SabreBabe's Maniac House

Well, that was long overdue

sabrebabe — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:51:22 GMT

Just went through and weeded my friends list. Mostly old groups I belonged to and didn't want to be on anymore. Was quite a bit, actually, and took a whole page off my list! ::pats self::

Am also disturbed by how many friends that are still listed there, who have gone on to the Summerlands. 5, I believe. There may be more, as I have been very lax for the last couple of years in actually hopping into livejournal and actually talking to people. Facebook has been fun, and I'm still there, but it's too much like eating cotton candy (which is a serious bit of crack for me). At least I get to see pretty pictures of my grandkids there.

Car going into the shop tomorrow morning. Crossing fingers for the cheaper fix, but prepared for the pricier one. Either way, my poor car has developed asthma and needs that cleared up. Otherwise, drives fine in spite of the poor gas mileage of late. And the sudden oil leak, which may clear up with the fix. Back pressure and all that.

2nd afghan nearly done, 3 skeins to finish. Then I dig out the 3rd UFO afghan and work on that. That one is for my MIL, and it is very long overdue. These three blankets will virtually empty out my yarn storage bin. What will be left will fit into a small box. That makes me smile. Every time I empty a storage bin, it goes into the storage unit and I gain just a little more space in the house. All those bins end up nicely stacked, waiting to be used again. Excess cardboard either gets used to ship things, or gets tossed into the burn barrel. Small steps keep me from an episode of Hoarders. At least the trash goes out once a week (or so, I try to make it worth the run to the dump).

Finally got an application from the animal shelter to help with defraying the cost of spaying Pyewacket Fourthumbs. Need to that printed off and filled out and sent back in again before she goes into heat.

I swear, the more things I check off my to-do list, the more things get added on. Long day at work, large truck, lots of freight. All got put away and what didn't got squirreled away in unusual places. Am sore, and am looking forward to putting me feet up (ouch!), watching movies and working away on the nearly finished afghan. Must remember to set my alarm. Car to the car doc, then staff meeting in the morning. Will be fun. Really, it will. I work for good people, and my mechanic is good people, too.

For now, I am happy.

sabrebabe — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:33:35 GMT

Back from mechanic. He agrees that it is most likely the catalytic converter (but which one? It appears there are 2!). Also, big oil leak, which is probably caused by the back pressure buildup of said converter. Am awaiting a phone call on an estimate from other mechanic, as our regualr mechanic doesn't do work on converters (Lots of paperwork and legalese to work on those). Still, was nice to get the confirmation, and to crawl around under the car and see what was what. So, saving up (again) for car repairs. So sad, as she runs so very well and is durable and nimble in the snow. Then again, I did buy a used vehicle, warts and all.

Time to hunker down, crochet, and nibble on some sweet potato and carrot chips (like potato chips, but tastier and without salt, and healthy for you!).

Oh, and hop online and pay a couple more bills.

I did stop in and buy a couple Powerball tickets. And a Megamillions, too. I never knew how much three little tickets would (metaphysically) weigh in my purse. So weird. Would be lovely to pay off the student loans (which have been "rolled over" and impossible to pay off), medical bills, and repair the house. really, take care of those 3 things, and I will be a happy, happy camper for the rest of my years.

sabrebabe — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 16:09:35 GMT

Brain fried with the news of David Bowie's passing. Had a grocery list of chores to get done before work this afternoon, but I think it'll just be the bare minimum and then off to work. Pay bills being priority.

Spent yesterday cooking and cleaning. 5 loads of dishes and a huge pot of Ugly Soup accomplished. Still have a large roasting pan to clean and put away, and a counter to finish cleaning, but I'll call it good for now.

Seems like Monday is being exceptionally Mondayish this week.

Still have a pile of things to accomplish later, dining room is still a working disaster area, and the upstairs bathroom a work in progress, but everything still moving forward. Not stagnating. I think I've hit my saturation point for untidy and borderline hoarding. 3 bags of trash went out Friday, so that's a bit of progress right there.

Kitten still needs to be spayed, but I underestimated the cost of that and now have to wait to get more money saved up.

Car is being weird. Will see the mechanic for that on Tuesday. Will be a jury-rig fix, but at least it will remain running, legality of said fix not really a problem in this state, as we aren't required to have emissions tests.

2nd afghan nearly finished. 3rd one is a bit inaccessible since hubby decided to moved a few things out of his way and dumped them into the tiny little spot I had left in my work area. Which was a bitch to get to in the first place. Now the sheets of paneling will have to move before I can access the next afghan. >:(

Bathroom still needs grouting. Will get hold of Mike before I go off to work and let him know my days off this week.

Still haven't had the gumption to sit down and read all the delicious fic on the giftfest. I know I need to. It's just I lose serious amount of time when I do start reading, and I have a lot of things I need to be working on. :( Adulting is so hard.

New Year Post

sabrebabe — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 17:35:06 GMT

Started the day early with chores. Three boxes to the post office before it closed, ran the Christmas decorations to the shed, and now I'm sitting in the laundromat doing the mid-winter blanket wash and eating tacos. Will have more laundry when I get home, then round up some trash, clean the litterbox, and change the bedsheets (it is laundry day, after all).

After that, I dunno. Maybe sit on my butt and work on the second afghan that's been in progress for far too long. And watch scary movies.

More Holiday packages can now be assembled and filled, now that the huge pile in the kitchen has been removed. And I can also bake more cookies, once I clear out the kitchen sink. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

Went bowling New Year's Eve and I dragged Lee along as well. He did respectably well, considering his last bowling game was decades ago. (average 148 for all 3 games). I was still above my average, so I'm happy. Broke 100 all three games. :) Am trying to talk him into going bowling again tomorrow, but we shall see. I neglected to cash my check this morning, so funds are limited, since we are having our anniversary pizza tomorrow (Studio Pizza!).

Weather is good, winter weather. Cold, some snow (although not nearly enough for our area) and for today, clear blue sky with an obnoxiously bright sun. I need sunglasses to go out and about today.

My New Years resolution is to continue hacking away at cleaning out my house, fixing what needs to be fixed, and staying healthy. I'm getting lots of exercise 1-2 times a week when the truck comes in at work (moving freight and putting it away; we have no storage area for overstock). I can now hold a case of canned goods (soup, beans, tomatoes, etc)in one hand and stock with the other. And I'm no longer winded going up and down the stairs, although my knee has tried to go out on me a couple of times while I was carrying something heavy; usually two or more cases of canned goods. I admit to sitting on my butt at home a lot lately, mostly to stay warm.

I finished one long-term afghan (I started it when my grandfather died back in '02), and am making progress on the second one, also a long-term project). And there is a third that I started for no other reason than I liked the colours and hadn't done a chevron style in ages. So, yeah, two more afghans to crochet and I'll have a large storage bin empty of yarn and ready to go to the storage unit. What said storage unit is getting rather full. I think I am going to have to start mailing some of Donna's things to her, now that she has a home of her own. Or, just load it all up in a rental truck and take it to her, and fly home again. Which might be the better idea. And cheaper, too.

So, I guess my New Year resolution could be more accurately called the Year of Finishing UFOs. I certainly have enough of them.

There are also a couple of road trips (one being a con) planned for as well. Which reminds me to get the car looked over, I think the catalytic converter is going. Might just bore it out and pretend I know nothing until I can have it fixed properly.

So, that's what's been on my mind lately, other than the little minutiae of day-to-day existence of work and home.

At least there were no disasters to speak of this past year. Let's keep it that way.

SED May 9, 10

sabrebabe — Mon, 11 May 2015 02:34:51 GMT

Saturday: Hit the floor running (again). Went to the ceramic shop and spent a good part of the day finishing the Seekrit Project. Finally! Will be fired Monday/Tuesday, and ready for pickup on Wednesday. ::crosses fingers nothing horrible happens::

Then, spent the rest of the day moving files from one laptop to the other. didn't finish, but did make a significant dent. Will finish tomorrow, then both laptops can get backed up properly before I start deleting files from the MISTI laptop. I need the room for pics and videos!

Today: Got up and to the store to pick up the rest of my meds. And to order refills on yet another one. Spent part of the morning and afternoon sweeping and vacuuming the living room and dining room. Went to the Laundromat and killed a few hours with the last of the winter blankets. Came home, and mopped the living room, dining room, and gave the kitchen a cursory mopping as well. Significantly less filthy now. Living room floor is now clean enough to lay out the fabric for cutting. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow while the laptops are backing up?

Need to get up early and to the bank and shuffle some funds around. Spent the last $20 on laundry, and I had checks written on Saturday. :/ My bad. Good thing I have funds squirreled away elsewhere.

Speaking of funds, photos of tiles going up on facebook as soon as my phone charges.

Also in the laundryness- I found my old computer bag, with my Dark Mark patch. Was a terrible mess, so it had to go through the laundry as well. And then the zippers were so corroded they had to be soaked in WD-40. A lot. Then, after I finally got the zips moving again, back into the wash to clean off the excess WD-40. All the work paid off: I now have a lovely, multi-pocketed computer bag again. And I can use my poor, bedraggled backpack for other stuff. Like stuff I need ready access to without having to go digging through the suitcase. I don't want to have to haul anything out of the back of the car until I get to MISTI.

And speaking of car- I went through and checked all the fuses. Because I can, and well, I want to make sure everything is in good running order before I take off next Monday. Still have to get an oil change before I take off, too. Probably on Friday.

Panic attacks are still up and running. :/

SED May 8

sabrebabe — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:21:06 GMT

Ugh. Just spent the last 2 hours updating the gps. A gps, I might add, that was purchased when the twins were still in high school, so, pre 2008. And, from the looks of it, hasn't been updated since Lee was still working on the road. Again, pre-2008. *sigh* Well, it's done, updated, and if I remember to put some money on a pre-paid credit card, I can purchase some updated traffic maps, too.

Long day at work, only 3 of us on staff, and one had to leave to fetch his father from the hospital and take him home. So, for about an hour, there was 2 of us forth whole store. I love the short-staffing our district manager is pulling on us. It's also why I'm only pulling 5 hours a week. Looking at a second job. Will hear more on that later.

