Katy's Korner

I think I did it

2012-02-18T08:19:00.001-06:00

I have not posted in my blogspot for such a loooong time. It's because I forgot how! Duh! But I think I finally figured it out. Here's hoping!

??

2012-02-18T08:03:00.001-06:00

r u there?

2011-05-30T09:23:00.001-05:00

???

For Judy

2009-10-10T08:57:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry that you aren't able to sit at the computer and play the games. I know that you'd have a blast! But, thanks for recognizing your limitations! You are so smart to put real life above "virtual" fantasies. You have such a wonderful family, and can occupy your time with them.

You are the envy of so many! Think about it--computer games vs. hubby, kids, 11 fantastic grandchildren, and a bunch of real life friends--no comparison! In your situation I'd get off the computer and play "real life" too!

Love, hugs & kisses!

Good morning!

2009-10-06T05:16:00.005-05:00

I got up early to get my 2 farms in order and to do my morning "coin run" in YoVille before my cinnamon rolls are ready. But, Facebook is not cooperating, and it won't let me into any of their games--there hasn't been a post in 2 hours, so apparently I'm not the only one. At least my rolls won't burn up for hours, yet. It makes me realize just how hooked I am on the programs FB offers. I think that I should get off the computer, let the games go, and get on with my life. But, why? I really enjoy the games, and I have nothing better to do! So, I'll keep trying to get in, and try not to let the frustration bother me.

Huge hugs!

See If I remember how!

2009-10-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

Shock of shocks! A blog!! I think it's been about 4 months. I'm guessing that it's been a busy summer, and I'm settling into the old routine with Mel back at work.

Farming has finally dwindled to ONLY two farms, and I'm doing minimums in them as I've gone just about as far as I can go in them. But, I'm really enjoying Yoville. I've about filled up my apartment, and am saving to buy a house. The picture above is of my YoVille avatar. Though I gave her a hair cut, yesterday, and will have to post the new me!

I turned the heater on yesterday, and put a blanket on the bed--yes, it's definitely "falling". I brought in 6 of the 7 humming bird feeders, and cleaned them up and put them away until next spring. I still have one hummer lagging, and enjoying his exclusive feeder. I'll miss my hummers, but am ready to rest from trying to keep up with them. Each year it amazes me how much nectar they can devour each day.

Hugs to any reader passing through. I'll try to remember to check for comments. lol

Father's Day

2009-06-22T07:32:00.003-05:00

Older son from Wichita had mentioned, a while back, that he and the family would like to visit us on father's day if it wouldn't be a burden on me. I think he had the ulterior motive of checking up on me, but I promised him that I would not overtax myself. He asked if it would be possible to keep their visit a surprise to "Poppa". I said that I'd not tell him, unless a good reason to do so came up.

Curt (son) had to work Saturday morning, but the plan was to drive here after work, arriving late evening. I was tempted to spill the beans to Mel a couple of times, but decided the surprise would outweigh any reason he might need to prepare for their visit. So, Saturday evening Mel fixed our dinner as usual, and after eating, Mel announced that he was going to check the water level. (rising/falling water affects the launching of the boat). I knew that they'd be pulling in at any moment, but said nothing as Mel walked out the door.

The timing could not have been more perfect if we'd had walkie-talkie communication. As Mel stepped out the front door, Curt was turning into our drive. Now, we live in an ultra remote area, and unannounced guests are very rare. Mel did not recognize the car, and when he saw who it was, was genuinely, and pleasantly shocked.

On Sunday Curt, Mel, and the two granddaughters went fishing. What a glorious Father's Day it was. There was the bonus of catching fish!

Yay!

2009-06-13T14:49:00.003-05:00

My lab reports came back with everything in perfect order! Treatment is back on the schedule. All set to go to KC on the 29th, with treatment early morning on the 30th. Can hardly wait.

Hugs!

"someday"

2009-06-04T11:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was "someday"!

My house is pretty well organized, and I try to maintain it clutter-less. But, drawers and closets are another matter. I have improved greatly over the years, but a funny incident 1980 (ish) started the transformation. Mel is a true neat-nick and an amazing organizer. No matter the size of the job, it is compartmentalized, and if he was blindfolded, he could put his hand on any item at will. He also keeps everything in repair and well cared for. (he still has a pen I gave to him in 1973-it still works, and he has back-up refills).

Anyway, one day he asked me where "blank" was, and I replied that it was in the junk drawer. He then made the enlightening statement, "Would you be more specific, please." I still get a laugh out of that moment's realization that all of my drawers were "junk" drawers. Mel never complained, but my lack of organization must have driven him nutty! Since then, he became the "drawer" man. If things start to get out of hand (food storage containers and lids, for instance) I can now ask "Mr. Neat" to please put things back in order. *poof* He's on it!

One major exception to "neat & tidy" was the linen closet. That became more and more cluttered over the years, until I had no idea what was in there, or how long it had been there. It was not quite "Fibber McGee", but close. Every time we (either of us) opened that closet, (a large closet) we commented, "some day". Yesterday was "some day"! I finally cleaned out that closet, and now have lots of stuff to get to trash and to resale shop. Ahhhh! Feels so good!

Hugs!

May 31st

2009-05-31T11:17:00.004-05:00

Can you believe that tomorrow will be June! Just doesn't seem possible that time goes by so quickly, any more.

Mel starts summer school, in the morning, and has quite the summer route. He also has a number of trouble makers—so it should be interesting. There are lots of kids attending summer school, and Mel has the biggest bus in the fleet to haul the darlings. He might get a monitor aboard to help with discipline. They'll make that determination at a later time. Personally, I'm rooting for the monitor. You can only imagine what driving these winding, shoulder-less roads with 60 kids, in the heat, can be like. And, his route takes about 75 minutes! Aarrgghh-- but he still loves it!

More soon. Hugs!

Will find list

2009-05-30T10:07:00.003-05:00

I need to regroup in here. I've been so preoccupied at the farm. I need to check out some of the things on my "blog" list, and compose some stories.

Anyway—more later. Hugs.

good/ bad

2009-05-28T10:10:00.001-05:00

The good news is that we had a good trip to KC, a nice dinner out, a great room, and got all of our shopping done. The bad news is that I did not get a treatment!

We were waiting at the clinic at 5:50 am, when Mel turned on his phone. A voice mail from daughter announced that we needed to contact the doctor, yesterday. (too late*sigh*) At about the same time, the nurse who administers treatment showed up, and said that my last lab was not in range to be able to give me a treatment. We discussed options, and I'll be referred to a cytologist for evaluation. I'm not terribly concerned—I think that the messed up meds I took while off of my estrogen was the cause, and I should be back to "normal" soon.

Yes, Judy, the methotrexate is a chemo drug, but not given in chemo doses. Some have problems with it, but I never have had any trouble at all.

I'll keep you apprised as things develop. Hugs!

Treatment on again!

2009-05-22T10:16:00.002-05:00

My treatment is back on! I'm currently in the process of repeating the lab test that got fouled up. It is a pain—but I'm grateful that it is underway.

My new treatment day will be Wednesday. I made a new motel reservation for Tuesday night, and everything is falling back into place. I was really starting to have problems with flailing arms, and beginning to get worried. Mel was noticing my problems, too, and we're both relieved that things are rolling, again. It still amazes me that my body tells me so loudly that it needs more of that wonderful Methotrexate.

Lo—I'm sure today's picture will catch your attention! I'm sure having a blast!

Hugs!

2nd post

2009-05-20T15:23:00.002-05:00

Treatment was canceled. There was a lab screw-up, so I'll have to re-schedule. The good news--I'll get more farming done! lol More hugs!

busy

2009-05-20T08:56:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day of school. There will be early dismiss, and we will be leaving for KC, a treatment, and Mel will do our Costco shopping while I'm "hooked up". Today, I'm preparing for the treatment with the required 2 day ph regulating bicarb regimen, paying bills, (it's pay day) and preparing to leave my "farm" for a day. I'm sure having fun with Facebook's "Farm Town" game. I'm finally getting it all figured out, and making progress toward my goals, there. I've visited lots of others' farms, and have some awesome ideas.

So, it's "off to work we go"! More soon. Hugs!

Broken arm

2009-05-18T07:05:00.005-05:00

I had my first "treatment" in the summer of 1998. Lucky me—I fell and broke my right arm (just above the wrist) within a couple of weeks of the treatment. And, I'm serious about it having been lucky. I didn't think it was a good thing at the time, but retrospect shows me that it was vital to my getting so much use of my left hand back so quickly. I was forced into using that atrophied left hand, almost exclusively, for weeks! So, I regained strength and control in it at break-neck speed. I'd never have been able to do the things which I was doing with my left hand without the treatment, and I'd never have attempted all that I did if I hadn't broken my right arm. He works in strange ways, huh?

The abilities in that left hand/arm never got "perfect", but I'm able to do just about everything with it, now. Testings at the clinic where I receive the treatments show vast improvement right away when I began the IV Methotrexate, with a leveling off which has remained pretty constant for 10 years. My fine motor skills lag behind my right hand, but few people ever notice—even those watching for it. I drive "5 on the floor", (left foot working clutch, left hand controlling wheel while shifting) and have for years—a feat unimaginable to me in the late '90s.

I was able to go a full year after treatment before the left hand started to deteriorate a bit, again. My neuro had changed the treatment protocol, so we decided that I'd do best with half-dose treatments each 6 months. I've pretty much stuck with that regimen ever since. One time I went 8 months after a treatment—my right hand curled up and I could not open it for a few weeks. I won't attempt stretching the time between treatments, again!

Today's picture I stole from a jigsaw puzzle page. I just had to get in on the iris sharing. Hugs!

1997

2009-05-16T02:55:00.003-05:00

1997 was a year of research and exploration into this crazy MS disease, and trying to figure why there was such a radical difference in my symptoms between Wichita and Cedarcreek. Those symptoms most affected were endurance and fatigue. I could stay awake most of the day, and actually make a few trips up/down the stairs to do laundry rather than spending 2 or 3 days to do one load. Physically, there was little change. My left side was much worse than my right, and I had little coordination with my left hand/arm. I could not scrub my head (shampooing) with both hands—had to use my right hand exclusively. Mel had to cut my food, and I needed assistance with any 2 handed job—though I got very inventive in ways to achieve what needed to get done. I'd read (in 1994) that oral Methotrexate helped with upper extremity abilities, and had started it in 1995. A note in my 1996 journal thanked Methotrexate for delaying early right hand spasms—giving me a several month reprieve.

Meanwhile, I was in chatrooms, meeting lots of people with MS and learning new ideas, & treatments. I was feeling particularly low one day, and was violently taken away from a self-pity party by a lady (since passed) who invited me to her web site. It turned out that she was a quadriplegic using total voice control, and striving to receive a drug available only in Greece at that time. The drug was Mitoxantrone. It is now approved in the US for MS and known as Novantrone. She recommended to me that I call a Kansas City physician who had opened a trial for high dose IV Methotrexate. She even gave me the telephone number.

I called, and asked if I could be considered for the trial. They told me that I sounded like a candidate, and they sent a lengthy questionnaire, which I completed and mailed back. The next I heard was that they were very interested in me, and they set up an appointment for an examination. The exam went well, and I was accepted into the trial.

More to follow! Hugs.

PS The picture is of a Puffin—another of my favorite birds.

1996

2009-05-04T17:00:00.003-05:00

1996 was a pretty tough, and scary year. MS wise, my decline fluctuated between bad and worse. In looking back on my diary, "worse" was while I was at home. I had already noted that I did better when away, but I never rationalized away from "what". Hindsight being 20/20, the obvious factor was the house. As my abilities declined, I was forced to spend more and more time at home—the more time I spent at home the faster my decline—a vicious cycle. At the then rate of decline, I figured I'd be a quadriplegic within 2 years.

In the fall of '96 (Oct. 18th) my 2 sisters met me, we borrowed Danny's van, loaded up my w/c, and the 3 of us went to a timeshare in Missouri for a vacation together. We never unloaded the w/c! I did pretty darn well without it! After a week, we returned to Wichita, and as witnessed by several—there was an instant and visible decline the moment I stepped in the door of that house!! We vowed to get me out of there ASAP!

We were moved by late January '97 (under 3 months—to view, buy, & close on a house)! The positive factors in our new home were as dramatic as the negative factors in the former house had been. We never found out what the negative factor was, but my suspicion is either mold or radon. (or both).

More to come. Hugs!

close/open chapters

2009-05-01T12:45:00.002-05:00

1995 brought continued decline in my MS, (I'd applied for SSDI, and was approved) and in our work income because we had to pay others to do the work I had always done. It hardly paid to keep the restaurant doors open, but we continued to struggle, primarily because of our employees (including our kids) many of whom had been with us since 1978. Sister and hubby arrived on this scene on the white stallion (actually, in their RV), and assessed the situation, recommending liquidation, giving the employees a nice severance check, (cutting the kids' apron strings) and take a well deserved vacation before beginning anew. They offered to help with the closing, and take us back to AK with them in the RV. We accepted this generous offer, and closed the "restaurant" chapter of our lives.

The 4 of us had a fantastic trip to Alaska, pausing in Yellowstone where we met other sis & hubby in their RV. The 2 sisters & hubbies had reserved a room at the Yellowstone lodge for Mel and Me for an early 20th anniversary. It was a pleasant and completely unexpected surprise. After arriving in Alaska, (on the longest day of the year—20 hours of daylight in AK) we fished, (deep sea, fly-in, salmon) and had the full tourist treatment, as well as indescribable fun and adventure—a "to-die-for" vacation.

