Mon October 4

     Sent Scott the rifles. Mom and I had franks and beans tonight topped off with a fried egg. Things are going pretty ok these days. Mom’s eating well and is pretty regular Tomorrow I will check on mini clinic to see about booster shot .

9 May 2021 Mother's day

 It's obvious that I haven't been keeping this blog as up to date as was first intended  Original intent was to keep our kids informed as to that was happening here.  I was thinking that I could write it once and I wouldn't have to repeat the tale    Though it was probably generated to make it easier for me to communicate with folks. In a way and gratefully so, not much was happening so it was describing our dinners and such. Must say today was special, a day for Jane's crepes for breakfast. Early morning project has become a tradition here, why? because we made it so!

Monday 19 April

 Sort of a grey day in several ways more in continuance undies on the way. Meatloaf mashed and peas tonight.

Tuesday 13 Apr 21

 Dinner was Rotini Pasta with meat sauce. Was deliciou

12 April 21,Monday

       Well it's Monday a new week begins. weekend went pretty smoothly, and I'm thankful. Today is fisrt day of my struggle with our taxes. not too worried about them. just that this chrome book can handle the task.

Friday 2 April 21

 Finally saw a squirrel attack the slinky defense.  He bounded from the top of a wood spirit bounced off the bird bath leaped and grabbed the slinky and scrambled up the  slinky. Squirrel wins again.  These critters are really resourceful, can't keep them away from food, but can limit their access. Mom seems to be interested in their activities so their presence is welcomed. Sorta fun to put challenges for them to solve.

Thursday 1 Apr 21

 Two visits from the squirrel nation. The slinky seems to have kept them at bay. Tomorrow of course is another day I saw one guy try to use it to get up the pole but the slinky stretched nearly to the ground he let loose the slinky sprang back and he scampered off to the bushes. so far he hasn't figured it out.

Tuesday 30 Mar 21

 Hamburgers tonight. Today’s fun was setting up a “slinky” around the pole for the suet feeder and the bird feeder. We haven’t seen a squirrel trying to get to suet or bird seed yet. 

Saturday 27 Mar 21

H by Tortellini for tonight’s dinner. Wyze watch finally arrives. Seems like the big screen lets more message be visible. Good day with changing the hospital bed is really wonderful

Friday 26 Mar 21 Great dinner tonight

 d    Tonight's dinner was delicious, chicken thighs marinated with olive oil salt pepper and paprika cooked 2 minutes a side then simmered for. 20 or so minutes.  Plan to enjoy this evening yesterday was a bit hairy mom never cared for lightning and the thunder  it kept company with. She started to get pretty upset but it didn't get too bad. Today all was calm and very warm. really a welcome one.

Thursday 25 Mar 21h

 The dish washer repair guy came to assess dishwasher problem said it was repairable. He will order pump and spray line. To be back when parts arrive. 

Tuesday 23 Mar 21

      Today the doctor will make a telephone visit with Mom at 11:00 AM. Latest adventure is the failure of our trusty dishwasher.  Must call repair guy, he"s been here before,  years ago. We did have the phone visit with Jane's Dr. the follow up is scheduled for 8 weeks from now. 

Saturday 20 Mar 2021

 Well here we are Saturday dinner was chicken , broccoli, cheese dish to which I added some chicken. Later we’ll have some ice cream. 

Friday 19 Mar 21

 The storm that we expected last night went north and west of us, so we were spared. Today is cold and miserable. 

Wednesday 17 Mar 21

    Today was a fun day the squirrels have discovered our new feeder and started their offensive. The leap from a near tree branch allowed the little bandit to get to the feeder mounted on the window with suction cups....I cut the branches back. We'll see if that works. These thieves were able to climb the pole holding the suet feeder. I put some oil on a piece of paper towel  and rubbed it on the pole, He was having a problem of sliding down from any progress he made. Dinner was  meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and gravy. ice cream later.

Tuesday

 Finished the chicken and noodles. Not much happening. quiet day and night.

Monday 15 Mar 21

 Yesterday's dinner was cold barbecued chicken potato salad. Tonight the chicken was back on the table this time with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and asparagus.We get a lot of mileage out of a Harris Teeter chicken.  Things are going pretty well. that window bird feederwassuction cupped to Mom's widow so seeing the birds is close up.

