Thursday, March 26
Shopping HEB in Alamo TX
I didn't take these pictures. I snipped them from Facebook. But I think I will feel more comfortable when I have to go buy groceries.
Update Plus
Butch is home from the hospital and we had an appointment with his surgeon. The Xrays say the bone is starting to heal. Good News. Today we will be going to his first outpatient appointment for physical therapy. I have to drop him off at the door. I won't be allowed in. (Covid-19)
Liz loaned us her golf cart so we can get around the park for a change of scenery. We were naturally slowing down because of old age and this adds another layer of slow.
One of the little snafu's we have had concerns a hypodermic syringe. I am supposed to give Butch an injection every morning for 11 more days to guard against blood clots. Yesterday was the first one and we ruined the syringe in trying to figure it out. It seemed like a puzzle. I asked several people in the park if they knew how, including a couple of RN's. None of us were able to figure it out. So today I called CVS and they told me to bring it in and they would show me. The pharmacist looked at it and said this must be new. So he went online to see if he could see what the changes might be. We both felt a bit sheepish when it was discovered it was merely a matter of muscle. Pulling the end off, exposing the needle took a lot more effort than any of us realized. Simple once you know how!
Butch's first outpatient appointment was today at 1:00PM. They told me I could come to pick him up at 2:00. It was more like 2:30 because he was going through an evaluation to see where his start line was and that took more time. It was a pleasant surprise that his sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The only negative part of that is that shopping at Costco would not be a good diversion for me at this time. So I parked in the shade and listened to an audiobook.
Thelma belongs to Candy and Rick, our neighbors closest to us. Thelma and Butch have formed a relationship. Thelma will be leaving for Kansas tomorrow and she and Butch will miss each other. Thelma has a solution now. Rick, Candy, and Thelma have been the best of neighbors.
Butch's loaner
When old guys put their heads together some serious problem solving takes place. A big thanks to Dave, Paul, and Alex. Butch said things would be a lot easier if he had a handrail on the left side of the Moho door. Abracadabra and there it was!!
The first time he has been at the computer since the accident.
Sitting at the table at Liz's rental place while talking to Jason on the phone. Peaceful picture don't you think?
Liz loaned us her golf cart so we can get around the park for a change of scenery. We were naturally slowing down because of old age and this adds another layer of slow.
One of the little snafu's we have had concerns a hypodermic syringe. I am supposed to give Butch an injection every morning for 11 more days to guard against blood clots. Yesterday was the first one and we ruined the syringe in trying to figure it out. It seemed like a puzzle. I asked several people in the park if they knew how, including a couple of RN's. None of us were able to figure it out. So today I called CVS and they told me to bring it in and they would show me. The pharmacist looked at it and said this must be new. So he went online to see if he could see what the changes might be. We both felt a bit sheepish when it was discovered it was merely a matter of muscle. Pulling the end off, exposing the needle took a lot more effort than any of us realized. Simple once you know how!
Butch's first outpatient appointment was today at 1:00PM. They told me I could come to pick him up at 2:00. It was more like 2:30 because he was going through an evaluation to see where his start line was and that took more time. It was a pleasant surprise that his sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The only negative part of that is that shopping at Costco would not be a good diversion for me at this time. So I parked in the shade and listened to an audiobook.
Thelma belongs to Candy and Rick, our neighbors closest to us. Thelma and Butch have formed a relationship. Thelma will be leaving for Kansas tomorrow and she and Butch will miss each other. Thelma has a solution now. Rick, Candy, and Thelma have been the best of neighbors.
Butch's loaner
When old guys put their heads together some serious problem solving takes place. A big thanks to Dave, Paul, and Alex. Butch said things would be a lot easier if he had a handrail on the left side of the Moho door. Abracadabra and there it was!!
The first time he has been at the computer since the accident.
Sitting at the table at Liz's rental place while talking to Jason on the phone. Peaceful picture don't you think?
Monday, March 23
About my blog
I have been writing this blog since 2002. Sometimes I add things for future reference, using it as a journal so to speak. And my style of writing has always been as if you are sitting across from me and we are having a visit. So if you see something I have posted on Facebook or in an email or other location and then it shows up on the blog it is because I want to "save" it.
Since Butch broke his leg I have been quite busy. When I haven't been physically busy I have been mentally busy and for me that is normal. My mental busyness has always outrun the physical and that is why I have heard on more than one occasion from my constant companion, Butch, "You think too much, Barb." Yup, I must say he is probably right but I look upon it as a benefit most of the time. In my old age, I have learned to harness it a bit and we are both grateful for that.
Till I think up something else...
Since Butch broke his leg I have been quite busy. When I haven't been physically busy I have been mentally busy and for me that is normal. My mental busyness has always outrun the physical and that is why I have heard on more than one occasion from my constant companion, Butch, "You think too much, Barb." Yup, I must say he is probably right but I look upon it as a benefit most of the time. In my old age, I have learned to harness it a bit and we are both grateful for that.
Till I think up something else...
Viral Poem
This is the good kind of viral — a poem, making the rounds on social media, that can uplift anyone affected or infected by coronavirus:
"When this is over, may we never again take for grantedA handshake with a strangerFull shelves at the storeConversations with neighborsA crowded theaterFriday night outThe taste of communionA routine checkupThe school rush each morningCoffee with a friendThe stadium roaringEach deep breathA boring TuesdayLife itself.When this endsmay we findthat we have becomemore like the peoplewe wanted to bewe were called to bewe hoped to beand may we staythat way — betterfor each otherbecause of the worst."
Who wrote the poem?
The author, Laura Kelly Fanucci, a Minnesota resident, writes a syndicated column, “Faith at Home,” published in Catholic newspapers nationwide and has written six books.
She didn't mention "coronavirus," "virus" or "pandemic" once in this poem. Did you notice? Probably not. Anyone who reads it will know what the "this" in "when this is over" is.
But she may have mentioned everything you'll never take for granted again once we're past all of "this."
The poem has already been shared thousands of times on social media.
Fanucci told the Caller-Times via email that she has been amazed by the response to her poem.
"At this point it's been shared over 83,000 times on Facebook and 48,000 times on Instagram, as far as I can track," she wrote. "So it's certainly struck a chord (although it feels strange to call something "viral" in this present crisis). I've seen it translated into several languages and have been asked for permission to reprint it in countless places.
"The words came to me in the middle of the night. Our youngest child is only 3 weeks old so I'm up with him at all hours. Everything feels darker and more frightening at night, so I started wondering what small good I could offer to people as a writer. Since then, it took on a life of its own. I've simply been sitting back and watching. Hoping it offers people some hope and comfort in such an anxious time."
Saturday, March 21
Border Story
A. and R. are in a motorhome on our street, almost directly across from us. I met them last year about this time when they were scoping our park for a place to land this season. They liked our spot but settled for the one across the street and they have learned to love it too. They are a good fit for Trophy. A. is a top-notch pool player and R. is a quilter. They both have many other talents as well.
Both Renie and Alex have been going to Progreso for extensive dental work...and then the pandemic came with talk of closing the border. A. finished up with his work yesterday leaving him exhausted and in pain. R. was scheduled to go back today. The border closed last night at midnight and R., knowing this was coming insisted they finish up her work as well. They needed some prep time to get that done so they sent her home and scheduled her for 6:00 pm last night. So she returned to Nuevo Progreso Mexico last night, alone to get her work finished. Alone, in Mexico, after dark, hours before a border closing. I knew what she was up to so I watched for her return. With great relief I watched her pull in at 10:00 PM a mere 2 hours before the border closing. R. is one tough cookie in my opinion! I greatly admire her tenacity.
