Every-Other-Friday-Payroll

Another Every-Other-Friday-Payroll and we found ourselves at the office early this morning.  Even though the employees haven't worked since Wednesday I still had to do payroll.  A couple did make it in this morning but went home because all we've got for work is outside.  But, by goodness, their paychecks were done.  I tried to talk The Hubby out of going in, saying it could wait till Monday but he didn't want to, so in the truck I found myself waiting and watching.  He has a huge box of salt so started there, letting it begin to melt, which amazingly enough worked very well.  I was enjoying the scenery, different from the four walls I've been looking at for the past three weeks.  The truck was warm and I had a heated seat, I was content.  

One of the employees gave a quick hand to smash and scrape away the ice until it was pretty dry very quick.  Payroll is done and I'm now at home waiting for the final in-home physical therapist to come.  Then I don't have anymore for a couple of weeks when I will go to the place for the therapy.  I sooooooooo hope that is very short-lived.  I'm getting around extremely well now but know there a few things I will have to be shown yet to progress the mobility of my body.  

Day 14 - 2 Weeks of Recovery

Today is day 14 of this hip recovery.  Two weeks to the day and nearly same time of surgery and my life heading to the better.  Everyday is a new day and a realization of getting better and better.  I am moving around very easily now, with the walker and really would like to ditch but hey, it's only been two weeks.  The body heals in a timely fashion and I am willing to wait but dang it I want to just get on with life.  I'm pretty proud of my self, able to shower and dress myself, even my socks and shoes.  It feels good to be clean and dressed everyday.  There are still things like after the shower I have to have The Hubby dry off my legs because I can't get down there to do that.  In the first few days you know true love because I could not do ANYTHING on my own.  Example, the toilet thing.  You know true love when your other half can, does and willingly wipes your ass when you can barely twist your body in fear of dislocating said new hip.  He is johnny-on-the-spot to fill my water bottles, feed me, help me in the shower and that toilet thing.  Now I'm pretty much self-sufficient in most of that regard.  I've even been to the office twice now and that was one of my major fears is getting my work done, payroll, bills paid, etc.  I'm hoping that next week I will once again be in the kitchen cooking.  Our meal train thing ran out on Tuesday so last night was BBQ and I think tonight will be KFC, which I'm okay with that.  We still have some yummy spaghetti and meatballs for tomorrow nights meal and Saturday burgers at the cabin!!!  Yes I said cabin.  We are going to the cabin, physical therapy said it is okay, and enjoying beer can burgers at one of the cabins.  Luckily it has very flat entry.  The only thing is we do have steps to get into our cabin but once in it is basically flat and they were okay with it.  I've got this walk thing down really well.  My only issue is my right knee that I had arthroscopy on 10 years ago is really giving me some fits.  In fact a couple of times when I sit on the toilet, when I stand it locks in a bent position and has to pop out for me to stand and THAT IS PAINFUL!  Gosh, I do not want to have my knee replaced, yet.  The Hubby said maybe look into doing that in 6 months...uh....NO!!!  Not ready to go through this stuff again for awhile.  I want to have some normalcy for a bit first, enjoy the summer.  

Last week was a lot of company of which I so welcomed.  This week not so much and in fact I have been on my own a good part of the week.  He comes home for lunch and feeds me and sometimes stays a bit but it's been a bit lonely.  I really don't have much to do but read, journal, watch TV and may cat-nap a bit but I don't want to do that all day. 

Oh on Monday Af brought a friend over who is a hair stylist and I had my hair all cut off, not short short, just to the top of my shoulders.  My hair was driving me crazy with breaking off and falling out by the handfuls, hormones.  I love it and will probably keep it this length for a bit.  

Another biggy is sleeping in my OWN BED!  The thing is that I can't sleep on THAT side yet but I can sleep on the good side.  I tried it last week but was just too painful (no pain meds since day 5) so every night I sleep in my new Relax-the-Back chair.  We purchased it the week before surgery and it was delivered the day I came home from the hospital.  I do NOT know what I would have done without this chair.  Some cabin friends encouraged The Hubby, actually insisted we purchase a recliner of some kind for me to sleep, they knew I would need it.  It has been a game changer because when my food swells I can get it above my heart and it has a heated seat that is just yummy.  Nothing like a warm butt!  I've wanted to get back to my bed because I don't want to have the chair to become more of a favorite place to sleep.  Don't get me wrong I sleep quite well in this chair but I so miss my bed.  So night before last I was able to stay in bed for about 3 hours but not being able to switch from back to good side I had to get up and come to the chair.  Last night I decide I was going to do the side thing and I ended up with 4-1/2 hours in bed and figured out I could switch back and forth, back to side myself quite easily.  Yipee.  This will also come in handy because going to the cabin tomorrow I will not have access to the recliner but bed or couch only.  The couch thing I would have to step down in the middle of the night and I do not want to do that so I NEED to master this bed thing tonight.  I'm having a bit of trouble getting my mind to shut down to sleep in the bed because I am worrying too much and that is making it hard to sleep too.  It will all work out in time at some point.

