A Short Stay

I was very surprised yesterday morning when the surgeon came in and checked Hubby's shoulder. He said he was very pleased with his progress following the surgery and that he could go home later that day. I really wasn't expecting that at all; the last 2 times he had to stay 3 nights each time. The doc did say that he would be more comfortable at home and able to get more rest. Plus, there was nothing more that they could do for him than we could at home. Since we have arrived home, he has slept most of the time which is best I'm sure. I understand that more healing takes place while one is sleeping; therefore, I say sleep, sleep, sleep. As for me, I have had very little. I was up preparing a big lunch beginning at 7:45 AM! Anyone who knows me realizes that I do not like the kitchen and despise cooking (Hubby is the cook in this family and is very, very good with most things; he doesn't do desserts though, which we don't need anyway). I fried chicken (which the granddaughter said was cold), prepared lima beans, corn, green beans, black-eyed peas, and rice and gravy; oh yes, and dinner rolls (not homemade however). Our dessert was ice cream only. I feel good that we had anything today considering that we just came in yesterday and had lots to do to get settled in for the hours of healing. We had a bunch for lunch so I fixed more than usual (our son and daughter and her family were here but they all helped when it was clean-up time. Our older daughter says she and her family will be here next weekend; I'm not sure that I can handle that 2 weekends in a row so I think I just may visit KFC...heehee...no, it will be roast beef next Sunday since I can put it on and not worry about it).

Hanging around the Hospital

I'm sitting in Hubby's hospital room now while he dozes on and off. According to his surgeon, his surgery went very well this morning although it took an hour longer than a normal surgery would have taken. My daughter and 2 sisters came over and sat with me while we waited for the surgery to be over. It's always nice to have family and friends nearby when times are traumatic. I walked outside to use my cell phone and I looked up and there was my niece walking toward me. Now, we are about 50 miles from our home where she lives, so it was a surprise to see her. She was unaware that we were even here; she was on her job of placing nurses in nursing positions and had come to visit the staff at this hospital. That was a nice surprise.

The staff here is very nice and helpful; they are constantly in and out of the room trying to assure that all is well, that we are both comfortable and have no needs. I have a recliner, sheets, pillows, and blanket so I will soon be ready to sack out if Hubby will. I think he is faring much better than he did the last 2 surgeries but the medication they gave him won't completely wear off until around midnight. I'm not sure what will happen then, if we will be able to rest any after that.

The surgeon should be in sometime in the morning and I will blog again after that. I cannot call out on my cell phone because I can't seem to maintain a signal. My sister had a strong signal so I don't know what's going on with my phone. I'm replacing it next week though, a few days too late perhaps.

Air Card

I spent almost 4 hours at the local electronics shop yesterday trying to get my new air card added to my computer. I thought I would be smart and let the employees there take care of it and that it would only take a few minutes. I arrived there at 4:00 PM and at 6:45 they were still fiddling with the card. The guy even called the help line and talked with them for a long time; the result: nothing. I was getting disgusted and wanted to leave for church but knew better than to leave my computer, etc. there until today, so I ended up missing church. The store closed at 7:30, told me they were sorry, and for me to bring it back this morning and they would read up on it last night and be successful today. As I said, I was not very happy so when I got home, I called my very intelligent daughter and told her of my unhappiness. She said that she would come over for a few moments only and take a look at it. Actually, a few moments was all she needed; in less than 30 minutes, she had undone what they had done, began at the beginning, and installed the card! Now, I am free to sit anywhere in the house, on the porch, at the hospital, in the RV, anywhere that my phone works and I can enjoy the internet! I just can't keep up with all the new inventions, but thank goodness I have such a very smart daughter who can "fix" anything. We used to say that of Hubby; however, that's changed where technology is concerned. Now, I say, ask k, she can fix it! Thanks, Daughter!! I must admit that I was a bit sharp with the staff of the shop this morning when I went up to tell them that my daughter installed in 20 minutes what they, the experts, couldn't do in almost 4 hours. Of course, they made some lame excuses, such as it just takes awhile to get the card going. I don't think so! Smart daughter undid everything they had done and started all over. Bingo, it worked! My advice to the guy who didn't tell the truth, saying he followed the instructions to the letter, admit your mistakes; the fact is, the instructions were in the box in my laptop bag. He did even look at it. The other guy who tried so diligently did use the instructions but the other fellow had already made a mess.

Now, I've vented, my air card is working with my computer, I'm in the kitchen blogging, and I'm happy even though it sounds like I'm not. I really am and I hope you are.

