Let there be light

 The light in the kitchen stopped working...after 27  some years it just gave up.   It wasn't the brightest anyway. 

I ordered a light from Walmart and it was delivered.  Far Guy installed it one day when I ran some errands.  I asked him if he shut off the circuit???   He didn't he just shut the switch off.   Why did I ask? 

One day at noon we were working in the garage...he was hungry and went into the house all by himself to make lunch.  He put English Muffins in the toaster...one got stuck and began to burn.   He unplugged something (the coffee maker) and began to pry the burning muffin out of the toaster with a knife.  When he went to dump the crumbs into the garbage he realized that he had unplugged the coffee maker instead of the toaster.  

His Guardian Angel was working overtime.  Throughout his life she has been really busy...saving him from certain death many times. 

I am positive that she has been keeping him safe until of course his numbered days are up.  After all God is in charge. 

Let there be light!

I am making Far Guy rest...some days he thinks he is 17 again.  Every day we put behind us toward recovery from the Saddle Pulmonary Embolism the better.  

Thank you for all the prayers they are appreciated! 

Far Side

Saddle Pulmonary Embolism

 That is a new one for Far Guy.  He was seen in the local ER and after only a short wait was seen by a very kind knowledgeable Doctor. 

After a CT scan....

He has a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism that covers his pulmonary artery at the fork where the arteries split right and left into his lungs.    He was given Eliquis which will eventually dissolve the clot/clots.  It all takes time and will not happen overnight.  In the meantime I have both eyes on him.  

Far Guy made the decision to come home, he could have stayed in the hospital.  

The Doctor said that if we had not come into the ER that the clot would have killed him.

One day at a time.

I believe Far Guy had an "event" on Thursday morning as he was putting on his socks he made a strange thudding noise and said "What was that?"  At that time his oxygen sats went into the 60's. As you all know we waited in the ER for four hours that same day without being seen. 

Far Guy had pulmonary emboli before that were treated with Coumadin....probably about ten years ago.

Far Side

Frosty Morning

 We had a nice frost. 

You can also see how that Popple spit its leaves all over the lawn:(

My sister sent a photo of the frosty morning at her place.  She is retired now and starting her first week as a retired person.

Far Guy is a tad better today.  He had several naps.  Perhaps he can avoid an ER visit...I am hopeful that the antibiotic and the steroids are finally working. 

We had company on Friday morning...Jen and Maddie and in the afternoon my other baby brother and she who sees robins first. 

I did a couple of loads of laundry and a bunch of stuff that never shows. 

What's cooking:  Leftover pizza

Minnesota weather: High 45F or 7C  Low 23F  -5C 

Far Side

Book Club 2026: November

  I missed Book Club yesterday.  After Far Guy's Infusion we readed to the ER as he had an episode where his Oxygen sats plummeted into the 60's.  We waited there four hours to be seen...at which point he ran out of supplemental Oxygen and said "Let's go home I can get better care there." 

Anyway this was the book.  twice by Mitch Albom.  I enjoyed it very much and give it a 9 out of 10 stars.  Far Guy is reading it now.  So I can have a discussion with him when he is done reading. 

I have two eyes on Far Guy and I know a place Up North where they have more than one Dr on duty in the ER. 

What's cooking?  We had water for lunch. So when we got home I made a Pizza for supper and it was really good!

Minnesota weather:  The sun nearly blinded me.  High 40F or 4C Low 26F or -3C

Far Side

In between

 I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.  I enjoyed it very much and give it a 9 out of a 10 on my reading scale...at Good Reads I gave it a 4.5 out of 5. 

The bookmark is a gift from Betty!  I love it...red is my favorite color!

Yesterday Far Guy got his stitches out...he had a basal cell carcinoma on his forehead and had a Moh's Surgery a week ago.  It is a good thing he sees the Dermatologist every six months.

Minnesota weather: Beautiful for October!  High 67F or 19C    Low 39F or 4C. 

I wish this beautiful weather would stay all Winter!

Far Side

Company

 We had good food, good conversation/discussions!

Trica, Far Guy and Savannah

We played a Murder Mystery Game on Sunday afternoon. 

Minnesota Weather: High 64F or 18C    Low 49F or 9C

What's Cooking?  Polish sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes and fruit.

Good to gather and hug each other!

Far Side

Far Guy and some bras

  Far Guy's Dr appointment with the Endocrinologist...the appointment went well, the two growths on his left thyroid have not changed in size in the past six months...The Dr said they are nothing to worry about only 4% of benign growths become a problem.  Come back in a year!  That was good news!

