Fall is Here Officially

This was my view out my window today! First day of fall!! It was a perfect fall like day. Cool in the morning, then warmed up by afternoon. My Ash tree is quickly loosing its leaves as always. We have 3 of them and their all the same. I'm concerned as there is an Ash bore and I think it's in Iowa. Just pray I won't lose all of them.

My neighbor/caregiver was sitting by the window today and spotted the beautiful Blue Jay. They are pretty, but can be mean also.  Do you have them where you live?? As I look back on my photos, this is about the time of the year when they show up at our feeders.

Just a few photos I took a couple weeks ago.  You can see the colors changing..

I love this one, with the grass in the fore ground. These I say are "photos on the go"...heading down the highway.. 

I was in the hospital (again) and spotted this view out my window. I had my nurse walk over and take this picture. smile... Here's part of what my health has been up to these past few weeks. I had cataract surgery the week before Labor day. Then was in the hospital with stomach issues. Then had my other cataract removed. (It is so amazing to see so clear and how beautiful the colors are.)  That Wednesday my daughter had her surgery (that I had asked prayers for) and thank God they saved her kidney!! She is very sore from her surgery but is feeling better as each day goes by. So, would appreciate continued prayers and or good thoughts that she continues to heal. I went into the hospital again this week with the same stomach issues. sad.. I got home Thursday and am feeling good. So, I pray I never see that hospital again for a long time. ha! However, that being said the doctors and the nurses were amazing. A couple days I had student nurses assigned to me.They were all so thoughtful and kind. They are going into the right profession. 

This kind of gives you the run down on why I've been among the missing.

Hope your weather is good and you're all doing well.

More to come...

Good Sunday Evening

Where have I been? What have I been doing?? Well, as you all know, I left back in August promising you pictures of my son Randy, playing at the Iowa State Fair! He did play there, but there weren't any photos taken... uggg But, here he is playing acoustic guitar in front of the capital building in Des Moines.

 

I caught this photo of Randy and his wife, Vicky...loading their vehicle as they were heading out to a different gig!! The life of a musician..ha!

One of the most exciting days I had was when my friend/caregiver Krystal, asked her brother in law if he could weld my bird feeder back together!! And he did!!! Tom had built this feeder years ago, and last winter when it was froze to the ground and when it got pulled on, it broke off the plate in the tire.

 

And there she stands so proud!!! Especially this winter, it will work really good, it will keep the food off the ground. ~smile~

 

I will write more later, but a few of the things that have been going on. I had cataract surgery, and will have the other one done Tuesday. I was in the hospital for 3 days with stomach issues, which I hope are healing.. I went to my great granddaughters birthday celebration. I've had trouble with my van, which will go in tomorrow to be fixed.... I've had lots of medical appointments along the way..and it continues as this month goes by..and exciting-exciting news, I had a new great, great nephew (baby Emet) born last month. ~love~

 

My daughter Brenda, has surgery Wednesday, so would appreciate your prayers or good thoughts.

 

Bye for now..

It Takes a Village.....

Oh yes, we've all heard that saying haven't we?? "It takes a village to raise a child"! Well, I thought of this last week when I fell, to me it went something like this...It takes a village to raise an old lady...ha! ha!  I'd had a few things going on in my life...like an infection and was on antibiotics for that. Then last Monday I had went to a doctor to see if I was a candidate for cataract surgery. (which I am) But it took about 6 hours and I was just worn out when I got home. I figured the combination is what made me so weak I just couldn't stand and went down. I have a life alert watch, which I pushed and asked them to notify my neighbor/caregiver and the firemen (to get me up!!) They all came and I went to the hospital for fear I might have hurt myself...(I know they say I've shrunk a couple inches in my old age, but it's still a ways to fall...) smile... It was very painful to have the x-rays..trying to roll around on that hard, cold table...ugggg But the results came back in my favor. I had no broken bones... Yeah!!! But, I was still very tired and sore. So I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and then got to come home to my loving dog "Rusty"!! This is where the village comes into play. My neighbor Krystal was here everyday.. taking care of Rusty, running to the hospital to see me and bring me clothes etc... And my other neighbor Kelly came over and let Rusty out too. And others helped along the way...that is mine and Rusty's village.. How blessed am I??? Unbelievably blessed!!When I went in for my check up yesterday, my doctor said he read up and found out that the antibiotic I was on causes weakness in MS patients.. who knew?? It is a new founded discovery. Now, had I not gotten worn out like I did, I probably would have been fine on that drug. The best part was that antibiotic worked!!

