nov399
NOVEMBER,1999 ~ continued
November 19,1999 - Crash! Bang! Wham! Kurplunk! Kazam! Days are not supposed to turn out like this. Dropping my just refilled bottle of pills for my stomach was the start of the day. Twenty-eight pills priced at over four dollars each strewed across the floor; early morning stiffness placing me at a disadvantage; Charlie dog on the loose in the house, and the day begins. Pacing work and resting do not ease the problems of me adapting to the day.
Mother's birthday, and providing a lunch for her is much, too much to do. I invited a few of our friends and her youngest sister to come join us. Mother loves dry large lima beans, or butter beans. I promised her to cook a pot full along with a cake of cornbread. The table is set the night before. The beans are soaked over night. I'm really too tired to do any of it way before the day even comes. All the preparation falls into place like clockwork. That is good. Even the cornbread was baked and ready at just the right moment so everyone could have a piece of it fresh and hot from the oven. Thankfully, Ms. Jay came in and served most of the meal and took care of things that I could not do. What would I ever do without her help!
For some strange reason, or maybe a sign of my tiredness, I picked up two candles to show Mother's age and I chose a "9" instead of a "7" to place on top of the small birthday cake. We kidded Mother and told her we were giving her two to grow on and that we expected her to be around for the next two years to use the candles again. This year she turned 87 years old. She is now officially the only one of her immediate family to live for that long next to her Grandmother Bostain who lived to be 99.
After all left, I bombed out for four hours and at the same time battled the spasms in both legs. There was no way that I could ease the attacks. Flexeril, pain pills, pillows, walking, biofeedback ... the waves kept on without any compassion. I seemed to be the enemy being ambushed from all angles.
November 20,1999 - No rest for the weary this day either. I am trying very much so to do some of the "normal" things of life. I have already committed myself to ride up the mountain with Giggles and Tbird. This has been a beautiful day for a road trip. The trees are officially passed their peak colors. The ski resorts are opened for the first weekend of the season making the traffic much heavier as we travel along. Giggles has a fretful trip up because the change in altitude causes her ears to hurt. Monday she is to get the tubes in her ears. Maybe that will help her and her siege of antibiotics over the past four months.
Allan has called in the troops to conquer the battle against the leaves around my house this morning. He arrives first and blows all the leaves from around the base of the house and is already using the Kabota in the front yard before the first of his help reports to duty. NascarKid and DynoKid are put into action. NascarKid had hoped to slip into the house and finish reading his Harry Potter book, but his hideaway was uncovered and he was sent outside. Wes and BingoKid soon appeared with BusyKid and while BusyKid was busy being an above average two year old investigating the outdoors, the rest began the mammoth job of moving a bumper crop of leaves back into the woods.
Tbird and NascarKid have to go to the wedding of his teacher in Morganton, and I keep Giggles and DynoKid until Dad comes by on his way back from the coast where he has been working in the flood area for several days. He reports that the devastation is beyond words to describe. These are people that will be living in a trauma area for years to come. Many challenges are yet to be experienced by those choosing to remain in the area.
November 21,1999 - DynoKid spent the night with me. We went to WalMart late Saturday evening to get him some clothes to wear to church this morning. At McD's he enjoyed two butter biscuits before charging on to church. We left home on a beautiful sunshiny day. The closer we came to Hickory the thicker the fog around us. It was as if we were going into a secret world apart from where we began. After the service, which included a march to the front to present shoeboxes of goodies for Operation Christmas Boxes, we had to leave to meet his family so I could bring the grandchildren back home with me while Mom and Dad drove to Raleigh for a special conference they had to attend. We met and had lunch at the Steak House in Hickory. I was not hungry since I had biscuits for breakfast, so I took home my meal in a take-out box to devour later.
NascarKid had to help me with Giggles when we got home. Thankfully, she was as tired as I was and the two of us slept and rested a little while the boys played with the computer, Sega and cartoons. I am now passed the point of tired. My arms feel like heavy sore irons that don't want to move at all.
Sis comes at 6 and takes the boys and Giggles home. She will get them to bed and stay with them until their folks get home about eleven tonight.
