Chronic Illnesses

Sunday, May 31

As many of you know, both my son and daughter have rheumatoid arthritis. There is not one day that goes by that they are not in pain. The same goes for me with a bad back and now bursitis in my hip. How does one live with the constant pain? One day at a time, hoping that tomorrow will be better.

I suffered for a year and a half with bone-on-bone in my hip before surgery. I cried out to God to relieve me from the excruciating pain. I was never granted a day without pain. What did I do? I just kept trusting God. He carried me through many pain-filled days.

Manual labor is very difficult for Jon. His hands cramp up and it's difficult to use them. However, he goes to work every day he's on the schedule. He also spends a great deal of time in his garden. He did quite a bit this morning in his garden and by afternoon he was walking like a 90-year-old saying, "I think I did too much!" However, he does have the satisfaction of a beautiful garden and the hope of a bountiful harvest:

My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering with chronic illness. I have good friends with Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and others with many different variations of arthritis. Just to name a few. If you know someone like this, please send up prayers for them, so that they would be able to trust God for their healing or help for the days of pain.

I often think of the people Jesus healed when he walked this earth. How exciting to witness, or be the receiver of perfect health. The woman with the 12-year bleeding issue, the paralytic, and all with whatever illness or diseases they had.

" … but the crowds learned about it

and followed him. He welcomed them

and spoke to them about the Kingdom 

of God, and healed those who needed healing."

Luke 9:11 

A Day Outside

Saturday, May 30

Jon was in his garden even before Jessie and I got up this morning. I began outside right after breakfast. Rachel came to be with Jessie so I could go outside and not have to keep checking on Jessie. It's been such a beautiful, cool day. A perfect weather day.

Jon weeded and put down wood shavings around most of his plants. His garden is really doing well and looks so nice.

I cleaned up the fall leaves that never got picked up last year behind our small shed. I spent about 4 hours outside. By the time I finished, I could barely walk. I have bursitis in my right hip again. It's very painful, but I wanted to work outside. I had to take pain medicine and the pain is not as bad as it was this afternoon.

I will have to call the doctor on Monday and get a shot I guess. The last time I had a shot for bursitis,

Jon was with me. While the 10" needle was being inserted, I looked over at Jon and his eyes were wide and his hand over his mouth! Really, Jon! You're a nurse! He said that he'd never seen such a long needle. I felt every inch of it.

Jessie and Rachel made chocolate chip cookies this afternoon. Both girls had a good day.

I wasn't the only person who had to take pain medicine today. Jon's pretty good in the morning with his arthritis, but the more he does and the later in the afternoon, it goes down hill. But, we will reap a great vegetable harvest this fall due to his hard work.

"The Lord God took the man

and put him in the Garden of Eden

to work it and take care of it."

Genesis 2:15

Catching Up

Thursday, May 28
Friday, May 29

Thursday was another full day in this household. Jessie had a "speech" class (she's the only student) in the morning, then I did numerous odds and ends around the house.

Today was just as eventful. I did quite a bit of computer work and washed clothes and even put them all away. Jessie and Jennifer were outside swinging for quite some time. I do have to say that Jess was quite crabby and complained a lot. Especially when I had her vacuum the carpets! In fact, she's still hollering at me to stop typing. Guess the clicking bothers her. Or? Who knows.

Jennifer took a picture of Darla that I've been wanting to get for quite some time. It's Darla social distancing! She loves to sit on the deck, stick her head through the screen and watch the back yard. This time she was watching Jessie swing.

Randie is still in the hospital. She had her CT scan but the TEE is now scheduled for Monday. The doctors don't want her to leave for the weekend and come back, so she's staying the weekend.

I'm glad that God promises to listen to His children  when we pray and that He will answer. Sometimes it seems like I'm talking to space, yet other times I feel His presence. Thank you, Heavenly Father.

"Call to me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty

things, which you do not know."

Jeremiah 33:3

A Busy Day

Wednesday, May 27

From start to almost finished, this day has sped by. I met with 3 other ladies this morning from my Wednesday morning Bible Study, which will start again soon. It was so great to see them again and laugh. When we were finished, I picked up Jon and we got a sandwich at Wendy's then went to a friend's house and got some freshly picked asparagus. Picked up our mail then I began working in the garage. I boxed up the kitchen tree, repotted a plant, then cut down all the extra boxes that have been piling up since winter. Dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, sat down for about a half hour then gave Jessie a bath. Then back to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher and put away all the clean dishes in the sink. I'm ready for bed!

