Christmas on the receiving end.

It is so enjoyable to be on the giving end during the holidays. We enjoyed making the food baskets and delivering them. Giving gifts to the unsuspecting. Just the kind of little things that surprise and warm the heart.

Today we were on the receiving end of blessings. We had to call the paramedics at 1 this morning. Jack fell and because of his size and knowing if he is injured helping him up might be harmful. I called 911. The first responder was a neighbor. The second was the son of a neighbor that I had had difficulties with because of his dogs which love to kill other creatures.
The paramedics and the others helped Jack up and checked him out and he is fine except a little frightened, very sore, and not sure just how it happened. But he has had a fairly good day.

The other blessings were three families brought food to us so we would have a good Christmas dinner. Well we will be eating for a week but the food was prepared with loving hands and good hearts delivered it. We feel very blessed.

The day was not cold and windy. The sun was out all day and it was pleasant and again we felt very blessed since so much of the nation was not so pleasant.

We didn't have family but we had friends and our girls called and made our day blessed in that way,too.

I hope all of you have something to be thankful for today and feel as blessed as we do...Happy Holidays and Joy for the coming new year.

Whether to recommend or not...that is the question.

Have you ever recommended something to find out later that it didn't turn out well for the person you recommended the idea or thing to? Well, I am always reluctant to recommend anything but recently I recommended the facility where Mom was to a friend. I also recommended that she and her family go visit un announced several times at different times of the day.

I am happy to say that they followed my advice and finally decided to place thier mother in the same facility. They are happy to know that she is receiving better care than they could provide and that is is extremely happy. The lady just had her 106 birthday at the facility with a big party of family and friends, a large beautiful picture and write up in the local paper, and the family not only praised the facility but thanked me for the recommendation. Whee...sure am glad things worked out well.

What they liked was.....the facility didn't have lingering odors, the patients were encouraged and assisted in going to the dining room to eat and be with other patients, the rooms were cleaned and beds made as quickly as the patients left for the dining room. Patients were bathed regularily and dressed daily and encouraged to wear perfume and jewelry and always look their best. Mom's hair was done regularily and neatly brushed and cared for daily. They had volunteers and employees who did nails and aroma therapy with lotions and creams. Laundry in facilities is always a problems but there are fewer than most here and I was allowed to go to the laundry and look for items or ask if they were in the cleaning process. The lady in charge was caring and quick to label clothing and see that it was returned quickly to the patients rooms. The food was actually good. And prepared and served per patients needs. I could not have asked for more attention paid to Mom's food intake and nutrition.

I have to say that these all are good qualities of a facility and often cause families to leave the patients and not return very often or at all. Mom had a lovely roommate that passed and the aides said they had never seen a visitor since the lady had been brought in. Some said the families just brought them and left them because they were state cared for....but in Mom's case she was a full paying patient. But the care for each was the same. The aides talked to the patients and joked with them, sang with them, and became the patients family. I liked this because Mom felt loved and part of the people there, and she enjoyed the people around her. These are the things I looked for and hope if you are looking for a facility.. that you can find the same.

Of course you have to do your part of checking often, visiting often, talking to the administration, nurses, aidies, and letting them know how much you appreciate the care they are giving your family member. Actual signs of that appreciation in the form of candy, cookies, and other goodies was always appreciated.

It is the season for remembering..........

This will be a quiet Christmas for us. We will be alone but that isn't new to us. Our girls are in California and they were here in October.

It will be lonely because Mom isn't with us anymore and I do miss her the way she used to be during the holidays. We always did so many things for others and I want to continue that tradition but not so much this year.

I haven't started cards yet......... I hate to write over and over that we lost Mom this year, and Jack isn't doing as well, we miss our girls, and I don't have enough hours in the day still. But perhaps I can say all of that in a more positive way. It is the season for remembering all the good times and memories that we have made. And hoping to not only make new memories but to dream of good things to come.

May your holiday be joyful, full of fun, and overflowing with friends and family memories. Hug each other...share a memory...and remember the reason for the season.

The sunshine is thin and not too warm but it is there. The breeze brings the wind chill to an uncomfortable level. Thankfully we are not scheduled for snow, and those of you who have snow.... you may keep it!

Food baskets occupied all of last week. I am so tired of boxing canned goods and other nonperishble foods that I could scream. The people who need this food though are so appreciative. We have found only one sour note and much could have caused that situation. We have been called a number of things.........'enablers' so people can spend their food money on less desirable things. Our reply was they probably would have anyway and we are mainly trying to provide food for the children.

The turkey eating day approaches and it has lost so much appeal this year knowing there are so many hungry families. Our dinner is always simple anyway but still there is hot food on the table. And to many it might look like a feast. We have come to know so many more of our neighbors in this project and that is such a blessing.

The local fire department is totally voluntary and there have been many attempts, some very successful to support these men with water, funds, and our appreciation. They recently had a chili lunch on Saturday and raised $2500 for their needs. They have made 76 runs this year and most because of a 'fire bug' that might have already been apprehended.

Because we are an aggricultural region, we have had a number of state agencies working on the investigation and hope this will soon be concluded. It is scary when the trucks go out knowing they might be going to a pasture where many cows are in danger or where precious pasture is being burned off taking the food for those cattle. These farmers are not big farmers and they need all the pasture land they can obtain and maintain for their herds of animals.

May your holiday be filled with joy, may beautiful memories be made, and precious time with friends and relatives be enjoyed. We will be thinking about all of you as we sit in this small prairie town in the southwest corner of Oklahoma. Not even the barbed wire can slow down the wind as it builds and then sweeps down across the land. Showers are forcast and that would be a wonderful thing also. Herkie the youngest of the tom cats that has invaded our household sends his meow along with Lonesome and Goldie. Fuzzy, granny's cat so misses his lady that held him most of the day, but all will have some turkey and a lot of loving on Thursday...Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Leaves...............

The breeze carries them across the lawn and dumps them in all the wrong places. I try to gather as many as possible to mulch and cover the plants that are threatened by the coming cold weather.

However, the leaves are much more interesting to the cats--to chase--roll in--and help me rake. I can't help but laugh at the antics and feel the thrill of the coming fall season........the crispness in the air and the scuttling clouds are harbringers of the season.

We have been looking for people who need or would appreciate food baskets for the coming holidays. We thought we had a town that was pretty well taken care of until we began to ask questions. It was easy to find people then. They are so proud that some won't admit that they need help. Our real problem was we didn't know our town's people very well. A neighbor and I drove around talking about different houses and who lived where and who might need a basket.

I finally took the matter in hand and went to visit a couple and when they opened the door I laughed and said I had come for lunch.....she looked startled and said......a cookie? Yep, that was lunch--coffee and a cookie. I chatted a while and then said I didn't want to embarass them but could they use a food basket? "Oooooh yes!" was the reply. I was so saddened that we had waited until the holidays to determine if our neighbors needed help. It occured to me that it is 2 weeks till Thanksgiving....guess they can eat those stale cookies till then.....I have way too much to eat... and my neighbor has way too little. How ashamed I am.

How well do you know your neighbor?

There was bright sunshine..........

The sunshine wasn't just the weather kind........the day was as good as it gets usually.

We voted and I did so rather rapidly and was glad that I failed to remember how I voted on a rather tight angry contest locally. Glad I don't know how I voted, can't kick myself or brag either! lol

We rushed off to the hospital for lab tests and then were finished for the day. The rest was play time. The neighbor went along and insisted on driving so I let her! We went to lunch at the Atlantic Bread Company. It was a good time, not crowded, and plenty of room for us to move about and Jack to not have his space invaded.

