Farewell, 2019

I am very glad to tell you goodbye, 2019.  You gave us health problems for my father, and worst of all, you took my sweet mother from us.  You were without a doubt the hardest year of my life to get through.  But you know what? I got through it.  And I am anxious to meet 2020.  

A Great Monday

This has been an awesome Monday. 

First of all, we owe many thanks to Prudential Heating and Cooling for being here at 9:00 sharp this morning and taking out the old furnace and installing the new one.  The Old Man said they pulled out of the driveway at 4:00 this afternoon.  That was an awesome's day's work.  

Second, Good Shepherd Security Consulting was contacted by the New York Times this morning - asking if I would be available for a phone interview.  In light of yesterday's church shooting in Texas, they are going to run an article about church security et al.  I emailed them back and said I would be more than happy to talk to them.  I'm sure that they will have already contacted other consultants, but still, I am very excited that they were able to find me through Google or whatever search engine they used. 

Third, tomorrow is New Year's Eve.  We will be saying goodbye to 2019 and will be welcoming in 2020.0

So all in all, this has been a good day. 

Rain Rain Go Away Please

It has been raining all friggin day.  It was raining when I got up this morning, and now it's still raining as I am getting settled down for the night.  
  
The temps today have been in the upper 60's all day long.  I wish we could have this tomorrow - the temps are supposed to start dropping at daybreak and the high will be in the upper 30's.  Not ideal weather for us here at The Compound.  The workers will be here at 9:00 in the morning to take out the old furnace and install the new one.  

I made a quick trip to buy a case of the fake logs (on sale, of course) so the Old Man will be able to keep warm in the family room while they are working.  This old house is very well insulated, so I am sure he won't freeze.  But it would have been better if they could have put the new furnace in when it was 60 degrees.  But it is what it is.

And most of all, I am very happy to report that as of 10 minutes ago, we didn't have our usual rainy day water in the basement!!! 

Stupid Me

I did a very stupid thing last night.  I dropped my iPhone, and the screen was shattered.  I've dropped my iPhones before and didn't have any breaks, but last night's must have been epic.  

I found a repair shop just 10 minutes from The Compound.  I took my phone there this morning, and 20 minutes and only $60 later, it was fixed.  I can't ask for much more than that. 

Happy Day After Boxing Day

I'm not sure what to call today - other than it was a long ass day at work.  the eight hours seemed like eighty.  But I made it through.  That's about all I can say. 

Happy Boxing Day

TWIT and I would like to wish all of our Canadian faithful readers a happy Boxing Day.

I'm not ashamed to say there were a few people I would have liked to have boxed today.  But I digress. 

Merry Christmas

TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very Merry Christmas. 

We Need A Little Christmas

It's not Christmas until we've heard the Sweeney Sisters. 

https://binged.it/2sXznnG

We Need A Little Llama

But You Know I Don't Cook

Today was a busy day for someone that doesn't cook.  

First of all, I made a double batch of Chex Mix.  It turned out pretty darned good, if I do say so myself.  Me, the Old Man, and my Favorite Cousin and her Sweet Husband each had a styrofoam bull full of it this afternoon.  Nuff said. 

Then, I made fruit salad.  It was mainly chopping and slicing, but it was work, nonetheless.

And last but not least, I made a kickass hash brown casserole with sausage.  Everyone had seconds at supper.  So I will take that as a success. 

Tomorrow, I'm not cooking.  

Flashback Friday

Back in the day when I was in elementary school, the Friday before we got out for Christmas break was one of the most awesome days of the whole school year.  

First of all, the room mothers would come to our classroom after lunch and we would have a big party - complete with cookies, cupcakes and Kool-Aid.  

Then we would all get a present.  A month earlier, we would all have drawn names, and would buy a $2 present for that person.  I remember getting some awesome presents during my elementary school days at Greenwood Elementary.  One was a cool bingo game, and my most favorite present was a multi-colored knitted cap, which I still have today. 

I'm sad to say that the kids today don't get to have a cool party like we did.  So much for political corectness. 

Throwback Thursday

Happy Anniversary To Me

This is a pretty big day in my life.  Today is my 30th anniversary at Zoeller.  

Thirty years ago today, I walked up that long stairway to the second floor of the United Furniture building, which is now where I park every day.  Little did I know that I would still be there thirty years later. 

My time there is fortunately drawing to a close.  I will be retiring in a little more than two years.  I hope the next two years fly by as fast as the last two have. 