Jennifer and Jessie were in the back yard for several hours then they also went to Wendy's drive thru for lunch and  met Brent, Diane and Tom at Frontier Town and ate with the goats. Jess had a good day until I came home then not so much. Crabby. 

I took a picture of the solar tea pot that Diane and Randie gave me for Christmas. I have it on a table on our "lower" patio. I need to go outside when it's dark and see how it lights up. 

Speaking of Randie, please pray for her. She's been in the hospital for several days with heart issues. It seems that the heart valve she had replaced 10 years ago is in need of having it replaced again. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, as they figure out the best approach to this procedure. 

I waited patiently for the LORD; 

He turned to me and heard my cry. 

Psalm 40:1

Shopping

Tuesday, May 26

As soon as Rachel came this morning, Jon and I took off for Sam's Club. We've seen the lines outside waiting to get in via FB, but thought we'd at least try it. Jon had me bring a book so I could sit in the van and wait if he had to stand in line. Fortunately there were no lines and very few people inside. It wasn't very cool inside and wearing a mask made it difficult for me to breathe. I was really glad to complete our shopping and go back outside without a mask!

 As we were walking down the isles, I could hear a machine behind us starting and stopping. I assumed it was one of the employees using some type of machine for something. It turns out it was an unmanned floor cleaner!

It took quite a while for me to put everything away that we purchased plus washing clothes. Rachel came this morning while her Mom was taking care of her grandson, then Jane came at 1:00 p.m. Jessie had a great day with both of them playing games and doing paperwork. They even were outside for about 20 minutes before it got too hot.

And, it's hot in the house as our air conditioner doesn't work. Our friend and owner of Johnson Thermol Temp came and thinks it might be a compressor part, OR the compressor! Oh boy. That might be a bit expensive! Thankfully, we have window air conditioners in our upstairs bedrooms so at least we can sleep comfortably. It's just SOOO loud!

Jon and I were watching Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet this afternoon and at one point I noticed that Darla was also watching it!
She's such a strange dog.

Be strong and take heart,

all you who hope in the Lord.

 … Psalm 31:24

Memorial Day

Monday, May 25

Jess and I picked up Rachel this morning and we purchased breakfast at Panera Bread for a one-day-late birthday celebration for Rachel. We took it and ate with the ducks. Again. We're predictable where we eat lately. Breakfast with the ducks. Lunch with the goats. Anyway, we had a nice visit and then took her back home. 

Jess played on her iPad and I prepared a potato salad for our dinner that we ate when Jon got home from work. We also had hot dogs and corn from the cob that I cooked and cut off earlier. A perfect picnic lunch enjoyed in the coolness of the house since it was too hot and humid to eat outside. 

Diane texted earlier in the day to tell us that Randie was in the hospital and would be for several days. She was to have a heart echo today and a heart cath. tomorrow. Please pray for her. Randie has not been well since Christmas. Please pray that the doctor's would be able to find out what is wrong and the proper medication to take. 

Tonight's scripture verses come from the book of Psalms, Chapter 34 verses 1-3: 

I will extol the LORD at all times;

His praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD;

let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together.

Memorial Weekend

Saturday, May 23
Sunday, May 24

Yesterday was a work day. I cleaned the entire downstairs which took all day. Plus I did 4 loads of wash and even put the clothes away. I skinned 10# of chicken leg quarters and baked them for dinner and future meals. I was busy. I did my thing. Jessie did hers.

I didn't blog last night because I was feeling down. Not depressed. I have absolutely NO reason to be depressed. Looking at all the heart ache just in Michigan alone, my life is perfect. I'm not dealing with floods, (or even a wet basement anymore!) wildfires or a virus that has sickened and killed so many. Every once in a while I feel down for no apparent reason and it only last hours to one day. I pray, and find solace in the scriptures and in talking to God.

