Best/Worse/what did I learn today? & Santaf Warren Xmas exchange

I sent messages to Debbie and Chrissy. Chrissy is not for sure if she can join the swap, and I have not heard back from Debbie. She is on the road in New York, posting beautiful pictures, and she says she can't log into DG. I will let you know if I hear back.

We fly down on the morning of Nov.11, for, an 11am apt at Toronto Western .. it's a consult only. Dr. Buys does her surgeries on Mondays, so, we have a flight booked home for 4pm on the 11th, is surgery is going to be done on the 16 or 23 we would fly back.
I just couldn't imagine staying in Toronto all that time (Wed-Monday) especially since I will have company here at home ..
Never RAINS, but, it POURS it seems ..

M

"m" I could always pick you up, stay with me and I'd drive you back
Would save in flights

Thanks Lindakay

Hungry as can be,left early, no breakfast, going to have a hot bath as my runners were wet from tramping in the forest,..few spots we found trees down by hydro because they were close to the power lines, that helped.. so all in all big catch

Enough to fill this 12x12 tarp

Now to find a nice day to make outdoor arrangements

But first, imagine it's 10 am and I've been out and bed not made, was going to wash but still, bothered me all the time I was out. Lol

That is a lot of cuttings.

Will make a lot of pretties..there are about 4 other types of greenery we buy at the nursery so Not next weekend but the next I will go looking

Susan I was out in the dark trying to untangle Duke. I have a mega flashlight plus a miner's headlamp but did I take them out with me.... oh no. Was hoping it was just going to be a second or three.

People on the lane make fun of me (not in a nasty way) because when they come in the lane after dark they can see my headlamp from quite a distance so they know the boys are out too.They tell me it is like a beacon calling them home.

Am already on antibiotics for yet another tooth infection so am hoping they will have a dual purpose. Have yet another lengthy dentist appointment coming up ... oh joy.

You are right Betty. I did buy this laptop for Warren. I use it all the time now.

I've just spent almost 3 hours blowing leaves at the front of the house. The carport is cleaned out and there is now an easy access to the wood pile. Got all of my recycling bins organized too. I forgot the big house on the lane was rented this weekend.... bet they didn't enjoy all of my noise at 7am Love to know what kind of jobs these renters have to afford $500 per night.

Deep breaths M deep breaths.A good trick I was taught years ago take in air for 4 sec and then release it for 4 sec. Its used as a calming technique and sure worked for me. The Thundering Herd and I will be there on Nov 11 with you and Gord. Once you have firm details your tummy and mind will settle down a bit. Often hotels near the hospitals in TO offer great rates for families with loved ones in care.After his surgery Gord might not be able to fly for a few days.

LK how are you feeling? Still mega pain?

Katie you would have been so proud of me this morning... I had my wellies on and they slip easily on wet leaves. Before I took a giant step into the pile of leaves I thought 'you had better be careful or you will fall'. I thought of you when that happened.Took a nice dainty step into the pile and remained upright.

OK going to take some time and go back and read what I missed while I was internet deprived.
D

Dianne, I still have a lot of pain, but like Betty, I try my best to keep doing things. Bending over, or putting on my socks does not happen, so hubby helps with that. I see the surgeon on the 12th. Hoping for a quick and easy fix.
Sorry to hear you have another tooth infection. I know they are not fun. Rinsing with salt water helps sometimes.

Dianne, glad to hear that my grousing has had a positive effect.

I am sore today. Gardened yesterday. Got four gac plants into their permanent home. Working on planning and laying out a keyhole garden the the northern part of my property. One of my dragonfruit plants has a lot of blooms and some of them seem to be setting fruit.

Anita is here. I've shown her theouse and told her to clean what she wants while I'm gone.

Besides the three monkeys off my back I think the stress of eight surgeries in as many years has taken its toll. I'm looking forward to some healing time with Amma. I know there is also holiday stress. I have my ways of handling it but have to remember that low energy is part of the season for me. I usually perk up after New Years.

