not what I had planned
I was actually hoping to go to Fort Dodge today, take up a care package, and visit poor, sick, Miss Lilly. She is quite a "little bear" these days. Nothing and nobody are making her happy.
The weather people agreed - it wouldn't rain until later today. When I awoke bright and early I barely had time to get my trail cover on before the first rain hit. And it just pretty well rained all day. I have my Jeep broke down for summer - My jeep is now "summer topless". I have the door supports off and everything. It would take the better part of an hour to put it back together with the top on. Plus, it would all have to come off again. These are just some of the minor inconveniences, we are willing to do for our rides. It's a Jeep thing. And it's worth it. I might have to plan shopping trips and visits around rain storms, but I get to do it in a Jeep!
I did get a very thorough cleaning of the basement done today.
Tomorrow, I hope to get the upstairs done and, if weather allows, maybe a short trip to see Miss Lilly. Not necessarily in that order.
how dry I am
I have not been swimming since Sunday and I'm really starting to feel it. I have got a lot done around here, but my body does not appreciate what it has to do on dry land. Water is the only way I can exercise and improve my condition. I need to start finding that me time again.
it just keeps on ticking
So far our central air unit is giving us a grace period. The CPR and pacemaker have gave it life; but there are not bets on how long this will last. We had another person out today to look at out central and furnace. We are pricing both new units, but still hope to put it off until at least fall.
Today we learned our heating and cooling system are about 26 years old. None of the experts can believe they have lasted this long, especially since we have had very little trouble before now. They say a dozen years is a good average life span of a heating and cooling system.
Randy would like to get a few estimates. I want Loziers to do it. They have very trustworthy service.
nothing personal
I don't want to go to my 25th Class Reunion. There are many reasons, but the strongest is - "I just don't feel like it". I know I should go, we are getting older. My class (population 21) is fortunate in that we have not lost anyone yet. But in as much as we are getting older, we aren't necessarily getting wiser.
My bone tumor was a big bad deal and everyone knew about it. By the time my 15th class reunion rolled around I was struggling to get out of a wheelchair and just walk with crutches or a cane. Our reunion was held in a nice restaurant basement. I had to manage stairs. It was embarrassing for me to show my weaknesses. It was after I got to the bottom of the stairs, I learned the only available bathrooms were upstairs. I certainly didn't drink a lot and I didn't stay too late. As a disabled person, I felt dishonored. I made the local Pamida store change their aisles so I could get through with ease. And the peers that should know me best; ignored my special needs.
My 20th class reunion I don't even remember getting an invite to. I was okay with that.
This year is our 25th. Most classes would've planned this special event months in advance. Booked a nice restaurant. My classmates started panicking a few weeks ago. They quickly organized a potluck in the country on a classmate's farm. We don't even know if this is an outside affair or inside. I'm worried about the heat. And bugs and bees. I'm so allergic these days. I can't do the high temps we have had to deal with. I promised myself no more heat strokes. I really need to keep that promise.
We are getting older Class of 1980. This year, I am not the only one who has been struggling with some serious health issues. These reunions need to be planned months in advance and they need to be safe and accessible to all. If nobody cares enough to plan them, maybe we should let reunions go. It would be special if we cared. No one really seems to.
summertime blues
Miss Lilly hasn't been feeling well and went to the doctor this afternoon. She has an ear infection, sore throat, and it seems, the constipation is still a lingering problem. Poor baby! She was prescribed amoxillan, prunes and Karo syrup. She is up to 16lbs., 3 oz.
energy
I have a long way to go, but I can definitely tell an energy difference in the past couple of days.
The breathing APAP Resmed device is really making a difference. I am sleeping well every night. I'm getting more energy. My waking pain has definitely decreased. I have had no trouble adjusting to it. I sleep so much better with it, I can't imagine life without it already - And it has only been one week!
the final frontier
I used this new energy to finally got the Star Trek bathroom re-done yesterday. For those who don't know we have a small "toilet only" room downstairs. I keep all of Randy's Star Trek collectibles in here. (He has many!) I used lots of left over materials (tile, etc.) from other projects, bought one gallon of paint and this entire room redo cost me about $20.
I'm giving thought of decorating the sink and shower area downstairs in either fishes or ducks. I also thought about "log cabin" design for it. Obviously, I need to make up my mind first.
more color news
I called it correctly. My burn is already deepened into more tan! After the first evening, it was no longer tender.
hot news
Our central air is on it's last legs. It was given CPR, and hooked up to a pacemaker, but nothing more can be done for it. Rand and I had planned to put in a new furnace and central air next spring. We might have to move our plans up. Right now the air is working. We are going to try to cripple it along for as long as we can. We really had hoped to do all of this "off season" for better pricing. Of course this summer would have to be the hottest we have seen in years.
and so it continues
Vicky, managed to get herself out of the hospital on a release with court order rehab starting on the 8th. She disappeared for a few days, and is currently planning on leaving state. She promises to be back in time for her next appointment in two weeks. Not looking or feeling like a good situation again. Keep praying for her please.