Saturday, 13 Mar 21

       Well our bed is working out very nicely gets Mom sitting a little more upright, makes for easier swallowing. and eating in general. Ordered a window bird feeder for Mom's window. the one in the kitchen area has been invaded and lost to the Squirrel Nation.We finished a neighbor's casserole of chicken and broccoli  .and rice. Tonight's dinner has not been decided on yet. 

Wednesday 10 Mar 21

 Today is special, a hospital bed was delivered and setup. This is a big plus, even sliding Mom from our bed over to the hospital bed was done with relative ease. The ability to have mom sitting up to eat and other things. I have to the uses of the bed's attributes. Right now I'm delighted to have it. Some things were really getting a little difficult to handle and are now much easier.

Tuesday 9 Mar 21

 Good news , this morning heard that a hospital bed will be delivered to our house this  will really help Mom. we'll be able to sit her up and that'll make eating easier and safer. Tonight was a shrimp cocktail and chicken pot pie.Heels to play in ACC tournament tomorrow. It's Notre Dame  and Wake Forest tonight.

Monday, 8 Mar 21

The week end was  a quiet one. Today I may hear about getting that bed for mom. Beautiful morning,  got to start the pill parade and get going here. At .10:00 groceries are coming in from Walmart. Also getting some furniture sliders. Sunny and still a little cool today.

    So a hospital bed has been arranged for from some where in Durham. The Nurse at the internal Medicine Facility said bed people will call just before they bring bed over. Just a few things to be moved to make way for the bed. I was able to get sliders under the bed using a car jack, then slide the bed to the left, making room for the new bed.

Thursday, 4 Mar 21

      I was able to get to the Friday center for my second shot of the vaccine. Mom was confined the her bed. At the Center I asked about the possibility of having Mom's second shot delivered.After getting back home OI got word from one of the doctors at at the center that he could deliver the  shot to Mom on the way home.great news from not being able  to get her up to having this doctor volunteer this gift. I also called Dr. Kylstra's office hoping to get a hospital bed in here for Mom. They'll call back tomorrow.

Tuesday 2 Mar 21

 Cooler today, sun breaking through here and there.  our neighbors got over to Costco today and picked up their Italian sausage and pasta casserole. Started on one today.  Mom still not able to sit up in bed, prospect of moving her to car and to Friday center on thurs day is not good. plan is to get me to shot #2 and have Janes shot delivered.Need to check on a new bed that'll sit mom up so she can be more comfortable.

Monday, 1 Mar 21

 Today was the last of the pot roast. My heels lost to Syracuse by a couple  of points. I wrote this out yesterday but some how lost the post. Mom still not very active. 

Sunday 28th Feb

 Today was gorgeous nearly 70 ,  though cloudy the temp was wonderful.  Mom is starting to drift downward on the bed so her feet were starting to hang over the foot board.She would not let me pull her up higher, I was worried with mom drifting further down on the bed. i was luck to be able to slide a card table between the box spring and the foot board. sorta formed a platform at her feet. then I was allowed to pull her up higher. I'm a little concerned about if we can get to our second covid shot.  Dinner tonight was rotisserie chicken and potato salad, mine had a pickle.

Saturday

 A quiet day mom’s sleeping a lot. She said she said she wasn’t hurting so I let her rest dinner was The heels beat Florida State. 

Wednesday 24 Feb 21

Today is beautiful, sunny and heading for warm. pot roast for dinner tonight Finally the weather is getting nicer. sat outside for a while. put another block of suet in the feeder

After dinner while I was clearing the dishes and running the dish washer I noticed mom was standing near the bed before I got there she slide off the bed to the floor. I couldn’t get her up onto the bed. She insisted that I not call EMS. She really got upset with the prospect of the ambulance people coming here. Made her a bed on the floor will see what happens in the morning. Long day today. EMS checked mom out and lifted her onto the bed

Tuesday 23 Feb 21

 Shirley brought over a chicken tetrazzini dish for our dinner it was a real treat. Day was, otherwise, pretty quiet.

