memories

        October 30. 2022 -- Dad's last day in a tractor -- we didn't know it at the time.  The crew left the ripper and the farm for him to work .. I rode a couple of rounds with him -- he told me "this is the best day of the year" ... life lesson -- take time to enjoy the little things.  

coming home from visiting mom -- critters were noshing under the yard light back by the bins .. there were 10 of the beasts.  seriously, is it necessary to dine by the yard light.  I've been going back and forth via the field road, across the combined bean field and jumping on the new city street via Mn DOT's driveway -- it's a short commute and I don't have to deal with any traffic -- except the critters and the deer hunter ..

we had a care conference today -- she's being discharged on Wednesday -- setting up home health care for in home PT and OT for a couple of weeks .. she's really looking forward to her own bed and recliner -- really missing her recliner .. but doing very well ..

 

is this it?

is it the last time for the lawn mower?  I knew I was going to mow today -- I didn't think it would be for 4 hours ... most of it got mowed . and . more leaves to fall and get chopped up ...

the autumn flame maple is firing nicely in the back yard 

I also made two trips to the nursing home to see mom -- on the sxs via the field road, bean field and new city street -- coolest set of wheels in the parking lot ... 

the porch, the kitchen floor, dishes, laundry,  fridge all got a fast pass with the scrub rag -- one of the hoses is in storage, the plants have been watered well and their winter home in the porch awaits them ... a load of trash went to the dumpster (sxs load) some rugs and a tv are in my truck for town.  

i spent my Kohls cash this morning -- from yesterday's returns .. the store didn't have what i was looking for so I ordered it -- interesting article in "becoming minimalist" about clothing, marking, addictions, and what we truly need in life .. 

I should be a) working, b) unpacking my crap from the retreat, c) cleaning another corner or d) reading my book ... the book will be winning and soon 

 

just another day

    in my super crazy life 

4:45 rise and hit the recliner w/coffee #1 -- read 2 newspapers, surf the internet
5:00 laundry
6:00 switch laundry - vac basement ( kleenex in laundry episode)
6:30 shower, decide on projects for S'crafting day, decide on wardrobe
          order cat food from Tractor Supply ( free delivery - less stops in Mankato)
8:30 head to town for "supplies and chair"
9:00 head to Mankato - returns at Kohls -- issues with registers, peruse store 
          store is a disaster - serious disaster 
10:00 first in line at goodwill 
10:05 head to Cabin
10:20 check out roofers and dock boys
10:30 head back to St Peter to Church and crafting event
1:30 head to nursing home -- visit with Mom and Gayle
3:30 back to church for more crafting
6:15 head for home -- drop of stuff at office first
6:30 feed those damn cats
6:45 plant tush in chair .. I'm dead on my feet

I still have to unpack my crafting crap -- I think I have 8 pillowcases 3/4 done, pieced a small toddler throw (found strips cut in the basement), played with triangle paper and did a mini wall hanging with the triangles :) ... ate well, ate too much ... 

I haven't been out to the lake for 20 days .. always need my lake fix
things have changed a lot ....

the dock removal crew was hopping the entire time I was out there 

and the roofers were busy -- by 1:30ish they were done 
it's a small cabin .. 

forgot to upload pix of dock -- it's on dry land .... 

I've missed my quiet time at the lake

maybe tomorrow ..

 

moving day

    today the patient moved to Benedictine -- the nursing home next to the hospital -- it is actually attached .. they wheeled her over and I walked along carrying the accumulation --- 

    the intake at BLC was kind of long, rigorous, thorough -- which is good but took 4 hours .. there seemed to be a bit of confusion regarding the various drugs .. will need to review with the nursing staff in the morning .. I left for the office at 4:00ish ..

    she was a bit lost and scared at that point --- it was hard .... even though we know it is short term .. it's not like the hospital -- responsive to "button" pushing, cushy rooms -- all that "stuff"

    I went to the office -- put out a couple of fires, loaded up homework, went home, fed those damn cats, and went back up there -- 

    grateful for life long family friends that are also there for various reasons and were sitting at her supper table .. eased into the change .. before I got there she had requested pain meds -- a lot of movement today and she did walk herself around with the wheel chair .. food was "mushy" ... 

    and here's were it gets weird -- the social worker thinks she'll be out in a week -- the nursing staff wouldn't estimate and the physical therapist -- a couple weeks depending upon progress, medicare and available home health care .. I tell ya -- racket, shitshow, wth moments ... 

   we'll see how the night goes and if she gets a shower in the morning -- desperate for a shower -- breakfast and OT to follow and perhaps PT .. 

   time it all takes time 

 

Hump Day!

wastebook memories .. brought forth a picture of Ruby II  -- I still miss this truck -- it was a sweeeeeetttt set of wheels.   It's not that Dad's truck is awful -- but missing the cushy details -- the leather seats, the exterior lighting (lit up like an airport runway when the door opened) .. the fancy gauges ... Black I -- (dad's truck) ... is the same year --- but has a bigger motor ( a good thing for a lead foot ) -- and well 28,000 miles on it  ... I have nothing to whine about .. Black is okay --- it's just not as "pretty" or cushy

I had lunch at the hospital this noon with mom --- she's whining about PT not about pain -- and that my friends is a good thing ... She will be moving tomorrow .. 