Next Wednesday I go back to the doctor for post-op and will have stiches (14 of them) removed and will be released to DRIVE!  So very excited about that, not that I have many places to go, but it would be nice to be able to go to my studio again.  I brought supplies home with the idea that I would paint at home but I just have not wanted to get it all out and my mind was not in the place to be creative.  So I'll have The Hubby bring all that stuff back to the studio hopefully next week and I will yet again be painting.  

Day 10

It is now day 10 of hip healing and it is going very well.   It is amazing how every single day is better and better in this healing process.  I've had almost constant company so The Hubby could work from daughter #2 and her little Mini.  Yesterday daughter #1 and Snicklefritz came while he had to run to the cabin.  I'm good now spending time by myself but he is not too keen on my getting up to use the bathroom unless someone is here.  He's just cautious.  Friday evening he went briefly to a dance and I invited Snicklefritz to spend the night for company and just in case.  We chatted and visited, watched the Olympics and played several games of UNO. 

So far every task or goal the physical therapists set I far exceed and they have to step it up more and more.  I so want to ditch the walker soon and I know all in good time.  I've doing a lot of sponge baths because my doctor's protocol said NO SHOWERS!  But we did read that I could if they kept it under the waterproof thing after the aquaseal was removed.  Luckily on Friday the aquaseal was removed and a new kind of waterproof but on and until it left to air dry I can now shower.  I was okay with the sponge baths and we started washing my hair in the kitchen sink which was a huge help.  But...TODAY...I go to have an actual shower.  The Hubby got shower chair (our shower is ADA/wheelchair accessible) and we both got in and SCRUBBED!!!  Goodness that felt so good.

There have also been a steady flow of friends bringing food and some will stay and have a nice visit.  The Hubby's best friend and his wife brought food from one of our favorite restaurants and we all dined TOGETHER!  Having friends and family add the physical healing of my body to make me whole again.  Onward to week two of staying home then to a half week and hopefully cut loose to live the rest of my life without PAIN!  

A Weekend of Peace

I was able to boogie away early Friday morning to the cabin with The Hubby to follow Saturday.  When I arrived it was very clear that my beautiful Carolina Jasmine was DEAD.  This glorious vine was nothing but dead twigs left from the late in the season hard freeze.  So The Hubby spent Saturday afternoon cutting it all down and now we have to replant.  In the meantime I had morning glory seeds and sunflowers, sweet peas and marigolds he sprinkled around.  Hopefully they take.  

Time to myself early Saturday morning was what I so needed.  A roaring fire in our new fireplace to ward off the chill, a good book that I hardly cracked open, my journal, coffee and I was content.  I spent a lot of time journaling which seems to help me a lot.  Trust me I write a lot in the journals that I never post here, mostly.  LOL.  I also filled my bird feeders for the first time this season and need to get more seed the next time.  I am not going to do hummingbirds this year because I'm not there to keep the feeders cleaned out like they should be.  With the Carolina jasmine they were content but now I don't have that.  My peonies and clematis were beginning their bloom too.  Seems the flowering is tad later than in town.  

I took several golf cart rides around to just enjoy the quiet and beauty of the place.  The cabin next door, the owner has finally torn the rat-trap down and this is all that is left.

It had been collapsing for several years and was just a place for critters to crawl into.  He tore it down to nothing but this fireplace by the insistence of the board.  Some people were afraid that kids would get into it but I've never, EVER seen a child try to crawl into the thing.  He has the whole thing for sale, but the asking price is unrealistic, for a lot.  He has an inflated idea that he's going to get the money that a lot of the other cabins are getting, but DUDE, all you have is a broken fireplace.  

My drives around the place was so lush with green.  Green has got to be my favorite color.

The creek is flooding again a bit because of all the recent rains.  Sand Bass runs are affected yet again this year making the act of catching them really hard.  Our freezer is empty of fish so far.

I hope to have captured some photos that I can paint from too.  I love the reflections of this photo.

The butterflies were flitting all around too along my drive.  I so love spring and it not only is the rejuvenation of the land but of my soul.  Now we heal from all the loss in our world.  Time does truly heal.  

