Saturday, February 15, 2025

Friday, February 14, 2025, MN

 This week continued with feeling mostly sh*##%, due to taking the antibiotic for sinus infection and the recurring symptoms that I have had since last Thursday. When I woke up this morning, I thought “I feel pretty normal!” But still have some slight sinus pressure and got sleep but not good, interrupted sleep.

I had made an appointment with physical therapy based on what others have told me of options to help with back issues and also to see if there were things I could do to strengthen the area before surgery, if needed.  After talking with her, they would not suggest anything other than seeing the neurosurgeon and the surgery will be necessary because of the location of the severe compression in the spine.  So I guess I’m getting my ducks in a row for that but will know much more after my appointment on Monday.

I did manage to do the majority of my house cleaning job at Ben’s on Thursday, the only thing I didn’t do was the vacuuming.  It felt good to be up and about and he and I had a good conversation.  I also delivered the pop up valentines that I made for the girls that were just cute as could be.   Each one was slight different and they were fun to make. 



When I got home last Saturday, my friend and neighbor, Beverly, called to ask me if I was interested in buying her car.  Apparently, I had told her in the past that I might be interested, and yes, I am.  It is a spotless2002 Toyota Camry XLE (loaded) model with 122,000 miles and year old tires. Compared to my 2007 RAV4 with 190,000 miles, tires that are almost due to replace, and a few body dings, it makes total sense to me and my sons agree,  The last few years, it has been stored at her friend George’s home during the worst of winter as she didn’t drive in snowy conditions and it has been so slightly driven the last few years.  I will be dealing with George on the sale, having it checked out by my mechanic, Eric, and then dealing with selling mine.  They are fine with having no rush because of my current health issues but I would like to take care of it quickly if I can. 

I made it through another anniversary of Mike’s passing and really try to do just that.  The events leading up to it can’t be forgotten but I would much rather celebrate the life we had together on our anniversary and his birthday, 45 years together for a roller coaster ride is nothing to forget!


Monday, February 10, 2025

Monday, February 10, 2024, MN

 What a week! And I’m going to say what a shitty week!  Last Wednesday, food shelf day, me and the other helpers weren’t sure that we would even get a delivery since our service coordinator was fired last Friday.  Several of us showed up and the truck showed up and provided us with some nice groceries. And now, Cindy and I are going to coordinate until they get a replacement coordinator hired.  The management here, especially at Building 2, are so unhelpful and unfriendly that they have made the tone a bit uncomfortable. People are gathering, writing letters to corporate, and complaining amongst themselves and it really hasn’t been too pleasant.  I just try to stay out of it.

Things turned really sour when I came in from my early morning walk with Joey on Thursday morning and felt a warm, flush, numby feeling from the waist down that only lasted a minute or so.  I thought it was strange, but set about my day and headed off to clean Cassie and Tommy’s house.  As I was getting organized, another similar feeling struck and I sat down and waited for it to dissipate.  And those sensations came back off and on for the next 24 hours, more frequently through the night.  So I called my doctor and was told to head for the ER.  Leslie gave me a ride to Methodist hospital where I was checked in and tested. 

They started with blood work, then I had a CT scan that showed no signs of any blockage or stroke or any related issue like that, my heart is working good and there is no cancer or tumors. Since the symptoms continued, I spent the night and had an MRI the next morning.  Bingo! Found it! The MRI showed stenosis (narrowing of the space between backbones), putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine.) at the C5, C6 and C7 levels of the spine and surgery is suggested to put spacers in the spine to relieve the pressure.  I was released, Ben brought me back home and I am reading up on what all of the options are.  I will be scheduling appointments with the surgeons this week, getting a second opinion and seeing if there are any other treatment other than surgery, but it kind of sounds like surgery might be the only option as it can cause paralysis. I'm definitely shook up, as it means a 3-month recovery and is a painful procedure. I'm going to gather all the information I can to make a wise decision and my sons are good at asking the questions that I don't come up with. 

The episodes continue occurring every 1-2 hours, don’t last long, are not painful or harmful (unless they get worse) and I feel ok in between other than not getting much sleep and the effects of antibiotics. 

Mike and I sure had a couple of good sons - Ben was with me most of time and he kept Pat informed and Pat is willing to head this way if needed. They are both very sensible and will be here for me through whatever comes about.


Monday, February 3, 2025

Sunday, February 2, 2025, MN

 It was an early start to the day when I headed out at 7:45 for the U of M Aquatic Center where each of my 3 granddaughters were swimming in four swimming events.  Norah was not happy that all four of her events were 200 yard competitions.  She did well, was especially strong on the backstroke.  Camille did well, improving most of her previous times and Charlotte took 1st place in the 100 yard freestyle and had a big smile on her face when she came out of the water.  There were two goggle malfunctions and both were disqualified from those events but not because of adjusting goggles - I’m not sure the reason for it.  It was a good morning for the Bridge girls and always feels good to be cheering them on, along with their parents and maternal grandparents.  