I'm going to move some things around in the garden and try to keep myself from anything too tiring.

Susan, when you get rid of your tennants we can have a celebration of lack of stressful situations.

hugs, katie

yes, Susan will be visiting us in March
yes, meds are strong, but I'm not driving when taking them
Went to Drs yesterday to get a fungal infection cream for a "delicate area" and talked to him about my left big toe. It's been hurting more lately. I stubbed it back in May when we first moved and even with all the pain meds it's still painful when he touched it. I think I must have cracked the nail then. He says I should have that much pain with med, so next week he's going to give me a couple of injections to freeze it and take some of the nail off - says it's badly infected. Using the fungal meds for it, too.

re: tenants - I'm calling our same provider and checking periodically to see if they've cancelled their service. Supposed to be out a week from tomorrow......
We're not disrupting our lives and packing until we know for sure.

Sorry I'm not talking much here - meds are really kicking my butt

Will definitely have a celebration when Susan's here, in March
Hoping to have one in December as well.......
Might have to put a restraining order on our tenants when they're gone, who knows......

meant to tell you Betty that $ is in the mail. I have my block, lights and scarf etc. It seems strange not ordering for Sean.....

Debbie replied, and said she will probably not join the gift exchange this year.

Thanks Barb, does indeed, now watch if he doesn't say grandma where is mine, but once you do one you've access from the kits I'm sending, all else so easily able to do more..anyone wanting to do more but would like snowflakes I can send those as well. Gloves or mitts as well?
Are you back to making gifts? You should soon be done..feels great doesn't it. Melanie called, said her mom is going to come with her the Saturday I'm doing the blocks..that will be nice as her mom, Betty, just finished her chemo on Friday so hoping she is well enough to join in.

Susan glad you are taking some well deserved rest right night, your body and mind couldn't take much more I don't think.

Katie won't you be thrilled to be gone and when back see all the work Anita and Tony did. Will you be back for Christmas? Any plans how long you are going for..sure hope you have access to internet so we don't fret.

Am sure Lindakay your pain is so much more than I, am sure I'm a cry baby lol but yes, what can we do except pluck ourselves in the doctors office and say we are not leaving til something is done. So another long ride for you..12ths a Thursday so will you spend the weekend with the kids then head home?

Karen is roadrunners, she so loves her time with the family.
Dianne have you told the furries it's a big day tomorrow, a day to pick names..feed them well tonight. Lol don't want them eating paper. Those leVes are a lot of work for you Dianne, let's hope you don't get this high wind and have them all back in the years..I will wait a day or so then call the guy who is suppose to do my leaves and inquire if he forgot about me.



Lordy, been flitting fro m this to that and am lightheaded..did eat so that is not the problem, think I'll get a hot bath going, out Jammies on and maybe do nothing, see if that helps

Thanks Lindakay, had hoped to meet up with her in Buffalo, been almost a year since we have but guess not this year..

Betty the boys have been working to get this right. Of course they are more interested in the treat under the piece of paper.They no longer eat the paper so I think we are good to go.

The sun has disappeared and there is a bit of drizzle. I still haven't had the wood stove on. Mind you I have the oil set at 68* so if it gets too cold it clicks on. I think having the infloor heating downstairs also helps keep the house warm. Its the dampness that gets to me. Diesel and Chaos being true Rottis give off an enormous amount of heat. Its almost like having an electric blanket. All 3 have to touch a part of me before they fall asleep. I manage to wiggle out from under them once they are asleep.

Barb I bet you will miss having your craft day with Sean. You were so blessed to have as many years doing the craft with him.

Dianne

Having a weird day, busy and kind of disorganized as well ..
Have an apple pie in the oven, and, will make a pumpkin one once it's out ..

Lorna and I had gone to the dump, came home, and, as usual .. once the truck is turned off, Gord let the dogs out to greet us .. well .. Miss Zoey ran to the back of the garage, outside, and proceeded to ROLL in some kind of critter doo doo .. by the time I got to her, her neck and chest were BLACK.
So .. she had to be bathed in my sparkling clean bathroom .. of course, she shook .. uggggg ..

