Last Few Hous of 2011

There are 2 hours and 5 minutes left of 2011 as I type this.  Jon's been in bed since 7:00 because his fever and a bad headache are back.  He also needs to go to work tomorrow.  Jess conked out around 9:20 and Bill's watching a football game.  He'll be in bed and sleeping before midnight.  I'm splurging on a big bowl of "Death by Chocolate" (LITE) ice cream and lovin' every spoonful.

As you know, my mom passed away on March 31.  Exactly 9 months ago today.  Something very unusual also happened this year: 11 of my friends, some very close friends, had their mother's pass away in 2011, plus 2 aunts and a sister.  Lots of tears were shed.

Happy New Year, everyone!

myWWF.org

Just use the link in the title and "for just $8.00 a month you can adopt a tiger.  There are estimated to be only 3200 left in the world.  Act now.  They're in desperate need."  Oh, please!  It seems that we can adopt anything these days.  This is the first time I've seen a tiger adoption commercial!

For less than $8.00 I had breakfast out with Shannon and Jessie.  Then I drove Jon to get some blood drawn for a preplanned blood draw he had to have.  About 5 loads of wash and paperwork.  Chris came over and brought the fixings to make us Mandarin Chicken for dinner.  It was very good.  Thanks, Chris!

Jon is somewhat better, but he lost both breakfast and dinner.  He's also developed a cough.  Bill didn't have a good day, wasn't able to nap ???, but feels pretty good tonight.  Go figure.

Snowy Rain

I'm not sure if it was raining today or snowing.  I don't think it knew what it was doing either.  What a mess.  The Hospice Chaplain visited this afternoon.  Bill had a good morning then went downhill.  Shannon and Jess went to Meijer's and I went to Kroger's.  Jon is still sick.  Not as bad, but severe stomach cramps, diahrrea, weakness and alot of hip pain.  This is day 4.  Yuck!

Conversations and Stupidity

Bill:   Did you have gas?

Nan:  Yes.

Bill:   Oh, good.  I thought there was something dead in here!

Nan shows her DL to Kohl's clerk for credit card ID.

Clerk:  That's OK - I'm beginning to recognize you.

Bill:  Well, that's not good!

Nan:  Oh, brother!

P.S.  In my defense, I only spent $7.00 and saved $30.00. 

Nan tries on a pair of blue jeans to see how they look.

Nan bends over to fix cuff of jean.

Nan almost permanently plants head into corner of Jessie's bed. 

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! 

Well, that just about wraps up our day.  I took Bill on a short trip to the post office, Walgreen's and Kohl's just to get him out of the house.  Jon looks as bad as he has since Monday morning, and he still has a fever and diahrrea.  Jessie had a very bad crabby/crying time in the morning.  Shannon probably wished she was anywhere but here.  So ends another exciting day in our lives. 

A Contrast Noted

Jon continued to be quite sick this morning with a 101.5 temperature and severe headache.  Since he's had strep twice this year, he was wondering about meningitis.  So we decided we'd better be safe than sorry and we spent about 6 hours in the ER.  Flu swab came back negative, as well as all other tests, so they felt he had the stomach flu. If this is true, it is an awful strain. 

While Jon was being taken to the observation unit, there was a code for all doctors to go to the resusitation room immediately.  (Pretty much this is the only time you will ever see doctors run or walk fast!)  I prayed for whoever the code was called for, yet knowing that it may not turn out well.  At the same time, a lullaby was played over the speakers announcing the birth of a new baby.  What a contrast of life and death. 

I remember the day that my father-in-law passed away - actually it will be 23 years ago tomorrow.  Driving back from the hospital I felt Jon for the first time.  I was about 4 months pregnant.  I don't ever think I'll forget that moment in time.

Bill did not have a very good day.  In fact, this is the worse I have seen him.  Of course, he missed me, which could be part of his bad day (smilie face inserted here).  All kidding aside, he's much weaker, in quite a bit more pain, aggitated, depressed and downright tired and miserable.  Most likely it's the progression of the cancer and it is not a good feeling.  My heart aches for my beloved husband.

