9/16/22: Today has been a day of helping friends, which I am happy to do. In this
case, both were medical issues and it made me very appreciative of good health.
At 11 AM, I sprang David from a rehab center that he was anxious to leave – in
my opinion maybe too anxious for his own well-being. I wondered if he had
thought it through and whether it was going to be as easy to look after himself
as he thought. He wouldn’t hear of my objections so I picked him up and took
him to his place. This all came about when about 10 days ago he went in for
what he thought would be laparoscopic hernia surgery; however, it turned into
real, full surgery. So he went from thinking he would be in hospital for two
nights before going home to spending almost a week in hospital before going to
a rehab center. You can imagine that I was very thankful NOT to be in his
situation.
David gave me this cute popup bouquet!
Then I had just gotten in from Rosie’s walk around 3PM when Chris called. Chris and I are texters, so when I received a call I knew something was up. She was on a ladder trimming shrubbery and took a fall that hurt her shoulder. When she called me, she was on her way to the hospital in an ambulance!! She sounded calm and her concern was for Ivana, her timeshare cat. Ivana spends her days with Chris and her evening with a neighbor, living the life of Riley!! I guess with the unusual activity of an ambulance, etc., Chris was unable to coax her outside before leaving for the hospital. So, I went over to see if I could get her outside. She has responded to me well in the past, but when I first went in, she was nowhere to be seen. I then opened the door to the porch and in a few seconds, she appeared at the bedroom door. She wouldn’t come to my call so I just went onto the porch and sat down to wait. Pretty soon she appeared. Well, the ladder that Chris fell from was still in the backyard and she immediately knew that it was something she wasn’t used to. She nestled down low and carefully surveyed the yard. She did not like that ladder! I went outside and moved it out of the way, but by that time the next-door neighbor started mowing his yard! I just propped the door open and gave her time to move forward slowly and eventually, she headed toward her second home as only a cat can – down low and moving stealthily. I have to say that the ladder gave me a start as well. If Chris was near the top, she had a big fall! At this point, I’m back home and waiting to hear from Chris in case she needs a ride home from the hospital. I hope she won’t have to stay overnight and that it isn’t anything seriously wrong. I also know she wants to be home tomorrow morning when Ivana shows up again!
All of this serves to remind me of how fortunate I am to have good health (and no serious accidents). In that vein, I’ve convinced myself that I can walk 30 minutes a day 5 days a week! To most of you, that sounds like a dottle but for me, it’s a big thing. I’ve always been amazed at my UK friends who seem compelled to exercise! It never crosses my mind and is totally alien to my nature! The other thing, which I will shamefully confess, is that I can’t walk out the front door for a walk and leave Rosie looking out the window after me! So, I drive to Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and walk in their large, shaded parking lot. If I drive away, Rosie won’t be looking out the window the entire time I’m gone. So far, I’ve walked all but 2 days this month and it isn’t so bad. I’ve even done it right after walking Rosie and having breakfast, which really isn’t like me – but, it seems to be working and I hope I can keep it up. It’s also interesting to learn that there are others using the church parking lot as I am – a couple who walks their little doggie, a jogger, another walker, etc.
9/27/22:
It continues to be a busy time with friends. Lynn and I have rotated
trying to keep an eye on Chris and see that she has what she needs. She was in the hospital for about 3 days or so. Since the accident happened on a Friday, not much
happened over the weekend except for necessary tests. She has broken her arm and has extensive soft tissue damage, being unable to put any weight on her left leg (and her right leg!). Early in the week, she was
transferred to a nursing facility where it all fell apart! The care was rough.
Therapy and treatment came together very slowly. Even getting a shower was
difficult, and when she did get one, she was left in the shower for about 20 minutes! The request for a vegetarian
menu seemed totally alien to them and consisted of whatever was on the regular menu without the meat – one day
when I was there, that was a scoop of mashed potatoes and a spoonful of corn!
The next day I took her some of my meager, homemade soup and we have plans to
Thai-one-on tomorrow! Finally, yesterday she met with the physical therapist,
the occupational therapist, and the doctor. She is supposed to get PT and OT
five days a week, which will be a major improvement. To add insult to injury
(literally) she has been told by various staff to “suck it up” and they “don’t
have time for that S*!t”!! Absolutely
amazing….and frightening!
Chris before her accident!
Photo from Tippy's first surgery!
In the midst of that, Tippy had her second shoulder replacement surgery. I didn’t see her until Sunday when I picked up our favorite dishes from First Watch and took them over for breakfast. I knew Kieran would take good care of her and she was in good spirits. Unfortunately, she reported much the same experience in the hospital as Chris had at the nursing home! All of that is frightening for folks our age. In any case, she is doing well, which is a relief.
 |
| From a previous visit. |
I did devote one day to the Queen’s funeral, which was
impressive.No one does pomp and
ceremony better! I held up well until the
piper was on the balcony and then turned and walked into the distance!! I felt I was experiencing something historic and that we were losing a stabilizing force in this unstable time.
I also had my mammogram and a bone density test, and for fun, Rhonda C came over for pizza on Friday. We always tackle the major problems of the day – if only anyone would listen to us! AND, I’ve walked all but 6 days this month, which is amazing for me! I’m even beginning to enjoy it.
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I owe Rhonda T and Bryan an apology. Rhonda sent an email asking friends to bomb Bryan’s mailbox on his special birthday. Upon receiving the request, Rosie and I took some selfies with the intention of making it into a birthday card. Needless to say, I did not have time. So, Bryan, we wish you a belated and heartfelt Happy Birthday! I hope you celebrated well!💖
9/29/22: Yesterday and today have been devoted to hurricane Ian preparation. We have been told (until just recently!) that it would be a tropical storm by the time it reaches us. Just now I have heard that it may be a Hurricane I! Basically, it's too late to evacuate, so it will be what it will be. It was already cool and gusty this morning when I walked Rosie, to the point of some gusts scaring her. It hasn't started raining yet so we may be able to do our afternoon walk, too. Tomorrow we may be hunkered down for much of the day. I have Apple Coconut Oatmeal in the crock pot and the house smells great, so we are as ready as we can be. I am eager to hear from Florida friends - Cheryl and Phil, Kathy, Nancy, Jim and Anthony - and hoping they got through it safely and without much damage. Here's hoping for the best!
I did have one nice thing happen yesterday when a new neighbor and her husband stopped by to ask if I need help with anything - putting outside furniture away, etc. That was very thoughtful and made my day.
Take care, Everyone.
Stay safe and well!
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