Got home, fought with my new contact lenses to get them in so the optician could see them and take measurements, etc, to make sure the were setting on my eyes nicely. Amazing how wonderful a quality pair of contacts feel over the cheap ones I bought for last MISTI. And they freaked a lot of folks out at Walmart, too. :D Was amazing amount of fun.

Struggled to get the window open last night and the fan in. Now, struggled to close the window. Was 80F yesterday. Was about 55F today and wet.

Still have things to do, and less time to do them. Lee reminded me to get a locking gas cap for the car. I hate having to do that, but I am headed to he big city. Also means I need to learn how to use my car alarm. Who uses car alarms in the Northwoods? for that matter, who even bothers to lock their doors, let alone their car doors. Looks like I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. Did pick up new wipers for the car, though. The ones on there now are pretty ratty.

I think tonight will be spent shuffling the extraneous contents of one computer to the other. I need to free up space in the poor old(er) laptop so I can dump pictures and video into it during MISTI. The new laptop rarely ever leaves the house. And, of course, back up files onto the external harddrive.

Busy, busy, busy!

SED: May 7

sabrebabe — Thu, 07 May 2015 22:34:59 GMT

I don't remember if I did one if these yesterday. For that matter, I have no idea what I did yesterday. Today, however, has been busy!

Finished my Owl Post Exchange and finished sealing the last of the tiles. Still need to photograph them, but the bed is a mess with costumes atm.

Made a trench to the sewing machine, but haven't cleared off the table yet. Did unearth a storage bin of carded wool for the Spinning Class. Wool has been vacuumed bagged for transport. I am seriously considering buying more vacuum bags and storing all my wool like that, just for the space it affords.

Everything done for class save for the handouts. Which will get printed when I'm on the road, because we don't have an Office Max anymore. But Marquette does, and they open about the time I am planning on going through there. :D

Found more costume stuff to put into Madam Malkin's sale. Way back in the nether reaches of the closet. Haven't worn them in *decades*, so off they go. Looks like all the costumes (mine and the ones I'm selling) will fit into one jumbo-sized vacuum bag.

Two loads of laundry done, now I'm waiting for the hot water to recover so I can take a shower. In the meantime, I can round up everything I want to throw away in the sewing corner and clear off the table. I have sewing to do this weekend.

And I know it's getting close, because the Panic Attack has set in. Was a close call, I nearly went out for fast food and a reason to blow off the afternoon. Didn't stayed home, toughed my way through it. Won't be fine again until I'm on the road. :/

SED May 3, 4, and 5

sabrebabe — Wed, 06 May 2015 03:40:42 GMT

Yes, I'm a slacker. Well, I did mention I'd be up to my eyeballs with MISTI prep.

May 3: Slow, lazy Sunday. Should have gone outside, but I was finishing up the last of the ceramic tiles. Lee decided he wanted to nap more than he wanted to go see Avengers: Age of Ultron. Which meant I couldn't start spraying the clear coat on the tiles. :P But I did finally finish them! Yay!

May 4: Began the spraying of clear coat. PITA and smelly, but necessary. Also started the final work on my contribution to the MISTI Con Owl Post Exchange. More detailed painting. Went much faster this time than the tiles, since I only needed to use white. Lots and lots of white.

May 5: had to buy more white paint. Of course. Internet crashed somewhere along the way (I wasn't really paying attention until my Pandora radio station quit on me), so I dug up some movies and watched them while painting. Nearly done with Owl Exchange, just finishing touches and clear coat tomorrow. Next up: our Owl Post Box for our room. That's nearly done. Again, finishing touches, and clear coat.

My list of Things To Be Done hasn't changed in length Every time I cross something off, something else gets added. :P Just when I think I have a whole lot done (I do!), I realize I still have a ways to go. :P

I've taken to putting things on the calendar just to make sure they get done in time. Paying bills and getting the car in or an oil change and a once over before the long drive.

And speaking of bills, I need to go pay one (online) before I forget.

SED May 2

sabrebabe — Sun, 03 May 2015 02:47:12 GMT

Yes, I'm terribly unoriginal with the subject name, but if I don't get it down, my brain will wander off and I'll feel obligated to go look for it, get distracted and the next thing you know it's 3am and I'm shutting down the computer for bedtime.

SED: I finally got the last of those tiles/drink coasters finished! Tomorrow they will get clear coat put on, and cork on the bottom. Then they will be ready for sale (need to raise some $$ for the money I have to take out to get the new starter for my car). Any leftovers will go to MISTI with me to sell there.

Found the bedroom floor after rounding up all kinds of debris and dirty clothes. Also made a run to the dump and stopped off at the feed store to buy cat food.

Looked like an absolutely beautiful day out today, and I spent it all indoors painting the Slytherin crest on tiles. Tomorrow, I will go to the ceramic shop and put the final touches on a couple seekrit projects I've ben making for MISTI.

Oh, and I woke up and there was a brand, shiny new Princess in the world! It doesn't get better than that. Happy Birthday, Princess of Cambridge! (I think that's her title, yes?)

SED May 1

sabrebabe — Sat, 02 May 2015 04:21:20 GMT

Well, actually May 2 by now, but I'm still up for a little bit, so hey.

Another lovely day. Work was fine until I ran out of things to do, so I had to roam around a very small store looking for things to straighten up and put away, and just fiddle with things for a couple hours. I don't do boredom well.

Ran to Walmart afterwards to pick up trash bags. You'd think with the large amount of groceries I picked up yesterday, I would have remembered the trash bags (it was even on my list!). Nope. So, now I can round up trash and maybe even manage a run to the dump tomorrow (much later today).

The two limbs that had t be taken off my poor little cherry tree have found a new home. Co-worker is going to attempt to splice them onto some rootstock at home. If it works out, then he'll have two new (free!) winter-hardy, self-pollenating cherry trees! Yay! They were such nice, strong branches, too, I hated the thought of tossing them onto the compost.

Still haven't worked on the tiles yet. Did get a bunch of junk picked up and thrown into trash bags, though. And cleared some debris from around some very small berry bushes (gooseberries, I think). I need to put markers on them, I missed them completely yesterday when I was tending the other trees. Also looks like the red raspberries are going to need a trim.

Both cars are still running. Rest of the house is still a pit. Otherwise, everything's looking good. MISTI-Con panic is beginning to set in.

SED May, a day early

sabrebabe — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:07:11 GMT

Lots of stuff for wonderfulness:

-A short work day today
-A beautiful, sunny day (though it started out rather overcast and gloomy)
-Husband finally got his vehicle up and running. Only 3 tires took air, the fourth flat refused (ha-ha!). He called and asked if we had money to cover the cost of a new tire, I said sure. Later, when he came to pick me up from work, he had remembered that he had a never ever used before spare tire, and it was holding air nicely. However, his car just wasn't able to start, might need a new battery. Son#1 had offered me his (newish) battery from his old Jeep a few days earlier, and I didn't need it (needed a starter, though), there's the new battery.
-one of the cherry trees had a rather bad break on one of the branches a tearing break, not a clean one) and I had to do some impromptu surgery on it before an infection set in. Couldn't remember what was needed t cover the wound, but I found that electrical tape and winding it like a sprained ankle worked wonders. Am sad at the loss of the branches, though. :(
-And I went forth (while still feeling flush from the tree repair) and pruned the thimbleberry patch quite viciously. It needed it, a huge amount of galls now gone from last year.
-And the Pussy Willow had a record number of catkins this year. :)
Now I gotta get back to work on various projects for MISTI.

sadface

sabrebabe — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:14:53 GMT

I have run out of black paint. :(

Paint it black

sabrebabe — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 20:41:14 GMT

So, the Man Cave has been excavated, swept, and vacuumed. 2 bags of trash and debris, and one load of dirty dishes. More will be done when the weather becomes more Spring-y and we can open the windows and take stuff either to the dump or to the storage unit. Lee has now relocated from the living room back to the Man Cave. Hopefully, his Important Stuff will now be safe from The Pug (who happened to eat his hearing aid the other day).

First art class is coming up a week from today, everything is prepared for it. Started work on the prep for the other classes. Also working on the Spinning class for MISTI, and the misc. loot and goodies for MISTI. Also working o excavating the sewing corner. Things must be made and mended before MISTI.

And on top of it all, there's a bake sale this Saturday to raise funds for the local family whose little boy has cancer. He's holding up very well considering, but the financial costs to his family has been very high. They have to make weekly drives down to Ann Arbor (round trip about 1100 miles), and they have to stay 2-3 days each time. It cuts into their ability to work as well. Their heating gas was cut off last month, an they've been struggling to catch up on paying bills and getting the heat turned back on again. Their GoFundMe site has been slow. :(

So, I will be cleaning out my baking pantry as much as possible this week, in between painting and usual chores.

At least I don't have a huge pile of costumes to try to make. Just one skirt, and mending some of my own.

And the painting. Lots of painting.

Art for a better cause

sabrebabe — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:26:15 GMT

So, I'm teaching a small series of art classes next month for adults with significant mental deficiencies. Actually, they're a hoot to work with. Right now, I'm up to my elbows in prepping a bunch of small dried gourds. We're going to make birdhouses out of them. But before we get that far, I have to get the gourds ready to paint.

Amazing how many seeds those little things hold. And the primer paint fumes? yeah, it's still too winter outside to open windows. Today is going to be interesting.

Also, we will be making "fairie gardens", and the last two days, we will be making springtime mobiles. It's a great way to use up some of my wire hanger collection. :D

It's great fun to work with them, because there's a no-holds-barred sense of fun with art. There are no rules, and the enthusiasm is infectious and invigorating. The only downside, is that any art project I come up with cannot be too difficult, or take too long to work on. I have about an hour of attention span before even the highest functioning person there loses interest.

So, I have to work hard, to keep them interested, but not too taxed, and make it a fun and creative project that shows off their talents in a positive light.

Simple, yet an incredibly huge project.

And I'm really excited about it. :)

Thrift Shop Score!

sabrebabe — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 19:43:07 GMT

Sometimes, hidden in those little shops, is a small treasure worth shelling out a couple bucks for.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, hardcover, UK edition. First. Freaking. Edition! $3.