Happy Birthday last Friday Willie
We had a nice family camping trip this weekend at our favorite KOA.
Rob and Lisa joined us, as well as Willie, who finally decided he should come to his own weekend long camping celebration of his 19th birthday.
Willie is not a camper.
Willie has his own tent and all the gear and then some, but lacks the ability to hold still for something as laid back as camping. He also doesn't like sleeping in his tent. That could be from all the teasing he gets - like what we might do to him while he sleeps! (Nothing has ever happened to him - yet) Not to mention all the warnings of coyotes, mountain lions, and the elusive snipe he receives just before retiring!
We celebrated Willie's birthday with a cake from DQ and got in a bit of pool time.
Friday evening, we had quite a nice show, lots of thunder and lightening, but no rain until dawn.
Willie, at the first sign of anything, retreated to his car. He kept the windows up because he did not want his leather upholstery to get wet. Mind you, it wasn't raining at this time. It is amazing he lived through that. The temps had been in the high 90's with very high humidity. He finally decided his car was too hot and I wasn't surprised when I found him asleep on our sofa the next morning.
The old folks even joined us on Saturday and left Sunday afternoon for a cousin's wedding.
New to our KOA
Breadeaux Pisa of Adel now delivers to the campground!
I'm seeing red!
Rob and Lisa spent all day Saturday outside. Swimming, playing with Grandpa and Grandma's new Stomp Rockets, and swimming again.
By supper time, they were a beautiful mosaic of reds.
Rand swam a little this morning and I pulled a day-long pool marathon. We are also sporting new sunburns. Rand burns quite easily for someone largely of Native American heritage. I used vast amounts of sunscreen, but I am also on more than one medication that says to avoid all sun exposure. (Right - like that's going to happen!)
Rob and I will probably turn these burns into glorious tans. We will only suffer a couple of days of tenderness.
Rand and Lisa may not be so fortunate, even though Rob and I saw more pool time.
The highlight of pool time had to be when I got Willie to scream like a girl!
The Saga of Bud
Bud (age 5) and his family were visitors earlier in the week to our KOA. Bud's family headed for home (Colorado) without realizing Bud was still on a nature hike. They thought he was sleeping. Upon their arrival they were horrified to discover Bud was missing. They retraced to the last known sighting of Bud and called. Patricia was able to find the lost Bud. By this time he was well aware that something was wrong and wanted nothing more to do with nature.
We became his weekend home and he was a gracious guest. Bud got along great with both Girlfriend and Kizzie. Girlfriend was a bit taken back at first, but Kizzie always loves everybody right off. Bud and Kizzie had long "get to know you" conversations. Had Bud's family not been able to return for him - we would have kept him forever. Dave and Patricia graciously offered to drive Bud part of the journey, saving his family many miles. Dave reported that Bud was a very vocal backseat driver. (Not surprising - he was a talker!)
Bud was very happy to be reunited with his family.
Bud shares his adventure with Kizzie. 
Maybe it's me...?
My cell phone is acting up. My computer is acting up. The internet is acting up. Solar flares? Virus?
I've done some updating of my virus protections just in case.
Maybe it is a Stephen King horror coming to pass and the electronics are getting ready to take over. "Okay now. I'm just going to bed. Just let me slip this contraption over my head and insert it up my nose. Yep, it has a computer in it that allows me to breathe all night...." Before you know it I'm a Stepford Wife and my only job will be to blow canned air on hot computers......
I'll bet I dream crazy tonight! How about you all?
speaking of breathing and life
I did that breathing thing very well, all last night. And didn't allow myself dozing time without my air.
I didn't get to go swimming today. Shopped for weekend supplies. We will be headed to our favorite KOA to celebrate Willie's 19th birthday Friday night!. Rob, and maybe, Lisa,(if she doesn't weenie out), will join us as well.
Then Vicky called. She was released from the Iowa City University Hospital and would be taking a bus to Des Moines. Rand and I went to Aunt Harriett's and brought Vicky's car down to our place. I ran to the bus stop and picked up Vicky. She will be staying at a friends house.
By the time all this was done it was too late to go swimming. It's all right. From tomorrow on -
I will be living in the KOA pool.
old things
One week from Saturday is my 25th Class reunion.