Then we did the Sam's Club deposit of our money! Filled the car with our goodies and started home. Picked up two prescriptions and got home in time to relax awhile. I made a trip to the county seat to buy a few items we could not get this morning and did a little business.

A neighbor brought over some freshly cooked turnips. I don't usually eat turnips but these were delicious. I have such good neighbors. Another neighbor gave me garden fresh summer squash that were just beautiful. Too pretty to eat maybe....maybe put in a still life setting and paint a picture?

Finished Double Cross by Patterson and now have to find another book to read. For my birthday, my daughter sent me exactly what I asked for: all the books she had been reading. In fact she sent 3 boxes of books.

Good night all of you....I am off to read and relax!

HAVE THEY NEVER HEARD OF HANDICAPPED?

We did survive another day of torture!

I hired a neighbor to ride along yesterday when we went back to the clinic and for further tests. She would have gone without pay, but I do not believe in taking advantage of a neighbor's good nature. She works hard for her $ and she is worth every cent she is paid.

The appointment was exactally on time, in fact a couple of minutes early. However, the appointment to clean the wounds, take vitals, ask dozens of questions, then the doctor's viewing and pronouncements, and the treatment tech doing his job actually took an hour and a half. When I saw they were running way over time, I spoke to the tech working on Jack and then the receptionist who called the hospital and informed them we would be late but were on our way! Then the tech said it would take 20 minutes to finish, the receptionist called the hospital and asked if they would be removing the bandages, yes they would, so she stopped the treatment, and then there was the wrapping the open wounds, etc, preparing the medications so I COULD DO THE TREATMENT, and we were finally on our way.

I asked the neighbor to drive and she took us right to the door of outpatient care and Jack and I rushed to reception to get out all the cards, answer all the questions, get a wrist band ( which really shook Jack thinking he was being admitted) then shuttled off to a waiting area. We had time for a restroom break, with neighbor to stand guard at men's restroom, then into another waiting area. We were called in a group, of course Jack is frustrated and could not get chair to work propertly, he went too fast and then too slow, and finally I had to run ahead and tell the "tour leader" that we were having trouble keeping up...... again she is totally into the walking patients...........and totally ignoring Jack's problem of keeping up. Because of Jack's chair's size we had to take two elevators, think neighbor had a chance to remind the tour guide that not all of were walking patients! Another waiting room but a tech came immediately and got us.

The test was absolutely torture for Jack to lay on a hard table with the steel hip, which was already giving him lots of pain, but the techs here were helpful, patient, and into helping the patient be comfortable as possible. I gave Jack medications half-way into tests and he began to relax.

Neighbor picked up the car and I stayed with Jack, then we were off to a quick stop for hamburger and buns for the neighbor's hungry boys, and she drove home. Of course the evening chores were yet to be done, feed the cats, chase off pit bull dog who was chasing cats, owner came with rope finally, do the treatment on Jack's leg (which involved boiling water and cooling it) and prepare something for us to eat. Our last meal had been at 9 in the morning and it was 7 in the evening.

Yes, I did make a statement to one of the techs in the doctor's office about the lack of time permitted for a handicapped to respond to different situations. That even an able bodied person with a good power walk would have difficulty,etc. He said that discussions about the care of handicapped people, facilities available, and other considerations had often been the topic of discussion but not much was changed! At the hospital the complaint was the wound care center was always sending them patients that had wounds just dressed and had to be undressed for the tests and they had no way to cover the wounds.....etc....that the wound center had been asked to send patients first for tests and then to have wounds treated but nothing had changed.

Communicaton seems to barely exist between the wound center and hospital even if they are under the same guidelines and administration.

TODAY WE GO AGAIN.........first to VOTE.........then lab to do blood work..........then to shop if there is any energy left! The neighbor asked to go along because she wanted to shop also without her family along...lol.........are we that good of company?

I haven't slept much but have an extra driver and person if I need help.... so wish us luck!

I am going to spend time with Jack...........

Told our pastor that I would not be in services tomorrow; I have the best of reasons.
I am going to spend special time with my husband.

We had a particularily bad time at a new wound care clinic last Friday. Although a medical field they have no concept of the handicapped patient. We left home a few minutes after 8 am. I knew they would have a stack of history to complete so we did arrive early and started on the paper work. We finished at exactly the time of our appointment. Our drive time averages 50 minutes to an hour. So we have really made an effort to be ready at 9:45am. However we sat and waited until 10:30 till we were taken into a another room to continue to wait. We saw several different people who did numberous things and asked numerous questions. Finally we see the doctor who reasks the same questions.etc.

Diagnosis............prescription......treatment..... appointments..........it is almost 1pm before we are able to leave........of course there is no one in the building but us and two staff members trying to do their job. I wasn't feeling well, and Jack was tired of sitting without opportunity to change his seating. Each time he tried they would ask what are you doing.... where are you going.... you can't leave...etc. All he wanted to do was hold on to something sturdy and resit just to give his body a small change.

Of course we have to get a prescription filled and the pharmacy does a rush on it.. but it was after 2 when we finally got home. Needless to say we were both exhausted. Jack said I was cross and rude to the poor girls who were trying to do thier job.. They did explain they were short on staff and long on patients.......IS THAT OUR PROBLEM?
What really upset me is here we have a hospital care unit and they have no understanding of the problem of a handicapped patient.

They scheduled our appointment on Monday at 1:30.... and would TRY to get us out by 2:30 so we could made the appointment they made for us across the street and in another complex 15 minutes later. Of course would be hard for someone able bodied and doing a power walk....if they can find a parking spot. I can see Jack and flying along the sidewalk and down the halls to a reception area to be reassign to another place. I think I will have to hire a ride along to take Jack to the reception area while I hunt a parking spot... can't use valet because who can say when we will be done and they close the parking area and you have to hunt the place where they take the keys,etc.

Now this isn't all...they suggested we come earlier in the morning and doing lab work that should take some time. Of course...come early... bring a picnic basket, a bed roll and plan to stay. I will be calling on Monday to explain that we will be making another hour drive there and back on Tuesday to do the Lab work because I won't make Jack spend a day sitting in that chair. People who sit a while move around... move to another place... walk around.....not sit there and wait and wait and wait when there are often sores on his bottom from just such situations. Geesh...and this is a hospital!

I might be crabby and rude all over again! smiles

still a caregiver

I am still a caregiver! Now there is one and not two. Caregiving included going daily to the care facility to visit and check on my mom. Since she is gone (it has been 2 weeks now) I have Jack to give all of my attention to.

The girls are all gone home.....the notes are almost all written.....some notices keep coming of donations given in Mom's memory. There are some dishes to return still. The house is almost back to normal. Whatever normal is or was it yet to be determined.

But for the first time in three years I am sick. Have sinus infection or allergies or something and it has really socked me right between the eyes with all the symptoms of sinus. The worst being a headache.

Friends bless them are still coming by........today someone found a picture that THEY thought belonged on the wall above my buffet in the dining room. She bought this at a garage sale and cleaned it and hung it...........how do I tell her this won't work? ha ha Another came by and brought something from the nursing home where Mom was.........a blanket that I looked for so Mom would be warm.....now I guess I have to deal with this.

Grief has stages........not sure which stage I am in.........not had time to grieve, denying grief, maybe delayed grief, but when it comes I am sure I will recognise it. At the moment peace reigns.

A woman can change her mind............

I didn't think I would feel like writing but I have been so overwhelmed with the love and kindness of my neighbors and friends I must say something.

All of this is really new to me and I had difficulty trying to think when making plans but interesting things have happened.....when I could not think of pallbearers, friends suggested someone Mom really thought a lot of.... I am fairly new to the area and didnt know these people.

