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SEPTEMBER,1999, continued
Thanks, Treeheart
September 7,1999 - Giggles Day for me! Dad brings her over bright and early because he has some work to do at the hospital. She is growing so much, and changing more and more. Her hair is also showing more and more red...not just a hint, but true red. Much of her time is still spent sleeping here, but she did play more and now reaches out with both arms to be picked up. She definitely has a temper and knows just what she wants. She is one that when it is time to sleep, put her down to snuggle into her blanket and off to dreamland she drifts in no time. Try to hold her and she is very fussy.
Allan also spent most of the day here. He got the field bushhogged and took the tractor down and got some of the wilderness cut back along the roadside so we can see when someone is driving around the curve. The city came through last week and cut one strip of grass, but that was nothing to what needed to be done. It still needs the trees that are growing along the banks of the road cut down. I have hinted at placing a "Hidden Drive" sign along the road to After the work outside he came in and used the computer for awhile before going to pick up Buddy Boy from Day Care. This Friday, Buddy Boy is supposed to get tubes placed in his ears to see if it helps with all the ear infections he seems to keep.
Lady came later to spin her magic through the house. She gave me an estimate to have for the insurance adjuster when he comes Friday morning. A call from Charlottesville , and I have a message that they have received the requested estimate on the chair. However, now they want me to have a copy here to give the adjuster when he comes. Why was it so necessary to mail one up there to begin with if it has to be included on the estimate that is made here?
After Senior Net having some problems and not being able to sign on with them the past few days, I spent time checking into different topics and bring myself up to date on things. I have met some very wonderful people at this site and made some friends along the way.
September 8,1999 - There has been a virus of some sort going around our area this summer. The pediatrician thought perhaps Giggles had it last week when she was taken for an office visit. This morning I suspect I may have acquired the bug. I awoke several times during the night not feeling too well. My throat is dry and tickling. It was bothering me some the other night at Wes' house when I went over for summer with them. It was probably starting than. Yet, no matter how I may feel, I have to carryout a promise I made. The couple that comes up each Wednesday to visit with Mother takes time each week to fill her birdfeeders. They are completely out of seeds now thanks to some very active doves and squirrels this past week.
Stopping by the mailbox to get yesterday's mail and the papers, I find I have a check from the insurance company reimbursing some of my medicines. I drive by the bank first to take care of it while I am out, and also go by the post office to drop off some letters that should have been mailed Saturday. By not waiting for the mail delivery lady to get them they will be on their way just after lunch instead of after supper. Then there is a quick stop at the grocery store for candy and sunflower seeds. I have to buy her the smaller bags of seeds so that I can handle them. I get to the nursing home while the couple is still there. All is well with the world and Mother for the moment.
How exhausted I am when I get back home three hours later. A bed never looked so good to anyone.
Hurray, a phone call from Wendy and she confirms that we will be going to New Jersey the last week of this month. I look forward to the trip and seeing Cotton. Surely by then I will be feeling much better.
September 9,1999 - Frisky, smiling, determined little bundle of frolicking hair jumping back and forth from one window to another, just happening to land on top of you with each bounce back and forth is not the ideal way to be awakened in the morning so very early. Yet, it is getting to be the norm instead of occasionally in this household and on my bed. Charlie is quickly getting himself in hot water if he elects to continue. He may be banned to his own little bed in the den. It can be more than a little embarrassing to have to explain away the bruising on my arms where he has left his paw prints while he is following the rabbits, squirrels, birds, dog, or whatever.
Oh, well, Giggles is to arrive before too long - about two hours - so I go ahead and open the front door for them and then get dressed for the day. I will have Giggles today until Tbird arrives to pick her up on her way up to Blowing Rock this afternoon. I plan to ride along with them. I still don't feel too well today and am not eating very much, but I need to get out.
NascarKid rides along with us. DynoKid has soccer practice, so his Dad took him one direction and we went another. The doctor was running behind and we took longer than usual, but it was so very beautiful out today. A perfect day to be in the Mountains. There is a Bed and Breakfast Inn near the doctor's clinic that has vibrant colors lining the rock wall along the sidewalk with its petunias, and other flowers. Today, before leaving the office, I bought me a box of milk and wheat free almond crunch bars to use when I am hungry and don't want to cook anything. That way I can supplement my diet and get some good nutriments instead of junk food.
