Greetings
Just a short note to thank all of you sweet people sending me get well wishes. It means so much to me. I love our group. I am still pretty sick but can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
mary
😍
To be creative means to be in love with life-OSHO
Friday, December 27, 2019
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Things I like Thursday Dec 19
Greetings!
I'm really trying to have a positive outlook after some events lately. I posted the other day why I missed last weeks "likes" post. It's been non stop stress since then. Just keepin it real. But in the true spirit of this blog- here are my "likes" for this week:
1. Firemen in our community. Awhile back, I posted about my daughter becoming friends with the firemen and fire women in her neighborhood. Well, she got to be with them again. The day after I came home from the hospital, Tina got a call that 911 had been called for Thomas. (heart attack time).
He was on a field trip with his class and assistants parked on the sidewalk waiting for the city bus to return Tthem to school.. The assistant was not holding on to his wheelchair but said"here comes the bus". Thomas released the brakes and rolled into the street and tipped over on his side. The firemen who showed up knew Thomas and immediately were able to control the situation while attending to his needs. Mom dropped everything and arrived within minutes. One of the fireman suggested he(the fireman) ride with Tina in her car so Thomas would stay calm rather than in an ambulance. The hospital was less than 2 miles away. Isn't that the most thoughtful approach? Thomas was thrilled to have the fireman in the car even tho he was in pain from his injuries. He never complained the entire time.
Thomas is fine except for scrapes and bruises -xrays showed nothing broken and the brain shunt is ok. Amazing since the wheelchair weighs about 75 pounds. The accident did not keep him from eating when he got home.
Thank you God for taking care of my pumpkin.
2. My Three Wise Women towel:
3. My "Baby -it's- cold -outside" card
I think it's my favorite.
I am so glad I got everything done early for Christmas. Cards sent, gifts wrapped. I hope you all are enjoying this season. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.
Have to go- the repairman is coming to fix the broken toilet. When it rains it pours -so to speak.
mary
I'm really trying to have a positive outlook after some events lately. I posted the other day why I missed last weeks "likes" post. It's been non stop stress since then. Just keepin it real. But in the true spirit of this blog- here are my "likes" for this week:
1. Firemen in our community. Awhile back, I posted about my daughter becoming friends with the firemen and fire women in her neighborhood. Well, she got to be with them again. The day after I came home from the hospital, Tina got a call that 911 had been called for Thomas. (heart attack time).
He was on a field trip with his class and assistants parked on the sidewalk waiting for the city bus to return Tthem to school.. The assistant was not holding on to his wheelchair but said"here comes the bus". Thomas released the brakes and rolled into the street and tipped over on his side. The firemen who showed up knew Thomas and immediately were able to control the situation while attending to his needs. Mom dropped everything and arrived within minutes. One of the fireman suggested he(the fireman) ride with Tina in her car so Thomas would stay calm rather than in an ambulance. The hospital was less than 2 miles away. Isn't that the most thoughtful approach? Thomas was thrilled to have the fireman in the car even tho he was in pain from his injuries. He never complained the entire time.
Thomas is fine except for scrapes and bruises -xrays showed nothing broken and the brain shunt is ok. Amazing since the wheelchair weighs about 75 pounds. The accident did not keep him from eating when he got home.
Thank you God for taking care of my pumpkin.
2. My Three Wise Women towel:
3. My "Baby -it's- cold -outside" card
I am so glad I got everything done early for Christmas. Cards sent, gifts wrapped. I hope you all are enjoying this season. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.
Have to go- the repairman is coming to fix the broken toilet. When it rains it pours -so to speak.
mary
Saturday, December 14, 2019
If it isn't one thing it's another
Greetings! I think the heading is my motto.
I haven't posted for a week because I ended up in the hospital for food blockage in my throat and lack of oxygen. 18 hours later I had an Endoscopy which did not show the food but they dilated my Esophagus cause it shrinks when you get older and fixed something at the opening of my stomach. . That was bad enough; but, they wouldn't let me leave my bed much less the hospital till I received oxygen to take and use at home.