Jess had a melt down when I put her to bed, although she had a good day with Shannon.  Diane came and took over until Jon and I got home - Thanks, Di!  As for me, well, I am off to bed.  I would like to bury my head in the sand but instead I'll just put it under my pillow and pull the covers over my head. 

More Christmas Pictures

Thought I'd post a couple more pictures from last night.  Even though Bill wasn't very cooperative in getting his picture taken, I think it turned out very nice.  Diane and Randie always take a good picture. 

One hour after going to bed last night Jon became very sick.  Throwing up, diahrrea, high temperature, cillls.  He's still quite sick.  I don't think he's been this sick - ever.  He said that even awhile ago when he had strep, he wasn't this sick, and he was pretty sick then.  Tonight his temperture is 102.6.  Another bad thing about this is that he is supposed to work tomorrow, can't, so he'll be written up for not showing up (he did call in) AND, he won't get Holiday pay.  Bummer for him. 

We sure would appreciate prayers that the rest of us won't get sick.  Bill is having trouble sleeping, even with sleeping medication.  He's very fatigued and sleeps alot during the day.  If he got this flu, it would not be a good thing.  Thanks for your prayers!

Ten Presents - Twice

Doesn't she look like a happy girl?  She not only got her "ten presents", but she got it twice, thanks to Di and Randie!  She even slept until 7:30 a.m. and gave me a special sleep-in-on-Christmas-morning gift.

Keeping with tradition, I had a special breakfast.  Today was tiny quiches, Frankenmuth Stollen bread and melon.  Diane and Randie came for dinner at 1:00 and a nice day of just sitting and not doing much.  I even got a tiny nap!

T'was The Night Before Christmas ...

and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.

THANK YOU, GOD !!!!!!

(For those of you who follow my blog daily, you'll understand my comment.)

Last night Rox met me at Kroger's and helped me grocery shop.  This morning Dorene came and spent 2 hours helping me wrap presents.  Jane took Jessie to the doctor's, then she and Rachel took Jess out to breakfast.  What a special gift these three friends gave me.  A stress-free Christmas Eve.  Thank you so very much, Rox, Dorene and Jane.  I've also had several phone calls and texts from far-away friends.  That sure makes me feel good.  Thanks, all! 

Jon worked but has tomorrow off.  Jess had a great day.  She was even in her pajamas when I called her for dinner.  She wanted to get her night over so that she could get at those "ten presents" in the morning.  Bill had another crappy day. 

Diagnosis: Cellulitis

I took Jess to the doctor's this morning and she was diagnosed with cellulitis.  Poor thing had her first shot in her butt.  She's also on a strong antibiotic and she will have to go back to the doctor's in the morning for a recheck.  Please pray that the shot and antibiotics will work.  Otherwise, it will be an IV antibiotic.  That definitely would NOT be good.

I may not have any of my gifts wrapped yet, but I am very thankful that all presents are purchased.  The doctor's office is on Schoenherr and Canal.  Hall Road was backed up for miles - as far as you could see for the cars going east.  West wasn't that bad, but still pretty busy. 

Thanks to our friend, Dorene, we can go back to a miceless existence.  Those little suckers knawed through floor boards into our kitchen cabinets.  Guess desperate times calls for desperate measures, but it would have been nice if they had gone next door.

One of our two furnaces went out today.  I wondered why it was so cold in the front part of the house.  Bill did not have a good day, but made it to the basement to show Jon how to relight the furnace.  I'm off to bed.  Tomorrow's another day. 

Special Prayer Needed For Jessie

Jessie has an infected pimple/boil.  I didn't think anything of it since she gets these often and I have medicine to put on them, which I have been doing for several nights.  However, the infected area is MUCH larger than even this morning.  We've put black dots around the area and if the infection is outside the dots in the morning, we'll have to go to the doctor (and, please God, not the hospital!).  Could be cellulitis, which would NOT be good.  Please pray that God would place a Hand of healing upon her tonight.  Thank you!

