sNOw

 Yes we got more snow and it is still snowing.  We made it to Far Guy's Doctors appointment.  He most likely has Pleurisy...which is inflamed tissue between the lungs and the chest wall.  Ice and large doses of Ibuprofen should help it resolve...if not they will do some scans next week. 

I had lab work done and all blood tests are just perfect....much like me. 

My baby brother and I picked up Mom and went to see Dad in the afternoon...Dad wanted to go home with us.  He is walking just fine with his walker.  He was confused.  There is a Care Conference scheduled  that my brothers will attend. 

Many readers asked about our new bed... The bed we have is a Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Mattress called Lacey on an adjustable base.  With the remote control you can have many settings for the head and feet...I like a bit of the head up and the feet up for an almost zero gravity experience...like sleeping on a cloud which prevents pressure on your back and increases circulation!  The best thing I can tell people looking for a new mattress is to take an afternoon and try out many beds...your body will tell you what is right for you.  There are all kinds of mattresses out there. 

Far Side

April say it isn't SNOW

 Yes it snowed yesterday, about 6 plus inches then it snowed some more then rained and snowed again.  The weather is so mixed up it doesn't know what it is doing.

The Oxygen Driver got stuck in the driveway so I got out Ranger Blue and gave him and the oxygen supplies a lift...he had to shovel to get himself un stuck.

I shoveled the walk...that was enough for my bum thumb. 

I sorted through a bunch of clothing in the bedroom.  My baby brother, his bride and Baxter visited in the afternoon....they were out for a ride.  We had a nap and I stared watching the second season of Bridgerton.

Today Far Guy has a Doctors appointment and If I skip breakfast I can have my lab work done at the same time.  We will have to see how much it snowed during the night.

The new bed is the best thing...like sleeping on a cloud.  I slept straight through for 6 1/2 hours...that is a long sleep for me. 

Far Side

Two Old Guys

 I spent the morning yesterday with two old guys...my Dad and my baby brother. 

Dad started doing better after we got him some water, walked him around and talked to him, the more he talked the better he got.  He didn't appreciate me handing him his water cup...but he drank from it every time I offered it.  Good hydration is the key sometimes....and a pushy daughter.

Going for a walk

 We left Dad to watch his TV after we spoke with the Doctor and the Occupational Therapist.  Physical Therapy was supposed to come by later in the day.  Dad needs to keep getting stronger before getting out of there...he has to do the work. 

Back at home our new bed was delivered!!  Yeah for us, the same bed as we have up North at Andy and Jens.  Here we have a Queen size...up North we have two twins that will make a King if we had room.

I did a fair amount of laundry in the afternoon and made supper; Ham and Scalloped Potatoes.  My first time cooking in a while.  

My stitches are driving me partially nuts...I will be so happy to get the stitches out of my hand on Friday.   Hate to wish my life away but Friday cannot come soon enough. 

Far Side

Sunday happenings

 I visited my Dad in the Nursing Facility.  It is NOT big and beautiful and brand new.  It is an old solid building but the rooms and hallways are clean.  Dad had gotten up in the middle of the night looking for my Mom and he fell.  He said "They shoved me back in bed."  He couldn't come up with my name but he knew I had been gone for several months and that I was the oldest daughter...so he was having a good day. I think he is hungry there ...of course the food is not like at home plus he has Celiac disease so he must have gluten free food.  I took a banana and a gluten free Raspberry bar....both things that he has at home nearly everyday.  It was a good morning snack for him.   He will begin physical therapy this week.  He told me that he got weak when Mom wouldn't let him go outside to shovel snow.

A lady kept trying to escape the building so nursing staff was on high alert.  I am certain I might be that lady someday. 

I ran some errands in town on my way home, bought some chicken to freeze up.  We purchased a Food Saver System over the winter so we can suck the air out of bags of food and have less freezer burn.  Gas is stable here at $3.89 per gallon. 