Both Renie and Alex have been going to Progreso for extensive dental work...and then the pandemic came with talk of closing the border. A. finished up with his work yesterday leaving him exhausted and in pain. R. was scheduled to go back today. The border closed last night at midnight and R., knowing this was coming insisted they finish up her work as well. They needed some prep time to get that done so they sent her home and scheduled her for 6:00 pm last night. So she returned to Nuevo Progreso Mexico last night, alone to get her work finished. Alone, in Mexico, after dark, hours before a border closing. I knew what she was up to so I watched for her return. With great relief I watched her pull in at 10:00 PM a mere 2 hours before the border closing. R. is one tough cookie in my opinion! I greatly admire her tenacity.
Friday, March 20
Life Changes
Sometimes life changes happen slowly over time and other times it happens instantly, as in a broken leg, and sometimes it is a double whammy and a Coronavirus Pandemic.
For me, I can't visit Butch in the hospital. We talk a few times a day on the phone. I will be picking him up and bringing him home on the 24th. We will both be ready to get our lives back to some semblance of normal. He now has permission for unsupervised movement within his hospital room using a walker. He is happy about that, however, we know he is being his true self as he is getting a bit impatient with the help and bordering on grumpy. He has learned to like the meals and I sure didn't think that would happen. So we can still get surprised!
Trophy Gardens has suspended all activities and shut down most of the facilities. The pool hall is closed. The restroom facilities are all closed because some deranged person decided to steal all the toilet paper. There are about 20 stalls at least in the men's room and also the women's room. That is a lot of toilet paper! In addition to that, buying cleaning supplies for the cleaning personnel has been hampered too. 2020 will always be associated with toilet paper!
For me, I can't visit Butch in the hospital. We talk a few times a day on the phone. I will be picking him up and bringing him home on the 24th. We will both be ready to get our lives back to some semblance of normal. He now has permission for unsupervised movement within his hospital room using a walker. He is happy about that, however, we know he is being his true self as he is getting a bit impatient with the help and bordering on grumpy. He has learned to like the meals and I sure didn't think that would happen. So we can still get surprised!
Trophy Gardens has suspended all activities and shut down most of the facilities. The pool hall is closed. The restroom facilities are all closed because some deranged person decided to steal all the toilet paper. There are about 20 stalls at least in the men's room and also the women's room. That is a lot of toilet paper! In addition to that, buying cleaning supplies for the cleaning personnel has been hampered too. 2020 will always be associated with toilet paper!
Thursday, March 19
Socially Distanced
Since they shut down visitors at the hospital I haven't seen or heard much but will relay some of what I have heard.
The border is still open at Nuevo Progreso but they have canceled Winter Texan Appreciation Day, held each year on March 21st. I think my timing on getting down there (Mexico) and taking a side road with very few people on it was well done. And what puzzles me somewhat is that I did not fine-tune that action. I did it with no conscious thought. Since I am an avoider of crowds in life it was what I would have chosen to do on any day.
From the news: There are still no cases of Covid-19 in the Rio Grande Valley as far as I know. There was a couple from Michigan who had been to Idaho before coming to South Padre Island and then returned to Michigan who found out after they got home that they tested positive for Covid-19. And there was a Mexican businessman who had been on a trip who apparently tested positive somewhere and was self quarantining. Not sure of the details on that one but both had connections to South Padre Island. South Padre Island is 50+ miles from our location.
Yesterday I went to the Main Hall to get the mail and weigh myself. I felt as though I had walked in on a funeral. The mood was somber and sad. They were closing down virtually everything at the insistence of the corporate offices of Wilder. Not sure why the long faces and I didn't ask, just doing my chores and leaving. Most people who are going "home" have left. All activities are suspended except for those done by individuals among friends. I guess there are two ways of looking at it but I feel we are fortunate that we can and will stay put until Butch is able to get us home safely and we have a better knowledge of the situation North of here. Hmmm...just wondered if they will lock up the pool hall. Some of my planning involved going there.
Weighing in: My last recorded weight before yesterday was 153.2 on December 14th. March 18th I weighed in at 150.5. I have successfully settled in with a low carb way of eating. My body has adjusted and is happy with my choices. I pretty much know what I can get by with and when it comes to sugar and starch it isn't much. Jason asked me when it was that I weighed what I do now. As I remembered it I quit smoking in 1984 and at that time I weighed 140 something. And then along came my first computer and the Internet and over the next 5 years I put on 50+ pounds. I like to think that if I knew then what I know now it would have been different but realistically I am not sure. Some things you need to be ready to accept. I am feeling very good. Little to no joint pain. I can cross my legs, trim my toenails and every article of clothing in my closet either fits or is too big. Oh yes, it has been a very long time since I have had an A-Fib episode and I sleep better than I have in years or maybe ever!
The border is still open at Nuevo Progreso but they have canceled Winter Texan Appreciation Day, held each year on March 21st. I think my timing on getting down there (Mexico) and taking a side road with very few people on it was well done. And what puzzles me somewhat is that I did not fine-tune that action. I did it with no conscious thought. Since I am an avoider of crowds in life it was what I would have chosen to do on any day.
From the news: There are still no cases of Covid-19 in the Rio Grande Valley as far as I know. There was a couple from Michigan who had been to Idaho before coming to South Padre Island and then returned to Michigan who found out after they got home that they tested positive for Covid-19. And there was a Mexican businessman who had been on a trip who apparently tested positive somewhere and was self quarantining. Not sure of the details on that one but both had connections to South Padre Island. South Padre Island is 50+ miles from our location.
Yesterday I went to the Main Hall to get the mail and weigh myself. I felt as though I had walked in on a funeral. The mood was somber and sad. They were closing down virtually everything at the insistence of the corporate offices of Wilder. Not sure why the long faces and I didn't ask, just doing my chores and leaving. Most people who are going "home" have left. All activities are suspended except for those done by individuals among friends. I guess there are two ways of looking at it but I feel we are fortunate that we can and will stay put until Butch is able to get us home safely and we have a better knowledge of the situation North of here. Hmmm...just wondered if they will lock up the pool hall. Some of my planning involved going there.
Weighing in: My last recorded weight before yesterday was 153.2 on December 14th. March 18th I weighed in at 150.5. I have successfully settled in with a low carb way of eating. My body has adjusted and is happy with my choices. I pretty much know what I can get by with and when it comes to sugar and starch it isn't much. Jason asked me when it was that I weighed what I do now. As I remembered it I quit smoking in 1984 and at that time I weighed 140 something. And then along came my first computer and the Internet and over the next 5 years I put on 50+ pounds. I like to think that if I knew then what I know now it would have been different but realistically I am not sure. Some things you need to be ready to accept. I am feeling very good. Little to no joint pain. I can cross my legs, trim my toenails and every article of clothing in my closet either fits or is too big. Oh yes, it has been a very long time since I have had an A-Fib episode and I sleep better than I have in years or maybe ever!