When I worried about trying to have something in the house because the girls would be here and I didn't want to think about cooking.........it was needless because friends began to bring in food to eat....hot or cold....some that would keep till after the funeral and the days of doing business, things that would really tempt the appetite that had been skittish of late, thoughtful things and delicious desserts.

The pastor came over Sunday to help finalize plans, had a bit of lunch, and was there when we went to the airport to pick up Jack's daughter. She was still there when we returned; I finally figured out the WHY, so none of the family would be alone. Such thoughtfulness still is beyond the words of thank you.

Of course there are the drop in visits and kind words, the hugs, and the sincere actions that show such caring. Then there was the lady that my daughter told that we would love to have her come by the next day because everyone was so tired......she waited till late in the evening when it was convenient for her and knocked on the door...smiles....was she getting even for not being allowed in to see Mom the day she died? Who can say?

Peace reigns right now because I am the only one up... smiles!

Like a butterfly the spirit floated away on the breeze...

This afternoon Mom's spirit drifted away and left us broken hearted but the knowledge that she has crossed to a better place without pain gives us comfort.

Taking care of arrangements is a very new experience for me and I am finding our friends and neighbors are kind and helpful. I doubt that I will be back for awhile...........Peace!

Spirit of the home...........

I have tried to bring a new spirit to this house. I wanted Marigold Country Home to be a house of hospitality. I wanted friends to feel free to drop in for coffee and to sit awhile for a chat.

The neighbor who cleans for us and helps me so much is also a dear friend. I told her while we were cleaning yesterday that I wanted the house to say welcome to my daughter in such a way she would not want to leave. The friend said that already was the situation and we laughed at the absurd idea that my daughter could just "decide" to stay. The friend that said something that touched my heart. She said, "This house feels like home to me, I like to come here because I feel happy and welcome."

Of course the fact that the house smelled like the "Dump Cake" that was in the oven and the coffee pot had just finished brewing didn't take away from the feeling of warmth and welcome. Did we sample the cake? Are you kidding? And at the end of the day had I given all of it away except one piece for Jack? You bet! Maybe Charles who had a sample and a cup of coffee and took away some for his family enjoyed it also. Oh, and the pastor had a container of cake for "laters". AND THIS MEANS I NEED TO FIND SOMETHING TO SMELL UP THE HOUSE AGAIN TODAY AND TOMORROW AS WELL!

Sunshine in my window..............

The rain, clouds, and gloom have vanished and the sun brightens up the day.

I checked in on Mom this morning. They had gotten her up for breakfast since I usually arrive at that time. She is always more alert and responsive at that time of day. Today was discourging because Mom wouldn't even sip a bit of Resource and she didn't respond to my talking to her. It is always so selfish on our part to want the patient to acknowledge our greetings. Mom was rather aggitated and I think she wanted to talk but could not. I stayed and gave her hugs and kisses from Karla and I and talked to her. I have read that even though they do not respond they often KNOW we are there.

A friend went with me yesterday to check on her and the friend was surprised and really pleased to see that Mom looked so comfortable. Her eyes opened when we talked to her but she made no move to respond to us in any other way. She had had a bath and hair was blow dried, she had a couple of warm covers on her (Mom was cold all summer it seemed). The room was clean and there were no odors except a pleasant lite aroma of a disinfectant spray. The neighbor called my daughter and told her that her Granny was being well cared for. The head of nursing told me that were getting her up in the morning because that was when I came and they thought it was wise to get her up at least once in the day ,at least for now, if she was not too uncomfortable.

Tomorrow Mom will be 91 years young. She always seems younger to me. I will take a treat to the staff. Mom won't be celebrating but those who care for her deserve a special thank you for all of their efforts.

The grief process.............

The nursing center where we have Mom have been very good to lead us into the period of saying good-bye. The grief process is painful for most and the staff has been careful to take us one step at a time. Yesterday afternoon they planned to move Mom to the room next to the nurse's area so they could keep a close eye on her.

Mom has been not eating well at all for several months. But she loved Ensure and the Resource at the nursing facility. Yesterday she refused the resource and further nurishment. I have gone up almost every day to feed her breakfast or to check on her later in the day. Some days I have gone several times just because I couldn't stay away. Lately I often found her asleep and knowing that was time when she was not in pain or uncomfortable, would not wake her. Yesterday they had just put her to bed and I stayed with her till she dropped off the sleep. I had handed her a soft stuffed animal and she clutched that and quickly relaxed. That was the first time she had showed any interested in the furry cat.

I called my daughter and together we talked about when she could come and things we needed to do. We both cried and later she called back that her employer said she could come whenever I called and asked. She had been here in February when her granny had surgery and remembered the good talks they had and expressions of love.

In the afternoon I went to the funeral home we had selected and asked a few questions. The owners grew up across the street from my Mom's home and it was easier to talk to someone from this small town who knew Mom. That was a big step because it seemed so final. I am finding that it is difficult to stayed focused on everyday things. I keep drifting off into memories and then the tears start.

Today is a new day and much to do for the living so must put the grieving aside for a little while. Peace.

How do you say good-by

How do you say good-by to a friend. Do you hug? Walk them to the car, or out on the sidewalk?

How do you say good-by to someone you love?

Do you hold them in an embrace? A kiss on the cheek? Do you hold their hand?

I thought I was getting stronger or maybe more stoic. I am not sure.

I know when we used to visit and had to leave Mom and go back to California..........the embrace was sometimes tearful but often warm and dried eyed. Maybe we just were afraid to cry.

Saying good-by isn't easy for anyone, especially when it is final.

In the hands of destiny...........

Almost three years ago we came to this last frontier.  The first thing was to find Jack a doctor.  We asked around and a couple of people mentioned the local clinic.  They said the doctor was kind and thorough.

This year the doctor has been in the local clinic for three years and was named the Rural Physician of Oklahoma 2008.  Wow! 

 We thought this guy who made home visits and was so good with my 90 year old Mom. was special.  He was thoughtful when dealing with Jack, and adamant about me taking time for myself.  We certainly picked a winner.  Of course there will those who can find something to criticize but that is human nature for some.

Sometimes you win, hands down!  Peace!

THE SANDS OF TIME SHIFT AND CHANGE

It had been over a month since I have put anything into this journal.  Things are changing, some good, some not as we would like them.

Mom has been in a nursing facility now for over three months.  Most of the time she seems happy and content.  She has had some bad days that caused me to very grateful to the staff.   Most days she knows who I am and is glad to see me.  I seldom miss a day going to check on her and rubbing her back, giving lots of hugs and kisses, and other endearments.

Here at the house I am dealing with the aspect that Mom won't be coming back here to live and am trying to make small "baby step" changes.  To be more radical would difficult without some guilt feelings. 

Jack is having more health problems and knowing Mom is taken care of so well makes my work here much easier.  He encourages me to go see about Mom each day.  I sometimes hate to leave him because of some difficult he is having but to not go takes away the help he is trying to give.

Many say they understand the choices that I am having to make and I appreciate their concern and sympathy.  When you miss the man who sat next to Mom at each meal and learn he became ill and passed this weekend; her roommate is missing and she too is gone;   you want to hold on to each moment that we share. 

Mom doesn't talk a great deal and it is difficult for her to make her thoughts understandable but the smile is still there.  I think all the people around her helps keep her from loneliness and boredom.

Peace reigns! 

What does it mean to be homeless?

I have laughingly said many times that Jack and I are homeless.  In reality we are.  This is mother's house.  We live here we make improvements and repairs and pay for them ourselves.  But some things are never open for change.