Bill had a better day and we were able to go to my sister's for a couple hours to visit, see their Christmas decorations and visit with our cousins Carol, her husband Gerry, their daughter Debbie and Carol's brother Curt.  Had a really nice time. 

What could be worse than ... finding mice droppings in the kitchen towel drawer?  How about the silverware drawer!  EEOW!  And that's a big EEOW!  I was going to begin wrapping presents this afternoon, but instead I washed and disinfected every piece of utencil and the containers and the drawer.  I sure didn't need this today.  We've lived in this house for 25 years and NEVER had a mouse other than in the basement a couple times.  Why now? 

I did praise God today for mice turds, though!  Just think.  If they didn't leave them behind, we'd never know that they had invaded our homes!  Then, what?

Difficult Days

We continue to covet your prayers for us as days are getting harder for Bill.  He's much weaker and not finding much joy in his days. 

Cane Presentation

Bill and I had the priviledge of being present as our friend, Wes, was presented a cane from the Woodcarvers of Michigan this morning.  These men make personalized canes for Veterans. The canes have pictures, campaigns and medals that are particular to each Veteran.  It was a very nice ceremony and a huge honor to be present for Wes.  FYI: Bill grew up with Wes' boys, Paul and Gary, and Wes even stood up in our wedding 28 years ago! 

 Bingo!  We caught 2 mice.  Went to Home Depot and bought several more traps so I can be sure we get them all.  I'm not putting my clean towels back in their drawer until we're SURE they're all gone.

Bill had a pretty good morning, a crappy afternoon with a severe headache, and an OK evening.  Me, I'm on my way to bed because I had to take Benedryl.  I made veggie burgers and sweet potato fries for dinner and immediately had a reaction.  Hives, itching and bright red cheeks.  Oh, well, that's what I get for trying to eat healthier!

What Could Be Worse Than ...

opening up your kitchen towel drawer and discovering that a four-legged rodent had visited overnight!  Eeow!  It left it's droppings all over my towels, as well as brought up melon seeds  that were in the garbage directly below the towel drawer, sucked them clean, and started a nest.  Man, he worked fast.  We've had mice in the basement, but NEVER on the first floor.  Tomorrow morning there better be that same mouse in the trap we set. 

Shannon worked for several hours this morning then Jess and I took Dad on our Girls Day Out lunch.  We also drove around Stoney Creek and went to the post office.  I had a yellow slip in our box, but with at least 15 people in line, I decided to pick whatever it is up tomorrow. 

Not a good day for Bill.  He wasn't able to sleep real well last night and has been super fatigued today.  Slept alot.  He's having to use a cane now, too, because of severe upper leg pain.  Hopefully, that will be better tomorrow.

A Day Of Visits

We had several visitors today and three of them were our very good like-family friends, Julie, Kylee and Lynzee.  It's been awhile since all three of them have been able to be here together.  They're showing off the snowglobes we gave them for Christmas. 

We also were visited  by Grandma and Grandpa B. and my long-time friend, Kim and her husband, Al.  I've known Kim since high school days - her family lived down the street from us on Brentwood and we went to school together.  We've kept in touch over the years, but we definitely need to visit more often. We enjoyed everyone's visit.

Bill felt some better than yesterday and worked on shingling his birdhouse for a little while.  He's been in bed for a couple hours though.  Just couldn't stay up any longer.  

Another Wasted Day

That was Bill's comment tonight when I asked him what he did (I was gone all day with a couple friends).  He did manage to put 3 rows of shingles on his birdhouse.  However, he's very discouraged as he is not doing well.  He's extremely fatigued and has quite a bit of discomfort.  He's been in the house for 7 days and needs to get out of the house, but doesn't feel well enough to leave.  Maybe tomorrow we can just go for a quick ride around Stoney Creek.  We'll see. 

