Dear Friends

March 30, 2014

Dear Friends:

    I hope you are warm where you are because its a really cold afternoon.  I had to put a couple of sweaters on just to be warm.  It is probably a relieve to some but for me not today.   Its funny I like rainy weekends because if you don’t have to go out you can do stuff that you want (well almost-laundry is a must but not my “want to do” activity)

    Bingo went well.  Marney and Natalie were both there today.  They both did paperwork and I set up for bingo and chatted with the residents.  I did find out that this wonderful lady whom I have known for a number of years had passed away.  She was the only woman Veteran at the Nursing home.  When I got home I sent an email to the women in our club.

i went to the 11:30 mass at St Mary’s and sat with Liz who was one of the Eucharistic ministers today.  A Eucharistic Ministers Are many volunteers who are taught the ways and everything important to know about distributing what is known as the Bread and wine (to symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ).  Of course I just read this bit of info about it and I am not sure that’s all of it.  I guess there are various meanings for it.  Anyway in the short time we had we talked about Mom.  

Liz tells me Mom couldn’t remember if she saw me this morning or not.  She did.  She did remember that I got my migraine last night and told Liz about it.  LIz also warned she was cantankerous.  Something I didn’t find at first when I returned home this afternoon.  Anyway Liz had a few things to do before going out to some black tie event in Plainville so she really couldn’t visit long.

When I got home I found Mom in her pajamas and still reading the papers.  I invited her to take a ride with me (anywhere really) but she declined.  She just didn’t feel like going anywhere.  So she has been out back watching TV and had some lunch and snacks the afternoon.  

I have ended up doing two loads of laundry as I am now getting a little tired and my legs are starting rebel on some level.  I haven’t had much problems getting up out of the various chairs or anything but it is time for me to take the tylenol again.  

For now I am going to watch the rest of the NCIS marathon and then read some of F-List blogs (Is that the correct terminology?) that I haven’t replied to in a day or two.

Have a great night....

Dear Friends

March 30, 2014

Dear Friends

    Wow what happened to yesterday?  Well my day started off okay I had another sleepless  night into saturday .  I got my hair done and then spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching NCIS for a while.  Unfortunately I started getting a headache and ended up getting sick but still went out with M&R for dinner.  I was unable to eat any of my dinner .   We decided to forego the Military Whisk.  I still wasn’t feeling good and Mike wasn’t thrilled about going so we did drive up and gave them money for the tickets and then came home by 9.

I did run into an old friend/co worker at Ruby Tuesdays’ and it was fun catching up with her.  Its been years since I saw her family and they have grown so much.  It was pretty funny Ruby Tuesday's was very busy inspite of the heavy rains last night.

When I got home I fell into bed.  I still had a little of the headache but tried to sleep it off.  I ended up getting up during the night and taking more tylenol.  I finally got a lot of sleep.  I feel pretty good this morning.  

Today will be my sunday morning activities and then laundry and getting ready for the upcoming week.

So I hope you had a great Saturday and I hope you enjoy the rest of today.

Kate

Dear Friends

March 28, 2014

Dear Friends:

Happy Friday to you...I hope all is well with you.  Last night was not quite what I had planned but it worked out.

    I got home around 5 and as I got ready for the meet and greet I decided that I didn’t want to go and Mom encouraged that.  So I relaxed as much as I could.  Mom had a prescription at Costco so I went and picked that up and then came home and had cereal then went to the DTC.  I really should have stayed home!

I was still having problems getting in and out of the car.  From the neck down  (even though I had taken Tylenol later on during the night/morning).  Getting on and off chairs was delightful and I also had a brain fart.  Tonight was the officers Elections and every year I nominate the current Chairman.  What I fail to remember is that usually he has someone (read: The Mayor) already doing it.   While I was trying to nominate the Chairman I couldn’t remember his name.  He was sitting right behind me.  OF course I apologized profusely and pray that no one and I mean no one tells Mom of this.