Dear old friend, Jack, and his wife, Angie, are coming from Arkansas for this event. They will spend Friday night here. Jack is very excited to go. I'm - not so much. I'm a bit worried that it is being held outdoors. Between the heat and the bugs it could prove to be too much adventure for me. The drive down will do a big number on me physically. And Rand may have to work. I don't know, the enthusiasm just isn't there. Not that it was for anyone this year. The reunion was thrown together very quickly with not a lot of thought and no one wanting to volunteer to do it.
Still, it will be great to see Jackey and Angela again.
The old folks should be safely at home by now, returning from their adventure to Smithville Lake, MO.
how about that?!
I had a revelation this morning. I woke up about 5:30-6am and figured I was up for the day. I took off my ever-so-attractive nose pillows and head gear. Then, I dozed off again and I have the dream where I am being choked to death. That is my most re-occurrent dream - dying to due lack of air. The circumstances change, but the theme is the same. I haven't had that dream that last two nights on my breathing machine. When I did awake, I had major leg(s) pain. This turned out to be only a 30 minutes snooze. Breathing every minute - makes that big a difference! I had realized I wasn't being awaken constantly with pain the past two nights. I was assuming I was sleeping so much better, I was sleeping through it. My whole body likes receiving oxygen! Who knew?!
And I was really looking forward to going to sleep last night. Couldn't wait to lay down and put my headgear on! Never thought that would be something to look forward to, but I really want to feel better. And this already shows great promise.
I went swimming at Ashworth pool yesterday. It is much better suited to my needs. The staff there keep one lap lane open at all times and they do a good job of keeping kids out of it. It is really wonderful to have a nice long swim without dodging kids continually. Northwest is so much closer to home, but finding it's "lap lanes" fairly free of kids is nearly impossible. I don't know why they bother to paint lap lines on the bottom of the pool if it is never used for that purpose. Or why even build an aquatic park with that feature. I do miss Osceola pools. They always had adult swim times where you could do your thing with out being hit, kicked, ran in to, or jumped on. Des Moines pools never offer that. There were some boys with attitudes and mouths at Ashworth yesterday. I was just about ready to take them to the bottom and teach them to respect women. Their mothers would be ashamed.
I have got some mulching done and filled bird feeders this morning. The mosquito's finally drove me in. Since the city won't take care of our street, I suppose I am going to have to start covering myself in poisons to get my yard chores done. I have to worry about how my skin and immune system will take that. But, the other evening, I had a mosquito bite swell and the entire arm was feverish. I can't afford the risk of bites either. There is so much I need to do, but as a handicapped person, I can only work so fast! And the mosquito's and the weeds, so far, are winning.
Yawn!
I slept for a solid 7-8 hours with one potty interruption. Never even moved. My nose felt funny for awhile, but it seems fine now. I suppose I will get use to things in my nose all night long. I'm thinking a nap might be in order today. Probably should go swimming instead. Oxygen or exercise? - What a dilema!
Wet!
I was taking my trail cover off the jeep this morning. It had some water on top and I managed to drop every bit of it onto the driver's seat. Got to start my first errands of the day with a very damp bum.
Gone!
The old folks called to say they weren't at a ballgame after all. They decided to go to Smithville Lake in Missouri. Road trip! Mom says the snipe still sound plentiful at night.
Hurray!
Happy first day of summer - my season has arrived!
I'm awake now!
I had my fitting appointment at the sleep clinic this morning. My tech seemed amazed at my sleep score. When I went to the medical equipment store to pick up my new toy - the salesman seemed equally as amazed. My score was 39. That means every hour - I quit breathing 39 times. I am only breathing one third of an hour and the rest of the time my body fights for air. At one point my oxygen saturation levels dropped to 86%. In an emergency room that is not a good thing. Let alone just sleeping.
So my new APAP, Automatic Positive Airway Pressure, is accompanied by the oh-so stylish nasal pillow system. I am actually looking forward to tonight's sleep. I am so exhausted all the time. I was warned, because I am so sleep deprived it could be a couple of weeks where my day exhaustion gets worse instead of better. Once my body discovers rest, it will crave it bad.
doggy style
The dogs had their check-up at the vets. For their age, they are doing nicely. Kizzie will have to lose some more teeth. Do they make doggy dentures? The vet and I are in agreement that my girls are winding down and no heroic methods will be used. Keeping them comfortable and happy is my only goal.
Went swimming tonight and came home in a hurry and to use my new trail cover on the jeep. Jason Parkins said it wasn't going to be like this! Nice storm caught us all off guard.
weekend news
Miss Lilly has her first tooth. One taste of soft baby food and she starts growing out teeth. She's knows she can do better!