We have in the past had guests that were sent to bed by my mother.  Some she had openly refused to visit with.  And some she did not want us to invite to the house.  This is not our home.........we did not have many options.

She did not like some of the music Jack played.  She definately had likes and dislikes and perferred the music to television.  And although we paid the  utility bill covering the television she complained that it was on all the time.  This was not our home....sometimes it is uncomfortable to go against the grain and often compromise is not an option.

We painted our room and she said it certainly didn't need paint, we were wasting time and money,etc.  This is not our home and her vision capabilities often didn't make her fully aware of the need for paint. 

We needed to move furniture to help Jack have access to the rest of the house.  She did not like the idea but approved after we went ahead and did it anyway.  Sometimes it was hard to be as stubborn as she was! LOL

We liked certain foods.  She did not like to go out and she perferred other foods.   I found I was sometimes cooking several extra meals a day to make everyone comfortable and happy.   Again this was not our home.

The  biggest issue was privacy.  Although there was a door separating our room from the rest of the house, it seemed rude to close that door.   If we were bathing, I had to always go and tell her we were bathing and we needed the door closed for privacy.  Often at night she would come into our room and wake us or sit  awhile.   I would awake to find her bending over me asking me why wasn't I getting up...hee hee (always in the middle of the night) or she would just start talking and wake both of us.  This in truth was not our home.

My daughter and I have talked about her sharing the house with us and we laughed about all the problems that could occur even though we are all family.   And again, how would she feel, it isn't her home either!

Peace!

It has been awhile since the last post.......and again it has Rained!   We were getting well toasted with tripple diget temperatures...the highest 110.   The Great Plains really is warm this summer!

We have lost lots of kitties this summer, guess the heat and the upper resporitory problems have been the major problems.  Lost 4 just this week and expect there will be more before the weekend. 

I am learning to deal with grief I guess.  Mom is doing well and seems to continue to be comfortable and happy.  Doctor has threatened to come to the house and see the wound on Jack's leg that the therapist have been treating for almost a year.   It is healing but the therapist ask for recertification order and a culture prescription so he asked questions and said if he was not satisfied with the answers he would come to the house.    He didn't say anything about Jack coming to his office..... guess he thought it was too hot!  (smiles)

We had plans to go out today but the rain has stopped us and it is an all day forcast.  Jack does not like to take his power chair out in the rain........it isn't like he is splashing down the street in mudholes or puddles but they told him to not go out in the rain......so we don't!

I have a good book, lots of cleaning of closets and dresser drawers, a estate house to clean out, cabinets to clean and dishes to sort for charity, I can think of a million things to do........so will just rest maybe! LOL

Peace!

RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN

RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN.............it had been so long since we had a shower that I walked around in it and did all the things I could think of to stay out in the rain.

The baby kitties and some of the older felines were quite upset because of that wet stuff messing up their hair.......but it only made mine curly!

It isn't much cooler and it is humid.....but who is complaining!  Peace!

Kitties in the park!

Someone asked about the kitties........You would not believe the numbers!  We have had two big fires in the neighborhood and the kitties have relocated to our area.  We still have those who come from blocks around to eat and drink fresh water and lay in the cool grass!

I don't count anymore I just put lots of dry food and fresh water.   The babies get a cold milk coctail hour about 4 in the afternoon! Of course the mothers always join in also.

This is the year of the calicos.   We have several now and have lost several this year.  Some of the kitties have been sick. The vet says it is an upper respiritory infection and they get matted eyes and runny noses and some survive and some do not.  I am always bringing in a little one to wash out their eyes with warm water.... used peroxide for a while but it must have really hurt some so just use warm water.  They hate that bad enough!

This past week all the babies and their mothers disappeared for several days.   The mothers would come in and eat and lay in the shade and appear to look for their babies.   I was sure someone came and picked them up or a preditor have gotten them like the big hawks they sit on the highline wires by our house.

Well Thursday mothers and babies all returned hungry and seemingly all present.  Geesh! I thought I have been rescued from the cats!  Guess they couldn't find shelter, food, and water where they went. 

Jack went out on a yard cruise tonight and he had great fun with the cats.   They are a bit in awe of the motorised chair!   We had two males neutered this spring.   The vet did lasier work and they did wonderful...and these two come in to be fed.  One is a bit shy the other stays in for hours on the cool tile floor or taking over my chair.

We have all sizes, colors, tigers, calicos, beautiful markings, long and short hair, and all have great personalities....JUST NEED HOMES!

Guilt free fun

Jack and I are learning to have fun without the guilt of Mother's care. 

 She is well cared for and seems very happy in the facility where she lives now.   I go almost every day unless Jack needs me more because I am his care facility.

We have been having more "fun" days and trips out of the house.  This is very good for both of us. 

Just this week: We picked out new carpet and scheduled measuring,etc.

Went to three different casinos.  I didn't win but it was great therapy.

We had the car serviced..certainly overdue.

    We are learning.........

 

A quiet night.........

Monday night the power went off again.  No storm or wind problems so we expected it to come on quickly.  Eight hours later it did.

We had not used the generator yet and I didn't know just how to operate it. The neighbor who set it up lives in the country and didn't have the power failure so I didn't want to disturb them since they have early morning obligations as well.

When it finally got so hot that Jack began to have pain we  pulled out the van and  drove around the country side, to a neighboring town with lots of lights, and just around town.  The wind finally seemed to start a breeze so we came back to the house.  But being Oklahoma weather the breeze disappeared so with a wet towel and a big old fashioned  hand held fan we made it till the breeze finally came back with cooling temps.

With only two hours sleep Tuesday was slow starting and slow all day.   Nurse came at noon and the rest of the day was nap time..LOL  Last night was a quiet night thank goodness with more rest...which I am craving a lot of lately.   Friends say this is part of the recovery time, that I was more exhausted that I realized.   Went to see Mom and she was napping so I decided that was the best idea.  

It is so hot and dry here that the flowers are toasted. The water bill was outragious so am cutting back. 

Peace!

It takes a community.........

Fourth of July in a small community takes on various forms.   Cities nearby offer concerts, festivals, and fireworks on a grand scale.  But in a small community where money is scarce it is stay at home, bar-be-que in the backyard, or join with neihghbors to shoot off fireworks.

In this small community the only church offered free food, games, and fireworks.  This was the first time that the church had tried a community picnic on this large scale.   The announcement was put in several papers (mostly the free handout kind). 

 The results were amazing for a first effort to pull a community together for a family fun night.  The word FREE caught the eye of some of course, the fact that it was close at home, and a family event made it important to others.  The results were families with at least three generations  in the groups put their lawn chairs out, ate, drank sodas, and chatted.  The fireworks were donated by a man who owned a stand last year.... he just gave them to the fire department here, and the church bought some as well. 

The last cars were leaving about 11 or so.  Friends sat on our front porch across from the church.  It was a good evening. Lots of games for the kids, lots of talk for the adults, food and drink for everyone, and a great fireworks display.  Of course there were two firemen in attendance with a fire truck and a paramedic as well. 

The general conclusion was "let's do this again next year." 

Mama's picture is in the paper

Mother's picture was among many groups of residents of the nursing facility where she lives.  They had an entertainment for the people and they all enjoyed the afternoon on the patio listening to Blue Grass Music.  Jack found her in the group and I cut out the picture to send to her niece.  I told her this morning she was in the paper and I would send it to Rita, Mom really got excited and laughed.

Peace!

 

GOING TO SEE MAMA

Going to visit my Mom is always an experience.  Sometimes she is glad to see me. The next time she is rather passive and not responsive.