Once I got back home we went for a Ranger Blue ride. 

Baxter went with us for a ride. 

The creek on Joe and Vi's road is running pretty good.  This is the first place in early spring that has Cowslips or Marsh Marigolds or Caltha palustris. Probably just wishful thinking that we would see them pushing up out of the ground when there is snow.

Speaking of snow there was snow in the air on Sunday afternoon and evening.

Far Side

Busy Saturday

 We had a busy day, I went on an adventure with Jen, my baby brother and his bride in the morning. 

 When we got back Jen moved the downstairs bed upstairs in preparation for the new bed coming on Monday.   I was of little help with one hand and Far Guy was struggling but we did what we could to help Jen.   It was musical beds upstairs moving one to a different area...thank goodness for Jen.   We still have to put the bed together upstairs...it has a frame with drawers underneath...it needs to be dusted and cleaned up and all the bedding washed.  We have all week to get it accomplished...maybe longer.  I will miss all those drawers.   I have a bunch of clothing to go through one day soon.

We went for a Ranger Blue Ride in the afternoon.  I had been looking forward to a ride for a long time.

Our driveway.

Swans in a field. 

My baby brother, his bride and Baxter joined us for supper.  Impossible Italian Sausage Pie, Salad and Ice Cream for dessert.

Far Side

June the Snowbank

 My brothers are telling me that perhaps June should be called July or August.

June is mighty big this year.  It will be awhile before she is gone.    Care to guess what day she will be completely gone?   I will mail something to the US or Canada to the person who guesses the day June totally melts.   So guess a day if you wish.   I will keep a list of guesses here....you have until Monday night to enter a guess! 

We had a busy day making a grocery list and meal plans.  Wally world was totally out of eggs.  My baby brother was in Costco and brought us some.  Oh and I also had a nap.  We are mostly settled in again.   My baby brother, his bride and Baxter visited late in the afternoon.  Poor Baxter had Kennel cough but he is feeling much better.  It must be a bad year for Kennel cough as Aurora (Noah's Dog) and Little Elvis both had it and have since recovered. 

My Dad will be in the Nursing Facility getting stronger and doing physical therapy for the next few weeks, our hope is that he will get strong enough to go back home...we will see.   Dad is 95 years old, his UTI is all cleared up.  He is somewhat confused which is normal for an elderly person who has been moved from their home.   I will visit him soon.  My brothers one or the other has been there every day. 

Far Side

April 17   Ed

April 21  Sam

April 22 diane

April 27 Jean T

April 28  L. D.

April 30 Maebeme, Linda Reeder,

May 1 Wendy

May 2 Susie

May 4 Kansas Kay, diane in northern wisc,

May 5  Rita

May 14  Bookworm

May 22  Kathy

May 26  Unknown

May 28   sillygirl

May 31 Tired Teacher, linda m, Leilani

June 2  Val

June 3 Sally's Mom

June 5  Sara, Wandering Cat Studio,

June 6 Betsy

June 7  MJM

June 12 Terry and Linda, Lynne in Fort Worth

June 17 Bonnie

June 18  Aurora

June 19 Unknown from Texas

June 29 Miss Merry

Spring into Winter

 Yesterday after Far Guy's infusion we left our daughter's home and ventured back to our home in the woods.

The further South we got the more snow we encountered.  It is NOT an April Fool's joke either. 

They got about eight inches of snow a few days ago.

What a wintery welcome.   Everything was fine at home, so far anyway. We have hot water, cold water and the septic system seems to be working...all good things after our time away.  Anna our snow shoveler removed snow for us!  My other baby brother and she who sees robins first helped us unload the car...everything will be put away eventually. 

Good to be home...but it is quiet. 

Son In Law Andy got sad news;  His youngest sister was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer yesterday and her Thyroid Gland was removed, she has two little girls ages 4 and 5 that are spending some time with Andy and Jen. ( When we left the house was full of giggles, running and playing.)  Andy's Father Bob started Hospice this week, his Myelofibrosis has turned into Leukemia.  Prayers are appreciated. 