I'd done well in Alaska, but when we returned to Wichita, my progression renewed. Mel avoided going back to work in restaurants, and took a promising position with O'Reilly's in management training. But after he'd mastered all of the training, they backed out on the position, and salary they'd promised. Their loss!

More to come! Hugs.

happy/sad

2009-04-27T13:12:00.004-05:00

1994 was a roller coaster year, with some huge ups and downs. On the "up" side, René & Danny presented us with our first grandchild. This is the one with the worst case of colic that I've ever heard of. Danny gets the "father of his generation" award for taking at least 50% of Jenni's upbringing. This is from the 'all night' vigils during her first 10 months of colic, to playing 'Barbie' or 'dress-up', to coaching her athletic events, and attending all games. I've never known another dad to match him—and his attentiveness continues today!

On the down side, both of my parents died. Mom had been declining for years, and everything was blamed on her diabetes. Had I known then what I know now, I'm sure she had MS. I've since learned the close relationship of diabetes & MS, and how naive most doctors really are. Anyway, she passed 2 months after Jenni was born, and never saw her. My dad passed 2 months after mom, I'm sure of a broken heart—though brain aneurism was the listed cause.

MS wise, I was slowly sliding, but continued to work, and actually did pretty well. I had noted that on a few trips away from Wichita (to CA and to AK during the folks' ails) my symptoms lessened. Also, the more time I spent at home, the more severe my symptoms became. I debated this with my MS support groups (2) and thoroughly investigated every suggested possible cause.

More soon. Hugs!

Casey

2009-04-22T12:02:00.003-05:00

You seemed interested in my cane, so I thought I'd give you an introduction. His name "Casey" is derived from the initials "K" and "C" for Katy's Cane. It was love at first sight, when I was cane hunting. In case you can't make it out, the handle is a carved eagle. He's a bit beaten up, (ever dropped your cane?) but he faithfully stays by my side whenever I need him. Hugs!

Another Wedding

2009-04-20T14:50:00.002-05:00

1993 brought the 3rd wedding, and an empty nest. Doug married the sister of Curtis' wife. In other words, brothers married sisters. My sister also had 2 sons who married sisters. It makes for a pretty close-knit family with the in-laws.

At time of the photo, my MS had progressed to the point of my using an orthodic, on occasion, for foot drop. And, I used a cane—for balance—mainly so strangers would be aware that I had a problem and wouldn't be so concerned about my staggering. But, I could still hold my own at the restaurant, for the most part. I had to slow down, and compensate here and there for some rather strange incidents. But, I attended two different MS support groups, and was learning some good coping skills.

Hugs!

Quickie

2009-04-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

I 'm going to make this short, and go off of our story, for today. I just wanted to say that my rash is healing beautifully, and that my sleeping is improved.

I was fooling around with the "Photo Booth" on my computer, and am thinking of using the picture above as my profile picture on Facebook—Mel saw absolutely no humor in it—what's your opinion?

Hugs!

Yay!

2009-04-15T17:26:00.004-05:00

My first hummer has arrived! I've seen 3 hummers feeding, so far, but think that two of those sightings were the same bird. Anyway, they appeared a day earlier than last year. And, Judy, they were first sighted in this county on March 23rd. But remember I'm much further south and west of you. And, they return to favorite former feeding sights, so these are MY birds! lol They typically feed for about 10 days to fatten up before moving on to the next location in their migration. It'll still be close to May for you. Hugs!

Dx

2009-04-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

In my studies to learn more about Ménièr's Disease, I found that there was a doctor in Denver who specialized in Ménièr's Disease, and if I qualified, he could perform a surgery to destroy the balance system which would get rid of the spinners and wobblies. I'd have to "learn" to balance without my own built-in system, but that it was doable and I'd be able to maintain my life without the nausea, and weird sensations resulting from my vertigo. This was two years after my initial "spin out", and there had been no improvement.

I wound up setting up an appointment, and arranging the trip to Denver. The clinics in Denver had some apartments for out-of-town patients (similar to Cleveland Clinic) which were within walking (staggering) distance of the doctor(s). While walking to the ear doc's office, I walked right by the Rocky Mountain MS Center. Something told me (God shoved me, again) that I'd be back there. I'd never heard "MS" with regards to my condition , and knew nothing about it—but somehow I knew that MS was the culprit.

I went through MANY tests, including one which tested my balance system. I could see, from the contraption, (an 18" platform, a harness, and a 3 sided screen) that I was in for a wild ride! I told them that I'd been living on that ride for two years, and they'd never be able to shake me off of it. They couldn't!

At the end of my all-day testing, the doctor went over the results with me. He could neither confirm, nor rule out Ménièr's Disease. But said that my balance system was profound, and "you don't want to destroy THAT". He also recommended an MRI to "rule out" MS. They had an immediate opening, and I had my first MRI—but the results wouldn't be available for days.

Back home several days later, I got the call with MRI results—"highly consistent with MS". More studies to find out about this disorder, and, what next? The next step was to see a Neurologist. I couldn't get in to see a local neuro for months, and wound up going back to Denver to the MS Center. The wonderful neuro there gave me a thorough exam, and explained the stages of confirming a diagnosis—possible, probable, and definite. She said that the MRI had given me a "possible" and that her exam gave me a "probable". She prescribed 3 evoked potential tests to complete the diagnosis. I was able to have the evoked potential tests done in Wichita, and had the results sent to a Wichita neuro. The new neuro was another fantastic doctor! Her review of the tests gave me a "definite progressive MS" diagnosis.

More soon! No hummers yet. Hugs!

Spin-out

2009-04-14T08:18:00.001-05:00

I'd said that The Puddle story was a set-up for the next major event in our story. It is now March of 1990. On a Monday afternoon, we did our usual Monday after work activity, which was to hitch up the boat, and head out to The Puddle, and to the motel where we stayed each Monday night. After we got settled in our room, I went to the bathroom before we went fishin'. A few feet outside the bathroom, my world started spinning violently, and I went to my hands and knees. I called to Mel for help, and he was able to get me to a sitting position and the spinning gradually subsided. (though I've had problems ever since) We didn't have a clue then, but we now know that that was the beginning of the secondary stage of my MS.

I'd had ear problems (ruptured ear drums) my whole life, and had long ago discovered that they were primarily allergy related, and specific to something that bloomed in spring—generally April, but sometimes an early spring brought March woes. In 1990, we were experiencing an early spring, and I surmised that my "spin out" had something to do with my ears, and would likely resolve itself after spring passed. But I resolved to see our family doctor for his view.

We went ahead with our fishing, and the vertigo settled into self-describing "wobblies" and "spinners". The spinners didn't occur often, nor did they last long—fortunately, as they were totally debilitating. spinners meant "sit down" immediately, wherever I was—or fall down. I saw our family doctor after we had returned to our normal routine. He said "we'd" try a couple of medications, and if they didn't work, he'd send me to a neurologist. (he knew!) The meds didn't work, of course.

I gave it a couple of months, then set up an appointment with an otologist (ear doctor) as I was certain the problem stemmed from my ears. The otologist ran several tests, and diagnosed "Ménière's disease". The study was on to learn more about that.

Still no hummers, here. They returned on April 16th last year—so I'm watching! Hugs.

The Puddle

2009-04-07T12:56:00.003-05:00

The next story needs a bit of an introduction.

The restaurant occupied our lives. It was do or die for us, and dying looked imminent. We had assumed the restaurant as a 24 hour operation by the previous owner. We lost much of the help, and Mel and I, (alone much of the time) tried to keep the doors open round the clock. We worked 60 hours non-stop, relieving each other for occasional brief naps. After 60 consecutive hours, Mel announced that he was not able to continue—I admitted I was in the same shape. We locked the door, and went home for some much needed rest. After the brains started functioning, again, we concluded that a 24 hour schedule would not work. We reworked a schedule to accommodate 2 shifts, and reopened. But, we could not afford to go even a day without income, so worked 7 days per week, 365 for nearly 3 years before we ever took a day off! To prevent total burn-out, we took "micro-mini" vacations, where we'd get off at approximately 14:00, drive about 50 miles, spend the night in a motel, get up at 03:00 and reopen at 06:00! We finally got ahead sufficiently that we started closing one day per week. What a luxury that was!

Tuesdays were sacred, and to leave "work" off of our minds for a whole day was life saving. We made the most of this precious day by occupying it with our favorite pastime—fishing. We leased a small lake in the next county, and for years, Tuesday was "our" day. The lease ("The Puddle" we called it) was over-stocked, and though most of the fish were small, they were plentiful, and we learned where and when to find them most of the time. I personally was intrigued by the skittish carp, and determined that I was going to catch one. The photo above shows my first triumph! Eventually, we bought a cheap flat-bottom boat which Mel fixed up. And, all of our family and friends bonded with The Puddle. I've got a large album filled with pictures and endless stories.

More soon.... Hugs!

Another leaves the nest

2009-04-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

The next major event in our lives was René's wedding. What a grueling event a wedding is! Like moving, it puts a strain on everyone involved. But, it also provides some serious tests for relationships. Children don't often learn from their parents' mistakes, but René decided that the alcoholism which nearly destroyed her "poppa" was never to be a part of her life again. Shy wanted a "dry" reception, and insisted, even, that her husband-to-be (Danny) be a non-drinker. A couple of days before the wedding (invited guests on the way) Danny's buddies wanted to throw a bachelor's bash. René knew there'd be drinking and insisted that Danny choose between her and the "party". She sobbed as she explained her dilemma to us—feeling forced to go through with the wedding which we'd planned for so long, yet vowing not to cave in to her "booze free" policy. We assured her that she must follow her instincts, that we'd back her, and that we could have a huge booze-less party with all the guests, and forgo the ceremony.

Danny did NOT attend a bachelor's party, and the lovely wedding went off without problems. The only thing we could have wished improving was that a severe thunderstorm caught them while on the carriage ride home. They got soaked!

The wedding was in May 1988—it was the last time I ever wore "heels". Hugs!

Doin' Okay

2009-04-02T13:53:00.002-05:00

I just returned from the dermatologist. He took a culture to check whether there was any infection, but left it up to me to go onto antibiotics before the culture results. I declined, because I'm not showing any signs of infection.

He agreed with my analysis of the cause, and agreed that I'm following the correct path to healing. So, I'll continue treating as I have been with the addition of a prescription topical ointment. I don't know (nor did doc) what might happen when the steroid shot which I got on Monday wears off, but for the moment, anyway, the rash is looking better. I will continue using my spa, and my meds will remain the same. I'm itching terribly, which triggers "shooters", but for whatever reason, the hot water in the spa calms the itch a bit. And I'm coping fairly well. Hugs!

Hello April

2009-04-01T08:22:00.003-05:00

The next major event occurred in 1987. This was a long planned and saved for trip to CA to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Mom and dad had eloped in 1937, during the height of the great depression. My dad was in dental school, at the time, and to my understanding was so distracted between his studies and his courtship of mom, that they decided the answer was to get married. Anyway, since they'd eloped, mom wanted a big to-do renewal of their vows for the 50th. The event was outstanding! The gathering included friends and family from across the US. A professional photographer recorded a treasure of pictures.

We closed the restaurant for a week, and seven of us (Mel & me + 3 kids + Curtis' wife + Arno) flew out, and enjoyed a first and last vacation together. The beautiful memories will live as long as we do.

The pictures above are of mom & dad, and our 3 now grown-up babies. Hugs!

At last

2009-03-31T08:08:00.002-05:00

I have been suffering from dermatitis (nasty skin rash) for a few weeks. It seems to stem from multiple causes, making elimination of those causes complex. I kept fooling around with my theories, and watching the rash wane, only to re-bloom worse than before. I finally had to see doctor yesterday, and got a hefty steroid shot to hold me until I can see the dermatologist he referred me to. I'm waiting for the call as to when that might be. Thank-you shot for some improvement, today, but I've got a very long way to go. I actually shocked the doctor when he saw the worst area—a several square inch patch from below my right shoulder to below the elbow. It's all over my body, to a lessor extent, but that patch was oozing and crusted—nasty! I'll keep you posted.

Sister Linda called from SC last night. She and hubby are back there, for a bit. *sigh* Enough said.

Back to our story.

The next major event in our lives was Curtis' marriage. This advances us to 1985—we'd been in Wichita for 10 years, and slaves to the restaurant for nearly 7 years. The kids all worked in the restaurant with us, and learned valuable work ethics from an early age. They found out what hard work is all about, and learned team work.

Curtis married on a Tuesday, of all days. They were being sensitive to us. We were closing the restaurant on Tuesdays then, and they knew that it would prevent a hardship on us, if they didn't force us to either close the restaurant on a busy weekend or make the other employees try to do without us, so that we could attend.

The poor quality photo above is of their vow exchange. Our first fledgling leaves the nest. Hugs.

Here it comes!

2009-03-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd publish a spring "thing" before the predicted weather hits, tonight. I don't think we'll get hit too hard, but winter isn't going down without a fight!

Hugs!

2009-03-23T23:52:00.003-05:00

I'm having a blast with my DSL! You have each been through your surprises when you got rid of your dial up. It's finally my turn. It is a whole different world. I've been on other computers on high speed. But to be visiting my same old sites from my same computer is just overwhelming.