Yesterday made me feel left out.  I never stay long just breeze in, sometimes rub her back, feed her a meal, just give her kisses (our special way), and leave her to rest or do whatever she is caught up in.  I have always felt that in most facilities there is little space for visiting, the resident feels like I did when I was in the hospital--just say hello and leave me alone, or I am in the way of the functioning of the facility. 

When I took the doughnuts yesterday, the girls all came down to say hello and thanks for being appreciated, waved at Mom and went about their business.  Mom didn't have much time for me, she told me she had a pain, her legs still hurt and not to touch them, and then asked if I was leaving! LOL  I noticed when the girls came in, she responded to their waves and smiled. 

The good thing about this is: Mom is so settled in that the nurses and aides that she sees all day long are more familiar to her than seeing my face daily.  She is also so bonded to them that they seem like her family and she has transferred dependency to them.  I need this in case Jack has problems and I need to spend time with him and not see Mom every day.  I should be grateful for the loving care that has made Mom attach herself to these ladies. 

My goal is to make Mom comfortable and content in her new living accommodations.  I am still her daughter but this group is her new family and they are the ones that make her comfortable, feed her, and give her smiles all day.  Emotionally I feel left out and more  like an observer.  Rationally, I am glad of the transfer and the adjustment.   I feel she is safe and better cared for than the job I was doing because of the professional  nurses and availability of a Physician Assistant.   This is what she deserves and what I wanted for her.  I am not sure what I expected with the dementia.  But I don't think I was quite ready for such a good adjustment and her not asking about home and her cat.  I worried about how I would handle that, and now I am hurt that I don't have to handle that!  Are we never satisfied? lol

No one I talked to-----told me this would be this difficult-----and I am sure it is different for everyone.

Rainbows in a cloudless sky

Jack and I have often found rainbows when traveling, once we were in Death Valley and tried to find the end of a beautiful rainbow.  Instead we drove through the beautiful rays and laughed at the absence of a pot of gold.   But perhaps the pot of gold comes in different forms!

Wednesday just before noon Jack and I took our first real drive for pleasure since Mom has been at Ayres.  Jack had not been to Vernon, Texas.  We kept hearing about the storm areas and Vernon was often mentioned so we drove South.  We were through small towns and drove around looking at the old churches and restored store buildings.  We are not as interested in cemeteries since Jack can't get out in the weeds and grass so we look at the historical significance of the brick or stone buildings.  Lots of Golden Dreams in those old buildings or emotional rainbows!

We had lunch in Vernon and returned the same route, locating perhaps the direction our next "drive about" will take.  I noticed it doesn't take much to entertain us anymore.  Just being out together is a real treat.  Just a colorful landscape or a landed rainbow?

Yesterday evening we both had our evening meal, had our feet up, and I was almost dozing.  The doorbell rang and I thought the neighborhood junior helpers must be looking for a job! LOL  But it was a cousin that I am not positive but it has been over 50 years since I had seen him.  He and his family were taking a drive day to look at their birth places, cemeteries, etc.  His sister had been here earlier with her husband and now the younger brother shows up.  Here again was a lovely colorful group, perhaps a family rainbow?    

My cousin made an interesting comment........only in the country does someone invite you in even when they don't know you!  I returned that someone who knocks on your door needs help or probably knows you.....but he thought it unique.  Of course they live in the metro and that makes a difference.  Here in small towns there are neighborhood rainbows or maybe a different type of friendly rainbow?

This morning I made a doughnut run and will take glazed sugary hunks to the nursing home staff.  They deserve all the perks they can get.  A "friend" came by and was full of discord when it comes to nursing facilities.  I told her I was satisfied and felt that I got much more care for MOM with praise than with constant criticism.  She thought I was full of bunk! LOL

Today promises to be hot...........so quiet and peace will be the rule of the day in Marigold country home!

 

 

I did make the right decision

YES,

I made the right decision  when I put mom in the nursing facility. After yesterday at the emergency room for hours and hours, I knew I had done the right thing .  Blood clots in both legs was a painful and dangerous condition and after the trip to the emergency room I felt the nursing home was doing a good job.

Today they called to tell me they had started therapy and she had eaten a good lunch.  And I decided on my own that she had had a hard day on Monday and so had I so we both rested at our respective homes.

I was also informed that my reactions to the nursing home care was normal and correct and not to worry! LOL  At home I felt tired and unable to start any projects or carry out regular activities....... this was also normal.

So SUPER WOMAN is normal and everything is fine!

 

Sirens and wind!  We were ready to take cover but the rains came and that was all!  We again were very fortunate and avoided a tornado, hail, high winds, and all the other things that were forcast!

Mother has encountered some medical problems since she entered the nursing facilities.  These circumstances or situations I would probably not recognised, and if I did would have had to make an appointment, then take mother to the doctor's appointment,etc.  But at the facility they immediately recognised the symptoms, call the doctor and started medication.  AGAIN I am grateful that she is there and getting good care.

With the stormy weather constantly forcast and the possibilities of loss of power, I cannot in good conscience think of bringing Mom back here.  She is safe and well cared for now.  I go almost every day, at different times to just check on things.  She always seems so glad to see me, and I don't stay long because she is usually going to or coming from some activity.

Mom smiled a lot today and looked the best she has in a long time.  I think she likes having so many people around her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Thursday again............

It has been a busy week.  With Jack's daughter here to help we have accomplished a great deal.  Her original plan was to be with Jack while I hunted a place for Mom but that happened before she got here.  Her being here has been a great distraction so I didn't think about Mom and worry about her.

This is her last day and I know I am going to miss her greatly.  Jack has enjoyed her visit and they have spent lots of time together.  She makes him laugh and he needed lots of that.  She has also cooked for us.   She like my daugher likes to show off her skills and she is a good cook.  When either one or both are here I can stay out of the kitchen!

We have had the airconditioner repairman here to fix our room unit.  The exhaust fan broke and we had a new part overnighted and that was fixed Tuesday. 

 The plumber put in a new commode (tall size) in Mom's bathroom bringing it up to handicap standard.  We have been on his waiting list for sometime and he was scheduled to be here last Friday but we had to put him off till we had power and water.

A homeless dog had picked our house to park for a couple of weeks and I had named him----"get out of here dog", or so it would seem.  But the friend who helped with the power from the truck......fell for him and took him home to the farm with him.  Good for both of them!

The big fire across the alley from us has really upset the cat population and that is great.........we have less felines.  Maybe they looked at the mobile home that they dragged in a couple of days ago and decided on a better neighborhood.  Nothing has been cleaned up.....but the trailer is sitting there like a great boil on the neighborhood.

Today promises to be hot........need to feed the felines that are squatting about the yard........actually sitting not doing the other!  And then I will have another cup of coffee.

Peace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a weekend from?

Thursday evening we had a very bad storm.

Several towns nearby had a great deal of damage.

We were again fortunate except the power went off abut 8 p.m.  We were told the next day that we would not have power for several days and later in the day the same about water.  So about noon on Friday I took Mom to a nursing facility because I felt she would be well cared for there and safe.  Not knowing what we would do with the heat, no power, no water, we would probably go to  a motel or some such place away from here.  Friends came in and powered up a unit using a diesel pickup and we had power for Jack's chair and a fan.   We would make it through that night.

At 5 the next morning we were awakened to pounding on our doors and windows to awaken us.  The house just across the alley was fully engulfed in flames and they wanted us awake incase we had to leave.

Our VOLUNTEER fire department put a pumper truck between the fire and us and kept water on all our buildings and house, everything until the fire was out.  They also kept one of the firemen manning that truck at all times.