Cathy came over and delivered some yummy valentines cutout cookies to me in the afternoon and we had a glass of wine and nice chat.  

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Saturday, February 1, 2025, MN

 Today started out on a fine note with a lovely morning walk that was followed by a welcome conversation with Pat.  We didn’t talk last weekend and I certainly missed hearing his voice.  We talked a bit about the current state of political affairs with Donald Trump setting the tone for a term of chaos.  Pat could see some of the changes that he is making to be sensible and he told me that he sees it all as just another reality show that we have to put up with for the next four years.  We agree that the Dems had better get their shit together and come up with some choices for a candidate that can do some of what the people of America want.  We also agree that nobody in government is really in it for ‘the people’ but all are after power and money.  

I ran went to the credit union, picked up a few groceries, and stopped at my favorite little Assistance League Thrift store.

When I got back home, I learned that my friend Joann passed away yesterday.  She was the first friendly face to welcome me to this apartment complex, introduced me to her circle of friends, and we became good friends.  Joann was a very interesting person who had lots of good (and bad) stories about her life experiences and even a few about previous lives - she firmly believed that she was reincarnated at least twice.  She was also a lover of animals, a contributor to many helpful causes, a staunch Democrat and just a real good person. We got together pretty regularly for a drink or a trip to Willy McCoys with Elaine. She moved to Nebraska last September after getting a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  I will miss her, as I have since she moved away.

I had a meeting yesterday with a gal at the Senior Center Boutique where I am going to try to sell some of the crafts that I make - mostly so I can continue to make things.  That led to a 4-hour per month volunteer position so my take-home on the sales is 85%.  I dropped off several of the needle felted whirligigs and some gift bags and note pad holders.  We shall see.

When I got home, Joey and I went to Staring Lake park to meet Ben and Yoshi for a walk around the lake.  It was a nice afternoon and always good to hang out with him.

There was big news here at Penelope this week when they fired our Service Coordinator, Maureen, and she was escorted out of the building by the local police.  Dang!  I wonder what the is all about.  And shortly after I heard that news, I learned that the regional director is also leaving after more than 18 years with the company.  Lots of drama around here!

We had a record breaking 52 degree day here on Thursday. Unfortunately, that was my cleaning day at Ben’s but I did take Joey for an early evening walk after some unwinding and relaxing.  Woohoo!  A sign of things to come!


Sunday, January 26, 2025

Sunday, January 26, 2025, MN

 It has been a much better week considering my activity level and finally getting over the last cold that I had. Our weather has warmed up a bit and Joey and I have been able to take a few walks other than just quick jaunts around the community grounds.  Poor guy - he now brings a toy over and bugs me to play when he gets bored.  We did manage a haircut this week and he is so good about it. I can finish the job in 1.5 to 2 hours now, but usually have some touch ups to do after I see him off the grooming table.

Our food shelf delivery scheduled for Wednesday was canceled as they didn’t have a truck that would start in this cold weather. It is rescheduled for next Tuesday. I had art class with Genevieve and we made some small clay dishes - my project was a set of salt & pepper bowls. I chose that project because I have been looking at them because I like the coarse ground salt & pepper and the holes in my shakers are too small.  We shall see if I like this method.

I had a very nice conversation with Rene this week and I’m so glad that she is feeling much better, is more active and gaining strength every day. She sent me this cute picture.

Elaine and I went to Willy McCoys for dinner Friday night and it sure felt good to get out, have some conversation, and a good fish fry.  We are both happy to have that nice option in the neighborhood.

Last night, Cathy was going to come over to watch a movie but just before she came, I got a call from Elaine, she was crying and wondering if she could come over and would I mix her a drink. She came right over, I mixed us an Old Fashioned and she told me that she had talked with Joann’s son and learned that she is getting weaker day by day, sleeps much of the day, and is taking lots of morphine for pain. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last summer and given about six months to live.  After that, she decided to move to Nebraska to be with her family.  While we were talking, Cathy joined us and we continued to talk and had another drink. When Elaine was ready to go home, Cathy walked her to her apartment and she didn’t come back and didn’t come back, so when I went check on them, they were giggling and laughing and having a good time. So I mixed us all another drink at Elaine’s apartment and we continued to talk and laugh and have a good time until Joey started to say that he needed to go out for a bedtime potty break.  Dang - 3 old fashioneds and I was able to sleep through the night and feel pretty good this morning. We never did get around to watching a movie.  


Saturday, January 18, 2025

Saturday, January 18, 2025, MN

I guess it is the ‘winter of not a darned thing happening’ these days.  We had a two day cold spell last week that kept me inside but there have definitely been a lot more inside days in my world lately.  If there is no reason to go out, I don’t.  We did have a warm up with a few days in the mid-upper 30s this week, but we are headed for another three days of temps near zero but with chill factors way below that.