But You Know I Don't Cook

As I type this post, I am in the middle of baking four dozen cookies for the cookie exchange at work tomorrow.  But you know I don't cook.  

I might not cook much, but I am making some kick ass white chocolate Macadamia nut cookies tonight.  Even the Old Man was impressed.  And he's the official baker in the family.  I think I did pretty good to get his seal of approval.

Stay tuned.  Who knows what I will bake next. 

Team Bud Update

Team Bud Update:

It's hard to believe that a year ago this past Tuesday was the day that we almost lost the Old Man when his aortic aneurysm ruptured. We went last Monday for his six-month scan, and we just got back this afternoon from a follow-up visit with his vascular surgeon.

The scan was great, and they said that the aneurysm is getting smaller, and that the two stents are doing what they are supposed to do. The surgeon still called him his "miracle man" and I have to agree. The doctor said he is still doing great, and wants him to have another scan in a year.

Thanks again to everyone that prayed Bud through this last December. And thanks to his awesome surgeon Dr. Lerner. But most of all, thanks to the Great Physician.

Sunday, Sunday

The Old Man and I have both been sneezing and blowing our noses all day long.  I am praying that he doesn't get the Crud that's going around.  Me getting the Crud is the least of my worries - I'm more worried about him than me.  

All I can say is Pray For Me, America.  

Way To Go, Navy

TWIT, me, and the Old Man would like to congratulate Navy on winning their 120th showdown with Army.  With the Old Man being a Navy veteran, we've watched this game as faithfully at our home throughout the years as most people watch the Super Bowl.  

Navy won today with an impressive 31-7 ass whooping. 

Go Navy!!!

Happy Friday

It was a good day today.  It was Christmas Party day at work, and we got to leave two hours early, so that was a plus.  And it was Distribution Day, which is always welcome.  And at the party, I got my 30 year award.  At times, it feels like just a few years, and at other times, it feels like it'd been fifty years.  But all in all, it's been a good thirty years.  The company has been good to me. 

The award pins were late, so I will get my diamond-studded 30 year pin next week hopefully.  Stay tuned. 

So Happy It's Thursday

There's a few thingst to update everyone on today, but I really don't have the energy to do it tonight. I will hopefully update you all tomorrow.  In the meanwhile, the Old Man and I are doing OK.  That's about all I got tonight. 

Keep Up The Good Work

After The Girls' had their few month hiatus, they are laying eggs like crazy now.  In the past week I've delivered three dozen eggs to friends.  With holiday baking coming up, we need them to keep up production. 

Team Bud Update

This evening, the Old Man had his bi-annual scan to make sure the aneurysm hasn't grown back.  It's hard to believe that it's almost been a year since that happened; in fact, it will be a year on Wednesday when the aneurysm ruptured and we almost lost him.  

I still give all of the glory, honor and praise to the Lord for all of the miracles He performed on that day last December.  And I give Him thanks for the Old Man. 

Sunday, Sunday

We'd hope to get back to church this morning, but we both weren't feeling as strong as we thought we were.  So we stayed home.  We're pretty sure the Lord understood.  

And we were still not feeling strong tonight, so we  didn't go to the Christmas program at church.  Once again, I'm sure the Lord understands. 

This is going to take some time to adjust to.  When the time is right, we'll both know. 

Good Saturday

It's been a busy, but good Saturday.  I did the usual trip to Kroger's, and this morning spent a lot of time cleaning up the living room.  Unfortunately, since the Old Man's aneurysm surgery this time last December, the living room has become the catch-all for everything, especially the last three months.  It didn't get that way overnight, and it's not going to get cleaned up overnight, either.  But I made a big dent in it today.  And will continue to work on it a little each night this week.  It's all good. 

Finally Friday

It was a long week at work and at home.  But the Old Man and I made it through.  

I'm not going to lie - mid-week was very, very hard for both of us.  But as I said, we made it through.  And now I am looking forward to not having to go to work for two whole days.  

A Good Day

The Old Man and I had a good day today.  We had some ups and downs - a text message from a childhood friend today got me weepy at work, but I needed to hear the heart-felt words she said, and I love her for sharing that with me at the right time.  That's about all I can say.  We'll see what tomorrow has in store.  One day at a time is our new mantra. 

Now I Know What That Means

I've often heard the term "take you to the cleaners."  Today, I totally understand what that means. 