I've had COPD (advanced emphysema) for years and can control it usually with meds. As I've mentioned before, I have a wonderful lung specialist that I see regularly. But, the Internal Medicine doctor in charge of the ER was literally freaking out on my oxygen readings and the fact I wasn't wearing oxygen already. It surprised me and my 2 kids with his reaction and opinions. The three of us highly respect the hospital I was at. Whatever you do, do not question the doctor's opinion. Gheeze.
I also have a hiatal hernia which means my stomach pushes up into my esophagus and causes severe acid reflex. We think this caused the food blockage episode and actually caused stress on my lungs. I had been getting unusually tired just before the food blockage happened-probably a week or 2 but had chalked it up to being too busy. I hadn't checked my oxygen readings that week and just kept chugging along as we women tend to do. I don't feel "sick"- no cough or fever. Just tired.
Anyway, I'm sharing all this so anyone experiencing any similar symptoms can see their doctor for help.
Eventually, I got the oxygen set up and came home. Many years ago when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I had oxygen at home and then 6-9 months later didn't need it or since. It's very inconvenient but I'm so grateful for this invention. My problem is: I can't leave the house much because the portable cylinders are too heavy to transport for the amount that I need and only last 1.5 hours. That means if the traffic is bad, it takes me 30 minutes to get to the doctor and 30 back. That leaves 30 minutes for the visit. Hope they're on time.
Yes, there are portable oxygen concentrators you can purchase that plug into the car or wall and then walk around but they start around $1000 (used) if the insurance doesn't cover it. LOL
Grocery stores are very close to my home but any other shopping or to my kid's homes is 20-30 minutes travel time one way due to traffic. That means I have to carry 2 tanks in the car and switch them out. I have 6 regular tanks. I'm in the process of getting smaller portable tanks but who knows how much they will hold and for what duration.
This whole mess had controlled our lives this past week ( Frank has pulled the cannula out of my nose 3 times from tripping over the oxygen cords). I'm feeling fine and can't wait to see the doctor Tuesday for more options on handling my disease. I should mention my oxygen equipment is free from my insurance. Love Cigna.
Oh, I forgot, the second day home one of the toilets broke and flooded Frank's bathroom so we're sharing a bathroom. The landlord finally got a guy to come today to fix it. Is it just a female thing or maybe just me that I don't like to share my bathroom? heehee
I'm better mentally and emotionally so I plan to get back to blogging for next week. I am so glad I got almost all the Christmas shopping done and decorated the house early before all this happened.
Now, to find some cookies.
Thank God for pick up/delivery of groceries! It's really hard to pull along an oxygen tank and push a grocery cart at the same time, so-- that's not gonna happen. Help those people in the grocery stores who are struggling to do both!
BTW- my kids have offered to help anytime but I don't want to interrupt their lives more than necessary and I do love my independence. just sayin. Of course, if it's something I can't do-I'll ask for help.
Thanks for listening and have a great day. till next week---
mary
I haven't posted for a week because I ended up in the hospital for food blockage in my throat and lack of oxygen. 18 hours later I had an Endoscopy which did not show the food but they dilated my Esophagus cause it shrinks when you get older and fixed something at the opening of my stomach. . That was bad enough; but, they wouldn't let me leave my bed much less the hospital till I received oxygen to take and use at home.
I've had COPD (advanced emphysema) for years and can control it usually with meds. As I've mentioned before, I have a wonderful lung specialist that I see regularly. But, the Internal Medicine doctor in charge of the ER was literally freaking out on my oxygen readings and the fact I wasn't wearing oxygen already. It surprised me and my 2 kids with his reaction and opinions. The three of us highly respect the hospital I was at. Whatever you do, do not question the doctor's opinion. Gheeze.
I also have a hiatal hernia which means my stomach pushes up into my esophagus and causes severe acid reflex. We think this caused the food blockage episode and actually caused stress on my lungs. I had been getting unusually tired just before the food blockage happened-probably a week or 2 but had chalked it up to being too busy. I hadn't checked my oxygen readings that week and just kept chugging along as we women tend to do. I don't feel "sick"- no cough or fever. Just tired.
Anyway, I'm sharing all this so anyone experiencing any similar symptoms can see their doctor for help.