Today I've felt the same. This is unusual. I wonder if I'm finally feeling the effects of the "stay at home" order that's been in place for 2 months. I've cleaned every drawer and closet that I could find and have cleaned my house so many times myself, that there's not much to do anymore. I've begun organizing my 2013-2014 pictures to put into albums. I've read scores of books. I've played games on my iPad. I've called friends. I've even watched Hallmark Movies and Mysteries and even Christmas movies!

I think I'm lonely for my past social life. Maybe. This may be a reason. I miss my friends. I miss HUGS!

Even though Jon and Jessie are here, there's not much conversation that Jess and I can have because of her limited vocabulary. When Jon gets home he retreats either to his bedroom or the living room. We do talk, some. I enjoy the days that he has off and we do go out for a bit, but even then he's either in his garden or on his iPad in the living room when home. After all, he deserves peace and quiet after his hectic days at work.

I'm being honest here so that in years to come I'll read this and it might help me through another down time. I don't know.

I'm going to try sharing scripture here to not only lift up my soul, but anyone else who is having shut-in problems.

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest."

Psalm 55: 6

Sorry. I couldn't resist this one to begin with. It made me laugh. I just picked this out of the Psalm, but you might want to read the entire 55th. Psalm. The last line says ...

But as for me, I trust in You.

I do, Lord. I really do.

A Two-Day Recap

Thursday, May 21
Friday, May 22

Yesterday Jessie had fun with Rachel. They were outside swinging then watched DVD's and did some paperwork. Jon and I went to a Farm and Home store and I bought a small, wheeled cart to put weeds, etc. in. We had a sandwich from Wendy's then shopped for plants at Mary's Garden in Romeo.
I bought two very nice and inexpensive hanging plants for Jessie's swing and a nice porch pot for the front porch. Both had plants in them that I've never seen or heard of before. I'll have to take a picture of them when it stops raining!

Jessie was very tired this morning and slept for almost 2 hours while I did quite a bit of paperwork. When she woke up,  Jennifer, Jessie and I went to Culver's for a drive thru lunch, Walgreen's for prescriptions and the bank and post office. Jon took it easy as he wasn't feeling well. Most likely the crummy weather. It's quite humid.

I just finished a Zoom meeting with my "Joyful Journey" gals. Eight of us participated and it was great to SEE everyone and catch up. I miss being with the groups of ladies I'm part of.

Our Back Deck

Wednesday, May 20

Rachel came at 10:00 and we began on the deck changing it back to our summer look. In the winter we put up plastic on the screens to keep out the blowing snow. This also gives us extra storage during the winter.

Rachel carried all the furniture off the deck and washed it all with Pine Sol then left them on the lawn for the sun to dry them.  She also washed the walls and floor. She was one tired girl when she left around 1:30 p.m.

I finished the deck around 5:00 just before dinner. I would have sat out there tonight but it is a tad bit cold.

Jennifer took Jessie outside for about an hour and she went swinging and listened to Christmas carols! She's been super tired and crabby the rest of the day, including now.

Jon did grocery shopping at Vince and Joe's, Kroger's and Meijer. I'm so thankful he has taken over this task. I haven't been in a grocery store since March 17! I do miss it, though. Maybe soon I can go.

Blood Work Take 2

Tuesday, May 19

I was hoping that since it was raining this morning that there wouldn't be many people ahead of us to get blood work. Wrong. Again. Although not quite as busy as last Friday, it took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Jane dropped us off and waited for us in the parking lot. It was hot in there and both Jess and I had trouble being overheated with our masks on. Plus, I'm sure everyone heard her when she had her blood taken. I'm glad that's over and done with for maybe another 6 months or so.

We got our drive thru Tim Horton's breakfast and ate at the park again. I picked up the mail and we headed home. Jessie was very crabby most of the day and it was because her feet hurt. She wanted me to rub Deep Blue on them before we left this morning. Jon wasn't in good shape either. The weather has been bad for arthritis sufferers.

Jessie's Birthday Card To Jon

Monday, May 18

I asked Jon if we should start building our boat, as it has rained all day, and at times very hard rain. Dark and dreary. That's what today has been. It didn't help Jessie's attitude, either, as she was crabby again. She finally admitted that she needed Tylenol. I spent the day working on paperwork and doing wash.