The Old Man and I quickly learned that neither one of us are good at ironing.  So on Saturday, I took two shirts to the cleaners.  I picked them up today, and at $4 a pop, I quickly realized what "take you to the cleaners" meant.  At $4 a per shirt, I decided that either me or the Old Man would learn how to properly iron our shirts.  Nuff said. 

So Much For Tuesday

I'm not ashamed to say that today was one of the hardest days I've been through since my mother died.  I can't tell you how many times I had to get up from my cubicle and run to the bathroom to cry.  But I made it through.  

And it was an equally hard drive home from work.  I cried almost all of the way home as memories flooded back.  But I made it through. 

I made it through. 

Monday, Monday

Re-entry wasn't as bad as I thought it would be today.  I was busier as all get out, so that made the day zoom on by.  And lucky for me, I didn't have many coworkers coming by to chat and pay their condolenscenes.  There were a couple that did, and I made it through ok.  We'll see how tomorrow goes.   As I said, one day at a time. 

It's Time For The New Normal

I go back to work tomorrow, and I guess it's time that The Old Man and I start on our New Normal.  Even though I truly believe "normal" is just a setting on our washer and dryer.  We've got to get back to our new routine.  And we will.  We'll make it; some days will be harder than others, but we will make it.  

We even decorated the house a bit yesterday - we have the fireplace hearth and mantle decorated, and have candles in the windows.   Stay tuned - we might even put up a few more decorations.  Or we might not. 

Almost Black Saturday

It rained almost all night and most of the day today.  So that made it an almost black Saturday.  It was like night time most of the day today.  But the Old Man and I had a good day.  He wanted to decorate the family room, so I was thrilled (truly) to go down to the basement and lug up a big box of decorations.  The family room looks pretty.  I think my Sweet Mother would approve.  Later on this week, I will go down to the basement and lug up the old school singing angel choir girl and the two big candles so we can light up the back porch. 

Stay tuned. 

Black Friday

Here at The Compound, it's not really a Black Friday; we'll just call it a Gray Friday.  It's cloudy and cold. 

But The Old Man and I had a good Thanksgiving Day.  We both made it through the day without crying - something that surprised both of us. 

I kept up my Thanksgiving Day tradition of shopping at Rite-Aid.  Years ago when they started being open on Thanksgiving Day, I decided that if they were going to be open, I'd go give them some business.  And the traditional purchase?  Toilet paper on sale.  Because you can never have too much toilet paper; that's what my Sweet Mother used to say. 

And last night, I decided to brave the angry mobs and went to Wal-Mart when they opened at 6:00 to get some Fruit of the Loom underwear on sale for $5 a pack, and to get The Old Man some sweatshirts, also for $5.   The mob wasn't really angry; they were there to get TVs on sale, and there was some pushing and pulling in that area.  But once I figured out the layout for their Black Friday sale, I pushed my cart through the store and made sure nobody cut in front of me.  I was there and back in about an hour; not too bad for a store that was packed. 

Thanks Again, Girls

It seems the Girls are back in production.  Tonight, we got five big eggs.  My Sweet Mother would be proud of them. 

It's Over

It's been a rough week and a half - waiting for us to have my Sweet Mother's Funeral.  But it's over. 

Me and the Old Man said we both slept a little better last night, and today, we are doing nothing but resting.  The visitors and relatives have gone home, and now it's just me and him here.  We need this time by ourselves to finish our grieving.  But we're ok today.  Who knows how we'll be tomorrow. 

Thank You, Girls

The Old Man and I would like to publicly than The Girls.  After almost two months of molting and not laying eggs, we got two eggs on Friday and one yesterday.  

In addition to molting, we truly believe they sensed things weren't right at The Compound for the past two months.  My Sweet Mother would go out to check on them 3 or 4 times a day.  

Anyhoo.  Keep up the good work, Girls.  We are counting on you. 

Friday, Friday

I've had problems with my iPhone for the past week, and I am first to say that the distraction has been very welcome.  

When the system updated two weeks ago, something happened and all of the 2000+ songs that I had downloaded on the iPhone were gone.  They are still in iTunes, but not showing up on the phone.  

I've tried a dozen different things that people online suggested but nothing works.  So later tonight when I have the strength, I am going to just reset the iPhone to the factory settings and start over. 

Wish me luck.  Stay tuned. 

Thursday, Thursday

I am still trying (key word) to get the 2000+ songs from my iTunes library back to my iPhone.  I am determined I will get the back on there.  But like I said the other day, it's a distraction that is helping me get through these days.  