Oh, good news.  Linda and I are attending a short 2-day art workshop just a couple hours away.  We both need this to inspire us and it's with our dear friend and phenomenal internationally known artist, Derek Penix.  He recently moved to California and is traveling through on his way to the east coast to do a string of workshops and since he is coming through set up a quick workshop.  We are thrilled.  

 

Family Life, Trials and Tribulations

I'm still healing very well.  Spent some time at the office this week, the grocery store and a wine run.  After all of the running around though I HAVE to rest.  It's like a balloon full of air and then you poke it with a pin...blghshhhwhhuchchchhaushhhl....all the air is let out, I lose steam.  By the next morning I am good again for another day.  Three more weeks of easy does it then I should be back to normal.  Every day is better and better.  

Last week I didn't drive till Thursday and that took all my strength to go to the office.  I noticed that my niece put on Facebook a call out for a ride to Clary Sage for an appointment to try and get in, to get her life to continue in a forward motion for the better.  She is back in town from rehab, has a job at Applebees and now wants to try cosmetology (a family tradition).  I applaud her effort to continue her "rehab".  Anyway at that point last week I was not driving but saw that she missed the meeting for a lack of a ride.  (Where is her family!)  I watched to see when she would reschedule and decided that I would be of assistance since I was driving now.  Monday evening nothing so I sent a message on Messenger and she replied that the reschedule was that day and she missed it too as she could not get there.  (The lack of a ride is no car, no drivers license due to tickets and fines.)  I told her I would take her if she rescheduled.  She was thrilled.  So Thursday morning I was at her house exactly at 9 a.m. and we were off.  Of course we were early but that was better than not there.  Since it is not far from my house I dropped her off and went home till she called about 11.  I picked her up and I could tell by her face she was worried and afraid.  She had a packet with her and I suggested we go get a bite of lunch and discuss it.  The packet was the financial paperwork along with a FAFSA form for money.  It is about $25,000. to go to the school and that alone scared her.  She said that she needed her mom to fill out the FAFSA form and needed two years of her tax returns.  Her concern was that her mother would not understand the forms and would just flat say no, as well she may.  I know my sister all too well.  The kid has over $4000 in fines to pay and then to do this was scaring her to death, plus the prospect of her mother saying, "NO!" I told her that was a good possibility but that she has no rent or bills save for the fines while living with her parents that then she should concentrate on paying the fines and getting her license back.  We also discussed Broken Arrow Beauty College that she never thought of.  It's hard to watch her be stuck, absolutely stuck in a place where there is no hope for a future for her.  No wonder she turned to drugs and alcohol.  She is faced with a blank wall.  That is just not fair to her.  We had a really nice conversation and lunch and I so hope she continues to push forward to keep her life in a positive motion, but I have my doubts when there is absolutely NO help from her immediate family.  Just breaks my heart.  How do you NOT give your children a future, or at least the prospect of one.  Can you imagine being an adult, living at home, no car, no drivers license, with no, NO marketable skills, working at Applebees FOREVER.  That would take a toll and it does not bode well to a positive outcome.  I'm sad for her.  

It's Been Reported

It has been reported that the PATHOLOGY is clear.  Yes, yesterday I went to my two week post-op appointment and the report was fantastic...NO CANCER!  I was so thrilled I could hardly contain myself.  I felt sure there was none, but there is that little voice in the back of your brain that just keeps needling, "they said 30-50% chance, 30-50% chance, 30-50% chance."  So I was a very happy girl yesterday as I left the doctors office.  I still have to go back in four weeks but I'm healing and doing very, VERY well.  Still no lifting over 8 pounds and NO SEX yet, understandably.  I'm going to take full advantage of the rest he said I still need but I feel GREAT!  I will have to start watching Snicklefritz June 1 so I need my energy.  It will only be a couple of hours a couple of days a week, and I think I can handle that.

Sunday and Monday were just beautiful in our backyard.  I thoroughly enjoyed just sitting, laying down, napping and soaking up the sun.  It's very healing for me.  

And look what is blooming in my garden next to my tomatoes!  Are they just beautiful. 

