even though the backup on the "down" computer said it was the recent work - it wasn't. There was supposed to be a backup on a disc, but guess what - it didn't. At least all the embroidery designs both already files and those recently downloaded that have to be worked are untouched.
Next week we will be in New Orleans. It is the Lutheran Gathering. It brings Lutherans from all over the country for meetings and worship. We went to another many years ago that was in the Lutheran Mecca - Minneapolis. This is quite an event, and since it was so close we are going. Plus we have so many "miles" from Amtrak, we get a free sleeper. We don't need it for sleeping since the trip is only about 9 hours, but it will be so much more comfortable. Plus this means meals are included.
So we are preparing for a week in New Orleans. I just wish I were younger. Our last vacation there was 45 years ago. I don't think this will be a similar trip.
Now I have to see how Princess is adapting to being home after Grandma and Pa spoiled her rotten!
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