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Thursday, 16 May 2013

  • Long day

    I went on a bus with a church group to the casino today.    We had a good time but staying dressed all day, shoes and underwear and all sure is hard on me!   I didn't win but I didn't lose much either and since I was with such a fun bunch, it really was a good experience.   I fell asleep here at my desk once and am looking forward to an early bedtime too.

    I may have mentioned getting a garden bench from a neighbor who was tired of it and now I have even more good luck with that same thing.  Another neighbor had put a cute little side table on the curb so I asked him if I could have it and he said yes and he also gave me two shelving pieces he had in his garage.   I'll paint the table and put it on the patio but I'm not doing a thing to the shelves.  I've always wanted some extra storage space in the garage and these things fit the bill perfectly.  

    The back yard is coming along.  Still a ton of work out there and I am so slow.   All in good time I suppose.   I have visions of something quite beautiful, like out of a magazine, but I know it will only be a dream and I will be satisfied if it is only part of a dream.  As  long as it is a quiet place with some blooming plants and a few birds.  A resident gardener would be nice to help ....

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

  • Like a turtle ....

    .. a very old turtle.  That's me on many days.  A slow starter and sometimes no finisher.  It's Tuesday  so no swim and that should mean I can get out in the yard and tend to something.  So far it hasn't happened.  

    I'll catch you up on Mother's Day.   Mass, then home to cook a simple meal.   Had phone calls and cards from kids, and yesterday  I got two packages at the post office, and another card.  Molly and Kelli sent the Miracle Ball Method because they knew I wanted it to see if it might help my achy places of which I have quite a few.   Stephen sent the cutest Fat Cat statue.  Of course I love it all.  I got hand gardening tools from Clayton and Elaine a few days ago.   I sure do get lonesome for that bunch.  

    I ordered a new book for my Kindle this morning.  I sure do enjoy that gadget.   Book is "Chase the Wild Pigeons", about the Civil War.   

     

    Well, that garden stuff isn't going to do itself.  

Saturday, 11 May 2013

  • I"m back ....

    .... for a while anyway.   Can't guarantee daily entries, maybe weekly??   My life is sort of different now, getting older (aren't we all?)  fingers have a mind of their own on the keyboard, and since Gordon is gone, along with my sister, I have some sad days.   But I have the cats and lour youngest son lives with me now.   Oh and I have lost my notify list to let you know when I post   Pretty much of a mess, right?   Let me know if you want to be notified and I will try to get a list together again.  @Bex is one friend who has tried to find me today.

Friday, 22 April 2011

  • No April showers

    Remember that old song "Dry bones, dry as a bone ...."?    That's most of Texas.   Lots of wild fires too.   Weather  is really acting up this year, flooding out some, drought causing all sorts of problems, and all that snow up north that just about froze everyone to death.  All I can say is how thankful we are to have a good home and good heating and cooling.   I was born here and can take our weather but now as well as when I was younger.

    It's hard to believe that Easter is almost here.   Time just picks me up and drags me along, kicking and screaming.    Gray hair and wrinkles are the norm and my middle keeps expanding, but hey the gray hair and wrinkles keep people from thinking I am pregnant.   Heaven forbid!    A baby would kill me.   Poor little thing.   I know I would forget where I put him.

    We are about back to normal.   Normal for us, that is.  Gordon still has a great deal of pain, but he is over the operation.    I know if he would stick with physical therapy he would feel better in the long run, but he says he hurts too much to do it.  And the oncologist wants to see him too about the suspicious lesions on his lungs but he is not ready to face that either.   So we will take it day by day and see what happens,.

    I have had a busy couplke oif days, early rising, running through the days and being exhausted by nightfall.    We had doc apppontments, haircuts, errands, meals, etc., and no rest for my wicked bones.    Thank goodness I sleep well at night.    I ease my aches with meds and practically go into a coma for hours.   

    Yesterday after grocery shopping and tending to house chores, I showered Gordon and then went out and bought a gas grill.    Our old one bit the dust a couple of years ago and I really did miss cooking out but Gordon seemed to think it was not a necessity and he figured I couldn't handle the propane tanks and the upkeep, etc. yada yada yada.  Finally, I talked him into it and it is to be delivered and set up tomorrow afternoon.   I hope to grill a chicken and maybe some ribs for Easter Sunday lunch.    I will be a happy cook.

    I wish for you, my loyal readers, all  dozen of you, or at least you are the only ones to comment or email me, a happy and holy Easter. .   Not to mind, those of you who read can stay in the shadows as long as I know that someone, even if it is only one, gets something out of my writing.  Maybe this snap will make you smile.

    This is Rumpie or Fatso as Gordon calls her.    She loves the new crate so much that some mornings she will stay in longer and stay perched on one of the shelves. 

    Well it seems there isn't a way to insert my snap.   I'll attach it to my notify email. 