Tuesday, Tuesday

I went back to work today.  There was nothing I could do here at the house except look at my cousin and her husband and The Old Man.  I needed to get back.  They kept him busy today, and work was plenty busy, so it was a pretty good day for both of us.  

I'm being distracted tonight trying to get all of the songs from my iTunes account back onto my iPhone, which mysteriously disappeared in the last couple of days.  I am the first to admit I am iTunes challenged.  So I am hoping for the best.

As always, stay tuned.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Saturday 11/16

I am praying for strength as I type this update. At about noon today, my sweet mother took her last breath here on earth and went on to her heavenly home.

I can't thank all of you enough for the many prayers you've given for her and me and Bud over the past two months. We sure could not have gotten through this without them.

When we have the visitation and funeral arrangements finalized, I will let you all know.

A dear, sweet friend said something this afternoon that really hit me hard - but in a good way. I'm going to be honest - I've had to deal with a few issues in the past 24 hours, and she told me "WWMD?" - What Would Minnie Do. I decided then and there that was going to be my go-to help for the rest of my life. When faced with an issue where I could potentially say or do something not right, I am going to ask myself "What Would Minnie Do". She would surely say "God will take care of you" or "Let it go."

A year or so ago, I told some friends that my goal in life was to be just half the strong and sweet woman that my mother was. And that is still my goal. Her strength was passed on to me during the past two months.

Thanks again for the prayers and messages you've all given us during this journey.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 11/15/19

This is a hard update to give, but Hosparus is now in charge. I hesitated to even post this tonight, but I've had a lot of texts and calls, and it's easier for me to update on here at one time.

Thank you for all of the prayers you've given for the past two months. I don't even want to think of how things would have been if we hadn't had so many of our friends praying for me and my family. Just keep on praying for strength for us for the coming days, and for peace and comfort for our sweet Minnie.

Team Minnie Update

There's not a lot to report once again.  She's sleeping more each day, and that is to be expected.  But we've noticed that when she's sleeping, she's sleeping peacefully; not frowning or restless.  At this point, that's all we can hope for. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

You would have thought last night was like late February of 1978 when we got the mega snow storm here in the 'Ville.  The Weatherazzi was all worked up over less than an inch of snow.  

But it is cold.  It was 18 when I left for work this morning, and now as we get ready to go visit my Sweet Mother, it's 20.  Yep, that's cold for mid-November.

And for the record - I cussed with each stroke of the broom a few minutes ago as I swept the snow off of the ramp.  Nuff said. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 11/11/19

Not much to report. She still isn't eating or drinking.

I've had some texts, messages, phone calls and emails about wanting to visit Minnie. Right now, if you really want to make a visit, you would be more beneficial to stop by the house and visit with Bud. If you went to the nursing home, she would probably be asleep; and he would truly appreciate the visit. I know he would want to talk to somebody besides me.

Please keep up the prayers. We know that God is still at work.

Team Minnie Update

We haven't had much to update you all on the past few days - she's still not eating and drinking.  Tuesday night as we were leaving from visiting her, one of our favorite nurses came in to help her get to the bathroom and in her Minnie Mouse pajamas. She talked to us and suggested an IV since she was dehydrated. She called the doctor, and as soon as we had walked in the door at home, she was calling to get our official permission for the IV. They said they will give her the IV for 48 hours.

Bud and I were there yesterday afternoon for the previously scheduled care plan meeting with the department heads. They schedule these meetings two weeks after the patient is admitted. We had been dreading the meeting - not knowing what to expect. But as always, the Lord was in control. Each person there was genuinely concerned about her, and all said they would be doing all they could do. PT said that they would continue to work with her even when she doesn't want to - even if it is getting her move her arms and legs. But he also said she can walk when she wants to. The nutritionist said they would make sure she had a baked sweet potato every evening with supper - which was her favorite food. We told them good luck with that. The director of nursing said she was optimistic about the IV - she said she hoped once she got hyrdrated again, she would perk up. We're hoping the same.

All in all, we are very happy (not a real good choice of words) that everyone at Landmark is as concerned about her as we are.

Prayer request for my pray-ers -- as always, that she will start to eat and drink. But above all else, pray that the Lord's will be done.

Happy Election Day

The Old Man and I were up extra early this morning, and we were waiting in line to vote at 6:30.  We were surprisingly happy - there were quite a few people there when we got there, and when we left, there was a new crowd.  I hope this is a good indication - regardless of your candidate winning or losing, people still cared enough to come out and vote today.  