::cackles madly::

Okay, it's a little rough around the edges, and the back has been broken, but the pages are smooth and not dogeared, and it hasn't been faded, chewed on or spilled on, so I call it a win. :)

In other news, I did not get the job I applied for, but they kept my application and sent it over to the grocery side, as they think I will be an excellent choice there rather than as a cashier. So, ::crosses fingers::

And now, I need to start writing up my handout for the spinning class at MISTI. ::cracks knuckles::

St. Urho's Day!

sabrebabe — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 19:54:46 GMT

Or, The wearing of the Purple! The day when St. Urho chased all the grasshoppers out of Finland. Finnish-American folks are so silly sometimes. Still, purple is cool with me.

3 loads of dishes, rinsed out Lee's air tubing (needs to be done once a week) and have 6 Grolsch-style bottles being sterilized. for bottling mead later this afternoon. Then, a shower.

Have lots of tiles painted, just Slytherin and Gryffindor to go. Just me trying to raise cash for my MISTI trip. Would like my car to have a good going-over before I take off on the long drive.

Fandoms covered with the tiles: Harry Potter, Supernatural, and Doctor Who. This effectively finishes off one box of tiles. Still have 2 more boxes to go, but I will set those aside for now. I have a lot of things to get done between now and May.

I need another calendar, with big boxes in which to write everything I need to do every day. Suddenly, everything is so busy! Also looks like I will have to pass on Promptfest again. No time.

Meds on board!

sabrebabe — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:02:15 GMT

Yay! After two nights with my meds back on board, I am almost human again. THe shaking has stopped, I can almost think clearly again, and I don't feel like I'm on the verge of falling down.

Job interview went well, I think. Won't know any more on it until they finish with all the interviews, probably sometime next week.

Spent last night carving holes in little gourds for birdhouses. Am teaching a class (well, 4 classes) next month for Very Special Arts. Birdhouses for one class, Fairy Gardens for another, and then Spring-themed mobiles for the 3rd and 4th classes. It's hard sometimes to come up with fun and exciting classes for VSA, due to the ability levels of the folks I'm working with, but I think hey will enjoy these.

Weather has been disgustingly beautiful, with clear blue skies and temps in the 30s and 40s. I managed (finally) to dig a trench through the huge mountain from the front door to he driveway. It was horrible, and both Lee and I have taken a spill on it more than once. So, now we have a trench and can open the front door all the way. Another month of this weather and I might be able to see the garden again! Most roads are already clear to the pavement!

I see prompt fest I here once again. Looks like I might have to throw my hat in this time around. We shall see, as I have a small pile of things that Must Be Finished between now and MISTI. With luck, I shall have a 2nd job to throw into the mix as well.

Have taken a few days off from painting tiles. I couldn't hold my hands still enough when I was off meds and ruined a couple tiles in the process (not to worry, I was able to scrub them clean. The paint isn't permanent until I seal it with clear coat). Hufflepuff tiles are giving me the most problems of the bunch so far. The badger hasn't been cooperating. How very odd. Have almost all of the Supernatural-themed tiles done, and almost all of the Dr. Who-themed ones done. Not even close on the HP-themed ones. Just a few of the Hogwarts crests are finished. All the other houses are in various states of completion. And I still have 2 more boxes of tiles. I was very fortunate and came across 3 boxes of Italian floor tiles for at rummage-sale prices. So that's what I'm working with. Very durable, and they look lovely, too! Wouldn't use them as floor tiles, though. I don't think the clear coat is that durable. Should serve nicely as drink coasters, though.

My next project, after finishing up the tiles, is finishing up all the Things for MISTI. a couple of costume pieces, the mailbox for our room, and then The Packing List. I am so glad I am driving.

Girl Scout cookies have finally started to arrive. We've missed out on cookies a couple years in a row now due to lack of Girl Scouts, now we seem to have a flood of them. Bought from a co-worker with daughters in the Scouts, from a neighbor, and from my own granddaughter. :)

I'd comment on my thoughts about the current news regarding race relations, international relations vs. the GOP, and regarding male privilege and women's lack of rights, but that would put me in a right foul mood, and I have to go to work in a couple hours. But, yeah, we still have a Very long way to go in this country (and he rest of the world!) regarding Liberty and Justice for All.

Struggling today

sabrebabe — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 21:59:02 GMT

Woke up from a bad night of so-called "sleep". Had run out of one of my critical meds, and I won't be getting a refill until Monday or Tuesday. No fault on my part of the pharmacy, but the doctor's office failed to refill on time. Even though I did call it in with plenty of time to spare. So, my body isn't taking it well. It was my anti-seizure drug, too, so here's crossing my fingers I don't end up in the ER before then. :/

Not going to get much painting done today, I'm afraid. my hands are shaking far too much, and walking around on shaky legs is making me furious and afraid. Still, laundry is getting done, just not as fast as I want. Going up and down stairs is precarious. :/

In other news, still trying to round up $$ to get my car up and running. They are starting work on her Monday, and we will go from there. Am considering starting up a Go Fund Me to raise funds to get both vehicles up and running again, and getting insurance put back on Lee's car (his is currently under a pile of snow, as it's now going anywhere anyways. But it feels so... fickle to me to ask for that. I always though of the Go Fund Me as for people who were in serious need, like medical funds and stuff like that. We aren't *needy*, I don't think, but with both of us working (well, me kinda at this point), one vehicle between us was a bit of a stretch. With no vehicle, we now have to rely on others for transportation. Not a great scenario, since Lee works until 9pm, after most taxis stop running. Still, I'm thinking about it. I just don't know how to justify it to myself.

So today, I am going to take it slow, watch some movies, and check up on some art supplies for a class I'm giving next month. It's one class a week for the Month of April, and I'll be teaching a group of mentally handicapped adults of varying degrees of ability. I've done t before, and it was a wonderfully messy riot of fun. I gave them permission to decorate as they pleased, and brought in s variety of things to glue and paint with (they make paper mache masks). This year we will be making bird house from small gourds. I have to root through my closet and find that bag of gourds I've been hoarding for years. They should be fine. That should be two classes, then we will make our own handmade paper. Haven't quite decided what the last class will be. Possibly mobiles. I need to go through all my supplies and see what I can donate to the cause. This also has the added benefit of helping me clear out some stuff that is taking up way too much badly-needed space. And I can gut the gourds ahead of time and save the seeds. They are already dried out- have been for years. I just didn't know what to do with them. They just grew in my garden one year. Have no idea what they are. About the size of basebells/softballs, will a little lump at the top. Looks like they were trying to be "birdhouse gourds", but never quite made it. Oh well, will give me something to grow in the garden this year and see if they pop up again. :)

Wow, long time, no see.

sabrebabe — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 22:51:39 GMT

Yes, after a long hiatus, I am back. Disappear for a few months and they rearrange the whole journal. Look like I need to look around and refamiliarise myself with it.

Long story short, I got busy with life and work (and juggling 2 jobs for a bit) and then the holiday retail madness, etc.

I got to work at The Halloween Superstore for a couple months, and got some great discounts there as well. Was a great time, and I loved the job. Too bad it looks like it may not be back in town next year, the profits haven't been very good for the last couple years. :( But, every penny I've made has been squirreled away for the trip to MISTI. Provided I can get the car fixed in time and on budget. :/

Now, I'm pulling a whopping 6 hours a week at work, so I'm working away at making things to sell to make up the difference. My lovely car is in the shop and that will put a serious crimp in things. Fortunately, they have given us a loner for now, but the tax return won't be enough for repairs. I swear we went through this this time last year. >:( I need to rattle some chains at work. And look at picking up a second job again. The district manger isn't pleased with me, and refuses to allow my manager to schedule me for anymore than 12 hours a week. Etsy sales haven't been happening, so I haven't done anything with it. Will have some fandom stuff in a few days.

I received a lovely boon last year, and had a wonderful time paying it forward. Nearly all of it went to a local family who's small son is undergoing cancer treatments. They have to take him downstate once a week, a 1200-mile round trip, every week. And they lose 3 days of work every week as well. How do I know the family? Mike, the father, grew up with my boys, and his little boy plays with my grandsons. And they're my neighbors. It was pretty easy to pay it forward.

Lee finally got his CPAP a few weeks ago, and it has been an absolute blessing. He sleeps very well now, and the CPAP machine is very quiet. In a couple of weeks he'll get his hearing aid. It will be awesome. The VA has been very efficient, lucky for us. Unfortunately, the local hospital where Lee had the sleep test isn't and charged us for the sleep test (boo!). They weren't supposed to, as they signed an agreement with the VA, but now we have (yet more)paperwork and burocratic nonsense to deal with.

Mom is doing great, in spite of our rocky summer trip. My aunt was buried with full honours. And just a few days later, I was able to attend my mother-in-law's wedding. I had wondered if she would stay single or remarry after Carl's death. I am glad for her, and my new father-in-law is a wonderful, sweet man. They came up here for a visit a couple months ago, but alas, I had to work that night. Lee got to meet his stepfather and is pleased his mom has a new companion.

Mom made the decision not to move back in August, she didn't have enough money for the move and the deposit on the new place. However, based on her income, she will be able to move this coming summer/fall. The living center will be happy to have her. I think she will be a great fit there. We just have to pare her belongings down from 3 bedroom, full basement and garage to 480sq.ft. She is ready to ditch everything, I think. The cousins and grandkids are going to have to come over this summer and fetch all the family heirlooms, furniture and knick knacks they want. Mom only wants her old bedroom set, her books, and her craft supplies (pared down, of course). I think I will need to clean out my storage unit. I tried doing that earlier last year, and found out that 2/3 of the stuff I'm holding is Donna's. :P

Lessee, had a new granddaughter in April- Donna's new little girl, Fiona. And then, just last month, Stu had another little boy (this one an "oops", with someone he isn't dating). He and Donna flew out to Arizona to meet little Kendrick last week! He's a small little boy, only came in at just a smidge over 6 pounds. :) Angi (Kendrick's mom) is a younger sister of one of Donna's classmates. So, Donna, Stu, and Fiona went out to meet new baby and do the touristy thing while in Arizona. I believe Stu is setting up some child support for Kendrick. I don't know if Angi is going to move back up here again, but she's staying with her mom for the time being. I do know St wants all his boys nearby, and it breaks his heart to have a new one so far away.