     

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

  • April already

    Spring is here and Gordon is finally home after 6 weeks in the hospital and the Nursing home for PT.   What a blessing to sleep in  own bed and sit at our own table and eat like normal people.  It's wonderful to have the little everyday things going on around us.   The only way we got through this was that we could see the end of it and knew we would be  home at the end of PT.

    I suppose I am not as strong as I thought I was because the stress was beginning to get to me.   I was so tired.    But since Gordon was improving, I drew strength from that and so I kept it up.    Prayers helped too and I swant to thank all those who prayed for us. 

    We have an appointment with our primary care doctor tomorrow afternoon and soon Gordon will be completely back on track.   He has a large infected cyst on his back that needs care and we need to get his meds straight too.    

    We still have a ways to go.     

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

  • Tuesday night

    Have you ever been to a  three ring circus where  something different is going on in each ring?  And all around the rings, there is a parade of performers and animals, a band and a barker calling our attention to the acts on the high wire and trapeze above us.

    Gordon has been admitted to a supposedly high end nursing facility where he is to recieve 20 days of physical therapy.     The foyer is beautiful.   A huge fish tank, beautiful furnishings, and a pleasant potpourri perfume gives one the idea of a posh hotel.   The offices are nice too, dark bookshelves, shiny desks, family photos all around.

    Turn a corner and here is the truth.   It's a sucky nursing home.   

    The circus part comes when you begin to deal with the staff.   Oh, I am not saying they are all circus freaks, only the majority of them.   I have worked nursing homes so I am very loud when my patient is not getting the care he needs.    I complained of a microwave in their little "kitchen" that was so dirty I didn't dare put Gordon's food to heat in it.    After a day of repeated complaints, somehow it was magically clean.   

    Oh, and the food is inedible so I am going twice a day with food from home. He will eat the oatmeal on the breakfast tray, but I bring two other meals from home,

    This post could be much longer, my friends, but it's already after 10 and I am dead on my feet.   Good night to you all.       

Monday, 14 March 2011

  • Update

     
    Unfortunately, Zanga, who runs my journal site, has seen fit to put unsightly pop-ups over part of my journal posts, so you masy not be able to see all of this post.
     
    Gordon has ups and downs, is still in ICU, primarily because of a shortage of beds in monitored rooms.   I am assured (yeah, right) he will be moved today.   I think he will do much better once he is in a room where he will have a window to see out and a little more room to maneuver.   As far as the surgery incision and general healing, he is doing well.  He walks twice a day with PT and is getting stronger.  
     
    It's the confusion that gets bad at times.    I am told that ICU psychosis is quite common for the patient who stays in the unit for more than a few days.   Today is Gordon's 9th day.   (I think!!)
     
    They called me yesterday morning and asked me to come stay with him to calm him down.  According to the night nurses, he was the star of the unit, screaming, getting out of bed (till they restrained him), calling everyone foul names, trying to kick one male nurse in the face, etc.  I arrived there at 8am and stayed till almost about 5pm.   He was in pretty good shape when I got there, but was still fairly demanding and needy the whole day.   I am sure I saved the nurses a lot of steps by tending to him.    By last evening, I was almost psychotic myself, plus my feet and legs were killing me and I literally ached all over.   
     
    You know, I don't really know how many hours I slept last night, but I went into the bedroom around 6, slept, woke up and put cats out at ??? time, went back to bed and slept till Around 5 or so.  I feel pretty good this morning but I have already taken a Vicodin for my feet and legs.   Sciatic pain in my left legs is totally aggravating!
     
    I called the unit and was told by the charge nurse that Gordon's nite was a pretty good one and that he would be moved today for sure.  (Yeah, yeah, yeah.)
     
    So I have taken my vitals, (so-so), swallowed my usual hand full of morning meds, and will eat breakfast and shower then get out to gas up the car and pick up a few groceries.   I will make the 10o'clock visiting time this morning and we will go from there.
     
    As for the spots the lung doc found on Gordon's lungs, we will deal with that after he is stronger.   I think it will be mostly a watch and see situation.   I am trying to give it o God and only think about today and the really near future.
     
    Spring is here and brings hope.    I am relying on hope a lot.
     
    Thanks dear friends for all your prayers and good thoughts.   I know it helped more than any meds or treatments. 
     
    Love, Ava    
     
     
    ps  I sent this to some of you so you may get more than one notify of what is going on.  Please forgive me for bothering you.

Wednesday, 09 March 2011

  • Tired

    I am much too tired to elaborate, but suffice to say, Gordon has been in St Mary hospital since the 3rd, had surgery to repair a huge bleeding ulcer on the next day and may be moved to a private room today if all his docs agree to it.   He is healing ok, but has severe ICU psychosis and is pretty much out of his head.   He won't eat because everything tastes bad to him. Every time I come home, I nap.   I go for several half hour visits every day.  