Just Not A Good Day

I was thinking this morning that Jess has seemed to be doing so much better and not yelling, etc.  She's been happier and I thought we might have turned a corner.  Shannon and Jess went to breakfast and as soon as she walked in the door - the crabby Jessie entered.  The bad behavior lasted several hours.  Oh, well.  Maybe tomorrow.

Bill didn't have a good physical day.  Very fatigued and some stomach and throat pain.  He's pretty discouraged.  He also has no ambition to do anything.  I set up a folding table and he brought his birdhouse in and I put the puzzle on the table.  Maybe tomorrow he'll feel more like doing something. 

Hurtin'

That would be me.  My left knee and my right foot have been terrible today.  Very difficult walking.  It's probably the change in the weather - high temperature today, rainy.  Cold tomorrow.  My left knee looks like it has about 5# of fluid in it.  Guess I'll have to go get it drained again.  Not a fan of that long sucking needle. 

Bill painted his birdhouse today.  I think he's going to bring it inside to finish.  I'll have to take a picture so that you can see his progress.  He's still pretty tired and has slept alot this afternoon and evening.  I did buy him a 350 piece puzzle today.  I took Mom S. for her blood work this morning.  She wasn't happy with going.  Shannon and Jessie shopped and Jon did a little of this and that. 

Oh, The Weather Outside Is

Yucky!  Rainy!  Coldy!  At least it isn't snow.  For that I am grateful!

I was gone most of the day.  Began the morning with a special Christmas breakfast with a group of friends, a special lunch date with my friend, Ruth, then almost finished my Christmas shopping at Walmart's.  I was able to use the electric wheelchair and enjoyed my shopping time.

Jess and Shannon made decorated sugar cookies.  Bill had a very sleepy day.  Hopefully, he'll be able to sleep tonight.  He's also bored but has no ambition to do anythinig.  I'm going to the store tomorrow and buy him a jigsaw puzzle.  That will keep him occupied for at least a few hours.   Jon worked but is looking forward to having the next 2 days off. 

Christmas Is Coming Too Fast

Well, maybe for some, but not for Jess.  She was up early this morning sitting at the top of the stairs waiting to go downstairs and open her "ten presents".  For some reason she thought, or rather WANTED, today to be Christmas.  Let's just say that she was NOT happy when I told her she had many more days to wait. 

I felt that a picture was needed on my blog tonight.  This is our new tree.  Can't really tell the flocking on it, but I think it is very pretty. 

Bill had a half-good day.  He was able to go to his workshop and paint his birdhouse in the morning.  The afternoon wasn't that great, though. 

Jon and I went Christmas shopping and then I had a doctor's appointment.  We also went and had a nice lunch at Filippa's.  Jon's never been there and really enjoyed it.  I "ran" into 2 former bosses, my good friend's Bob and Kathy. 

Two of our church friends (Mick and Lynn) came and visited this evening.  It was such a nice time.
  

12 Hours On - 12 Hours Off

Bill did not have a very good day.  He was very down, extremely fatigued, headache all day and in some pain.  Vicodin took the pain away, but he continued to be dragging.  Just now as he took off a 12-hour-on/12-hour-off nitro patch, he realized he had 2 on!  We really need to get better with this new medication and not forget to take it off at night.  This most likely is why he felt terrible.  We'll see.  If he's much better in the morning, then it might be the patch.  That would at least explain the bad headache all day.

I had a 9:30 meeting with Jessie's case worker, and interviewed a new worker for Jess at noon.  At 11:20 our friend, Jeanne came and visited and at 1:30, Paul and Julia came.  Thanks so much for all the visits.  Jess and I had our usual lunch out, post office, bank and Walgreen's.  She spent the rest of the day on her iPad. 

Thanks, Jon, for doing so much around the house today.  It really helped. 

A Quiet Sunday

Jon didn't have to work today so after he attended Sunday School, we met him in the church parking lot and gave him the van with Jessie in it and we took his keys.  It was nice to be in church with my husband.  It was a great service. 