Willie is officially working at the new store. They are receiving trucks and putting out product as they can. The plano team is still building on the floor. I wish I was a part of that.
I went to Iowa City to see Vicky early yesterday morning. She is in much better spirits. She will be transferred to a Des Moines facility at some time this week, no set date on that yet. I took a large bag of clothes and stuff for her. I was very careful on what I packed, making sure it was all safe. It is amazing what didn't pass the nurses inspections. Like pajama bottoms - they have a string at the waist. Vicky can't have string.
At one point on the way home I stopped for gas in some little out of the way place. 15 miles later - I had a major revelation. I then stopped at the next town, found an auto supply, to buy another gas cap for my Wrangler. Yeah, just an OH-NO! thought that struck. And I was right.
I did get in some swimming time at Ashworth yesterday.
Rand and I also went to Menards. He finally re-did the needed plumbing on the kitchen sink and we put in the much needed new faucet. I also bought 20 bags of mulch. That should keep me busy this week.
I have officially named my bird feeder area "the nature preserve". Yesterday, very early (just after dawn) I had two squirrels, a ground squirrel, a rabbit, mice, three kinds of finches, a cardinal, doves, more sparrows than I could count. Every evening, I even have butterflies. Not bad for a roughly 10'x10' spot!
Now, I am leaving to be fitted for my breathing apparatus at the Sleep Center. I'll blog later with details of that adventure.
Why people in general, drive me nuts.
The guy who begged me not to sell the VW to anyone else - he would be here this morning right after the banks opened - never showed. I gave him until just after noon, then I started telling the callers it was for sale, again. I didn't go to the grocery store this morning waiting for this guy. I didn't work downstairs waiting for this guy. I finally gave up and did get laundry started. About 3pm I even went to the store. When, of course I got another call: and they wanted to come over and see it and they only live about 10 blocks from us. I hurried home. It was a young man who knew Willie and it was love at first sight for him and the VW Golf. The VW now has a new home less than a mile away.
I called the Des Moines Register to cancel our ad and stop all the calls. I got a message that says today, and today, only their computers would be down for maintenance. They would re-open on Monday for calls. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense or business sense for a lot of reasons. And it guarantees I get calls for at least two more days.
Willie wanted to go to Target with me. I sent him on a short errand (it would take 10 minutes tops) and figured we would go when he got back. That was over two hours ago. Now Rand is due home soon and I'd rather be here for him. He is going to be tired and probably hungry. And I really did need to go to Target.
I'm stopping caffeine by 10am now.
hurry up and wait
Willie's VW Golf is sold and the guy should be here anytime now to pick it. I want to go downstairs and work on laundry. But, I know just as soon as I get downstairs, he will arrive and I will have to come right back up the stairs. I hate stairs!
In the meantime, I'm picking up the house, watering my flowers, etc. I need to fill my bird feeders.
I had a nice conversation with a squirrel this morning on my sunflower seed feeder. He wasn't none to happy to see me on the deck, but didn't run off right away.
what a difference a day makes
The good news:
Lilly, who has been constipated, has pooped. Yesterday, I received a few frantic phone calls from Sandra looking for advice on what to do. I'm betting it was the applesauce that got things rolling! I had advised her to try the Karo syrup and water next. Joys of adding food and dietary changes.
The bad news:
Sandra called about 8:30 last night and said her friend, Vicky, had text messaged her a suicide note and was no longer answering her phone. She told me the name of the motel she thought Vicky was at, and I went to find her. I convinced the desk staff to affirm she was a registered guest. When she wouldn't answer her room phone, they took me with them to let me in her room. They went prepared to even break open open the dead bolt if they had to. They knocked on the door and Vicky did make noise. (That was such a relief!) They said, "front desk", and after the employees wouldn't answer to why they were there, she did open the door to see what was going on.
I went in and told her I was there to help. She told me I had to leave she had things to do. I wasn't going to let her finish the things she wanted to do. She had already taken a large amount of pills, vomited, (from the looks of the room - quite a bit) and was pretty out of it. The vomiting saved her life, but she was getting ready to ingest more. She got in her bed and said I might as well go, she wasn't going with me. I said I wasn't going without taking her to a hospital and got on the bed with her. I let the staff know we were okay and she wouldn't require immediate medical help. After a two hour stand off, she finally agreed to go with me. I took her to Broadlawns Hospital. We pretty much pulled an all nighter there. All tests showed Vicky hadn't done any long lasting damage to herself. She was court-ordered committed and sent by ambulance to the Iowa City hospitals.