Team Minnie Update

There's not much new to report.  She still is hardly eating, but she did drink 3/4 of a protein shake tonight.  And for that, we are thankful.  

Ohio Valley Weather Update

On October 1, the high in Louisville was 97.  On October 31, the high was 37.   Nuff said. 

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from us here at The Compound.  

Be safe, and eat lots of candy!

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/29

I had texted a lot of people earlier today, asking them to pray at 6:00 tonight - that would be about the time when we would get to Landmark and would hopefully get her to drink some of the chicken broth. She drank one swallow, and that was it. She did drink some water - more than she'd drank before. But she wasn't peaceful tonight; she was agitated. I'm not going to lie - this was probably the hardest visit that we've made with her since this journey started. But then as we were getting ready to go home, things took an unexpected turn.

We rang the call button because she said she needed to go to the bathroom. Her favorite night aide Anthony came, and got her situated and put her favorite Minnie Mouse pajamas on her and got her all snuggly back in bed. As we were leaving, Anthony stopped us and said that just before we got there, he was able to get her to take a drink of milk - something she hasn't wanted to drink. He said it was only one drink, but that's more milk than she had yesterday, or the day before, or the day before, etc. Then he really hit us with some intel - he said that just before we got there (around 6:00 - we were running a little late tonight) he got her up from the bed and she walked with him to and from the bathroom. Even though she didn't do any PT today, this is huge progress.

I want to thank my 6:00 pray-ers - because even though she didn't drink a lot of the broth or eat any of the pureed food we brought like we'd wall prayed for, instead she was up and walking to the bathroom. The Lord answered the prayers in the best way for her - I am totally convinced.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/27

There's not much new to report today - she's till not eating much.  We got her to drink most of the broth from some Lipton Cup o Soup that we brought; this is two visits in a row that she drank most of the broth from chicken soup. You can bet we will bring it every time we go to see her. 

A dear friend brought her a homemade smoothie in a very cool bottle. We thought for sure she'd drink it but she only took a few sips. She did say she liked the bottle, though.  

Once again, for my pray-ers, continue to pray that she'll eat or drink.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/25

We were encouraged tonight - we didn't check with a nurse or aide for confirmation, but we think she ate some today - mainly because she was chatty tonight and didn't fall asleep until almost 8:00.  That's a good sign for us.  Plus she drank almost all of the chicken noodle soup broth that I brought her.  For that few ounces, we were thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Thursday 10/24

She had some visitors today - they said they had a good visit with her, and one said when they came there to see her, she was down in the activities hall. Unfortunately, she still isn't eating, although her BFF Bev did get her to eat a three bites of mac and cheese. But prayers are still being answered - her blood sugar level is almost back to normal since the surgery. For that, we are thankful.

Once again, I'm asking my pray-ers to pray that she will eat

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Wednesday 10/23

The physical therapist said they are working with her in two sessions every day.  He said that she is "very participatory", and for that we are very thankful.  He said that they have already fallen in love with her, and are very happy and hopeful for the work ahead.  And for that, we are thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 10/21

Today, Minnie started on the next phase of her rehab. This morning, she moved from Park Terrace to Landmark of Iroquois Park on Gagel. Warning - this is going to be a long update.

She didn't feel good at all today, but she made the short trip over there and the transition like a trooper.

Today's prayer request for my FB pray-ers -- that she feel better tomorrow, and eat and have strength to start more PT.

Now for the miracle stories to share with you.

This phase started a week ago when Park Terrace said that the she had reached a plateau in her therapy and that she would be discharged soon. I immediately started researching online and talking to people and getting recommendations for a good facility for her. We started praying that the Lord would lead us to the right place for her.

I talked with the admissions directors at three facilities in Valley Station and Shively, and Park Terrace had quickly faxed over Minnie's info as soon as they had called for it. But as a few days went on, I never heard anything from them - even after leaving a few voice mail messages. Then last Thursday, I went online to the Medicare website and read reviews of every facility in Louisville that was close to home. One facility stuck out - Landmark of Iroquois Park. It got awesome reviews from Medicare. I prayed before I I called and spoke with the admissions director - I asked for the Lord to lead me to the right place for my sweet mother. The lady said she'd call Park Terrace and have them fax Minnie's info to them. And all the meanwhile, I never heard nothing back from the other three places. And still, we kept praying that the Lord would lead us to the right place. I have a feeling you know where this story is heading.