Wednesday, March 18
Common sense
A good common sense article about sanitary protection.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/common-household-products-that-can-destroy-novel-coronavirus/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/common-household-products-that-can-destroy-novel-coronavirus/
Tuesday, March 17
Another busy day
I did go to Magnolia Park for a quick visit with Donn and Peggy and Susan VH. I rode with Peggy while she took some recycles to the pickup site. It gave us time to visit. Susan is headed out tomorrow. It seems many people are heading for home I wish them all the best and hope and pray we can reconnect next fall.
This afternoon Dave and I went to see Butch. His therapist was in his room and it was very informative. The information actually took place before we got to his room. They are closing down the hospital at midnight tonight. No visitors. Butch was able to see his Xrays for the first time. We were too!
It indeed was a bad break. Some of these were taken while the surgery was in process. The therapist said the doctor giving him permission to bear as much weight on it as he could bear means he had confidence in his work. It does look sturdy now.
Dave and I came back to the park about 5:30 stopping at the HEB Plus store at the corner of Cage and Ridge street. The shelves are still empty. I went in for cottage cheese. There was NO cottage cheese and most of the shelves throughout the store had little to offer.
I accepted a supper invitation from Liz and Dave and it really hit the spot. I was surprised at how hungry I was!
I am winding down fast so will sign off for now...
This afternoon Dave and I went to see Butch. His therapist was in his room and it was very informative. The information actually took place before we got to his room. They are closing down the hospital at midnight tonight. No visitors. Butch was able to see his Xrays for the first time. We were too!
Dave and I came back to the park about 5:30 stopping at the HEB Plus store at the corner of Cage and Ridge street. The shelves are still empty. I went in for cottage cheese. There was NO cottage cheese and most of the shelves throughout the store had little to offer.
I accepted a supper invitation from Liz and Dave and it really hit the spot. I was surprised at how hungry I was!
I am winding down fast so will sign off for now...
My yesterday
I went to Mexico. Yup, you read that right. I went to Mexico. I made a mistake the last time I went and purchased the incorrect eyedrops for sis-in-law Marlene so I needed to get that fixed before we head north and decided now was better than later. I went with Paul and Sally. Paul is Butch's pool partner and also they are a couple we play Dirty Board with. Although I may never play it again and that is a story for another time.
It was packed down there and the line to get out seemed neverending. This was around 10:30AM. Paul and Sally walked down to Hectors with me on the west side street. It was the first time they had been off the main drag. It is a faster trip if you do not have to weave in and out of people. Hector was busy. Hector is always busy. I made the exchange and we were then on our way back to Jessica's for lunch. I had Chicken Fajita Special the same as last time I was there and it was equally delicious. $4.95. You also get a free margarita, tortilla chips and salsa and a small bowl of ham and bean soup. That last bit is all free. Along with all that, there is music, dancing, and entertainers. Talk about being catered to! We then came back to the main drag to El Disco where I picked up 3 large bottles of vanilla before heading home. Miraculously, there was no line for walkers! We came directly through. There was a fairly long line for car traffic. Back in the USA!
I called Butch when I got home and interrupted one of his therapy sessions but he was relieved to hear from me and know that all was well. We are living in uncertain times.
Butch found out that his release date is March 24th. He is doing very well with his therapy and relearning how to live with a broken leg while it heals. I have not seen him work this hard since we remodeled the house in Iowa.
I am going over to Magnolia Park this morning. Peggy and I use the same laundry soap. Kirkland Free and Clear and it comes in a very large container. I am nearly out and she has offered to give me a refill. It will be a good time to visit as things are really slowing down in the valley. I will stop by and see Susan Van Houweling before she heads back to Iowa next week.
Stay tuned!
It was packed down there and the line to get out seemed neverending. This was around 10:30AM. Paul and Sally walked down to Hectors with me on the west side street. It was the first time they had been off the main drag. It is a faster trip if you do not have to weave in and out of people. Hector was busy. Hector is always busy. I made the exchange and we were then on our way back to Jessica's for lunch. I had Chicken Fajita Special the same as last time I was there and it was equally delicious. $4.95. You also get a free margarita, tortilla chips and salsa and a small bowl of ham and bean soup. That last bit is all free. Along with all that, there is music, dancing, and entertainers. Talk about being catered to! We then came back to the main drag to El Disco where I picked up 3 large bottles of vanilla before heading home. Miraculously, there was no line for walkers! We came directly through. There was a fairly long line for car traffic. Back in the USA!
I called Butch when I got home and interrupted one of his therapy sessions but he was relieved to hear from me and know that all was well. We are living in uncertain times.
Butch found out that his release date is March 24th. He is doing very well with his therapy and relearning how to live with a broken leg while it heals. I have not seen him work this hard since we remodeled the house in Iowa.
I am going over to Magnolia Park this morning. Peggy and I use the same laundry soap. Kirkland Free and Clear and it comes in a very large container. I am nearly out and she has offered to give me a refill. It will be a good time to visit as things are really slowing down in the valley. I will stop by and see Susan Van Houweling before she heads back to Iowa next week.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 15
An Hours Wait
It was another hour wait to see him again today. He is still doing great. The swelling in his leg has decreased quite a bit. He gets less of a workout on Sunday but the intensity stays the same. After his last session, they told him they were taking the wheelchair away as they want him to use the walker for bathroom trips and to walk down to his therapy sessions and the dining room.
We played a couple of games of cribbage. I won. I can't say that often.
He is making great strides on this road to recovery. I am proud of him.
We played a couple of games of cribbage. I won. I can't say that often.
He is making great strides on this road to recovery. I am proud of him.
Saturday, March 14
Updating the ups and downs
I am so overwhelmed with the idea of catching up on this blog. This past week has been a whirlwind of activity starting with my birthday on the 6th of March.
It was a most pleasant and memorable birthday with Butch taking me out for lunch at Dirty Al's. It used to be we would have to go to Port Isabel or Padre Island for Dirty Al's shrimp but a couple of years ago they opened one in McAllen and that is where we went. It was delicious and I savored every bite of my shrimp. And Butch enjoyed his cheeseburger and fries. When we came home flowers were delivered from Leo and Keri. That was a big surprise. It has been years since I have received flowers. Oh yes, and a teddy bear and balloons.
The very next day in the evening is when Butch fell out of the shower breaking his leg. Needless to say that changed nearly everything. I had made our reservations for our trip North but had to cancel all that. I had changed our mail to stay in Jefferson. Canceled that. Now we do not know when we may make the trip. That is the bad news and the good news is we can stay here as long as we can rely on Leo and Keri to handle a few details for us. The main one is mowing the lawn. Butch seems to think he will be a fast healer and I certainly hope he is right. He is giving it his best effort.
These photos were taken yesterday.
I started this story before I went to see him today. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get there. So at 9:30 off I go and when I got there I found I couldn't enter the building until noon. So I reversed my steps and came back home. I started back about 11:30 and when I got there this is what I saw.
I decided that rather than mingle with the crowd I would just wait until it thinned out. That was a mistake. I may have waited the entire afternoon. I did finally get in line. The new rules are only 2 visitors the entire day. So if I go only one other person would be allowed in. The hours strictly enforced are noon to six. We understand and do not find it a hardship to comply.
They are working him very hard but he says he can tell a big improvement every day. My friend
Mickey said to encourage him to get all the therapy he can and he wholeheartedly agrees.
Leo and Keri sent him some flowers so I took a pic.
He was a pooped puppy!
Beautiful!
I am a bit worn myself so maybe tomorrow I will follow up with more.