Don't you love my flower?? I thought they were tiger lilies, but was told these are much prettier than the old tiger lilies as they were plain without the spots! Learn something new everyday!!!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying some of this summer's warmth.  It has been 'hot' here, but hopefully we'll get a little rain tonight and it'll cool things off.

Please join me in prayers for our country..

Bye for now..

A Weekend in the Country with Rusty

 

While I was spending my days and nights in the hospital...in a room with a view, finally..(another story) I'm sure you are wondering where Rusty was! That Friday after I fell and the doctor sent me to the hospital I too wondered where would Rusty go? We have never left him anywhere before. If Tom and I went somewhere we'd either take him along or Karen watched him here at the house! But those options were out of the question obviously. I did call one Pet Hotel (I know that is funny to say...but I think it was called "Bed and Biscuit"...lol) They didn't answer, so I left a message... (much later they called back and said they were booked since it was Easter weekend!) I texted his groomer Shawn, who he loves to death, to see which kennel she would recommend ...but of course it was Friday and she was working. Decisions...decisions! Randy said he could let him in and out until I found a place.  (There were complications with his house...where he couldn't keep Rusty there) Anyway, later in the day Shawn texted me and said "I don't want him at one of those places, I'll take him home with me." Wow! I never expected that...what a relief... as I knew she and her husband who is as wonderful as she is...would really take good care of him. And since Rusty has known her all his life..literally....and loves her to death..he would be fine. As I look back on the previous week...Shawn and her husband had come over and set up a ramp for Rusty, here at the house. He's getting arthritis in his legs and it is hard for him to go down the steps. Anyway, in conversation she mentioned how Tom had said one time, years ago, "would you take care of Rusty if something happened to Gert or I?" And of course she said "yes". Well, I felt like here Tom was still taking care of Rusty and I even from the grave... I know that might sound crazy to some, but not to me.  

In the following days I'd text her to see how Rusty was doing and of course he was enjoying his mini vacation! 

 

On the following Monday when Shawn brought Rusty home, all groomed and pretty, I heard what an adventurous time he had had! They live on an acreage and have goats and chickens etc. They also have other Shih Tzu's , so they got to play together..in and outside the house. He was able to come and go as he pleased, the door was open. They also have a doggie ramp, so he learnt how to use it while he was there! It rained (as you can see by the first picture) so he got somewhat muddy...lol He met their cat (who is almost as big as Rusty). I guess he barked at it once...and then all was well. That was surprising as he "hates" cats...smile... It was so funny...as Shawn said you would not have recognized him...as he had turned into a regular farm dog...ha! But quickly became the city dog again after a haircut and a bath!! He looked at me when he got home...like "are you okay? Where have you been? Wait till I tell you all about my weekend on the farm..."

I hope you're all having an amazing SONday. We have chilly temperatures (41 degrees...with 20 mph winds, making it feel like 32!) and rain! They are predicting rain/snow showers tomorrow morning...ugggg Winter does not want to let go... What kind of weather are you having ?

Where Does the Time Go??

 

Here is the highlight of the past month....smile... Yes, I think it's been almost a month since I've blogged.. So much to tell you...but I'll just share with you a few things in this post. My daughter and granddaughters had planned on coming back last week for our MS Walk! It was just amazing to see them and to have them here to fill this empty house with love chatter and laughter!! Sweet...sweet memories.. And of course to care for Rusty and myself.

The weekend before was Easter! These beautiful flowers were from my son Randy and his family. (they were specially delivered by these sweet great granddaughters, as you can see below.)

 



Here they are walking down the hospital hallway.. Yes, the hospital.. ugggg. The best laid plans go awry.... (I had plans to go to the Good Friday Services at our little church..) But, Thursday I fell, just a silly accident. I bent over and lost my balance. Thank God for wonderful, caring neighbors.

Thank goodness nothing was broke, just pulled muscles and a ham string. That was why they put me in the hospital...I couldn't walk, it was so painful. So Easter Sunday, I had company...smile... Look at Maggie...she was keeping the nurses busy by pushing my call button...lol I was released that night and had a friend stay for a couple nights, till Brenda and the girls got here. (Thank goodness for my son, he had to take me to the doctor, then to the hospital, care for Rusty Friday [that's another story] and Sunday night bring me home...what a blessing he is..)