Friday morning, the admissions director at Park Terrace called and said she got the info, and would be going over to Park Terrace to meet Minnie. She called back an hour later. When I answered the phone, I could tell that the woman had been crying and her voice was quivering. I immediately thought they weren't going to accept her. The woman told me that on the way over to meet Minnie, she had been praying. Her son had died a few weeks ago. She said when she got to Park Terrace, she told Minnie that she was a friend of mind and wanted to meet her. Minnie put up those sweet little arms and reached in for a hug and told the woman "God will take care of you." The woman said she had to run out of the room so Minnie wouldn't see her crying. She said she went back to Landmark and told everyone she saw about that . And the people at Landmark said they loved Minnie even before they met her.

Fast forward to this morning when the move happened. Like I said, Minnie wasn't feeling good; she was tired. And was asleep almost as soon as they got her in bed. But before that, two of the aides and her nurse both said how good she did when they got her up to go to the actual bathroom, and then back into bed. We were very encouraged. And we were more encouraged when the occupational therapist and the physical therapist saw her and said they'd be back tomorrow morning, and that she would have two sessions a day.

And another big miracle of the day happened. They hadn't even gotten Minnie situated in her room when the head nurse came up and found us and immediately gave Bud a hug. She is the granddaughter of Bud's best friend from the 60's till he died about 10 years ago. She said she saw Minnie's name pop up on the computer and she said she knew immediately she was "THE Minnie Puckett." She gave us all three hugs, and she assured us that she would take extra good care of Minnie.

And like I said earlier - it's been over a week, and none of the three other facilities have even called me back.

When God is at work, there are NO coincidences.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/20

We had another good visit with Minnie tonight. We reminisced about some of our old friends from Fourth Avenue Baptist tonight. As with last night, she didn't once complain about "that old bad leg" hurting, which is an awesome answer to the many prayers.

Today's prayer request - that her BP get higher. It was low again tonight. We know that the Great Physician is still the One in charge.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Saturday 10/19

We had probably the best visit with my Sweet Mother tonight than we've had since she came to Park Terrace.  She was sporting her new very cool Minnie Mouse pajamas, and we had a fun night watching Family Feud and laughing.  The aide said that she ate half of her chicken salad sans the croissant and ate all of the vegetable soup broth.  For that, we were very thankful.  And she didn't once complain tonight about "that old bad leg."

Thanks again for the prayers.  They are being answered. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/18

Minnie had a busy day today. She went down to the Friday afternoon Happy Hour and saw the best Elvis impersonator in the world, Todd Bodenheimer, and also saw a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. She said they were cute.

And guess who got from the bedside toilet chair back into bed by herself????

As always, thank you for the prayers and keep them going up

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Thursday 10/17

I wish I had some good news to report, but unfortunately she's gotten another UTI and another infection. She joked with us a little tonight about her tennis shoes. But then she fell asleep. And sleep is what she needs to help fight these infections. On the positive side, she did do some walking with the physical therapists with the walker today. She looked so peaceful tonight sleeping when we left.

Today's prayer request - that her body will fight the infections, and she will eat.

Team Minnie Update

We left my Sweet Mother tonight feeling more encouraged.  The nurses said she ate supper in the dining room tonight, and they said that she is eating more when she's there.  So when we filled out her menu for tomorrow, we checked "dining room" for all three meals.

And we were also encouraged tonight by seeing her move "that old bad leg" more than she ever has.  She had both legs bent up in the bed tonight (imagine doing sit up crunches with your legs bent) - something we haven't seen before.  And she also had the "old bad leg" bent up as she reached down to pull up her sock.  

This was the encouragement that we needed.  We know that the Great Physician isn't done yet. 

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/15

Another day of not eating very much. Bust just like last night, we got her to eat the small Thermos of homemade potato soup. And you can count on Bud to make her some more to take her tomorrow night.

Thanks again for the prayers, messages, calls and texts. I apologize if you've contacted me and I haven't gotten back with you. Things are crazy, to say the least, with working, taking care of the house and the Girls, and most importantly, being with Minnie and making sure Bud is ok.

All I could think of tonight as I was sitting next to her bed was how this isn't the ideal situation, but at least I'm not planning a funeral for my mother like two dear former coworkers are doing tonight.  Both of them lost their sweet mothers to cancer - one over the weekend and one this morning.  