Stormy Weather (and More)

Wow, last night was a storming all over Green Country.  Yes we have needed the rain but Mother Nature has gone a bit overboard to play catch-up this spring.  There were some tornado touchdowns around in the Broken Arrow area and so the first thing I did this morning was text my brother and call my daddy to make sure all were okay and they were.  It was scary with the tornado sirens going off all over last night as I lay in bed but I knew by watching the weather that it was south of us.  I watched to make sure those I love were okay though.  It's funny that I used to tease that if I were ever in a tornado they would probably find me on the toilet.  That is because that is usually where I stayed as my stomach would be a mess.  Now, I barely flicker with the tummy thing.  I guess I've gotten over my fears of it and let's face it, what can you do but hide in the storm shelter or closet or bathroom until it is done.  It is what it is.  Makes my tummy a much happier thing.  We still have rain in the forecast all week long with it even past the Memorial Day weekend (rats).  I'm kind of ready for SUMMER!  

Good news on this surgery girl is I am SOOOoooo much better.  The band-aid thingies on my five holes on the tummy have all fallen off and you can't hardly see where two of the holes were.  One of them is a tad red and itchy but I go to the doctor tomorrow for my two week post-op check up.  The inside systems seem to finally be back on track (yeah) also.  Four more weeks to heal and then back to total normal!  I even spent time at the office Thursday and Friday (a small nap Friday upstairs).  This weekend I really feel great.  I've been painting and yesterday spent 5 hours sitting at my easel!  I have a couple of commission works to do.  

This is sweet Sophie.

Yesterday, she started to appear on the canvas.  It was truly inspiration of the eyes that made her just visit me. 

Now I have to wait for the under layers to dry a bit and add lots of white fluff as she is all about being a fluffy girl. 

This one from photos by my friend Michelle.  She saw my other egret and had several she had taken and wanted me to paint.  There were a couple I liked but this one was so much brighter but the grass was so much on the face that you couldn't see the fish in it's beak.  So I combined them, plus the background was not that great so had to create it.  

Not sure I like yet but I am moving on.  I will add the grass but not so much on the face.

Surgery Girl

Thought I would give an update on Surgery Girl here!  Today it has been exactly 7 days since I underwent a robotic hysterectomy, a successful one at that.  Everyday seems better and better and the scale seems to stay the same, where my body usually likes to be.  It doesn't vary, dang it.  I had gained about 10 pounds the past six months but as of today that 10 is now gone.  I think if i could get the constipation thing under control the scale might go down a bit further.  I'm not eating junk food but I'm not exercising either.  I'm enjoying the many meals that friends have brought to us.  Last night was baked chicken, mashed new potatoes and salad.  It was yummy.  Most of the meals have been pasta something with cheese and I think cheese is a constipator too.  I have eaten a few salads which are good for me.  Definitely eating less on my plate!

I wake in the mornings feeling pretty good but by the end of the day my tummy just hurts like gas buildup.  I seem to remember someone saying that my bladder was attached somewhat to my uterus and that might explain the bladder thing hurting too, bruised.  I'm down to one pain pill the past couple of days and my goal is no more, especially by Friday as I have to go into the office and do payroll.  I look forward to that, getting out.  

I've also logged some time the past couple of days at my easel, successfully.  I never realized how exhausting that could be.  Yesterday it was all day which felt good.  I'm not finished yet:

I would like to send a shout for some good vibes for a friend.  Her husband is our right hand man at work and they are the nicest people you will ever meet.  Jamie has been battling stage 4 ovarian cancer for the past 2 years with all kind so experimental stuff, regular stuff, you name it but her body is just riddled with cancer at this point.  She is trying to hold on till their first grandchild is born, a boy, in July but at this point they don't think she will make it a month.  She has hardly missed a day of work up until now.   She is losing her battle and it is heartbreaking.  I feel sad that I am rid of that stuff with a fear of cancer but none was there.  They just need some time for her to hold that grandson.

The Day After

The weekend started with me waking up with a horrendous sore throat.  It had been bothering me for few days but I thought it was going to be just allergies and post nasal drip!  I was wrong when I realized that the back of my throat, after inspection, was not a pretty sight.  Of course, I always get sick on the weekends when I can't see my regular doctor, but thank goodness there are minor emergency clinics.  I knew that if I was to attend the family gathering on Saturday a quick run to the clinic was in order so I waited until 10 AM for it to open.  I was afraid that strep throat was going to be my diagnosis.  The doctor came in and we chatted a bit and he asked what I was in for.  I explained and then he got his little throat looker and took a peek.  You should have seen his eyes and head pop back as he said, "You weren't kidding."  He sent the nurse who then gave me a little gag and tickle in the back of the throat to quick test for strep.  Dum, de, dum, dum, dum, de, dum....(Jeopardy song)...I wait for seven minutes.  Finally Doc walks in and says, "Well, surprisingly, it's not strep."  I couldn't believe it after what was hiding in my throat.  He went ahead and put me on a "Z" pack and said that there are other bacteria that can cause this but that strep is the only one that they test for because it can cause damage to the heart muscle.  I just wanted to make sure I could be around my family, my Daddy and the pregnant "B".  He said no problem, just no kissy stuff.  