Eventually, I got the oxygen set up and came home. Many years ago when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I had oxygen at home and then 6-9 months later didn't need it or since. It's very inconvenient but I'm so grateful for this invention. My problem is: I can't leave the house much because the portable cylinders are too heavy to transport for the amount that I need and only last 1.5 hours. That means if the traffic is bad, it takes me 30 minutes to get to the doctor and 30 back. That leaves 30 minutes for the visit. Hope they're on time.
Yes, there are portable oxygen concentrators you can purchase that plug into the car or wall and then walk around but they start around $1000 (used) if the insurance doesn't cover it. LOL
Grocery stores are very close to my home but any other shopping or to my kid's homes is 20-30 minutes travel time one way due to traffic. That means I have to carry 2 tanks in the car and switch them out. I have 6 regular tanks. I'm in the process of getting smaller portable tanks but who knows how much they will hold and for what duration.
This whole mess had controlled our lives this past week ( Frank has pulled the cannula out of my nose 3 times from tripping over the oxygen cords). I'm feeling fine and can't wait to see the doctor Tuesday for more options on handling my disease. I should mention my oxygen equipment is free from my insurance. Love Cigna.
Oh, I forgot, the second day home one of the toilets broke and flooded Frank's bathroom so we're sharing a bathroom. The landlord finally got a guy to come today to fix it. Is it just a female thing or maybe just me that I don't like to share my bathroom? heehee
I'm better mentally and emotionally so I plan to get back to blogging for next week. I am so glad I got almost all the Christmas shopping done and decorated the house early before all this happened.
Now, to find some cookies.
Thank God for pick up/delivery of groceries! It's really hard to pull along an oxygen tank and push a grocery cart at the same time, so-- that's not gonna happen. Help those people in the grocery stores who are struggling to do both!
BTW- my kids have offered to help anytime but I don't want to interrupt their lives more than necessary and I do love my independence. just sayin. Of course, if it's something I can't do-I'll ask for help.
Thanks for listening and have a great day. till next week---
mary
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Thins I like Thursdays Dec 5
Greetings!
Yes, I gained a few pounds over the weekend which will go by the way from all the running around I am doing this week. Hope ya'll had a great holiday in the U.S. and a wonderful week for those around the world!
Thanks for stopping by to see my " likes" for this week and hope you'll stop by Lee Anna's blog to see more: Not Afraid of Color
Here are my "likes":
1. Sally Hansen nail polish. I hardly ever paint my nails and usually keep them short as they tend to get in my way (LIKE TYPING RIGHT NOW). For some reason, I like them painted at Christmas time. So, while I was at Walmart last week I perused the nail polish options. When did regular nail polish go to $7 per bottle? Gheeze. Anyway, I got this cute color for about $3 and it stayed on for 5 days-a record for me
2. Pandora Music App on my I phone. I can choose all Big Band music or Christmas radio all the time. It's free and I like it.
3. Tune In app on my I phone for talk radio or CNN, NBC, podcasts etc. I can listen to news or talk shows while cleaning or cooking. As you can see, there is usually something "on" unless I'm reading and taking a break. I guess it keeps me motivated.
4. Gluten free dressing for Thanksgiving
It was a gift from my daughter- stove top easy and good.
5. Plant Protein Powder for breakfast.
Abut a year and a half ago, I was sick with several ailments for months and got pretty run down. My blood sugar was acting up for the first time ever, bronchitis would not go away and several other things (medical term). A friend suggested this plant derived protein powder mixed with lactose free milk each morning. Increasing my protein to at least 30 mg a day gave me more energy to start my day and lowered the blood sugar. I took it for months but stopped it when I felt better around Christmas. It's pretty expensive. I initially bought it at Sprouts for about $25 on sale-regular price was $30+ for 1 pound that lasted a little over a month.
Recently, I haven't felt that great and found the same product on Amazon for half the price- $42 for 2 pounds. It was delivered in 2 days. just sayin.
I had also strayed from my expensive gluten free products occassionally to real foods so I'm back on that train with more focus. I've chosen to think of this protein powder as a monthly medicine to justify the cost.