  

Here we are at the Walk last Saturday. My wonderful team!! My Angels...  I did go home early, but was able to stay for the most important parts. I will get a close up photo of this year's t shirt design. It is very unique and oh so cool!!!

 

I will part with this photo...my beautiful/handsome children. Its always so good to have them together at home again.... Give God the Glory for my family......

Sunshine and Good News



Last week Karen's cousins were in town for a family reunion. They stopped over for a visit and brought us these beautiful flowers. The other morning, I noticed the sun lighting the flowers up!! So, of course I had to grab my camera!! (Please don't look at the dust...ha!) Have you ever noticed..when the sun is streaming through the windows....you can see every speck of dust in your house?? Anyway, I thought this was so pretty...

 

My son went to the Burn Hospital for his follow up on Monday, he had wonderful results and will have his next surgery in 10 days! So, I know our prayers are working. We just need to continue to pray for him.

 

We're back to having some terrible 'heat' again. Our heat index today was 100 degrees and is to stay this way for the rest of the week. But hopefully, we'll get some rain Thursday. Our yard is burning up, and our bushes out front look water deprived..sad..

 

I hope your weather is more favorable then ours has been.

 

Blessings and good night..



Prayers Please...

My sweet son was burnt yesterday at his job. They are chemical burns, and was transported to a burn center south of here. Whether you pray to God or just send up good thoughts, we would really appreciate them.

He is such an amazing young man, a good husband, dad and especially grandfather or Papa as they call him. He loves his music and pray this doesn't effect that part of his life too much.

And then there is this amazing, beautiful lady... She drove 3 1/2 or 4 hours to get to him yesterday. (tear) Randy (and all of us) are so blessed to have her in our lives. I can't even imagine how hard this is on her too. She just told me, Randy rested well last night, got a shower this morning  and they taught her how to apply creams and bandages on his wounds. They should be home this afternoon. (Praise be to God our Father...)

 

I was not able to get this up last night, but there was an outpouring of love and prayers for him on Face Book yesterday evening... Now he still needs prayers for comfort and healing.

 

Blessings to you and yours and thank you for being here for me...

Some Like it "Hot"--Not Me!!

This morning when I let Rusty out, I already felt the heat of the day. The air was heavy and I knew we were in for a HOT one...ugggg Can you believe, 89 degrees at 8:30!

 



The poor birds were suffering in this heat also.. It looks like they pant also.

I knew something more was coming... yesterday when I was at the hospital, this was my view out the window. Do you see the haze over the city?? It was a scorcher yesterday too. (That is a local college in the background.)

 

We actually ended up with a high of 95, but the heat index was 100!!

 

At first, I had planned on running up to the hospital around 10:00, then coming home around noon. But when I checked, I found out their valet on Saturday is only at the ER. It starts at noon. (darn) I really didn't want to wait till noon, knowing the heat would be close to its peak!! (I have to have the valet to open my back door, so I can get my scooter out.) As it turned out, Karen had one of the nurses call me and let me know, that I shouldn't come up today. They have moved her to a regular room now. But are still hoping they won't have to do surgery. I appreciate all your prayers...and good thoughts for her healing.

 

Hope your day was cool and that you were able to get out and enjoy it!!

 

Blessings..



Checking In

Photo out the hospital window

 

It seems life does spiral downward and we can not do anything about it, just go along for the ride and pray. Yes, that's when we trust in our Lord and pray for His help and guidance. On the 6th of this month, Tom went into the hospitals ICU with heart failure. sad... His surgery was due on the following Thursday, however, his health and some Medicare rules were the reason for him not to have it. After 10 days he went into a new nursing facility. We went out to see him today, he seems a little better. He does have a long way to go, but with prayer I'm sure we will get through this.

Last Saturday our little Maggie Sue (who is now 4 old) came to visit her Papa Tom. Course I got lots of hugs and kisses too!! Isn't she adorable??

Here they are making over him! He just loved it!!! Babies are such a blessing aren't they??

Then last Sunday after church, the twins Ivy and Eden came to visit!! That again just gave him a boost of much needed energy. (I gave them a ride on my scooter up and down the hospital hallways...lol) First one and then the other....zoom..zoom...zoom away we went!