The fire was not actually out till Sunday night when it flared up for the umteenth time and was thoroughly soaked with water again and again.

I went on Sunday to take Mom some more clothing,etc and tell her about her friends home, and she said she was well cared for and happy!  When I left she waved said goodby and to drive carefully!

Nurses said she had adjusted very well and I was grateful for their care .  This is the facility that her husband had been as well as her sister.  She knew everyone and she was well known also.  So far, so good!

I am getting some rest, Jack's daughter is here helping me to learn again to rest and let someone else help....

The sore ankle that resulted from a slip on water in the bathroom on Sunday is definately better, also!

Peace!

RELIEF IS ON THE WAY...........

Picture this:

fields of golden wheat ready to be cut,

 huge combines and semis  in the fields waiting to begin the day,

the hot sun and wind drying the crop to ready it for cutting,

workers starting the day at 8 in the morning and keeping at it until 11 at night,

 and everyone holding their breath that the clouds will continue to scuttle across the sky and not stop here.

The temperatures are approaching triple digit figures, and it is hot let me assure you!

Goldie and Lonesome went to see vet yesterday. New procedure for neutering is done with laser and they seem to be doing well.

Jack's daughter called yesterday and she is coming to give me time to do some facility research, give her dad some Father's Day time, and in general enjoy this horrible heat! LOL

It will be wonderful to have someone to share the responsibility with for a few days....she is so good with her dad.  I need a time to do things like get a haircut.

Barking dogs woke me at 3 this morning.............cats do not BARK!

Peace reigns but shakily at Marigold Country Home!

 

 

AM I NOT SUPER WOMAN?

NOW HEAR THIS, I AM SUPER WOMAN!

At least I thought so...........but daughter, doctor, neighbors, friends, husband, others, have   decided to set me straight.  They keep telling me I don't have the training to take care of my mother with Alzheimers. 

 The doctor used this term for the first time in our last conversation. 

 She has a new medication that might help somewhat with memory problems.  In the last few weeks Mom has mentally slowed down.  Sometimes I think she has a little difficulty deciding just who I am (sometimes I wonder who I am too!).

A facility with trained staff sounds wonderful for her but it doesn't help my guilt feelings for giving up.

I hope I know when the time is right to do this change.  Some one out there who has made this decision.......Please Help!

TELL ME DOCTOR.......

The doctor called today to tell me he wanted to prescribe an antibiotic for Jack and I asked for something for Mom's memory.

Then I got the same general counseling about finding a place for Mom so she would be well cared for and I would not be burned out and end up needing the care.  He understands the problem with the two to care for and he wants to keep me able to take care of one at least.

He said the thing that impressed him the first time we came to his office (three years ago) was the fact that when he wanted to see Jack's leg I sat in the floor, unwrapped the wound and then wrapped it up again.  I didn't understand why that was so rare, and he said he rarely saw wives caring for smelly, messy wounds, and certainly not sitting on the floor of the doctor's office.  He said we talked to each other differently than many of his patients, and  he hoped when he was married as long as we were that he and his wife were as caring for each other.  Tell me that this doctor isn't a rare jewel!

Anyway I have to begin to think about this caring thing in a different way.  First, I will find a place that will take Mom for a few days so I can get some rest and Jack and I can get away.......also if Jack had to have medical attention in a hospital I would need a place to put mom till we were home again.

If Mom needed the hospital care, Jack's daughter would come stay with him I think, she did when Mom had cancer surgery in February.  It seems I have to always have a back up for any situation.  Guess that is one of the things that makes me nervous at times.  Backups are sometimes not reliable.

This is the doctor who made a house call during his lunch break to tell Mom that she cancer and he would find someone who would fix it......and he did.

Peace of a sort reigns at Marigold Country House and Marigolds are starting to bloom!

There is evening and then the dawn.........

There is morning then evening.............after that the dawn.

Today Jack could not stand this one room of our existence another minute!  We took Mom and went out...........just out!  I was the driver so could decide just what we would do.

We left about 11:30 and drove about 20 minutes to a small town Whistle Stop Cafe.  We ordered lunch and Mom had biscuits and gravy and of course Ensure! lol  We had not been out for  a meal in a long time but it went fairly well.  Even though I took her wheel chair I let Mom walk the distance to the restaurant and back to the car. 

Mom needed the fresh air and the wind in her face.  She also needed the exercise.  I knew she would be tired but a nap would take care of that.  Jack needed the same things but the change of  environment was a biggie for him.

After lunch I said I wanted to drive  around this small town and we drove up and down the streets seeing how it compared to our town. We laughed that every house had at least 3 junk cars and as many dogs.

We then checked out the local cemetery and enjoyed reading the unusual Indian names.  Jack and I have always loved cemeteries since our days of doing genealogy research.

As soon as we got home Mom went in and took her rest.  Jack and I both put our feet up and talked about our outing.  Sometimes the simplest things can turn out well.

Yesterday, I had to call the paramedics to help Mom up.  She had fallen and I was not able to help her get up.  I also wanted her checked out to be sure she was not injured.  This occurred while I had gone to the post office to get the mail...Mom kept saying Jack had helped her so much........actually being there with her was what helped.  You can't imagine Jack helping her up from his power chair.

A couple of teens came by tonight asking for a kitty.  I let them pick out one of the babies with the promise that they would bring it back if it didn't work out.  This one was eating dry kibble with the big kitties today so I am sure it will be fine.   Mommie cat might wonder where this baby wandered off.  It is hard for me to part with them and wonder if they will be well cared for.

Tonight Peace reigns at Marigold Country Home.

 

 

 

FAST SERVICE!

On the 23rd of April,  I  asked Mom's nurse about getting a wheel chair and walker for Mom.

She asked what I though she should have and I relayed information from her therapist.

This nurse did the paper work, called her home office,  asked what company  they used, and asked Mom's doctor again to be sure and said to let her know in two days if I had not heard anything!

Yep, right on schedule,  two days later, I received a call, to confirm what we wanted, doctor's name, said they would get back with us the following week!  The representative said the items were in the warehouse it was just the matter of getting the order from the doctor. The following Wednesday afternoon the company representatives arrived with a top of the line wheelchair and walker with wheels, seat, and cargo compartment! LOL

One week! I still can't believe it because we had been talking with the therapist about this for a number of months, and no one had made a move.

Peace!

WEATHER ALERT

Because I have two people that I am responsible for, I thought it was necessary to be aware of weather conditions since we live in tornado alley so to speak.

Recently I purchased a weather alert radio and it keeps us well informed about storms and severe weather conditions that might occur.

This provides more sleep usually and puts lots of trust in electronics!  So far the wake up siren is quite effective and I listen to the information provided about the weather.    There are three levels of warning: warning, watch, and advisory. 

I slept happily through two really noisy, electrical displays and rain last night without the least worry!  For a native that has watched storms for years, giving someone else the job really works for me!

Peace in Marigold Country Home on the Oklahoma Prairie!

One of the mama kitties had 7 babies......we only saved three.  They have accommodated themselves in a nice blanket furnished box for a couple of weeks. 

 Other cats have not bothered the kittens and mama has been rather content to let me tickle their fat little tummies.

  I went out yesterday to find all three gone! I could not find their new suite so cleaned their habitat, shook, swept, refolded and rearranged their blankets and box to make an interesting play pen.  No kitties! 

 This morning there was one back, at noon another one, and later the last back from their trip out into the world! They were still rather unsteady on their feet so she must have carried them. 

She actually slipped the last one in while I was getting the lawnmower out to do a little trimming.  I turned around and she was there with the little black one.

