Is this spam? Has anyone received something like this? I have received two, two days apart. It sound suspicious to me...
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Edited And Added Pictures Of Baby Jacob To Thanksgiving Post...
Please check out the two pics of baby Jacob I added to the Thanksgiving post today. You might wonder why I never post pics or mention the names of my other two grandsons, the 6 year old and 8 year old. It is because my oldest daughter is very protective and does not want their photographs or names posted. I respect her decision, but I would love to share them with my blogging friends if she would ever reconsider her decision...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Confusion Is Just A State Of Mind...
I just finished posting three days of posts. Please scroll down to the 25th and read backward from there...
**************************************
Mom went to visit Dad today and he was still very upset about one of his lovers being killed. He had to have seen something on TV or overhead a conversation... Mom showed him great sympathy and told him to try and think of something else. Mom thought he seemed more confused than he normally is. but often Mom has difficulty making sense out of his conversations..she said he was not making much sense in their conversation.
There is a new nurse caring for Dad and he is quite taken with her too. He kept calling her Austrailia, but also calls her Star... One of Dad's regular male attendants got a mohawk type hair do. He told Dad he should get the same hair cut. Dad roared with laughter!
Dad told Mom he needed new glasses. Mom was not sure if he has lost his glasses again or not...Mom agreed, Dad's right eye looks terrible. The nursing home called me last night and his primary doctor is putting Dad on some eye drops, twice a day for a week. He just finished his antibiotics for his UTI.
Lunch was served so Mom wheeled him up to his friends so they could enjoy their lunch together.
Mom said several of the staff were confused, because Dad had told them all my husband was his son. Mom clarified, telling them Dad thinks of my husband as one of his sons. It all depends, some times he calls my husband his brother in law and some times his son. My husband goes along with whatever Dad calls him. Happily, Dad has always loved my husband...
**************************************
Mom went to visit Dad today and he was still very upset about one of his lovers being killed. He had to have seen something on TV or overhead a conversation... Mom showed him great sympathy and told him to try and think of something else. Mom thought he seemed more confused than he normally is. but often Mom has difficulty making sense out of his conversations..she said he was not making much sense in their conversation.
There is a new nurse caring for Dad and he is quite taken with her too. He kept calling her Austrailia, but also calls her Star... One of Dad's regular male attendants got a mohawk type hair do. He told Dad he should get the same hair cut. Dad roared with laughter!
Dad told Mom he needed new glasses. Mom was not sure if he has lost his glasses again or not...Mom agreed, Dad's right eye looks terrible. The nursing home called me last night and his primary doctor is putting Dad on some eye drops, twice a day for a week. He just finished his antibiotics for his UTI.
Lunch was served so Mom wheeled him up to his friends so they could enjoy their lunch together.
Mom said several of the staff were confused, because Dad had told them all my husband was his son. Mom clarified, telling them Dad thinks of my husband as one of his sons. It all depends, some times he calls my husband his brother in law and some times his son. My husband goes along with whatever Dad calls him. Happily, Dad has always loved my husband...
Friday, November 26, 2010
Digging Up and Cherishing Memories of Dad...
I slept twelve hours last night!! We left my daughter's around 5:30pm, so we could check into our hotel. We were exhausted! We both collapsed on to the bed and were asleep within minutes...
My youngest daughter woke me at 6am. She and her sister had been shopping since 2am and were at the Walmart near our hotel. They felt bad we did not get to see one another very long and wanted to come by and give us a hug. We never ate dinner last night, since we slept through dinner, having our turkey dinner, basically as a late lunch.... so we were starved! The hotel serves a breakfast from 6am to 9am.
As I opened the door to let them in, I could smell the delicious scent of breakfast foods waiving up past our room from the kitchen down the hall...
I could feel the chill on their cheeks as they both hugged me and came into our room. My husband, in good nature, stayed beneath the covers and graciously enjoyed his early morning hugs from the girls. They sat and chatted for about a half hour. I told them we were very flattered to have them give up a half hour of shopping to visit with us. We all laughed...
The girls left and we dressed and enjoyed our breakfast. Our plan was to meet my sister and all visit Dad at the nursing home. We would have lunch after and then my husband and I would visit my Mom. When my husband and I drove up to the nursing home, my sister and Dad were sitting out front by the lovely flowers, enjoying the sunshine.
I had bought a cake for the staff, so after hugging my sister and Dad, I started to take the cake inside, and my sister drew my attention to Dad's right eye, which looked horrible! He always has problems with that eye, but it was red all around the upper and lower lids and the lower lid looked really swollen. It has a milky discharge which sticks to his upper eye lashes. She showed me a few other things which concerned her so I could address it with the charge nurse.
I gave the cake to the charge nurse and asked to write a note to Dad's doctor, as he usually comes on Fridays. I told her what my sister observed and also asked for whoever is shaving Dad to be extra careful as he has such sensitive skin. The lesion on his upper lip looks bigger and the sides of his face look like some one shaved him without shaving lotion. It was all splotchy and irritated... He also needed his nails trimmed along with his facial hair. His ears looked like he is growing ear muffs...