    More later

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

  • Story time

    First of all, I must let you know that I am taking a round of physical therapy to improve my balance and also to increase my strength.   I see a  very nice knowledgeable physical therapist and his cute little assistant three times a week for 4 weeks.    I think it is doing me some good, although I must confess, the human contact plays a big part in it.   I am somewhat isolated from friends due to being Gordon's only caregiver and having to be home most of the time.  Not much "me" time, if you know what I mean.

    OK.   I was driving home from PT but had to make my three times a week post office run too and somehow (these things happen in the blink of an eye) I ran up on a curb and I really hit it HARD!   ( I really hit a storm drain so it was a little higher than the curb and it made a "doodah" instead of being a smooth curve in the curb.)       I was so lucky that no cars were really close to me because I bounced around pretty good.  It's lucky my air bag didn't go off!    I recovered from that and went on my way to the PO.  The car drove OK and it wasn't till I got home that I noticed I had really torn up my wheel cover.  Plastic, of course.

    I hated to tell Gordon because he worries so much, so I put off saying anything to him till I could think of a good time.  This was going to cost us a bit and so I didn't tell him till I went out to the garage a little later and saw I had also taken a good sized chunk out of the side of the tire near the rim, which I saw now was really scratched badly and even bent a little.

    I went inside and told him and I immediately began to bawl like a baby.   I could see the money flying out the window and it was MY fault.   Gordon was understanding of course, telling me it was no one's fault, only an accident.    I went to Walmart to get a new tire but they told me the rim was too bent to mount a tire on.  More tears.   

    I ended up having to go to the dealership and order a rim and wheel cover and they called today to tell me it is in so I will have to go and get it and then go back to Walmart for them to put it on for me.  Money flying everywhere by now and tears flowing like Niagara. 

    So tomorrow we will be a few hundred dollars out and I will have a safe car again.  Right now I feel like I am sitting on a time bomb every time I get in the car because the gal at Walmart told me that if I was to hit a big bump (or a curb) or a pothole the damaged tire could blow. I will see that all this is taken care of tomorrow.

    Second story.

    My PT went very well today.  I pushed myself hard because the therapist says we must challenge our bodies to get results.    We had done all the exercises and proceeded to do what we call our line dance, crossing our feet to the back and then to the front again when I had the bright idea of challenging myself by not watching my little therapist's feet but to look at her face instead.  BAM!  I stumbled and we both hit the floor because she tried to catch me.    I didn't break my glasses, and my therapist wasn't hurt and my head did not hit the floor.   Three good things about it.  The bad thing about is that I am sore from head to toe, like someone worked me over with a 2x4.  

    So tonight will be an early bedtime and though we will have to spend some money on the car, we are lucky to be able to pay it and my body will mend.  Oh, and I am cried out maybe there will be no more tears for a while. 

     

Sunday, 13 February 2011

  • Dream

    I had a dream last night.

    I was driving up and down old Port Arthur’s streets, seeing empty buildings, pot holed streets, and aimless people who looked for all the world to be homeless. It’s a depressing sight for someone who remembers when it was a nice little town full of hopeful people, hardworking souls who came from all around the world.

    I suddenly saw my mother and father, arguing or talking heatedly with an old man who looked suspiciously like a character actor from an old western movie I watched a few nights ago. They slipped from view as they went into one of the buildings that was being refurbished. I got out of the car and followed them on foot.

    The scene before me after entering the building neither surprised me or frightened me, only filled me with joy at seeing my parents who in real life have been gone many, many years.

    A makeshift table was set, made of saw horses and plywood and there sat Daddy and the character man, while Mama happily sliced an apple pie and gave them each a piece. I ran in and took my seat on a nail keg and asked for my piece. Daddy asked me what I was doing there and I told him I had seen a piece in the paper about several town projects that seemed to be shady and he told me he was warning character man about the same shady people.

    Daddy looked so good! His broad smile and watery blue eyes brought tears to my own eyes at seeing him so happy. Mama, wearing one of her home made aprons looked the same as when she left and her pie tasted so good to me. Character man was gone by then and I woke up, thinking I was still sitting at the table eating pie with my parents.

    How can a dream be so vivid and real? Daddy died in November of 82 and Mama followed him in November of 91. They were wonderful people who raised my sister and I to have good morals and to be strong of character and now I will forever see them as sitting in heaven eating apple pie and still loving each other for all eternity.

     

     

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avajsouth

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    • Name: Ava
    • Location: Port Arthur, Texas, United States
    • Gender: Female
    • Member Since: 4/1/2006

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  • It's only me from my other site, but I would like the Beacon to stay the way it was and make this more of a journal site instead of fantasy. I haven't been posting at the Beacon much lately, sort of lost my muse, I suppose. The Beacon Light is here: www.xanga.com/avasouth

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