November 22,1999 - Another much to do day. This is Quilter's Guild Monday. Our meeting begins at 10 a. m. and we have a special guest speaker. Darra Williamson, a writer, quilter, speaker, instructor, who lives in Boone was with us once again. I took a quilting class with her when I first joined the guild and enjoyed the experience so much. Today was a time spent with a lecture type program with slides on the topic of Scrappy Quilts, followed by seeing some of her creations as well. She will be back sometime in the year 2000 for a workshop. I look forward to taking part in it when she returns. Meanwhile, I was able to take my own quilt top finally pieced and ready to layer and finish sometime in the future.
Tbird found a wonderful quilt book for me yesterday. She had stopped by the bookstore and when she was the book she could not resist buying it. She gave it to me as an early Christmas present since she feared I may buy it if I saw it between then and now. The book is copyright 2000, so it is fresh off the press. "The Quiltmaker's Gift" is about a lady that will not sell any of her quilts. She only gives them to those that are in dire need. A king wants one and tries over and over to get one from her. There is a picture on the back of the cover slip that includes 250 different quilt patterns in its design to search for.
Little Giggles got the tubes in her ears very early this morning. Mom reports that all went well and that it only took about ten minutes. They spent the day at home together. In the morning she will be back here for the day while Dad works and Mom returns to work.
Tbird got the results back on Friday about her National Teachers' Board. She needed 275 points to pass. She only got 250! Now she has her work cut out for her to decide which areas to chose and work on to bring up her score to pass the Boards. She has three years to do so, but would like to get it done and behind her this year. What she had was excellent work. It just was not on the same wave length as those that critiqued the pages and pages of information. None of the group that tested with her this past year passed in her county! I kidded her with the remark, "You have to admit that you did learn to use a computer through the experience! That in itself is an accomplishment!" She laughed and agreed with me. (I sent in my final exam for my writing course on Saturday. Now I am the one waiting to see how it did. I chose to write about the experience of working with the quilt top I just completed and titled it, "Kaleidoscope Magic.")
November 23,1999 - It seems unreal to even imagine that day after tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. The weather this week is to hover around the seventies each day. Only one of the ski resorts will be open on that day. The others hope to be up and running on Friday. Little Miss Giggles was here bright and early this morning. As I interacted with her throughout the morning and early afternoon, it was very evident that she is feeling better. She only took one nap and even though she was sleepy, she would not stop and lie still to sleep. She had to be up and moving while she giggled about being able to pull herself up and walk around the side of the crib. She most definitely is more active and feeling better just one day after having the tubes in her ears.
Lady called to say that she was completely covered with paint primer from where she has been working on getting her house finished up and ready for closing on her loan next month. She needed to make a few visits at several places to get more things done on the house and wondered if she could skip this week's cleaning for me in order to get some errands done. We will be eating our Thanksgiving dinner with Wes and his family this Saturday since Allan has to work at EMS on the traditional day of feasting. My aunt and I may meet at the church and eat there together on Thanksgiving since they are having a meal for the community and those that don't have others to share with for the day.
The yard is already in need of another good raking. The leaves have tumbled down all day today with the breeze and the green of the grass is once again covered. Looking at the oak trees, there are still quite a few leaves to turn loose from the branches. The leaves of the buck oak are huge again this year. But not as large as two summers ago with I measured one leaf that was 21 inches long.
There seemed to be a wreck on the curve very close to our driveway this morning. Apparently, a white sports car was off the opposite side of the road from us. The police car was there and the wrecker for a short time and the traffic had to stop while the car was pulled back onto the road to be loaded onto the flatbed wrecker. Time was when we had wrecks quite often on the curve at the end of our original drive. Cars would speed along and loose control. Several people were seriously hurt there and we lost count how many times the mail box was demolished, damaged and torn down. Once when I came home after school, my mailbox was up in the neighbor's garden with my mail strewed out on the ground. The tire impressions showed the path that the car took as it hit the mailbox, came up and over the bank, across the field, down the bank and on up the road - apparently at a high rate of speed. The new four lane boulevard cutting our drive in half has taken most of that traffic and our road is not used by others outside of our neighborhood much on a daily basis as it used to be. There has been numerous accidents at the present intersection.