It was a most pleasant and memorable birthday with Butch taking me out for lunch at Dirty Al's. It used to be we would have to go to Port Isabel or Padre Island for Dirty Al's shrimp but a couple of years ago they opened one in McAllen and that is where we went. It was delicious and I savored every bite of my shrimp. And Butch enjoyed his cheeseburger and fries. When we came home flowers were delivered from Leo and Keri. That was a big surprise. It has been years since I have received flowers. Oh yes, and a teddy bear and balloons.
These photos were taken yesterday.
I started this story before I went to see him today. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get there. So at 9:30 off I go and when I got there I found I couldn't enter the building until noon. So I reversed my steps and came back home. I started back about 11:30 and when I got there this is what I saw.
I decided that rather than mingle with the crowd I would just wait until it thinned out. That was a mistake. I may have waited the entire afternoon. I did finally get in line. The new rules are only 2 visitors the entire day. So if I go only one other person would be allowed in. The hours strictly enforced are noon to six. We understand and do not find it a hardship to comply.
They are working him very hard but he says he can tell a big improvement every day. My friend
Mickey said to encourage him to get all the therapy he can and he wholeheartedly agrees.
Leo and Keri sent him some flowers so I took a pic.
I am a bit worn myself so maybe tomorrow I will follow up with more.
Wednesday, March 11
Better, Much better
Butch is settled in on the Therapy floor. McAllen Medical Center in McAllen Texas room 608. He is doing very well. He will have 4 therapy sessions per day of 45 minutes each for one to two weeks. Today was his first day and he was up from 6:00 am until 2:00 PM when I left. He was pretty tired by then and I am guessing he had a good long nap this afternoon. He has some loyal visitors and I am sure he is very glad to have the variety. When I say "up" I mean it. In a wheelchair interspersed with walks with a walker. They waste no time in helping you get your life back.
I will drive over every day to see him, timing it with the normal lulls in traffic. So far,So good. I have made up my mind I will be doing his chores along with mine and I can do it. If nothing else to prove to myself I can do it.
I will drive over every day to see him, timing it with the normal lulls in traffic. So far,So good. I have made up my mind I will be doing his chores along with mine and I can do it. If nothing else to prove to myself I can do it.
Getting better
Butch has been moved to rehab on the 6th floor of the McAllen Medical Center. A private room, number 608 and he will be there for 7 to 14 days. They have new rules from the floor he was on before. No urinals. So he has to go to the bathroom in the bathroom. It is a very nice facility so there is plenty of room. Also, they do not bring your meals to you. There is a community dining area where everyone eats. Most of the people in the region are bilingual but Spanish is their first language so naturally, that is what they fall back on. That and many of his hallmates have had strokes as well so there isn't much conversation happening. If they would only encourage him a little he would take up the slack.
He is feeling quite well for all he has been through. The only stumbling block thus far is that when he is lying down he cannot lift his right leg. He can wiggle his foot and bend his knee but he cannot do much when the leg is flat and full length. I am sure that is what they will be working on in the coming weeks.
He has not had any pain meds since the day of surgery. He says the only time it hurts is when he moves it and he doesn't think that is a good enough reason to take any as the pain is not okay, but it is bearable. I am very sure he will be a star patient. He always is.
I have had to put on my big girl panties and drive in city traffic. I have found a route where I can avoid the expressway and get there without incident or fear. I have two solo trips under my belt so far. It is a 9-mile trip and I try to time it to avoid busy times.
So far he is getting a good amount of company to break up his day. He is sleeping quite a bit too. Dave and Liz brought him a cribbage board and he and I have played.
It is looking like we may have to stay another month, maybe longer. The good news is we can do that. They said after his hospital therapy he will be having a month of outpatient therapy. We will do what we have to do to make it right
I am still having moments where I can't believe it actually happened.
He is feeling quite well for all he has been through. The only stumbling block thus far is that when he is lying down he cannot lift his right leg. He can wiggle his foot and bend his knee but he cannot do much when the leg is flat and full length. I am sure that is what they will be working on in the coming weeks.
He has not had any pain meds since the day of surgery. He says the only time it hurts is when he moves it and he doesn't think that is a good enough reason to take any as the pain is not okay, but it is bearable. I am very sure he will be a star patient. He always is.
I have had to put on my big girl panties and drive in city traffic. I have found a route where I can avoid the expressway and get there without incident or fear. I have two solo trips under my belt so far. It is a 9-mile trip and I try to time it to avoid busy times.
So far he is getting a good amount of company to break up his day. He is sleeping quite a bit too. Dave and Liz brought him a cribbage board and he and I have played.
It is looking like we may have to stay another month, maybe longer. The good news is we can do that. They said after his hospital therapy he will be having a month of outpatient therapy. We will do what we have to do to make it right
I am still having moments where I can't believe it actually happened.
Tuesday, March 10
It's the Little Things
I found this in drafts! I thought I sent it a long time ago! So here it is and better late than never.
Tomorrow is my birthday and I will be 77 years of living. I was checking out the weather for tomorrow and this is what I found! The temperature tomorrow will also be 77. Yes, it is always the little things that bring a smile to my face.
Tomorrow is my birthday and I will be 77 years of living. I was checking out the weather for tomorrow and this is what I found! The temperature tomorrow will also be 77. Yes, it is always the little things that bring a smile to my face.
Butch and I went to Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas Mexico today. It is right on the border and the one we have been going to for all the years we have been coming here. It is much the same. The inspections when coming back take much longer and the inspectors are more thorough but nothing too much to deal with. I was scrutinized too much for my comfort because of the number of meds I had with me so next year we will make more trips and spread it out over more visits. No Problemo!
The only problem will be remembering to do it!
We have our itinerary scoped out for our return North. We will be leaving here on Sunday, April 5th and after a few stops along the way, we will be arriving back in Iowa by the 15th. We have some Canadian friends who have said they are going to try and coordinate a stop at our place around that time and we would hate to miss them.
77- It does not seem possible or even likely. There is a much younger person inside this body that struggles each day to keep the old girl in good shape. I feel so much younger than I did even a year ago.
I am well aware that I am rambling on and skipping around and I want to apologize for the gaps in my blog entries. It does seem that the days fly by and the time either runs out or what I have done of interest doesn't seem important or I cannot remember what it is! Thanks to all who hang in there with me and still read the blog.
Progress
Butch has been moved to room 435. He was supposed to go to the 6th floor for rehab but they do not have a room for him. They want him to go to their rehab facility in Edinburg which is fewer miles for me and he may do that. He was walking in the hall this morning and he went to the first pole and back which he says was not very far but any is good. He also said he feels 100% better than yesterday. He hasn't needed any pain meds since the day of surgery. He said it doesn't hurt until he moves it and even then it is bearable.
We have never received any info about what the surgeon actually did. The nurses showed me his chart and it basically said it was broken and I fixed it. He has no restrictions as far as mobility. He is supposed to let the pain level tell him when it is too much and I am sure he will. I plan to use the blog for updates and texting on the phone if I have to. I like to assume I reach more of our friends and family by the blog however I also know that is not always true.
Till next time...
We have never received any info about what the surgeon actually did. The nurses showed me his chart and it basically said it was broken and I fixed it. He has no restrictions as far as mobility. He is supposed to let the pain level tell him when it is too much and I am sure he will. I plan to use the blog for updates and texting on the phone if I have to. I like to assume I reach more of our friends and family by the blog however I also know that is not always true.