Today is my sister's birthday and she has been celebrating for 2 days now. In fact, I can't even get in touch with her to get her present to her. I'll try again later today. She is a very busy lady, so much like my late mom; she loves to laugh and is the greatest cook around. Happy Birthday, V!

Making a List

I really get tired of spending time in a doctor's office, especially when I feel okay. Yesterday, Hubby had his day of pre-op tests, etc. done. That took the better part of the day. I know that it had to be done but it's still an event that wears out the sick person as well as the not-sick person. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to wait for him; it just seems that things often take much longer than anticipated. The drive over took 1 1/2 hours due to traffic and another hour back, plus the 3 hours there. Then, today, I had an appointment to get my blood checked following my CT Scan contrast last week. I couldn't start taking some of my medicine again until I had that done. While there, the doc wanted to see me again because I had a UTI before. Forgive me for my complaints; actually, these are not complaints, just facts. I'm not worried or anything, just keeping my readers informed of what's going on. Hubby is now ready for his surgery on Friday; I say he's ready, yet he would love to get more things done around here first. Right now, he's mowing the yard even though it's wet. I'm glad that he's staying busy though, keeping his mind off of what's coming. He will be in a sling again for a few weeks before beginning PT all over again. I know he's getting a bit disgusted with the entire thing but knows he really needs to have his shoulder done again, for the third time. If he can ever get this one straight, he will have the other shoulder done as well.

I've been making a list and getting a few things ready to carry to the hospital with me: I have a small DVD player that I'm gathering a few movies to watch while I wait; I'm also taking my ipod to shut out so much of the loud talking in that noisy waiting room; I'm keeping a sweater nearby because that's the coldest waiting room I've ever been in! And, I may take a snack or two although there are vending machines close by; I may take my small laptop if I get my internet card in time. We were told that a cot has been placed in Hubby's room for me since it's a private room and they suggest that I stay rather than drive back and forth.

Pray that all will go well. I may be off the air for a few days unless I am able to get internet.

Remember

Today is the day to think about our servicemen and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Not everyone will sacrifice such great a price; would we? Or would we run from the storms of trouble? I don't think I could sacrifice so much as these men and women have done. The European countries are full of grave sites marking so many of our American heroes; I wonder if we give them much though. Someone has done a lot of work to keep the grounds so immaculate, the crosses marking the graves whitewashed, the grounds so reverently respected. Perhaps we all need to visit such a place to feel the real impact of their service to mankind. Arlington is such a wonderful example of this; however, we cannot make that trip, every state has at least one memorial park dedicated to its fallen heroes. And, there will be parades and ceremonies in many place today. If nothing more, during the cookouts and celebrations, take a moment to stop and reflect upon these heroes and what our lives could be like with them. Lower your flags to half-mast and know the reason why. Thank God for these heroes. And, thank a service man or woman whenever you see one. Remember the gesture with the hand that will silently say, "Thank you for protecting my freedoms."

An Unexpected Experience

Wednesday, I got up feeling great, drove the 40 miles to enjoy lunch and social time with my friend from work who lives in another city, and returned home later that evening still feeling great. About midnight, I awoke having terrible pains in my left side. There was no more sleeping for me! No position was satisfactory. I tried my back, my side, a fetal position; yet, nothing worked. I sat up the rest of the night and watched the sunrise. When I called the doc, I was told to come on in and he would work me in. After an hour or less there, I was examined and sent to the hospital for further tests, a CT Scan with contrast and blood tests. After a wait of more than 2 hours, I was given the CT Scan. Just as everyone expected, I had a case of diverticulitis; fortunately, it was not so bad that I was hospitalized as was my brother-in-law recently. I was given antibiotics and pain medication which took 24 hours before being effective. If you have ever had this problem, you know that it is most uncomfortable and can be very dangerous too, especially if they should rupture. I feel much better now and plan to be more careful of my food choices. The doc says that everyone over age 50 has some diverticuli (SP), so we all need to be careful.

I'm busy now looking through a lot of information in my planning for our church trip which will be coming up soon. I have a tentative itinerary which I will present Sunday and soon thereafter, I will begin my final preparations. We really enjoy all our trips so I wouldn't expect this one to be any different.