November 24,1999 - It turns out that the car that was being towed yesterday morning was one stolen from a local car lot!
One day and counting - I guess. But, there is really no reason for me to anticipate or plan for anything to be different tomorrow. I will meet two of my aunts in Hickory and we will eat at the church together. That will be the highlight of the season probably. I spent a while with Mother this evening after the boys left for home with Dad. She will no doubt be calling to see when I will be back over again. Today there must have been at least six calls and most of them were to tell me not to forget to bring her the Christmas dog that plays music when you press one of its front paws. She played it and we counted 30 different songs that it plays. She played lots of them before beginning to count the number of tunes.
Traffic was unreal this afternoon. I had to drive by the bank for funds to carry me through the next few days before heading out to the nursing center. To miss some of the heavier traffic I chose to drive back by the back road. Wrong decision! This just happened to be a time when I had to pull over for three first responder trucks to fly by. Further up the road there were two of them just sitting in the road (on a curve where they could not be passed); apparently the emergency had been canceled. Of course, at the bank I had to pull in behind a lady that seemed to take pains to do things in her car to keep from driving on and freeing the space. I counted seven cars that went through the other two windows while we sat - and sat. I was nice. I did not blow the car horn. There are already too many people around that adopt "Road Rage" as the way to solve such a situation. I just took a catalogue from my pile of mail collected for the first time this week from my mailbox. Most all the mail went straight into the recycle or trash bins when I carried it into the house.
NascarKid brought a clay model of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse he made at school with him this morning. He needed to paint it and knew I had the paints he needed to get the job done. He did a good job working on it. He also had to look up some information to write his report that he will hand in to his teacher next week. He brought along another Harry Potter book to read, but never got a chance to read in it today. I was just glad that it was them and not Giggles today. I am still tired from whatever it is that makes me so tired at times. The comfort zone for pain is out of sorts as well. Tomorrow is supposed to be some rain; that usually means a prainy day. We shall see ...
Quest4Life is officially open and working. The swimming pool is not. It will be December before it will be ready. More waiting ...
November 25,1999 - Rain? Yes. Pain? Yes? It has been a prainy day all day long. Keeping my end of the bargain, I met with three others in the church parking lot and we went in together for Thanksgiving Dinner with quite a few others that were not having family togetherness for the day. Surprisingly enough, a fairly large group showed up to take part in the first annual dinner. Some were still coming when we left about an hour later. Actually, one of the families moved several tables together over at one end of the room and had their regular time together as a family. Turkey, dressing, gravy, cream potatoes, ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, slaw, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie was quite a plate full of food to set before each person that partook of the meal. Someone from the neighborhood commented on what a great idea and wondered would it be repeated at Christmas.
Stopping by the center to see Mother before returning home, I found her still in her nightgown. She was in her wheelchair with the afghan covering her legs. She didn't see any need to "dress up" today. Her lunch had already come and the tray sent back to the kitchen when I arrived. She was watching Miracle on 34th Street on TV. The Christmas season begins earlier and earlier each year in many ways. The Christmas puppy was laying close by. She was telling me that she played the tunes for two hours last night. Guess I should get a supply of batteries in case it would get weak from over use in the next few weeks.
Strangely, I would not call myself depressed, but yet, it is one of those times that I wish I could have a good cry. Crying is another of those things you take for granted until the day comes that you find it hard to shed a tear. It is another of the perils of the stroke. There is a part of my brain that will not allow the tears to flow. It also does not allow me to react to emergency situations appropriately. I am left with this sense of being an onlooker. I see, but I cannot react. When Oreo nearly choked the other week, I could only stand and look. I did wonder what should be done, but Charlie was the one to jump in causing Oreo to move enough the chicken moved that was lodged in his throat.
Cotton called from a hotel in Mass. She and her crew (hubby and dogs) are all there for a dog show that takes place tomorrow. A group of them came prepared with food and crockpot and plan to eat together in the room together later this evening. That should be an interesting get together ...