The installer/technician labored all day getting me going. It is the farthest he's ever "pushed" DSL, and was a major struggle to get it the last 400 feet. In fact, he got it to literally right outside the front door, but had to work a different angle to get the last few feet.

But—I'm going, and loving it!

Mel is off this week with spring break, so my schedule is different, but will resume my stories soon. Hugs!

DSL

2009-03-19T10:47:00.001-05:00

I was going through one of my two 'medium' packing boxes of photos, (which I'm going to organize some day) and came across the one above which I just love. I don't know what prompted me to take a shot of the cat "eyeing" my beta fish (red one in left edge of bowl) through the fishbowl—but I think it "speaks" its 10,000 words.

To catch up on some stuff...

René and Jenni (daughter and 14 year old grand) came to visit us from Wichita for a few days. Their spring break is this week, (René teaches 5th grade) and they decided to take the journey, leaving dad to watch the dogs. Mel's break is next week, so he was running his route, but cancelled one field trip to enjoy their stay. It was fun, and so good to have them.

My telephone company technician succeeded in pushing the DSL out this far, and I'm signed up to start receiving it on Monday!!! I can hardly wait—I'm counting the minutes. I hope I'm first on his list, and won't have to wait all day! The cost winds up at about the same as the additional phone line which we'd wanted which started the process to begin with. And, Mel dropped some satellite programming, so the cost will be about the same as before. I think divine intervention played a role.

I slept in BED last night! Some of the changes I've been making are starting to "click" in. I think my treatment next week will be the icing on the cake, and I will be able to get back to normal (for me—lol).

My endocrinologist visit went well! I told her right off that I'd gone back on my estrogen, and brought a report (which I've hung on to since 1994) which states that estrogen (in animal studies) "coaxes brain cells into forming new connections with one another, thus allowing the cells to transmit messages back and forth." That report, and my explanation that ⅔ of all MSers are female convinced her that there might be a real connection between MS and estrogen, after all. And regardless, she agreed that if it makes me feel better—keep doing it! My thyroid test improved, too, and I've upped my medication slightly to get a still better # there.

I think that brings us back up to date. More soon. Hugs!

Colic

2009-03-14T13:30:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the long pause in our story. Things got a bit hectic, and the time to write was just never when I had the ability. I'm back to my poor sleeping—and then only in the recliner. Having tried everything that has usually worked, I decided to arrange another "treatment". That is scheduled for the 25th.

But, my crazy pattern of "shooters" (starting at roughly 23:00 and easing around 05:00) reminded me to tell you of another story—that of colic.

Curtis (my first born) had terrible colic as an infant. He was a miserable baby in obvious pain. I could set our clocks by his first awakening scream at 05:00. It was as though someone stabbed him in the gut with an ice pick. He never napped, and required constant & intense entertaining to get him through the day without continuous crying. Magically, at 18:00, the ice pick went away, and he fell into glorious sleep until 05:00 the next morning. This lasted until he was 10 months old! (hospitalization and lots of tests when he was 6 months old ruled out other maladies) On the wonderful day that it disappeared, I woke up at the normal 05:00, and by 05:05 was convinced that he'd died, since the scream hadn't occurred. But, a check revealed that he was alive and asleep! By 06:30, I had a chair set up in front of his crib watching his chest rise and fall! But, the colic was gone! After that, I was stuck at home with a 10 month old that wanted to sleep all the time—because he could!

I had thought he had the granddaddy of all cases—until Jenni (René's daughter) arrived—remember that René and I are not blood related. Jenni was definitely the world's worst! Her colic lasted around the clock, and even a brief nap was unusual. René or Danny had to be up with her all night—they alternated. I had no idea one could survive on so little sleep. For the first time, I was grateful for the experience I'd had with Curtis, and I was able to offer reassurance, and to relieve René & Danny for spells away from her. It was during one of my "watches" that, while holding her & feeling the pulsating grips of pain coursing through her body that it dawned on me—Jenni has "shooters"!!! That is when I knew that colic is neurological. I've since discovered that many fellow MSers have children who had severe colic.

The picture today is during one of Jenni's rare naps, while grandpa held her. We laugh, today, that we actually have a picture of her asleep! René says that we just caught her blinking! Anyway—the picture is a treasure, and the story is more food for thought. Huge hugs!

Daylight Savings Time

2009-03-07T12:01:00.003-06:00

Just a friendly reminder that we change time tonight. Before bed, move your clocks forward (ahead—lose an hour's sleep) one hour. :) Huge hugs!

bad news/good news

2009-03-06T13:16:00.000-06:00

We just had a bad news—good news situation. The bad news is that the second phone line we'd ordered in the house so that we could receive calls if we were on-line cannot be installed without undue expense. We are in such a rural area, that we have little/no cell phone reception so that is useless to our receiving calls. And, the only high-speed available to us (either through ISP or phone company) is pricey satellite, which is also unreliable in case of storms, etc rendering reception poor. So we'd decided to "splurge" on a second phone line to separate computer and telephone. The new line was to have been installed yesterday, but they never showed. I called about that this morning, and they sent a man out today. As I said—he could not accommodate the request without costing over $200! Butt, (the big butt, again) the good news—the installer is pretty sure he can boost DSL to us!!! Soon!! I'd said we were on the waiting list, but that meant waiting and waiting and waiting. He needs to do some checking, but thinks he'll have our answer early next week! Keep your fingers crossed, but I'm encouraged that I'll have high speed next week. Hurrah!

I had another good night's sleep last night, and made another profound discovery—two discoveries, actually. 1) the rash I've been experiencing (over most of my body) was medication related—too much Neurontin, and is starting to clear up. 2) I can achieve the slight elevation needed in order to sleep, while in bed, and won't have to sleep in the recliner!

As I nestled in the recliner, last night, I pondered what it would take to duplicate this position while in bed. I was thinking pillows, but a picture of a body pillow which we already have flashed to mind. When Mel got up for work, I ran the idea by him. He put the pillow in our bedroom, and we kissed "goodbye". Not only did I drop right back to sleep, propped in bed, but I decided to try another "no-no" a little later—I rolled over onto my right side! Shooters are sensation and pressure sensitive, so I haven't been able to sleep on my right side in about 19 years. The trial worked, and I fell asleep on my right side!! I slept there for about 30 minutes until I awoke, naturally, to begin my day.

Divine intervention interfered again! I guess, then, that the news is ALL good! Huge hugs!

Sleep!

2009-03-05T12:16:00.000-06:00

Yay!!

I actually got some great sleep last night—at last! The old adage, "too soon old, too late smart" applied, but I finally got through my thick skull how to accomplish the difficult task of sleeping. You'd think that after 65 years, I'd have it down pat—but the MS throws curves into the "normal"—so I had to readjust. I had been trying to do things MY way, but finally remembered that I had to do it MS's (the shooter's) way!

In 1996, I was keeping a log of my "shooters". I went through a spell, back then, similar to the recent sleepless, painful episode I've been going through, recently. I've already explained that shooters are unbearable—that I WILL NOT (cannot) live with them—so whatever they want, they get! It is a matter of survival. I must either get rid of them, or get rid of myself. Simple.

In 1995, I'd had a total hysterectomy, and although I was already post menopausal, the shooters wanted estrogen, I discovered. (without ovaries I was incapable of producing any) So, in my 1996 log I experimented, and that is when I started on hormone replacement therapy. Shooters were happier, but they wanted estrogen every 8 hours—not just once per day. Okay—you got it! Another discovery, back then, was that shooters wanted me to be slightly elevated, and not on a flat bed—you may not get horizontal, but must sleep in a recliner! Okay you got it! Now, after some time of the 3 estrogen per day, I gradually was able to resume sleeping in bed instead of a chair.

All of this finally returned to mind, and I realized that I'd lapsed back to 1996 levels, having stopped the estrogen. I wrote that I'd re-started the estrogen, but was trying to resume sleeping in a bed. (of all places) But, last night, I decided to try the recliner sleeping, again. It worked! After my pre-bed spa soak, I reclined in my chair with a pillow & blanket—instant zzzzzz! I slept until Mel got up for work. After a half-hour, or so, I decided to try bed. The next thing I knew, it was 09:30! I got about 8 hours sleep total, and only took 2 Neurontin! YAY! YAY! YAY!

Hugs!

Hot!!

2009-03-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

During the intolerable heat of 1980, we had to take some drastic measures, as we were living hand to mouth, and expenses were overtaking income by a landslide. The old AC in the restaurant was not able to keep up with the demand, and was struggling to keep the dinning room semi-comfortable. The customers dwindled, and those who dared venture in, had little appetite. The kitchen was not air conditioned, and was actually life threatening—a meat thermometer sitting on a shelf out of the direct heat from equipment read over 130°! What it was for Mel and cooks working over the grills, deep fryer, and steam table is only imaginable. We did obvious measures such as rotating wet shirts, salt tablets and plenty of drinking water to prevent dehydration, and lower body temperature, but there was no relief in sight, and we needed to do more.

Our solution was to do our necessary deep frying (tortilla chips) and baking first thing. When those were done, the fryer and oven went OFF for the day. After breakfast, the grills went OFF. We put out a notice to our customers that due to the extreme heat, we would operate on an emergency menu after breakfast. Our mexican food was all micro-waved to order, so was no problem. We put out a menu of cold foods including salads, a cold cut plate, a fruit salad, sandwiches, stuffed tomatoes, etc.. We substituted potato salad for french fries, and Mel's potato salad was such a hit he had to keep it available for the rest of the time (16 more years) we operated the restaurant. The customers loved it!! The cooks loved it!! Our pockets loved it!!

The AC didn't make it, however, and we had to buy a new one (ouch!) We also had to buy a new one for the house. The air conditioning companies boomed that year!

Looking back, I think I should make Tee shirts for us that say, "We survived the summer of 1980!" Hugs!

Think moving day was hot?

2009-02-26T08:03:00.001-06:00

The comments on the 106° moving day, brought to mind the "hell" we barely survived in the summer of 1980. I couldn't figure how to describe it, so just to see what came up, I Googled "weather archives Wichita 1980" . The following article came up—and just about says it all! We had to take some extraordinary measures at the restaurant, as our lives were literally in jeopardy. Tomorrow I'll discuss what those measures were. Hugs!

THE SIZZLING SUMMER OF 1980:

Sweltering heat took a long, unwelcome vacation in Kansas during the summer of 1980. The blistering heat arrived with a vengeance on June 24th when the mercury soared lika a fighter jet to 103 degrees. Afternoon high temperatures broke the 100-degree barrier each day for the rest of the month, culminating in a monthly high of 110 degrees on the 30th. The nighttime provided very little in the way of relief as lows in the mid to upper 70s were prevalent during that one-week span. Little did anyone realize that the atmosphere was just getting "warmed up". During July, the heat wave hit full throttle when high temperatures cleared the 100-degree hurdle a staggering 24 out of 31 days, including an eighteen day stretch from the 3rd to the 20th. The 4th was, quite literally, hotter than a firecracker, when another 110-degree reading was achieved. With heat that intense, some Kansans probably did their holiday barbecuing right on the pavement. The record heat reached a pinnacle on the 12th, when Wichitans baked in 112-degree temperatures. With nighttime temperatures in the lower 80s, air conditioners received the workouts of their life. It appeared that the heat wave was losing its grip, when a cold front crossing the region on July 21st caused temperatures to "nosedive" back into the mid 90s with overnight lows dropping to near 60 degrees. Not so, as temperatures shot right back up into the 105-110 degree range from the 21st to the 28th. The heat wave that wouldn't die was entering its third month. The record heat didn't break stride as August took the baton and raced to a high of 110 degrees on the 1st. In fact, 11 of the first 13 days of August would see triple-digit highs. It was on the 14th that "the sizzling Summer of 1980" began to ease its grip on Kansas, as temperatures settled back into more seasonal levels. However, it was too late, as 20 record high temperatures were set between June 24th and August 13th, all of which stand to this day. During the months of June and July, Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport only received 1.81 inches of rainfall, 0.47 inches of that was in July.

Uncle!

2009-02-25T15:03:00.001-06:00

Another pause in "our" story to catch you up on my sleepless, painful night. Last night was the final straw! I'm going back (started this morning) on my estrogen! Last night I suffered from 22:00 until 09:00 this morning. Mel was back from his morning bus route before I ever got to bed! I'd taken 8 Neurontin by 05:00, and squirmed miserably until #8 finally took effect.

I'll be honest with the endocrinologist when I see her in a couple more weeks, and I think this will probably mean that # 20 doctor will be another wash out. She does not get that estrogen could have any correlation with MS or my "shooters"! The doctors are each on their own page and my 19 years experience with myself has no bearing on what's in their lousy books—so I'm WRONG!

Forgive my rant! I wish 19 doctors would have to suffer a night like I had last night! Hugs!

Another move!

2009-02-24T11:15:00.001-06:00

I was so ready to jump into Mel's quitting drinking that I neglected to relate another earlier big event. The year was 1976, it was August 6th, 106°, and we moved, again! The lease was up on our rental house, it had had flooding and mold problems, and we weren't about to renew the lease. We'd been eyeballing a house two doors down which was for sale, and we applied for a loan on it (with fingers crossed). We got the loan, and today was moving day. We had plenty of big, strong young guys lined up for the cost of a keg of beer, and a few pizzas. It was the toughest move of all!The two houses had a split rail fence between them, and with each item carried, one had to make the decision to go over, or around it. This was a big deal if you were carrying a hide-a-bed sofa, or a heavy dresser. Those had to go around, making the distance carrying them (in 106°) longer. What a grueling experience—we're fortunate we didn't lose any friends, or lives due to stroke over the ordeal! But the job finally got done, and with doors closed, AC on, the pool table assembled, the keg still heavy, and pizzas arrived—it was time for fun and games!