When I returned, I brought Dad's sun hat and sunglasses. My sister has been asking Dad questions about his life and writing his answers in a little book, to help us with the book we want to write about him. I asked her how it was going and she shook her head, and said, "Not so good. He is really confused today..."
Dad had told her one of his lovers had come to visit him. When they found out she was there for him, she was shot and killed. He was very sad over her death. We figured he must have over heard some one's conversation or seen it on the TV.
We did our best to distract him, but it was clear, the sunshine was making him sleepy. It was almost time for his lunch, so we took him back to his room and enjoyed the fact both his room mates were out; so we could chat and it was easier for Dad to understand us without the outside noise.
His wall was still adorned with his 90th birthday cards and his birthday badge blue ribbon. My husband joked with Dad about having a slot machine saved for him. Dad loves to talk about coming to Vegas and playing the machines. He and Mom used to come to visit and we would have so much fun playing the penny machines all together.
When Dad generated conversation on his own, he words seemed slow and deliberate. He still uses a wonderful vocabulary, but he puts the words in appropriately for the conversation to make sense. He seemed much more confused than normal. I still look at my Dad and think he resembles Clint Eastwood, especially as he looked in Gran Torino...
Dad wanted to take a nap, so we asked if he wanted to have a nice lunch and then take a snooze. He thought it sounded like a good idea. My sister wheeled him as we followed into the lunch room. Immediately, Doctor-Doctor, who was not feeling herself today, smiled and served Dad his tray of food. He had chopped carrots, mashed potatoes with gravy and turkey, rolls, milk, ice cream and coffee. Dad dug into the pile of carrots and didn't stop eating when we hugged and kissed him good bye...
My sister, husband and I went to Chili's for lunch and enjoyed a nice, leisurely, time together. I took some chips, salsa, and half of my salad to be boxed up for Mom. The Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of her favorites. When I called her to let her know we were on our way, she told me she was just thinking about fixing herself some lunch. Our timing was perfect.
Mom has been having problems with her Internet and could not pay her bills online. Since she recently had new windows installed, I decided to check all the connections. Sure enough, one of the wires was not totally connected. Mom was thrilled and quickly took the time to pay her bills.
She showed me the beautiful Christmas stocking she has cross stitched for my 6 year old grandson. She has been working on it quite awhile. It it very detailed and will be a cherished family heirloom. As soon as she sends it off to her friend to have it transformed into a stocking, she will begin on one for baby Jacob. She has done one for each of her grand children and great grand children. All six of us kid's stockings were made from red felt and beads.
Mom told me she had found several more of Dad's journals for me. I am anxious to read them, as a lot of them are from the early years. We also found the Race Results for the 10th Annual Santa Monica Full and Half Marathon, held Sunday, August 29, 1982. My Dad was 61 and his time was 3 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds. He placed third. I remember I called to congratulate him. I could not believe he had run 26 miles! At 60 years old he gave up eating salt and referred to it as, "white death". I am happy to have the results as I also have the jersey he wore during the race.
We sat in the living room, admiring her new energy efficient windows and talked away the afternoon. We left about 7pm, back down to Corona to our hotel, and had a nice dinner with some wine at Mimi's Cafe.
Tomorrow we hope to see Jerry's daughter and youngest son. If they cannot change their works schedules, we may just go home one day early...
My youngest daughter woke me at 6am. She and her sister had been shopping since 2am and were at the Walmart near our hotel. They felt bad we did not get to see one another very long and wanted to come by and give us a hug. We never ate dinner last night, since we slept through dinner, having our turkey dinner, basically as a late lunch.... so we were starved! The hotel serves a breakfast from 6am to 9am.
As I opened the door to let them in, I could smell the delicious scent of breakfast foods waiving up past our room from the kitchen down the hall...
I could feel the chill on their cheeks as they both hugged me and came into our room. My husband, in good nature, stayed beneath the covers and graciously enjoyed his early morning hugs from the girls. They sat and chatted for about a half hour. I told them we were very flattered to have them give up a half hour of shopping to visit with us. We all laughed...
The girls left and we dressed and enjoyed our breakfast. Our plan was to meet my sister and all visit Dad at the nursing home. We would have lunch after and then my husband and I would visit my Mom. When my husband and I drove up to the nursing home, my sister and Dad were sitting out front by the lovely flowers, enjoying the sunshine.
I had bought a cake for the staff, so after hugging my sister and Dad, I started to take the cake inside, and my sister drew my attention to Dad's right eye, which looked horrible! He always has problems with that eye, but it was red all around the upper and lower lids and the lower lid looked really swollen. It has a milky discharge which sticks to his upper eye lashes. She showed me a few other things which concerned her so I could address it with the charge nurse.
I gave the cake to the charge nurse and asked to write a note to Dad's doctor, as he usually comes on Fridays. I told her what my sister observed and also asked for whoever is shaving Dad to be extra careful as he has such sensitive skin. The lesion on his upper lip looks bigger and the sides of his face look like some one shaved him without shaving lotion. It was all splotchy and irritated... He also needed his nails trimmed along with his facial hair. His ears looked like he is growing ear muffs...