By the time they got there to transport her (took a few hours), Vicky was in a much better frame of mind.
She and her long time (6 years) boyfriend just broke up, so she was staying with an aunt who just kicked her out this week, which is how she got to this motel. At this point, she is now officially homeless. And because she didn't show up for work, she has just lost her job.
I have had a few hours sleep. I have Vicky's car and room keys. I need to go pack up her stuff and figure out where to store her car. I imagine it will be awhile before she gets back. She really has no one else, family or friends, at this point in her life that can help.
In other news
I received my follow-up call from the sleep center. I do have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I go in Monday morning to be fitted for a night time breathing device. Hopefully this will be a answer to a lot of problems. It can lesson my pain. I will sleep better. I will have more energy. My favorite part - everyone I have talked to - they say you get your brain back! The fog goes away!
a camping we shall go
We did get to go camping at our KOA last weekend after all. Rand was 100% fine the next day. He called from work and said to get the 5th wheel ready to go. I way over did, flared my arthritis, and got a bit over-heated, but got it done.
what else could go wrong
We almost canceled our trip once we arrived and came home.
It seemed anything we touched would not work properly.
It had clouded up big and looked like a good storm was on the way. (okay - that is nothing new for us)
We had trouble with the camper brakes on the way out. Which made the ride a lot more "moving". (loose connection - fixed now) This also tossed things around in the camper quite a bit. I had to do a lot of picking up when we got there.
Also, when we arrived, the air conditioner wouldn't come on. I was overheated before we ever started and still working in an oven of a camper. For those who don't know - I have had multiple heat strokes in the past. I can not afford to have anymore. Rand checked breakers on the hook-up box, breakers in the camper, he finally crawled up on the roof and tore into the unit. It turned out the fan motor was frozen. Rand got it going.
By this time I was really pushing the edge of sick. We went to the office to pay, buy me a very large cold bottle of water, and see if the pool was open.
Dave had bad news - the pool chemicals had messed up. The pool wouldn't be open for a few hours.
When getting the chemical toilet ready I just about threw up. More from the smell of things. We had a serious odor problem going -new for us. We had switched to a new product this spring and it was obvious - it was not doing the promised job. I doubled chemicals and added water. It still didn't help.
We did have a nice weekend, eventually. I did get to swim Friday and Saturday. The chemicals were still a bit strong and the pool was cold. I swam until I couldn't stay warm anymore.
On Saturday, Dave also changed the code on the bathrooms and neglected to tell me.
By Sunday everything was perfect. The temp was absolutely perfect. Chemicals not as over bearing. I swam for a couple of hours and made some new friends. Of course, on Sunday, we have to leave. I eventually had to give up my aquatic heaven and head for home.
After dumping, we added a gallon of bleach to the black water tank and then added several gallons of water. We wanted it to slosh around on the trip home. We will leave this in there until we go out again.
shopping
Rand and I ran to Ankeny yesterday. (Actually, we went in the Wrangler) We needed to take some returns and pick up chemicals at Imperial RV Center. We tried the new Oxy-Kem Drop in Pak, and for the first time ever in our history, had our odor problems. Alicia treated us great, welcomed our feedback on the new product, and even gave us another new product (Supreme Green 12 Toss-Ins) to try for free!
We also returned a screen door guard. We could not agree on it's usefulness and so somebody would not install it. Sometimes, those who run the power tools rule.
I have never had a toilet paper holder in the bathroom and have, after a year, finally decided where it should go. This I can install my self!
Actually, if I had too I could have installed the door guard as well. I know how to use power tools. But Rand is a perfectionist at things like this and I have serious depth perception problems.
After leaving Imperial, I once again went to shop at that store I am not too fond of. (Walmart) The Ankeny location is one of the nicer stores. I like a certain line of swimsuit that can only be found at this store. I am very hard on swim suits - a lot of use! I bought three and a couple of more pareos. My favorite type of cover up.
location, location, location
We decided to find what will be Eric and Renee's new home on the way to our home.. What a beautiful location you have! Looks like it will be really private. The entire area is really gorgeous. We did sit in your driveway, but decided not to enter your home. (It didn't looked locked up yet) I hope somebody closed the windows before the rains hit.
Life without Dew
My decaffeinating is going well. I'm down to one can of diet Dew in the morning and a little coffee. I quit all caffeine at noon or before. Feeling good! I'm thinking of giving up all pop even earlier than I had intended. I'm still doing my protein, vitamins and calcium.
I'm feeling so much better just being in a pool again. My strength is improving already. The first couple of days after swimming I had really bad flare ups, but the last few days are better.