Till next time...
Monday, March 9
Life Changing Moment
Saturday night about eight we decided to get our showers out of the way because of a couple of upcoming shows we wanted to watch. I went first without incident and then Butch. He dropped the soap and when he dropped the soap, bending over to pick it up, bumping his head on the built-in shelf, flinched, feet slipped and he fell out of the shower with a hard hit on the metal piece on the bottom ledge breaking his right femur just below his hip. It made a very loud sound. So loud the neighbors heard it and thought it was "The Knocker". Another story, for another time. I did get rattled but finally calmed myself enough to get the first responders called.
The first responders in our park are a group of qualified medical people who come to the aid of anyone who needs it. The number to reach the first responders is on the back of our badges and they are incredibly useful. When we check-in, we are asked to fill out a sheet of medical questions on a form, place it in a red envelope and leave it in an easy to spot location. Our's were on the visors in the front of the motorhome. The first responders have had over 30 calls in the park this season so far. They determine if an ambulance is needed and in Butch's case there was no doubt so Marcia had me call 911 before she got here. 911 keeps you on the line but Marcia took over when she got here. Her husband meets the ambulance at the gate and leads them to the place. It was quite the event getting Butch strapped to a board and moved out of the motorhome and into the ambulance but everyone involved did an excellent job. I rode in front with the driver. He was very careful trying to make the trip as smooth as possible. We went to McAllen Medical Center ER and they were very busy! Saturday night in the city! They x-rayed him using a portable machine. In fairly short order they had him moved to the 4th floor in room 429. I stayed the night trying to sleep in a very uncomfortable recliner. Neither of us got any sleep. Keny and Mikie Patrick, our next-door neighbors to the north, told me to call them when I needed to come home as I got into the ambulance and so I did. The people in this park are super. I have not found a bad apple in the bunch.
I planned to spread the help around so I didn't put too much pressure on one friendship. Dave and Liz took me back to the hospital after I got some sleep. I missed talking to Butch before he went into surgery and I hated that but such as it was, it ended up making the wait time more productive. Butch went to the surgical area at 12:45 pm, into surgery at 2:00 or so, into recovery at 4:30 and into his room about 5:45. Surgery went well. Dr. Lago told Butch he had to fight for a surgery time slot because the hospital doesn't place a broken leg as an emergency.
Butch just called me (9:45 am, Monday) and they have him up in a chair!! He said it went fairly well and yes, it hurt but it was bearable. He was sitting in the chair all the time we talked and it helped both of us feel very hopeful!! They told him to go ahead and use the leg as normal, walk, put pressure on it etc. AMAZING. When it comes down to it Butch has always been a trooper! And healthy as a horse! More later...
The first responders in our park are a group of qualified medical people who come to the aid of anyone who needs it. The number to reach the first responders is on the back of our badges and they are incredibly useful. When we check-in, we are asked to fill out a sheet of medical questions on a form, place it in a red envelope and leave it in an easy to spot location. Our's were on the visors in the front of the motorhome. The first responders have had over 30 calls in the park this season so far. They determine if an ambulance is needed and in Butch's case there was no doubt so Marcia had me call 911 before she got here. 911 keeps you on the line but Marcia took over when she got here. Her husband meets the ambulance at the gate and leads them to the place. It was quite the event getting Butch strapped to a board and moved out of the motorhome and into the ambulance but everyone involved did an excellent job. I rode in front with the driver. He was very careful trying to make the trip as smooth as possible. We went to McAllen Medical Center ER and they were very busy! Saturday night in the city! They x-rayed him using a portable machine. In fairly short order they had him moved to the 4th floor in room 429. I stayed the night trying to sleep in a very uncomfortable recliner. Neither of us got any sleep. Keny and Mikie Patrick, our next-door neighbors to the north, told me to call them when I needed to come home as I got into the ambulance and so I did. The people in this park are super. I have not found a bad apple in the bunch.
I planned to spread the help around so I didn't put too much pressure on one friendship. Dave and Liz took me back to the hospital after I got some sleep. I missed talking to Butch before he went into surgery and I hated that but such as it was, it ended up making the wait time more productive. Butch went to the surgical area at 12:45 pm, into surgery at 2:00 or so, into recovery at 4:30 and into his room about 5:45. Surgery went well. Dr. Lago told Butch he had to fight for a surgery time slot because the hospital doesn't place a broken leg as an emergency.
Butch just called me (9:45 am, Monday) and they have him up in a chair!! He said it went fairly well and yes, it hurt but it was bearable. He was sitting in the chair all the time we talked and it helped both of us feel very hopeful!! They told him to go ahead and use the leg as normal, walk, put pressure on it etc. AMAZING. When it comes down to it Butch has always been a trooper! And healthy as a horse! More later...
Friday, March 6
Wednesday, February 26
Updating
We are nearing the end of February and that alone seems preposterous but here we are, like it or not. We have started looking at a northward trip with an inkling of interest. When the weather seems summerlike here it gets the brain cells moving even knowing it is colder than the dickens up there and no place for us and our delicate condition. What is our "delicate condition" you ask? Extreme aversion to cold weather is the answer. After spending so many winters in the south the cold seems more than twice as bad when we have to deal with it.
Today we are having one of those cold snaps that remind us to stay put. The high of 61 has already been here at 7:20 am and they are promising a low of 39 tonight. Fortunately, these cold snaps are shortlived and by the weekend we will be enjoying summerlike weather once again.
Butch and Deon played in a mixed doubles pool tournament in the Golden Olympics held each season. They got past the first team but lost to the next two. I thought they played well having a chance in each game. I enjoyed watching it.
My game is improving but still has a ways to go to be much of a challenge to anyone. I am continuing to work on it and still enjoy it.
Till next time!!
Today we are having one of those cold snaps that remind us to stay put. The high of 61 has already been here at 7:20 am and they are promising a low of 39 tonight. Fortunately, these cold snaps are shortlived and by the weekend we will be enjoying summerlike weather once again.
Butch and Deon played in a mixed doubles pool tournament in the Golden Olympics held each season. They got past the first team but lost to the next two. I thought they played well having a chance in each game. I enjoyed watching it.
My game is improving but still has a ways to go to be much of a challenge to anyone. I am continuing to work on it and still enjoy it.
Till next time!!
Saturday, February 22
Sleep Gaps?
For years I have had gaps in my sleep. I would wake up about 2:00 or so and lay awake for sometimes as long as two hours. I learned to live with it. It irritated me when it happened but if I took a twenty-minute nap during the next day it didn't disrupt my day too much. Little did I know there was a solution. I was having trouble with cramps, especially at night. In searching for solutions I came across an article that gave a list of possible deficiencies that could be the root of the problem and Magnesium was one of them so I bought some, not knowing there are different forms of Magnesium. Since taking Magnesium glycinate for about a month now I have not had even one night of sleep gap or cramps.
Here is some info: let's just say you do not want "Disaster Pants".
Here is some info: let's just say you do not want "Disaster Pants".
Friday, February 21
Fine Art Revisited
Roy Burgess posted this on Facebook so I snipped it to share because I love it!