Bill rested all day and is beyond bored.  He's watched football, played on the iPad and even watched a Christmas movie.  I worked on Christmas cards.  Jessie spent the afternoon on her iPad, looking at magazines and watching DVD's.  Jon went to the show.  It's been pretty quiet.  I like quiet. 

All Is Well

I didn't post last night because I didn't get home until midnight from an evening out with some friends who I used to work with.  We've been getting together for many years - maybe 15-20 years.  We get caught up on one another's lives then worship through song and prayer.  I must say that last night I felt such peace.  Not just peaceful, but a much deeper peace that only can come from God.  I am blessed to be part of this group of dear ladies.

Yesterday was a great day for Bill.  He hasn't had an entire good day in many months, so we were able to go visit our good friends, Ron and Arlene.  Ron is having some physical difficulties himself and the four of us encouraged one another.  It was a very special time. 

Today Jess spent most of the day with Jane and Rachel and went Christmas shopping.  I've done many loads of wash and went to Sam's Club with Jon for some groceries and Christmas gifts.  I haven't been there in months, and if you don't like crowds, that wasn't the place to be today, that's for sure.  What a mess. 

Bill worked a little in his workshop today but then spent the rest of the day on couch, not feeling his best.  That was discouraging since yesterday was such a good physical day.  He wasn't able to sleep well last night either.  However, the new medicine that the Hospice doctor has prescribed for him is helping a bit with the constant vomiting from not being able to swallow his saliva.  That's good. 

Prayer Request For A Stranger

Yesterday when Bill and I were at Sears and in line to pay, a woman came and stood next to us.  She was carrying a bag of clothes, obviously returning them.  She looked about ready to cry and then did.  I immediately went over to her, put my arm around her and asked if she had lost someone.  She said that she was returning a nightgown she had bought for her (33 year old) daughter to wear when she had her first baby.  Last Saturday was the baby shower, and instead, they buried both her daughter and the unborn baby. 

Ok, I really wasn't prepared for that.  She proceeded to tell me that her daughter (only child) was a school teacher, passed out at work, and due to a ruptured cyst, bled to death - there wasn't anything anyone could do to save her or the baby.  She said that she didn't know how to get through this.  I asked her if she had a faith and she responded that she did and that was helping.  She also has many people to support her.  I told her that I would be praying for her in the days ahead.  Please join me.  Her name is Judy. 

I felt at a loss to say much to her.  Sometimes words are inappropriate - I just continued to hug her and later assured her of my prayers.  I am thankful she has a faith to help her, but she still has to go through each moment of each day dealing with such a huge loss.  She certainly won't be having a Merry Christmas. 

On a much brighter note ... Bill had a good day!

Pajama Day

Shannon arrived at work with her pajamas on!  She said she was going to, I just didn't believe her.  So, I made it a pajama day and let Jess stay in her pajamas, too.  It didn't last very long though.  She said she was "hot" and wanted her clothes on instead.  Funny. 

Bill and I went to Sears to do some Christmas shopping for each other.  I had fun pushing him in the wheelchair - ran in the parking lot, almost tipped him out on the sidewalk and ran into several displays.   It didn't do much for my bad knee and heel.  I "forgot" about them and they sure do hurt tonight.  Oh, well, it sure was worth it.

Emilia and Stan visited this evening.  We both are enjoying these visits.  Thank you, Jesus, for friends!

A Mandatory Meeting

After Bill's nurse came and I got a couple loads of wash started I had to go to the Mt. Clemens Library for a mandatory "self-determination" meeting from CMH.  It covered quite a few changes that the State of Michigan is implementing that need to be followed for record keeping and payroll  (there goes the paperwork) since I am Jessie's "employer".  Does this make any sense to you?  Makes 2 of us!  The only nice thing about this meeting was sitting next to my long-time friend, Karen, and her husband, Bill.  That was a nice surprise!

Bill had an OK day, sleeping most of it.  Not sure why.  Diane and Randie came and we had Chinese for dinner and then attacked one part of our bedroom.  We're getting there.  I still have to clean off the bed in order to go to sleep tonight. 