We stopped by a small place to eat called Hub 41 lakeside in Detroit Lakes.  Over the weekend they had a fundraiser (Skippin' and Sippin' Breast Cancer Walk) sponsored by the Lakes Area Parrot Heads ...we got to meet the gal in charge (Kathy) they raised $20,000 over the weekend.  They had one man that showed up as a breast cancer survivor.  Men get breast cancer too! Kathy was happy to meet Far Guy and encouraged him to show up next year the first Saturday in October.  He gave her a donation. 

Far Guy said he wished he had been there when all the bras were taken off!  In December he will have one year post breast cancer chemo, surgery and radiation.  He will tell you that once you have cancer it is never over...it stays with you forever.

Far Side

Catching up

 We had ten medical appointments last week.  I like to bunch them all together if possible.  We had seven on Monday and Tuesday in Grand Forks, ND.  Far Guy saw his Palliative Care Dr, Pulmonologist and Oncologist.  A few meds were changed but nothing new is noted...he will have a PET scan in three months.   I saw a Neurologist who wants better nerve studies done that he will do himself, I had Visual Field tests at the eye Dr and she did a quick exam...I am still suspicious for glaucoma but don't have it yet, my eye pressures are great.  Then I had an MRI...I hate those things...The cysts on my pancreas are stable  the one on the uncinate process of the pancreas measures 5.2 cm x 3.8 cm  previously it was 5.3 cm x 3.5 cm  the cyst on the neck of the pancreas measured 9mm  and it measured 8mm in May.  I have not heard from the Gastroenterologist for his recommendations.  They can do nothing about them...I will have to go to Mayo at some point in time. 

Thursday Far Guy had his infusion and I ran errands.  On Friday we both saw the Dermatologist...I was all clear but Far Guy had a biopsy taken from his forehead. 

It was an exhausting week...next week we have three appointments...practically a vacation for me as they are all Far Guy's appointments. 

We are finally unpacked here at home, I am still catching up on laundry.  I had a nap every day since we got home. 

Far Guy has been fussing with Tilly and woodcarving. Hockey pre season games have begun.

I mulched leaves in the yard yesterday...they are about 50% down. 

Minnesota weather:  High 61F  or 16C   Low 40F or 4C

What's cooking?   Steak burgers, french fries and green beans.

Far Side

Hark Back! Issue #17

 A old blog post from January 25, 2008

Laundry

Laundry ...everyone has it...some more than others...and we all have our ways of doing it...but my way is the only way!

I sort...white...lights...darks...jeans...light colored towels...dark colored towels...sheets...never should one load mix with any of the others...everything from the dryer gets hung up or folded immediately...it may take a while to find its way out of the laundry room but it is ready to go! 

Far Guy sorts all of his laundry into appropriate bins...now he even unrolls his socks..one time I washed and dried them in the little balls in which they were presented to me...he was dismayed when he had to unroll them to put them on...from then on he unrolls his socks for me. 

Years ago (back in the 1980's ) Far Guy worked days and I worked nights...we shared laundry duty...however his share included taking clothes from the dryer and physically stomping them down in the basket...leaving all my good white work blouses really wrinkled.  I was mad as a hornet...and told him to leave my &^%$#*# laundry alone...he did and continues to do so.  Do you suppose he wrinkled those blouses on purpose 30 years ago?  I was the one fooled I think...my big mouth got me a thirty plus laundry sentence with no possibility of parole or time off for good behavior:)

********************

I am still a tad CDO over the laundry.   I still sort... Far Guy helps to carry the laundry away!  

Far Side

Organizing Woodcarving Supplies

 Far Guy was having a time with all his woodcarving supplies.  Things were spread out all over.  I asked him if I could help...he said "sure."

He has lots of carving gloves, sand paper and paint brushes!  Some of the "stuff" I had no idea what it did but I am really good at sorting like things.   After two afternoons he is mostly organized. 

It was a fun sort for me and I know he feels better knowing what he has...not sure if he can locate everything or not...but he only has a few place to look!

I have some bark left to sort and some small wood pieces that were cut for flowers.   When I have finished with that I will do some organizing and cleaning up of some of my "stuff" in the garage.

What's Cooking?  We made Gluten Free Apple Pancake it was yummy!  My stomach is still iffy.

 Minnesota weather: High 84F  or 29C   Low was 54F or 12C

We got a sprinkle of rain Tuesday morning...reported by Far Guy as he felt it on his head when he walked to the garage. 

Far Side

This week

 We ordered groceries to be delivered, I cleaned out the fridge before they were delivered. Many days of no good food in there...some 12 days old.  Yuck.

Far Guy worked on his wood carvings.  He has some new ones happening.  On Thursday we both worked on Christmas Ornament Carvings...one more afternoon and we should have them all ready to paint. 