Waiting for Mona
Doings
Butch is still playing pool quite a bit and I do too as often as I can work it in. Butch played the last two days in the park championship. 23 guys signed up to play and each of them had to play against everyone one time. That is a bunch of games! Butch says 6 losses was third and he had 7 so he came in fourth or tied for fourth. There are a large number of very skilled pool players in this park so his finish was respectable. We both play in mixed doubles on Sundays. It is fun and a way to interact with people you might not in ordinary times. I also play with the ladies on Monday and Tuesday afternoons when nothing conflicts in my schedule.
Last Monday I missed ladies pool because of a dermatology appointment. We both had a clean report on our biopsies. Good to go for another 6 months. We usually follow up trips out of the park with a trip to Costco or a stop in Magnolia depending on the day and the needs. We have not eaten out very much. It is very difficult to eat healthy in a restaurant. We know people who eat out nearly every meal.
Trivia is still happening with pretty much the same people from week to week. They have a good time and so do I. Butch does too now that he has played enough pool to keep him satisfied.
It won't be long before we make a trip to Mexico. Yes, we still go down. No, we are not afraid. The whole situation is much different than portrayed on media.
I haven't mentioned Keto or diet for quite a while but I am still eating that way. I am happy with what the scales might say. I really do not know but my clothes fit the same so I assume the numbers are okay.
Listen to the Mockingbirds!
Last Monday I missed ladies pool because of a dermatology appointment. We both had a clean report on our biopsies. Good to go for another 6 months. We usually follow up trips out of the park with a trip to Costco or a stop in Magnolia depending on the day and the needs. We have not eaten out very much. It is very difficult to eat healthy in a restaurant. We know people who eat out nearly every meal.
Trivia is still happening with pretty much the same people from week to week. They have a good time and so do I. Butch does too now that he has played enough pool to keep him satisfied.
It won't be long before we make a trip to Mexico. Yes, we still go down. No, we are not afraid. The whole situation is much different than portrayed on media.
I haven't mentioned Keto or diet for quite a while but I am still eating that way. I am happy with what the scales might say. I really do not know but my clothes fit the same so I assume the numbers are okay.
Listen to the Mockingbirds!
Spring?
When we arrived in late October the leaves were already off the trees. That is not usually the case. The grass was sparse too so I assumed it was due to lack of rain. We have still had a lack of rain. I can only think of a few times it has rained all winter and only one was a gullywasher. Mid-February is when the leaves return and I am happy to report they are here! It is the South Texas version of the arrival of Spring.
This is also the time of year when activities and events are a bit frantic and you can attend some sort of happening every day if you choose to do so. I passed on that several years ago. Old age perhaps? I remember pulling out the gate in years past and feeling as though I were on vacation! Free at last! I made a promise to myself when we changed parks that I was not going to overschedule myself and I have pretty much stuck to it. One of the perks of being a SENIOR is being able to do and say what you choose. It is a happy time of life. One small warning to the younger generations- you do have to safeguard your health if you plan to enjoy your senior years and it is never too late or too early to start.
This is also the time of year when activities and events are a bit frantic and you can attend some sort of happening every day if you choose to do so. I passed on that several years ago. Old age perhaps? I remember pulling out the gate in years past and feeling as though I were on vacation! Free at last! I made a promise to myself when we changed parks that I was not going to overschedule myself and I have pretty much stuck to it. One of the perks of being a SENIOR is being able to do and say what you choose. It is a happy time of life. One small warning to the younger generations- you do have to safeguard your health if you plan to enjoy your senior years and it is never too late or too early to start.
Tuesday, February 18
RV Cooking
RV Cooking
I have been a fan of Allrecipes for many years.
The recipes, coming from actual cooks, have been tried and tested.
This particular link is focusing on RV or "small space" cooking.
Since many of us fit in that category I thought you might enjoy this website.
Saturday, February 15
Knee Deep
We are knee-deep in the busiest part of the season with the days flying by at lightning speed. It will soon start heading the other way where things will start winding down and the RVs will be leaving the park. The managers told us last Tuesday that there are 644 people in the park currently. No wonder I do not know them all! That is twice the number of the town of Cumberland IA where I was mayor for a term or two. Also twice the number of our former park at its peak.
So far the season has been quite pleasant in almost every way. The weather has been moderate most of the time with 2 day cold snaps on occasion. We have a warm week coming up with temps in the 80's.
Butch and I have always seemed to thrive on change so when it is time to head north we will embrace it just as we do when it is time to head south in the fall.
Here are some pictures that were taken lately. Listen to the Mockingbird.
Bougainvilla down by the office
So far the season has been quite pleasant in almost every way. The weather has been moderate most of the time with 2 day cold snaps on occasion. We have a warm week coming up with temps in the 80's.
Butch and I have always seemed to thrive on change so when it is time to head north we will embrace it just as we do when it is time to head south in the fall.
Here are some pictures that were taken lately. Listen to the Mockingbird.
Bougainvilla down by the office
Taken on a cloudy day. Notice my bike parked under the slideout. We use it as our temporary garage.
Butt Wipes
The truth about Butt Wipes and RV holding tanks
By Emily WoodburyIt was a Tuesday and I got a knock on my door from my trusty (and well-loved) Amazon delivery man. I didn’t think I had ordered anything but, then again, sometimes I forget. I opened the box and saw an army-green box inside. What the…? A 42-pack of Bob’s Butt Wipes. Wow! Just what I’ve always wanted! As much as I can appreciate the importance of butt wipes, I was sure I had not ordered these (I didn’t have that much wine…).
Later that day, my phone rang. “Hi! Did you get the butt wipes?!” It was my dad, your favorite RV editor, Chuck Woodbury. “Ah, yes, I did. Care to explain?” Ultimately, am I surprised my father sent me a container of butt wipes with a funny logo? No. I often open my front door to find strange things he’s sent to me (like a 5-foot tall alien blow-up toy from Roswell, or T-shirts that say things like, “I fed Prairie Dogs in South Dakota”). He explained, “They’re selling these butt wipes at Camping World. The box says they’re flushable, but I don’t think they’ll dissolve as toilet paper does. Will you put a few in a jar on your counter in some water, shake it up a couple of times a day, and see if it dissolves?” “Sure, Dad,” I said.
It’s been ten days since I put the butt wipes in a jar of water on my kitchen counter (even the dog gives me weird looks when I go to shake it up). But guess what? They haven’t dissolved, not even a tiny bit. The butt wipe is just as much of a butt wipe as it was when I first put it in there. (I apologize for the poor-quality photo. It was hard to see the wipe against any light surfaces, so my gray couch had to do the trick. At least you get the point.)
Let’s do a little research here, shall we? Camping World’s website, where you can buy 42 of these wipes for $7.31, writes, “Flushable wipes are biodegradable and disperse in under 3 minutes, so your sewer and septic systems will remain clog-free.” Well, we know from my science experiment above that this is not true. One disappointed Amazon reviewer writes, “This product is advertised as biodegradable and RV/septic tank safe. They are not! They do not break down and biodegrade as stated. These lodged in my RV and clogged the black tank drain. They are effective for their intended use but(t) they should not be used with a septic system or a RV.”
Now, this kind of thing isn’t new to the “advertising-lied-to-me” world. Back in April, many news stories came out saying that flushable wipes (from baby wipes to makeup removing wipes) aren’t actually flushable, and plumbers are getting tired of fishing out huge clogs. Here’s one of those stories. See the photo below from the Twitter account of the Sanitation Districts of LA County. They write, “The wipe is still whole after a year!” Yikes, we don’t even want to think about how bad these are for the environment, much less our septic tanks.