My friend, Theresa, brought many frozen meals for us from several people, which is really appreciated.  Thank you, Lord, for all the hands that prepared our meals and helped clean our bedroom. 

Good night, Karen!  See you again soon.

What A Fast Day

Bill had a terrible morning - very fatigued and sick.  He didn't look good either.  To make a not-too-long story shorter, I'm pretty sure it was due to medication he took last night to sleep.  It only took me about 6 hours to figure that out.  Tonight is a much better night.  Also, we had visitors: Bruce and Andrea.  Had a very nice time.  Bill really enjoys these visits.  Me, too!

Jess and I went to the post office (got there just before the line looked like the bus unloaded!), to Judy's house to have some pants altered, then we did something different and had lunch at the Garden.  All Jess ever wants is chicken nuggets and french fries.  Today she had a lamb gyro and homemade potato chips.  There was nothing on either one of our plates when we were done.  We came home and checked on Bill then left and had our hair cut.  I always know when I'm over due for a cut: I look like Albert Einstein in the morning!  Jon finished a 3-day stretch and is looking forward to a couple days off.

Visitors Brightened Our Day

Today did not begin well or end well.   Bill slept very little and didn't feel very good.  Jess spent roughly 2 hours yelling and screaming at us for coughing.  Ignoring her yelling can only go on for so long before someone else loses it.  Bill is getting stir-crazy so I decided to take him and Jess out for a bit.  I thought if we went to breakfast (of course, he'd just watch us) that would help.  We went to 2 restaurants and both were packed.  Not ever going to breakfast on a Sunday morning we weren't aware that it is a big eat-out day.  We ended up at McDonald's for lunch.  It was OK, but not when you were thinking of an omelet.

Bill and Jess stayed in the van while I ran into Kohl's to pick up a set of flannel bedding for Bill's bed.  He's so cold at night.  We have flannels for our bed, but not twin size.  Washed them and he's enjoying their comfort as I type.

When we got home no one was in any better mood, that's for sure.  However, we received a couple visits and that lifted our spirits.  Cindy, our friend from church, brought a roast beef dinner and stayed to talk.  Later on, George and Mary came.  It was just what we needed.  Thanks, Cindy, George and Mary!

However, around 8:30 p.m., Jess started yelling again.  By this time Bill couldn't take anymore so I brought her upstairs, gave her a bath and put her to bed.  That entire time she cried and cried and cried, for an entire hour!  I don't think she even knew what she was crying for by this time.  Let's hope that tomorrow will be much better for her!

Deck The Halls

Bill, Joanne and I went to Chris' late this morning and helped her put up her tree and decorate it.  She made delicious quiches, JoAnne brought a coffee cake and I brought come clementines.  We had a nice meal, and in no time at all, the tree was beautiful!  As you can see from this other picture, Bill watched us, and someone watched him!  He enjoyed his outing, but was ready to get home and take a nap.  Me, too!                                                             



No Birdhouse Work Today

Another day inside for Bill.  Just not up to leaving the house and even doing something he enjoys.  Yesterday Butch visited, today Charlie came.  Thanks, guys!  "Alfredo Gonzalez" called yesterday and Ruth called today.  Those visits and calls have meant alot.  Thanks!

I had a meeting at 9:00 a.m. with Jessie's case worker and we had the Hospice Social Worker visit at 10:30 a.m.  Paperwork and laundry filled another part of the day.  Maybe there will be more to talk about tomorrow. 

A Beautiful Day

Wasn't today a terrific weather day?  Just gorgeous.  Why couldn't it be like this all winter?  I could handle that.  Bill continued on his birdhouse for a couple hours after Jon took him to a couple stores Christmas shopping.  He also had a visit and phone call.  That was very nice.  Jess and Shannon went to Meijer's then made banana bread.  I took Mom S. to get her blood taken to check the INR level.  I also needed blood taken - 5 vials!  I was about a year late in getting it.  I also went to the bank, lunch and Kroger's.  Two loads of wash and paperwork.  A pretty full day.