The picture above was taken many years later, but shows pool table and rec. room. Background (hands on head) is youngest—Doug. Middle are Arno & Mel—foreground is Doug's friend and a close neighbor.

Bye Bye

2009-02-23T12:58:00.002-06:00

The fact that Mel didn't like the drunken bum either gave us both a new way to view the problem. This was my first true understanding of the saying I'd heard repeatedly—"I am powerless to alcohol". He had zero control over the bastard! However, that's not quite true—preventing the drunk taking over was as easy as not taking the first drink. Without booze, he was the guy we both liked.

The fact that we'd separated the drunk from the great guy also allowed Mel to save face. He didn't have to wallow in remorse, or apologize for having hurt so many—it wasn't Mel that had done those hurtful things—it was the drunk!

Mel did attend an AA meeting at my insistence, but said that it was not the program for him—that he'd do it himself. He did talk with one man at the AA meeting who gave Mel his phone number and offered to sponsor him. I told Mel that he was the only one that could do it, and to follow his conscience.

A couple of "dry" days later, Mel confessed that he'd called the sponsor saying that he really wanted a drink. The wise sponsor told him to go out and drink, then,—you know how that will turn out! Mel also told me, that day, that he craved sugar. I'm certain that you could see the light bulb over my head! Of course you crave sugar—you've been "drinking" the equivalent of cups of sugar every day, and you are having carbohydrate withdrawal! "Get in the car!", I ordered. We went to a candy store, and I told him to stock up on everything that appealed. He protested at the expense. "Verses drinking?", I reminded him. "But, I'll break out!". he worried. I love sober broken out!

The candy eased the cravings, and we were already over the hump! Mel ate about a pound of chocolate every day! But, he was able to gradually wean off of it. And we had the guy we both liked! In October we'll celebrate 30 years of his glorious sobriety! Bye bye drunken bastard! We don't miss you at all!

Booze

2009-02-22T13:32:00.001-06:00

One of the most major events of our time together occurred almost exactly one year after we had opened the restaurant. We had settled into a regular routine of getting up at about 04:30 to have the restaurant opened by 06:00. We each had our duties, and were quite efficient at them.

On October 20th 1979, the bedside alarm went off—but Mel was not in bed with me! He had not been home at all. I dressed, and went out to check if the car was there. It was! It was in the driveway, with Mel passed out in the driver's seat! Thank-you Lord for getting him home, and I pray he didn't cause anyone else an accident! I roused him only as far as his getting to the bed—but he wouldn't be opening the restaurant this morning.

I drove to the restaurant, and began doing double duty. We had a waitress opening with us, and she came in shortly after I did, and was a huge help in getting three jobs done by the two of us. Neither of us was experienced at cooking, but we got the place opened, and muddled through getting the orders taken, prepared, and delivered. Most of the customers were regulars, and knew us well. They were understanding of our inferior (to Mel) speed and perfection.

We had a very busy lunch every day, and had a lot to do to prepare for it, while doing our other jobs. We were a bit frantic as to how we were going to manage lunch with out "superman", when he came through the door. But instead of offering an apology, or any appreciation of what we'd accomplished, he was angry and critical. He did a lot of yelling, cursing, and wound up calling me a filthy, vile name. That was my final straw, and I went to the office, took $250 from the cash-on-hand, and left a note saying "This (repeating his vile name) took $250—you'll find the car at the bus station."

I went home, called the bus station to find out when the next bus left for Hutchinson — that was where Arno was now living and working. I figured he'd put me up until Mel and I got the separation settled. I packed a bag, and was just about gone when Mel caught up with me. (He'd shut down the restaurant, and left the clean-up to the employees)

We calmly sat down to discuss our options. My demands were very limited, and I was calling the shots. I told him that he was two persons. He was my loving, wonderful husband; and he was a drunken bastard! I love my Mel to pieces, but I can't stand the drunk. Up until today, it had been worth putting up with the drunk in order to have my great guy; but that was no longer true—I'd attended Al-anon meetings off and on for years, and knew that alcoholism was a continuing and growing problem, and would never get any better—I hated the drunk, and would not live with him any longer. His surprising-to-me response? "You know what? I don't like him either!"

Hugs!

The Restaurant

2009-02-21T11:41:00.001-06:00

The next major event in our lives was the purchase of a restaurant. "Major" is an understatement! It was a dream come true, and a nightmare! We knew it would be hard work, and that there would be tough times, but we never even imagined some of the snafus that confronted us. We both knew restaurants pretty well, but lease laws, federal and state regulations, septic woes, water-well woes, burglaries, water heater failures, equipment failures, and $1,100 electric bills were among many of the unforeseen barriers we had to surmount. Color us surprised at what we'd gotten ourselves into.

But somehow we managed to keep our heads above water, and built quite a clientele.When we started there, the place had been closed by the health department—it was FILTHY!!! In places, we literally "cleaned" with a hammer and chisel! It had been a truck stop, open 24 hours, with no management. After cleaning, making menus, & supplying, we opened the doors to very skeptical customers. They waited, watching to see what scurried across the floor or up the walls before they got brave enough to order something.

After we got established, and found some decent help, Mel did all the food prep and daytime cooking, I did the baking. I was called "The Pie Lady". Mel made "his" outstanding soups, sauces, Mexican food, etc. Together we put out "to die for" biscuits & gravy. After a few years, we began to hear of referrals from all around the US. Truckers, or passers through would tell friends to be sure to stop at Brito's if they were in the area. It was a long journey from those first hesitant customers.

Hugs!

Happy Anniversary, Janie & Hank!

2009-02-20T00:26:00.002-06:00

Today is CA sis & hubby's 49th wedding anniversary! Congratulations to you! And wishes for many more love-filled years. Hugs!

Rivalry

2009-02-19T10:20:00.002-06:00

Christmas was a tough time for me. Trying to figure out what to get the kids was driving me crazy—they were all so afraid that one might get more than another, and thus was a "favored" child! Sheesh! I finally decided to confront them with my feelings, and see how they felt about my dilemma. I called them together, and told them that I had come up with three possible solutions: 1) give them each a check for the same amount; 2) buy identical gifts; or 3) buy each of them what I thought he/she would like the most even if I spent different amounts. I asked their choice, or if they had a better idea. They unanimously chose #3. So I was off the hook. I also told them that there would be times when one of them might need more attention than the others, but the amount of attention given was no measurement of love. I explained that one cannot compare love between individuals. We had quite a discussion on feelings for friends, parents, grandparents, and other family. I could see that they were beginning to grasp the idea.Things improved greatly after our "talk".

I still had some delicate times with René. She had a fear of doctors which was profound. I surmised that it was association with losing her mom, and took her to a few sessions with a psychologist. I think it helped a little, but the sessions were beyond our budget, and the improvement was not that apparent—but he did give her some tools to help her face issues later in life. Another problem between us was that she had a very low tolerance for pain. My pain tolerance level has always been very high, (too high—I don't feel anything soon enough to get early aid) and, I had to learn to give sympathy for what was a really big thing to her even though I'd have shrugged off the same thing had it happened to me. An example was the first time she came crying holding one hand with the other, "Look, she sobbed." I expected to see a gaping wound, but honestly didn't see anything more than a tiny red spot. She was obviously in real pain, and I began to understand that she had a very sensitive, and keen system. All of her senses were/are much sharper than normal. If she hears, smells, or tastes something—believe her! It will eventually prove that she's right.

The picture is another shot of the cow pond. It is Mel (cut off his head to be sure I got a great shot of the fish—lol) with a stringer of beauties caught about ¼ mile from our front door!

Hugs!

My First Ice Storm

2009-02-18T11:43:00.001-06:00

The kids were all much happier with the Kansas school, and they each found friends in our neighborhood. I didn't have to worry, back then, (or in our tiny community) about abductions or the like—so the kids were free to visit, or bring friends home (with permission) and the stability of our home environment began to show in their behavior. The two who were 8 weeks apart, were in different grades. The older (Curtis) was born in early Sept., and René was born in late Oct. so wasn't old enough to get into the same class. That was really fortunate, and helped with their rivalry. But the battles for the security of attention continued, as did the drinking problem.

The temperature started dropping early that year, and we all needed more than CA clothing. So it was off to Sears! We needed sweaters, jackets, coats, scarves, gloves, hats, blankets—the works.

I went to work part time at the Hilton, too, (waitress) and got the lesson of a lifetime one day, while we were so new to conditions in Kansas. The temperature dropped suddenly while we were at work, and an ice storm moved through, leaving the roads covered with about ½ inch of black ice. We (Mel & I) had 7 miles of this to drive home on! It took over an hour. I was astonished at the ice rink the city had become! I never knew such things occurred! I absorbed how Mel maneuvered—it was so impressive! I've never seen conditions quite so terrible since, and I hope I never do, but I'll always be grateful that I had such a skilled teacher. The yo-yo bad drivers provided as good a lesson—I learned a lot of what not to do! The ditches were lined with vehicles, I witnessed cars stopped with the rear wheels continuing to rotate, people zipping through a 4 way stop, etc etc. I learned about ice scrapers, and having doors frozen closed.

The picture above shows Curtis at the frozen cow pasture pond. I've always loved the picture—one of a thousand words! More soon! Hugs!

First days in Wichita

2009-02-14T23:42:00.003-06:00

Now, back to Wichita 1975. I've dug up a few old photos for the next few blogs—the one above is my mother, with the three kids in front of the rental home shortly after settling there. Telling you about the cattle, & farm pond, brought back some vivid memories, and one pretty good laugh. The laugh came at some wee hour in the morning, when the urge to pee hit, right after moving in. Remember that we'd lived in 3 states, and 4 different houses in the last 6 months. I was lying in a very black room trying to remember where I was, and where the bathroom was. I could see nothing, and would have to wall-walk—but needed to figure out what direction to head out. In this confused fog, I heard, "Moooooo!". Now, when we rented the house I knew that it faced a vast open field, but I did not know then, nor at this particular moment that the large vacant space was a cow pasture! So here I was, with yellow eyes, in a mysterious black room wondering...moo? moo? Where am I?

We did some exploring within the next few days, and found, close to our house, a wooden "A" frame like a small ladder with steps on both sides which provided a way to get over the barbed wire fence and into the cow pasture. We discovered the pond, (watering hole for the cattle) and got the owner's permission to fish (yes it contained fish!) there! Remember, too, that Mel was the only one of us to have experienced 4 seasons, and we all were oblivious to the weather that living in the mid-west could dole out. (We're in Kansas, Toto!) We had lots to learn about cold, snow, tornadoes, thunderstorms, "watches" "warnings" sirens, etc.. I'd never even seen an ice scraper, and couldn't figure out why we were the only ones with plastic garbage cans. (I'd packed in them) The dawn came crashing home when I went out one bitter day to add to the trash can and found a large pile of trash surrounded by splintered plastic! Our "cans" had shattered! Aha! That's why! Lots to learn!

Hugs!

A Truck Load Of Love To You!

2009-02-14T00:18:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sister left, this morning. The sad news is that she's going back to hubby! I won't say much more than that.

I'll need a few more days to get back into my "normal" rhythm, but I'm working on getting back to "our story".

Huge hugs around!

unpack/pack

2009-02-06T23:34:00.001-06:00

Finally the money arrived, and we found a rental house in Albuquerque. The moving van brought our stuff, and I had everything unpacked and set up in no time at all (I'd done a marvelous job of packing *patting self on back*)

Mel went to work at the Hilton Inn in Albuquerque. He was a line cook, there, but soon took the place of 3 cooks. I found a part time waitress job, and things were okay, but not good. The kids were unhappy with the NM schools, and there was lots of rivalry. They all got chicken pox, too and that wasn't fun! I'm not saying that it was all bad, we had fun times, but generally, things were lacking.

A former boss (Innkeeper) of Mel had opened a new Hilton Inn in Wichita, and recognized Mel's name on the payroll. He contacted Mel, and flew him to Wichita offering him a position as head chef. Mel accepted, and went to his Albuquerque boss to give notice. Albuquerque boss beat the offered Wichita pay to keep him. Wichita offered more, then Albuquerque trumped Wichita, again. Wichita offered still more and Albuquerque folded. Wichita won, and it was pack-up time again! *sigh* It was at this time that "X" filed for custody and we married.

I'm going to double back to CA, again. Mel called me one evening saying that he was bring his "grandson" home. I replied jokingly, "I think you forgot to tell me something!" Grandson turned out to be an old friend (old as in known long time—he was only 22 years old—9 years my junior) He (name Arno—yes I spelled it right) had worked with René's mom, and the age difference was enough that Arno fondly started calling her grandma. Of course grandma's hubby was grandpa! And I, as grandpa's proposed, became grandma, too! Arno took a job with "grandpa" in CA, and moved in with us there. He was a great help to me, and the kids were mesmerized with him. Arno had a masters degree, and was a brilliant kid. He enjoyed cooking, and he and Mel made a great chef/sous chef team.

