Merry-go-round

Sometimes I just feel like I'm going around and around on a merry-go-round with mom.  She's back in the hospital again.

When I was there on Monday, I noticed mom's leg was looking a little red again especially where she had the lump on her leg before she went into the hospital 2 1/2 weeks ago.  Wednesday when I went to see her the nurse told me she thought the lump wasn't getting better and that she had put a call into the doctor because she felt it was getting worse.  She finally heard from the doctor yesterday and he had them do another ultrasound.  This time it showed she had dvt (blood clot) in her thigh.  So off to the hospital she went.

She was going late so I went to my dinner friends and then went to the hospital.  Mom was a little more confused this time.  I talked to the nurse and she said they are going to give her heparin shots and then do another ultrasound today. I'm just hoping they can get this under control.

This just gets so frustrating.  Some times I can barely stand it. 

Alphabe-Thursday

I had a hard time deciding what to do for the letter O.  First I thought I would do October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Then I thought the obvious Ohio.  But then I came up with the Old Stone Church in downtown Cleveland.  It is an historic Church.  It was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1973.

It is a Presbyterian Church.  I always marveled at it when I would go downtown because it is right in the center of downtown on Public Square. Its been there since the 1800's.  It has a very interesting history.   Here is a link if you'd like to find out more about the Church -  Old Stone Church

Besides all the history involved with the Church, it is historical to me because my husband and I got married there.  When we were looking for a Church to get married in neither of us belonged to one.  We were very opened minded and we decided that the Old Stone Church would be the place.  Since my husband's family was from farther out they could get their easily from the freeway.  We also thought how often could you get married in an historical Church. 

I had never been in the Church but I knew it would be beautiful.  The first time when we had to go see the reverend for our classes and saw the Church inside it was as beautiful as I imagined.  Even though we didn't belong to that Church everyone there was outstanding to us and made us feel like we belonged.  Here are a couple of pictures the photographer took.

For more Alphabe-Thursday posts go over to Jenny's and see what others have come up with for the letter O
http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/04/alphabe-thursday-o.html

Old Time Dentist

When I went to the dentist when I was young, if I had a filling done  I never got novocaine.  I just had to grin and bear it.  I never knew about novocaine until I was an adult.  When you had to have something more serious done you got "laughing gas".  

There was a grocery store across the street.  One time I went into the dentist and mom went to the store.  I was supposed to meet her in the car when I was done.  I don't remember what he did but I needed "laughing gas".  

When I was done, I walked across the street to the car.  At that time, you never had to lock your cars doors.  I opened the door and laid on the back seat because I was woozy.  As I was waiting for Mom to come out of the store,  all of a sudden I noticed that the car seats had different material on them.  I got up and realized I was in the wrong car LOL.


I was so grateful that the person that belonged to the car didn't come before I got out.  How embarrassing would that have been ;-)

Madonna

If Mom told be once she must have told me 100 times, how her and my dad carried this Madonna home on the bus. 

She bought it when we lived with my grandfather.  When she moved from there to the house she used to live in, she had it there.  Over the years, she took really good care of it and loved it.

For the last few years, she wasn't able to take care of it anymore. After selling her house when we moved all her inside and outside stuff out, I debated with myself whether to take it or leave it.  I was going to leave it but then in my heart of hearts I knew mom loved that Madonna even though it looks terrible now.  I knew if she asked me, I couldn't lie and tell her I took it if I didn't.   We brought it home.  It's hard to believe her and my dad carried it on the bus because my husband and brother had a hard time putting it in our van. 


                                 She really has seen better days. 

Sonny & Cher

My first date was with a boy that lived at the corner. His name was Tony.  We took the bus downtown to see Sunny and Cher. Don't judge - it was the 60's after all LOL.   I still have the program.  I believe I only went out on that one date with him.  I don't even remember what school he went to because I'm pretty sure he didn't go to school with me.

That also was the first concert I had ever gone to.

I still remember watching the Sonny and Cher show on TV.

Do you? 