Japanese for supper, but I didn't eat much of it; mostly the rice. I'll save it for later. We ate our supper as we visited with Mother for a short time. It had been a long time since she had seen the baby and was excited to get to hold her for a little while. As we were leaving her room, she made the comment, "I don't even have a roommate to fuss with!" She is ready for someone to share her space during the day.
September 10,1999 - Today is the day that the insurance adjuster comes. He calls a little before ten to say that he will be an hour late. I call next door to say, I will be later getting to Morganton than I expected to help with the Quilter's Challenge Display at the Jail House Museum. As it turned out, I didn't make it to Morganton at all. The adjuster left after twelve; my turn of duty would have been over at one. I can still go over and see the quilts and ribbons anytime during September, but I will not take in any of the Festival this year. Word is that I should get myself up to the local hospital to see the quilts on display there by four of our Quilter's that live here in Lenoir for this month as well.
Just thinking of all that is to do done now that the adjuster has come is overwhelming! So much to take care of and wondering where to start and with whom. Wes pointed out that if we do the basement first, then I can stay down there while the work upstairs is being done. That will probably be the best road to travel since I have the pups to consider. All the carpet comes out of two rooms; some paneling to replace in a closet and at the foot of the stairs. The landing at the bottom of the stairs is to be replaced along with a section overhead. That is where the water leaked through. The rug runner on the steps is to be replaced and all the molding along the floor. Lady can start Monday with cleaning the walls and cabinets and closets. Then I can move there and work upstairs can begin. (Wonder if the refrigerator down there has been cleaned out?)
Upstairs to go yet? Yep! That is where the major work begins. Since I have the same linoleum in a hallway and three rooms! It cannot be matched up to patch one room. It all comes out. The oak floor in the den where the floor buckled has to be replaced. As of now it has still crept further than it was a week ago. All that has been damaged will be replaced before doing anything else. After all is down, new molding will replace the old. That means that all the furniture has to be moved.. Just glad it is not my back that will suffer through the work ahead.
I look forward to having my sinus clear up. Apparently that moisture and mildew is responsible for a lot of the problem. With the doors open again today and the running up and down, it has been worse. Ah! For the simple life. I don't handle stress like I once did. All the things I need to do now, I would rather not have to do. On the other hand, I don't want to continue as I have the past few weeks, therefore, it is worth the effort to make for a better life; I shall do it.
September 11,1999 - As time goes by... and my how it does fly... Saturday already and almost the middle of September of the last year of the twentieth century. How strange it will be when I have to list my birthday as the twentieth century in the twenty-first century. Working with genealogy has made me more aware of which century in which people are born. It tends to emphasis how quickly age slips by.
Giggles has cut her first tooth. She is very possessive of it and has no intention of allowing any one even a quick view if she can help it. How tightly she can keep her lips closed when she is a mind to... that goes for when she is through eating as well.
She and NascarKid spent the day with me. Mom was off to Abington, Virginia, to the Barter Theater with some of her teaching cohorts today. DynoKid got to spend the day alone with his Dad doing boys things together while big brother got to spend his day with a new Dr. Brain program on the computer. Charlie enjoyed his special day of being in charge of watching over Giggles for the day. It is funny watching how he posts guard over her and double checking every thing around.
It's good that she wanted to rest a lot today. I didn't really have a lot of energy myself, so when she rested, I rested. NascarKid tried to talk me into taking him for pizza, but I had bought a box mix to make one at home, and we made it together. I would not take him to Wally World, which was a disappointment to him, but it was too much of a hassle for me to have to take the baby and I wasn't about to let him go in such a large place alone with so many strangers. Time was when it was safe to let younger ones be able to do things for themselves, but now, it is best to always have them in your sight and reach. The places I have let him go into alone have been smaller places with only two entrances to keep an eye on...