Monday 22 Feb 21

Groceries arrive  short one item reimbursed. Off to INR at 1:30 PM. Need to get to internal medical appointment it was raining like crazy for a while day ended with bright sunshine. Had INR back in 4 weeks.

Saturday 20th Feb

 Heels beat Louisville, Duck beats Virginia. good day. clear ans cold leaf blew the deck.Shrimp cocktail and pot roast stew with steamed carrots and potatoes. Ice cream dessert Blue birds all over the suet feeder most of the day ....walked a little. 

Friday 19 Feb 21

 Friday, it's  still cold and dreary. The weekend is supposed to be warmer and sunny. I'm for that this dreary weather can get a little dull. Dinner was pot roast mashed potatoes gravy. Tried to make a dump cake with pineapple and cherry filling and of course yellow cake mix. Wow for sweet. 

Thursday, 18 Feb 21

 The  therapist that was working on Mom's right hand the one with the broken wrist bones had her last day today and won't be back unless there's a referral from Mom's  doctor. It's rainy an cold  here north of us it gets to freezing and putting down power lines.

Tonight's dinner was really good. Chicken  thighs in a plastic bag with olive oil , smoked paprika garlic , salt pepper in pan two minutes a side 1 cup of chicken broth, simmer 30 minutes baby carrots cup o small potatoes some chopped onion. Thickened with corn starch.Mom wolfed this down its really easy and quick. Chocolate mousse for her dessert.

Wednesday 17 Feb 21

 Well, the sun is up shining in the tree tops. It's 28 degrees and going to get warmer we'll see about that that sunshine is a cheering event for the morning. Bacon and an egg for breakfast. New s uet block in place for the birds, they go nuts  or the fat and seeds in the block.Physical therapist due at 2:00 PM.trying to get the bird feeder to the bedroom window rather than the kitchen window. so mom can see whats going on.  

  

Tuesday 16 Feb 21

 Well the temp this morn ing as 46 degrees. Last night there were thunder storms coming thru the area. It's still dreary ,so far ,this morning, an over caste grey morning. Made out grocery delivery order. I'm at war with the squirrels, twice they put my feeder on the ground in need of repair. we'll see if my counter measures are effective. Mom's awake.

Monday 15th Feb 21

Raw cold day. Every thing went well. I think the added l-dopa dose to Jane's meds is causing a bit of improvement in her movements, today she got out of bed on her own and wandered down to the kitchen. She surprised me. 

Sunday 14 Feb 21

 Valentines Day was begun with the usual crepes with orange sauce. Not feeling too peppy this morning. Got up real early but fell asleep after breakfast. I’m thinking the COVID-19shot was responsible for my feeling a little under the weather. they said one to three days after receiving the shot side effects might set in and last for a couple of days. I feel a little punk right now but not that bad......just mostly tired. Jane says she’s feeling ok, but she’s sleeping more than usual

Saturday, 13 Feb 21

 It's a freezing morning here in NC at least that'as what Alexa says. Have the usual planned for today. Care and feeding of our selves. Those 93 % burgers last night seemed left over from a hockey game they were dry and leathery.Some bills to pay this morning.My heels play Virginia tonight. That'll be a slower then usual game, not that much fun to watch.

Friday 12 Feb 21

 Today was closer to normal for us. Dinner worked out hamburger, broccoli florets, a slice of mozzarella, and a few tater tots, tea and ice cream sandwiches. Glad we got our shots yesterday and scheduled for our second shot on the 4th of Mar. still a little wiped out from yesterday. The actual day wasn't bad just the anxiety of not knowing what would happen. They really handled every body very well. e. g . when after sitting out our observation time I tried to call our ride, one of the nurses came over and found my phome didn't have any service bars hers did so she called our ride for us. and soon we were home.

Thursday, 11 Feb 21

Today we got over to the Friday Center and got our first shots of the Pfizer vaccine. rainy day ,cold but not freezing . The place was a buzz of activity all very organized. Talked to Scott all heading back to full time work.Told me about his van and a heater the size of a loaf of bread. doing the air and the water. Both of us are pretty tired from the days activity. Got to get mom some ice cream then I'm ready to hit the sack.