Back to NM. I was facing another move (this time the Hilton paid the movers to do the job!) and had my hands full with the kids, and without Mel. Mel needed a sous chef in Wichita, and called Arno who was still in CA. Arno came running, and relieved me in NM while I drove to Wichita to house hunt.

I found a nice rental home with full finished basement. It was in a very rural area of Wichita—7 miles from the Hilton Inn, across a narrow street from a huge cow pasture, with a farm pond. An elementary school (all 3 were still elementary) was just under a mile away, but the kids would be bussed (no sidewalks or traffic control). It was a very small school, and looked ideal for the kids. We moved in in late August just in time to register the kids for the new school year. With Arno, we were a family of six, embarking on a new life.

Hugs!

We're Off!

2009-02-05T04:01:00.002-06:00

Mel went to NM before the rest of us. He was lining up a new job, etc.. I got the exciting job of packing up a house full to be transported in another month when we'd found a place to send it (and received the money from the house sale). And, of loading, packing, and transporting myself, 3 kids, two dogs and enough of our belongings to last a month into a Gremlin (see picture—but mine was light green), and drive 1100 miles (18 hours). I think Mel had the easier end of that scenario! But I was young, and didn't have, "I can't" in my vocabulary.

I thought that I was ingenious in loading the Gremlin. The back seat folded forward leaving enough room for two kids to lie down in the space between the bucket seats and the rear hatchback door. The third kid sat beside me, and they rotated. The dogs (both small) went wherever they were most comfortable—usually in my lap or at my feet. *sigh* As padding for the kids in back, I'd lined the floor with our clothing, and put bedrolls on top. With pillows, and driving at night they were sleeping much of the trip, and surprisingly comfortable. (easy for me to say)

We took off after school on Valentine's Day, Friday. Monday was a holiday—president's day, and I figured the extra day would be useful to acclimating, and give the kids a brief break before starting a new school. What I forgot to calculate was that I'd hit outbound L.A. traffic at rush hour on a 3 day week-end! We crawled along the freeway until I spied a place to eat. We lingered at the restaurant until traffic thinned enough to resume our journey. I drove for hours in very strong winds. It was really tough to keep the car under control. My mind was spinning with the enormity of leaving the only place I'd ever lived, and heading into a total unknown. That and the difficulty of fighting the wind had me so occupied that I failed to see the cop until the lights and siren came on! I was within a very few miles of the AZ border. So, my parting gift from CA was a speeding ticket!

We finally arrived at Mel's parent's house, and lived there for a month! Ten of us in a 3 bedroom house! The kids got the pleasant surprise of snow the next day, and had a blast playing in it. They were still enjoying the snow on Monday, when a gentleman approached me wondering why the kids were not in school. It was a truant officer—and it was not a school holiday in NM! Busted! So, it was off to register and enroll the kids! When I got back to the house, another gentleman approached—animal control! Busted for leash law! Sheesh! What a welcoming committee!

To be continued..... Hugs!

Back to "our" story

2009-02-04T00:45:00.001-06:00

First, a comment on the ice situation. It's improving, but temps are declining, again. This weekend is supposed to be gorgeous—so we're hanging on. We lost power again for about 15 minutes today, but we're back now. Also, I had a much better night last night on Neurontin, again. Fingers crossed that it continues. And finally *deep sigh* enabler sis has left her hubby, again. A slightly skeptical, and cautiously optimistic, "YAY!" She is coming here, again, I'll try to keep you apprised.

Now, back to the story of Mel & me getting together, and some of our obstacles:

To continue (part 3) with some of the tales of the uniting of me and my 2 boys (traumatized by a nasty divorce), and Mel and René (traumatized by the loss of her mother), I'll begin in So. CA where I was born and had lived my whole life. This was early 1975, and I had turned 31 in December. Mel would turn 35 in July. The kids were 10, (boy) 10 (girl), and 7(boy). I was also traumatized by the divorce (my ex had been a terrible emotional abuser), and Mel was also traumatized by the sudden death of his wife. Mel was a (in my ex's term) "f-ing Mexican", and he drank excessively. I was financially strapped, (ex played dirty and "got" me good—he got the gold mine I got the shaft) and struggling to care for kids, work, keep house and pay bills on a crappy income. I'd had to give up my good paying bartender job and go back to waitressing, because in those days, a woman was looked down on for doing a "man's" job. (actually, it had been illegal for a female to tend bar in CA, unless she was the owner, until 1973!)

René was further unsettled by the facts that she had lived in Seattle when her mom died, and she'd lived with her half-brother there while Mel made arrangements to bring her down to CA. So, to be introduced to a stranger (me) who'd be her primary care giver in a strange state, in new schools was really tough.

When my ex got wind of the fact that I'd be going to NM with Mel, he filled the boys with scary thoughts of our going to old Mexico to live in a shanty, yada yada. Isn't this a great way to start a relationship? Yes, Di, René hated me, the boys were very skeptical of Mel, and the kids were all vying for acceptance and security in that way which children have of bringing out the very opposite effect. As in misbehaving in order to get attention. It was a slow process of gaining confidence, and showing stability in our personal relationships, if not in a permanent home and school.

More to follow..... Hugs

Thaw/refreeze

2009-02-03T00:22:00.001-06:00

I had another poor night, dang it! I'm about ready to go back on my estrogen, but I'm going to hang in there until the ordered estriol arrives. I know it'll be another week or so of discomfort—but I'll try to grin and bear it. It's sure a puzzle as to why this occurs at night—I guess because I don't try to get horizontal during the day. But, why do they mysteriously quit at 05:00? Sounds like colic, huh? I've already connected colic as being neurological—another story. I'd had shooters earlier in the evening (excitement over the game, I think) but, they wouldn't settle down even with the new medication, Lyrica. And, I can't mix the two, so I think I'll go back to the old stand by, Neurontin.

We didn't get enough thawing by Sunday afternoon for Mel to get the bus out. So, he spent 4 hours hacking and chipping away at the melting mess. It was do or die, because the slope of our yard causes the melt to cross the driveway where it re-freezes, and continues to build instead of getting better. He finally was able to drive the bus to the top of our driveway. And, with 4 extension cords, get it plugged in for the night. He thought he had it snaked for school this morning, but hadn't contemplated the walk up the drive to start the bus in the dark—talk about a slippery slope!! It took about 5 minutes, with some innovative tools, but he made it.

The picture above shows him heading back to the bus for the afternoon route. You have to look closely to see the bus, and can barely make him out. But gives you a good idea of the slope, the distance, and why we've been frozen inside the house for 3 weeks before. He'll keep the bus parked in a neighbor's yard until we are fully thawed.

Hugs!

Doctor visit

2009-01-31T12:27:00.001-06:00

My doctor visit on Thursday was "mixed". The good parts were a) my tests came out in the "normal" range and b) She recommended a medication for my shooters which is superior to Neurontin and is helping. The bad part is that her outstanding medical knowledge again trumps my years of experience (sarcasm). I'm wrong because she knows better! Grrrrrrr! She has never experienced shooters, and had no idea what it is I suffer, or how I've struggled for years to eliminate (out of necessity) their causes . She began to listen more, and understand the severity when I declared that I'd rather die of cancer than live with shooters—I will not live with shooters—they are unbearable! She mellowed, and began to realize that my points were to be considered. My ruffled feathers smoothed down, too. I do respect her knowledge and experience. So with these things considered, I think we've got a great relationship to hold hands, and go forth to tackle my problems.

We are both aware that being "in normal range", and being ideal for the individual are different things. We agreed that I should "up" my thyroid medication, slightly, and she recommended how. I agree that it is ridiculous for a 65 year old to continue with hormone replacement, but have determined that there is something in that therapy which my MS needs—I've long suspected estriol (a particular estrogen proven beneficial to MS) but it is not approved by the FDA and not available by prescription in the US. Our compromise—she okayed my ordering estriol cream on-line, and beginning to apply it per directions.

I've begun the increase in my thyroid medication, and have ordered the estriol cream. I've only taken the new shooter medication twice, and think that it is well worth the cost (pricey stuff—even with my Rx coverage). Especially since I think I'll be able to eliminate the need for it as I tinker with what I believe is the cause of my shooters, with regard to the hormone replacement therapy. I'd rather prevent the shooters than to medicate for them.

Mel was with me on doc's exam, and is very impressed with her. They (Mel & doc) shared a hug as we parted, and strengthened the growing bond between doctor, patient, and patient's family.

I have an appointment in 6 weeks (after more blood work) to see how the new regime is working. Stay tuned! Hugs!

Power lost!

2009-01-30T15:27:00.001-06:00

Our luck finally ran out regarding our not having lost power. But it actually turned into a good thing.

When we returned from the doctor's office, and stopped to pick up the mail, our neighbor lady announced that we had no power. I'd said in the last blog that it looked like it could go at any second. (the thawing being almost as bad—or worse—than the freezing) It did! We ate, and discussed our options. Mel had a field trip, and didn't want to leave me home, alone, with no vehicle to get out, no lights, no TV, no computer, and no water. I asked where he was going. He said that the trip was boys varsity basketball, going roughly 35 miles from Forsyth. I decided go with him, taking the first advantage of my my prerogative to attend the event as the spouse of the bus driver. I've never chosen to go before, as I don't usually do well in noisy crowds of people. (bus full of kids, & gym full of fans) But, it sounded much preferable than to staying home. We decided to take an overnight bag, and perhaps to stay in a motel if the power remained off. We gave the neighbor Mel's cell number, and asked that she call us when/if power came on.

I had a wonderful time! The bus was surprisingly quiet, and though I knew of Mel's superb talents as a bus driver, it was fun to experience, first hand, some of those exceptional talents. No wonder he's requested to drive all events. He met numerous skill tests in the time we were on the road, and he passed each and all with flying colors. There were the road conditions with all the different stages of snow packed, icy, and thawing to dry. We also met with dense fog due to the varying temperatures. Where there was a lot of thawing, I saw him taking mental notes of where to watch on the return trip in the falling temperatures. The parking at the destination school (this was a tournament) was tricky, and his maneuvering skills of a 40' bus on a slippery parking lot was flawless. He didn't flinch at the coach's request to stop at a convenience store to let the triumphant team buy celebratory goodies (junk). And, after their departure, turned the bus around on a comparative dime, to re-board them at a better spot for their walking safety.

He is so used to our winding, mountain roads, and knows just how to take the curves and keep the passengers comfortable so that there is no need to lean or hang on. At one point on these roads where there are no shoulders or passing places, he detected an emergency vehicle approaching from the rear, and stopped at the perfect spot to allow the ambulance to see around him far enough to safely get around, and it didn't slow the ambulance's progress at all. I was in true awe.

The game was fun and pretty quiet, too. We were just pulling into the school back home when Mel got the call that our power was back on! We'd already decided to go home, anyway, but that was a bonus! The double bonus was that all of the power trucks, had left our road clear of storm debris, and we won't have that to contend with. School had already been cancelled for Friday, too—they couldn't get the buses up the hill to run any routes. lol The forecast looks great to be back to normal by Monday.

By the time we got back to our house, my spa was back up to temperature, and I was a real happy lady! Tomorrow my doctor report. Hugs!

A bit hairy!

2009-01-28T16:04:00.001-06:00

Well, we made our Jeep excursion. And I can promise that Mel won't be driving the bus to school tomorrow! The road we live on is 2¼ miles long, and had roughly 20-30 trees/branches down. We were able to get over, or around them and get to a main road, but a bus won't manage such a trek for a while. I can't begin to guess when road crews will get down to clearing such minor tributaries as Cotton Rock Road! lol You know they have their hands full! The mail wasn't even delivered, today.

The good news is that the Jeep had no problems, and I will get to the doctor, tomorrow. We'll have to allow a lot of time, but I should make my 9:45 appointment if we leave by 7:30. More good news is that we still have power, though from the look of things that could end at any moment. The phone lines might go at any time, too. But, so far so good.

More hugs, and prayers to you!

Okay, again

2009-01-28T12:39:00.003-06:00

Well, we made it through round two! We were all ready for a power outage—including a percolator (remember those?) for coffee. We had a few blinks and flickers, but we never shut down! I'm pretty sure that without the preparation we'd have been sunk—Murphy's law. I carried a small flashlight in my pocket—when the power goes it gets darker than the inside of a witch's hat in the house.

I had another very sleepless night, and listened to the crack, (branch breaking) hissssss (ice falling) thud (branch hitting ground or whatever) and not knowing what was happening or when something would come through the roof.

School was called off, again, and I'm sure Mel won't be driving the bus tomorrow, either. He will be able to get the Jeep out, however, (the only vehicle which can get us out of our driveway) and will take me to the endocrinologist early in the morning. We will take a test drive in the Jeep later today to see that we can get to a main road.

I scattered several pounds of bird seed for my poor hungry "friends", and got some pretty good pictures when I put my winter suit on, and went out. The picture above I took from our front porch. It shows several of the crack, hissssss, thuds I was listening to—came pretty close to the propane tank. A branch is also lodged right in front of the bus (touching tires) too, don't know how it got there! Hmmmmm.

Prayers going out to you guys that you fare as well as we did! Huge hugs!

We did okay!

2009-01-27T09:44:00.001-06:00

We lucked out again! So far! (But I don't really think it was luck) The worst of the first leg of the storm went south of us, and we never lost power. Sorry to say that parts of Arkansas will be without power for WEEKS! Not just days. It is sleeting now, and more is expected, (round two) but I'm so much more optimistic. The temp is 34°, and the icicles are melting. Mel couldn't get the bus out today if they'd had school, but maybe tomorrow—fingers crossed. He had a field trip rescheduled from tonight until Thursday, and I've rescheduled my endocrinologist appointment until Thursday, too.