When I returned, I brought Dad's sun hat and sunglasses. My sister has been asking Dad questions about his life and writing his answers in a little book, to help us with the book we want to write about him. I asked her how it was going and she shook her head, and said, "Not so good. He is really confused today..."
Dad had told her one of his lovers had come to visit him. When they found out she was there for him, she was shot and killed. He was very sad over her death. We figured he must have over heard some one's conversation or seen it on the TV.
We did our best to distract him, but it was clear, the sunshine was making him sleepy. It was almost time for his lunch, so we took him back to his room and enjoyed the fact both his room mates were out; so we could chat and it was easier for Dad to understand us without the outside noise.
His wall was still adorned with his 90th birthday cards and his birthday badge blue ribbon. My husband joked with Dad about having a slot machine saved for him. Dad loves to talk about coming to Vegas and playing the machines. He and Mom used to come to visit and we would have so much fun playing the penny machines all together.
When Dad generated conversation on his own, he words seemed slow and deliberate. He still uses a wonderful vocabulary, but he puts the words in appropriately for the conversation to make sense. He seemed much more confused than normal. I still look at my Dad and think he resembles Clint Eastwood, especially as he looked in Gran Torino...
Dad wanted to take a nap, so we asked if he wanted to have a nice lunch and then take a snooze. He thought it sounded like a good idea. My sister wheeled him as we followed into the lunch room. Immediately, Doctor-Doctor, who was not feeling herself today, smiled and served Dad his tray of food. He had chopped carrots, mashed potatoes with gravy and turkey, rolls, milk, ice cream and coffee. Dad dug into the pile of carrots and didn't stop eating when we hugged and kissed him good bye...
My sister, husband and I went to Chili's for lunch and enjoyed a nice, leisurely, time together. I took some chips, salsa, and half of my salad to be boxed up for Mom. The Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of her favorites. When I called her to let her know we were on our way, she told me she was just thinking about fixing herself some lunch. Our timing was perfect.
Mom has been having problems with her Internet and could not pay her bills online. Since she recently had new windows installed, I decided to check all the connections. Sure enough, one of the wires was not totally connected. Mom was thrilled and quickly took the time to pay her bills.
She showed me the beautiful Christmas stocking she has cross stitched for my 6 year old grandson. She has been working on it quite awhile. It it very detailed and will be a cherished family heirloom. As soon as she sends it off to her friend to have it transformed into a stocking, she will begin on one for baby Jacob. She has done one for each of her grand children and great grand children. All six of us kid's stockings were made from red felt and beads.
Mom told me she had found several more of Dad's journals for me. I am anxious to read them, as a lot of them are from the early years. We also found the Race Results for the 10th Annual Santa Monica Full and Half Marathon, held Sunday, August 29, 1982. My Dad was 61 and his time was 3 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds. He placed third. I remember I called to congratulate him. I could not believe he had run 26 miles! At 60 years old he gave up eating salt and referred to it as, "white death". I am happy to have the results as I also have the jersey he wore during the race.
We sat in the living room, admiring her new energy efficient windows and talked away the afternoon. We left about 7pm, back down to Corona to our hotel, and had a nice dinner with some wine at Mimi's Cafe.
Tomorrow we hope to see Jerry's daughter and youngest son. If they cannot change their works schedules, we may just go home one day early...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Loving Chaos, Our Family Celebration...
We drove from Henderson, Thanksgiving morning and arrived at my oldest daughter's house around 1:45pm. My two grand sons, ages 6 and 8, wanted us to play 'hide and seek" as soon as they opened the front door. My youngest daughter's boyfriend was deep frying the smaller turkey in the backyard. My youngest daughter was changing the baby's pants. As my husband walked up to him, the baby smiled a big smile at him and stiffened his legs, making diapering a real challenge for my daughter.
Glancing into the kitchen, I see the 23lb. "Cristina Ferrare's" turkey my oldest daughter cooked, cooling on top of the stove. It smelled delicious and filled the house with memories. It is our family favorite seeped in years of family tradition. I ask where my oldest daughter was and Jodee, my youngest, told me she had a bloody nose and was lying down with an ice pack....as I walked down the hallway to her bedroom, I could hear her husband in the garage telling his Mother, who had just arrived the same time he did, he had to return to work. My son in law works for Verizon and some woman had a tree fall on her lines....
As I pushed open my daughter's bedroom door, there she lay with a Lightning McQueen ice pack across the bridge of her nose. She had been carrying chairs into the house from the garage and did not clear the door jam, which stopped the chair and bashed her in the nose! It looked like it hurt like hell, which she confirmed. I attempted to pamper her and she would have none of it. Being a Mother of two wild little boys, she is one tough, amazing woman... I tried to tell her to go the doctor, but she was already on her way back to the kitchen...
Traditionally, my daughters take on Black Friday like two shopping Ninja Warriors. They plan their mission for weeks ahead, both on top of all the secret websites leaking the slashed prices and deals of the century, long before the ads are even printed. They schedule an early dinner at 2pm so they can have lots of turkey for the men to eat when they are gone ALL DAY SHOPPING...