It was after 9 when I got home Mom was sort of sleeping in her room so I checked in on her and then got ready for bed.  I had a lot of interrupted sleep again.  My hope is tonight will be different.

Work went well got a lot done and no real huge issues to speak of.  We left a little after 4 and I got home by quarter of five.  I took a different route home tonight.

Mom was making dinner ribs and sauerkraut.  I kept telling her it was friday.  She said since she is no longer required to observe she forgets about me.  She was glad I try to honor it but I gave in and had it for dinner.   She did offer to have a fish filet,  I couldn’t be bothered.

I have been watching TV and doing laundry.  Actually I have only done one load.  Its in the dryer now and i am going to bed.

I am still having problems getting up from the chairs and the couch but not the beds as much.  I will have to take the Tylenol again soon.  MOm is already in bed been there for almost an hour or so.

I think I better go too.. I have a fairly busy  day.

dear friends

March 27, 2014

Dear Friends:

Oy the work day is quickly drawing to a close.  It started off rather rough.  I was late getting out of the house and ended up hitting traffic close to the office.  It turned out tehre was an accident by the office building.  

My arms and legs were not very cooperative at first but then took some tylenol and they seemed to be okay (the legs mostly).  I am finding it a little hard to get in and out of the bed and hard time sleeping I am hoping it won’t be that way when I go to bed tonight.  I am pretty certain that it has to do with the salt intake I have had for the last few days and I am sure the prednisone is completely out of my system now.  Even my face broke out again.  I am trying to keep it cleaned and moisturized.  If I don’t call the PCP today it will be done tomorrow for sure.

Tonight is the DTC and meet and greet and I hope it won’t be long...

Well gotta go..

Dear Friends

March 26, 2014

Dear Friends:

I know its going to be one of those days when nothing will go right.  First of all I didn’t want to get out of bed when I needed to.  I didn’t leave the house until after 7:30.

I was surprised and elated  to find no snow but kind of had a feeling by the weather reports that it would miss us and head  further east.  It was very windy but not as cold as expected.  Let’s hope the warm weather comes back soon.

Mom and I went to bed around 9:30 last night.  That’s really late for Mom but because she slept until Noon it was bound to happen.  I did have a little bit of a hard time because of my shoulders.  It hurt to sleep on them at times.  They seem okay as long as I don’t stretch much.  My foot started bothering me half way through the day.  I finally got some tylenol while shopping tonight and the limping and pain was better.  I had to take it again when I went to bed.

Work went okay.  I managed to get the mail opened but not all delivered.  I have a feeling I was preoccupied with something else (like sleep and later the pain in my toe).   I hobbled around the office to deliver some things but everyone knew I was in pain.

I was glad to be leaving for the day I headed to the store to pick up the fruit salad and tylenol and then got to the Shelter by 5.  I helped as much as i could and gave the blessing and chatted with people.  Roberta and I chatted about our next get together.  We started leaving around 7 and I was home by 7:30.  

Mom was still up but heading to bed.   She said she didn’t do very much today except go running after the garbage can the wind knocked over.  She says she is having company tomorrow.  They should be here at lunchtime.

well I am really tired and a little achy so I am heading to bed.  Hope you have a great one.

Dear Friends

March 25, 2014

Dear Friends:

    I had a very unusual dream that I was driving somewhere with my late father.  We were trying to find someone (I think Mom) and our car went into a body of water (not sure but I think it was a river) and we swam out of it and the car eventually got out by itself but I also saw what I think was a pilot whale swimming up to us.  We got out of the water and started climbing up a hill and that’s about all I remember as I woke up.

I had a pretty good night despite my arms aching for most of it (and they still are).  The legs are still pretty good.  My hands are starting to itch again and I still think its from the Prestone De-icer.  I washed my hands this morning when I got to work but they are still itching.  I am not sure what else to do.  Aside from not using the De-icer without gloves.

When I got home from work yesterday Mom was in the back watching TV.  She had made beefaroni and it was cooking in the small oven.  She had made rice pudding too.  We ate around 6 and it was good but my stomach was queasy still.  So after I ate I disappeared upstairs.  I just watched TV and got on the computer.  