 

Tuesday news

    I spent the entire day touring Nicollet County -- ditch issues, road projects, all the cool stuff.   In a transit van - with 35 mph wind gusts.  I am quite proud I didn't get sick .. it was a jerky day ...  I am also grateful I didn't have to drive in that crap.  It was nasty.

    Popped in on Mom to just before the tour .. she was explaining to the nurses that she doesn't get out of bed before 8:00 am.  I'm sure they had other ideas .... word came via text that Thursday she is moving to Benedictine for short term respite (?) and physical therapy -- she's not a fan of PT or OT either .. "it hurts" ... well when you haven't moved much in a month -- everything will hurt.  learning new things is good.

   Tomorrow I hope to have a full day at the office -- it's been a while.  So far behind and so many weird things to fix.  I signed up for crafty time at church this weekend -- not sure if that is going to happen -- it doesn't matter -- it's a fundraiser.

   And I got a haircut tonight --- so it's almost 8 .. the pumpkin coach is about to arrive and take me away ...

Project list for Wednesday;

Financial Statements:
   N Pr
   SPACC
   SRC
Payroll - TDSGC
MnPR Issues
Weird Tax Return Issues
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sunday!

sunset from the hospital was pretty spectacular this evening .. we have too many trees at the farm to see sunset ... 

windows need washing - that's not my department

   Today's adventure at Rivers Edge Hospital was entertaining -- I got there at 8 and she was scrambling to get her breakfast down and get dressed for therapy -- "slept like a rock."

   

    Well, one sleeps like a rock when one has had a sleeping pill.  And believe me, that was not the best idea -- between that and coming down off the narcotics she was dizzy, sleepy and battled nausea most of the day ... slept most of the afternoon -- fell asleep attempting to eat her dinner.  Complained of difficulty breathing -- so monitors arrived and breathing gizmo.  Perkier when I left at 7:30 .. after I had a rather pointed conversation with the night nurse about NO sleeping pills.  

   

    On the bright side, no Oxy or Tramadal today, only Tylenol and ice.  As long as movement is restricted - pain is controlled.  She also thinks her favorite chiro is going to make a house call and re-arrange her neck.  argh.

    Tomorrow is a new day.  and watch the sunset was the best ... love me a sunset -- 

    I have to quit complaining about the darkness and embrace the moments that make it okay -- sunrises, sunsets, shooting stars, the moon and god willing the northern lights :).

 

Weekend

   Things are going well with the patient.  Pain management, physical and occupational therapy are happening multiple times a day and she has exercises for sitting in the chair ..

    I went in this morning hoping to catch doctors on rounds -- the ortho and hospitalist both cautioned for prepping for the long haul -- manage the pain, don't over do it and keep your bones healthy.

   

   The summer after Dad died and I was struggling, I visited/coffee'd with a therapist client on managing grief, stress, aging -- all the hot topics that I was overwhelmed with.  Sometimes coping with life and it's aftermath can be challenging.  Her advice -- talk to that one person that makes a difference and/or focus on something that calms or brings joy. 

   So when life gets tough -- I look at the tree.  Dad's tree.  This isn't a current picture -- it was a cloudy day today and the solar charger that lights it up doesn't have a long charge to it.  The rings have been out for a couple of weeks .. thru the health challenges and stress --  I didn't have my tree to remind me that life is life.  I really needed it the last 18 days.  

  After the doctor visits -- I went to work and attempted to tame the out of control chaos.  It's bad.  4 hours of work time later ---  Then back to hospital to deliver cookies and help Mom with her supper -- she had a turkey commercial -- it smelled pretty good.    Neighbor Reen was there -- she had texted concern last night because they hadn't seen us for a couple of weeks.  Grateful for the village that keeps track of us.

  And the big win for the day -- there was no line at the car wash -- the truck is shiny black again -- it is always the little things... 

  

answers

 

pix from google

Timeline:

Sept 28 -- er visit St P hip pain PA-go to ortho walk in clinic

Sept 29 -- ortho walk in clinic gave her a shot in the hip
Oct 2nd -- er visit st peter -- ct scan of abdomen

Oct 7th -- er Mayo ISJ - 8 hours .. prescribed pain killer

Oct 9th -- ortho back doctor

Oct 11th -- ambulance to er Mayo ISJ -- xrays/ct scan 

                    even though she couldn't bear weight and walk sent home - no beds .. 

                    prescribed oxy

Oct 13th -- video appointment w/dr at St P Clinic -- go to er Mankato 

Oct 13th -- video appointment w/pain clinic dr Mayo Mkto ( the stimulator dude)

                        needs a MRI ..