I really committed to swimming. I bought myself a season pass from Des Moines Parks and Rec. Yesterday, I went to Northwest. It is in our neighborhood and also the very first pool I ever went to as a young girl (age 5). I can remember being so proud after my swim lessons were over. I went the entire time and never got wet! Mom wasn't so happy. I, obviously, outgrew that fear of water. I also hope to check out Ashworth Pool. It is supposed to have an all day lap lane. Right now the temp is still in the mid sixties and according to the US satellite map, the sun will not show today. I'm not sure a pool is in my future this afternoon.
what day is this?
In the midst of all my running this week, I lost track of days and dates. I almost missed a dental appointment. There is no part of me unchecked lately! My teeth are fine!
My thyroid has also tested fine. That one surprised me. I was really hoping that would explain the increased exhaustion, dry skin and changes in my hair. Time to work on another angle and the winner is.....
I'm working very hard on nutrition now. (I will not use or do the D word.)
My new priorities are:
Getting decaffeinated - this will go slow. When I run out of soda in the house, that is it. This time I am shunning all forms of carbonated beverages. Wine isn't carbonated. Margeritas aren't either. Corona is just a little. But other than that, mind you, I haven't drank in a long time. I haven't felt good (those who know me, know it is a Diet Dew addiction that curses me) I have decaffeinated several times before. Usually I go cold turkey and die for a couple of weeks. Or at least wish I would. This time I will just eliminate products as I run out of them. Tea will come next. Coffee will be last. The very last. So last I don't know if I can see the end from here. But I just might keep it to occasional Starbucks trips toward the end. Financial warning! If I quit being a caffeine addict, this could negatively affect several companies' stock.
I have decided no more carbonation, because it always the first step back to caffeine for me. Eliminating a weak link.
Next - getting more protein in. I'm shooting for 60 grams a day. I've always been a borderline vegetarian. Meat is not a first priority. Today, I met my protein goals with a protein shake, yogurt, nuts, and a few ounces of turkey bacon made into BLTs. (I got some really good tomatoes at Dahl's last week!
I'm also taking a double dose of children's vitamins and trying to get 2000 grams of calcium a day. My stomach isn't fond of most vitamins. I finally found a way to get them in without getting sick. I have had the same problem with calcium. Let's hear it for Tums!
The doctors have been after me about calcium for years. Osteoporosis runs in the family and I hit menopause at 22. I was supposed to get in more than the daily recommended amount for the last.......Um, never mind. Don't want to age myself.
I am not doing a protein diet. (oops, I said the D word) I just think getting adequate amounts could help with a lot of what ails me. I'm also making a conscious effort to try to get in five fruits and vegetables. But I love my carbs! And they love me. In fact, I think I hear them calling my name now........
Most will cringe at this, but my favorite diet philosophy comes from Richard Simmons. He says every successful weight loss needs only these three things and in this order:
1. Love yourself
2. Eat less
3. Move your butt
one more bite please
you've missed a spot
I checked on the City of Des Moines website to check on the hope of them spraying for mosquitoes. Our neighborhood is to be sprayed tonight!
Okay, now to wipe that smile off of everyone's face. Word is in......
Our street will not be sprayed. Just a very few won't and ours is one. Someone on our road didn't want the fumes around because they have asthma. Because they complained, our street will not be spared from the thousands of disease carrying blood suckers that have been making our lives miserable for weeks.
I totally understand the asthma thing, it also runs in the family. But with it as warm as it is, the pollen counts are incredibly high, the humidity is at almost as complete saturation........
shouldn't their windows be already closed with the air on?
Whether our mosquitoes are carrying diseases or not, they pose a health risk to me. My immune system reacts badly to insect bites. Spiders mean a trip to the emergency room. I get to carry TWO Epipens in case of a sting. Mosquito bites always cause a slight infectious sore for me. And every spot that I get bit, there will be a scar. Joy.
I've already been bit more this year than I have for many years. Trying to get through graduation stuff.
Warning- the diseases the mosquitoes can carry, threaten not only humans, but all animals. From livestock for our livelihood, to our beloved pets, to birds.....There is a serious health risk here.
How come the needs of the ONE outweigh the needs of the MANY?
segue
I'm way more worried about mosquitoes than say.....The rising deer population. I think the mountain lions will take care of the deer. Add in the recent wild boar sightings and it all just proves, nature is a balance. We upset it when we try to change our place on the food chain. People fear what can eat them.
the last trail
It looks like I have found the new "Keeper of the Scrambler". We have a few details to finish, but they are minor. My heart says this is the right person. And he understands how much this Jeep means to me and promises to continue her upkeep and send pictures.