Betty, thanks so much for your generous offer .. but, we really are hoping we come home on the 11th so we can help Lorna with her parents .. everything is so UP in the air re this surgery, called a 'trebectomy' makes me crazy .. I tend to be overly organized .. need to know the wheres, withs and ands !!

Susan .. that sounds nasty re the toe .. all the best with that .., and, the tenants ..

Dianne .. Lorna and Gord both have those head lamps .. Gord has his firefighters helmet, and it's on that too ..handy dandy things to have ..
$500./NIGHT .. yikes ..maybe it's Justin and Sophie LoL

Betty .. hope a bit of rest will help you feel better .. the cutttings are lovely .. I loveto use Cedar, very fragrant :-)


Take care

BBL


~M~

Love, thoughts & prayers to everyone here.

have some "running" around to do - I won't run, I'll hobble, but Bob does enough running for the both of us lol

Well if there comes a time "M" that you have to come to the city for a bit know offer is open as I am sure Lorna's parents will offer same and aren't far away.looked at the flight times and boy you are cutting it short, one little delay and oops. That is the pitz re your clean washroom, always the way, couldn't happen when it was dirty right.
Can smell those pies..yummy, apple pie and ice-cream,what I wouldn't give...

Susan, how is Bob doing, not working must be draining him? Yep, no running.

Chuckling to myself, can just see you training them.
Cold,windy and rainy here, still beats snow though.
Just after I posted I had a hot bath and had to be cautious, can barely stand a few minutes without feeling dizzy..cuddled under a fleece blanket, napping off and on. Even the pillow touching the crane of my neck hurts.

How can you be well one minute and not the next?

Big sigh, hope by morning it will have passed

We cross posted "M"
Yes, still in mega pain, not much one can do but just battle on

When do you fly out? The appointment is when? Did you purchase tpreturn tickets? Wondering if because you've come so far they might decide to fit you in for surgery then what would you do with return tickets

Calling for rain today with a high of 47 ..Rita is suppose to come greenery picking with me this morning, not raining yet so hope she calls early so we are not out in the rain

Try to relax today..

Sounds like your pinched nerve in your neck has had enough. Listen to your body, and give it some rest. Did you take your blood pressure meds?

My appointment on the 12th, is at 3:30, so hubby is going to drive me there, we will probably have lunch somewhere, then Dr. then back home.

Where do you get your snowflakes for the blocks? Are they decals or stickers?

Which snowflakes Lindakay? The glass block? Use. My accuquilt..have 3 or 4 different ones..maybe 3
That is one heck of a long day for you..bring him into your appt so he can reinforce the urgency for surgery.

Maybe it was being on uneven ground between branches where trees were cut to get greenery and I might have done something

Going to try and warm up stew for supper then take excedrin migraine
Wanted to go downstairs but tomorrow is another day.

This message was edited Nov 7, 2015 5:50 PM

Yes the glass blocks.

Maybe to much reaching and cutting?

Yep, bough some heavy double sided adhesive bond so the will have some body

Have more to cut, doesn't take long with accuquilt

Actually Lindakay I've not worked hard, more relaxing than normal, just somethingive done today

Calling Joyce, calling Joyce, want to know how your trip went??

Here is a bit of info on the Surgery Gord is to have, a Trabeculectomy


http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/trabeculectomy-filtration-surgery-for-glaucoma

Thanks Jean for the link, just called Suzanne and basically same op Lenny had, they stayed overnight in hotel next to the hospital then periodic apps. He had it in May, took it easy for 3 weeks, 3 months went had retesting and new glasses and voila, feels great

So "M" there is light at the end if the end of this dark tunnel..Gord will do fine, on this and his scheduled hand operation..always miracles out there and we've asked for one, ok, two!

Jean, how was mil today?