My daughter from Georgia flew up to be with me when he had his surgery. Well, as I said, things changed, but she was great support for me. (We kept talking about taking a picture, finally the day she left, I snapped this one of her..--cute p.j.'s huh??) I missed her before she even left...sad...

 

Tom's son has been here too, he will be heading back to Texas tonight. I hope Tom doesn't miss him too much.

 

I hope you're having a wonderful fall or is it winter?? (since we just had a major snow storm!!) Ugggg...

 

Blessings....... 

Prayer for healing...please...

We most certainly are in the Fall season here. The trees are turning such gorgeous colors. So nice to see in the midst of everything else that is going on. Since I put up my last post, Tom had to go to the hospital Friday with poor oxygen levels. They ended up putting him in ICU over night and then into a regular room. The latest news I had was they would operate Thursday. But....I worry about that happening with his oxygen levels that he now has. However, this morning they said he had a pretty good night. I try not to ask 'why'?? Or ask 'what is to come'? But it defiantly is hard, as he is such a good, caring and loving man. I thank God for bringing him into my life all those many years ago. He is my soul mate so its hard to see him struggling like he is and not being able to do much to ease this pain.

With the daylight savings time change it gets dark so early. I miss our evenings together, and have to leave the hospital before the sun goes down. Today, my daughter flies in and along with her brother who is here now and taking care of my needs will also be a great support to me and Tom. I am so blessed to have such wonderful children.

 

Just wanted to check in and ask for continued prayers for this amazing man, as he struggles through this health issue. Also, add his sister who is fighting cancer.

 

I read Our Daily Bread booklet each day, and one day I found (in part) this article.

"When someone we know is facing serious physical difficulty or a spiritual crisis, it is our privilege to join together in prayer, bringing our friends to Jesus--the only One who can meet their deepest needs."

 

Lord Jesus we know that You can speak the words of eternal life and healing to people in great need. We bring them to you in prayer today. Amen..

 

Thank you for your continued support.

The Sun Rises

 

Thought I should check in and let you know what I going on here at our house!  Tom has been in the hospital since last Tuesday. They are trying to get him stronger and on medication that will work so they can do a surgery. (I guess..) Tomorrow he will be sent to a rehab center. I'm not sure yet but I might go with him. There are so many options. So, we are still here, sun comes up and the sun goes down and all is well with the world. I do know God has a plan and one day this situation will just be a memory. But I must do what is right and loving to get through this. In some ways, just being in the same room with Tom will be comforting for both of us. But then that limits my ability to do anything. (darn) They told me I couldn't be a patient and have my car there. If I drove off they would be liable for me also. (another darn) I've got so many thoughts going through my head right now, I don't know what is the right to do. So, will pray on that tonight.

 

More as it happens...

 

Thanks for all your comments, good thoughts and prayers!

I've Missed Blogging

Life has really been a challenge lately. My life is more of  one than getting food is for this little squirrel! smile... Do you see the seeds flying through the air???

He is such a little pig, he is eating so fast that the food is all over his face and belly. Then when he moves, it all falls to the ground and his partner eats it!! lol  And he finally emptied this feeder...sigh...

 

So, then he headed to the suet feeder. (And he finished that off too..) The poor birds really didn't have a chance to eat much of this food.

This was when Tom was in the ER last week. Things have not improved (if anything they are worse). We went to our family doctor this week, they had him do a 24 hour urine test, and he was suppose to have a stomach sonogram also. We got the urine jug returned. (haven't heard the results yet.) The heart doctor also wanted him to get fitted with a heart monitor to wear for 24 hours.  Yesterday, when we were suppose to get the monitor put on, he was so weak there was no way he could make it to that appointment. Finally in the afternoon the home health nurse and myself got him to heart doctor. Again they changed his medication and have him set up to see another physician and he will more than likely do a procedure on his heart next week. 

 

I was thinking today how I miss blogging, but I know people like to read uplifted and fun posts. And, since things have changed so much here it's been difficult to see and think of positive things to blog about. But with prayer there is always 'hope' that good things will come.

 

Have a good weekend.

Quick Note

I know this is a terrible picture, but I took it via Instagram. Sorry, I haven't been on the blog for a few days. But between my hip (killing me) and Tom's heart meds causing problems, I just haven't felt up to posting. sorry...