My husband and I alternate between Nevada, my daughters and the family celebrations each year in California. I called my Mom, brothers and sister and their families, who were all celebrating at my second to the oldest brother's home, to wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving. I could barely hear my sister or understand what she was saying, because she was laughing so hard. Apparently she found an app on her phone for various fart sounds. There is a defect in our family's DNA to find hilarious humor in the art of farting...My brothers and brother in laws were experimenting with various family members as they proudly shared the different styles of farting on this app...
I hung up as every one was gathering in the kitchen, slicing up the turkey, setting the table, serving up the vegetables, the rolls and stealing a piece of turkey here and there...soon, the nine of us were crammed around the table for six. The 6 year old announced we were going to pray. I asked him to start us off....
"First, we close our eyes", he instructed,
"Then, we hold hands..."
"And then we say the words...thank you Jesus for all this food and God Bless us all..."
(despite his instructions to keep my eyes closed, I had to peek to enjoy his cuteness...)
"OK, now its your turn Dad"...
After his Dad shared what he was grateful for, his Mother (the boys other Grandma) shared, then my oldest daughter, the 8 year old, my youngest daughter, her boyfriend, myself and then my husband, who said he was grateful to be retired, and everyone laughed!
After dinner, my son in law left to return to work, the boys were off and running, climbing all over Grandpa, wrestling and laughing. The other Grandma did her best to referee. The boyfriend took his turn to nap as he is watching baby Jacob while the girls shop Black Friday. The girls adjourned to the front room where all the ads were laid out as they strategically made their shopping lists for their early morning attack...
The baby was sleeping and I did the dishes. The 6 year old came crying to me with a sore ear complaining Grandpa hurt him. I gave him a teddy bear ice pack, kissed his ear and told him if he was going to play with the big dogs, he has to expect some bumps and bruises... I had barely finished my lecture, and he had launched himself into the air, aiming for the back of my husband/Grandpa's head...
The baby woke when the boys both were squealing for mercy as Grandpa had them both in the deadly finger lock...and Grandma yelled at the Cowboys on the TV who allowed the Saints to score...
I scooped my my precious baby Jacob and rocked him in my arms, patting his little bottom with a rhythmic pat...soon he was sucking his Binky like Maggie Simpson and drifting back to sleep as his eyes rolled back into the top of his head...
Jacob's mommy says this is his "roller coaster" pose when he is really relaxed.... usually a big, long stretch precedes this pose. :)
All was well in the chaos we know as our family...I sat and surveyed the craziness and commotion and smiled with love... Happy Thanksgiving everyone...
Glancing into the kitchen, I see the 23lb. "Cristina Ferrare's" turkey my oldest daughter cooked, cooling on top of the stove. It smelled delicious and filled the house with memories. It is our family favorite seeped in years of family tradition. I ask where my oldest daughter was and Jodee, my youngest, told me she had a bloody nose and was lying down with an ice pack....as I walked down the hallway to her bedroom, I could hear her husband in the garage telling his Mother, who had just arrived the same time he did, he had to return to work. My son in law works for Verizon and some woman had a tree fall on her lines....
As I pushed open my daughter's bedroom door, there she lay with a Lightning McQueen ice pack across the bridge of her nose. She had been carrying chairs into the house from the garage and did not clear the door jam, which stopped the chair and bashed her in the nose! It looked like it hurt like hell, which she confirmed. I attempted to pamper her and she would have none of it. Being a Mother of two wild little boys, she is one tough, amazing woman... I tried to tell her to go the doctor, but she was already on her way back to the kitchen...
Traditionally, my daughters take on Black Friday like two shopping Ninja Warriors. They plan their mission for weeks ahead, both on top of all the secret websites leaking the slashed prices and deals of the century, long before the ads are even printed. They schedule an early dinner at 2pm so they can have lots of turkey for the men to eat when they are gone ALL DAY SHOPPING...
My husband and I alternate between Nevada, my daughters and the family celebrations each year in California. I called my Mom, brothers and sister and their families, who were all celebrating at my second to the oldest brother's home, to wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving. I could barely hear my sister or understand what she was saying, because she was laughing so hard. Apparently she found an app on her phone for various fart sounds. There is a defect in our family's DNA to find hilarious humor in the art of farting...My brothers and brother in laws were experimenting with various family members as they proudly shared the different styles of farting on this app...
I hung up as every one was gathering in the kitchen, slicing up the turkey, setting the table, serving up the vegetables, the rolls and stealing a piece of turkey here and there...soon, the nine of us were crammed around the table for six. The 6 year old announced we were going to pray. I asked him to start us off....
"First, we close our eyes", he instructed,
"Then, we hold hands..."
"And then we say the words...thank you Jesus for all this food and God Bless us all..."
(despite his instructions to keep my eyes closed, I had to peek to enjoy his cuteness...)
"OK, now its your turn Dad"...