You are gonna LOVE this .. I used 'ALEX TREBECS' (Jeopardy) to remember the name of the surgery LoL
Thanks for the link, the doc here pretty much explained it as thus ..
Hopefully (in a perfect world), we will fly in for the day on Nov.11 .. head home the same day .. with a date to come back ..
Did Lenny go to Western Betty ? We'll likely be looking at a hotel stay for the night after surgery .. too much for me to grasp right now ..
Sorry to hear you're having pain .. do so hope it passes ..

Katie .. safe travels .. enjoy Amma

~M~

Holding her own Betty, for the moment. I am still at Nursing Home..on their wifi. She is sleeping now, so thinking of wrapping things up and heading home for a nap. Her breathing is improved, along with her color and cognition. Thanks for asking.

Hope you feel better in the morning. Good thoughts for all who are hurting. Hope you all have a good night and a better tomorrow.

Betty - hate to think of you in pain.......

Marilynne - oftentimes the description in the websites give more information than is needed, to cover every possibility. It sounds like (from a non-doctor's perspective) like a straight forward, simple operation, with a bunch of normal post-op stuff - no lifting, no putting the affected part in dirty water, etc (lol had to add that - couldn't resist lol)

Katie - I agree - enjoy time spent with Amma

Bob's doing fine - he tells people he's home to look after and take care of me - what a sweetheart he is.
I'm still hoping we move on the 15th.......

Love & hugs to everyone

Morning all,

Ohh excited as can be, get to get our names shortly, always fun to get our package out and wait to see if it makes are buddy smile...Dianne, are the pooches all wound up for having to do such an important task?

Jean, you are doing evening visits? Glad mil is showing signs of improving..difficult watching them isn't it. Does hubby take a shift or do you both visit at same time? How is the grandson doing..he is about my dgs's age and I always wonder if life is good for him

Susan it's like watching med commercials on tv, Lordy, after they are through you hate to even consider buying it but as you say, have to warn you of everything. Be a long week for you wondering what the situation will be at weeks end with tenant..hoping all is well also

"m" I'm bad at finding words also, have to go through all kinds of hoops to come up with it..almost a game thinking these days. Usually Lorna's parents fly in early, hope it's not too much of a shock for you all seeing how frail Lorna's dad is.

Up n at'em
Betty, I am filled with angst re Lorna's Dad ..
I KNOW, he KNOWS, Lorna KNOWS and her Mom KNOWS .. that this trip up is going to be a toughie .. but, he is hell bent on proving us wrong .. just that the worry about him, on top of the worry re Gordon is wearing me out ...
This too shall pass, just hope I come out intact on the other side ..

Betty .. how do you feel this morning ?

Jean .. this watch is the most difficult of them all .. a real roller coaster ride for the patient, and, the family .. I wish you and your family well, and I hope and pray your MinL is comfortable ..

Made pea soup and froze it .. off to pop it in the slow cooker .. will have that along with meat and cheese buns for lunch ..

BBL

Enjoy your day :-)

~M~

Hot bowl of pea soup is always so comforting..we French claim it as our own. Lol. Doubtful but we do. What topi me do you have to leave? Do the take porter airlines? Maybe not because they are so close to Pearson

Hope it's a sunshine day for them, overcast but not raining here, likely same in Toronto.

Still dizzy, took blood pressure, almost perfect so not that. 143/78 pulse 62
Bound I'm not spending the day laying down, do a bit, rest a bit, seems I'm ok as long as I don't move around. Can't imagine what Dianne goes through with her vertigo.

Betty, try sitting for 15 min with an ice pack on you neck.

GRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
WestJet just screwed up Lorna's parents flight !
Got a call from her Mom from Pearson airport.
They are always met at the door with a wheelchair for her Dad .. they weren't there ..
By the time she had found some assistance, they had missed their flight !
They will now arrive at 1230 ..
Her parents are very upset .. but .. at least they were able to get on another flight ..

My shattered nerves .. when the phone rang all our hearts stopped ..