On the range dent, the Sears repair called yesterday morning instead of just arriving (good plan). He needed the Model and Serial Numbers on the range. Ha, was that a comedy! He had me on my hands and knees trying to read a label in the bottom broiler drawer with the tiniest print I've ever seen! Of course, I couldn't find the magnifying glass, and I took his number to call back when I got the info. I finally spied another label on the other side of the drawer, with legible print! I got the numbers and called repair back. He was contemplating ordering and replacing the entire front panel. I asked if it was possible to get monitory compensation rather than replacement—the dent was barely noticeable after installing the range, and we could live with it. He answered that it was possible—but he could not authorize it.

I'll make along story shorter by simply saying that I got authorization, and $70 credited to our card. You can see in the pictures that the damage is insignificant, and we are pleased with the deal. I gasped with disappointment when I pealed the film off of the stainless and saw the damage, (close-up shot) but after we installed the range, the dent wasn't apparent without being pointed out.

More later if we do okay with the second bout of weather. More hugs!

It's Ice!

2009-01-27T01:16:00.000-06:00

I'm just going to pass along some information while I'm sure I can. We are in the midst of an ice storm, and I might not be able to post tomorrow (later today). I'm hoping that the worst of the ice will miss us one more time, but there is a layer of sleet on the ground, and freezing rain is falling, so I fear our long running lucky streak of avoiding the stuff may be at an end. School was dismissed early Monday, and the ice started shortly after all the kids were safely returned home—so they made that great call. They have also closed most of the area schools for Tuesday, again wisely—doubt anyone could make it any way. I'm pretty sure I won't make it to my appointment with the endocrinologist, too. That's disappointing, but I'll be warm and comfortable at home, and will set up another appointment.

We are prepared, for a power outage, as I've explained before. We're on a well, but have back up water. We have propane heat, so won't get cold, and we have battery lanterns, with back up batteries. Groceries won't be a problem.

I'm about ready to do my spa soak, and try bed. I've got a lantern by the bed, and will carry a flashlight with me to get me to the bedroom if necessary. The ice doesn't look thick enough to bring trees/limbs down, yet, but better safe than sorry.

If you don't hear for a few don't worry—"I'll be back". Huge hugs, around.

Latest photo

2009-01-26T14:16:00.001-06:00

Mel and I have been fooling with our new camera, today. We set up the tripod, and delay timer, and took this ourselves.

We were able to print a 4x6 copy of the above photo directly from the camera to the printer without removing the memory card, or turning on the computer. We were impressed. The print came out well. I then loaded the photo into my computer so that I could share with others. Isn't it amazing what technology can do? Would you ever have believed it? Hugs!

What time is it?

2009-01-24T16:26:00.001-06:00

Mel is on a field trip, today, taking the ROTC drill team. It's not far away, but is an all day affair. Plus, the drill team is very good, and they usually hang around for the awards ceremonies. He left the house at 5 or so this morning, and I don't expect him home until 9 or so tonight. I was still up, when he got up to go, so we gave each other a great big hug and I hit the sack while he hit the road. *sigh*

I'm so looking forward to seeing my endocrinologist on Tuesday—I'm completely convinced that she holds the key to my sleepless/painful nights. I've been taking Neurontin like popcorn.

I did take my thyroid pills before I went to bed this morning, and drifted off until 10:45! I've been trying to post this blog since then, but it's been one of those "distracted" kind of days. I haven't even had my coffee quota (2 cups) yet! Nor have I turned on the TV! That's the first thing Mel does! The television knows he's not home! lol Maybe I can watch the evening national news with my "morning" coffee.

Hugs around!

All Done--almost!

2009-01-23T01:10:00.003-06:00

There it is! I think everything in the kitchen is new, now. This includes the window, and light fixtures. I said "almost" done in the title. The stove has a small dent in the side of the door. Sears will be out to assess and repair. But, its working, and we're delighted. Hugs!

New Kitchen Floor

2009-01-21T02:51:00.002-06:00

Here I am in the wee hours of the morning, again. The dang shooters won't let me go to bed, so might as well share the photo of the floor with you. We are pleased with the results. It is linoleum, but has a marble tile look, without being cold. I'm barefoot most of the time, and couldn't handle a tile floor.

I think I'll try the sack, again—shooters seem to be easing, finally. More hugs!

Monday's post on Tuesday (early)

2009-01-20T00:32:00.002-06:00

I'm working on more parts to "our" story, but I was interrupted by a few goodies, today. The kitchen floor installers had the computer inaccessible for most of the day, I got a call that my new lenses were ready, and I set an appointment to get a perm—she took me right away.

I now have a gorgeous new kitchen floor, a head of curly hair, and glasses with which I can read with both eyes open! Yay, yay, and yay!!!

I'd forgotten what the floor we'd ordered looked like, and had worried that it might not match up to what I'd envisioned. But, it is even better than I'd hoped. I'm still surprised at how the various installments in the remodeling have come together so nicely. The new range and dishwasher will be delivered on Wed. and the propane people will come on Thurs. to convert the range to propane. Then, I think the kitchen will be complete.

I'm going to give bed a try—wish me luck! Hugs around!

NEWS FLASH!!

2009-01-16T12:52:00.000-06:00

The truck is ready!

They finally found multiple problems, each interacting. It cost dearly, but we now have safe brakes (front and back) guaranteed for the life of the truck! Most of the work they did had been done on the truck before, but by different shops, and was outside of the warrantees. Everything on the truck has been checked out, and is now in good order. I'm a firm believer in having faith that there is a reason, whether or not we understand it. So, I think that we've avoided a bigger problem by diligently pursuing the caution message sent from above.

More soon, but wanted to relay the latest on the "brake" trouble. Hugs around!

More Stuff

2009-01-14T22:12:00.000-06:00

Your comments convinced me to work on more parts to "our" story. But, first, I wanted to catch you up on a few current events.

My dreaded adrenal test yesterday went off very well! My hesitance and fears were unjustified. There were NO ill effects throughout the procedure. It was a piece of cake I actually slept through most of it. I'll learn the findings on the 27th.

In my outing, I sent off 2 packages via UPS (printers to daughter & Nance). I set up an eye appointment—haven't had an exam in a while, but no problems. And picked up an Rx from the pharmacy. My eye exam will be this afternoon—I think I'll beat the deep freeze headed this way, but will take big down coat, in case.

The truck brakes are still a humongous puzzle to Midas—they've consulted everyone they could think of. But they're still seeking answers.

Sister Linda (addict enabler) called from SC seeking info to get a computer today. It'd be great to have her an email away, again.

Cessna Wichita will lay off 2,000 (announcement on TV). Son working for Cessna will not be at risk, (supervisor) but I need to call him to ask the ramifications to him. The "crunch" is getting close to home.

Other son suffered a broken water heated which ruined the floors they just worked so hard installing (sigh).

Daughter & hubby have taken in a 5 year old girl (Danny's niece's child) from social services—it is temporary for now, but might become permanent (new granddaughter?) Mom had 4 out of wedlock, (all different fathers!) and suffered terrible postpartum depression, with attempted suicide after most recent. The other kids have been placed with their fathers.

An eye exam today went well—getting new lenses my Rx hasn't changed much, but I need more prism, to eliminate double vision.

And, finally, we will be getting a new kitchen floor, range, and dishwasher next week—will complete our kitchen. Will send pictures.

Huge hugs around!

Part II

2009-01-13T13:06:00.002-06:00

I'll back up a little on my story. I'd forgotten to say that Mel and I were, at the time, in So. CA. I'd lived there my entire life, and Mel had been sent to the Holiday Inn from Seattle as a trouble shooter for the new restaurants there. Mel and I discussed possible future plans, and that his stay in CA might be short lived.

I consulted with my mother about my attraction to Mel and my fears of any relationship so soon, and about my hesitation on the drinking. My mom's advice stunned me! This is in 1974, remember. She advised that I give the relationship a great try! She said that things would either get better, or worse. If they got better—no problem. If they got worse—still no problem—leaving would be easy.

So, when Mel headed out for NM, I arranged to follow with the 3 kids (and 2 dogs). We wound up in Albuquerque for a few months before changes started coming our way, again. The first major change occurred when my rotten "X" filed for custody of the boys. He didn't want them, but he wanted to hurt me, and that was the surest way! I immediately contacted my attorney who said, "Get married—now!" So, we did! Mel was also, at the time, answering a request from Hilton Inns to chef at a new opening in Wichita, KS. We married on a Friday evening, (justice of the peace at courthouse) and Mel left for Wichita on Saturday. Quite the honeymoon—in different states!

Our marriage did the trick, and I won the custody battle, but the drinking was a continuing and growing problem. It was in 1979 while running our own restaurant that the big "DRINKING" confrontation occurred. I'd attended "Al-Anon" meetings for years and knew that threats were pointless. So when I confronted him, he knew that it was I, or the booze. He could not have us both. Fortunately, he chose me—and hasn't touched a drop since!

That's our story! Now you know why we have 2 kids born 8 weeks apart, and why we have 3 kids in their 40s and have only been married for 33 years! Our love has continued to grow, and our kids all flourish. My daughter is the closest person, next to Mel, in my life. And I thank the Lord above for His guidance throughout.

Huge hugs!

about Mel and me

2009-01-12T16:18:00.000-06:00

I had planned to blog, today, about my "thumb sucking" story, but other blogs (Lois & Lynn's anniversary, & Diane thinking kids in their 20s was a shocker) changed my mind. I have also been meaning to fill you in on our background. So, here at long last is the story of how Mel and I met, and got together.

This is not the first marriage for either of us. I was first married at 17 (yikes!) to what turned out to be the wrong guy for me. But, it took nearly 13 years for that realization to overcome my determination to make the marriage work. We had two boys, in 1964 and 1967 respectively. Who were 6 and 9 when we separated.

Mel married a woman (roughly 1962) with whom he worked (he was chef—she a waitress) who was 16 years older than he, had been divorced, and had 2 boys. I don't know the ages of her boys when they married, but they were roughly young teenagers. Mel and Ruby (first wife) then had René. She was born in 1964. Ruby became quite ill in the late 60s early 70s (lupus suspected but not formally diagnosed) and she passed away in 1973.

At this time, Mel and I were working in the same place. (he chef, I bartender) We had become friends (he was a drinker and frequented my bar) but suddenly found ourselves in a different relationship, both being without partners. I was very skeptical of emotional intimacy just having been through a NASTY divorce, and he was very skeptical of emotional intimacy, having just lost his spouse (a divorcee with two boys) and facing another divorcee with 2 boys!!

But, there was a strong attraction, and we had mutual needs in the other. As things got quite serious between us, I had to ask myself if I could take on a 9 year old girl—and accept her as my own. The prospect of "step-child" wasn't satisfactory. And, could I live with someone with an obvious drinking problem?

I can see that this story will be a 2 parter, so will continue tomorrow. Huge hugs!

Disagreeable!

2009-01-10T23:41:00.002-06:00

I promised to post this picture for Lois. I said that the facial expression matched the snowfall in her area.

Off to do other stuff. Hugs!

Ironing

2009-01-09T10:53:00.001-06:00

First, a comment on the picture above. My CA sister and her husband went to Tahiti last year and took the picture from their cruise ship. I reviewed it, and thought we could all use a reminder that it WILL get warm, again! lol

A blog Lo wrote a while back, and one that Judy wrote yesterday got me to thinking about the "old days". Specifically washing/ironing/fabrics. I remember being 9 months pregnant in the month of August, and facing a mountain of ironing—before permanent press fabrics. I couldn't DO it!! The heat, the position, (couldn't get close enough to the ironing board) and the overwhelming girth of the maternity clothes sent me to the ads looking for someone to do the job for me. That was the only time I ever sent my ironing out to be done by someone else.

Also, the pictures I posted of my friends as youngsters reminded me that we always wore dresses to school. How did my mom do it? She had three girls wearing dresses everyday—her mountain of ironing must have been enormous! And, how did my grandma keep up with laundry? Oh, to be able to ask them!

I'll leave you to ponder, and await comments. Hugs!

Stuff.

2009-01-08T11:07:00.000-06:00

Mel and I have spent three looooong days at Midas trying to get the brakes on the truck fixed. The problem has the mechanics buffaloed. They have done everything, but the problem persists. All three trips, we sat waiting for at least 3 hours! Yesterday, after getting on the road at 07:15, and picking Mel up at school, we drove there to resume waiting—again! At noon, they test drove it once again—no change! They guarantee their work, so it doesn't cost us any more, but they are going to have to start all over again. We decided that we'd drive two cars there this weekend and leave the truck for them to spend whatever time it takes to get the job done right. Their plan is to replace everything, with more new parts, assuming that something was faulty. But, it doesn't make sense to me that the results would be the same with different replacement parts. I'll keep you posted.