Moral of the story? Don’t flush anything down your poor RV toilet other than toilet paper, and preferably white, single-ply toilet paper at that. The system is just as sensitive as your stomach is after a night of spicy Mexican food, and nobody deserves the task of unclogging that meal from your RV’s toilet … nobody.
Use butt wipes, sure, if you must, but put them in the garbage and walk them out to the dumpster later that night. You’ll get a few extra steps in for your day, and you’ll keep your partner, your toilet, and your plumber happy.
Oh, also, I should share something funny. A few days after I received these in the mail, I got an email from our wonderful RVTravel.com accountant. She wrote, “Emily … Sorry but I have to ask … please see attached Amazon order … butt wipes??? Please share with me what business expense category this is for.” Because they were shipped to me, it looked like I had purchased them. I told her I’d send her this article, once I had written it, to explain the business butt-wipe expense. So here we are.
##RVT935
Thursday, February 13
Friday, February 7
79 degrees here today
We are rebounding from a cold spell whereby the temperature in the daytime was 55 degrees. That was on Wednesday. Those kinds of temperatures while in the motorhome are not pleasant, combined with wind and dampness it makes for a very unpleasant atmosphere. You may not think so but you must remember we are acclimated to warm weather. 55 degrees with clouds and dampness in Iowa about mid-July will give you the same kind of unpleasantness. No, you perhaps are not in danger of freezing to death but still it is less than pleasant. It is all 70's and 80's in the foreseeable future so back to normal, Yeah!
Butch is playing in the Friday Pool League this afternoon so we will assume he is having fun. I have just returned from a bike ride around the golf course and the park. Fun going North, not so fun going South. It was a workout though.
When I sat down to the computer I tried to remember what I should be doing and then decided to just chat with you all for a bit. But now I have remembered that next week's trivia questions are not completed so better get to that...soon. Last Tuesday one of the women who play cards but not trivia was telling me how much she enjoyed the questions while playing cards but wished she could see the answers..."Is there any way you could put the questions and answers on the blog? You aren't going to use them again, are you?" The answer is: "Yes, I could put them on the blog." "Do I want to? "No." I always like to have a sound reason when I say "No" to anything. That was one of my rules when raising the boys- Is there a good reason to say "No"? I found it to be a reliable yardstick. So this time I am hedging. I may break down and post them but so far I am mulling it over.
On to trivia questions!
Butch is playing in the Friday Pool League this afternoon so we will assume he is having fun. I have just returned from a bike ride around the golf course and the park. Fun going North, not so fun going South. It was a workout though.
When I sat down to the computer I tried to remember what I should be doing and then decided to just chat with you all for a bit. But now I have remembered that next week's trivia questions are not completed so better get to that...soon. Last Tuesday one of the women who play cards but not trivia was telling me how much she enjoyed the questions while playing cards but wished she could see the answers..."Is there any way you could put the questions and answers on the blog? You aren't going to use them again, are you?" The answer is: "Yes, I could put them on the blog." "Do I want to? "No." I always like to have a sound reason when I say "No" to anything. That was one of my rules when raising the boys- Is there a good reason to say "No"? I found it to be a reliable yardstick. So this time I am hedging. I may break down and post them but so far I am mulling it over.
On to trivia questions!
Thursday, February 6
Inflammation?
Foods to avoid if you are suffering from inflammation. I wish I had known these years earlier!!
https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/foods-cause-inflammation/?_cmp=TheHealthy&_ebid=TheHealthy262020&_mid=327198&ehid=DFCB285FB10C1684E2551C941D1B0CD3D95CA5D3
https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/foods-cause-inflammation/?_cmp=TheHealthy&_ebid=TheHealthy262020&_mid=327198&ehid=DFCB285FB10C1684E2551C941D1B0CD3D95CA5D3
Wednesday, February 5
Old Pics of Jason
One of the reasons I hang in there with Facebook even though so much of what gets posted is pure rubbish is the occasional surprise. Like today when I am slowly making my way through the rubbish, which I hide by the way when I spot a picture of our youngest son Jason. At that point in his life, he had graduated from college and was living on his own in Boone. Jason went on a trip to California with a friend named Theron. I remember him going on the trip but little else about it. I remember him telling us about Theron's Grandpa Cyrus McQuillen in California. Butch and I both remember Cyrus as the father of a classmate of Butch's and a workmate of my father. Of course, we know now that The McQuillen family in California was making the acquaintance of our youngest son, Jason. Little did we know that many years later we would become much better acquainted with Dugan, Sharon, and Kevin McQuillen and value their friendship so very much.
What a special treat to see these pictures of Jason on his California trip. Jason is the one with the mustache. My guess on the year would be 1983 or 1984
What a special treat to see these pictures of Jason on his California trip. Jason is the one with the mustache. My guess on the year would be 1983 or 1984
Sunday, February 2
craft project at Home Depot.
They are doing a craft project at Home Depot.
Little Leo and Gary
Little Leo and Gary
Miss Elise...with a hammer!
Saturday, February 1
Advice to Kids
I wish my younger self had embraced all of this advice. A father wrote this for his children. His children are very lucky to have him for a father. Enjoy.
Barb Brooker
What could I best teach them to equip them for life?
This is what I’d like them to know:
You are good enough. Most people are afraid to do things because they are afraid they’re not good enough, afraid they’ll fail. But you are good enough — learn that and you won’t be afraid of new things, won’t be afraid to fail, won’t need the approval of others. You’ll be pre-approved — by yourself.
All you need to be happy is within you. Many people seek happiness in food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, partying, sex … because they’re seeking external happiness. They don’t realize the tools for happiness aren’t outside them. They’re right inside you: mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, thoughtfulness, the ability to create and do something meaningful, even in a small way.
You can start your own business. As a young man, I thought I needed to go to college and then be employed, and that owning a business is for rich people. That was all wrong. It’s possible for almost anyone to start their own business, and while you’ll probably do badly at first, you’ll learn quickly. It’s a much better education than college.
Everything useful I’ve learned I didn’t learn from college … I learned from doing.
That said, I’ve had some amazing teachers. They’re not always in school, though: they’re everywhere. A friend I met at work. My peers online. My mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, uncles, and aunts. My wife. My kids. Failure. Teachers are everywhere if you’re willing to learn.
Spend less than you earn. Thirty percent less if you can manage. Most people get a job and immediately spend their income on a car loan, high rent or a large mortgage, buying possessions and eating out using credit cards. None of that is necessary. Don’t spend it if you don’t have it. Learn to go without, and be happy with less.
Put away some of your income to grow with the power of compound earnings. Your future self will thank you.
Learn to love healthy food. It’s all a matter of adjusting your tastebuds, slowly and gradually. Learn to cook for yourself. Try some healthy, delicious recipes.
Learn compassion. We start life with a very selfish outlook — we want what we want. But compassion is about realizing we are no more important than everyone else, and we aren’t at the center of the universe. Someone annoys you? Get outside of your little shell, and try to see how their day is going. How can you help them be less angry, less in pain?
Never stop learning. If you just learn something a little a day, it will add up over time immensely.
Have fun being active. Sure, there’s lots of fun to be had online, and in eating sweets and fried food, and in watching TV and movies and playing video games. But going outside and playing with friends, tossing a ball around, swimming, climbing something, challenging each other … that’s even more fun. And it leads to a healthy life, a healthy heart, a more focused and energetic mind.