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 10/14

The prayers you all have said worked this evening. I don't know what she ate for breakfast or lunch, but tonight we got her to eat half of the Thermos of homemade potato soup we brought. We almost didn't bring it, but thought it was worth a try. She also had 4 bites of the customary sweet potato.

And while we were watching Andy and Barney, during a commercial all of a sudden she started singing "God Will Take Care Of You." That in itself was an answer to a prayer that a dear, dear friend had prayed just minutes before.

Once again, thank you for the prayers and keep them up.

Team Minnie Update

It was another day of my Sweet Mother barely eating.  Diane and I managed to get her to eat almost all of her sweet potato for supper, and you can't begin to imagine how thrilled we were. 

Team Minnie Update

It was two steps forward and two steps back today.  She didn't eat breakfast or lunch.  But at supper I got her to eat the usual 4 bites each of sweet potato, pasta, and peas.

She said her "old bad leg" was hurting a lot tonight. 

But she did go to PT today.  For that, we are thankful. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/11

Her EKG and echogram were good. The cardiologist said that he thinks that when the pain starts decreasing from her hip, that her heart rate will also decrease.

And guess who ate half of her dinner tonight in the dining room?

Team Minnie Update

She ate today - we don't know how much, but we do know that she ate.  And she ate a sweet potato and some homemade fried apples tonight.  You can rest assured we will be bringing more fried apples with each visit. 

We had a good visit tonight.  Our evening routine is watching back-to-back episodes of Andy and Barney.  Tonight she said "They sure are a silly bunch."   

I'm not going to lie we're very nerved up about tomorrow morning - she has an appointment with the cardiologist about the elevated heart rate.  We told her tonight she was going on a little trip tomorrow to see the heart doctor.  She said she wants to get better so she can get back home.  And so do we. 

Team Minnie Update

I am so happy as I type this update.  My Sweet Mother ate today!  The nurses and aides were as happy as the Old Man and I were.  We are praying that the appetite stimulant finally kicked in. 

Stay tuned. 

Team Minnie Update

I wish I had something to update you all on tonight, but I don't. They said she didn't eat hardly anything today. She did have a protein shake during the day, and we got another one down her tonight. I honestly don't know where she's getting the strength and energy to do her PT; the Lord definitely has His hand on her.

Thank you to the dear friends that called me today asking what they could make to bring her to eat. I am still staying positive and I hope in a few days to be able to call you all and tell you she's eating again and ask you to bring something. But in the meanwhile, I'm asking my FB pray-ers to continue to pray for her to eat.

Team Minnie Update

Another day of not eating.  They did get two of the fortified shakes in her today, but she got sick to her stomach and one came back up.  When we got there tonight, we got her to eat all of her sweet potato that was with her dinner, thanks to being able to find a packet of brown sugar, and most of another shake.  

We're worried sick about her not eating, and the nurses and aides are trying to reassure us - they've told us that it could take a month or more for everything to get back to where it was before her surgery.  But even though she isn't eating much, she's still been doing her hour of physical therapy.

She dozed most of the time we were there tonight, but when she was awake she was commenting about the Mucinex commercials and Andy and Barney.  

Once again, today's prayer request is that she will start eating. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/6

Prayers were answered - she ate more for breakfast and lunch than she had since she came to rehab. To anyone else, it wouldn't have seemed like much at all, but to us and the nurses and aides, we were thrilled. She didn't eat anything for supper - only two bites of the homemade mac and cheese and Grillin Beans that we brought her (which are two of her favorites). But she drank 2/3 of the fortified shake tonight. So all in all, we are thankful for what little she did eat.

She seemed a little more feisty tonight, which we are taking as a good sign.

We were told that the appetite stimulant that they have her taking should start to kick in on the next day or two, so we're praying for that.

We were encouraged by her two aides that were on day shift. Both of them told us that they can see her getting stronger each day. Once again, we are so thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Saturday 10/5

We got to talk with Minnie's therapists this morning. Her PT is going great - they said she's walks 20-25 steps twice during the session with the walker with minimal assistance. This time last week, she was walking 10 steps at a time. We thank the Lord for this progress. They said that she does everything they ask her to do. But she had a rough time with the occupational therapy. Her hip was hurting and she said she felt sick at her stomach, but they had her doing some work with her arms. She slept for a couple of hours after PT - I guess it wore her out.