Friday random thoughts

1.  The doctor decided to keep mom on the antibiotics and the water pills for a while since it looks like the  Cellulitis isn't completely gone. 

 

2.  I bought her a bunch of clothes over the Internet since I have to spend some of her money.  By the time I get done, she should have enough for years LOL. 

 

3. My friend's mother that's in a nursing home told me about this great place online where you can order labels and they put the person's name on to put on nursing home clothes.  I love them.  Now I just need to get the laundry people to check the labels and not put other peoples clothes in with hers.  She has a bunch of flowery type dresses.  She must get every flowery dress placed in her closet ;-) 

 

4.  They had people donate books and are having a book sale at the nursing home.  There must be hundreds of books.  I wanted to look but there were so many my mind couldn't focus.

 

5.  Bird watch - No hawk or falcon sighting since Sunday. 

 

6.  I just realized a few days ago, this year it will be 40 years since I graduated from high school. 

 

7.  Survivor - your killing me!!!  Hopefully, next week things will change.

 

8.  Not that I'm bragging or anything but I already have my O post done for next week's Alphabe-Thursday  

 

9.  Have a good weekend everyone.

Alphabe-Thursday

For Alphabe-Thursday I chose for the letter N for Nickey, the cat - Not Nickey the monkey I wrote about  in another post.  Yes, I've lived with two animals named Nickey.  Neither which I've named.

                      How we came to have Nickey was kind of nutty.

When I was at the courthouse, I worked with a girl named Hazel.  Her and her family were moving I think to West Virginia.  She asked if I could take care of Nickey until she could send for him.  I said okay.   I was already married and we took him home. That was the end of that.  Never to hear from Hazel again. Ha!!  I don't know if I was naive or something happened that she never sent for him.  Since I didn't have an address or phone number for her I could never contact her.

He was a Russian Blue.  We probably had him at least 8 or 9 years.  He was de-clawed when he got him.  So, needless to say he was an indoor cat.

He used to sit and look out the window all the time at the neighbor's big tree. See the picture below that's the window he looked out.   One time he got out somehow and went right to that tree and got a bird.  I always thought all those years he was planning his strategy  if and when he ever got out, he was going to make it count.   LOL and he did.

While we had him, we got our first dog, Doc.  He was a mutt from someone my mom knew.

Nickey and Doc got along well.  Although Nickey ruled the roost, since he was there first.  They used to play together.

When my son came along, Nickey was banished to the basement for a while because I had heard the old wives tale about cats smothering infants.  He was probably down there for about a year and then he was allowed back upstairs.

He was a pretty good cat.  He used to play fetch with my husband. 

So if by some chance you read this Hazel - what the heck happened?

Go on over to Jenny Matlocks and see what others did for their Alphabe-Thursday http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/04/alphabe-thursday-n.html

The Beatles

The Beatles came out when I was in grade school.  I never did get to see them in concert.  I did, however, get to see them.  

A bunch of my friends and me went downtown when they were here for a concert and stood outside the hotel they were staying at with 1000's of either people.  They actually waved out the window and yes, we all screamed when we saw them LOL. 

They were here in 1964 and 1966 so I'm not sure which one I was at the hotel for.  If you get a chance take a look at this you tube video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vicAOQ6QDGs   
of some official person talking about the event at the stadium.  It's hilarious LOL.  

Tonsils

Years ago I think they used to take your tonsils out at a drop of hat.

My one brother needed his out.  Mom said they may as well take mine out too.  There wasn't anything wrong with mine.  Maybe Mom got two for the price of one ;-)

Off we went.  My brother's went well. 

Mine - not so much.  After I went home, I had to go back to get my throat cauterized because it wouldn't stop bleeding.  There was something so wrong about that LOL. 

A whopper

When I was in high school, I started dating this boy from another high school.  We weren't actually boyfriend and girlfriend.

There was going to be a ball (I don't know why it was called a ball except that you had to wear long dresses).  I really wanted to go with this boy from my school but he didn't ask me.  I eventually asked this boy I dated and he said yes.