Mom went to bed around 7:30 and had a pretty good sleep (so i thought) until about 4 this morning when I heard her get sick in the bathroom.  I waited a while before calling to see how she was.  There was no answer so I went back to work.

The day was busy and I got a lot done despite the fact my arms and shoulder were hurting a little.  I had lunch and lots of coffee today.  There is something going on with ALee.  I like him lots but he tends to speak out of turn on subjects and complains about stuff.  He is constantly challenging  people on things.  He is alway wearing  his earphones in and when you need him you can’t always find him.  I know that SR came and talked with him today.  I will keep you posted on that situation.

Wehn it was time for me to leave it wasn’t all that bad temperature wise but you could see the clouds moving.  I had no problem getting home either.  

When I arrived I was quite surprised to find that Mom wasn’t home.  She came home a short time later with several bags of groceries from Trader Joe’s.  She said she wanted frivolous stuff. None of it looked frivolous to me (but they sure did look delicious!).

She told me she felt better than she did this morning but she slept until noon.  She was going to make poached eggs for dinner while I had beefaroni.

The dishes are cleaned and the kitchen is cleaned and Mom is watching PBS Newshour and I got into my pajamas and will be getting ready for the next episode of NCIS.  I hope i am not disappointed.

Afterwards I am going to bed and get some rest...   

Have a great night....

Dear Friends

March 24, 2014

Dear Friends:

If it is spring then why does it feel so cold?  I can’t seem to get warmed up this morning and have had a lot of coffee to get warm.  I hope I am not catching anything.  On a different matter for some reason my hand was itching and I don’t know what caused it.  It seemed to subside by mid morning.  I called home and Mom seems to be having a crap day.  She was dozing when I called and I don’t think she slept well last night.

I found out that one of my fellow bloggers lost her brother this morning.  Her blog was about her experience being a primary care provider for Al.  She shared the ups and downs and she found something inspirational at all times.  

Work went well.  Ms Judy returned from her extended medical leave.  Apparently she was supposed to come back last week but had the flu.  It was great to see her because I missed her.  I kept her apprised of all that was I have been doing.  

Livi came to clean the house today.  I made sure there was nothing on the floor and the sheets were out so she could change the bedsheets.  When I called this morning she was already there.

I was just looking at my calendar and the next two day (today and tomorrow) should be fairly quiet.  Mid week (Wednesday and Thursday are quite busy) and then Friday will be my relaxing night.  The first part of the weekend is busy and the other half will be catch up and getting ready for the following week.

Well I have a few more things to do before I head home.   I will check in before going to bed tonight.

Kate

Dear Friends

March 23, 2014

Dear Friends:

Today was  a pretty busy day.   Today I had bingo and the birthday party for Cheryl.  It was also the day my friends came home from their mini vacation in FL.

WRHC invited former patients back for a special breakfast today and many (whom I knew and didn’t know well) came and enjoyed renewing friendships and catching up with those residents and staff members who were still there..  I even managed to get some breakfast.

Bingo went well.  I had ten people and Bob brought them down and then he went and did some activities upstairs.  We played the regular six games and had enough money for five of the games.  I was very happy that we finished before 11:15 and that allowed me to go to church on time.

Church went well despite the fact I nearly knocked all the Eucharistic MInisters over while getting to my seat before the mass started.  They were entering the church at the same time I was and I bumped into three of them.  

After church was done I called Nelson to see if Liz saw Mom and she had earlier this morning.  before running errands for the party.  I headed back to the house to spend time with the pups and  we watched TV and played with their toys and then around 2 I took them for their afternoon walk.  I took off around quarter of three for the party.

I got to my sister’s just about 3 and everyone was there and food was just being served.  Everyone was doing something.  People talking, some of the guys watching the March Madness and Grandma playing with the grandkids  We ate after a while and boy did I eat a lot.  Liz had to go to the church to do the readings for the 4:30 mass and got back after I left  to go back to the pups.