After his Dad shared what he was grateful for, his Mother (the boys other Grandma) shared, then my oldest daughter, the 8 year old, my youngest daughter, her boyfriend, myself and then my husband, who said he was grateful to be retired, and everyone laughed!
After dinner, my son in law left to return to work, the boys were off and running, climbing all over Grandpa, wrestling and laughing. The other Grandma did her best to referee. The boyfriend took his turn to nap as he is watching baby Jacob while the girls shop Black Friday. The girls adjourned to the front room where all the ads were laid out as they strategically made their shopping lists for their early morning attack...
The baby was sleeping and I did the dishes. The 6 year old came crying to me with a sore ear complaining Grandpa hurt him. I gave him a teddy bear ice pack, kissed his ear and told him if he was going to play with the big dogs, he has to expect some bumps and bruises... I had barely finished my lecture, and he had launched himself into the air, aiming for the back of my husband/Grandpa's head...
The baby woke when the boys both were squealing for mercy as Grandpa had them both in the deadly finger lock...and Grandma yelled at the Cowboys on the TV who allowed the Saints to score...
I scooped my my precious baby Jacob and rocked him in my arms, patting his little bottom with a rhythmic pat...soon he was sucking his Binky like Maggie Simpson and drifting back to sleep as his eyes rolled back into the top of his head...
All was well in the chaos we know as our family...I sat and surveyed the craziness and commotion and smiled with love... Happy Thanksgiving everyone...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I Am Thankful...
I am thankful
for my health,
happiness,
my husband,
my children,
my grand children.
I am thankful
for my Dad and Mom
my four brothers
and my sister.
I am thankful
for each and every one
of you
dear blogging buddies
who listen
who support
who share
laughter and tears.
without whom,
I would have
many lonely days.
I am thankful
to live
in these United States,
for our
many freedoms;
despite
all the challenges
our country
now face.
I am thankful
for the food
on the table,
the roof over
our heads...
for the Blessing
of spending time
showing love
with my family
and friends.
~dkb~
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Two Months Old Today...
Waiting for my two month old picture of Jacob from my son in law...as soon as he sends it, I will edit and re-post with it at the very top...
Going to our friends house tonight for dinner, wine and maybe some card playing...
Have a great weekend everyone...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Dancing With Dad...
*** artwork by Sue Whittick at Artist's Progress***
I awoke today with the most wonderful memory...me as a barefoot little girl, standing on Dad's feet and dancing... He would make the music himself by humming or singing to me. He made me feel so safe and loved... I have a huge smile on my face and will wear it for the rest of the day...
I awoke today with the most wonderful memory...me as a barefoot little girl, standing on Dad's feet and dancing... He would make the music himself by humming or singing to me. He made me feel so safe and loved... I have a huge smile on my face and will wear it for the rest of the day...
I called the nursing home and was able to reach Dad. I caught him just after breakfast and before his shower...he sounded good. I greeted him with my signature,
"Hello my Papa-doots!!" And he responded...
"Ahhhhhhh, my Donna Dee..."
I am over flowing with joy each time he remembers who I am without me telling him...especially since it is usually over the phone.
My husband and I will travel back to California for Thanksgiving and we both look forward to spending some time with him....
The last time Dad and I danced together was at my nephew's wedding...
Dad boogied with Mom...
He swooned the Bride..
And he rocked out with me...
I love you Papa doots!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
New Beginnings...
Today I received my blood test results on my cholesterol. I have genetically high cholesterol and have finally found a good primary care doctor who will listen to me and work with me so I don't have to take medication. My cholesterol and triglycerides zoomed up past the 300 mark, so we decided to put me back on the medication, only this time, a lower dose. It is working. I also take triple strength fish oil, 1000mg twice a day with EPA @ 540mg twice a day and DHA @ 170mg twice a day.
My numbers improved: cholesterol from 267 to 198, triglycerides from 307 to 220, LDL from 149 to 101, HDL from 57 to 53 and my ratio from 4.68 to 3.74. Imagine how good my numbers would be if I lost weight??? My doctor told me once I lose my weight, there is a good possibility I can go back off the medication. That is my goal!!!
My husband is bionic. He is borderline diabetic. He has the same good doctor I have, working with him on his diet so he does not have to take medication. He has dropped another point on his glucose, lost 5 pounds and his cholesterol is 142! The rest of his numbers are better than mine and he is eight years older than I!
I found the 5 pounds he lost. I am heavier now than when I was pregnant with my first child, when I gained 80 pounds!!!
We are going to start working out at the gym in our community center. I HATE GYMS...and I HATE WORKING OUT. I would much rather dance. So we are going to compromise. If I go to the gym with my hubby, he will go dancing with me. Wish me luck.... I get totally grossed out by other people's sweat on the machines...even if they disinfect it after use, like they are suppose to. It still G-R-O-S-S-E-S me out!!!
I was informed this month my current health plan (Pacificare) will no longer have a contract with Nevada in 2011. I have to choose another health plan. The only health plan where I can keep my current primary care physician, is an HMO called Health Plan of Nevada. Everyone says how terrible it is. I called today and the people who work the phones and answer questions for the coverage, could not have been nicer or more helpful. The premiums are a good $20 per month cheaper and the co-pays are $5 less for seeing my primary care doctor and for prescriptions. It is $10 less to see a specialist.