I took care of beginning of the month bank stuff and paid some bills.  Called the bank as they sent me an email...and the gal who I talked with had no idea (twice)...finally got to a gal that knew something.  I think I know more about Bill Pay than they do.  I warned them that many more people would be calling. 

I am part of an Arthritis Study...they want my blood and will send someone out to do the blood draw and send me a check:)

On hold to schedule a couple of medical appointments...one that was mysteriously cancelled.  Really? 

I put a chicken breast in the crockpot, Far Guy shredded the chicken and I put in a can of Canoe Wild Rice and some gluten free chicken broth...it was really good...I had more rice than chicken.   I made enough so that I can have soup for a couple of days. 

On Thursday I was on the hunt for bananas that were not green...I found some organic ones. Other errands in town were accomplished while far Guy had his infusion.

I am feeling somewhat better but still very tired.

One day at a time.

Far Side

Town

 Our usual trip to town was okay.  Two sticks this week for the weekly IV for Far Guy.    I made it to Aldi for fruit and cheese, Walmart for my pickup order and Hugos for what Walmart didn't have. (The crackers Far Guy likes for lunch and lemon pudding )  Then to the bank...finally to the parking lot to read my book until he called for me to pick him up at the door.   Town was pretty busy for mid August....the tourists are hanging on longer than usual.

The Mandevilla is looking awesome in the planter outside the front door at the Bank, the planter also has Petunias and a single Gerbera Daisy. 

We came home and unloaded groceries...cut up the watermelon that was supposed to be seedless but was not...I did some misc things and then we settled down to watch Grey's Anatomy we are in season 13.

Minnesota Weather:  High 80F or 27C Low 59F or 15C

What's Cooking?  Pizza! The homemade kind and it was really good!

Far Side

August 13th

 Yesterday Far Guy worked on the wood carved Christmas Ornaments...I joined him in the afternoon.   In the morning...I did a whole bunch of "stuff"  I had a number of tasks going at once....making Humming Bird food, laundry, clearing off my desk etc...I had a Post It Note nightmare near my computer...recipes and notes to self.  

My baby brother and his bride visited in the evening...Smudge and Baxter like visiting here...I have Cheerios for treats:)  They brought me more green beans that I will cook up and freeze. (I shall watch them like a hawk)

Minnesota Weather: High 81F  or 27C  Low 61F or 16C 

What's Cooking?  Walleye,  corn on the cob, tomatoes and kiwi.

August 13th was the day my Father In Law was born back in 1914.  

This photo was taken on his birthday in 1994 when he was 80 years old.  That is Far Guy and Jen in the photo.  A few weeks later he would die from multi system failure after a surgery.  He was a very kind man...he is missed.

Far Side

Driving

 We began the week thinking about the wood carved Christmas Ornaments.   Far Guy does the bulk of the carving and I help out with the final sanding and painting.  I had several ideas on how to paint them.  

Three of my sisters Grands will return to Japan in about two weeks...so their ornaments were our priority on Monday.  They just need hangers to be complete.  Yeah us!  Four down and many to go!

Look what nephew Jacob and my sister found at the dump...it was cleaned up and the boys were having a blast. They even hauled hay to my sisters horse.  They have had a fun Summer here in Minnesota.  When they return to Japan school will have begun.

Far Guy asked me out on a date...but alas Tilly didn't feel like going...so we stayed home.  He reminded me that it was better than being in the ditch...a long time ago in the Winter he was supposed to pick me up for a date...he went in the ditch twice because of icy roads....each time he called me and said he would be late.  We never went on that date either. 

Minnesota weather:  High 79F or 26C  Low was 58F or 14C almost a perfect day!

What's Cooking?   Buttermilk pancakes, sausages and peaches. 

Far Side

Sunflowers and Seven Sticks

 The Sunflowers are just starting to bloom.

It was easy to stop by this field as it is off the beaten path....and there was an approach with a turn around...meant to be. 

Far Guy's fav Nurse is on vacation so his usual one stick for his IV became seven...uffda he looked like a pincushion when I picked him up. 

I ran the usual errands..Aldi, Walmart for the order pickup, Hugos for stuff Walmart didn't have, Walgreens and the Bank.  I made it in record time and was able to get 20 minutes of reading in the parking lot of the Clinic before Far Guy messaged me to pick him up.

We came home, unloaded the groceries put them away, had lunch and a nap. 

Minnesota weather: Hot  High 87F or 31C   Low 65F or 18C

It has been a very warm July...I wonder what August will bring? 

What's cooking?  Breakfast for supper; eggs, sausages and potatoes.