 

Yesterday Tom was very lethargic, short of breath and just couldn't do anything. We were going to our DIL's retirement of 30 years in the Air National Guard program, when Tom got very weak. He slept most of the day. We felt so bad not being able to go. sad... Then this morning, it was the same, I called his heart doctor and the doctor on call, said since he was short of breath and fatigued etc., I could bring him to the hospital of call 911 and have them assess him and take him to the hospital if necessary. Well, that is what we did and they chose to take him to the hospital to be checked out. My son had to come over and take me with our van up there. (bless him) Anyway, his heart rate was very high, so they put him on another heart medication, which brought the rate down and they sent him home. He slept most of day also. I will call his doctor in the morning and we'll see what he has to say.

 

I will try to keep you updated on him.

 

Happy New Year 2013

Happy New Year!!! 2013!! I found this beautiful picture on Facebook and wanted to share it with you. It came from Our Prayer's page.

We headed off to the hospital this morning for my tests. And let me tell you, I was very...very tired as I stayed up till midnight and was up early this morning!! smile...

This was so cute...when I checked in at the hospital this lady had all this 'bling' on and I told her I loved it!!! She said since it was New Year's Eve they were told to wear something festive!! And she said at her age she didn't care what  others thought (like that it was too brash!)...ha...ha... I really got a kick out of her! My kind of lady!!

After my tests, we went down to the hospitals cafeteria and had lunch. The food was very good and we both got full! I was so glad to finally have my 'coffee'... It's really hard for me to miss my normal cup of coffee each morning...smile...

On our way home we almost ran over these Tom turkeys...ha...ha.. 

Later in the day after we took a nap....the doctor called and said my tests came back okay. So that was good news for me. We are home and will soon usher in the New Year...with sugar plums dancing in our heads...smile...

Blessings to all and good night.... See you next year..........

more as it happens............ 

Hospital Day....

Tonight on our local TV station this photo was their Facebook Fan Photo of the day. We were excited! It has been quite awhile since they've used one of our photo's and our friends have been asking why? (to us) They were thinking we hadn't been taking any new photos. smile...

Today, I had to go to the hospital to have my throat stretched and am thankful everything went well! We were up  and at the hospital early this morning! The day of course was long...smile... But afterwards and when they woke me up...I was still tired. When we got home and I finally had a bite to eat we took a long...long nap! Even so...I'm still kind of tired, but feel good.

So...tomorrow I will write more. Hope you've had an amazing day!

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

May 13, 1937: Sadie and I papered Crabb's kitchen. We had lots of fun. Allen took us home. We went to graduation exercises. I sat with "Bud" Lines. Went home with Elaine.

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more as it happens here in the city............ 

We had a visitor today.....

We slept in this morning after our late night. I was still in my jammies this morning when the door bell rang!!! Since I was in the other room...I heard Tom say "Hi Jerry".. then Tom hollared at me to come out...that there was someone here that I would be excited to see. I thought ...what?? Did you forget I was in my jammies??? So, I peeked around the corner...and saw my number 2 boy kid!! smile... Jerry is one of my son's best friends, he was always around the house when they were young and I'd call him that!! So big ((hugs)) were in order...even in my jammies...ha What a lovely surprise this was!!! 

He is driving a cement truck and our neighbor was pouring a driveway...so Jerry was waiting for his turn to unload his cement!! Isn't God good?? Sure helped me start my day with a great big smile....

Yesterday, we went to a bar-b-que restaurant for lunch and fun!! So, I decided to wear my Red cowboy hat!! smile... Some of the other ladies had the same idea! Great Red Hat Minds thinks alike...

And then of course as you all know...we headed for a long afternoon and evening..................at the hospital.... I think we finally made it to bed around 11:30 p.m. Now you know why we slept in this morning!!!

Our weather has been fallish today!!! The temps weren't too bad...upper 50's but then the wind is out of hand. Upper 30 mph gusts, from the south!! Kind of funny... I read Linda Stubb's blog who lives in Kansas, said she too is having strong winds down there. And....someone commented on her blog from Missouri and they too are having those bad winds.... Wonder where that wind is coming from??? Texas??? smile... What is your weather doing today??

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

January 2, 1937:

Lawerence called me this morning. Washed 11 diapers. Cleaned all the house. It has been a blizzard today.

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more as it happens here in the city..........