Get good at discomfort. Avoiding discomfort is very common, but a big mistake. Learning to be OK with some discomfort will change your life.
The things that stress you out don’t matter. Take a larger perspective: will this matter in five years? Most likely the answer is no. If the answer is yes, attend to it.
Savor life. Not just the usual pleasures, but everything and everyone. The stranger you meet on the bus. The sunshine that hits your face as you walk. The quiet of the morning. Time with a loved one. Time alone. Your breath as you meditate.
Meditate.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They are some of the best teachers. Instead, learn to be OK with mistakes, and learn to learn from them, and learn to shrug them off so they don’t affect your profound confidence in who you are.
You need no one else to make you happy or validate you. You don’t need a boss to tell you that you’re great at what you do. You don’t need a boyfriend/girlfriend to tell you that you’re lovable. You don’t need your friends’ approval. Having loved ones and friends in your life is amazing, but know who you are first.
Learn to be good at change. Change is the one constant in life. You will suffer by trying to hold onto things. Learn to let go (meditation helps with this skill), and learn to have a flexible mind. Don’t get stuck in what you’re comfortable with, don’t shut out what’s new and uncomfortable.
Open your heart. Life is amazing if you don’t shut it out. Other people are amazing. Open your heart, be willing to take the wounds that come with an open heart, and you will experience the best of life.
Let love be your rule. Success, selfishness, righteousness … these are not good rules to live by. Love family, friends, coworkers, strangers, your brothers and sisters in humanity. Love even those who think they’re your enemy. Love the animals we treat as food and objects. Most of all, love yourself.
And always know, no matter what: I love you with every particle of my being.
Barb Brooker
Advice to my Kids
I have six lovely children — one of them now an adult, and a couple more almost there — and I give a lot of thought to what I think they should know as they grow up and go out into the world.What could I best teach them to equip them for life?
This is what I’d like them to know:
You are good enough. Most people are afraid to do things because they are afraid they’re not good enough, afraid they’ll fail. But you are good enough — learn that and you won’t be afraid of new things, won’t be afraid to fail, won’t need the approval of others. You’ll be pre-approved — by yourself.
All you need to be happy is within you. Many people seek happiness in food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, partying, sex … because they’re seeking external happiness. They don’t realize the tools for happiness aren’t outside them. They’re right inside you: mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, thoughtfulness, the ability to create and do something meaningful, even in a small way.
You can start your own business. As a young man, I thought I needed to go to college and then be employed, and that owning a business is for rich people. That was all wrong. It’s possible for almost anyone to start their own business, and while you’ll probably do badly at first, you’ll learn quickly. It’s a much better education than college.
Everything useful I’ve learned I didn’t learn from college … I learned from doing.
That said, I’ve had some amazing teachers. They’re not always in school, though: they’re everywhere. A friend I met at work. My peers online. My mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, uncles, and aunts. My wife. My kids. Failure. Teachers are everywhere if you’re willing to learn.
Spend less than you earn. Thirty percent less if you can manage. Most people get a job and immediately spend their income on a car loan, high rent or a large mortgage, buying possessions and eating out using credit cards. None of that is necessary. Don’t spend it if you don’t have it. Learn to go without, and be happy with less.
Put away some of your income to grow with the power of compound earnings. Your future self will thank you.
Learn to love healthy food. It’s all a matter of adjusting your tastebuds, slowly and gradually. Learn to cook for yourself. Try some healthy, delicious recipes.
Learn compassion. We start life with a very selfish outlook — we want what we want. But compassion is about realizing we are no more important than everyone else, and we aren’t at the center of the universe. Someone annoys you? Get outside of your little shell, and try to see how their day is going. How can you help them be less angry, less in pain?
Never stop learning. If you just learn something a little a day, it will add up over time immensely.
Have fun being active. Sure, there’s lots of fun to be had online, and in eating sweets and fried food, and in watching TV and movies and playing video games. But going outside and playing with friends, tossing a ball around, swimming, climbing something, challenging each other … that’s even more fun. And it leads to a healthy life, a healthy heart, a more focused and energetic mind.
Get good at discomfort. Avoiding discomfort is very common, but a big mistake. Learning to be OK with some discomfort will change your life.
The things that stress you out don’t matter. Take a larger perspective: will this matter in five years? Most likely the answer is no. If the answer is yes, attend to it.
Savor life. Not just the usual pleasures, but everything and everyone. The stranger you meet on the bus. The sunshine that hits your face as you walk. The quiet of the morning. Time with a loved one. Time alone. Your breath as you meditate.
Meditate.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They are some of the best teachers. Instead, learn to be OK with mistakes, and learn to learn from them, and learn to shrug them off so they don’t affect your profound confidence in who you are.
You need no one else to make you happy or validate you. You don’t need a boss to tell you that you’re great at what you do. You don’t need a boyfriend/girlfriend to tell you that you’re lovable. You don’t need your friends’ approval. Having loved ones and friends in your life is amazing, but know who you are first.
Learn to be good at change. Change is the one constant in life. You will suffer by trying to hold onto things. Learn to let go (meditation helps with this skill), and learn to have a flexible mind. Don’t get stuck in what you’re comfortable with, don’t shut out what’s new and uncomfortable.
Open your heart. Life is amazing if you don’t shut it out. Other people are amazing. Open your heart, be willing to take the wounds that come with an open heart, and you will experience the best of life.
Let love be your rule. Success, selfishness, righteousness … these are not good rules to live by. Love family, friends, coworkers, strangers, your brothers and sisters in humanity. Love even those who think they’re your enemy. Love the animals we treat as food and objects. Most of all, love yourself.
And always know, no matter what: I love you with every particle of my being.
Wednesday, January 29
What we do- POOL
Both of us are playing a good deal of pool and I am enjoying it very much. I am sure it will always be a challenge for me because I do not go at it as scientifically as Butch does. That and he has years of practice starting in his youth. Fun, none the less.
I also enjoy Trivia but I miss not being a participant. The people playing trivia are coming back regularly so I know they too enjoy it.
We are going to Padre tomorrow with hopes of seeing the Kite festival at least a little bit. It will be in full force this weekend but our weekend is full of other stuff.
So keep looking and if you are wondering check-in on www.trophygardens.blogspot.com
Nearly forgot! Pool- My partner, Greg and I last Sunday were tied for first place with two other couples. I haven't seen any posting of the results so far.😢
I also enjoy Trivia but I miss not being a participant. The people playing trivia are coming back regularly so I know they too enjoy it.
We are going to Padre tomorrow with hopes of seeing the Kite festival at least a little bit. It will be in full force this weekend but our weekend is full of other stuff.
So keep looking and if you are wondering check-in on www.trophygardens.blogspot.com
Nearly forgot! Pool- My partner, Greg and I last Sunday were tied for first place with two other couples. I haven't seen any posting of the results so far.😢
Dermatologist
Our Up-North Derm guy, Dr Poag, suggested we see a dermatologist after we arrived in the Rio Grande Valley. So we did and the appointment was Monday. We each had a biopsy and I must say it did not hurt at all! I have had mosquito bites that hurt worse. Now the freezing process was different. That hurts like holy heck! And we both had several spots done. We have a follow up in 3 weeks to get biopsy results but I do not expect any bad news for either of us.
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