M

Oh Lordy, sure didn't need that, how many hours wait for them?
Had her mother called to confirm flight plans? Know now it says 24hrs before you must check in..was that way when I flew to Florida in April.

Having a break, another coffee and something to eat..will try that lindakay

Woke up about 7 and wandered to the kitchen for coffee. Realized Tony wasn't here and wondered why he was late. Took a couple of minutes to remember that it is Sunday.

Maria came by for a brief visit yesterday. I had her look at my kitchen and she was stunned at the improvement. I told her it's all Anita. I have really lost control of my living situation over the last few stressful years. I've been able to keep cooking for the dogs and fix a couple of simple things for myself but I have thoughts of a TV show about hoarders showing up at my door.

I worked more in the garden yesterday. Can't find our pick so I may borrow one from neighbor Tom. Dana will pick the okra while I'm gone. Several of the plants are about 8 feet tall so I will cut them back some today. The patch is of green okra but one of the red okra seeds which I planted grew and is startin to bloom. They can have Christmas okra - red and green.

Twink jumped all over Inky Dink in the middle of the night and Inky fled. She's back this morning and is doing fine. No blood was shed but the noise was horific.

I'm achy from the garden work but I'll never get better if I don't keep at it. As I am able. I have that "no accidents" agreement with Dianne and we both are learing to respect it.

Tony cleaned the van inside and out, ready for my trip. Maria admired that, too. I'm in heaven with this good help and my helpers are happy with me.

Marilynne, that is awful about no wheelchair for Lorna's dad. Glad they can make a later flight but none of you needed added stress.

Must wake up a little more and think about what I need to take with me. Not much. I've ordered some things - like a lot of work gloves for Tony and me - to be sent to my Ca. address. Dana and Maria also have the address and Maria wants me to mail a package for her. I wrote to my doctor about a refill on pain meds as he has to do it and I have to piack them up in person - new rules for narcotics. But they work when other pain meds don't. With having to travel to get them I have, of necessity. cut back on taking them. I gradually adjusting.

Don't worry about me car camping. I know a lot of safe spots and I'm very careful. Had an unpleasant encounter with two Mexican policemen last trip on my way home. Not dangerous but cost me $50. First time for that. I've had really good helpo from other police here so the sum of my experiences is still way on the positive side.

I'm playing poker and waiting for my pain medication to work.

hugs all around, katie

Woke up about 7 and wandered to the kitchen for coffee. Realized Tony wasn't here and wondered why he was late. Took a couple of minutes to remember that it is Sunday.

Maria came by for a brief visit yesterday. I had her look at my kitchen and she was stunned at the improvement. I told her it's all Anita. I have really lost control of my living situation over the last few stressful years. I've been able to keep cooking for the dogs and fix a couple of simple things for myself but I have thoughts of a TV show about hoarders showing up at my door.

I worked more in the garden yesterday. Can't find our pick so I may borrow one from neighbor Tom. Dana will pick the okra while I'm gone. Several of the plants are about 8 feet tall so I will cut them back some today. The patch is of green okra but one of the red okra seeds which I planted grew and is startin to bloom. They can have Christmas okra - red and green.

Twink jumped all over Inky Dink in the middle of the night and Inky fled. She's back this morning and is doing fine. No blood was shed but the noise was horific.

I'm achy from the garden work but I'll never get better if I don't keep at it. As I am able. I have that "no accidents" agreement with Dianne and we both are learing to respect it.

Tony cleaned the van inside and out, ready for my trip. Maria admired that, too. I'm in heaven with this good help and my helpers are happy with me.

Marilynne, that is awful about no wheelchair for Lorna's dad. Glad they can make a later flight but none of you needed added stress.

Must wake up a little more and think about what I need to take with me. Not much. I've ordered some things - like a lot of work gloves for Tony and me - to be sent to my Ca. address. Dana and Maria also have the address and Maria wants me to mail a package for her. I wrote to my doctor about a refill on pain meds as he has to do it and I have to piack them up in person - new rules for narcotics. But they work when other pain meds don't. With having to travel to get them I have, of necessity. cut back on taking them. I gradually adjusting.