So Sunday evening we joined most of the family to enjoy our cousins that had come into town.  I haven't seen my cousin Dennis since I was probably 20 years old, that would be 36 years ago!  He and his wife Vickie were who Daddy stayed with when he took his 6 month trip to Arizona a few years ago.  Daddy had the BEST time and had tears in his eyes as he told me, "This is the best Father's Day ever!"  Made my day to see him so very happy.

100

I'm pretty darned excited to reach the 100 mark for followers.  Pretty cool and it only took me 6 years.  In a few days it will mark my 6th anniversary spilling my mind on this blog for all the the world to read.  

I'm also happy to finally get my art on the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition website in the gallery area.  YEAH!  I've been reluctant to do that because I did not have enough confidence in myself or my ability to put myself out there.  Last week I emailed several of my paintings, a little bio and there you go, I'm out there.  Excited!!!!!

Still doing then cleanse but by golly this dang throat is driving me crazy.  I have no fever but there is definitely white junk in the back of my throat, so I know it is a virus and should go away, I hope, soon.  Four days of nothing but fruit and vegetables and shakes I am hungry for a bit of meat of some kind now but I will continue.  

Colon Health

Relaxing at the cabin this weekend.  Should be pretty quiet as several cabinites are in different places than our little Eden.  B&B2 are coming up today, just for the night and we're having a few over for ribs and pork tender.  Very, very low key and laid back is my plan and my usual thang!  I actually slept in this morning, well, except for getting up at 4:30 to feed Clayton and potty him.  I was back to bed in a flash and did not open my eyes until 9:30AM!!!!!  Unheard of for me anymore.  It felt glorious.  The only hitch of this weekend is I suspicion that I have a UTI starting.  That is not good.  Good thing I'm going for a physical on Thursday.  I've put out an SOS to B for some cranberry juice and see if I head this thing off at the pass.  

A bit blurry but they are all filled and waiting, the dinner bell has been rung!

Finally out of bed, I made my way to the coffee pot that has been brewing since 7:30...oooo, chewy coffee!  That's fine I just added a bit of milk and sweetener and I'm happy (I've given up my creamers.)  On that note, I went to my very first reflexology consultation on Thursday.  Widipedia doesn't give it a glowing review as to effectiveness but that is fine, it's massage and that is what I am all about, especially my feet!  The consultation was also on nutrition and wellness.  I am officially going to start a colon cleanse diet in a couple of weeks.  I have had some issues for several years, and yes I have had a colonoscopy, but still issues.  I have done a bit of research and the reflexologist is doing one that is not to weird.  It's mostly fresh fruits and vegetables with little cooking, brown rice, whole grains, etc.  Really, I do that a lot anyway but I'm going to follow the program for 21 days and hopefully I will feel better with getting the benefit of cleansing my system and jump starting the weight loss, although that is not what the guy is about, he is about a healthy body and me too.  

Sun Tea

It's Working

It's working, I think.  The knee is definitely better but the ankles are a bit touchy yet.  I'm still going to stay fairly low key until next Tuesday, and in fact having a massage and facial today.  Unfortunately, we are supposed to go to a dance Saturday night and that is what tweeks my knee usually.  I hope we don't dance too much. 

Talking about dancing, I think I forgot about this little function and I don't know if I have anything to wear or even time to find something. I'm a bit of in an internal panic here this morning. I'll got through the closet...

this with a pair of flowly pants...or... 

if I keep on the salad this week and a pair of Spanx...

What do you think!

Home Again

Finally, FINALLY, Daddy is to go home today.  After being in the nursing for nearly 2 months I am to pick him up with what little stuff he has and take him home.  He is walking, aided with his new-fangled walker, but he is walking and healed!  The Hubby, with the help of Bro, got Daddy's car this week, aired tires, put in a new battery, gased it up and cleaned the inside, not that he can drive.  He probably won't be able to for at least 3 months, but he'll know it is ready when he needs it.  The Hubby says it's a "man" thing.  We took the car back yesterday and parked it in the drive and I got a few food supplies so he is ready.  Oh, and on a thought I had The Hubby check his mailbox because I could not remember when his mail would start up again...well, it started up on Sept 1.  Oops, there were a couple of bills in there, one being the car title/registration!  Whew, got those paid and now have to remember to get his mail for him or have Bro pick it up.  The walk to his mailbox I fear might be a bit too far right now.  I have no idea when the paper starts up but won't worry until it starts appearing.  I have to get a gift certificate for the neighbor who has mowed his yard all spring and summer.  At least this summer the drought has kept that duty to a minimum.  Funny thing is when I checked out his two tomato plants in the backyard that his friend planted for him, the ones that have not been watered all summer long, hummmm, loaded with little green tomatoes and healthy.  Everything else in the yard is dried up but those tomato plants are beautiful.  Who would have thunk it!  May have fall tomatoes!