Cleaning Time

Hubby is trying to do everything that needs doing before he has his surgery. Today, it was cleaning the garage that's attached to the house. I had to clean out some of my things and he had a lot of stuff to get out. I think there were 2 trips made to the dump and some things were moved to the bigger garage. Why did we need to do this now, you may wonder. It has needed doing for a very long time. Now, Hubby has agreed to allow someone else to paint the trim on the outside of the house and inside the garage. So, we really didn't have a choice in when to get it done; however, it seems that it may be another 3 weeks before Randy is available to paint. He is evidently not in trouble with his business as some are and I'm glad for him.

I need to stop here and acknowledge a special grandson. TW is now serving in the navy for which we are very proud. He recently had a birthday and I want to say "Happy Birthday, T_! I hope you had a very nice one and that the Navy was good to you on that day. May you have many, many more. I understand he is very proud of his new niece, my little great-granddaughter.

'09 Relay for Life

I hope I didn't lose my mind over the weekend. I broke down and purchased a new car, not just any car, mind you, but a very sporty red car! My daughter-in-law wonders if I'm in my second childhood or middle aged crisis. I told her that I wasn't old enough for the latter and I had never gotten out of my first childhood so I couldn't be in my second childhood, not yet! I hope I made a good decision: I felt the need to trade my other car and I may have made a mistake in my choice of cars but so far, I like it. I realize that every time I trade, I wonder if I made the right decision, chose the right car, spent too much money, etc.etc. The answer on the last part is always yes.

Our community held its Relay for Life this weekend. We worked very hard to make it successful, with many from our church helping out with the selling of items. I thought we did very well for such a small group. We endured a brief shower in the late afternoon and it did make things a bit soggy; however, the sun returned and things started to dry out. All in all, we had another successful year.

New Great-Granddaughter

I know it's late but today has been one filled with anxiety for sure. My granddaughter had her baby last night and we thought all was well until we received a morning call that she was having difficulty breathing. She is now in ICU and on oxygen; she also has IV's and is getting antibiotics due to fluid in her lungs. After spending most of last night and tonight in ICU, they say if she does well tonight, they will move her out of ICU tomorrow. We will be praying that all is well with my new little great-granddaughter. I do request that you, too, remember this sweet little baby girl in your prayers tonight. We know that she is improving; we just want that to continue and that all will be well with her very soon.

In a Quandary!

I had to go to my cardiologist this morning for a follow-up visit, no problems though. When I got there, I learned that my cardiologist would no longer be there and that physicians from another office in another city would now be going to our local office. I guess that's all right; however, I had just "broken" this cardiologist in! He had been there for probably 18 months; now I have another one! This one may be as knowledgeable but I have to readjust my thinking I guess. First of all, he wants to take me off one of my medicines, Plavix. My first cardiologist took me off of this after 9 months saying it was no longer necessary. My next doctore, the one who just left, put me back on it and said that I absolutely needed to take that one, maybe for the rest of my life. This doctor says I don't need it at all. Now, what do I do? I'm concerned. So many differences of opinion out there that I, the patient am in a quandary.

Singing in the Rain

Yesterday, it wasn't raining but when I looked out, my grands had my little umbrella and were swinging it along. They were singing and have lots of fun in our yard (they love to play here so much). Well, today it IS raining and I don't know where my umbrella is, perhaps it went home with them or it could be under the house. Hubby and their dad would under the house looking at the air-conditioning units, one of which is leaking. That may be the reason for the umbrella. Anyway, they had a ball. Perhaps they can remember where they left it; in the meantime, I will be singing in the rain (our Baptist Women will be singing at one of the local retirement homes tonight so I may seriously be singing in the rain from the car to the building. heehee) They are so cute!

If You Are a Mother...

Hubby took me out tonight for a delicious steak for Mother's Day. At the restaurant, the waiter said to me when we were leaving, "If you are a mother, happy Mother's Day". I guess that's about as good as one can do if you are a stranger. None of my children could be here tonight for various reasons; some are mothers, too, and I suppose they were treated by their children). The youngest daughter and family will be here tomorrow for awhile so that's good. The youngest son has something important to take care of and I told him to wait until next weekend when things will be settled down; no problems, just personal obligations. I know my older daughter is awaiting her grandchild and is afraid to venture too far from home. I'm anxious to hear that all is well with my grandchild and my soon-to-be-arriving great-grandchild. I was so delighted to learn that my grandson's new daughter had arrived safe and sound and pray that all is continuing to go well for them. They are so far away I don't know when I will see that little grand.

So, if you are a mother and reading this blog, Happy Mother's Day! May you have many, many more. And, may your children rise up and call you blessed!