It's a Jeep thing - you wouldn't understand.
Camping fever
Rand has Sunday off which usually is our signal to hit the KOA for some R&R. But Rand came home with a very high fever, headache, sore neck, and went to bed at 6:pm. I might have to hog-tie him and take him to the doctor tomorrow. His fever did break right before he went to bed. I doubt this will go away that easily. He likes to run those really high temps.
it was all good
Gabby explaining to Weston (both age 4) about Willie's graduation that evening: "It means tomorrow, Willie will be a real grown-up."
Willie was a nervous wreck all day Friday. He kept practicing "shake and receive". He changed clothes more than half a dozen times that day and was completely showered shaven, and dressed hours early. And at the end, I had to convince him that shorts, with white socks and dress shoes, was not the look he really wanted under a graduation gown. I didn't mind the shorts - it was the white socks and dress shoes. Hints of Grandpa sneaking in. I keep telling you all - Willie is an old soul! Watch Willie, listen to him, and think "80 year old man". You'll see, I'm right.
Willie's graduation Friday evening was a decent evening. A rather well-behaved crowd surrounded us and the evening went quickly. I got absolutely no good pictures. Willie took off suddenly with friends and I got no family photos or photos of him in his cap and gown. They moved so fast during the processional and recessional, it was all a photo blur. They had a professional at the ceremony, so we will get pictures of the moment.
We spent Saturday readying for the Open House on Sunday. Willie helped with house work while I finished shopping for groceries.
I finally managed to score fish for my pond. I even had to stand in line and wait for my turn to get goldfish. Never thought I would see a day for that at Earl May!
Sunday was a nice day weather wise and we had a full house most of the afternoon. It was my easiest held reception yet (fourth time is a charm). We had a nacho bar set up. Everyone prepared their own plates to taste. The actual preparations only took a few hours. I had a crockpot of melted cheese, a crockpot of seasoned ground beef, with diced tomatoes, black olives, jalepenos, and sour cream on the side in my favorite Tupperware serving set. A couple of big bowls of tortilla chips and plenty of salsa around the room to use. We also had a few other assorted veggies and dip around. I'm thinking the nacho bar will be a definite repeat menu for crowd cooking in the future.
Once again started taking pictures, but promptly forgot about it in the busy visiting of the day. I managed to have most of the clean up done by last night. I figured today would be a "down" day as far as my body was concerned with all the stuff I was doing over the weekend.
I called it correctly. Not much accomplished today.
JAWS
This is the only way to describe how bad the mosquitoes are in our neighborhood. I have more bites than I can count and have even had to take Benedryl to combat itching and swelling. And I'm trying to avoid being outside! It is like Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. The entire neighborhood agrees - we are being held hostage by the little blood suckers. I just told the dogs they couldn't go outside because the mosquitoes seem to ride back in on them. They even made their way into the screened deck this evening. I was finally chased to "inside" completely.
The last time I can remember being bit this much by mosquitoes was a Stowers family reunion in the 1970's. It was held in SE Missouri. Brother Don and I still bears scars of the ferociousness of the attacks. A couple of years ago our neighborhood was highlighted in the local news because of the swarm of mosquitoes. But I didn't get near the bites then as I am getting this year. Several neighbors have lodged complaints with the city. We need sprayed!
perchance to sleep?
Tomorrow night I go through a sleep study. Part of the reason I am up so late tonight. I have my alarm set as well. I have to make sure I'm tired enough to sleep in strange surroundings. Hooked up to machines. With an audience. I'm taking my pillow and a favorite throw.
I'm curious to see if I do have sleep apnea. If I do and it is properly treated, I hope it will help my pain levels as well. If I don't have apnea, it means pain is the only thing keeping me up and waking me up.
My most re-occurring dream is I'm suffocating or drowning. Then I wake up unable to breathe for a moment or two.
(I'm thinking I do have sleep apnea.) I've met a few people who have done the CPAP treatments and say the after effects in quality of life and increased brain function changes are amazing. A lack of oxygen and sleep will make you stupid.
I have to give up all caffeine at noon. Boy will that suck! Randy probably won't miss me tomorrow night. Not if I have to be caffeine free!
crossed off my list
Today I got quite a bit done.
First, I went back to the doctor's office to give them another stab at me. (ha!ha! - stab) after a few tries we finally proved I have at least one vein in my body with blood in it. FYI - it is in my right bicep. It bruised nicely.
Then went to SuperTarget for a shower curtain liner, vitamins and picked up a prescription.
I bought the "paper" (plates, napkins, and etc.) supplies for Willie's reception at Factory Card Party Outlet. I really like this store! It has so much fun in it!