My Dad was admitted to a Nursing Care Facility yesterday about a one hour drive away. 

Far Side

Sadie 5 months old

 We shall miss Sadie, especially Far Guy as he loves to irritate and play with her.   She likes men better than women.  She is reliably potty trained, comes most of the time when called, she knows sit, down and is working on stay.  She can let herself in and out of the doggie door, she quietly sleeps in the kitchen at night.  Her kennel remains in the living room...Phoebe is often found sleeping inside the kennel.

Sadie should go to dog obedience classes and is on the waiting list.  

We will also miss Little Elvis when we are back at our home in the woods.

Sadie in the back yard she has a safe fenced in yard to run and play.  Her nose is always busy! 

She has grown so much!  She is a big girl now! 

The snow that most everyone else got yesterday in Minnesota  showed up here as just a trace of snow.  Not enough to make the ground white. 

Far Side

Quiet Day

 We had a quiet day yesterday, I was very tired so I had a couple of naps...Sadie interrupts every so often because she  has to make sure you are still breathing when she awakens from her naps. 

I gathered a few things together for the trip back to our home in the woods. We will start packing the car soon.  

Photo of an old home in the area.

Just when the grass is starting to show a hint of green we are forecast to get rain/snow... March weather is unpredictable and fickle.

My Dad is in the hospital, he has a urinary tract infection, he is not well enough or strong enough to go back home at this time, he will be going to a Nursing Care facility for physical therapy so he can get stronger and walk without falling.   

Far Side

Squares 19 and 20

 I wanted to get both squares 19 and 20 done on my Mosaic Patchwork Afghan before I had surgery on my hand. 

Square 19

Square 20...unfinished.

I only made it to row 18 out of 55.  Oh well it was a goal and I came close to achievement.

My hand is still very sore.  I can crochet but it is not real comfortable.  It is surprising how much I need that left thumb.  Jen washed my hair for me because I am not supposed to get my hand wet.   Let me tell you putting on a bra is impossible without help...good thing Far Guy doesn't mind attending the bra wars.  He cuts my food for me and clicks my seat belt into place, opens pill bottles, fills my water bottle, adjusts water in the shower and helps get me settled in bed with my arm elevated, puts lotion on my feet and puts on my socks and many other things throughout the day.  Not sure what I would do without him and Jen, they are both so helpful. 

Far Side

One good hand

I had surgery last week on my left hand.  I had a bothersome cyst removed from the base of my thumb that was causing my carpel tunnel to be worse.  I am recovering just fine, I still have some pain.  Far Guy and Jen are taking good care of me.  I spend a fair amount of time with my hand in the air. 

I can still use my fingers but cannot grip or carry anything for a while. 

I have been watercoloring a bit and working on cards, watching movies with my hand elevated...and sleeping. 

Yesterday I watched My Dog Skip I give it a 9 out of 10 and Cadillac Records I give that one an 8 out of 10.  I have a hard time reading as it makes me sleepy. 

I am very thankful to have the surgery behind me and to get on with the recovery. 

Far Side

Big Steps

 These are the biggest steps around.

You could take many photos of a wedding party on these steps. 

It is a big beautiful church from the outside, who knows what it looks like inside.  The school is next door to St Michaels, children were outside playing, it was fun to hear their laughter. 

Far Side

68

 My baby brother is 68 years old today.   So I found a photo that is 68 years old. 

Our Mother has marked the photo Carey + Connie 1954, it was taken on the South side of the old farmhouse in Carsonville Township, Becker  County Minnesota....photo most likely taken sometime in the Summer of that year...my baby brother would have been about 4 or 5 months old and I would have been almost 3 years old.   It looks like my baby brother needed a bit of help from his big sister to sit up! 

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!