Lee is in physical therapy for the next few weeks. He hurt his back at work, and this is part of the whole work/injury thing. rather than having him sitting around until his back feels better, they want to strengthen his back muscles to support his weight as he moves about (cash registers and counters really aren't made for someone of his height). Let's see how much this will cost. :/ Still paying off the huge hospital bills from a couple years ago. At least we have a payment plan. All of our hospitals up here have gone to "For Profit", so, yeah. :/

Much jam was made this fall, much jam was sold, and there is still jam a-plenty. And there is still fruit in the freezer to make, well, more jam. And there is asparagus to be pickled. I am debating whether or not I want to set up a booth again at a spring craft show. I am just not feeling it right now. And besides- no car. :P

Upstairs bathroom has new walls in, and drywall, and some nice paneling. We are waiting on the flooring now. Mike works when he can (Mike- father of the little boy with cancer), and I give them money for gas and what not when I have it. (okay, above and beyond my pay-it-forward.) I am grateful that all my children were healthy, as are my grandchildren. I can only hope and pray that Cameron will shake off this cancer and be happy healthy little boy again. He's been a real trooper. Anyways, bathroom is still in a state of disrepair, but progress is being made now. Upstairs is still a disaster area, and I still can't reach the sewing machine. I think when the weather gets warmer, much stuff will be tossed out. More than usual. I'm just getting so tired of it all.

Facebook is a nice diversion, but boring. I have Netflix on a lot while I'm painting. Facebook is excellent, though, for keeping tabs on the kids and grandkids. I get all the neat photos as they come up. But I haven't got back into any of the facebook games that I was playing earlier. I kinda miss it, but my brain just doesn't want to play along. :P So, creativity it is. I scored a great deal on Italian floor tiles, so I'm currently painting lots of fandom logos on them. Got 15 of them finished last night. Will only have 9 more today. Have some I need to completely scrub and repaint. And I'm using a lot more clear coat than I though it would take. :/

Doctor Who and Hogwarts tiles are on the floor or today. Yesterday was Supernatural. Tomorrow will probably be Hogwarts and Supernatural. After than, I will have finished the first box of floor tiles. And the other two boxes are in my car, which is in the shop. It's been such a weird, busy couple of weeks I never got them out of the car. :P Also, I really need to round up all the yarn I have left and put back up on the etsy shop.

Oh, hey! I have discovered a ceramics shop in town! I knew it was there, but only just started hanging out there this past month. I'm having a wonderful time and getting out and socialising. :) And I can make all my own fandom pottery. So far, I have a mug, a bowl, a jar, and a yarn bowl. This week, I will make a nice dog food/water dish. I drew a pug in the bottom on one side. :) A nice, quick project and a great way to spend the day. Haven't decided what I'm going to make for next week yet. Maybe a teacup. We shall see. I wish I had a larger fandom following to draw from, but I am hopelessly picky about what I dive into. I think I might do a series of poisonous flowers next. That is a project I will start on in the future. I want to do a bunch of paintings based on Rappaccini's Garden. Again, later. After MISTI.

Also in the future: bringing down a few trees in the yard. Lee wants more berries, and I need to expand the garden. So I will have to rent a stump grinder and a tiller as well. Moving flowers and tying up the grapevines as well. I have a spot I would like to build a greenhouse, but it's currently a flower garden. :) So, lots of backbreaking hard labour this summer. So I'm hoping for a mild, sunny summer this year.

Well, I'm sure I missed a lot of things. Still thinking about fundraising for the car. We've written off the Jeep, and Lee is thinking about writing off the Mountaineer. So, back to work. I'll have quite a few tiles in a few days. let's just hope they sell. ::crosses fingers::

Goodnight, goodbye, sleep well

sabrebabe — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:08:08 GMT

My Aunt Joan passed yesterday evening. She was a formidable woman, and without her, I would be a much lesser person today. I miss her already.

Funeral Thursday, followed by a proper wake. I expect a showing of most of law enforcement throughout the County. It will be a glorious send-off. Kacie and I are holding up well enough, but I expect Honor Guard at the graveside will do us in.

And for other news...

sabrebabe — Fri, 30 May 2014 02:12:24 GMT

I got a call this morning while I was at the doctor's office with my mom (they were mucking about with her pacemaker, all normal stuff). My cousin Kacie called and was on the way to the ER: my Aunt Joan had suffered a catastrophic-level stroke. She was responsive when she got there, but as of this evening, she is still unresponsive and unlikely to recover. She has a DNR and, as per her orders, is being moved to a hospice and removed from all life support. Mom and I are headed down to Kalamazoo Sunday morning. We will be down there a while, to say our good-byes to Joan, and to say our hellos to Fiona, my newest grandchild, who was born just a little over a month ago.

Joan was a very strong, positive influence in my life, and basically held me together after my grandmother died, and taught me to be very, very strong (and loud!) in the face of adversity.

My Aunt Joan. There's a reason she was a strong, positive influnence. She also happened to work in the county jail. She made the worst of the worst cry. And they would apologise, too.

And this happened! Meet Fiona of Ravenclaw!

Boy, 4 weeks has gone by fast...

sabrebabe — Fri, 30 May 2014 01:00:34 GMT

So, yeah, I've been here in Marquette, Michigan (well, Gwinn/Sawyer, actually) for 4 weeks now. Long story short: mom made it through her valve replacement surgery and pacemaker surgery just fine. Long story long: It wasn't a smooth process. I opened up a family-only facebook group and kept everyone up to date as to what was going on within minutes of me getting the news. (I'm posting them all here, so I have a secondary account somewhere. It starts at the end of January when she went in for the heart catheterisation. Feel free to read, if you are so inclined. Long story is long, with lots of chatter between family members.)

Jan 28, 2014
Okay, mom's been wheeled back into recovery, I spoke with the surgeon and made a run for food (hadn't et anything since last night). And, because I am contrary, bad new first.
Bad news: the arterial valve is Very Bad. Not letting near enough blood through and is causing the heart to begin to fail. Needs to be replaced right away.
Good News: coronary arteries are beautiful, nothing needed be cleared out or stented, no alarming signs of artery disease or cholesterol build-up. Also, heart is only in very beginning stages of damage from bad arterial valve. Heart will be able to recover quite nicely after valve is replaced.
Bad news: Surgeon will not operate until mom has had a dentist go through her mouth and make sure there is no signs of decay or infected tooth. Mom hasn't seen a dentist since 1989, due to finances and lack of insurance.
Good News: surgeon has been made aware of this and will have his office call around for assistance immediately. Mom has excellent prognosis with surgery.
Bad news: This will be major surgery. They will crack open her sternum to do the valve replacement. She will be laid up for a couple of months. Also, her car has gone kaput and she has decided to sell it to Marv, who has been taking care of it (and plowing out her driveway and been lots of help). Carl, her other neighbor, is retired and has nothing better to do than chauffer mom around when she needs to go out. (good news, actually)
Good News: I work retail and this is the slow season.
We are going to aim the surgery for around the first of March. I will be back from Wicked Faire and can just stay at Sawyer rather then migrating back and forth all the time. She is considering moving up to the Keweenaw in the spring. I will look around the area for an affordable place that will be suitable for her, Lizzie and all her books and crafts.
mom is currently floating about in a lovely Valium haze and is comfortable. May have to get a heated blanket for her feet, though. They keep getting cold. Have piled on another blanket already.
Am on my 3rd can of Pepsi. Sleep will be interesting tonight.
Nikki MacLagan
1/28, 2:33pm
Nikki MacLagan
At least it sounds like things are moving along well. Not too much bad news all around. Good to have nice neighbors! Can Carole take them w her to Keewanaw? Hehe
Deb Matthews
1/28, 2:35pm
Deb Matthews
There's a couple small houses and a few rental apartments right in Dodgeville. Which are about a 5 minute walk from my house. And right near the storage units, in case she still has too much stuff.
January 28
Nikki MacLagan
1/28, 7:21pm
Nikki MacLagan
What's the latest update? U guys make it home ok?
Deb Matthews
1/28, 8:08pm
Deb Matthews
We are home, had some supper. Just chilling for now. Have to wait to hear from the surgeons office for assistance with a dentist. Still need to watch mom for another day or two to make sure there isn't going to be a problem with the surgical site at the femoral artery.
She is already bruising terribly from all they places they tried to start the iv.
Also working at getting her in touch with the VA tomorrow to sign her up for benefits.
Kacie J MacLagan
1/28, 8:11pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Ma had the same thing with hers too. She had bruises for weeks after. Granted she did pull a few iv's out. glad u guys are home. Rest up. Sounds like u need it
Nikki MacLagan
1/28, 8:13pm
Nikki MacLagan
Mom is a little upset to hear everything. Will most likely call tomorrow night so the two can talk. tho Mom has trouble talking I think they both need it
Deb Matthews
1/28, 8:14pm
Deb Matthews
We'll be here all day. Car is dead, not going anywhere.
Nikki MacLagan
1/28, 8:18pm
Nikki MacLagan
Cool. Really think it would be good for both.
January 29
Deb Matthews
1/29, 4:48pm
Deb Matthews
Car is being sold. No sense in wasting $$ on auto insurance on a car that is going to sit for several months. Neighbor made excellent offer for the car.
Kacie: you are being made co-power of attorney to handle things on your end. Mom needs you to call Dean, to check into the family plots at the cemetary and make absolutely certain that all the paperwork is done and everything is paid for (just in case!). If not, then we will have to get that done. We aren't expecting the operation to go wrong, and mom is in good health, but as Murphy is the family patron saint...
Jeff: you are still the executor of mom's will, yes? Is there anything else we need to take care of for mom in the burial paperwork? You can email her at lizardc@charter.net and make sure you both are on the same page.
I reiterate: we are just making sure averything is set in case of Worst Case Scenario. Mom is in good health and in good spirits. The doctors are very confident that she will bounce back after the valve is replaced, and Marquette General is an excellent cardiac hospital. The one wound that I needed to keep track of for infection, etc, has already healed beautifully and I only needed a bandaid for the dressing. THank you Pokie for the Wolverine Healing Factor!
I will be headed home tomorrow, Lee isn't feeling well, and mom doesn't really need me here until the surgery. She has excellent neighbors to drive her wherever she needs to go. I will be loading a Nook with books that she hasn't got yet. Hopefully having a Nook will curtail her ever-expanding library. ::crosses fingers::
Kacie J MacLagan
1/29, 5:04pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Ok sounds good. I will get with dad and see what I can dig up.
Jeff Chavez
1/29, 5:41pm
Jeff Chavez
Yes, I still have all of the paperwork. I will reach out to see if there are any updates.
Thank you for the communication Deb.
Kacie J MacLagan
1/29, 5:45pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Dad and I are also planning to head over to the cemetary tomorrow to check there. If there is anything you need us to check Jeff or Deb let me know. Plan to be over there around 930-10. I can check on whatever we need
January 30