I wanted to share Jessie's birthday card she gave to Jon yesterday.  Jennifer drew the card and Jessie colored it. When Jennifer wasn't looking at one moment, Jess added the horns! (The dark patch on the cow at the bottom is the shadow of my phone. Ugh!)

Happy Birthday, Jon !!!

Sunday, May 17

As we all know, birthday celebrations have taken a different look since our "stay at home orders" went into effect. Even though we weren't able to celebrate Jon's special day at a restaurant, we brought the restaurant dinner to our home. Nick's 22nd Street has Jon's favorite rib eye steak with blue cheese on top, rice pilaf and French onion soup.

Jess had fish and steak fries with coleslaw and I had fish and sweet potato waffle fries with French onion soup. Both Jess and I had lots of left overs, enough for 2 lunches for Jessie later this week.

For dessert, we had a bumpy cake and carrot cake that we split 3 ways. The carrot cake was beyond good.

Presents were sparse, too, this year, as I haven't been shopping in over 2 months. I did manage to get him an Amazon gift card at Walgreen's the other day and Jessie and Jennifer made him a card. He said he had a very nice day, so that's what it's all about. Making someone's day happy, no matter what you can or cannot do.



BTW … this is Jon when he was 1 day old. It was one of the best moments of my life, being able to be a mother. I treasure both my children, and praise God that he gave me the desire of my heart, to be a wife and mother. That's all I ever wanted to be since I was 5 years old.

Gardening

Saturday, May 16

Rachel came and spent the day with Jessie. They played games, went outside swinging, watched a DVD, went to Wendy's drive thru and ate with the goats. They both had a good day.

Jon spent about 3 hours in his garden planting the rest of his veggies and flowers. A woman stopped in a van and told him how nice his yard looked and his garden was really nice! Compliments are always appreciated.

I spent at least 5 hours outside planting the annuals I bought last week with Jon. I also tried cleaning up the fall leaves and pulled weeds. I began to put out my miniatures, but that will have to wait until the next time. I have not done any gardening in years like I did today. I am so thrilled and thank God that I was able to do it. However, I did have to take pain medicine when I came inside because I could barely walk. Right now I feel much better. Having lost 22 pounds since March 1 has helped my back a great deal.

Blood Work

Thursday, May 14 and
Friday, May 15

There wasn't anything worth remembering yesterday so I didn't blog. It was a crummy day outside and not much was accomplished inside.

Today our plan was for Jessie and me to get blood work. We're both overdue and I waited until the last minute because we have doctor appointments next Thursday. However, it didn't go as planned. Jennifer dropped Jess and I off at the door and parked and planned to read. Jessie screamed quite a bit because she didn't want to wear her mask, but I didn't give her an option. Inside the door 2 workers screened us to make sure we weren't sick. We had to give them our names and I got a sticker that said "I'm healthy today!" Good grief.

The employees also told us that they were unusually busy and it would be an hour wait. I didn't want to have to come back so I told her we'd wait. Then I looked at the waiting area where it was standing room only. Only single chairs were placed around the area for people to sit, although they weren't 6 feet apart. I found 2 chairs quite close together and we sat down to wait.

Now, I can tune Jessie out and go about reading or whatever. However, after 10 minutes of constant talking due to her anxiety, I decided I better leave, for the sake of others around us. It wasn't going to work. Jessie was getting more anxious as we waited. So, we left. We'll try it again next Tuesday.

We picked up bagels for breakfast at Tim Horton's and had a picnic breakfast at the "duck park". We stopped at Walgreen's for prescriptions and the post office for our mail. Jessie and Jennifer had a good rest of the afternoon. Jessie vacuumed and then spent quite a bit of time painting and making a card for Jon's birthday on Sunday.

For some reason, my back was very bad today and I had to take pain medicine. I wasn't able to do much so I watched a Hallmark Mystery Movie. That's about it!

A Fast Day

Wednesday, May 13

It's almost the end of the day and it passed so quickly! We ate a quick breakfast, went to Walgreen's then bought Jessie a McDonald's lunch before we met Brent, his mom and his aide at the park on 24 Mile Road so they could watch the ducks. Jennifer wheeled Jessie around the pond while Tom wheeled Brent. I stayed behind in the van.