Tbird called early this morning wanting to know if I would like to ride with them to her friend's home on the other side of Winston Salem to spend the day. I declined the offer.
Wes had to work today, too. Wes always goes to his inlaws for Thanksgiving supper. I have been there in the past but not the last few years ... Allan had to work at EMS.
Our meal together will be Saturday evening at Wes's house. Today is still rainy and dark ...
November 26,1999 - Wow! Just thinking of all those people out there today running from place to place, spending money and buying Christmas gifts makes me tired. Many started out before 6 a.m. in order to take advantage of the specials offered to the industrious, die-hard, true-blue early shoppers. I happen not to be one of them. I don't remember ever being one. The thought passed my mind that I might should look for the boys a present early since the Pokemons seem to be at the top of their lists. Then I turned over to my other side to rest from the tiredness of the thought and repositioned my pillow.
With little on my agenda today, one would think that I could remember something as simple as a doctor's appointment. I was supposed to get my blood pressure checked to see if the samples he gave me were working. For the strangest of reasons, I had the notion that it was at 1:15. I even thought, that's strange, because he usually has his first appointment after lunch at 1:45. Just before leaving the house I looked at my datebook in my handbag. The time was 11:15 - BEFORE LUNCH- not after! Oh, well. Leave it to me to get the numbers mixed up.
I called the office. The first appointment they had open was for Dec. 10th. Two weeks away! They had to talk to the nurse, who had to call me back to make sure what sample I was on and if they had some to tide me over for two weeks more. Incidentally, she mentioned a medicine I had never heard of better. It had been called in to the drugstore on the 19th. She has just returned from a medical leave of absence and the other nurse had called in a prescription for my high blood sugar, but failed to call and let me know to go pick it up. So I went by the office to pick up the samples (which were 10mg instead of 20mg, but if less works, I'll be happy) and then by the drugstore for the new meds.
I got a disturbing email from my old high school friend's hubby yesterday. I had emailed to see how she was doing because the last I heard was from her daughter telling me that she was in intensive care. I still don't have the details, but I do know that she was supposed to have her foot set where she broke it in two places and she is diabetic. Her hubby said that she is not home yet. She is in rehab because she lost her leg. I sent back a message that I will call next weekend to talk with her. She is supposed to come home Wednesday. That will give her several days to adjust at home before I call. It brings back memories of when my grandfather lost his leg because of poor circulation and the rehab back then. I helped him learn to walk with his new leg at home; just the two of us.
It dawned on me that I need a place to put my writing projects if I continue with the classes I have started at VU. One of the other students from Australia wrote a comment about my one on quilting and wanted to read the entire piece. She was impressed by it and offered me the opportunity to join with her and some others that have been working together on the classes. I look forward to the chance to share with them and have feedback on our writing. It helps to know what others think. My friend, Treeheart, gave me some feedback on my first paper on aging along with one of my other friends. Strangely, those that are closest to me in everyday life, have not had time to read or comment ... They have little idea of what I refer to when I mention my Journal either. Just a thought.
November 27,1999 - It's a beautiful day today. Not too warm, not at all chilly, and the sun is shining. I noted as I left the nursing center yesterday that while the Bradford pear trees are just now changing leaf colors, they are also beginning to sprout as if it were spring. I'm sure that I saw one white bloom on one of them that is sheltered by the building. I'll slow down and look at it closer the next time I go by.
Ms. Jay called early to say that she had to go out shopping a little more this morning. Wendy called late last evening to talk about our belated Thanksgiving get together at her house this evening. I'm to take something to drink and fresh cranberry salad-like relish. I think this time I will chop the berries and use them raw instead of boiling them first. I have to get it made this morning in order for it to be ready on time.
Oh well, I walked into the kitchen, looked at the chopper and decided, "I'm not going to do that, I will just wash the cranberries and cook them in the microwave." So once again all that energy that has been hiding somewhere can save itself for another escapade. I might need it more once I get out this afternoon. I have to meet Wes at Mother's room at 4:30 so he can get her into my explorer and load her wheelchair. She should enjoy the time out with the crowd this evening and getting to spend time with the great-grandchildren.