Jan 30You added Carole Chavez.
January 30
Kacie J MacLagan
1/30, 2:17pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Ok so this is what we have so far. Dad and I went to the cemetery. Everything is paid for on that end EXCEPT:
Vault: which is $1173.70, and headstone which without the flower pot: 2600, with is 3200. Once those are paid then on that part everything will be done.
Kacie J MacLagan
1/30, 2:20pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Now the issue is this. Carole does have the insurance which will get her down here for burial. But we went and check the funeral homes no one has any record of Carole for funeral plans. Not the one pokie went to and not Langland. So nothing funeral wise according to records down here has been done. Dad said he thought pokie had taken care of that all but we can't find any records. So if Carole has any of this we may need to find it. The funeral is what 10 grand?
Kacie J MacLagan
1/30, 2:21pm
Kacie J MacLagan
I have copies of what was paid at the cemetary and the travel insurance stuff with me so at least that is here
April 10
Deb Matthews
4/10, 5:23pm
Deb Matthews
Mom got the all-clear from the dentist, she is ready for surgery. Now just waiting on the surgeon's office to call back with the date. Which is just as well, mom's starting to get migraines again.
Needless to say, I'm crawling out of my skin waiting for the "big move". At least I have a list to pack with.
Daniel MacLagan
4/10, 5:24pm
Daniel MacLagan
Thanks for the update.
Deb Matthews
4/10, 5:25pm
Deb Matthews
She should hear from them in the next few days.
Kacie J MacLagan
4/10, 5:27pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Sounds good. I am trying to work in a vacation week end of this month or may so can help w/ move/grabbing stuff.
Deb Matthews
4/10, 5:28pm
Deb Matthews
Wrong move. I'm talking about me moving to mom's for the next 6-8 weeks.
Kacie J MacLagan
4/10, 5:29pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Oh that one. Hehe. Then Anywho when we get dates etc, I can plan my vaca round that. Have to get 2 weeks in before sept
Deb Matthews
4/10, 5:30pm
Deb Matthews
I haven't found anything locally that's in her price range yet, but I haven't checked the housing commission for senior housing yet.
Nikki MacLagan
4/10, 5:33pm
Nikki MacLagan
I plan to do my vacay the second and third week of June. Can try to offer some help then when we all figure out what needs done where.
Deb Matthews
4/10, 5:46pm
Deb Matthews
I'll know more by June as to what kind of place she'll be able to live in on her own or if she wants to go into assisted living.
April 14
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:01pm
Deb Matthews
Mom just called, surgery is scheduled for the 30th of April. I shall be migrating over to her place the weekend before, or thereabout.
Donna Kaye
4/14, 3:14pm
Donna Kaye
Kacie J MacLagan
4/14, 3:22pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Cool. I am off that week so let us know.
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:23pm
Deb Matthews
Will do!
Nikki MacLagan
4/14, 3:25pm
Nikki MacLagan
That's the heart surgery, right? She already did the dental stuff?
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:26pm
Deb Matthews
Yes, this is the big one. She was cleared through the dental work last week.
Nikki MacLagan
4/14, 3:26pm
Nikki MacLagan
That's what i thought but couldn't quite remember. Cool they got one so fast.
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:27pm
Deb Matthews
They wanted to do it last month, but mom needed the dental work first.
Nikki MacLagan
4/14, 3:28pm
Nikki MacLagan
How is she doing? Mentally & physically?
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:29pm
Deb Matthews
She's starting to feel a little dizzy and having some migraines, but they should all go away with the valve replacement. Other than that, she's doing well.
Nikki MacLagan
4/14, 3:30pm
Nikki MacLagan
That's good to hear. Keep us posted. I have to get back to work!
Deb Matthews
4/14, 3:30pm
Deb Matthews
okay, later!
April 29
Nikki MacLagan
4/29, 7:52pm
Nikki MacLagan
Tried to get Mom to want to call Aunt Carole but she hates talking on the phone anymore. Let Carole know I want to bring Mom up for a visit in June and the two can cause trouble in the UP!
Deb Matthews
4/29, 7:52pm
Deb Matthews
That should be fine. Mom should be mostly recovered by then.
We go in tomorrow morning at 5:15. Mom is first on the docket. Everything looks great, all her labs have come back great, all tests have come back great. They don't forsee any problems.
Nikki MacLagan
4/29, 7:59pm
Nikki MacLagan
Cool! I will get Mom to talk to her in a couple days.
Deb Matthews
4/29, 8:00pm
Deb Matthews
Mom should be coherent again by Friday, but she will still be in the hospital. I can get a phone # there for her room hen she gets settled again.
Nikki MacLagan
4/29, 8:05pm
Nikki MacLagan
Can plan something to maybe call ur cell first
Deb Matthews
4/29, 8:18pm
Deb Matthews
Yep. I'll be there all day tomorrow, then will be running about town getting things done on Thursday. Then will take it day by day. Have an appt. to take Lizzie in to the vet on Monday afternoon. mom might be home by then, not sure yet.
April 30
Deb Matthews
4/30, 9:02am
Deb Matthews
Sorry I missed the whole check-in announcement. Have been dozing in and out of consciousness for the last couple of hours. Was a very early morning for both of us. We got here at 5:15 for check in and they rolled mom off to pre-op about 7 am.
It is now 9 am.
Mom is now "on pump", meaning they have stopped her heart and have her on the bypass machine, and lowered her body temperature. This is Stage One of the procedure. Will keep everyone updated as they tell me what stage she is at.
Now I need to go find breakfast.
Deb Matthews
4/30, 9:54am
Deb Matthews
Mom is now "re-warming". They are raising her body temps back to normal. Next stage will be when they take her off the pump.
Kacie J MacLagan
4/30, 10:00am
Kacie J MacLagan
Thanks for the updates Deb. Sounds like it's all going good. Hugs to u both
Deb Matthews
4/30, 10:46am
Deb Matthews
Mom is now "off pump", meaning that she's been taken off the bypass machine and her heart is now beating on it's own. They are also rewarming her back up to normal temperature.
Still, so far, so good, no complications that I know of.
Stu Matthews
4/30, 11:58am
Stu Matthews
Yayy
Deb Matthews
4/30, 12:29pm
Deb Matthews
Just talked with the surgeon, there were no surprises, no complications at all. The valve was very very bad and we caught it before it damaged the heart.
Mom's heart muscle is a bit thick from having to fight against the bad valve, so it doesn't like to relax and draw the blood in, but the surgeon is confidant that will settle out for the better with the new valve and rehab.
Mom has a temporary pacemaker, because her heart was beating very slow. Whether or not she will need a permanent one, they will see over the next few days while she;s here in the hospital and they get her up and moving around. It is minor and a non-invasive surgery (they won't need to open her up again).
Mom is up and sort-of awake, they'll have her ready to see visitors in about 45 minutes.
Daniel MacLagan
4/30, 12:31pm
Daniel MacLagan
That's great. Here's to continued good news.
Kacie J MacLagan
4/30, 1:49pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Wonderful news. Had lunch w/ dad and let him know the latest. Thanks for the update Deb. Excellent news.
Deb Matthews
4/30, 3:10pm
Deb Matthews
Have returned back to Sawyer. Got to see mom before I left, she's still asleep and probably won't wake up until sometime this evening/night. She has pinked up really well and doesn't have much swelling in her hands or feet at all. A very nice change already! She will remain in recovery until they can remove the breathing tube, probably sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. They need her conscious and coherent to do that.
She will be on liquid diet tomorrow. And since she had nothing to eat today, she will be rather surly, I imagine. I shall try to smuggle in some of her favourite ice cream when I go to visit tomorrow.
Lizzie is convinced we abandoned her forever (even though Mary, the neighbor) was kind enough to let her out several times while we were gone. I may have a small tumour sprout in bed tonight. Poor thing doesn't know what to do .
Kacie J MacLagan
4/30, 3:16pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Hehe. Sounds like us and princess when ma goes in. But is good to hear the swelling is better. That is best news
May 1
Deb Matthews
5/1, 12:45pm
Deb Matthews
Good news and bad news
I'm here with mom for a while today. She has been awake a few times and is coherent (well, as much as the drugs will let her) and knows who I am and can follow instructions.
She is not breathing well on her own, so she is still on the machine. She keeps setting off the alarms because she is a shallow breather and isn't taking in enough oxygen on her own (Hey, I do that, too). She has some pain due to the drainage tubes in her chest. We already knew that was going to be pretty bad, but they have kept on top of that and have been keeping her comfortable.
Last night, she began having small seizures all through the night and today. I have seen 3 so far, and yes, they are small and don't last long. They seem to be primarily on her right side. When she's awake, we can get her to move her arms and left leg. She can turn her head to the right, but not so much to the left. She can feel her right foot when I tickle it.
They ran her down and took a scan of her brain last night, and there was no sign of a blood clot, stroke, or any other tangible damage. Early this morning they took an EKG of her brain and that is being reviewed by the doctor today.
As I said, the seizures are small, and I have seen them for myself. When she is awake, she knows where she is and who is around her. She is still in pain from the drainage tubes (which everyone says is the worst part of the surgery), and she is still sleeping a lot.
So, I guess it's just as well I forgot to bring her ice cream today. She is asleep right now, and I will stay here for a few more hours before I have to go back and let Lizzie out and get something to eat. I plan on coming back this evening for a bit.
The doctors were not aware of any seizure problems, but since I have Petit Mal seizures once in a while, I thought I'd mention it.
NO PANICKING until we get more information. This all may just be a reaction to the major surgery and anesthesia. It's still very early post-op. I will keep everyone informed, I promise!
Daniel MacLagan
5/1, 12:47pm
Daniel MacLagan
Thanks Deb. Fingers crossed and my prayers are there with you gals.
Nikki MacLagan
5/1, 12:49pm
Nikki MacLagan
Thx for letting us know. Need anything call and we will do our best to help
Deb Matthews
5/1, 12:51pm
Deb Matthews
Nurses just came in and turned mom a bit so she won't get bed sores. She seems to be a little more relaxed. Or that could be the morphine settling in.
May 1
Deb Matthews
5/1, 6:11pm
Deb Matthews
Back to see mom for couple more hours. There have been no new seizures since I last updated, but they will be taking her back down for a cat scan in the morning to make sure she didn't have a small stroke or bleed. Sometimes they take a bit to show up on the scan. Other than that, all her signs and labs are coming back lovely, though she is still on the ventilator.
Her colouring looks very good, and once in a while she wakes up slightly and moves a bit before settling back down.
I have the old radio show The Shadow on cds so I will play a couple of those tonight for her while I sit with her and play Words With Friends.
Nikki MacLagan
5/1, 6:15pm
Nikki MacLagan
That's good to hear there have been no more issues. Always afraid to leave even though u have to and not know what might happen.
Kacie and I are w Damian at his Spring Showcase. Waiting for his interesting stories. Lol
Deb Matthews
5/1, 6:16pm
Deb Matthews
Yeah, but I had to go and let Lizzie out, giver her afternoon snacks and feed myself. And give her extra cuddles because her mommy isn't there.
Cool!
Nikki MacLagan
5/1, 6:17pm
Nikki MacLagan
We do that when Mom ends up @ the hospital. Princess never knows what's going on
Deb Matthews
5/1, 6:19pm
Deb Matthews
This is the first time Lizzie has been without mom- ever. She's a mess, poor thing.
Deb Matthews
5/1, 9:10pm
Deb Matthews
SHE MOVED HER FOOT!!!
Just as I was getting ready to leave for the night, just after the nurse's shift change, I was letting the new nurse in on what I had been seeing today, and I noted that she hadn't been moving the right foot/leg, she stretched out and moved both feet!
They are still going to do another CT scan in the morning, just to rule out a mini stroke or a bleeder.
We sat and listened to a couple episodes of The Shadow. I wish I had better speakers on my laptop, but I will work with what I have. I have enough cds for another 8 visits. I'll stop by Wal-Mart tomorrow and see if I can pick up some better speakers.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/1, 9:18pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Woot!!!!!!!!
Nikki MacLagan
5/1, 9:26pm
Nikki MacLagan
Sweet!!!!
May 2
Deb Matthews
5/2, 12:56pm
Deb Matthews
Again, another good news, bad news kind of day.
They had mom up and breathing on her own this morning for about an hour and a half, she did well, but got too tired to keep up with the deep breaths they need her to take on her own, so she's back on support, although at a weaker setting.
She is still having some sort of seizure activity, but no one would have noticed them, apparently. I only noticed them because I was hold ing her hand and arm at the time. They are very small and lasting only about 10 seconds. She is already on an anti-seizure medication now. I am keeping an eye out so I can call the nurse in when I see it again (I've seen two since I've been here this morning).
Again, since mom lives alone, she may have been having them all along and no one knew. We just don't know at this point.
The surgeon and the neurologist should be by within the hour to have a chat.
They stopped the insulin this morning, but her blood sugar started climbing again, so the nurse gave her a shot ot insulin. This is actually normal for this type of surgery. The body consolidates energy to heal and the pancreas gets neglected. She may need insulin for a while when she gets home again until she is fully healed, or not.
She may be getting the drainage tubes out this evening, which will make it a lot more comfortable to cough. They cause her the most pain right now, again, perfectly normal for this procedure.
She is still moving all of her limbs, cooperating with all the instructions she is given, and sleeps a lot.
When mom is awake, she is lucid, knows who we are and can communicate with us with gestures and hand movements.
I brought in her hairbrush this morning, she had an Opie Taylor look going so I got that under control.
Didn't get to WalMart for the speakers yet. Have to take Lizzie in to the vet this afternoon. I did bring in one of mom's framed photos of Lizzie and the nurses put it up where mom could see it when she wakes up. They all think Lizzie is adorable. They don't know Lizzie very well.