Jennifer and I ate our lunch when we got home then I went to the bank and got gas in the van. Came home and put the rest of the ornaments away from the kitchen tree we started to take down this morning. I know. It's May. BUT, when this pandemic began and we were urged to put back up our Christmas lights, I didn't have to because the kitchen tree was still up! Besides kitchen ornaments I had Christmas ornaments, snowmen, and hearts for Valentine's Day on the tree. I'll miss the lights at night.

Spring Cleaning

Tuesday, May 12

Jessie had a great day with Jane. They played games, did paperwork, went outside to swing and play kick ball. We went to Wendy's drive thru for a pop and Jr. Frosty, ate with the goats, then they dropped me off to pick up one of the vans that I had at the Dealer's.

The rest of the afternoon I worked in my bedroom and began spring cleaning. Something I haven't done in years, I'm sorry to say. I got one tiny corner done and feel great about it. Tomorrow I'm going to try planting some of the flowers I bought since it's supposed to be nice for a couple of days. Before days of rain come.

Right now all the plants are on tables by windows in the family room and living room. Today was a sunshiny day for them.

The Blue Angels were supposed to fly over but they didn't come anywhere around us. However, around 4:00 three F-10 Warthogs flew over. Jon and I rushed outside to see them but they were faster and we only saw them leaving. Ohio is sending up jets to Selfridge this week for practices, or whatever they call them. They could have been from there.

Paperwork

Monday, May 11

Both Jessie and I spent several hours doing paperwork. She worked on "school books" with Jennifer and I worked on my checkbook. Unfortunately, I made several errors in the past month and spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how and why I did what I did. I used to say that I never made a mistake. Or rarely. I can't say that anymore, that's for sure!

That's about it for today. I don't have anything to say I want to remember years from now, so I'll end it here.

Happy Mother's Day

Sunday, May 10

It's been a great Mother's Day Weekend beginning with my time out with Jon Friday morning buying plants to spending the day with Jessie yesterday and receiving presents. Jon worked today and I wanted to eat a meal we rarely eat that I really like: a beef roast dinner. So I made my own and we enjoyed it along with a piece of Bill Knapp's chocolate cake. I've also spent the day reading a book. I'll finish it in a few minutes. I only had about 1/4 of it read this morning. It's a good who-done-it book. Julie Klassen's "The Bridge To Belle Island".

This is what I received from my "kids" (a mosaic stained "glass" butterfly that Jessie made along with an attached card, flowers and an iPad holder from Jon that I used this morning to watch church):

I am one blessed Momma!!!!!

He Calls Us By ...

Saturday, May 9

Jessie had a much better day. In the picture she's in her favorite spot on the floor. On her iPad surrounded by her Apples 2 Apples cards. She just let out a holler, though. Her iPad ran out of battery. Oh, well. Now she has to use her old one that doesn't have You Tube. She plays games on it and listens to books. We had a good day together.

In fact, she did something so uncharacteristic that I want to remember this for years to come: she started laughing and came in to the kitchen where I was working and hit me with a couch pillow! So, we had a pillow fight!

Last night while reading my devotions, I read in Romans where it says that "all things work together for good." I read further and decided to see how The Message had certain passages. When I read Romans 9:27, I stopped and just sat and stared at the words. It reached into my soul and reminded me how much He cares for us and that I am special to Him.

"God doesn't count us,

He calls us by name.

Arithmetic is not His focus."

It's so amazing to me that the God of the Universe knows me by my name. In fact my name is on the Palm of His Hand. I hope yours is, too.

Shopping

Friday, May 8

While Jennifer was with Jessie, Jon and I went up to the Northern Farm Market looking for certain vegetable plants, as well as annuals and perennials. I figured since it was just before Mother's Day that there would be a lot of people. I was wrong. There were only 6 cars in the parking lot. A few more when we left. Then we drove to Deneweth's to get what we couldn't get at the Farm Market. The living room and family room are now looking like a greenhouse! I'm hoping they will all be able to be planted in the next week or so. I'm not holding my breath, as tonight is predicted to go down to 26 degrees. It'll be colder tonight than most of the winter! We even had off-and-on snow this afternoon.