Don't worry about me car camping. I know a lot of safe spots and I'm very careful. Had an unpleasant encounter with two Mexican policemen last trip on my way home. Not dangerous but cost me $50. First time for that. I've had really good helpo from other police here so the sum of my experiences is still way on the positive side.

I'm playing poker and waiting for my pain medication to work.

hugs all around, katie

Good Morning.

Lots of deep even breaths, Marilynne. Given the situation, you are the rock for them all right now. Sending lots of good thoughts that all goes well from here on out.

MIL situation is easier for me than DH. My folks passed away over 25 years ago. My FIL passed 2 years ago this month and now MIL is in the nursing home. With his sister and brother living in California and North Georgia, it falls to him to see to her care. But, he doesn't deal well with illness, so it becomes more a matter for me.

In answer to your question Betty, DH stops in for a few minutes on his way to or from work to say hello. I have a very varied schedule. Unless I have an appointment, I see her for an hour or so in the mornings, run errands, collect her laundry and then either go back early afternoon, or after dinner to help settle her for the night.

Betty, make sure you are staying hydrated. Vertigo/dizzy spells are a symptom of dehydration also. I remember you mentioning kidney problems a while back, and know how easy it is to forget to keep up fluid levels.

Fingers crossed this trip gives you some real relief LK. Glad Todd is going with you.

The names for Santa Warren's gift Exchange have been Dmailed out. If you signed up and didn't get a Dmail with a name please Dmail me. Have fun!

The Thundering Herd enjoyed getting extra treats. I thought at 1 point Chaos and Duke were each going to eat their piece of paper.

Glorious sunny but chilly day here. I managed to get a few hours of leaf blowing in so I only have the lake side of the house left to do The boys were naughty and not listening so I had to put them on the deck while I worked. Its fairly windy here and for some reason when it is windy Duke really misbehaves.
Dianne

They did an excellent job Dianne as did you. Laughing at the vision of not knowing if they would choose the named paper or treats Will be mailing mine out shortly..will be fun seeing them arrive, I usually get more fun (nearly)😜watching everyone get their pressie's as receiving it

Jean, can just imagine just how difficult it must be for your hubby, accepting what is to come is overwhelming I'm sure..find women are stronger in that department don't you? Sure fills in your day, more difficult when she doesn't realize who you are and why you are visiting..glad ypthe have wifi at the facility, fills in some of the hours.

Just a dull day here, called for rain, yep counting 10 drops

Been on the couch with feet up most of the afternoon..made scalloped potatoes & ham and ate at 3pm, enough for tomorrow.

This morning I made 2 sets of 4 mug rugs and 2 one piece pot holders..one I shall keep for me, the other a gift, mug rugs and gloves as a matching set..too cute and quick

YA DIANNE and her four legged gallery of name pickers :-)
Thank you for your time and effort ..

Jean .. did the 4 second breathing this morning fer sure .. to hear the whole story makes me want to cry
Apparently Pearson changed the departure terminal .. now terminal 3,and, the length of time and distance needed to travel to the departure gates is .. get this .. half an hour by wheelchair!
When the Parkers got there, they were FOURTH in line for a wheelchair, and there was ONE attendant doing the job !
Mrs. Parker kept trying to impress upon them that their flight was close to leaving .. but.. to no avail .. the plane left without them,but, WestJet did book them on one arriving here at1230 .. but, they had to wait all that time .. and, paid $5.00 for a bottle of water ~

I sure hope you are able to have a one on one talk with your hubby Jean, re his Mom's health and prognosis
Lorna is not happy when I bring up the subject .. but, her Dad is looking so weak .. and, her Mom is tired from being his caregiver ...
Tough topics ..

Katie .. enjoy your trip, but, know we will be thinking of you lots ..

Took Lilly to meet the plane. .. as always, she showed off to the max .. had people taking her pic .. she is such a DIVA !!!

Time for some nice cold water !!

~M~

I got my name.