On the very bright side—I've solved my insomnia/"shooter" problem! YAY!! When I saw my neurologist, I requested that he prescribe amitriptyline for me. He did, and I, rather impatiently, waited the week it takes for it to become effective. But it is working! I've been pain free for 2 or three days, now!! What a relief it is! Last night, I actually attempted going to bed early. My typical routine has been to take Neurontin, take a soak in my spa, then try to go to bed. But, less than 10 minutes later the shooters say, "Uh uh! Not this time!" So, I get up, take more Neurontin, try another soak, and so it goes. I usually wind up sleeping in my recliner or in the spa—shooters do not want me to get horizontal. Last night I was getting sleepy by 10:30. I decided to give it a try. I took my spa 20 minute soak, then tried bed. I didn't know anything until The alarm went off for Mel at 04:30. I went potty, then went back to sleep until 06:30! Yay!! A night in bed!

Now, I just need to get my hormone difficulties controlled with my new endocrinologist. I'm pleased with her—but I'm terrified of the test she scheduled for me next Tuesday. It is a test of the adrenal glands that requires them to give me a heavy hit of adrenaline. That sounds like "shooters" to me—and I'd rather die! But, I'll give some instructions to the ones testing, and hopefully I'll survive, or I'll die before the shooters get too bad.

Keep your fingers crossed! Huge hugs!

Strange Day

2009-01-05T23:43:00.002-06:00

I had a few things planned to do, today. Among them was to write a blog since I've fallen behind, again. But, it was one of those days where I kept getting distracted from my goals. Most days like this, I keep starting projects and finishing nothing. I wind up with a bunch of open projects—I keep busy all day—but nothing gets done! But this time I wound up starting and finishing things that I had not even thought of doing. It was pleasantly surprising.

I will finish this blog, but it wasn't what I'd anticipated writing about, nor will it be at the time I'd intended to post it. I had intended to change the bedding—but that was put off for later. I did do 2 loads of wash which I had not planned on. I needed to gather information to take to my endocrinologist appointment tomorrow—I did get that done—I had to! I had a bill to pay—it's still waiting. But, I had to file a paper (I have a medium packing box filled with divider folders which I use as a file cabinet) and wound up cleaning out the entire box of the no longer needed, or outdated things. That meant sorting all of the 2008 receipts, etc. and preparing for 2009. I filled a large trash can with the old stuff, and am pleased that the job is done.

I made an unplanned phone call to Nance—we had a nice talk. She will be at the MSOhio meeting in the morning, and would love to see you there. I received an electric throw (thanks for the suggestion) that I'd not anticipated today. I loaded our new camera onto the computer, and some music into Mel's iPod. Which I'd not planned. I made phone calls to my ISP, and to the phone company to correct errors. (Both calls planned—and they both turned out well.) Especially the phone company call. I talked with a nice guy after I worked through the automated cra*, and after clearing my intended business, I inquired about any plans to get high speed internet service out here. He did some checking, and said that this area is on their expansion list!!! YAY!!!

More soon! Hugs!

Still holding breath?

2008-12-28T22:40:00.001-06:00

Now, you promised you wouldn't laugh! That's the way life is for one with ultra-fine hair in the days before hairspray and/or styling mousse. Note also the space between my front teeth. (You can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them) At this point in my life I still sucked my thumb, and the space in my bangs usually matched the space in my teeth. I had a cowlick at my widow's peak where the bangs separated, and a few strands stuck straight up. Ruthie's mom used to tell the story of trying to comb my hair once. She'd wet the bangs, comb them down, and hold them in place for a bit. "Pop"—right back up! "Kathryn," she asked, "how does your mom keep your bangs down?" "She doesn't, " was my simple answer!

I know I've shown these pictures to you before, but they were lost when my old, old computer crashed, and I never scanned them into my old or to my new computer. This gave me the ability to do that, and to save them to disc. So thanks for tolerating, again.

One day I must tell you the story of how I finally quit the thumb sucking habit. I and my second son both sucked our left thumbs for quite a while. Much to the chagrin of my dentist father. Telling the story of how I finally quit was the catalyst which made it possible for my son to finally stop.

Viewing these old photos again also adds another blog idea and that goes along with Lois' reminiscences of things we had in the past, and wondering what the future might hold.

Off to KC—more soon

More hugs!

Another "old friend"

2008-12-28T12:23:00.002-06:00

Above are pictures of my very best friend (now departed—she must have really been needed in heaven) who was more like a sister to me for the 57 years we knew each other. The first photo is of us together taken in 1947, The second & third pictures are of us individually at the ages of 4 & 5—she was a year older than I, and I started school at 4 years of age (these were school photos). Note my unruly hair in the shot of us together—that hasn't changed! Mel calls me "Phillis" (Phillis Diller eat your heart out!) lol When I was that age, I asked mom if I could let my hair grow so that I could have long black braids like Ruthie. Ha! Note in my school photo how well coifed I was. Actually I believe this was my first grade picture—mom wasn't about to get caught sending me to school on picture day the way my kindergarten picture came out. Tune in tomorrow for that picture! Promise you won't laugh....... Hugs!

Old Friends

2008-12-28T00:43:00.001-06:00

Lois' talking of a friend since childhood made me think how fortunate I am to have had 3 such dear friends in my life. Sadly two of the three have passed. But, I still communicate with the one remaining, and when we talk on the phone, we still giggle as we have for over 60 years. In the picture above, she and I are with my father (my arm around her). Such sweet memories. Huge hugs!

☃

♪It's Oooooover!♪

2008-12-26T23:18:00.000-06:00

Christmas is over, and put away at our house! Yay! Christmas in the rear view mirror is always refreshing to me. But it isn't there very long—next thing I know, it's just ahead around the next bend. My, how time flies, anymore!

I have my annual visit with my neurologist on Monday. He insists that I come in for a check-up once every year. I have gone a few years without, in the past, but it is only reasonable that he needs to see me every year. I'm at the clinic twice each year for my treatments, but I don't see "doc" at those times. He is in Kansas City, and that's quite a haul for us, but that isn't his problem. I have been having major problems sleeping recently, too, so it's probably time to run that by him. I'd rather eliminate the cause of the shooters than to treat the pain. But, I'm ready to go back on Elavil, in the interim. I also have an appointment coming up (on January, 6th) with an endocrinologist. Personally, I've always thought that most of my "shooter" problems were hormonally related. I've seen 19 different doctors trying to find one that would help me correct my imbalanced endocrine system, but they've all been set in their ways, and not willing to to take my personal idiosyncrasies into consideration. Hopefully this one will be different—the magic # 20. She (the endocrinologist) was referred to me by an RN that I met while Mel had his vein surgery. I've got my fingers crossed that she'll be the one! I'll keep you posted.

While we're in KC, we'll go by Costco, and do some more bulk grocery shopping. I know, it's only been a couple of months, but we've had visitors drawing on our "store". And, we have our annual New Year's Day neighborhood brunch coming soon.

Huge hugs!

Guess what tomorrow is....

2008-12-24T14:24:00.001-06:00

It is Dotti's birthday! Seriously! Dotti is an old, dear friend of mine. In the photo above, she is the first on the left—I am second on the right. The picture was taken in the late 60s. Told you she was an old friend! lol We still communicate regularly. Isn't that a treasure?

So, Happy Birthday, Dotti, and Merry Christmas!

Testing—Tue #2

2008-12-23T01:45:00.001-06:00

This is a test to see if I can write a blog in any font, send it via email, and still add a picture. I think I can!

Hugs

The Desk Lamp

2008-12-23T00:11:00.001-06:00

This is a simple story of needing and purchasing a desk lamp for my computer desk.

I'm a poor typist, because my left hand isn't too coordinated. It does pretty well for most things, but typing isn't among the acceptable limits of its abilities. I'm therefore reduced to mostly right hand typing—I do use my left index finger on the "shift" key for capitalization. But, I must watch the keyboard. After getting my new computer desk, a lamp which I had been using was no longer useable due to the high back on the new computer desk (the lamp had a toggle switch which was no longer reachable), and without the lamp, I was having difficulty seeing the keyboard. The solution, of course, was to purchase a new desk lamp, without the toggle switch. Simple enough!

I found an inexpensive (cheap) banker's desk lamp at Wal-Mart with a touch sensor! Perfect! I brought it home and set it up without too much trouble. It was exactly what I wanted—for about 5 minutes! It burned out! It wasn't the bulb. Mel took it apart, and discovered that the touch sensor switch was the culprit. So, having saved the receipt, I waited (blindly) for the next opportunity to get to Wal-Mart to exchange it. The time finally arrived, and I made the exchange without too terrible a hassle. The new lamp worked just fine—for about 15 minutes! The touch sensor burned out again!

I've not always made the best decisions, but I'm not totally without common sense, so I wasn't about to try for lamp # three from Wal-Mart. Instead, I checked out finding a banker's desk lamp (I loved the style) on line. I found and ordered one from Amazon. This was about double the price, but it had a glass shade instead of plastic, and it had a pull chain, rather than either the toggle or touch sensor switch. It took a bit of time for it to arrive, but it's working well for me and I just love it!

All that remained in my Wal-Mart dealings was to return lamp # 2 for a refund. Not too big an ordeal, right? Wrong! Just my rotten luck, I happened to get behind a lady (a female, anyway) who was returning about 50 items! This was at the store entrance, not at the service desk. It wasn't just a matter of putting a sticker on a bag (a huge cart full, actually) of returns, but their new computerized system required feeding in each item, and whatever else I don't know. Anyway I waited for about 30 minutes until the process was done. Then I followed the female to the service desk! She went to one line (there were only 2 lines)—so I went to the other behind several others. I advised a few others to do the same. We all got out of there faster than the female!!

All ended well! I have my lamp, and got my money back, but I thought it'd make for an interesting story. And, if you're ever in the market for a desk lamp—you'll know one not to buy! Hugs!

Fill in

2008-12-22T10:38:00.000-06:00

I'm going to fill you in on a bit of what occurred while sis was here for the month of November. You might want to check out Nov., 3rd's blog, as this continues from there:

I met Linda (sis) at the bus station in Springfield as planned, and the chaos began! I'll leave the story here for now to give you some of Linda's history. She married at 18 to Gary, and they were a dynamic pair. They were married for 48 years, and accrued quite a fortune. They had 4 children whose births ranged from 1963 to 1978. The first was adopted, followed within 3 years by a natural child. Several years lapsed before # 3 arrived, then a few more years before # 4. The first two were reared quite strictly in hard times, during Gary's drinking days—he was an alcoholic.

The second two had an entirely different upbringing. Gary was sober, they were quite well off financially, and the kids were all spoiled rotten! They wanted—they got. I tell you this to explain that Linda always felt guilty that the first 2 didn't have the same "advantage" as the second two. All 4 turned out to be bums—so I don't know why she feels that she/they somehow discriminated. Anyway, Gary developed diabetes, and his health declined pretty rapidly in the latter years. By 2003 he was legally blind, and Linda had her hands full doing everything for him. None of the kids were financially (or emotionally) independent, so Linda carried them all. All four kids had drug problems, and were in rehab numerous times. Linda refused to "let go and let God" as her training dictated. She "jumped" when any of them whined.

Gary was Linda's emotional "rock" even though he'd become a physical drag. Gary passed away in 2006—a result of the diabetes, and sis was left with a big bag of worms without her rock, and with 4 leach addicts. She enrolled in a truck driving school (age 67), and obtained her CDL. A few months on the road convinced her that that was not the life for her, but she met a truck driver 18 years her junior, and after a year of "mostly together" she married the bum! He has hardly worked in the last 2+ years, and loves Linda's bank account almost as much as her kids do.

Back to the bus station in Springfield On Nov. 4. (Linda had left hubby to spend time with us)—she got off the bus with cell phone to ear talking to hubby! We hardly got a chance to talk to each other on the trip home because her phone(s), she had 2, kept ringing, and she refused to ditch them or turn them off. When we got to Cedarcreek, she asked me to stop at the Post Office. She sent money to oldest daughter (just out if prison)! I voted with no lines or waiting.

The whole time she was here, she was talking with the leaches, and sending money! It was really pathetic. But, it allowed me to "let go and let God" with her. I'll be available to her—but if she wants to come back here the phone(s) can't come. And the only money she can spend must be on herself (I'll hold her checkbook(s)).

Anyway, that explains some of the "stuff" I was dealing with for the month of November. Linda is now back in Alaska with her hubby (no step-daughter) and calls occasionally. She also lives with her oldest daughter, (just out of prison ) daughter's dog, (sis paid to transport) and significant other (junkie) of 3rd daughter who is in expectant mother's rehab! I am able to listen without offering advice or opinions. Hubby is working *gasp* but will be giving that job up when he returns to SC for daughter's birthday in January. What happens next? Nobody knows! Stay tuned! Hugs!

Nance's Computer

2008-12-19T00:14:00.002-06:00

I had sent the computer off to Nance via UPS, and was watching the tracking on it. When I first checked the tracking this morning, it said "out for delivery". But that didn't tell me much, as I have no idea what time they'd arrive at the home. So, I checked periodically. Finally, not long after noon here (1:17 p.m. EST, exactly) It said "delivered". YAY!! Nance had received her computer!! I called a couple of hours later, and we both had some choked up moments as we exchanged the joys of giving and receiving. Her world had been diminishing to such a small place, and it has opened back up again! I published her email address on MSOhio, and suggested that we hold a special "welcome back" session.

Huge hugs!

During and after vein shots

2008-12-17T06:51:00.002-06:00

Mel saw the surgeon who did his veins, yesterday for his follow-up appointment. She was real pleased, and will see him again in 3 months. You can see in the 1st shot above how much improvement there is, and she explained that it will continue to get better. The second picture (tho blurry—must concentrate on holding the camera steadier) Shows some of the black the upper leg turned. The really black part was not due to shadow--it really was black! And it got much worse than shown. But that has cleared, now.