Mother has called several times to let me know that she is lonesome and when can I come over. I point out that I've been there just yesterday and the day before. Her answer? "Well, this is another day. When will you be over?" I didn't make it over. There are those that go every day, but I cannot allow myself to feel guilty about how hard it is for me to go. The parking and walking in; having to sit on the bed with nothing for a backrest, or the chair which is too low (Even with my feet propped on the side of the bed, it is painful sitting.) We did find out today that her sister in Alabama has three broken ribs and a piece of the tailbone broken off (probably from one of the wrecks she had before the fall.) Surgery was done on her arm again and it is in a large cast. She is still bedridden, but seems to be a little better the past few days.
I think I am still in shell-shock thinking of all the repairs yet to come here at the house.
September 12,1999> - This has been another History making event week for North Carolina. A time when the whole nation has watched with great interest the judge's verdict on the fate of school bussing in Charlotte. Charlotte will begin the new Millennium as a school system that no longer will have students bussed across town in order to devy up the colors of the classrooms more equally. That is, if there is not a counter motion by the opposite side. Interestingly enough, the person who filed the law suit for his daughter's benefit no longer lives there - or even on the East Coast. They now reside on the West Coast, away from all the work and fun of redesigning schools, programs, bus routes, needs, and desires of all involved in the process yet to take place.
A quote in our local newspaper the very same day, aptly sums up the whole situation: "We shall seek the truth and endure the consequences." by Charles Seymour, American educator and historian (1884-1963)
Here in Lenoir there was a robbery at one of the local banks this week. The suspect was arrested in an adjacent county - at his home. A "Click-It or Ticket" campaign was carried out on the Boulevard that took half my driveway when it was built. Ms. Jay had to stop for it on her way back from Morganton Friday afternoon. More and more interest is being built up by the media about domestic violence locally, but yet, so little of it seems to apply to the case of our foster one ... The needs of a "Graying Lenoir" is being explored. I think that means me and others approaching the Golden Age of Retirement ... A week in the life of Lenoir ...
An article in this week's local paper looks back on earlier days in Lenoir. One article was already a hundred years old when it was printed back in 1885. 1784, families were moving out of Fort Gryder to farms of their own. There was mention of Tucker's Barn and Choat's Bridge. Elections were held on a large oak log near Choat's until it was moved to Tucker's in 1799. There was a noted desperado living in the area, a poor house farm, mention of a pack of wolves and a camp of Indians. The Indians had a trail to another camp of Indians in the Yadkin Valley. There were raids in the area carried out by two men. Some where in my notes is a story of how Daniel Boone helped to track them down and stop the raids before he left this area. One of the men was his brother-in-law. Such is not the scene today.
September 13,1999 - Guess I was given a birthday present for my Dad's birthday today. He would have been 91 today if he were still here with us. What kind of present would I get? Allan surprised me by showing up bright and early this morning ready to go to work on the closet and storage space out on the porch/carport/spa. This is something that we talked about last spring when the spa was moved and connected. Today, I got it. He measured for the materials and brought them in and worked in earnest most of the day creating his magic. When it was time for him to go after Buddy boy, he left me a rather large room to use off Mother's bedroom for storage indoors, and a smaller space outside for dog food, mops, tools and such outdoors. The door still has to be attached outdoors. Wes is going to have to run a light into the closet space and add the shelving that is needed. He will have the painting to do also. Well, Wes, will also have the joy of placing the outdoor carpet on the little porch and ramp. I just hope he will follow through and get it done for me soon. It is so wonderful to have the talent and ability to accomplish these things within calling distance. It is a talent they inherited from their father's family. Maybe a little from mine as well...
I spent quite a lot of time outdoors today, and not once did I take the cane out. I can tell that my knee is growing stronger from its April setback. It is the back and hip that causes me to have to sit and rest so often. I was shocking the spa while we were out and thankfully we were out with it at the time. The filter "popped" and water started flowing everywhere. We were able to shut off the water, unplug the tub, and check the damage. I am going to have to have a new screw top for the filter. This one is broken from the force of the water. I shudder to think what could have happened if we had not been outside with it at the time it broke. A call to Wes and he thinks he knows where to pick up a new top for the filter for me.