On that same topic of medical costs, I have reached "the donut hole' of medicare annual costs for the first time since I've been on Medicare these 4 years . It sucks. ( I know, not a "likes" topic but I need to address it).
That means my meds' total cost (me and insurance portions together ) exceed an allowable amount for the year and so now my 2 meds that normally cost $42 per month, now are $100 each for December. At least I was able to make it to December without increasing the cost. I think that's a vague "like"
6. My Watercolor Christmas Cards
I finally found a little time to make some Christmas cards and absolutely love them. This group will go to a few people and I hope to get back to painting soon to make more for friends and family. I have not sent Christmas cards for probably 20+ years so this is new and fun . The tutorial for these was from Ellen Crimi -Trent on you tube.
Ok, that's enough about my life. How bout you? What have you been up to? This is a busy time of year so don't forget to treat yourself to some happy time.
Yesterday, my daughter and I stopped everything in the afternoon (she had the day off) and watched White Christmas while eating freshly baked cookies with hot tea. It was my favorite "like".
Take care.
mary
Yes, I gained a few pounds over the weekend which will go by the way from all the running around I am doing this week. Hope ya'll had a great holiday in the U.S. and a wonderful week for those around the world!
Thanks for stopping by to see my " likes" for this week and hope you'll stop by Lee Anna's blog to see more: Not Afraid of Color
Here are my "likes":
1. Sally Hansen nail polish. I hardly ever paint my nails and usually keep them short as they tend to get in my way (LIKE TYPING RIGHT NOW). For some reason, I like them painted at Christmas time. So, while I was at Walmart last week I perused the nail polish options. When did regular nail polish go to $7 per bottle? Gheeze. Anyway, I got this cute color for about $3 and it stayed on for 5 days-a record for me
2. Pandora Music App on my I phone. I can choose all Big Band music or Christmas radio all the time. It's free and I like it.
3. Tune In app on my I phone for talk radio or CNN, NBC, podcasts etc. I can listen to news or talk shows while cleaning or cooking. As you can see, there is usually something "on" unless I'm reading and taking a break. I guess it keeps me motivated.
4. Gluten free dressing for Thanksgiving
It was a gift from my daughter- stove top easy and good.
5. Plant Protein Powder for breakfast.
Abut a year and a half ago, I was sick with several ailments for months and got pretty run down. My blood sugar was acting up for the first time ever, bronchitis would not go away and several other things (medical term). A friend suggested this plant derived protein powder mixed with lactose free milk each morning. Increasing my protein to at least 30 mg a day gave me more energy to start my day and lowered the blood sugar. I took it for months but stopped it when I felt better around Christmas. It's pretty expensive. I initially bought it at Sprouts for about $25 on sale-regular price was $30+ for 1 pound that lasted a little over a month.
Recently, I haven't felt that great and found the same product on Amazon for half the price- $42 for 2 pounds. It was delivered in 2 days. just sayin.
I had also strayed from my expensive gluten free products occassionally to real foods so I'm back on that train with more focus. I've chosen to think of this protein powder as a monthly medicine to justify the cost.
On that same topic of medical costs, I have reached "the donut hole' of medicare annual costs for the first time since I've been on Medicare these 4 years . It sucks. ( I know, not a "likes" topic but I need to address it).
That means my meds' total cost (me and insurance portions together ) exceed an allowable amount for the year and so now my 2 meds that normally cost $42 per month, now are $100 each for December. At least I was able to make it to December without increasing the cost. I think that's a vague "like"
6. My Watercolor Christmas Cards
I finally found a little time to make some Christmas cards and absolutely love them. This group will go to a few people and I hope to get back to painting soon to make more for friends and family. I have not sent Christmas cards for probably 20+ years so this is new and fun . The tutorial for these was from Ellen Crimi -Trent on you tube.
Ok, that's enough about my life. How bout you? What have you been up to? This is a busy time of year so don't forget to treat yourself to some happy time.
Yesterday, my daughter and I stopped everything in the afternoon (she had the day off) and watched White Christmas while eating freshly baked cookies with hot tea. It was my favorite "like".
Take care.
mary
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