I bought several perennials of various colors that I haven't seen before:

Shopping today I noticed that people don't look at one another. They keep their head down. No eye contact. Really unfriendly. Not me. Most everyone that I passed today I said "Good Morning". Only one person was as exuberant as I was and she was a worker at Deneweth's . It's like the public doesn't trust anyone. Like we're all contaminated. Pretty sad. Even though it's hard to see someone smile behind a mask, eye contact would be nice. A person's eyes crinkle when they smile, so you still might be able to see it. Nope. No one looks at you. Very, very sad. Where did our world go?

A Better Day

Jessie hasn't been crabby like the past couple of days. Rachel came this afternoon and they had a good time. Since they grew up together, Rachel's more her friend than an older aide (no offense to anyone of them!). Actually, when they're out in public, people often mistake them for sisters.

It was supposed to rain today but instead was sunshiny and not too cold, so Jess went swinging and listening to her "Jesus" music for almost an hour.

Jon went grocery shopping for us and was home by 8:15 a.m. from Kroger's then went to Meijer while Jess unpacked the bags and I put what needed to go into the refrigerator or freezer. We were very low on fruits and vegetables because Jon hadn't shopped in almost 2 weeks. Now I don't have to ration my fruits and use canned veggies. Fresh is always better.

She Was Happy Part of The Day

Wednesday, May 6

Jess made it downstairs this morning in a pretty good mood. Then it went downhill. Thinking her behavior might be an indicator of pain, I gave her some Tylenol which helped for awhile. She had a pretty good day with Jennifer. They did a lot of paperwork then mosaics and painting.

I took one of the vans to the Chrysler Dealer to have a new part put in the passenger back door as it wouldn't close this past winter. I had to go there in January and have them close it and order the part. My appointment was at 10:00 and I thought I'd wait for it. At 10:30 one of the service men told me not to wait as it would take a couple more hours. I just don't think they wanted me in their waiting room. All the couches and comfortable chairs were roped off and 3 hard, plastic chairs were spread out in the waiting area. I was looking forward to a nice couple of hours of reading.

Jennifer and Jessie picked me up. Several hours later I called to see when it would be finished. Surprise, surprise! The part they ordered in January was the wrong one. And they didn't know it during the half hour I waited? Anyway, because of the inconvenience, they delivered my van to our driveway.

My Wednesday at 10:00 Bible Study gals met tonight on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. We are reading the book, Psalm 91 and

discussing it. The first verse discussed in Chapter 1 is:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

We talked about security and where we felt the most secure in our lives. Also, how do we dwell in the security and shelter of the Most High? 

"God provides a dwelling place in which we can be physically protected if we run to Him. … but unless you actually get up and run to the shelter - you will never experience it." (pg. 18 .. permission granted to use quotes)

"The secret place (dwelling place) is the intimacy and familiarity of the presence of God Himself."

Where do you find your security?

A Crabby Day

Tuesday, May 5

Oh. My. Goodness. Talk about having a crabby day. That was Jessie despite the presence of Jane. Personally, I think she's giving us all a "run for our money" because we've changed her days again. For a month she was just with Jon and me. Now the aides are back and she has to adjust again. 

Today was our lunch outing and she was even crabby then. We ate with the goats, delivered some eggs, then went to the Northern Market on Van Dyke and 35 Mile Road. Jess, of course, stayed in the van while Jane and I shopped. I got a couple ornamental cabbage plants and Jane got a hanging plant. I also bought some peach cider and Jessie hollered all the way home that she wanted some NOW. 

Change is not easy for my darling daughter. Hopefully, by this time next week she won't be so crabby. But. In the meantime, it's going to be a very long week!

They're Back !!!

Monday, May 4

I had Jessie's aides begin again and Jennifer came today. Last night I asked Jessie what she wanted to do with Jennifer and she said "school work".  And that's what she did for almost an hour or more. In the month that I was with her, she only worked a half hour or more on school work. She only wants to do certain things with certain people. Tomorrow Jane will be here and I predict that they will be playing games and playing Apples 2 Apples.