The big problem is, I will have to find a new GYN, dermatologist, and eye doctor. I am still researching and seeking advice from a woman we know who helps my husband with his Humana Gold Plus Medicare supplement plan. He has awesome coverage!! I have to decide before end of December.
My husband was approved and has received two unemployment checks. We are meeting with our financial advisor again to finish getting our financial ducks in a row...hoping it will be enough to live on without having to get a job right away... We are having several conversations on planning on what we will do with our time, so we are not sitting in front of the TV or the computer all the time...
The one thing we have agreed on is, we do not want to get into a routine or have any kind of a schedule....except we might start eating our biggest meal of the day at mid day. I always wanted us to do this but never could when he worked, because he got home so late.
I accompanied my husband to his doctor appointment today. When we told him my husband finally retired, he was as happy as we were!! He told us he was envious. He asked what our plans were and then went into a litany of fun things for us to do. "Whatever you do, don't sit home on the couch!" he told my husband...
He summed it up perfectly by telling us, it is our new beginning...
My numbers improved: cholesterol from 267 to 198, triglycerides from 307 to 220, LDL from 149 to 101, HDL from 57 to 53 and my ratio from 4.68 to 3.74. Imagine how good my numbers would be if I lost weight??? My doctor told me once I lose my weight, there is a good possibility I can go back off the medication. That is my goal!!!
My husband is bionic. He is borderline diabetic. He has the same good doctor I have, working with him on his diet so he does not have to take medication. He has dropped another point on his glucose, lost 5 pounds and his cholesterol is 142! The rest of his numbers are better than mine and he is eight years older than I!
I found the 5 pounds he lost. I am heavier now than when I was pregnant with my first child, when I gained 80 pounds!!!
We are going to start working out at the gym in our community center. I HATE GYMS...and I HATE WORKING OUT. I would much rather dance. So we are going to compromise. If I go to the gym with my hubby, he will go dancing with me. Wish me luck.... I get totally grossed out by other people's sweat on the machines...even if they disinfect it after use, like they are suppose to. It still G-R-O-S-S-E-S me out!!!
I was informed this month my current health plan (Pacificare) will no longer have a contract with Nevada in 2011. I have to choose another health plan. The only health plan where I can keep my current primary care physician, is an HMO called Health Plan of Nevada. Everyone says how terrible it is. I called today and the people who work the phones and answer questions for the coverage, could not have been nicer or more helpful. The premiums are a good $20 per month cheaper and the co-pays are $5 less for seeing my primary care doctor and for prescriptions. It is $10 less to see a specialist.
The big problem is, I will have to find a new GYN, dermatologist, and eye doctor. I am still researching and seeking advice from a woman we know who helps my husband with his Humana Gold Plus Medicare supplement plan. He has awesome coverage!! I have to decide before end of December.
My husband was approved and has received two unemployment checks. We are meeting with our financial advisor again to finish getting our financial ducks in a row...hoping it will be enough to live on without having to get a job right away... We are having several conversations on planning on what we will do with our time, so we are not sitting in front of the TV or the computer all the time...
The one thing we have agreed on is, we do not want to get into a routine or have any kind of a schedule....except we might start eating our biggest meal of the day at mid day. I always wanted us to do this but never could when he worked, because he got home so late.
I accompanied my husband to his doctor appointment today. When we told him my husband finally retired, he was as happy as we were!! He told us he was envious. He asked what our plans were and then went into a litany of fun things for us to do. "Whatever you do, don't sit home on the couch!" he told my husband...
He summed it up perfectly by telling us, it is our new beginning...
Monday, November 15, 2010
Doing My Civil Duty...
I had Jury Duty today. I was scheduled at noon. I sat and read for a couple of hours and then struck up a conversation with two other women for the remainder of the day. We were released at 4:30pm. I have served my civil duty for the next two more years...
During the wait, my youngest daughter sent me a pic of my youngest grandson via my phone. ADORABLE!! She had just dried him off from a bath. It shows his face with the hoodie towel over his head...I will post it once I figure how to load it from my phone to my computer...
I'm so pooped....don't even know if I can stay awake for Dancing With The Stars...
During the wait, my youngest daughter sent me a pic of my youngest grandson via my phone. ADORABLE!! She had just dried him off from a bath. It shows his face with the hoodie towel over his head...I will post it once I figure how to load it from my phone to my computer...
I'm so pooped....don't even know if I can stay awake for Dancing With The Stars...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thank You....
Thank you Dad for being a Marine.
Thank you for fighting so bravely for our country.
Thank you for surviving Tarawa.
Thank you for the courage it had to take to live with such hellish memories.
Thank you for all the men and women I did not know who fought along side you, or on different soil for the same cause of Freedom.
Thank you to all the women and men who gave their lives so we can live the way we live.
Thank you to my Grandmother who was an Army nurse.
Thank you to my Grandfather, who was a Marine pilot.