Construction update:  They have all the carpentry work done, except for a few tweeks but it is all in.  The painter started prepping for painting and that has taken 2 days of prep with three guys...EGAD...don't look forward to this bill.  They will start the first coat of primer today!  We actually have a door instead of a tarp over the opening to our bedroom.  The marble is nearly all in except for a border.  Backsplash is in and BEAUTIFUL.  The mirrors are ordered and won't.....

(Geez...The Hubby is on a tear this morning...going to have a busy day I guess.  I told him he sounded like a hysterical woman!  It's too early to lose it!  TeeHee...)

back to it...mirrors are ordered, waiting for paint to be done and then plumbing and we will have a finished, working bathroom!!!!!  I would have pictures of stuff but right now it is all covered with paper as they get ready to paint!

Construction and Kissing

Just to let everyone know I'm still hanging around.  I've been busy with Daddy, working more and the remodel so my mind has been otherwise occupied, A LOT! 
The remodel is going, just going.  Although we do have the shower walls and ceiling done and the sink counter tops installed, the plumbing is at a standstill, the carpenter is at a standstill and the painter, hopefully will start SOON!  The carpenter has had to wait for the doors that have been on order for weeks now, which has put a hold on the painter and the marble install guy.  The Hubby also informed me that the painter may be here for at least 3 weeks.  EGAD!  I thought we would be through before October, before our trip to Maine/Bar Harbor, but that may not happen now.  We've been dealing with this since February and I'm fast loosing my patience.  We do have new sod and the flowerbed that was in shambles has been cleaned out from all the dirt work. 

That little corner will soon be my garden!!!!!  I'm pretty happy with that.  It is shady here but has mostly sun and a sprinkler head, who could ask for more in a garden spot!  Now if the sod would start perking up! 


B started teaching this week so my time at the office will pick back up again which I'm fine with.  Need to move my painting stuff there again, maybe.

Daddy is mending very well and this past week we saw Dr. Hippy again.  The doc gave him the thumbs up that he can walk and when the infectious doc says and the rehab guy says, he can go home and they don't have to see him for 3 months!!!!!  That is so encouraging and Daddy is so excited.  He has done quite well this time around at the nursing home and has made a ton of friends.  Tuesday a bunch of them got together and had a pizza party.  One of the ladies, Myrna, who has since been released for home, came back to the party.  Daddy is sweet on her and she on him.  She is 80, only 4 years older than Daddy, but, "she's a good lookin' woman," Daddy says.  He informed me on Wednesday at the doctor office that, "she planted one on me."  I kind of smiled and gave a little gasp, "On the lips?!"  "Yes", he said.  I was happy for him and he was beaming.  He's got a girlfriend and has had a kiss from a different woman for the first time in what, nearly 60 years!  You go Daddy! 

Well, hope I've updated enough and I promise everyone, I'll be back to reading your lovely blogs soon.  Don't forget me please.  I'm still here. 

My World

I promise I'm still here but I've just had a HUGE case of writers block.  A few good things have happened though:

They delivered the cabinets and woodwork stuff for the bathroom.  These are the sides of a cabinet area that will house the washer and dryer.  They are actually cabinets and one side will have a hidden ironing board. 

This is one side of the sink area.  The rest of the stuff will be delivered today.  And as I type I hear the sweet sound of hammers!  Finally!  It starts getting depressing seeing a tarp over your bedroom door after nearly 4 months. 

Last week I received an email from my old high school best buddy checking to see if my email was the same.  I was so excited and since then we have been playing email tag back and forth.  I can't wait till we get together and have lunch soon. 

Daddy is doing very well now.  The stitches are out and he's just waiting until The Hippy doctor feels it is time for him to put weight on the leg.  He's still on IV antibiotics but when that stops he will go home!  It's been 4 weeks since surgery and The Hippy doctor said 4-6 weeks so we are in that magic window I think.  Sis finally went to see him again on Sunday.  He gave her a hard time for not even calling on his birthday.  She had no excuse.  Poor guy.  So that makes twice she has seen him since July 19, and she lives all of 5 or so miles away. 