November 28,1999 - Strange how the season of Christmas brings out different attitudes of people. There are those that love and embrace the season as a time of love and adoration of the Christ Child. There are those full of sadness for various reasons. here are the lonely and depressed ones. Then there are those that are full of deception and Bah! Humbug!
Was it just last year about this time that someone violated Tbird's house and stole some of their possessions? Yes! Well, another culprit(s) has decided it is the season to refresh our memories of the world harboring such lowly beings once again. There is nothing admirable to be said about persons that stoop to deliberately forcing their way into another's domain to carry off things that may be cherished and in some instances even necessary to the proprietor.
What would bring about such a harsh statement from me at this season of the year? A telephone call. A call came from my neighbor just across the driveway bright and early this morning; before sunrise in fact. Someone had attempted to break into their garage. After the police left, Elsie Dawg began barking more sharply than usual and was trying to pull toward the back of the building where Allan stores his equipment. I called Allan to alert him to leave his home a little earlier than usual so he could swing by and check things out here on his way to work. He found a broken window on the back side of the building, but wasn't sure when it may have been broken. Everything else seemed in order as he took time to walk around the house and check down stairs as well.
I had left my car unlocked when I came home last night. I was too tired to take that extra energy to open the front door to lock up after getting things from the back seat. Checking quickly through the window I saw that the car phone was still where I had left it so I knew that no one had bothered the car. I still have another mystery about the car to solve. When I got to the grocery store to pick up a few things to take to the supper last night, my handicap tag was no where to be found. I know that I used it at church on Thursday when I went for the Thanksgiving Dinner. The only other time I had used the car was for the doctor's office/drugstore/nursing home round on Friday. There was not a time I would have used it then. I still cannot imagine where it would be. It must be with the car keys I have yet to come across since Wes handed them to me at the grocery store parking lot after coming to my rescue the evening I locked myself out of the car. (And Tree thinks she is having problems!)
My aunts are on their way to Oak Island this morning, so I chickened out of attending church by myself today. On the one hand I feel badly about missing church and wonder if I am just a scared-y-cat about going out alone walking around. On the other hand I am rubbing my hands across my knees from force of years of habit and realize that my right knee is still warm compared to the left one. It still has the bruised markings on it from the April fall, and the doctor said that as long as it is warm or hot that it is still healing inside. There is in reality a chance that I could possible take a tumble and rehurt it. Having an extra arm to touch at times does help steady me when I wobble. I should knock on wood. I have not had a bad tumble since April. Perhaps I am past the falling? Would that be a dream or delusion?
I listen to the regular sermon on television today. It is a natural feeling to be taking part in the service, but I realize how much more prepared I am to worship when I take the trek to Hickory. As I drive the sixteen miles, I listen to Christian music on the car stereo which brings a calming effect to my inner being. I have over the years learned to take the time to look for things along the way for which I am thankful; things we should cherish and nourish. I began years ago by looking for ten things for which I was thankful for, but now I am able to find many things; some very minute and often overlooked.
During these rides to Hickory, I am often pained by the ways that nature is being overrun and demolished by the tides of progress. The natural hills and valleys are being stripped of their heritage and then turned from the beauty and natural usefulness to flat plains of progress sprouting up with dingy traces of trash and greed. My heart hurts to see the damage we humans have brought to the wonderful world we are surrounded by. What will be the heritage left to our heirs?
November 29,1999 - The evening finished off with a flurry of activity yesterday. Wes came about supper time to work on the drain line for the washer. It has been overflowing again and I have been letting the laundry pile up to keep from having to sop up water from the floor. (Papers work wonders for doing all the water cleanup work.) They stopped at Burger King and brought along supper for all of us. That was a nice surprise. After we sat together and ate, (actually Busy Kid chose to stand at the table on my little step stool) he worked on some things for me. He poured a whole gallon of commercial drain cleaner down the drain line from the washer and had it working in no time.
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© 1999 by Stormy Jeanne