For the next hour or so I walked and fed the pups and made sure the house was in order and garbage put out and  then headed home.  Nancy and Patrick got home shortly before 8.  They sent me a text and asked about the pups going out..  

When I got home  Mom was cleaning up from dinner and sitting down for TV watching.  She said the engineer for the sewer project came by to do measurements for our hook up.  That must mean they are starting up again soon.

Well Mom is heading to bed and i am going to follow as I am starting to crash here.  I have a little more to tell you of the weekend but that will hve to wait until next time...

Dear Friends

March 22, 2014

Dear Friends:

I almost started this entry at 3 this morning.  I couldn't sleep so I ambled around the house (to check if any unexpected packages were around.  Happily the boys had behaved.  I was quite surprised that at one point Preston returned to his chair to sleep for a few hours.   It felt odd that he didn’t stay but I did get some more sleep.  They did wake me up around 7:30 or so and we went for our walk.  Now I did some laundry and had breakfast sent some emails and relaxing.

I had some errands to run before the morning was through and then just hang out  here. At least I think that’s what I am going to do.  I sent an email to Mom this morning  but called her when I got back.  She was heading out to the store later in the day.

This year Milford is celebrating the 375th Birthday/anniversary  this year and I was curious to know if there was anything going on soon.  Well as you can see there will be in June but I am not sure if there will be any prior to that.  I am thinking of participating.  Although I didn’t go to this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade I would like to think I would go to this stuff.  I need to do things other than chores, and tv watching.

I had a call from Debbie M.  The resident Mexican train game  coordinator last night and so we talked today about that and Military Whisk for next week.  WE have the Boomers concert in April so that we have a number of things to do.  I guess I don’t just watch TV and sleep.

I have to make sure I get salad fixings for the Beth-El Shelter dinner this week.  I couldn’t remember what I signed up for and Telka sent out a reminder email this afternoon.  I am going to have to remind Mom I won’t be home for dinner that night.

WEll I am going to move the laundry along its been in the washer and dryer all day.  I have to do something about them.

Kate

Dear Friends

March 21, 2014

Dear Friends:

It was a beautiful chilly morning this morning and after a rather sleepless night it was a welcome change.  Actually the night wasn’t that bad.  Around 10:30 Monsour Preston decided that he wanted to cuddle with me on the bed.  He was going to plant himself near my face but I was a little apprehensive so I had him move down a little.  He listened and planted himself next to me.  After a while he got under the covers and then moved right next to me like a person.  He was content just staying there.  He let me pet him on the head and anytime I would have to get out of bed I let him know.  

He was cooperative this morning.  He did start to growl when I pet him one more time as I left.  I continued to talk with him and tell him and packy they were both good boys.  I did notice Packy started to growl again and Preston was no where near him.  I am hoping the boys will want to go out this afternoon when I get home but again I Will play it by ear.  I did clear out the dog dishes with dinner from last night and I gave them each their treats and fresh water.

I have to confess despite what sounds like an upbeat post I am not really feeling that great.  The stomach feels queasy and it has since last night.  I know the hash browns for breakfast didn’t help any but I was hungry.

I made my daily calls to both Liz and Mom.  I woke Liz up but that’s okay.  We talked about Cheryl’s birthday on Sunday and I am going because it will be in Town instead of at Cheryl’s house.  I will stay for an hour or so and be back at the house in time for Pat and Nancy to get back.

The first time I called home no answer.  After lunch I called back and Mom was on her way out for blood work.  She sounded good but she said she didn't need anything to be done so I headed home after work.

The boys were good.  Of course Preston growled and barked from his perch but I just marched right past him to the bathroom and continued to talk.  When I was done I walked to the side of the room and mentioned going out...he was receptive and allowed me to put the leash on him and Packy too.  The walk went from the house down the street and around the corner they both did their jobs and then we came inside.  I was foolish enough to go without a coat so now I was pretty glad we were inside.  