She guarded them and comforted them while the lawnmower was making beastly noises.  When I put that big mean thing away she abandoned them to their ranging persuits and went to munch much needed nourishment.

Ooohhh the life of an innocent little kitten!

Peace!

Earth Day and I almost missed it!

Earth Day.........no trees to plant but I will plant flowers!  And wear my Earth Day t-shirt!  Wow, how could I have missed that!  Out here on the Oklahoma Prairie we have a lot of earth!

The long long list.............

You have heard of the long long line......the movie, well, I have a long long list and it isn't moving very fast! 

Yesterday was fairly successful! Called prescription insurance and it did not pay on the antibiotic because we have reached the limit of pay out for this year unless we reach the catastrophic level of 4000 or more for prescriptions.  With less than a quarter of the year past and 2500 already used, we may make that level yet! However, we haven't put 2500 out of pocket. That was insurance.

A friend in Tipton brought me back from taking my car, she will also make Ensure purchase when at the base today,

Picked up 300 dollars in supplies at the Home Health Products store in Frederick, as well as groceries and sundries from the Dollar General Store and Market.

The air conditioner installer from the first few months we were here after the move, came as per our call to check out air conditoner he installed and a wall unit in our area that has been here for 7 or 8 years and we don't know when it had been serviced.  We believe in preventive maintenance and starting the long hot summer without knowing the conditions of the cooling equipment seems silly.

Left message for the doctor as  per the emergency room visit.  Calling that a follow up visit! LOL

Called in a prescription for pain medication to be picked up later this week.

Another friend took me to get the car when finished, replacing the key switch in the steering mechanism was the job and he only charge me 20 dollars.  He was pleased that I had already purchased the part and he didn't have to bother with that time and effort.  The part cost more than the labor.

Another friend brought bags of cat food from Snyder when they went to pick up their son from ball practice...........so everything was pretty much covered.  And yes I paid generously for gas on these trips since it is already  $3.42 here.

I  didn't get any flowers transplanted, my helping neighborhood boy is on restrictions for a bad attitiude! I did not get supplies from the hardware store, and I didn't get garage doors washed!  Oh well that can start the list for another day.

Because she slept the clock around for 12 hours, Mom was in a wonderful mood yesterday and was strong and did really well.  Her appetite was good and she laughed a lot and made all of us feel really good.

Our weather site gives an arthritis indext for the day. Yesterday was very high because of the humidity and Jack had a very uncomfortable day.  He looks to me to give answers as to why he feels so badly, some times I just have to give a gut level answer.  My medical degree isn't finished yet! LOL

Our youngest abandoned furry feline has made a habit of letting me know he is hungry and hurry up!  It isn't time to feed the kitties but he is giving the screen door fits, this is to wake me up and hurry me along!  He is in for a surprise, I am not  easily hurried.

We are scheduled for interesting weather today so I will check the safe room for arrangement and supplies just in case and then Peace will reign at Marigold Country Home for at least a brief period of time!

 

 

HEY i TRIED!

Why  when I have a day of rest, I don't get much! LOL

I did do some puttering in the flower beds.  And always the many loads of laundry.  Just keeping this place with a semblance of tidy makes a bit of busy work.

The list of to do is long today: Call about the insurance on the $300+ drug bill on Saturday, have someone pick me up and bring me home when I take car to be fixed, call doctor and report the emergency room visit and what is being done, do the weekly shopping, and hit the hardware store for yellow warning paint, a wire brush, and a caulking gun.

Mother's daily one hour aide might arrive today but time is always variable.  Have a list for my neighborhood boy is he wants to work.  Need to mow a small section of the yard to keep it tidy since the regular yard boy will not mow till the weekend.  Want to wash the garage doors and see if I can get the dullness off.  Need to water the flowers since it will be hot today and of course the general house cleaning and maintenance for the kitties.

Does that sound like enough to keep me busy......Mom went to bed last night at 7........it is after 7 am and she still is in bed... wow was she really tired from the two all nighters she had.

Peaceful at Marigold Country Home right now! Keeping my fingers crossed!

The day in beautiful flowers........

There is nothing like taking a walk around the yard and looking at the flowers coming up and the ones already in bloom.  I am always amazed at the growing and the reoccurring of flowers from last year.  

Marigolds are coming up everywhere almost.  I just pull up the plants and drop them in the flower beds, cover them with mulch of all kinds and hope for the next year.  I have used horse manure, pecan shells, egg shells, coffee grounds, commercial mulch and the leaves from the trees.

A neighbor boy (5th grader) is raking my yard and I am going to use that as mulch this summer since it promises to be hot and water is at a premium out here on the dry Oklahoma Prairie.  Last year was a very wet summer but this ones promises to be less so.   He is interested in science and I want him to try some things to keep the bugs and animals from wandering through the flower beds.  I don't think we can do too much to keep the four legged, furry, felines from ferocious fun among the flowers but I will try some things.  Maybe he will have some ideas, too.  Sounds like a Science Fair Project to me.

Mom had an all nighter again last night.  I can't seem to get her in bed.   So I finally gave up last night. She was exhausted this morning, weak, hardly able to wobble to the table.  She didn't want her biscuits and gravy, one of her favorite foods.  So we will stay home from Church this morning and get some rest.

Jack is doing ok,  getting lots of "cat" naps in, the cats are fed and out in the cool, cloudy, morning playing all over the yard.  Time for me to shut down and take a rest.

Peace from Marigold Country Home.

 

 

 

U will not believe this!

Well, Mom's aide really get here this morning but almost an hour late!  So goes it!

But after lunch we got a call from Jack's primary care doctor about the tissue samples the wound therapist took from Jack's leg.  She said the wound had a suspicious odor and she had sent samples to be checked.  He was concerned about the results and wanted Jack to see a wound surgeon this afternoon or go to the emergency room.  He said he had not been able to find a wound doctor available today so Jack had to go to the emergency room.  Hee hee, we rushed off to the nearest er about 35 miles away.  He said he would call ahead because I was not sure just what to tell them when he is using all the technical names for bacteria,etc.   Well, we got there just after 3 and got home at almost 6.  A kind and gracious friend sat with Mom and that took a great deal of pressure off of me.

Gone 4 hours and what did we discover?  That the doctors (2) looked at the wound and pronounced it doing well, that it did not smell that they could tell, but they would prescribe an antibiotic that would handle the bacteria AND NOT CONFLICT WITH ALL THE OTHER STUFF JACK TAKES! And that is always the catch not conflict.

Well, I wrote a check to the friend for her kindness and assured her that I appreciated her help.  Fed Mom and Jack and myself..... and we have all gone to bed!  Thank goodness!

So many plans..........

I have often gone to plan B, C, or even D but I am not sure which plan I am on now!

Wednesday was the day the cleaning neighbor was to come, the aide for Mom, the nurse and the therapist..................Well we got one out of 4!

Yesterday, we had another one of the 4 show up, along with Jack's wound therapist!

Called the neighbor to see if I had misunderstood when she was coming, and she said sometime maybe over the weekend.  The aide took Wednesday and Thursday off............maybe she will be here today and tomorrow?

Made 6 phone calls yesterday to people who should know about a funeral reception on Saturday but none were home.   But they all have those nasty things on their phones that tells them I called so was awakened twice last night with returned phone calls! 

I am providing a cake for a reception tomorrow......that is if someone picks one up.   Of course that is something I can't do.......but one of the calls back said "they" were picking it up today!  I can only hope none of the wires are crossed!

Weekend Peace from Marigold Country Home!

 

 

 

So many plans..........

I have often gone to plan B, C, or even D but I am not sure which plan I am on now!