Mother's Day Already

I have worked on a special program for our youth to do Sunday to remember our deceased mothers and to honor our mothers and other special ladies who have influenced our lives. This is a job that I have had for many years and am now ready to hand it over to some younger members. In fact, after a few years, I run out of ideas which may be different and some fresh ideas would be nice. We are lighting candles (over 125 in memory and in honor); this makes a beautiful setting for our Mother's Day service. I'm looking forward to it being over so that I can concentrate on other things. For example, I also have to teach Sunday School that day and I have much left to do in my preparations. The lessons are not easy and we have many class members who could do a much better job than I teaching. It's never an easy task to teach other adults when you feel they are more qualified than you. I will do my best, which means I must get busy and spend several more hours in preparation. We also have a ladies meeting Monday night and I have to get those minutes ready to share with the group. Before our meeting at a local restaurant, we will be going to a local retirement home to sing, along with our Baptist Men. I look forward to that visit. We need to do everything we can to make life happy for these shut-ins. Many of them are women so I think the timing is most appropriate.

I'm also working with a tour company planning a trip for our church members later this summer. That, too, takes a lot of time and effort. I have put that on the back burner for awhile because the staff member with whom I work has been gone. Now that he is back I must tackle that quickly, and strive to get the best prices possible out of that.

May 5: A Special Day

It's not MayDay but it's still a special day for our family. We just got word that our first great-grandchild was born today: a healthy little girl with a beautiful name! I know the parents and the grandparents are elated! (I wonder who she will favor!)

Soon, we will be having another great-granddaughter and then in a couple more months, a new grandchild will be added to our family! Wow! Are we growing or what!!

A Cheerleading Section

Everyone needs a cheerleading section at one time or another. Whenever we work to accomplish something, it helps so much to have friends or family cheering you on. I have been pretty busy today writing a program for Mother's Day celebration at our church. After doing this for many years, I usually wonder if what I am doing is worthwhile or am I just spinning my wheels? All I need do is call my dear friend, who is like a sister to me, tell her what I'm planning and she knows just the right things to say. I am so blessed to have such a friend, a Christian friend at that. I wish all of you, if you don't have one already, that you will find one. Not only that, we all need to be a cheerleader for others who need us.

Sharing Time With Sisters

The rains that really didn't show up Saturday here are supposed to be here today, at least there is a 60% chance of rain (I didn't mow Saturday because every once in a while we would get a sprinkle so my mowing learning day will have to wait). My 2 sisters and I will be heading out to enjoy another half day of shopping and enjoying lunch together somewhere. When one has a family as large as ours, it seems that every week or two someone is having a birthday that needs to be remembered. This time, it's my younger sister who has to buy a gift for a 3-year-old. There are so many of us that, after the grandchildren pass 21, we only send cards, no gifts. Of course, at Christmas, we remember them all but with the economy as it is, times are getting tougher. In fact, Hubby informed me that I "could" lose my annuity if the company goes into bankruptcy. This is a scary feeling, one that I hope that I don't have to face. Many are losing their jobs, being laid off, and/or getting pay cuts. Some of my immediate family members have had hours cut and decreases in salaries; one niece has been laid off and she has 3 children to support. We really need to get serious praying for our country and our leaders, whether we agree with them or not. There do hold the reins and we must pray that God will lead them down the paths of righteousness. You know He can do that if we pray without ceasing.

Cooking Out Times

We have been enjoying cooking out once again. The weather was perfect last weekend for our family reunion/cookout, so fine that we had 54 family members present to enjoy the wonderful hamburgers and hotdogs plus the fabulous desserts (not good for dieting, however). This weekend, our Sunday School class enjoyed another cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs plus all the trimmings and great desserts. So far, there is nothing planned for a cookout; however, it will probably occur since it will be Mother's Day. Or, maybe Hubby will decide to take me out to my favorite steak house. Ummm...I can taste a great Filet Mignon now (My favorite meal ever!)

Since Hubby will soon be having his shoulder surgery...again...he is going to teach me how to operate his latest lawnmower/tractor. I used to mow all the time; however, I believe that mowing is considered by men to be a "man-thing" which they prefer not to share with their spouses (until the times become tough). At least, I've heard other wives make the same comment and I think that's true at my house too (not my older brother's though; he and his wife mow together because they have so much to mow and he has two of the fancy mowers). Anyway, Hubby wants to show me how now,so I guess that's it for blogging until the rains come (which could be any minute now).