Oct 15th -- Mayo calls back with MRI appointment for NOVEMBER 7th

Oct 16th -- Rivers edge .. PT OT assessments, conversations w/social worker to find assistance 

                        either skilled nursing or home health care -- bed available for observation

                        hospital doctor wants ct scan of lower back .. radiologist sees hip issue

yes peeps, this has been life for the last 18 days 

next steps:

ortho will review this morning during rounds at the hospital ... 

will still need skilled nursing care and pain management .... 

    not allowed to bear weight on the left hip/leg/foot 

there is still a long way to go in this journey

but we have a diagnosis and some answers

not sure how it fractured .. 

dr b at the hospital isn't a always a favorite and he was a bit perplexed/brusque while admitting but his demeanor changed a bit after the ct scan -- client deb from PT was really interesting to watch while she was doing her thing early on .. 

grateful for the locals and the good concerned care 

by 8:00 last night ... jean ordered pizza from domino's and Lee delivered it ... 

Updates

just because it speaks to me 

well peeps, friends and family ...

It's been another entertaining week of medical bullshit .. 
Saturday - was an ambulance ride to Mankato followed by another 7 hours in er -- when the PA came in and said she could leave - the xrays were "normal" .. we had Mom stand up and attempt to walk -- the PA seemed odd when she couldn't walk or stand .... .. then attempted to find a bed -- no beds in Mankato and St Peter refused ( gee thanks ) so back home 

Since then we've been pushing/pulling her around in her walker -- Monday morning was 2 telemed dr appointments -- one w/local Dr and she needed to "research" called us back and attempted to send us back to er in Mankato.  nope.  2nd was her pain clinic doctor -- he ordered more oxy and MRI ... so

today, Wednesday -- MRI people call with a date of November 7th  WHAT THE F.   seriously, freeking November -- 

Last night, Jean and I got her a shower -- we had to pivot but got her in there and go the job done -- tonight I did it solo .. 

Family friend - Mary Beth has spent the last 2 mornings with her -- she cannot be alone -- cannot get to bathroom or anywhere else without riding -- Rachael has the drug schedule set up with the oxy to control pain -- I'm waking her up at 2:00am and dispensing and then again at 6:00am for more .. we have a rotating schedule of oxy, aleeve and tylenol every 4 hours .. 

I'm working from home as much as possible but lately clients are needy.  Today was the deadline for extended returns .. Kate is off in Ohio for 4H stuff -- Jan has filled in at the office .. and clients are either needy or crabby .. I get it so am I 

Tomorrow is a new day and a new plan ... 

 

tgif -- whew

 

today, was a better day in a week of chaos .. I think I actually finished a couple projects, got supper warmed up and ate, fed those damn cats, chased deer out of the yard and did a HyVee run with a fast stop at ziptrip for bread -- nary a loaf of bread available at HyVee .. seriously, a grocery store without bread?  weird

I was looking for pictures and found the above of Dad disking the garden .. always a project on daisy ln

found this one of Joanne at the first rental cabin -- 

in the picture dump 6 weeks ago .. found this one from a family reunion at the Marysburg Church -- all the classic beer's were available 

family events bring back all the feels and memories -- it's been a week 

all the chaos makes us stronger (and tired) -- tonight is answer emails, surf the internet and veg -- it's actually almost bed time .. and tomorrow we'll start again.

I'm hoping to spend a couple hours at the office -- working in silence is my new obsession in life -- I also hope to hit up the Maker Fair .. time will tell, maybe a spot of lake too .. we'll see how the patient is faring before traveling too far.  Not sure if the pain control measures are working .. she's not comfortable and really bored.  A bad combination.  

life

it has been the week from hell ... i wander around and spend way to much time slipping in my own shit.  Tuesday's adventure:  7 hours in er with Mom -- 7 flipping hours ... I check on her every morning -- I'm generally always at work by 6:00 every day ... she wasn't up when I took a peek at the camera so I ended up driving out there -- she was still in bed -- a lot of hip/leg/lower back pain --- so we've exhausted local options and opted for er at Mankato, which is MAYO and has all of her records.  7 hours after triage ( that included blood work, xray, echo cardiogram, pee test -- iv painkiller and anti nausea drugs) we see a doctor, who told her to take aleve .. WTF ... 