Wednesday, 10th FeI

           Had a video visit with Margret Macomson NP at UNC neurology. She upped the dosage of l-dopa to three times a day. L-dopa kicks in within 30 min and is gone within 4 hours.This will help to put the effect where and when it's most effective. Got to get to the dump today with our garbage. really pleased with this visit. Have a new confidence in the neurology department after today.

           We finally made an appointment for our first covid shot. Tomorrow  the 11th of Feb at 1:40 PM  at the Friday Center. Our neighbors the are going to drive us over. That takes a bit of worry out of the whole operation.

Tuesday 9th of February

   Today was a good day ordered a bunch of groceries and had them delivered What a blessing to be able to order  just about anything and have it brought right to your front door. Tomorrow at 9:00 AM.  People at neurology have scheduled a phone appointment.  Wim, the physical therapist, is coming at 2:30. (10th). Thursday in the morning I'm headed for the clotting check. Marie made dinner possible tonight, cheesy chicken breast , broccoli, and peas.

Monday, 8th Feb 21

 Well the Super Bowl is over ‘til next year. Brady prevails and the amazing QB  goes on. Kansas City, mouth and penalties big part of their game.

Super Bowl Sunday

 Today started off cold and dreary. The cartridge for the printer arrived and was installed without incident. Filled out a long shopping list for groceries to be delivered. Sun is shining, beautiful day. Squirrels near killed my feeders got to repair it again. 

Friday

    Jane got a haircut today compliments of Tami. Wim,her physical therapist was to be here today, but he was over booked so he’ll be here tomorrow at 1:30. Chatham health for appointment for shot on Monday couldn’t get through to with phone. Must keep trying  

Thursday 4th Feb 2021

Today was the last day for our pot roast. Doctored up with carrots noodles and gravy. Like Jacques Pepin's fast foods my waythings cooked separately then combined .occupational therapist worked on Jane's hand. Tomorrow Tami's gift of a haircut will happen at 5;00.

Wednesday 3 Feb 2021

Neighbor stopped by to see if I was doing what was suggested to get an appointment for first covid shot.suggested trying late at night. The doses arrive late and appointments are determined that night. 

Tuesday, 2nd Feb 2021

      Tonight my heels get into it with Clemson.  earlier today I registered to get our covid shots at Duke what's really nice one our neighbors said they would drive us over to the covid shooting gallery. so its seat around and wait. Sounds like the Army except there it was hurry up and wait. Getting to know my new  watch. 

Monday, 1 Feb 2021

 Got down to CVS  picked up l- dopamine for mom and lisenopril for me Amazon delivered a smart watch for measuring heart rate etc. activity as opposed to a sedentary existence. One thing it talking Celsius when it comes to temperature. It was counting arm movements in terms of steps. Want see how it tracks my sleeping activity in terms of light and deep sleep. The big issue was I had to scan a code to load the app. I had to get a scanning app first. 

Saturday, 30 Jan 21

 Cold morning around 21 degrees though it did get up into the low 4Nb0s We finished the Costco casserole tonight.Big snow headed for the northeast. Ice possible for us. Tonight will be welcome for catching some zzzzs

Friday , 29thJan 21

 A quiet day today, Did some searching on the web for various things. nothing of significance looked, for some plant names from days gone by. Dinner was a piece of rump roast broccoli and mashed potato. my Instant pot really is a blessing in an hour and 10 minutes I have fork tender meat, a little work with a hand blender and I can get some delicious gravy. There's one more piece of chocolate cake that I dress up with some ice cream for Jane's dessert.

Thursday, 28th Jan 2021

 Jane's physical therapist worked with her today with the walking and some exercises to keep her torso from stiffening up. After the session Jane stayed in kitchen and watched some tennis. we had dinner at the kitchen table which we had not done in weeks. Neurology set up phone appointment with Dr Walker at 4:00 PM, Feb 10th. this is a follow up appointment. WE had the shower adventure today which went well...Tami made an appointment for Jane to  have her hair cut. 

Dinner was the second half of the Costco Sausage, pasta,spinach, tomato casserole. Jenny Jones' chocolate cake with a slab of vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday, 27 Jan 21

 !099's are arriving in the mail. Day was pretty nice today. Paid HOA dues. Have a nice dinner from our neighbors tonight. not much else going on. I missed watching the Heels play Pittsburgh, they won with the Freshman coming into their own. 