Jessie also dusted the lower level of the house and vacuumed the family room. Right now she is sound asleep on Jon's living room couch. We ate our dinner watching the Columbus Zoo and she fell asleep about 45 minutes ago. I think she won't wake up until I get her up to go upstairs to bed. I guess all that school work and cleaning the house wore her out. Jon just went upstairs to bed, so other than Jessie snoring, it's pretty quiet for me. I think I'll read.

A Nice Day

Sunday, May 3

Jessie and I watched church on the iPad again this morning. Usually she sits on her couch and listens but when I told her we were going to have communion, she put her iPad down and sat on "my" couch, and we watched it together. For some reason only known to Jessie and God, she loves communion. She asked Jesus into her heart many years ago at Kids Camp and has taken communion since then. Today used ice tea (no red drinks in the house) and one Cheez It for communion. She sat through the entire service. It was a very special time for me sharing church with Jessie.

I wasn't feeling well today from my fall. My chest and stomach felt like a truck ran over me and it hurts to cough. I'm sure I'll be better tomorrow. My knee is more swollen than this morning. I had to take some pain medication and slept for a couple hours after lunch. I'm a little better now.

 I called in a take-out order from Romeo Family Restaurant for dinner, then Jess wanted to go outside and swing.  However, that lasted only 5 minutes and we were back in the house. We Face Timed Diane and Randie and Jon (he was in the living room!). I wish I could have taken a picture of Jessie's face when Jon appeared on the iPad. She looked and stared at me like I had 3 heads. She probably wondered why on earth did I Face Time Jon when he was in the house with us! It was soooo funny!

Couldn't resist taking this picture and posting it.

Swinging

Saturday, May 2

It was a beautiful day. Jessie must have thought so, too, because she went outside 2 times to go swinging. I bought her a new hammock swing but she's not trying that one yet. The yellow swing she's using would absolutely kill my hips. I can't imagine that it doesn't hurt hers.

I am much better tonight than last night. I've kept icing my knee and it has helped quite a bit. I'm so very thankful that I'm not hurt worse. My guardian angel has kept very busy over the years, that's for sure!

Jon worked a bit in his garden. He would have worked more but his arthritis isn't very good these days and he's not feeling well at all. Jessie's been complaining of her feet and knees, too, so it's probably the change in the weather.

What A Way To Begin May

Friday, May 1

Jon had the day off today because they were overstaffed. This makes for a 3-day weekend which is something he rarely gets. If it wasn't for the virus, we would probably have gone somewhere.

The 3 of us left around noon and went to the post office, Walgreen's and the bank. We drove through Wendy's and got lunch then went and ate with the goats - again. They should recognize us by now. It was such a nice day and a nice outing.

When we came home I made Jessie go swing, Jon went to work in his garden and I got a pan of water and Pine Sol to clean the outside patio floor that Darla uses in the winter for her bathroom! I made it down the steps but tripped on the edging and went sprawling on to the cement with the pan underneath me. I THANK GOD that my head missed a concrete planter by inches. The pan shattered (what wouldn't with my weight!) and I was drenched in Pine Sol water - including my eyes, nose and mouth. I've hurt my left knee (artificial one) pretty bad, although I'm sure nothing is broken, as it doesn't hurt to stand or stay still. Just when I bend it. It's very swollen despite keeping ice on it. If it's no better tomorrow I'll have to go get an xray.

When I fell I kept my eyes closed because I didn't know how much I had gotten in my eyes. Jon got me wash cloths to clean my face before I tried to get up. I'm SO grateful that Jon was home, otherwise I would have had to call 91l to get me up and see about my eyes. I butt walked to the stairs, turned over and got up on my right knee, then Jon helped me up.

I changed my clothes then read the Pine Sol bottle for instructions on getting it on your body or in your eyes. I needed to go take a shower for 15-20 minutes, plus wash out my eyes for 15-20 minutes. After that was done I called Poison Control. They assured me that after washing my body and rinsing my eye for the prescribed time I should be OK. I was also told I could eat and drink. They called me 2 hours later to make sure I was doing OK. That was nice.

So, I'm laid up again. I can't believe it. Now I'm on the couch with ice packs. Prayers would be appreciated that none of the hardware in my knee came loose when I fell. That's about it for today. Hope your day was better than mine!