I have gotten out of the house a few times but mostly for errands.  I did go over to visit Mavis and we had some lunch at Qdoba ( a first for me but not bad for fast food). We had intended to go to this little neighborhood Mexican place that always had such good food but when I drove by there, a big sign on the door said it was under new ownership and under construction.  We still had a nice visit and it was good to see her.  She has been recovering from a knee injury that she got while walking her grand-dog (he cut in front of her and she went down). 

I’ve been spending a lot of time making cards and gift bags.  Now, what am I going to do with all of those? I also started to crochet a baby blanket for my niece, Ali, who is expecting her third child in March.  




It fills my days and I have learned some new techniques for cutting and stamping and inking that keep my brain engaged and learning new things.  

On these cold, cold days Joey and I haven’t been getting very good walks in, so I have taken to bringing the ball along and throwing it down the hallway so he gets some running in.  He will go after it but won’t bring it back to me and usually ends up at the door across the hall from us where Gizmo the cat used to live.  He has gotten really good at retrieving the ball and returning it when we play in the apartment, but that usually involves a few treats.  We’ve also been working on getting him to do the ‘go in a circle’ and he is catching on little by little. Once he gets it, he’s got it but he is stubborn and likes to do things his way.

I cleaned for Cassie and Tommy last week and was asked if I would be interested in letting their puppy, Goose, out every now and then if  Tommy was out of town. I went there this week and took Joey along.  After Goose got over the excitement of being out of the crate, had a drink of water, and pottied in the back yard, I took them for a walk.  Joey was a bully to him and ensured that Goose knew of his dominance, but after that the walk went well.  Goose is a Bernadoodle, a cross between poodle and Bernese Mountain dog and is cute as can be with one blue and one brown eye and two little white spots on his nose.


I’ve come down with another crappy cold over the last few days, feeling crummy on Wednesday but better on Thursday (good thing because it was cleaning at the Bridge’s house day) and then really crappy yesterday.  I stayed at Ben’s after cleaning, so I could take Norah and Camille to swim practice, as Jill is out of town and Ben was still working.  It was a really long day, but I made it.  When I got home and was taking things out of the car, I realized that one of the girls left their swim bag in the car and I would have to get that back to them as they had a meet on Friday. Ben met me at Staring Lake and we made the switch. 

I was rudely awakened at 4:20 this morning when the fire alarms went off in every apartment.  That is the big deal alarm that means ‘get out’, although that is real confusing as we have had alarm issues ever since lightening struck the building two years ago. Nobody knows what they are supposed to do and folks on my floor were all confused. I keep a bag of stuff packed for those situations (change of clothes, prescriptions, dog food), grabbed it and got some clothes on and got outdoors, thinking I could sit in my car with the heat on but realized I had grabbed only the apartment keys and not the car keys. I also realized that I need to get some different  items in that bag so it is more useful if the time should come to ‘get out’ again.  A project for later today.  

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Sunday, January 5, 2024, MN

 Darn - over a week since I last posted an update.  I guess that means that there hasn't been a lot going on in my world these days.  The weather has changed from warmish, foggy days to cold and sunny days.  It was 0 when I took Joey out this morning and it’s a real challenge for him to get through his morning routine.  Yesterday we had to come inside to warm up and then make another trip out so he could take care of business. We have only gone for our 1-mile walk once this week but it looks like there are some 20s in the forecast and we can sure walk then.

New Year’s Eve was fun with Cathy and Elaine. I fixed steak and lobster and Cathy brought salad and twice baked potatoes and Elaine brought some good Prosecco wine. We talked and talked and had lots of laughs until about 10:15 and they went home and I got ready for bed.  I knew it was midnight when I awoke to several text messages and fireworks going off.  Happy New Year!

I got in one walk around Staring Lake with Ben and that is always such a good time to have one on one time with him.  We both had errands to run after so didn’t stop for a coffee this time.

How to stay busy on these cold, cold days?  Well, I’ve been making cards and needle felting.  I found a good deal on some pretty blue wool on marketplace so took a drive to Cottage Grove one day to pick it up.  I’ve been trying some different techniques on card making so it has been fun.

I had lunch with Mavis on Friday and it was nice to see her again.  She is recovering from knee surgery so isn’t getting around real good but was happy to get out and about.  We had planned to go to Morelos, this great little Mexican restaurant, but since I was early, I drove by there to make sure they were open and learned that it was closed for remodeling and under new ownership.  Dang - their food was delicious!

I learned yesterday that my sister Rene is in the hospital with pneumonia and I pray that she is strong enough to overcome it.  She is about 90 pounds and still a smoker and drinker, so it will have to be determination and good medicine that gets her through.  I guess she and Mike have been ill for a while but they haven’t reached out for any help.

The girls had a swim meet yesterday, each competing in at least four events and they all improved their previous times on every event.  I was going to go (groan!) but when Ben texted to say that it was standing room only, I decided to stay home and watch the live stream.  I don’t need to be packed into a crowded room these days with all of the crud going around - flu, Covid, colds, respiratory illnesses, etc.  Besides that, I really didn’t feel like going out in the cold.