Deb Matthews
5/2, 1:25pm
Deb Matthews
Just saw the doc. Whatever is happening with the seizure/tremours, it isn't happening in the brain. The EEG and both CT scans came back clear (which also means no stoke, no bleeders, no clots, etc). Whatever it is, it may be something perfectly normal (for us), something that may have been happening all along that no one knew about, or it could be something that may be a stress reaction from the surgery that will resolve itself over time as she heals.
Again, we shall keep an eye on it.
Also, they are simply waiting for mom to wake up enough to remove the breathing tubes. She's still very, very sleepy and they prefer to let her sleep it all off rather than try to force her awake before her body is ready.
So, kinda sorta good news.
Daniel MacLagan
5/2, 1:26pm
Daniel MacLagan
Thanks Deb
Kacie J MacLagan
5/2, 1:36pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Good news. Hopefully the seizure meds will do her more good then they did ma. Crossing fingers on that anyway. Ma's made her hallucinate bad and we took her off of them. But good to hear no signs in brain of clots/stroke. Good news.
Deb Matthews
5/2, 1:37pm
Deb Matthews
There are a lot of different types of anti seizure drugs. Had to try a few before they found one for me that worked well enough without the weird side effects.
Nikki MacLagan
5/2, 3:06pm
Nikki MacLagan
Great news! And if the seizures are minor enough and doesn't cause any other issues that's good too. We can't see when Mom has one either. No "classic" signs for us to monitor.
May 2
Deb Matthews
5/2, 6:36pm
Deb Matthews
Back with mom this evening. They've got her sitting up and she's awake and watching the Supernatural Marathon. Still on the ventilator, but she's communicating with me. Slow, as she can't mouth words around the tube, but for the most part she's cold and needs more blankets.
oops, brb, gotta get a nurse.
Nikki MacLagan
5/2, 6:38pm
Nikki MacLagan
Deb Matthews
5/2, 6:48pm
Deb Matthews
Mom's been awake for a while, and just had a coughing fit (good! it helps keep her lungs clear!). On the downside, because she's been awake for so long, she's starting to fight the ventilator, and she's not ready to come off of it tonight. She's cold, but since she has a slight temp, she can't get bundled up. But we can warm up her feet and she says she's good with that.
Nikki MacLagan
5/2, 6:50pm
Nikki MacLagan
So basically she is sounding like herself! Lol
Deb Matthews
5/2, 6:52pm
Deb Matthews
Yep. With her being awake, her gag reflex is kicking in and driving her up the wall.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/2, 7:19pm
Kacie J MacLagan
A maclagan/raab with some stubborness ..... never
May 3
Deb Matthews
5/3, 11:59am
Deb Matthews
Mom us up and awake and off the ventilator today. She can talk and is having some vision problems, but it is expected. She is fully coherent and can carry on a conversation. Today she will start on liquids and they are talking about getting her up and moving and sitting in a lazy boy chair for a bit this evening.
As far as the doctors can figure, the seizures are "an anomoly". Mom seems to have a few of those.
I brought in a cd player so she can listen to The Shadow. I will bring some of her audio books tonight so she has something else other than the television.
Daniel MacLagan
5/3, 12:03pm
Daniel MacLagan
That's great. Thanks for the updates.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/3, 12:32pm
Kacie J MacLagan
May 4
Deb Matthews
5/4, 1:33pm
Deb Matthews
They've got mom up and moving today. She has her pillow for chest support, and had some soft food for lunch that she says was actually delicious (she's had some problems tasting things for a while now). She's been sitting in a chair a few times so far. We've been just sitting and chatting.
They're getting her ready to get up and walk about a little bit. We don't think she will be ready to come home tomorrow, she's just now able to get out of bed herself, let alone get into and out of the chair without using her arms. She is not allowed to lift or press anything heavier than a coffee cup at this point, to minimise pressure and torque on her chest. It may be a few more days.
They removed all the IV lines from her left arm, so she's down to the one in her neck and the one on her right arm. She can talk and cough relatively easily and continues to cough up some crud out of her lungs like she supposed to.
She is still a bit weak and dizzy and having trouble focusing her eyes, all are because she still has the effects of the anesthesia running about in her system. This will continue for a while yet, and it's normal.
Mom has also hit the "itchy" stage, now that she is awake long enough in between naps for her to notice all the bits of tape and dry skin and healing bits. They washed her face this morning, but she is hankering for a shower. That will still be a ways off until she can stand by herself for a longer period of time. Right now, she is able to walk from the bed to the door and back.
Other than that, she is doing very, very well. The doctor was hoping she would be moving up and about sooner, but he is please with her healing and everything is looking great. She will also have to be on insulin for a while until her body is finished healing and is back to normal.
Oops: mom is now walking (slowly, and holding the back of a wheelchair for support) down the hall. Great progress!
In other news: Lizzie and I have bonded over B-grade horror movies and Lee may have a torn rotator cuff from shoveling snow this winter. The rest of his back is also a bit of a mess.
And now mom has made it back to bed. She is ready for a nap, so I will wrap it up and head on back down to the house for a while.
Nikki MacLagan
5/4, 1:41pm
Nikki MacLagan
Very nice! I think we will wait to call her for a couple more days. Give her some more time to heal and breathe.
May 5
Deb Matthews
5/5, 12:38pm
Deb Matthews
Mom has been sitting up in a chair since 7 am. She is having a sandwich and beets for lunch- solid food! Very much awake and slightly uncomfortable because her movement is still limited by the IVs, both of which are being removed today.
They are moving her to the step-down unit later today, out of the ICU and into a ward where she can get her rehab done. She's not coming home until she can get in and out of bed safely by herself. Which is good, because I don't have a lot of strength in my hands and we'd both end up getting hurt.
She got a bath today, but she is chomping at the bit for a good shower or a long soak.
It looks like she will probably need a pacemaker put in. This was always a possibility, but there wasn't any way to know for sure until she was healed enough to get a good reading on the her own natural pacemaker (a temporary one was put in for support during the surgery- it is a short-term device). This is actually pretty common after this sort of procedure, because the nerves that control the natural pacemaker are right on top of the valve that had to be replaced. Sometimes they get damaged, sometimes they don't. It is what it is.
So she won't be coming home today as was originally suggested, but she will be moved out of the ICU today, so I still call that a win.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/5, 12:40pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Deb Matthews
5/5, 12:53pm
Deb Matthews
Oops, okay, she'll still be in the ICU, just not in the critical care ward.
May 5
Nikki MacLagan
5/5, 5:12pm
Nikki MacLagan
Still great news. Poor Lizzie tho. Is there a way u might be able to get the 2 to see each other? Or record Carole's voice for her?
Deb Matthews
5/5, 5:15pm
Deb Matthews
No, MGH doesn't allow therapy animals at this time, let alone pets. And I have to weave my way through a good chunk of building (and 2 floors) to get to the ICU unit. Lizzie is too big to smuggle (quietly) into my backpack.
Mom's voice is still pretty raspy. Lizzie is snuggled up on the bakc of the couch behind my head right now. It's only for a few more days. Mom's really moving along now that she's off the ventilator. They had her up and on the toilet for the first time today. Baby steps!
Nikki MacLagan
5/5, 7:01pm
Nikki MacLagan
Lol
May 6
Deb Matthews
5/6, 2:10pm
Deb Matthews
Alrighty. They tried to move mom upstairs to a regular recovery, but had to move back to the CCU because her blood sugar went wonky and they had to put her back on IV insulin. They are going to try to send her back up to the step-down unit again this evening if everything looks good.
She is itching to get up and move and has commandeered a wheelchair, as it's more comfortable than the rocking chair. And they can move the foot rests so she has something to put her feet on. Being short means her feet usually dangle and then her legs fall asleep.
She ate a bit of lasagna for lunch and all of the fruit, veg and pudding. She also waxed lyrical over the salad she had yesterday. Having her taste buds behaving as they should means she can actually *enjoy* food again instead of dreading it. We will have to watch that, although coming into the summer time farmer's markets I'm sure we can put a serious dent in her food bill without messing up her heath in the process.
We are looking at a physical rehab place that will take her for a couple weeks in order to get her strong enough to come home. At this point, she cannot use her arms for anything more strenuous than lifting a glass of milk or turning a page in a book. Seriously. She cannot put any stress at all on her arms or pectorals. None. She isn't allowed to put any stress on the sternum for 6 weeks. And she insists on not coming home until she can get in and out of the bed by self and can take a shower by herself. I concur, because even though I am here to assist, I cannot due much with my hands. Arm strength is excellent, but my ability to grab and hold is shot. Still, I can cook and clean and play with Lizzie and run errands. The Doc is calling around for a bad in a rehab unit for her.
She is out on her walk now and is adamant about getting some walking time in order to get more strength in her legs. She is up and using the toilet on a regular basis now, with some assistance getting her there and back. I've brought in some of her music cds as requested. If she gets moved upstairs to the regular care unit, she will have a roommate to annoy.
Mom is back from her walk and seated in the wheelchair again. Apparently they have never heard of anyone saying the wheelchair is very comfortable and prefer it over the rocking chair. Ah yes, contrariness doesn't run in our family much, does it?
Kacie J MacLagan
5/6, 2:13pm
Kacie J MacLagan
That's good news. We'll not the had to go back but watch out. Liking the wheelchair she may vanish one day to go for a walk outside. Hehe
Deb Matthews
5/6, 2:17pm
Deb Matthews
Also: there seems to be a heart defect in the Raab line, and not just the aortic valve. Mom has a heart murmur from birth, and I guess Uncle Paul had a hole in his heart, then died at age 2. Gramma Mac had a defective valve and we know how that turned out. Both Great Gramma and G-Grandpa Raab died from heart failure. I will mention this when I have my annual later this summer. Best to get it looked at, just in case.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/6, 2:20pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Oh yeah. Think I remember hearing about some of these. Heart issues on both sides of family here. Emig side too for us. Fun times. Sorry Donna, Stu, Gar. You guys all get a book to give to docs when you go in.
May 7
Deb Matthews
5/7, 12:53pm
Deb Matthews
Alrighty then. Mom's been up and about today, bright and early. She walked around the unit a couple times, and her lung capacity is improving. PT has been by, and they may be taking her over to the PT unit as early as tomorrow.
She got a scrub down "bath" earlier (3 am!) because she was feeling grungy. They were going to let her take a shower, because they don't know what to do with the heart monitor that's still attached.
Mom's still a bit "off" from the after effects of the anesthesia: she's having a little bit of slurring and some trouble with listing to the right when she stands up. She says the slurring bit she had the same problem after her last surgery. The listing fits in with the bit with her not moving her right side at all right after the surgery. PT should take care of that, especially with her wanting to be up and about all the time.
I brought in a single serving (1/2 cup) of her ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie) into the freezer on the ward until she's ready for it. I think she's going to be full after the large salad they brought her. She is enjoying the new low carb, low salt, low sugar diet she is on: it's mostly salad and protein. Not to mention that MGH has excellent food already.
Donna Kaye
5/7, 12:59pm
Donna Kaye
The effects of the anesthesia could possibly be genetic as well - my epidural with Annika had an extended effect on one side (the right side as well- not nearly as long but long enough that they were cocking their heads to the side at me.) No epidural the second time so I wasn't sure if it was a fluke or not.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/7, 2:25pm
Kacie J MacLagan
I had an issue w/ my epidural as well for my knee surgery. Then local for my wisdom teeth. Could be genetic.
Deb Matthews
5/7, 3:54pm
Deb Matthews
All the interesting things we find out when we get together and talk about family history.
Nikki MacLagan
5/7, 4:02pm
Nikki MacLagan
My epi just made me numb from the armpits down @ 10cc. But wore off alright after Damian.
Deb Matthews
5/7, 4:03pm
Deb Matthews
Mine (with Donna) paralysed me from the waist down, but I could still feel everything. They kept pumping drugs into it, but none of it worked at all.
Nikki MacLagan
5/7, 4:05pm
Nikki MacLagan
They would do the ice cube test and bump it down. But by the time I was fully dilated it didn't matter. Could feel the pressure but that was it.
Deb Matthews
5/7, 4:06pm
Deb Matthews
Nope, they were setting up to do the C-section and someone started poking my toes with a needle. I screamed and let them know that I felt that. The doc *finally* started believing me then.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/7, 7:02pm
Kacie J MacLagan
I don't remember anything after the needle went in until I woke up during surgery . But would have pain in area long time after
Deb Matthews
5/7, 7:02pm
Deb Matthews
So, we all get to make a note that this family has weird reactions to anesthesia.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/7, 7:04pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Yep! I woke up during both my surgeries. Was really kinda cool. Saw inside of my knee and felt them explode my tooth. Lol
Deb Matthews
5/7, 7:06pm
Deb Matthews
I think that's our overactive livers. My Novocain wore off halfway though a root canal. Happens all the time actually. Something about my liver just super efficient about clearing crap out of my system.
Kacie J MacLagan
5/7, 7:10pm
Kacie J MacLagan
Yeah should be interesting whenever I decide to go in and get my knee replaced. May have nik w/ me to just knock me out. Hehe
May 8
Nikki MacLagan
5/8, 12:31pm
Nikki MacLagan
Happy Mother's Day. Put these on Gram's from all of us.

