June 18 2025, MN

Happy Father’s Day to all you guys who were part of my life, especially my Dad, and Dad Bridge, and the great one that I chose (guess we chose each other) had for my life partner.

Sunday morning, I was just sitting here reading a post from Hillary Clinton that showed side-by-side news images from Trump’s parade of military might and birthday bash and the millions of Americans gathered in huge groups that showed up for peaceful No King’s Day protests. I started to bawl - overcome with deep, achy heavy-hearted tears rolling down my cheeks that even drew Joeys attention and he came over to comfort me.  What a world - full over turmoil, possibilities of war and yet, you go to the store and all seems normal.

I had  nice conversation with Tom this morning and I’m glad that we have kept our friendship going. He is a good guy and we had lots of fun adventures for a few years.

Ben came over to pick me up and we got my medications set up for the week, then headed to their house for dinner with the family. While we were working on technical issues I have been having, we both got a real good chuckle out of it. 

 

Here is the backup story:  remember back when we were kids and everyone had a nickname? Well, my younger brother Rocco gave me the moniker of Schosher, Schosh, something like that and it stuck with me my entire life. 

I got to drive! Woo Hoo! And all went well - of course there were a few little things like getting too close to a curb and having to make a second attempt at parking, but I can drive but promised not to go near the freeways.

Of course the meal was delicious (chicken shish kebabs), and the company was lovely.

Saturday, June 14, 2025, MN

Today is "No King’s Day" and there is an incredible amount of protesting and instability going on in our country recently, much like during Vietnam war.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement are inciting riots and there have already been two senators/representative's here shot and injured and two murdered in their homes already today. The current administration seems to hate anyone who isn’t rich, has brown skin, or doesn’t side with them.  They certainly can’t even try to relate to how the majority of Americans grew up or got here.

 It’s been a busy day and it’s not even 1:00 pm yet.  Another night of restless sleep and when awake you might as well get up, so that happened at 5:15 this morning. 

While I was having my last cup of coffee, I had a call from Tom and we had quite the good conversation, always a few good laughs  and pokes about him sitting around the pool and me.still dressed in my fleece sweats and wool socks.

After that, Leslie and I went to the farmers market and I stocked up on groceries for the week. It is pretty expensive but when you really consider the quality, freshness, and the fact that I will be eating good healthy stuff for the next week, it’s not much more than the grocery store. To top it off, I bought a small bag of mini donuts to share and have for a couple of mornings.

Friday, June 13, 2025, MN

Absolutely perfect timing and the old superstition certainly held true last night.   I prepared for bed by taking my nightime meds at dinner time, had a short walk (it was raining), took a hot shower and went to bed about 9:00.  Joey barked at something that woke me up around 10:00 and that was it for the night, waking almost on the hour, stirring quite a bit and then repeat the process all night long.  He chewed on a bully stick that he found in his toy box and that must have upset his tummy as he had to go out at midnight when it was pouring down rain. I guess we will see what today brings.

One thing that I am looking forward to today is going out for a yummy, juicy burger with Cathy this evening.  No Friday fish fry for me tonight, as I have had fish twice this week and I have had burgers on the brain all of this week. Cathy’s son-in-law said this was the best place in the area and it has been a tradition around these parts for years - it proved to be true.

My friend Judy has a cute little black and white dog named Oreo and she walks him to the neighbors, Tom & Sue’s house three doors down because they just love all of the little neighborhood pups.  The other day, she was walking past the house next door just as the lady was turning into her driveway and the lady stopped and pointed to her stone wall, shook her pointed finger at Judy and demanded that she not allow little 8# Oreo to pee on her stone wall. Tonight, I got a good chuckle as I walked past Tom & Sue’s driveway and saw this.  They are such sweet neighbors. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2025, MN

A lot of thoughts have been going through my head, especially during the night that have mostly identified the seriousness of this whole darned episode.  My sons and I agree that the whole thing that led to a hospital visit back in January indicated nerve and neurological issues with continued follow-ups.  Well, here we are.  I have not have any sensations that would indicate seizures but am still quite unsteady on my feet, wobbly, and definitely not clear-headed and my memory sucks. Names, faces, events, the location of items are hard to recover.

Little by little, though, I’m gaining ground as I’m getting better sleep, stretching, a more normal routine, walks, and cheerful hugs and conversations with friends and family. 

I attended our monthly art class with Genevieve yesterday and we decoupaged oyster and conch shells - a project I have never done before.  After class, she helped us put up the clay garden totem that we made last year.  It was several attempts before I could recognize the ones the were my creations.

Mary, the Vet Tech who comes to trim pet’s nails came tonight and we visited five apartments. One cat and one dog - guess who? were uncooperative so it might be another trip to the vet my little brat. 

Monday, June 8, 2025, MN

 Well, I’m back at my own home and little by little am getting settled in.  Just walking in the door to this place, I was greeted with several big smiles and welcome home hugs - I think it is reassuring to Ben that there are many good friends here and we all watch out for and help each other when needed. This beauty greeted us when we came in the door - thanks to Deband Cathy.  

He was so helpful - it took us an entire hour to distribute my many meds into the container for the week. I sure can’t wait to decrease that load, although there are some that I will probably be taking long term. I have a telephone meeting with the pharmacy specialist this morning.  

We also looked at my finances and realized that my brain might have been experiencing some trauma back when I let that whole scam thing happen in February.

We stopped at the grocery store to pick up some fresh fruit to have on hand and my neighbor, Sue from down the street greeted me. She had to remind me of her name (that memory thing this embarrassing)

This beauty was 

Saturday, June 7, 2025, MN

I saw this guy out the window last night, they and the turkeys have been pretty active since I’ve been here. 

The family is getting ready for an afternoon of activities with friends in their old neighborhood and I am looking forward to having the house to myself for a few hours. The kids are hanging out with their friends and the adults are doing a brewery bike ride.  

I’m feeling a little more energetic and steady each day but it sure is going slow.  

I started this jigsaw puzzle yesterday, so it was a 2-day challenge.  Fun though - it reminded me of one of Ben’s breakfast offers. 

Thursday, June 5, 2025, MN

 I was a little more active yesterday and even managed a walk with the dogs up to the bus stop. I still feel real exhausted and have taken lots of naps and rests.  Today has been even better for short activities.  Norah gave up her room for me and it is quite comfortable and they are all attentive and caring for me.  I have also been shown lots of love and support from my wonderful family and friends.  I’m ready to start feeling a little more perky and alert.  

I had a phone follow-up with my Primary Care Physician today and she feels that all is on track, cautioned me on some things to be aware of what to do if something happens - mostly signs of urinary differences and/or seizure activity. 

And now for something beautiful - the view from my chair on the deck.