There was the tiniest hummingbird flying around during the day. It would take time and perch on the dead limb of the oak tree for a short spell before flitting off to its next destination. I also noticed that the dogwood trees are bearing red berries now and there is a tinge of color in their leaves. That is a sure sign of the impending fall. Looking out over the remains of the garden my friends had this summer, I see some tomatoes and peppers are red and the okra is still blooming. I wonder if they know that there are still some bounties to be gathered for all their hard work this summer. Guess I should e-mail her to let them know.
A phone call from my aunt and I learn that one of my cousins has been diagnosed with colon cancer. So far she has not talked with an oncologist and does not know what is ahead for her and her family. Her husband died of cancer many years ago. Her father died of cancer only a few years back. She cared for both of them and knows all too well what the future could hold. On the plus side; her brother had cancer and won the battle against it. An e-mail from the daughter of my friend in South Carolina and I learn that she has broken her foot in two places; is in the hospital in Georgia and faces surgery. She is diabitic , but the doctors feel that they can save her foot. I go to bed on a sad note...
September 14,1999 - Hurricane Floyd is causing quite a stir. It is scary even here away from the oceanside. It is coming almost ten years to the day from we felt the rage of Hugo. It is a time that will not soon be forgotten. There is the excitement of being prepared - just in case. We are already assured of some high winds and rain. The winds are scheduled to begin this evening, escalate tomorrow and continue through Thursday. Wes is coming by after work today to checkout around the house and get it prepared. You don't forget loosing so many trees and the cleanup that follows or being without power for eight days; or having to get a new roof on the house. Yet, whatever we experienced back during Hugo, or may experience from Floyd is nothing compared to what those along the coast must feel and endure. Many prayers are being offered for all these families. I wonder about my friend in the hospital. She is much closer to the action of the next few days. There are my online friends that live in the areas to be affected. I do hope that they all come through safely.
Allan was here bright and early working on his project this morning before leaving for a dental appointment, then he was back at work again for a while.
I am excitied about getting it finished and in use. I used to walk around the house to the basement to store things, or up to the "barn" which is more like a building than a barn. I don't do that any more so this little space is important to me and my new lifestyle.
I had to leave before he was ready to leave because I had promised Ms. Jay to go over and see Mother for a while and go by the grocery store to pick up a few things we may need in case the weather is bad for us. My grandsons have played with my flashlights and the lights are either non-existent or very dim., so I got some batteries just in case. The puppies had to have some dogfood, so now I hope I have all that I need for a while.
Checking the mail, my letter from the insurance adjuster has not come yet. I have a man coming this evening to give an estimate on doing some of the work this afternoon. It would be nice if I were able to set a time for him to begin work, but I don't dare begin until I have something written, or a check to deposit to pay for everything. Guess, too, I'll need to get out and choose my replacements for the rugs and tile ... This is not what I would call having fun!
September 15,1999 -Prain, prain go away! This old body is no place to stay... As if it would care to listen and depart.. Guess this falling barometer is probably causing a lot of aches and pains around as the Hurricane continues to move along. I chose not to get up and around today. About lunchtime the doorbell rang. It was the pastor of my church come to see me. I thought after he left that maybe it was just as well that he caught me in bed. He now knows that I have days that don't go as well as other days. He asked if my knee would remain the odd color it is. I told him I hoped it would clear up; the doctor said it would take a year or so... He was going on over to see Mother, so I had him to take her some cheddar cheese she had called earlier today and was wanting.
Mother is excited about the weather. She calls me every little bit for one little thing or the other. The staff removed all her flowers and bric-a-brac from the window in case the wind gets dangerous. I assured Mother that she is on the safer side of the building since she is on the west side and that also she is not on an outside wall. She is on an interior hallway looking out on a small courtyard that is almost completely surrounded by buildings. They also have a generator is needed. She is probably safer there than most other places would be.
I have sixteen windows that face the area that our winds are coming from. So far today we have had winds of about 22 mph with some stronger gusts. That is expected to pickup more toward morning. Most schools are already closed for tomorrow and all the others are on a two hour delay which will give the school officials to decide early if changes need to be made. Tbird is on a delay. Her problem would be all the trees along the road between her house and the main road. Hope their chain saw has been sharpened and ready to rev up and work.