Far Side

Friday

 I am resting today.  Here is another pretty house.

Far Side

Not much new here

 There is really nothing much to photograph outside...old houses that is about it.   The grass is brown, nothing is blooming, the streets are dirty and so is whatever snow is left.   No sunshine made for a good afternoon to take some photos of old houses.  

I drove around and pulled over to take some photos.  This is the front side of the huge house that we pass by on the way to the Clinic.  I sure would like to see inside...but I wouldn't want to clean it! 

I have been sorting through a few things getting them ready for the move back to the woods in a week.   Clothing and some bath items are staying here.  

Far Side

Bunnies

 There are no bunnies in the back yard, however I saw tracks in the front yard.  It is also common to see a small herd of deer coming down the street.  Kinda strange to see deer in town. 

I made these bunnies years ago in a Ceramics class...I had forgotten all about them. 

Jen got out a bunch of bunnies to decorate for Spring.

Far Side

Tulips!

 We have Tulips here...but they are not real!

They still remind us that Spring might be here!

The snow melted a bit more yesterday.  The high was 50 F or 10 C eh!  Not too bad for March! 

Far Guy has been walking down the street and around the block.  Lots of people are out and about in the nice weather!  Sadie goes for a walk everyday, she has made a few new friends! 

Far Side

Old Houses

 Parts of our "Winter Town " have very old homes. 

This is a house we admire on our trips to the Clinic.  At Christmas time there were red bows in all the windows.  

This house got new siding during the winter, it took them about 10 of the coldest days.   We admired their persistence!

This house was visited by Far Guy when he was little...his cousins Bonnie and Jay lived there.  He said the house was much smaller than he recalled. 

As you can see we still have some snow, it melted rapidly yesterday in the 53 F or 12 C eh weather. 

Happy Spring, now that it is officially here according to the calendar!

Far Side

Time

 Is it the times or our age? 

Many people that we know are struggling with health problems.

My cousin Sam's wife Kathy died on Friday from Gallbladder Cancer, she fought the good fight and had Doctors from Mayo Clinic taking care of her.   The year that they gave her to live quickly became weeks then days.  She was 58 years old. 

Far Guy's sister remains at home with Hospice care.  Far Guy facetimes with her every day, sometimes I pop by and wave and say Hi or hold Sadie up so she can see her...she needs to talk with her brother.  She has Leptomeningeal carcinoma a result of Metastatic Breast Cancer.    February 17 she was given a few weeks to a few days and she is still hanging in there. 

We have other friends...with medical conditions...Granular Glass Fibrosis, Mylelofibrosis, Follicular Lymphoma.  Big bad words. 

Time...time to build your own ( pine box) coffin, write your obituary,  plan your service and wrap up loose ends.  Some people are greatful for that extended time to get their house in order and prepare.  

On a side note if the building you store the pine box in is for sale you should move it or explain to prospective buyers beforehand!

Prayers for comfort for all those struggling with health issues.

Far Side

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Fancy Dinner

 Jen and Andy took us to a fancy place for dinner...white linen tablecloths, black linen napkins folded just so, heavy silverware with multiple knives and forks, lead crystal glasses properly weighted at the bottom.  I suppose I should have dressed up...Jen said It is kinda a fancy place Mom...I thought my parka and snow boots would cover the fact that I was wearing sweatpants.  Whatever!

It is a 1940's style Steakhouse.  The booth was private and cozy, the booth just plush enough. 

The steaks were nicely done, they bring the sides family style so you can share.  We had a salad and French Fries...Andy ordered Sliced Tomato & Burrata.   They bring you steak sauce in a tiny metal cup that probably has a special name.  The server was pleasant and filled the water glasses several times...she wasn't real neat when she poured. 

The drinks as they came out of the bar looked pretty and I wondered what they were. 

It was a nice evening out! It was a Thanks for looking after Sadie while we were gone meal! 

Far Side