Just found out this morning that one of my oldest friends and neighbor has breast cancer and starts chemo this morning.  Had no idea.  It's funny that right after I heard that when on Good Morning America they showed the world premiere of Martina McBride's new video, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It".  Perfect.  Made me cry.  Sending out a prayer for Susie! 

The Saga Continues...

Yesterday I came into town and went straight to see Daddy.  He was laying in his nursing home bed all bundled up and dozing when I arrived.  It was close to his lunch time so I didn't mind keeping him awake.  He actually looks pretty good except for the continuing swelling in his legs but the arm and hand have gone down.  He's still on the antibiotic and now they've started him on lasix to get the fluid out and the blood clot, he said, is dissolving.  Supposedly he will start back with his physical therapy which should help the fluid.  This week will be several doctor appointments and hopefully he will be closer to going home.  His mental state is so much better this time around and he's pretty content to stay until the end of the month.  Daddy's birthday came and went with tons of birthday wishes and visits.  Yesterday I showed him all the ones on his Facebook account and he was so pleased.  His sisters came by, one bringing a huge slab of chocolate cake.  One of his neighbors, the one in the wheelchair that has been tending his two tomato plants came by along with two of his granddaughters (B&B2 in that mix), Bro and myself.  He said that one of the guys he eats with had his wife go to a bakery and get him a cupcake and topped it with a candle.  He was a happy guy!  Except, yesterday when I stopped by and he was telling me all of his goodness I asked him if Sis called or came by.  "No", was his answer.  Really.  I know I said I would let this go but REALLY!  It was his birthday!  I have a good mind to call her and ask if she's mad at him or something or is it just because the world has stopped revolving around her.  ARGHHHHH!

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go....

I also went by his house and was so sad to see that in this drought his front flowerbed he has been so proud of is trying to die, along with his ginkgo and dogwood, both of which Momma had him put in years ago.  The magnolia on the side, I noticed when I left, is looking sad too.  I hate it and feel guilty that I've overlooked this stuff but there has been so much on my mind that I just didn't notice.  I'm not telling him, it would only make him depressed and mad.  Everyone is losing plants this summer in this intense heat.  I mean, we have a sprinkler system and our stuff is struggling.  This week they are predicting that we will have under 100 degrees finally and chances of rain several days!  I'm excited. 

Blood Clot

This is a quick post but I wanted to share that we've hit yet another bump in Daddy's recovery.  He had the swelling in his arm when we went to Dr. Hippy on Wednesday but Dr. Hippy seemed to think it was the antibiotic pic line messed up, flooding his arm.  He guessed wrong.  Daddy has a blood clot in his neck but they seem to think it will dissolve.  I certainly hope so.  I kept my phone on all night long just in case they would call.  I'm a bit worried but no phone call is a good thing.  This morning I have to do payroll so I'm up early and will head to the office to get it done quick so I can go to the nursing home to check on him.  I need to make sure they have Bro's phone number just in case I'm out of pocket.  We've got a busy weekend and I don't want to miss a phone call.  Please keep the good vibes heading Daddy's way.  I want him to get well so he can get a little dog, go fishing and sit around a campfire this fall with us. 

Good Morning

Good morning my dear friends! It is Monday, 6:05 AM but I was actually up a 4:45 this morning. Little Clayton's routine is 5 and 5 for his meals so the minute the alarm goes off he is up and ready to get it done. We don't let him jump off the bed because it is so high so he has to get us up and get the day started. He licks, he crawls back and forth over the top of us and then the strange cough-sneeze begins if we ignore. He is persistent. Finally, I tell him lets get up and he bounds to the end of the bed, ears pulled tightly.  The Hubby has fallen asleep on the couch last night and I let him be so Clayton runs to the living room to awaken the prince.  I trudge to the restroom.  The ploy has worked and The Hubby is up and feeding our little guy and taking him out to do his biz.  Such is the start of my Monday morning.  Yes, I could go and workout, get some cardio in but I've got a full day.  Lunch with my sweet friend, Christine, work, and I'm anxious to see the shower floor put in today.  Lots of stuff going on. 