Willie's graduation reception will feature a nacho bar. I figured a Mexican meal for the Korean kid was a nice change of pace for a reception.
I went to the bank.
I went to *Walmart* for most of the groceries for this feast. For those that know me well - I hate Walmart. Really hate Walmart. But I figured it would be the place to buy what I wanted in bulk and cheap. I was right. I managed to got one of the slowest check-out girls in history. It took as long to check out - as it did to shop in an unfamiliar store. I will still have to hit at least one more grocery store for tomatoes and a few other veggies. I didn't like what they had to offer.
I also got birdseed and a few other things while I was there.
I went to Earl May Garden Center to buy goldfish for my pond and they were actually sold out. They are to get more in tomorrow. They were half the price Walmart wanted for goldfish.
I filled all my feeders, removed the dead mole that no one else had picked up yet, cleaned my pond until the mosquitoes drove me in. They are hitting our neighborhood in droves again. My water lily has now grown to the surface and is beginning to leaf out.
I sat on my deck to bird watch and watched another mole run under the deck. Hhmmph. We have no signs of them digging in the yard, but I think they must be living under the deck. Tonight, I had a pair of cardinals around and very young small sparrows. I put out another hummingbird feeder. I have sightings occasionally, but would like to see more.
I usually have a pair of doves visit every evening, but did not see them this evening. I had a small rabbit yesterday nibbling on spilled seeds. I locked the girls' doggy door so he could play and eat in safety. Tonight there was a squirrel out in the yard attempting to access bird feeders, but my old girls slept right through that.
into the wild blue yonder
Rand has accomplished his first flight lesson in an UltraLight. He loved it! (that is an understatement!) Got to land it. Take off again and play in the air for quite awhile. It looks like this will be a new hobby. I told him no new toys until he gets the old ones paid off. He joked we could sell the 5th wheel and buy an ultralight aircraft. I joked that there is less likely to be gunfire whizzing by his ears while he was in the air - if I was in my Sprinter, not outside a tent.
I'm hoping to go to bed earlier tonight. I have had quite a headache. Hopefully the new anitbiotic will kick in soon so I feel halfway decent while entertaining this weekend.
Have some fun here.
Find your music.
I was born to Don't Break the Heart That Loves You by Connie Francis
Don't break the heart that loves you
Handle it with careLife hurts sometimes.......way too much
Don't break the heart that needs you
Darlin', please be fair
Why do you flirt and constantly hurt me
Why do you treat our love so carelessly
You know I'm jealous of you and yet you seem to try
To go out of your way to be unkind
Sweetheart, I'm begging of you
Don't break this heart that loves you
Don't break this heart of mine
(Spoken)
Darling, please don't hurt me
Please, don't make me cry
I don't know what I'd do if you'd ever say goodbye
Remember I love you so much and love's life's greatest joy
Please don't break my heart like a child breaks a little toy
Sweetheart, I'm begging of you
Don't break this heart that loves you
Don't break this heart of mine
(Don't break this heart)
I'm back!
Between another camping weekend and then some server problems; I have been unable to run around in my favorite world. I could only haunt it from the edges. Or maybe I just found a small working portal between the worlds, and I'm actually still haunting it. I think I would make a great ghost. Probably scare myself silly as well!
Just less than half a week and Willie is graduated and his open house will be a fond memory. I have done nothing to prepare.
My sinus infection came back with a vengeance. I spent today in doctors offices and being stabbed by lab people. Doc wanted to recheck my thyroid as well. He also put me on another strong antibiotic. Everybody in the office gave up trying to get blood out of me after a couple of tries each. I get to go back tomorrow and try again for a blood letting. I was going to this evening, but I had a flare up and choose not to add to my pain. I get to have a sleep apnea test next Tuesday. Make sure my body is doing the air in, air out, all night long thing. It seems there are doubts to that. Wouldn't surprise me none.
Willie is actually camping with friends tonight. If I felt better, I would go haunt their camp. Lucky them.
We did go camping over the Memorial Day weekend. Lots of nice people there and more young families than we have seen in awhile. All were wonderful neighbors to have. Even the kids very well behaved. The pool was open, but I didn't get over there. Sort of proves I'm not feeling well. I didn't get in a pool.
Randy and Will to a load of stuff to the city landfill today. That is the last of my super purge mood. I'm sure I'll come up with more, but that gives me some nice breathing room.
Girlfriend killed a mole today. Can't believe a mole was in our yard. Never saw any signs of any damage.
Randy goes up for his trial maiden ultralight flight this Thursday. (6-2)
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