We relaxed in the bedroom and watched TV.  At one point The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey movie was on but it was getting too suspenseful for me.  Preston was cuddling before but they heard their neighbor move around so they were barking at him.  Preston started looking at him so I chatted with him and kept petting his head.  He was really fine with it.

I debated whether or  not I would just get into my pajamas as I was really tired and cold and I didn't want to go back out again tonight with the pups (I am hoping  they weren't anxious about it either).  

Well I am going to go back to bed..see you later...

Dear Friends

March 18, 2014

Dear Friends:

I hope you had a good morning.  It started off really in the 20’s and it was brrr.  It eventually went into the 40’s which is infinitely better but not all that much.

My dinner plans last night didn’t pan out so well.  Before Mom went to bed she told me to put in for 30 minutes.  Well it was far too long.  At the temperature they said (375_F) the whole thing melted (including the container it was in).  So I ended up having cereal and irish soda bread.  I will have to try again next time.

After dinner and a few episodes of NCIS:LA I decided to call it an early evening.  I did some bill paying and surfing.  I also took the last of med for the day.  I also called Liz who was feeling much better and getting ready to go to an Irish history lecture but my reason for calling her was to let her know Mom wasn’t feeling well..

I am a little disappointed to say that even though I am taking the prednisone I am beginning to get the aches and pains back in the legs again.  I was limping a little bit yesterday and I took the last one today.  and I am not sure what to do next.  Actually I still have to call my PCP and check in with him but I don’t want to take the time.

Work is going pretty steady.  I found out this morning the two teams I am associated with here had a meeting yesterday to see what could be done to help KB and JF from being laid off in May.  If I had been invited I would have been there.  Some want the union involved and the union reps will see if there is anything the union could do.  Others are not so gung ho because they are worried about their own jobs.  The union and University have added low level management to the union.

There is also a health program starting on campus again.  Its the Walking campaign for healthy living.  I have tried it a couple of times in the past but I am not sure I can or want to again.  Yeah I know my doctors want me to do it but again it depends on the time and my energy level.

I have to say I am really pleased the MYWC carnival was a success for the fourth year in  a row.  It takes a lot of time to figure a date and the activities we usually do.  Next year we plan on printing out the lyrics of some of the older songs the girls don’t know very well.

Dr. Telka has told me that our one of our first Girls Club Presidents recently got in touch with her with very happy baby news.  Katie O and her husband welcomed a baby girl.  All is healthy and happy.

Our Beth-El Shelter dinner is on March 26, 2014 at 4:30.  We will start serving around 5:30 and it will be an international theme.  It will be (hopefully) a variety of different main courses, side dishes, salads, and of course desserts.  We usually eat with the residents and chat with them.

Our 3rd annual Fashion show will be on May 18, 2014 at Carriage Green Senior Complex.  Volunteers will wear any of their favorite outfits.  They are Prom dresses, uniforms, costumes anything they want to be.  We had a lot of fun last year.

We also have our Creative Writing Contest Reception on may 19th  and that will at City Hall and that is always fun.  Students in the local schools submit poems short stories and we pick the best out of each category and grade.  It is open to 1st grade to 12th Grade students. We also will be honoring the girls who will be graduating this year and going on to college in the fall.  I can’t believe it is fast approaching.

The Milford DTC is getting busy again.  Not only do we have our monthly 4th district meeting this week but we have a candidates meet and greet the same evening.  The meet and Greet starts at 5:30 and then our meeting starts at 7:30.  They are at opposite sides of the city.

In May we have our conventions for the various candidates offices (State Rep, Congress, Senator, and our Registrar of voters.  Mom has already told me she volunteered me for the meet and greet.

The summer will bring two of our biggest fundraisers and the most fun.  We have an annual Dinner that honors not only those on the Town Committee but those who embrace the Democratic values (sorry if this sounds like preaching) and community service.  Mom was one of the honoree’s last year.  The other is the Annual Oyster festival in August.  The link provided is from last year and as the time approaches it will be updated.  Then in the fall we prepare of the 2014 elections.

Okay its time for me to mosey on out.  Have a great afternoon!