Deb Matthews
5/8, 1:16pm
Deb Matthews
Donna Kaye
5/8, 1:24pm
Donna Kaye
Deb Matthews
5/8, 3:39pm
Deb Matthews
Mom is now in the rehab wing. It only took 5 hours of paperwork and doctor chasing to get mom moved over.
She finally got a shower in this morning, but it took an hour and she got thoroughly exhausted. Then when she got back to bed, her heart did weird fluttery thing and she finally had a panic attack. She figures it was due. She's settled down now. I packed her up and followed her down to the rehab unit. I brought some clothing, because now she can wear loose, comfortable clothing while in the rehab unit. She has a list now so when I come back in tomorrow I'll have the rest. I remembered her toothbrush and tooth picks but forgot the toothpaste.
There is a ton more paperwork I get to read to mom and have her sign (admissions to the rehab unit).

Mom has a roommate now and their nurse are all crafters. the nurse is a knitter. I suspect there will be shenanigans.
Had a rip-roaring thunderstorm this morning and I discovered that Lizzie doesn't like them. Had to stay snuggled in bed an extra hour to console her. May have to take off soon as the weather is looking sketchy again.
May 9
Deb Matthews
5/9, 9:26am
Deb Matthews
And we're back into the ICU. Mom's heartrate dropped to 22 with in equally low BP. They are stabilising her now. It will be a couple hours before an OR opens up. They will be putting in the pacemaker ASAP.
It's a waiting game again.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 10:46am
Deb Matthews
She's just been wheeled off to the OR. The pacemaker is a pretty quick and minimally invasive surgery. She had a horrible migraine when I saw her, but they gave her some good drugs and she was stoned off her gourd. They had to put the IV into her leg, as the ones in her arms are completely shot or inaccessible. She also may have threatened them at some point, so they went with the leg. Mom's idea, actually. She said it was horribly painful, but she didn't want them digging around in her arms yet again trying to find a vein that hasn't been used/damaged/still trying to heal from the last attempt. The one in her neck is still healing as well. So the leg it was.
I collected all her belongings from rehab and put them in the car, except for her picture of Lizzie, which is now posted on the bulletin board in her room. I think I've become a familiar face in this side of the hospital. People are recognising me and some know me by name. And I know where things are on 3 different floors. I'm certainly getting my exercise.