Yesterday, Wednesday -- was Aunty Joanne's funeral -- I go home to get her at 9:45 and she's still in bed -- up, shower and at the funeral home by 10:45 was a pretty good feat --- used her walker like a wheel chair to get her into the building -- and back out to the Jeep ... at the burial -- she didn't leave the vehicle .. back to Redmen for lunch -- again a process -- but she got there --- got her home and back to bed with the flipping aleve ... rousted her out at 4:30 -- I had to be in Mankato for meeting at 5:15 -- she moved on her own to chair and ate ...

Today she had ortho appointment -- inflamed nerves in her lower spine -- a flair up of some kind -- prescription pain killers, rest and eventually physical therapy ..  she's not happy with more physical therapy ..  Jean took her to this appointment 

I started my day at 4:00 am in the cave -- our extended tax returns are due 10/15  6 to go .. plus payroll taxes etc .. it's chaos at the office, utter chaos .. and lately, we people -- all of us are just plain nuts ... goofy nuts ..  so .. at 5:00 I picked up the drugs and Chinese from HyVee ... fed her damn cats, watered the plants, loaded up the recycling, ran the dishwasher .. 

it's my birthday --- today -- working since 4:00, chaos, drug run, takeout Chinese and laundry is perking and I have a pile of projects ... it could be worse .. it can always be worse

my pity party needs to end 

it might be time for my book 

I follow a wastebook group that is geared toward Quilting and Sewing room organization -- this industrious woman wins the prize -- wowzer -- more fabric and thread than most quilt shops and damn it's organized ... holy smokes.

and that long arm is way too cool .. and large ... 

 

bird

64 years and 362 days to purchase my first whole roasted chicken -- can't spell rotisserie  tonight.  on the homebound i stopped a ziptrip for milk ( on sale for $2.99 this week ).. perused the chick strips and well, the whole roasted bird was cheeper ... 

and it tasted pretty damn good for a GAS STATION BIRD .. 

$6.99 for the WHOLE BIRD

slam the door the world is going to hell -- who knew a gas station bird would be that tasty

my second trip to ziptrip today -- milk and iced coffee this morning, milk and bird this afternoon -- the credit card company must think i'm nuts 

so, we had roast chicken, rice blend and salad for supper .. all of my grandmothers, great grandmothers are looking down from above and frowning ... except they'd appreciate the $6.99 -- 

and leftovers for a small batch of chix soup and/or chix hotdish .. 

so #2 is really not walking well now -- ortho appointment is Thursday ( soonest available ) she's not moving well at all .. digging out the walker when I get back upstairs .. it's that bad .. 

 

birthday week musings

seriously -- sitting in the porch at the cabin, listening to the pitter patter of rain, a rumble of thunder and the leaves falling (wind assisted) .. it's been a quiet weekend out here -- fall is the best time at the lake -- the wake boats, wave runners and water skiers have moved on ...

the culinary efforts for the weekend have included left over chicken noodle hotdish ( with crushed potato chips), broccoli salad ( broccoli, bacon, cashews - mayo dressing) on top of lettuce blend with some turkey tossed in, 4 meat pizza with leftover broccoli salad -- Friday night I baked up some " ready to bake" choc chip cookies .. they are about the size of a 50cent piece but pretty tasty for a $2 investment ... snarfing on one every time I walk by the dish.

did a little homework yesterday before we came out ( nothing better than uploaded quarterly payroll reports at 5:30am on a Saturday) .. a tax return while here and literally nothing else of any importance -- I'm on book #2 -- a spot of surfing and shopping this morning since Kohls feels the need to coupon me at 40% off and I had $40 Kohls cash burning holes in my pocket.  more shoes .. can't have too many pairs of shoes ... 

pondering the need to vacuum before we leave

Saturday night sunset .. always the best

 

random shots from the week

because sleeping in my yard is a fun thing ... enlarge and look beyond her -- there's another one

darkness comes early on 3rd street these days 

ditto at the happy place

a client posted this on wastebook this week .. she's one of my hero's (heroes) .. young widower with children -- raising beautiful children .. 

"no one's going to hand you a better life. you've got to earn it  ....... " 

We were back at the er yesterday -- the on call PA decided that some testing to rule out a few things might be an okay thing to do, so it's not a hernia, it's not a fractured / cracked / splintered hip, pelvis or leg, it's not kidney stones and blood work did not indicate any weird infections .. 

he thinks the meds still need to kick in -- prescribed a mild steroid ... and "oh, by the way -- your colon seems quite full "  .. translation -- you're full of shit or shit is backing up ... but that's probably not responsible for your pain .. I cannot make this shit up .. :)))))

so, I found the missing file this evening ... in the cave on the desk, and I found my purse .. it too was in the cave -- laundry is perking and it must be time to a) read my book, b) keep cleaning the sewing zone or c) take a mini drive ... to the car wash !