Friday, July 27

I can see, I can see!

The second eye has been done and what a relief. I could see much better right away. It has been only a few hours so I do have some recovery to do yet but I can tell this time will be much better. Living with only one done and my vision being what it was proved to be worse than I thought. It was much like only having one functioning eye.
The procedures were done in two separate hospitals and I cannot help but compare. I like Boone. It is a very nice town and our son and his family live there but when it comes to a recommendation as to which hospital I would choose again it would hands down be Greene County Medical Center. They were professional and got the job done in both facilities and everyone knew their jobs and did them well. It felt to me that Jefferson went one step beyond and took it to an almost spa-like experience.

In Jefferson we were greeted at the front desk and we had one nurse throughout, walking us through each step. In Boone we registered and then were told where to go for the next step. In total I would say I had at least 6 different people doing different things at different times.
In Jefferson after the initial steps were done we waited in a community area with the patients in recliners and their companions sitting next to them. Conversation soon flowed amongst everyone. Butch had brought the Kindle and did not have time to read it. Coffee and donuts were provided by a hostess to everyone. Of course the patients had to wait till after their procedure. But in Boone we were each in our own little cubicle and Butch had plenty of time to read the Kindle. There was a TV in the cubicle but we didn't watch it. We had to be in Boone at 7:00 AM so we did not take time for coffee or breakfast. I could not have either of course. Butch was never offered anything nor was he told where he could go to get anything. Only the patient received any refreshment.
There were many other small differences and it is amazing how those little extra touches make such a difference.  Like I said before things were done as they should have been in both facilities but the Jefferson experience was remarkably different, special and upscale.

From Papa Gary-Elise video

Had this a while but just got around to editing
 
YouTube - Videos from this email
 
From Great Grandma Barb-Looks to me like Elise is exerting independence.

Thursday, July 26

Leo's tree damage


But on a lighter note here is the latest pic of Brady...looking more like his Grandpa Leo every day!
 

Wednesday, July 25

Passed my test and this and that

On track for second cataract surgery on Friday. I was A-OK with the eye exam.

We had a big old windstorm go through here a few minutes ago with about 10 drops of rain. It has cooled off but would be so good to have had the rain with it even though the crops are beyond help at this point.
Today was our 53rd wedding anniversary. We had many people wish us well and some even brought us gifts. I had asked Jason to make me a bottle tree and he did; so that was a coincidental gift but greatly appreciated. Keri made us a PECAN Pie! I know there are several of you out there green with envy over that one. Leo tried to take us out for breakfast but with doctor appts etc. we couldn't make it happen but the thought was duly noted and appreciated. And friends Jack and Denise gave us a very different and beautiful wind chime. I will go on a picture taking rampage one day soon and show you all of our new treasures.
 
I had every intention of getting the second coat of paint on the window trims but it didn't happen. We are going to blame it on triple digit temperatures once again. As Ethan would say, " Not Today, Maybe Tomorrow"
So till next time...

Tuesday, July 24

Pictures coming soon

The timing was a little tricky to work around the most brutal heat of the day but we managed and we now have the windows caulked and painted with at least one coat.
Tomorrow we must go to Ames (40 miles) for number one eye checkup. I have to pass the test in order to have eye number two done on Friday. Maybe if it works out I can get coat number 2 done on the windows sometime tomorrow. Second coats do not take long. I am so hoping to have some really great pictures very soon. I have some plans to pretty up the front of our place very soon. We will look very good from the outside but then we haven't looked too bad from the outside all along by design. People who have not seen the inside are a bit shocked when they walk through the door. That too will change very soon. Every thing is moving along in a timely manner these days.

Monday, July 23

Overly Hot!! and Tuna Melt

We are hunkering down in the AC. The weather man has promised cooler temps in the next few days. 105 is just too hot for this delicate flower and her man. They are also promising some rain. Unfortunately it will be too late for much of the corn crop.
Today I once again made the following recipe. I enjoyed it very much the first time I made it and looked forward to making it again. It is a simple recipe and the original called for french bread but a whole loaf of french bread would be too much for us  so I made it on open faced whole wheat rolls and it was mighty tasty. Mr. Picky pants liked it very much too. I baked ours a bit longer than 10 minutes because I like a few brown spots on top.

Tuna Melt

1 12 oz can tuna, drained
1 cup mayo
2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
1 small sweet onion, diced


Mix together and spread on french bread. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Sunday, July 22

Jigs Day

Yesterday 10 of us JIGS women met at The Corn Patch in Grimes. We had a great visit and caught up on news. The trip down and the ride back were fun as well. Our driver Pat (Limburg) Ruznak stopped at interesting places like the Hilltop Farm where we picked up some very tasty produce. It was a great day.

Keri stopped by with some ham balls yesterday and so we had an Iowa summer feast today after we returned from Lowes in Ames where we purchased hardware for some new doors. Back to the Iowa Feast...with the delicious ham balls, sweet corn and sliced tomatoes w/ cottage cheese. That was what I had. Butch had the delicious ham balls, potato salad, sweet corn and coleslaw. The summer abundance of all things fresh makes meals a wonderful experience.
It decided to sprinkle this morning so Colleen and I took a break from our morning walk.

Eyes- with my eyes being divided with only one done has been a bit of a stinker. I am sure glad I do not have to wait any longer than I do. Next Friday I will be having the left eye done. It is a contest just remembering the drops.  I will be doing drops all the way up to August 20th. It will be super having good vision again.
Till next time...

A Song/Video about Farming

My cousin Sherry's daughter Joanna had this video on her Facebook page. I shared it in that location but I know many of my farming connected friends are not big Facebook fans and knew they would enjoy this. Hope your connection is fast enough to make going to see it a pleasant experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48H7zOQrX3U&feature=player_embedded