Lady was worried about her Mother and brother that live in a trailer. They were not wanting to leave it and stay somewhere else through the storm. She was going to try to get them to go to her aunt's house for a day. Her brother is a quadriplegic and that gives her a lot more cause to worry about his needs. Word for us is that we probably will have more wind than rain. The High front that is moving through seems to be holding back a lot of the rain along Charlotte - and they are really getting rain! Guess I will keep on the TV (they pre-empted regular programming at four this afternoon and will stay with the storm until all danger is passed for us) tonight as long as I have electricity. Thousands of people are already without power. Puppies and I are ready for the night.
September 16,1999 - Seems we were spared any remnants of Hurricane Floyd. The High Front moving in held off the rains and most of the winds of the storm along the edge of Charlotte. Our winds probably didn't get by 35 mph gusts along with 22 mph steady. In fact, the winds today are much more active and persistent. The yard is filling up with leaves, small branches and acorns galore! This is a bumper crop year for acorns. Even with all that are on the ground there are still plenty on trees. The Hickory Nut trees are loaded along with ample berries on dogwoods and bushes. I haven't seen the pecan trees, but I bet they are loaded also. We picked pears yesterday from the pear tree. The red pears were all gone again. I've given up on getting any of them. There weren't many pears because the blooms were caught in a frost of early spring.
Early this morning I had a lot of pain much as I had all day yesterday. One of those mornings when I have to stretch and move slowly. Seemed that just to take a deep breath was difficult. As the day progressed and the weather improved, the pain slipped away. By mid-afternoon, the sun is shining, the wind is blowing, things are warming up bunches and I am moving more freely. The deep heavy load lifts off my head and I am free! I even sat with Mother about two hours without too much discomfort. Sitting is not my forte.
I signed up to use Ancestry online for two weeks free. I've let several of those days slip by without checking out anything. I've found a few facts so far that I have not known, so began checking for more this afternoon. Before I perceive much of the information, four hours have passed. Need I remind myself to not get so involved in what I am doing at times. Maybe a timer would help, if I would bother to take time to set it and get up and exercise every hour on the hour. I did find myself having to slide around the mousepad to rest my wrists on and changing from left to right and back again. I'm one of those lucky ones that can use both hands to do a lot of different things. Actually, since the stroke I find that I use my left hand much more.
September 17,1999 - Oh, what a beautiful morning! Songs and music seem to be a part of my very existence. There is always a song playing somewhere within my mind. I live with tunes resounding reflect my moods and feelings. Many times it may be a favorite hymn. I grew up with a lot of music at church. Our church always has lots of music in the services. Having sung in the choir for so many years, most of the songs are etched into my memory. Now that some of the newer hymnals have changed wording to reflect the moods of the day on discrimination the songs don't always have the same musical ring to them. I grew up with classical music along with the church music, which was really surprising because most of the countryside was mostly country music.
Today, I truly enjoy a wide variety of musical styles. I taught my husband a love and understanding of classical and easy-listening music; he taught me a love for country music. Bluegrass music and ballads have always held a special place with me. They seem to reveal the very soul of life itself. I am not a hardrock fan. I find that music is also more than riding around beating out a bass beat that rocks the ground and window panes. The only thing I can see that it does is to ruin the ears and fine tuning of the person playing it. I value my hearing more than that. My grandsons know that I will let them listen to their choice of music in my car (within reason), but it cannot be played too loudly. My rule: you choose the station, I choose the volume.
Today is a picture perfect autumn feeling day. It is cool; the sky is clear; all is calm. It appears that Cotton got more of the bad weather up her way in New Jersey. It looks like the coastal area up there is not in good shape at all. She said yesterday when I talked with her that where she lives was doing okay. Hope all is still well with her today.
I still have not heard back from the insurance adjuster about the funds for repairs. I DID get a bill from the electrical company for $114 for "repairs" to my heat pump. Something seems very wrong with that bill? It seems to be that what happened to my house was a result of something they did to begin with. Well,. It's back to the telephone again. Of course, I am put on hold only to be told later that they will get back to me later ... another day - another challenge.
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© 1999 by Stormy Jeanne