Wednesday was the day the cleaning neighbor was to come, the aide for Mom, the nurse and the therapist..................Well we got one out of 4!

Yesterday, we had another one of the 4 show up, along with Jack's wound therapist!

Called the neighbor to see if I had misunderstood when she was coming, and she said sometime maybe over the weekend.  The aide took Wednesday and Thursday off............maybe she will be here today and tomorrow?

Made 6 phone calls yesterday to people who should know about a funeral reception on Saturday but none were home.   But they all have those nasty things on their phones that tells them I called so was awakened twice last night with returned phone calls! 

I am providing a cake for a reception tomorrow......that is if someone picks one up.   Of course that is something I can't do.......but one of the calls back said "they" were picking it up today!  I can only hope none of the wires are crossed!

Weekend Peace from Marigold Country Home!

 

 

 

I love the medicinal chocolate

The new health foods: dark chocolate , pecans, and a glass of red wine are rich in antioxodants!

Six benefits of dark chocolate: lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of diabetes, activates enzymes that eliminate cancer causing careinegens and mutagens, reduces risks of blood clots, keeps cholesterol levels stable or even slightly improves them, enhance cognitive functions in the brain. ALL THIS BY 50 LITTLE DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS.  BITTER CHOCOLATE IS BEST!

Need to know more see the April ARPS Bulletin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things we say.............

By the time I was signing Mom in at the doctor's office I was mentally pooped!  The receptionist asked if I was the new patient and I said, "No, I am her mother."  Well, I guess I gave them the first real laugh of the day!

Today is another busy day.  First will be our neighbor who cleans for us for a couple of hours.  She also is our neighborhood hotline, emotional support, Jack's chat and dust buddy, and as close a friend as we have developed here on the Oklahoma Prairie.

Then  mom's one hour aide who will do things directly related to Mom's comfort. Bathing, grooming, bed making, and that sort of thing.  They also read the obits in the paper, check the weather report, and in general start the day with a smile.

I expect Mom's nurse will check in about noon and give her a once over for the record.  This really is nice to have someone weekly giving her a clean bill of health so to speak.   I was glad yesterday when Mom was not running a temp and her blood pressure was normal after her flare up on the way to the doctor.

Later, Mom's therapist will check in to give her some exercises and help her with her walking.  She told me the other night that she wasn't going to use "that walker" because it was not hers!  I said that she was really correct because it was her husbands but it was the only one she had and he would be happy she was using it.  Wonder if that is why she refuses to use it much.............interesting!

On the subject of flowers:  Pink iris have burst into bloom and yellows are just about ready.  Next year we should have quite a bouquet of colors.  I need to space out some marigolds that are coming up in handfuls.  And the 4 o'clocks are also everywhere.  Some people hate the 4 o'clocks because they seem to take over but they are easily thinned out and always stand the heat and wind well.  I will get some ready to share with a neighbor who wants to get some flowers started.   This is the neighbor who details my car for an unbelieveable price and whose husband will put the repair part on Mom's car.  I know they need the extra $$$ as everyone in this town does, but making a bond with your neighbor inthis small town is so important.

I stopped at a nearby house where the moving signs were going on and said we need all the good people we can get in this town, I was sorry they were moving.  And I got a history lesson on the family that had lived here for a long time, a reason for the move, the new people moving in, and a cat story----all this for free!  Can you tell I work hard on this neighborhood thing!

Well it is almost 4:30am and time for me to try to sleep for awhile.........Peace  from Marigold Country Home.

 

Tuesday two-step

Get this timeline:  Friday I get a call and a reminder that Mom has an appointment with the oncologist this afternoon.  Oh and by the way please bring the film from the radiation lab at the hospital..........Ooooooh ok, I don't have these so how do I get them? 

I put a call through to the lab on Friday, no call back at all.  Called finally yesterday and said Hey, how do I get this?  She said it would be ready today....just drive up, leave car running, run  in and they would be at the desk!

Have you finished laughing yet? 

Well, it didn't go quite that way but wasn't too difficult.  And the reminding call today said that the appointment was actually at 2:30 not 1:45 but I had to be there at I:45 to do all the paper work.

Let me tell you I had a sleepless night trying to balance the day, times, places, and people, to make this field trip work! 

Mom and I left home at 11 am.  We picked up a repair part for her car and a item that the grocery packer left out of my purchases on Monday.   By the time we got to Lawton Mom was feeling ill one moment and upchucked all over herself and the car the next.  I pulled over and did what I could....next stop Walmart Women's department.

I cleaned her up and redressed her on the far side of the parking lot of Walmart.  It was pretty private but she wasn't impressed with my purchases.  I thought they were lovely but they were not what she had picked out to wear! LOL

Thank goodness I had left plenty of time for disasters, caregivers do this without even planning.  We made it to the doctor's clinic which is a treatment and research center also.  And the receptionist was correct we didn't see the doctor till after 2:30 and   there was a lot of paper work!

The doctor was pushing radiation  but said we did have a choice.  We opted out for medication daily.  He gave her almost 2 months of samples and we were on our way at last.  Picked up some lunch/dinner items and made it home just after 4p.m.

Mom made it just to her big comfortable chair and was out like a light.  I fed Jack and myself, fed the furry, feline, funny faces and shut down everything for the night.  Gave Mom some ensure but she wasn't awake enough to drink much but she will make up for that later.

I am sitting here thinking how relaxed I am after all of this is over!   I can really work myself up into a stew without much effort........being responsible for everyone is such an effort... I had to see that Jack had plenty to ward off the hungries, the thirsties, and the yummies while we were gone.  He had a nurse visit while we were gone and that helped break up the 5 hour time slot!

NOW I GET TO DO THIS ALL OVER AGAIN IN AUGUST when Jack sees the heart doctor and Mom sees the oncologist! 

Peace, blissful peace at Marigold Country Home on the Oklahoma Prairie!

Spring blooms............

I have the most beautiful white iris bursting out yesterday.  The plants are loaded with stems and covered with buds ready to open.....How glorious!

However, the little feline terrorist have played havoc with some of the plants and budding stems.  As these plants are under my computer window, they stay close by and play in the sunshine.  I can forfeit a few for watching cuties attack, roll, and chase each other as they play.

Lots of rain is forcast today along with thunder storms and spring sky displays.  Have a new weather warning radio to listen to.......it  really is quite efficient and helpful when tracking our storms.  Out here on the Oklahoma Prairie we need all the help we can get.  This is also the last frontier so I am cooking ahead thinking(ahead too) about the electricity going off..LOL

Take care and raindrops from Marigold Country Home.

What an exciting morning.......apart from all the usual things I made a quick run to a vet.

We have some new feline babies and I kept noticing something strange that I had not seen before.  Three of the kittens were attached together.  One had already expired but the other two seemed to be alive.  I just could not stand to watch this so I told Momma kitty I would bring them back.........I didn't know but had to try something.  After several attempts I was able to remove the three from the others (three I thought) wrapped them in a towel and went looking for a vet.  After several stops and lots of questions I found someone who knew where. 

When I went in the wife of the vet looked  at  my face and said what is wrong?  I told her I had three kittens attached and she shook her head...no.  But she said she would take them to her husband.  She brought me back two and the vet was behind her saying they were really cold to get them warm as quickly as possible.  

The heater on my van is really great but I almost melted! LOL  The microwave warmed a towel, and the heater quickly gave them some warmth and I took them back to Mommie who fed them and tucked them in with the others......I went back and counted and still had 6.......had missed one I guess.  I don't think but one will make it but we tried.

The vet's bill?  Just a smile and keep them warm and fed.  Bless him!