Monday, 26 Jan 21

 Cloudy day temperature in the 40s. Got on the waiting list for the vaccine at Duke. Both of us will get a call when they get more "Juice" Baked one of Jenny Jones' chocolate cakes. Feels good to know at least we're in the system and on the waiting list. Wonder if our kids even look at this blog. Kay little brought over one of the sausage casseroles from Costco.dinner is served. 

Sunday, 24 Jan 21

 Today was a quiet day , started out near 26 degrees, but did get into the 40's. Its 8:24 right now and the temp is 42 degrees. i managed to order to be delivered by Walmart. That's really cool they'll get dropped off on my porch with a cell phone alert. Dinner was finishing off a pasta lasagna.Mom slept a lot today I'm over dosing on football.

Saturday 23Jan21

 Finished the pot roast , with corn fritters and applesauce. The Heels beat State. Squirrel ravaged bird feeder has been repaired....Zoom meeting at noon. Seems like we can get some.threes out of our backcourt this year.

Friday, 22Jan21

 It’s a beautiful sunny morning here next to paradise, some used to think this was “heaven”,that’s not the case, but you can see it from here.

 Checked UNC For appointment  and Chatham to call Nansi Gregor Holts for follow up for neurology.  984-974-4401 Nurse Cara High.

Thursday, 21 Jan 21

 Had a physical therapist in today, as we did yesterday. Yesterday was to evaluate us for continuing the program in a different format. Today Ann worked with Jane’s hand. The hand  therapist is to come back in two weeks. If the evaluation works out for Medicare coverage. 

Monday 18th Jan 21.

Didn't get thru the night without incident, when all was done it was tough night. Today was a bit stressful with the with the showering routine, but that went better than I thought it would. Got a chance to get to the dump with my garbage. Picked up Jane',s meds at CVS, and then some groceries. 

When I was first married I was shocked   to hear a young cashier in the Shoprite called me"Sir" it was a first. Today in Lowes foods A young cashier asked if I needed help getting the groceries to my car.....man this is getting serious.

Saturday night, 16 Jan 2021

 Things went pretty well today. Nothing dramatic going on. Sort of enjoyed the peacefulness.  Jane and I enjoyed a breakfast bowl with egg, potato, and bacon. Had a waffle  around lunch. My Tar Heels played Florida State at noon and lost. Dinner was a shrimp cocktail and spaghetti lasagna. Dessert was of course a dish of ice cream.

Friday 19th January

It looks like another beautiful day here in paradise, sun is out big time. Morning routine is in progress. will add to as goes on. Going to extend suet feeder height so Mom can see birds. Lost the other feeder to one of the critters, had a raccoon climbing the pole. the  I tried to make a video of Jane's exercises, got it on the ipad, but couldn't move it to chrome book where I could increase the volume.

Tuesday 12 Jan 21

 Sent estimated tax vouchers out yesterday afternoon. Rainy morning today fell asleep watching game last night, wasn’t that interested. Tonight my heels play? Dinner new twist, crepes folded over a chicken cream sauce filling.  Harris Teeter chicken has its last minutes on this stove. Jane really liked this crepes are great vehicle for just about anything.  

Canceled Meadowmont appointment via Myuncchart

Today's dinner went well, meatloaf,  mashed potatoes mushroom gravy, and later ice cream. Sat up in chair to do it. Forgot to take pictures of our dinner.     

Trip to memorial hospital on 7Jan21

 While Jane and her physical therapist were standing in front of the sink Jane had a fainting spell. The therapist wanted to call 911 which we did. EMS Checked her out BP was 96/61 hr 73  89% oxyg.  They took her to the ER (ED) to check her out for syncopal event. event...recommended cardiovascular evaluation on 14 Jan 10:15 at Meadowmont Village. 

Monday 4 Jan 21

 Sort of a cloudy day made a seafood medley type of dinner. Had an earlier talk with Stan, he’s always expressed his willingness to help if I needed a strong back with moving stuff or things an old man like me would have trouble doing.  Christmas trees ready to go to the attic.