Thank you to my brother who served with the 82nd Airborne and fought in Granada.
Thank you to our family friend who is a Marine pilot who taught many, many pilots to fly safe and strong. God Bless you all. God Bless America.
~dkb~
Thank you for fighting so bravely for our country.
Thank you for surviving Tarawa.
Thank you for the courage it had to take to live with such hellish memories.
Thank you for all the men and women I did not know who fought along side you, or on different soil for the same cause of Freedom.
Thank you to all the women and men who gave their lives so we can live the way we live.
Thank you to my Grandmother who was an Army nurse.
Thank you to my Grandfather, who was a Marine pilot.
Thank you to my brother who served with the 82nd Airborne and fought in Granada.
Thank you to our family friend who is a Marine pilot who taught many, many pilots to fly safe and strong. God Bless you all. God Bless America.
~dkb~
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Care Conferences and Saying Goodbyes...
Mom attended Dad's Care Conference this morning. She did not call me because she felt I needed some relaxng time. Dad weighs 157 lbs. and Mom kidded us all by saying, they may have to cut down his ice cream!! Just kiddin'.... Dad would NOT put up with that!
Dad has been visited or cared for by all his doctors except the hearing aid doc, who will visit him Nov. 15th. On Oct. 23rd, Dad's Lexapro was cut from 10 mg to 5 mg, otherwise no changes. All his reports were good and Mom thanked everyone for his wonderful care.
Mom spoke with the Administrator, telling him how much we appreciated the attention Dad receives, especially his afternoon birthday party. He told Mom how much the staff loves him, and he appreciated the kind words. Mom wrote a thank you note to the Activities Director who arranged Dad's party and the entertainment.
The former Director of Nursing left and is working in Pasadena for a non profit place. The new D.O.N. will start after Thanksgiving. One of the nurses, who is very nice, is filling in.
Our week in California comes to an end tomorrow. We will leave my daughter's home around 9am and head back to Nevada. Tonight at dinner, my oldest daughter's 6 year old son told us how much he would miss us after we leave...
We will miss you too sweetheart... we will miss all of you....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Happy 90th Birthday Dad!
Where do I begin? It was an absolutely GLORIOUS day from the clear, blue sky with fluffy clouds, to the happy, serendipitous flow of the day. We used to describe Dad's moods with the weather and today was no exception. He was free, happy, jovial and full of love.
Mom and I left the house by 7:30 am to attend her iMoms group meeting and luncheon. Mom volunteers through her church to help mentor and support young Mothers. The main speaker's topic was "FACING OUR GIANTS". A young Mother gave a speech before the main speaker, entitled "Chasing Away Our Foxes".
Mom and I were the only family members not working, so she and I went to the nursing home for their celebration of Dad's birthday. The social director had hired a singer who sang Broadway tunes to everyone, but Dad was the guest of honor, sitting up front with her. Dad LOVED her singing and her performance. He enjoyed it so much he was inspired to sing along (and loudly) with her. When he did not know the words, he simply sang, "I love yoooooouuuu, I love yoooooouuuuuu..." At the end of her program, she sang It Had To Be You to him and presented him with a red rose.
The nursing home provided a huge birthday cake with those number candles, a '9' and an '0' on top. Dad had to blow each one separately, mainly because they were far apart. Normally, he is pretty impressive blowing out candles. One of Dad's buddies came over afterward and gave him a big hug and told him how much he loved him. It was so touching, I had to quickly grab the moment on my camera.
Mom and I left the house by 7:30 am to attend her iMoms group meeting and luncheon. Mom volunteers through her church to help mentor and support young Mothers. The main speaker's topic was "FACING OUR GIANTS". A young Mother gave a speech before the main speaker, entitled "Chasing Away Our Foxes".
Mom and I were the only family members not working, so she and I went to the nursing home for their celebration of Dad's birthday. The social director had hired a singer who sang Broadway tunes to everyone, but Dad was the guest of honor, sitting up front with her. Dad LOVED her singing and her performance. He enjoyed it so much he was inspired to sing along (and loudly) with her. When he did not know the words, he simply sang, "I love yoooooouuuu, I love yoooooouuuuuu..." At the end of her program, she sang It Had To Be You to him and presented him with a red rose.
Dad told the singer how much he loved her,
which generated a huge smile on her face.
Dad broke into song, he was so happy.
The nursing home provided a huge birthday cake with those number candles, a '9' and an '0' on top. Dad had to blow each one separately, mainly because they were far apart. Normally, he is pretty impressive blowing out candles. One of Dad's buddies came over afterward and gave him a big hug and told him how much he loved him. It was so touching, I had to quickly grab the moment on my camera.
Dad's friend giving him a big birthday hug.
We wheeled Dad back to his room afterward so he could take a nice nap. We wanted him to have the best opportunity to be at his best for the part with the family later at 6pm.
Mom and I stopped by Baskin Robbins to pick up Dad's ice cream birthday cake to take home and put in the freezer. We took the opportunity to rest a wee bit before meeting up with my husband, who had been visiting his daughter.