Far Side

Blanket Flowers

 The Gaillardia or Blanket Flowers join the Daisies in bloom in the Wild Gardens. 

They reseed freely. 

They even grow on the sandy area where the big greenhouse was once upon a time. 

I mowed some more yesterday...I am done for a few days now.  

What's Cooking?  Freezer meals...Spaghetti for Far Guy and Vegetable Beef Soup for me.

 Minnesota Weather: After Supper it was stormy.  High was 89F or 32C  Low was 65F or 18C.

Far Guy is gaining a bit of strength every day, yesterday he sat outside a bit. 

Far Side

Books

 I have been reading quite a bit...when Far Guy first got sick I wanted to do quiet things so he could rest. 

I had some Debbie Macomber books as part of the Rose Harbor Series.  I read the two previous books in the series last Summer.

It was light reading...a bit of fluff. 

I now have 59 books on my list and the books are stacked up under the TV.  My goal is to get it under 50 books.  It doesn't help that my Sister was trying to get rid of three big bags of books...I took one bag and selected a few to donate to our local little library.   I have not added the ones I kept to read to my total yet....she said sticking her head in the sand. 

Presently I am reading a Sanda Dallas book The Diary of Mattie Spenser that is a very enjoyable read.

Oh yes Jen gave me a book...The Day of The Bonanza it is about the Bonanza Farms in North Dakota. I have not counted that one either. 

Far Guy is napping often and resting...I am encouraging him to stay upright more.  He has lots of sleep to get caught up on after being in the hospital.

What's Cooking?  I rescued a chicken hotdish from the freezer, then I made green beans that Far Guy will eat and peaches from the freezer. 

Man Green Beans

Fry up some bacon until it is crisp then cut it into small pieces.  Drain most of the grease out of the pan then add a can of french style green beans and about a tablespoon plus of vinegar.  My Mom used to make it with fried onions in with the bacon...I do not. 

Minnesota weather:  It rained several times in the afternoon on July 4th.  High 77F or 25C  Low was 62F or 17C.

Far Side

GERD and other crap

 Far Guy is being released from the hospital today and we will begin the trek back to our home in the woods. He needs to work at getting stronger…which means lots of walking!

I had a procedure called a EGD/EUS or a Esophagogastroduodenscopy with Endoscopic Ultrasound on June 17th.

I have GERD and some stomach ulcers and something on my pancreas...everything was biopsied and we are waiting on those test results.   They found the “something else”on my pancreas quite by accident on the MRI that I had for my back problem.  The Gastroenterologist's impression is that I should have MRI's every three months depending on the biopsy results.  He also said it is possible that my RA has gone nuts and attacked my pancreas. 

In the meantime my back problem has been diagnosed yet again ( facet joints and nerves are inflamed)..I am having test injections for a Medial Branch Block in late July and late August...thirty days apart for Medicare purposes. If it works then the real procedure may take place sometime in the Fall. 

  My Primary Care Doctors thinks I may have some other Autoimmune Disease....and he would not venture a guess as to which one.  I have an appointment with a Neurologist in September and I am on the wait list.

 Far Guy took really good care of me.  I am still recovering from the procedure. I was having lots of stomach/pancreas pain.  I could not sleep through that pain.  Everyday gets a bit better but I now have new pain (upper between the shoulder blades pain) that joins my lower back pain.

Biopsy results are taking a really long time. 

Finally got biopsy results this week it is a SD IPMN or side duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and I should come back in three months for an MRI or sooner if new symptoms develop.

Clouds in June.

Far Side

A little pink

 The Showy Lady's Slippers are in full bloom.

They can be found in the roadside ditches for another week or so then they will be gone for another year. 

Such a perfect flower.   It is Minnesota's State Flower.

Far Guy has a cold.  He thought it started as allergies late Thursday..but it is a full blown "man cold"  I am keeping two eyes on him.   He has begun the medication prescribed by his Pulmonologist.  

Minnesota Weather:  It rained.  High 73F or 23C  Low was 67F or 19C.  We are supposed to warm up into the 80's F this week.  I like the 70's F  the best. 

What's Cooking Lately:  Spaghetti, Pizza, Eggs...nothing very exciting.

Far Side

Happy Father's Day!

 We remember our Fathers on this special day.  

Far Guy's Dad, Far Guy and Far Guy's sister photo taken in the Summer of 1950.

My Dad, my baby brother and me in the Fall of 1954...note how attentive I am.

My Dad with my sister and my other baby brother in the Spring of 1967.

My husband is also a great Dad!!

Trica, Far Guy and Jen at the Needles in South Dakota Summer of 1978.

Happy Father's Day!

Far Side