The nurses started giving her a glass of protein shake when they give her meds and she drinks it down. At least that's a few calories in her. And at lunch, she only had about three bites of potatoes. I asked her nurse if she could get her a protein shake, and within a few minutes she came back with a fortified shake and with a little cup called "Magic Cup" - it was like orange sherbet but also fortified and full of calories. She drank all of her shake and about half of the Magic Cup. And we unfortunately had the same thing at supper tonight. She didn't eat, so we got her another fortified shake. And we noticed tonight she was reaching for the little bottle of water without us having to ask "do you want some water." Something small like that made us happy.

So, today's prayer request is that she will start to eat more.

Thanks again for your concern, prayers and love for my sweet mother, Bud and me.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/4

Thank you, Great Physician, for prayers answered. My Sweet Mother's blood sugar level is almost back to normal!!

While I don't know how much she ate or drank today, I do know that there was a piece of noodle in her lap, and a drop of sauce on her chin, so I'm taking those as a good sign.

She was moving around a little more in the bed tonight, and I also took that as a good sign. She had her good leg crossed over "this old bad leg" as she calls it - something that she hasn't done before.

We'll be there in the morning most likely when she either goes to or comes back from PT, so we'll be able to get a report from the therapists.

Team Minnie Update

Prayers were answered today - her heart rate was lower. Thank you to all of you pray-ers.

Her best friend Bev visited her this evening and brought her the prettiest bouquet of "Crazy Daisies." And Bev also gave her a manicure, which did more good for Mom than any medicine.  Momtold her "no color, honey" like she tells the people at the nail salon when she gets a pedicure.

I managed to get her to eat 5 bites of stew tonight and 2 spoons of the gravy, and best of all, she drank an 8 oz bottle of water!!! Thank you, Leslie Burke, for the suggestion - Bev brought her some watermelon and she loved it. She was in a happier mood tonight, and didn't say "this old bad leg hurts."

I repeat, thank you for the prayers. Keep them going.

Team Minnie Update

I talked to the director of nursing tonight, and she said that PT is still going good.  She came in to check on the incisions, and Mom rolled over in the bed herself.  Progress. 

Tonight's visit wasn't as laughter-filled as the past nights.  She was in a lot of pain.  And she cried a few times. After the pain pill kicked in, she and I were laughing a little bit while we watched Andy and Barney.  Just as we were ready to leave, the nurse came in and removed the staples from the incisions.  I thought it would be brutal, but she didn't wince in pain once.  In fact, while the nurse was taking them out, Mom had her hands behind her head, smiling and talking with the nurse. 

She still doesn't want to eat or drink, and that is a concern.  The not drinking is causing her BP to be low, and in turn the heart rate high. For my pray-ers, please pray specifically that she will eat and drink more.  We managed to get her to eat half of a good sized banana tonight and drink half a glass of water.  Once again, progress. And we can't thank the Lord enough for the healing and things He's done.  Her nurse tonight told us how much she's improved since she came to Park Terrace just a week ago. 

Thank you all for your concern, and please keep up the prayers.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/1

She had another good day at PT. Tonight we noticed progress again about her standing and moving "that old bad leg.".

The thyroid tests came out OK. Her nurse said she thinks the elevated heart rate is from not drinking much. Well, me and her night nurse took care of that tonight as much as we could. The nurse made sure she drank the cup of water with her meds, and before that I had her drink a few times. The night nurse said she would put in the notes for the aides and nurses to encourage her to drink.

She looked so pretty tonight - they came and gave her a hair cut and style today. She said she liked her new hairdo. And a few minutes after we got there tonight, our favorite aide came and took her down for a shower. That aide was off the charts good. If I'd had a twenty in my purse, I would have tipped her. When she got Minnie back to the room, she brushed and teased her hair a bit, and put lotion on her.

So for tonight's prayer request - that she will keep on drinking more to get hydrated to get the heart rate down, and that she continues the good progress with the PT.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 9/30

The Old Man and I had another good visit with my Sweet Mother tonight. We laughed, chatted and prayed for some of our friends.

I noticed she is using her arms more to scoot up in bed and in the chair, and tonight while she said she wanted to take a nap, she rolled about halfway over - something she hadn't been able to do. As far as moving around, we can still see progress.

They will be doing labs tomorrow to check on her thyroid. Her heart rate has still been a little elevated, and they said that could be causing the elevated heart rate. Once again, it's another issue caused by the trauma from the surgery.

So, for today's prayer request: pray that she will eat and drink more, and for her heart rate to get back to where it needs to be, and for continued strength and healing in her "old bad leg."