Yesterday I went to Daddy's house to drop off the new wheelchair the hospital obtained for him.  There is no sense in having it at the skilled nursing facility since they have plenty there.  Besides I haven't had time to put his name on it anywhere.  I was so surprised when I put it in the car on Friday at how light it was compared to the dinosaur that is his old one.  Maybe I won't be dropping my Daddy in the dirt anymore, but hopefully it won't have to be used if all goes to plan.  After I took the wheelchair in I got some clothes, his TV headphones and his address/phonebook and then watered his key lime tree.  I was then off to see him and deliver his goods.  When I started walking down the hallway I was met with the familiar sound of snoring, his snoring.  Yes, he can rattle plaster off of the walls with his snoring.  He was sound asleep and didn't even wake as I entered his room.  His new roommate he had when we left on Friday was gone so he was solo in his room and probably a good thing with the snoring and all.  I put his stuff away, sat a bit and then decided that if I didn't get some lunch I was going to pass out.  I went to the nearby Sonic and was very bad with a burger.  After quickly munching I headed back to see if he was awake yet.  Down the hallway again I passed the parade of wheelchairs heading to the dining room for lunch.  Got to the room and he was gone.  Well, he must be ready for his lunch.  I turned around and joined the procession and there he was, sitting at his usual table from his last stay.  He was tickled to see me.  Since Friday it had only been me, Bro and his best bud Jay.  This go around he was in much better spirits and he said that he didn't mind being here this time.  I would guess because he knows it is the best place for him to really get well.  Shortly after I sat down another man in a wheelchair pushed by his wife joined us, Robert and Betty.  Robert had been here before and this was his second stay, like Daddy.  He had a broken hip too and so his time would be short also.  Robert was a tiny guy in his big wheelchair, his head barely over the table.  His wife Betty was a jabberwokky.  She came for lunch with Robert who is pretty much blind, at least that is what Betty said but I wouldn't have known.  It was nice conversation for Daddy.  After lunch we joined the mass group back down the hallways to rooms.  I told Daddy that I probably would not be back till Wednesday as I had a lot to do and his head dropped and he said that no one had come to see him.  Good going Daddy, make me feel guilty, he's good at that.  I just don't know if I can make it happen sooner but I will try.  I came home yesterday and took a long nap but had nightmares about wheelchairs, hallways and people not wanting to be my friend, saying I had an agenda.  Whatever that meant.  Then this morning I woke up, fairly rested but knowing I had more dreams about wheelchairs.  Crazy isn't it.  I've got to rest and let it go. 

How is your Monday starting today?

Life Is Looking Up

Imagine my surprise this morning when I walked into Daddy's hospital room and there he sat in the chair eating breakfast and getting ready to read the newspaper.  He looked awesome.  The best from any procedure he has ever had.  Plus, when they offered him a pain pill he turned it down, saying he had no pain.  That kind of worries me thinking, well, just thinking.  I'm a worry-wart that is for sure.  I'm so excited that he is doing so well this time and have high hopes that he will be back to sort-of normal.  He will have a limp and will have to probably use a cane and they are calling out for a new wheelchair for home!!!  That is awesome since the Fred Flintstone one is so obsolete.  He already wants to go home and the nurse said something about him going home but he HAS to stay for rehab and so that the incision does not pop open.  He has to be extremely careful right now.  Anyway, life is looking up for my sweet Daddy. 

Surgery is Done

Surgery is done.  Yesterday I met Bro and Daddy at the hospital at 1:30 for his check-in.  We were quickly taken to a pre-surgery room where we waited.  Daddy's baby sister GiGi came about 4 and we were still waiting.  The Hippy Doc came in early in the wait to check Daddy's wound area and was tsk-tsking about it, saying it might not work out.  We were bragging that the wound looked great and healed but he said that they would open up the area and test the tissue, take out the spacer ,and if the pathology showed infection still, he would just close it up.  Bro and I were deflated and very concerned during the whole surgery.  Finally, at 4:30 he was wheeled out to see what would happen.  They said that if he was out of surgery quick that would not be a good sign.  We waited.  The longer we waited was very encouraging.  The Hubby brought us sandwiches so we wouldn't miss that all important phone call.  Finally at 7:30 the phone rang and Bro answered it with a thumbs up.  Whew!  Hippy Doc said that Daddy would have a limp, which I figured since they had to take out a bit of damaged bone, and that he COULD NOT put any weight on the leg for 4-6 weeks since there was not a lot to work with and a lot of cement to keep it together.  He would have extensive re-hab there at the hospital too.  After the phone call from Hippy Doc we all three started calling people to let them know what happened.  Then we settled in for the recovery wait time.  GiGi went home but we appreciated her being there.  Finally at 10:15 we saw Daddy being wheeled to his new room for awhile.  He looked good but groggy.  We were drained from the long day of waiting as were our phone batteries.  It was a long day but hopefully we are on the mend!  Thanks for the prayers and well wishes for Daddy.  I will keep everyone posted.