We got the computer sent off to Nance, yesterday—She'll get it tomorrow (Thurs.). And, I went back to town for a mammogram, today.

More hugs!

Boo Boo #2 (I'm a poet)

2008-12-13T17:08:00.000-06:00

To continue: After the bacon incident, I did one of my brilliant falling tricks. I never see them coming—I really don't think I need to explain. One second, everything is okay—the next second, I'm either on the floor or just about to hit it. Boom—I landed on my a** (just my left cheek)! Owie! No harm—butt for a bruised pride, and bottom. Sitting is still tender today, butt it IS better.☺

And, in summation, JOY:

For this segment I'll quote myself segments from a letter I mailed today to Nance. Yes, our Nance.

"I am so excited and full of joy! I have stewed over your dilemma for such a long time wondering what I could do to assist, and grieving over the pittance anything I could offer would be. Randy had written the MSOhio group trying to solicit ideas, and funds to make your life easier. I put a check into the mail, but I knew that little could be done with that. I finally asked myself what I'd like to have/do if I was in your place."

"Then the "light bulb" came on (God whispered in my ear)—what I'd want the very most would be a computer. The "wheels" started spinning. Where could we get a computer at an affordable price? Then God tapped me on the shoulder—you've got a laptop sitting in a closet downstairs. But it's old, and so outdated, logic argued with me. God pushed me toward the phone—call your computer man! I called my computer repair man and got the good news that he could erase the hard drive, and get the machine up to good order for a good price. I got another nudge—call Randy for more information. I dialed Randy, but he was not available, and I left a message on his answering machine to call me. Another nudge—I didn't mean for you to call Randy—call Nance!"

I did call Nance and asked her lots of questions about where she was living and what was available to her. I learned that she has wireless access to the internet! I told her that I'd send the computer to her. In closing our phone conversation she asked if I had plans for Christmas. My reply was, " To get you on line!" With that in mind, more quoting from my letter to her:

"You know most of the rest of the story. But, I'll add that Randy returned my call and is nearly as excited as I about the prospect of getting you on line. I gathered your computer, and drove to the computer repair shop (about an hour away—told you we were in the boonies) I had taped a note on your computer to add a wireless card, and bring the USB ports up to high speed. My computer man was not there, but his wife was expecting me. So your computer is going to be worked on this week-end, and might be ready early next week! I'll get it into the mail ASAP, and you should have it by the end of the week! YAY!!!"

"I'm going to tell you that your computer was given to me by my sister who refused to use it. Her husband had purchased it for her. Her husband passed away in 2006, and when I made the decision to get the computer to you, he smiled down! I see a job and income in your near future! You have so many friends and a new horizon is spreading out before you. This was meant to be! "See" you next week!"

God works in such wonderful ways—he put some of my recent plans out of reach so that this would be possible!

Huge hugs!

2 boo boos; 1 great joy day

2008-12-13T00:00:00.003-06:00

Mel's been taking lots of field trips, and frequently packs a meal to take with him. He had asked me to cook some bacon for him, and I did that first thing this morning. I have a great way to cook bacon using the microwave, and avoiding all the splatter and clean up. I have a microwave tray with a cover that I use just for that purpose. The first batch came along without a hitch. I was engrossed in another project (computer) when I started the second batch. I set the timer for 4 minutes (I thought), then returned to my typing. Suddenly I realized that it had been waaaaaaay more than 4 minutes—and then I smelled trouble. I stopped the microwave, (I gather that I'd had 40 minutes set, and that about 10 had lapsed) disposed of the burned bacon, and grease, and cleaned up the mess. But the stench was awful! I was expecting Mel home from his morning run, and taped a note to the door saying that everything was okay but hold your nose! He was grateful for the warning when he came in, but said the stench was more than burned bacon! We checked out the tray and cover that I'd cleaned. The tray was fine, but the cover was singed, and it was that which was so stinky. We threw it away, and it took a lot of scouring with baking soda to finally get the microwave smelling better. That was boo boo # 1. To be continued. Hugs!

I DID it!!

2008-12-12T00:20:00.002-06:00

Yay!! I finished Christmas cards! 63 are in the mail, and on their way. I remembered one more to get out tomorrow, then Mel will need some to pass out at work—but for the most part they are done. I normally have the task completed within the first few days of December, but sis' month long visit left me quite discombobulated, and I'm just beginning to get it back together. (for me—lol)

It's late—or rather early, so I'll make another promise to do better soon. Hugs!

Okay, Lois.....

2008-12-09T23:16:00.002-06:00

Lois shamed me in to it—not into decorating, but into publishing a picture of last year. lol This is as easy as it gets. Takes about 20 minutes each year. I am working on cards, and will get to better blogging when those are done. I will pass along a quick tidbit while it's on my mind. The NMSS fund drive envelope stuffing we did brought in $690!! I was very impressed that one old friend contributed $500 ! Wow! Hugs!

birthday second post

2008-12-07T17:09:00.001-06:00

My CA sister sent me a tear jerker e-mail which I wanted to share. This sister turned 5 years old 2 weeks before I was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SISTER!!! I've been thinking of you all morning and remembering when you were born. Grandma was at our house when it was time for mom to leave for the hospital. Uncle George was driving her because dad was in the Army. Grandma was litterly wringing her hands because I was sick with a cold and begged mom to rock me because I didn't feel well. Mom stopped everything and rocked me - with what little lap she had left. I later learned mom hardly made it to the hospital before you popped out. Dad got leave from the Army and came home. He took Linda and me to the hospital, but we weren't allowed to go inside, so we stood on the lawn and mom came to the window of her room and I could see her inside and she was crying when she saw us outside - I knew she missed us very much.

When mom came home with you, I was totally enamored What a wonderful gift for a 5 year old girl. You always smelled so good and you were a delightful baby and child. I loved you dearly - and still do. I am so proud of who you are and what you do. You raised 2 wonderful sons, and then added your beautiful daughter. You and your sweet husband have carved out a grand life for the two of you. I am so proud of Mel and the love and care he has for you. Bless you both.

So Dear Sis, I am very thankful for you and am so pleased and happy and proud that you are my sister. I love you with all my heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Love, Janie

Isn't that a sweet letter? I am so blessed! More Hugs!

Better!

2008-12-07T10:38:00.005-06:00

First, let me say with great relief that Mel's leg is looking not only better, but quite good. Second, today is my birthday, (65!) and the photo above is of dental impressions which my father (a dentist) took of me in 1947. (I was 4) Sister Janie is the keeper of such stuff, and brought them as a birthday gift to me. I was a serious thumb sucker and the results are apparent in the impressions. The photo is blurry and the details aren't evident, but I thought the size of them was worth showing.

Also worth reflecting—today is the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was also on a Sunday, and pretty close in time to the very moment I'm writing this. It is interesting to ponder, and compare the times then and now.

I'll be driving with Mel to Forsyth, in a couple of hours—he has another field trip, and will drive his bus back home after the field trip (ROTC to a Branson Christmas parade). He'd left his bus at the barn on Friday to have his surgery (I'd driven in to pick him up after his route). That sounds confusing, I know, but things are backwards for him since he keeps the bus at home.

Huge hugs!

worse!

2008-12-06T22:58:00.003-06:00

Mel didn't get home until 8:30 tonight, and came in limping. The problem area in the leg is not at the sight of the bulging veins, but where they inserted the laser probe to do its thing. His upper leg (to near the groin) is multicolored red, black and blue. We'll see what it looks like in the morning and make a couple of calls to see if we need to take more action. He has another field trip tomorrow, but it isn't until later, so will give us time to do whatever is necessary. Hugs!

All's Well!

2008-12-05T23:34:00.003-06:00

I don't have the "after" shot yet, but here's the ugly, painful, frightening (to the kids) "before" bulges! Nasty, huh? They were only on his left leg, and as a result of a bus with a VERY hard clutch.

The surgery was more entailed than I thought, but there is no lengthy recovery. In fact, Mel will be leaving early in the morning for a field trip. He will need a test next Tuesday, and a follow up visit with the doctor on Friday. He'll continue with the support stocking for a week, and that's it. They were late getting the surgery under way, and it was after 3:00 when we finally got out of there. I was able to bring his coffee to him in recovery. There was no general anaesthesia—a local, and IV "relaxer", but they had to be sure he was okay.

Glad it's done! More hugs!

Mel's surgery

2008-12-05T00:54:00.000-06:00

I know that I promised stories, but forgot that today is Mel's varicose vein surgery. So there is another story to add to my list. Surgery sounds so drastic for the procedure which doc described to us. I will try to get before and after photos for you to judge. And, I'm hoping it is as simple as I'm anticipating. The biggy for Mel is that he can't have any coffee (no food or drink) until after the procedure—scheduled for 11:00 a.m.! More details tomorrow! Hugs!

I'm back!

2008-12-04T00:24:00.002-06:00

Above is a picture of Betty and George. They are a couple who frequented our restaurant in Wichita. They will celebrate their 66th (yes—sixty sixth) wedding anniversary on the 20th! We had been invited to a celebration of their 65th last year, but had to pass due to bad weather. I promised them we'd look them up next time we visited the area. It took nearly a year for us to get back there, but I remembered the promise, and we did get with them. What fun to see them again. I have their email address, now and we'll keep more current. The picture is one we took with Mel's camera phone, and it took a bit to figure out how to get it from phone to computer, (we forgot our camera) but I'm proud that we succeeded. I'm behind in projects, but will be writing more....... promise! Huge hugs!

We're Off!

2008-11-25T23:52:00.002-06:00

We will be leaving in a few hours for Wichita to spend Thanksgiving with the family. I hope to have lots of good blogs and pictures when we get back. Know that I'll be thinking of you, and am so thankful for your friendship. I feel you are part of my family, now. Huge hugs!

Happy Birthday, Janie!

2008-11-22T07:45:00.000-06:00

I know that it's been ages since I last wrote a blog, and that you've been waiting to hear the gossip—but I have no news on that front. I'll just say that it's been "interesting" and that I'll give details another time. My other sister is coming in (she and hubby in RV from CA) today. It is her 70th birthday, and we're excited for them to arrive. I mention Jan's age with a quote from her: "I've been making a fool of myself declaring to all I meet that my birthday is coming and I'll be 70. Folks look at me strangely, but I don't care, I sure never expected to get this far. It's wonderful." She is a type one diabetic, and has been insulin dependent since she was 6 years old—one of only two in the US to have survived so long! They are both looking to go down in the record books as the oldest surviving diabetic—and I'm betting on sis. Hugs!

Monday—almost there!

2008-11-03T07:51:00.000-06:00

There have been some major changes around our house in the last few days. Sister, Linda (trucker who married 1 year ago last August) has left her husband, and will soon be on her way here to stay with Mel and me for a few weeks. The marriage has been rocky, and this is very good news that she has escaped his possessive grasp. The only sad part of the separation is his 11 year old daughter, who has no alternative but to continue living with the "drug addict" (her words).

I won't go into details of their woes, but will fill you in on my plans for the next couple of days. Linda is currently in Alaska, but will get on a plane to Kansas City at 9:00 this morning, and will arrive at 9:00 tonight in KC. (rough times). Then, she'll take a bus to Springfield (12:15 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) where I will meet her. My plan, then, is to go to bed with Mel (by 9:00 tonight—sure) and get up with him (4:30 a.m.). I'll take off as soon as I can, and hopefully beat the morning Springfield commute. Springfield is more than an hour away in ideal conditions. After, I connect with sis, we'll head back home, and I'll stop by my polling place and hopefully find a short line so that I can vote. Sheesh! How's that for a schedule?

If my blogging is skimpy for a while, you'll know why. Sis is in serious need of lots of TLC, and is coming to the right place. Hugs!

2008-11-01T00:08:00.002-05:00

Time change day is upon us again. Don't forget.

I'll be going to Springfield for the required Methotrexate level blood work, to be drawn 48 hours after the infusion.

My mind is busy on other things beside writing a blog, so I'll make this short, and pick out an interesting topic to tell about at a better time.

Huge hugs!

2008-10-30T23:29:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I'm home from KC and my treatment. Everything, so far, is going well. I'll be on the antidote for 3 days, then should be done except for my follow-up blood work in 2 weeks. Mel did our Costco bulk shopping while were there, too, and stocked up on a bunch of our basics which will last about 6 months. He'll need to do a bunch of butchering, then the freezer will be well supplied.

I'll send this, read up on the blogs, and comment more later Hugs!

I Survived Smoker!

2008-10-27T16:50:00.003-05:00

I'm adding a second post to show a picture of neighbor's lemon trees. They look a little weary because of all the lemons she just harvested, but there'll be more to come. I learned that they are a dwarf variety, and are about full grown. I also asked her about pollination. That is why she has 2 trees, and she aids with the cross pollination with a cue tip between flowers.

I'd promised to get back if I could brave the conditions. I did, and I did!

More hugs!

Great Book

2008-10-27T09:39:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. PeachOP had recommended it to me, and I'm passing along that recommendation. I emailed the Oprah show, suggesting that it be added to her book club. It is a true story telling of " one man's mission to promote peace..... one school at a time"

I have an obligation tomorrow (Mel goes back to doc for his varicose veins) and we're leaving Wednesday for KC and my treatment, so I probably won't post again until Friday.

Huge hugs!