Tuesday, March 31
A friend with eggs
Alex, our Trophy neighbor across the street, captured my heart and made my eyes light up when he brought me a dozen eggs. Nobody thought that would ever happen! He said that Walmart had eggs, one dozen per customer so he went in twice to get me some eggs. I am very grateful.
Two eggs are my first meal each day and now I will bore you with my preparation routine. I place two half-pats of butter in a skillet, placing thinly sliced onion in each butter pat. After letting it cook a bit, I crack an egg over each one and break the yolk. After the eggs have set up quite a bit I carefully turn them over to cook the other side. Place them on a plate and add a dollop of cottage cheese on each one. I love this breakfast!! Eggs have been so hard to come by lately.
Two eggs are my first meal each day and now I will bore you with my preparation routine. I place two half-pats of butter in a skillet, placing thinly sliced onion in each butter pat. After letting it cook a bit, I crack an egg over each one and break the yolk. After the eggs have set up quite a bit I carefully turn them over to cook the other side. Place them on a plate and add a dollop of cottage cheese on each one. I love this breakfast!! Eggs have been so hard to come by lately.
Whistling Ducks
Butch happened to spot these two and alerted me to them. The lighting was less than ideal and a barking dog was keeping their attention focused in the opposite direction.
Monday, March 30
Caught my eye 2
I went for a walk up around the golf course. Getting outside amongst some nature does wonders for the mental attitude. You can feel the stress just falling off of you.
Mark, Rich, and Wayne cussin' or discussin'.
Lonnie is making his rounds since the pool hall is closed
Horseshoes anyone?
I would like a whirligig like this one
Fence peekers
Corn is knee-high by Easter
Butch cannot play but he can advise
Butch and his pool partner Paul.
Cabbage
Romaine? That's a guess
The golf course was a busy place
Alex is cleaning up his Moho is prep for heading out to Michigan soon.
Mark, Rich, and Wayne cussin' or discussin'.
Lonnie is making his rounds since the pool hall is closed
I would like a whirligig like this one
Fence peekers
Corn is knee-high by Easter
Butch cannot play but he can advise
Butch and his pool partner Paul.
Cabbage
The golf course was a busy place
Sunday, March 29
Life in the slow lane
We are doing fine in our solitude. I am getting caught up and entertained on the computer and Butch is starting to get reacquainted with the book he was reading before the FALL. The Girl From Charnelle.
The Girl from Charnelle. It's 1960 in the Panhandle town of Charnelle, Texas -- a year and a half since sixteen-year-old Laura Tate's mother boarded a bus and mysteriously disappeared. Assuming responsibility for the Tate household, Laura cares for her father and three brothers and outwardly maintains a sense of calm.
Having been on Keto since last June and changing my entire way of eating has been another blessing in that I have fully adjusted to cooking at home. So it has been a seamless transition and most likely why my cupboard and freezer have been well-stocked. I have not been to a grocery store or any other kind of store since March 17th. I purchased a garden mix of greens and 2 bags of radishes at that time. last night we had pork loin, sweet potato, onions, potato salad, and coleslaw. Butch called it a feast. Today will be leftovers. I am thinking I may need a grocery excursion sometime in the next week. Fresh produce will be tops on my list.
We have been having weather with temps in the high 90's. Today is cooler and cloudy and we have the windows open. Yeah!!
The Girl from Charnelle. It's 1960 in the Panhandle town of Charnelle, Texas -- a year and a half since sixteen-year-old Laura Tate's mother boarded a bus and mysteriously disappeared. Assuming responsibility for the Tate household, Laura cares for her father and three brothers and outwardly maintains a sense of calm.
Having been on Keto since last June and changing my entire way of eating has been another blessing in that I have fully adjusted to cooking at home. So it has been a seamless transition and most likely why my cupboard and freezer have been well-stocked. I have not been to a grocery store or any other kind of store since March 17th. I purchased a garden mix of greens and 2 bags of radishes at that time. last night we had pork loin, sweet potato, onions, potato salad, and coleslaw. Butch called it a feast. Today will be leftovers. I am thinking I may need a grocery excursion sometime in the next week. Fresh produce will be tops on my list.
We have been having weather with temps in the high 90's. Today is cooler and cloudy and we have the windows open. Yeah!!
Saturday, March 28
Nothing Scheduled!
This will be a good day! Nothing scheduled anywhere! Actually, nothing is scheduled until next Tuesday, March 31st. It sounds like vacation!
I started this a few days ago after Butch's latest PT session.
I can always fall back on pictures so here are a few. The introvert that I am I do not mind the quiet, the slow pace, nowhere to go and nothing to do. It will be A-OK for awhile.
Butch was due for a haircut. We have been with these people all winter and we do take greater care with handwashing and distance...in case you are wondering.
Playing a little cribbage on a Saturday morning.
Less people= More birds
Right outside my windo while at my computer. Uh Huh, I LIKE IT.
I started this a few days ago after Butch's latest PT session.
I can always fall back on pictures so here are a few. The introvert that I am I do not mind the quiet, the slow pace, nowhere to go and nothing to do. It will be A-OK for awhile.
Butch was due for a haircut. We have been with these people all winter and we do take greater care with handwashing and distance...in case you are wondering.
Playing a little cribbage on a Saturday morning.
Less people= More birds
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...
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