We all gathered at one of the activity rooms at the nursing home. They had brought Dad's birthday banner and his balloons in to decorate the room. When we all gathered we presented him with his cards and presents and sang to him around his cake.
My daughter had purchased one of those Hallmark Christmas books where everyone can record their voice while reading. She had asked if I could possibly get her Grandpa to record his voice for her son, Dad's great grandson. Dad did a great job, reading with tremendous inflection in his voice... definitely a treasure to be cherished...
Me helping Dad recording the first page of
The Night Before Christmas
We all sat around visiting and sharing, laughing and enjoying Dad's milestone birthday. Our brother from Ohio called and Dad was thrilled to hear his voice! Dad's friend from the earlier party wandered in on our party, and the staff tried to redirect him to leave... We didn't have the heart to make him leave and invited him to stay and enjoy some cake.
He and Dad were quite the comedy team and entertained all of us with their innocent, friendly banter, which was accentuated comically with both of them being hard of hearing!
Dad was growing tired after was suppose to be an hour party and ended up being two! One of the nurses came in a took our group picture. We took his cards and pictures and decorated the wall by his bed and got him all cozy in his new pajamas. After forming a single line to kiss him good night, we all caravanned back to my brother and sister in law's home for a spaghetti dinner. We spend the next three hours visiting and sharing funny family stories and catching up.
What a GREAT celebration and fun night!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The First Of Our Two November Trips To California...
My husband and I were on The Road To Love, by 11:30 am this morning. We had originally planned to meet with one of my high school girlfriends for lunch. I called her on the road and rescheduled, making it a dinner. The drive went well. My husband and I listened to Talk Radio most of the way and had some interesting conversation.
We arrived at my Mom's house in Covina, Ca by 4 pm. Mom gave us the tour of the house showing us the improvements she has implemented. So good to see the ol' homestead spruced up! We unloaded the car and then invited Mom to come to dinner with us.
My friend had arrived early, so we joined her and all of us had a wonderful dinner and conversation at Marie Calenders. My husband had never met her before, so he was such a good sport listening to all the talk about fellow high school buddies. Mom knew a lot of the people we discussed, so my wonderful husband was a real trooper and as always, an excellent listener.
We said our good byes and rushed home to watch Survivor. Mom does not have a DVR and we all are big fans of the show.
Tomorrow we meet my daughter Jodee and baby Jacob for lunch and then finish all the last minute details for Dad's 90th birthday party on the 5th. My husband and I are staying at Mom's until Saturday, then we will drive out to my oldest daughter, Holly's house. We will stay with her until the 10th, then we will drive back home.
We will drive back out a second time for Thanksgiving...
We arrived at my Mom's house in Covina, Ca by 4 pm. Mom gave us the tour of the house showing us the improvements she has implemented. So good to see the ol' homestead spruced up! We unloaded the car and then invited Mom to come to dinner with us.
My friend had arrived early, so we joined her and all of us had a wonderful dinner and conversation at Marie Calenders. My husband had never met her before, so he was such a good sport listening to all the talk about fellow high school buddies. Mom knew a lot of the people we discussed, so my wonderful husband was a real trooper and as always, an excellent listener.
We said our good byes and rushed home to watch Survivor. Mom does not have a DVR and we all are big fans of the show.
Tomorrow we meet my daughter Jodee and baby Jacob for lunch and then finish all the last minute details for Dad's 90th birthday party on the 5th. My husband and I are staying at Mom's until Saturday, then we will drive out to my oldest daughter, Holly's house. We will stay with her until the 10th, then we will drive back home.
We will drive back out a second time for Thanksgiving...
Monday, November 1, 2010
He Is Healed!
I received a phone call from the wound care nurse this morning. She told me Dad's pinkie toe wound is finally healed!! I told her about the student nurse trying on some tennis shoes on him, and she said she would make sure there had been notes on his chart and on his closet.
I sent an email to the family, asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled in case Dad is wearing anything other than soft slippers, slipper socks or his foam booties.
I have been extremely frustrated with the staff of the nursing home in helping me connect with my Dad. It has been more and more difficult to get anyone to interrupt his activities to bring him to the phone. When I have to keep calling back, I get more frustrated when they ask me to call back after lunch, when Dad is almost always taking a nap. Calling after dinner is always negative, so I refrain from doing it. I will talk with the charge nurse when we are in CA this week and I visit Dad.
We have back to back visits between this week and then Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lots to do in between.
The news of his wound finally healing made my day and is such a relief...
I sent an email to the family, asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled in case Dad is wearing anything other than soft slippers, slipper socks or his foam booties.
I have been extremely frustrated with the staff of the nursing home in helping me connect with my Dad. It has been more and more difficult to get anyone to interrupt his activities to bring him to the phone. When I have to keep calling back, I get more frustrated when they ask me to call back after lunch, when Dad is almost always taking a nap. Calling after dinner is always negative, so I refrain from doing it. I will talk with the charge nurse when we are in CA this week and I visit Dad.
We have back to back visits between this week and then Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lots to do in between.
The news of his wound finally healing made my day and is such a relief...
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