So, back in the waiting room.
Did I mention I'm stuck in Pepsi land? Ew.
Donna Kaye
5/9, 10:49am
Donna Kaye
I'm glad she's still advocating for herself. Always a good sign.
There should be Coke machines across the street at the University Center.
Starbucks is on the floor below the campus library as well if you want a monster sized iced tea (unsweetened or not) although most hospitals should have that in the cafeteria.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 10:55am
Deb Matthews
We've had to bring up the Final Directives paperwork (just in case) and she has designated me as the family spokesperson. Which is another reason I am keeping everyone up to date as I get any new information. I had to sign the permission for surgery for the pacemaker because even though she was conscious and communicating well, she was stoned off her gourd.
There is one lone Coke machine downstairs in the cafeteria, but it won't accept cash. I will have to put more money on my card, or break into the machine. I am leery of the iced tea in the cafeteria, as it's probably black tea. But, there is a Starbucks cafe in the main entrance (I found it running around the hospital looking for food), and they will brew me up a fresh cup of green tea.
Mom had a beautiful view of the Union Center in her room up in Rehab.
Donna Kaye
5/9, 10:58am
Donna Kaye
Oh good, I was going to follow-up that the library's Starbucks has really inconvenient hours when most of the students are gone on summer break.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 11:00am
Deb Matthews
I remember the library's Starbuck's. They had an amazing strawberry smoothie. But I don't really want to walk that far. The surgery is supposed to be relatively quick (aside from prep and anesthesia and what-not) and it would be my luck that she would be in, out and regained consciousness while I was gone.
Daniel MacLagan
5/9, 11:10am
Daniel MacLagan
Thanks for the updates Deb
Deb Matthews
5/9, 11:13am
Deb Matthews
No prob. Nothing like an early morning wake-up call to get my butt to the hospital. Poor Lizzie got dumped on the floor as I hit the floor running. I did manage to let her out and feed her before I left. She should be good for a few more hours. I can call one of her neighbors if I need to to let her out again.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 12:35pm
Deb Matthews
She's back out now, conscious, stoned and hyper. She's chatting away like i do and is wondering when they will let her walk around the unit. Her heart is going good and strong and she has excellent blood pressure. Pacemaker is a go!
Daniel MacLagan
5/9, 12:37pm
Daniel MacLagan
That's good. I'm really thankful to know how things are going as I was diagnosed with heart disease and an aortic aneurysm in October 2013.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 12:39pm
Deb Matthews
The heart disease runs in the family. We know this now, your boys should keep that in mind when they are all grown up. I will bring it up when I have my annual when I get back home again.
Daniel MacLagan
5/9, 1:15pm
Daniel MacLagan
I also got hasimoto's disease. A new one to the family. My immune system is killing my thyroid.
Deb Matthews
5/9, 3:38pm
Deb Matthews
OooO! New stuff in the family!
I just got back to the house. Mom *should* be resting now. She had a good meal and they pulled out the pic line they had in her leg. I don't forsee any more late night/early morning phone calls.
::collapses::
May 10
Daniel MacLagan
5/10, 12:10pm
Daniel MacLagan
How's your mom doing today?
Deb Matthews
5/10, 1:54pm
Deb Matthews
Saw mom again last night and by the time I got to the ICU they had moved her to CCU. I got a call bright and early this morning (what is it with these people and early mornings?) that they had moved her back upstairs to the recovery floor. She will be moving back to rehab sometime in the next couple days.
She's up and conscious and feeling very good. No more migraines today (so far). Brought her some more strawberries today. She had a few, I will take them canister back and refill it again for tomorrow.
Her diabetes has been stable since early morning and in the double digits. She hasn't needed any insulin all morning. I figure that getting the heart rhythm stablised will stabilse the pancreas as well and be a big help in keeping her blood sugars stable from here on out.
She is starting to retain water again, but she hasn't been moving around much in the last 24 hours. We figure once she gets back into physical therapy again the swelling will go back down. Overall, however, she has lost a LOT of water weight and her legs and ankles are looking great. The ID bands around her wrist are slipping off.
They have one arm in a sling (mom's idea) to keep her from moving it about. They have some leads on the new pacemaker that can't be disturbed for a bit, so she has to keep her arm stationary. As for both arms, she still can't do much with this for fear of tearing apart the sutures in her chest. So for now she's a T-rex. However, her legs are getting a lot stronger.
Overall, she's doing excellent now and the staff all love her. They think she's an absolute sweetheart and is tough as nails. Apparently, the procedure they did yesterday morning on her leg (they couldn't get an IV in either arm nor her neck, so they ended up putting the needle straight into her shinbone- at her request!) was a very rare procedure and is the talk of the hospital today. Leave it to mom to blaze new trails. It got the job done and everything is fine. Painful as all hell, but she weathered it far better than any of them would have- by their own accounts.
Sun came out for the first time in ages yesterday and it hit 71. Today, more sunshine and 64. Beautiful blue sky out there. Given that it had been raining everyday since mom went in to have the first surgery done, this seems to be a fine sign that all will be well.
So for Mother's Day, mom got a new valve and a new pacemaker. And several more years to her lifetime.
May 11
Daniel MacLagan
5/11, 9:41am
Daniel MacLagan
Happy Mother's Day to each of you Moms
May 16
Deb Matthews
5/16, 11:24am
Deb Matthews
So, mom's doing excellent in rehab and is due to be released on the 20th. She is healing fantastically, but now the fun part is keeping her from overdoing it. She now walks a lot and has a walker to get around. She is still a little unsteady on her feet, which isn't bad, but a fall would be Very Bad, as her sternum has not completely healed. So, I bought her a walker for home, because the hospital won't let her keep the one she's using there.
Also have to call her landlord to install a bathtub bar and I need to put some anti-slip pads on the floor. Shower chair has been acquired.
Mom is now in the "purge" stage of de-stashing her house. If there's anything you want that mom has, anytime after she gets home would be a good time to come visit and help the cause.
Am trying to get her a place at Heritage Manor in Houghton. She will end up in a one-bedroom apartment, so a LOT of stuff has to go. She will be able to keep Lizzie. Her lease is up on 30th of September, so I get to start filling out forms to get her on the waiting list asap. It will be tricky as she isn't a Houghton county resident, but as she will be considered as "needing assistance" living, and needs to be closer to family. And I can be very pushy when needed.
Also need to start taking photos of stuff that mom wants to sell on ebay and etsy. I don't think she's going to be ready for the craft faire circuit this year. She has plenty for her own booth, but I I'm not sure she's ready to pack it all up in my car and do the set up and tear down every weekend. So probably an etsy account for now.
Is anyone doing scrapbooking? Mom has a whole Micheal's worth of scrapbooking materials that she isn't gong to use. And there are collectibles, crafting stuff, and furniture. There is a *lot* of furniture. She wants to keep her quilting and her books. And a minimum of furniture.
So, that is the update. She has to remember to not overdue her getting up and around. She can now dress herself and shower herself, save for washing and drying her back. She has gone 2 1/2 days so far without needing insulin, but just now her blood sugar spiked and had to get a shot. Dietician figures it was probably the orange juice she had at breakfast. So we have added that to the "high sugar" list. Overall, though, they are very happy with her efforts at controlling the diabetes with diet. She also has to lose some weight, so the new dietary plan is working well.
So, that's the plan so far.
Daniel MacLagan
5/16, 11:27am
Daniel MacLagan
Great news. Thanks Deb
Seen by Kalena, Donna, 5 more

So, we bought this thing today.

sabrebabe — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:26:19 GMT

So we bought this thing today. Actually Saturday, but had to wait for the bank to approve it. I finally have wheels again. and it's a stick shift, so I get to remember how to drive a stick again. Still, it's just in time for me to take it to Marquette with me when I go to my mom's for 2 months. And I will be able to run errands without having to rely on her neighbors.

Things are happening here at the homestead. Good, for the most part, but I'm having trouble processing it all mentally. I've been in a holding pattern and "crisis mode" for so long, I don't know quite how to react to it all. Not to worry, I'll sort it all out eventually.

Disgustingly beautiful weather the last few days- crystal clear blue skies, 50+ degrees. running around without a coat, and I'm still sweltering. Snow is melting at a nice clip, even with more snow in the forecast (not much, and nothing that will stick). Need to remember to order my cherry tree and a couple of black currant bushes.

Got a set of 4 tires for free (they're no good for driving on), and they will become new planters for my more aggressive herbs. Will have to buy a lot of dirt, but then I can move the oregano completely and fill in the strawberry patch. Have to think about what to put in the other 3 "planters". :)

It's an '01 Subaru Forrester, AWD, 5-speed, only one previous owner. Got the Carfax on it for free, is a nice vehicle. There were actually 2, the other was red, but it cost more, so I was happy to take the green one for the cheaper price. And the payments are in our price range. We lucked out on this one. Just like we did with my Jeep, many years ago. Bought it from the same place. They've been good to us. :)

Look what showed up late Sunday night...

sabrebabe — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 17:44:36 GMT

::makes Happy!Gramma noises::

Fiona Giselle Sparks
8 pounds, 11 ounces, 20 inches

With momma Donna

So, I was late to work today...

sabrebabe — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 20:54:10 GMT

As all and sundry know, we were hit/are being hit with a late season snowstorm (normal, actually. There's always one). Projected was 15"-18" (and more in higher terrains) when all is said and done.

Well, let's just say, I live in one of the "higher terrains".

The bulk of it came down overnight, but the snow hasn't stopped yet, and is projected to continue through the night and part into Saturday morning.

I threw Jaeger out into it out the back door at about 8am this morning, and it looked about 7"-10". I didn't look in the driveway. Nor did I attempt to open the front door, either. My mind was on breakfast.

So, By trying to take off 20 minutes early (to allow for really crappy roads. No one ever plows the roads in Dodgeville), I was still late because I COULDN'T GET THE FRONT DOOR OPEN!!! So, after much shoving, I was able to squeeze myself out and shovel enough to get the door operating properly. Well, mostly properly.

Had to sweep off the truck. Wet, heavy snow doesn't sweep easily. And the snow was over the top of my boots, making getting around the vehicle even more interesting. That means the snowfall in the driveway (no drifting with heavy, wet snow) was over 15". Yes, you read that right. It was up to my knees

Did I mention it's still coming down?

On the up side, it's fairly warm out (in the 20s!), and I didn't need 4 layers of clothes and arctic-grade gloves. :)