About a week and a half before the ball or so, the boy from school asked me and I said yes.  Then I had to figure out what to tell the other boy.  Oh, I made up this big story about how I didn't know but only kids from my high school could go.

Then a few days later, the boy I was supposed to go with canceled on me and I had no date again.  I was in a dilemma a dress and no date.  I'm ashamed to admit this but I called the boy I originally asked and told him I misunderstood and I could invite someone from another school.

He never did find out.  All these years later, I still feel terrible and have guilt feelings over the whole thing.  So, Tim I doubt you'll ever read this but I'm sorry.

What the heck?

Last night at around dusk I was letting Corky out the back patio door.  He went out and I happened to look next door and saw a big bird.  I hurried up and told my husband to come look.  By the time I turned around to look again the bird had already taken off.  He flew really fast over our garage and through the trees. 

I've never seen a bird like this.  It was not the usual variety of birds we see around here.  It was a pretty big bird.  My husband thinks it might have been a falcon or a hawk.  It all happened so fast and because it was starting to get dark I really couldn't tell the colors on the bird.

I'll have to keep my eyes open from now on before I let Corky out in case it ever comes back.

Friday random thoughts - Mom + 1

1.  Mom went back to the nursing home on yesterday.  She didn't seem confused this time when she got back.  I'll see how she is when I see her today.

2.  She had a bad infection in her leg.  They gave her two different kinds of antibiotics. It's looking much better.  She will finish up there. The swelling went down as well.

3.  She was like a queen at the hospital ;0).  Most of the time she sat with her feet elevated in a recliner with pillows behind her back.

4.  Luckily, this time we met her right when the ambulance came to bring her back.  Thank goodness she wasn't late this time.

5.  Again, she was between lunch.  They were just finishing up at the nursing home but she got lunch probably in 5 minutes.

6.  All the nurses and the aides were happy to see her.  She said she was glad to be back too.  I'm so happy that she likes it there.

7.  This has been a busy last couple of weeks.  I finally sold mom's home and the owner took possession last Friday.

8.  I've still got things to send to Medicaid and figure other stuff out but I see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as the house is concerned.

9.  Not about Mom - Boy, some of the people on Survivor are dumb as rocks. 

10.  Have a good weekend everyone.

Bizarre - kwiatkowski

This is so bizarre when I read on Alphabe-Thursday that Betty's husband's name was really Kwiatkowski.  Then Julie said her grandparents were Kwiatkowski's.  As it turns out my maternal grandmother's name was Kwiatkowski too LOL.

I found something mom wrote about her grandparents.  They were (Stanieswaf) Stanley and Antonia Kwiatkowski.  From what it says about Stanley he was born in 1868.  He was born in Poland and was from or near Posnine but I looked it up and must been Poznan.  He had two sisters one named Francis and one named Katerina.  There's nothing about if the sisters ever came to America.

Stanley and Antonia had six children.

My mother's one uncle changed his name to Flowers.  From what I always heard Kwiatkowski translates to Flowers in English.  He was the only one that did that. 

That got me to thinking about the name so I googled it.  There must have been a lot of people with that name.  I will have to investigate it further.

Alphabe-Thursday

For my M word I decided to go with meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation.

In the mid 70's, a girl I worked with and me found out that they were offering classes in Transcendental Meditation at a library.  I don't know how we even knew what it was at the time but I'm thinking we probably heard that The Beatles did it.  So, we signed up for the classes.

It was started by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi  who actually taught The Beatles the technique.

At the time, it cost $125 which was quite a bit at that time.  It was two or three classes.  My family and my boyfriend (my husband)  thought we were both nuts LOL.  

I found it very interesting.  Each person was given a "secret word" that is called a mantra and you weren't allowed to tell anyone what the word was.  This is it kind of in a nutshell although a TM teacher would tell you there is much more to it, which there is.  For two minutes you calm your mind.  Then you start repeating the mantra in your head until you are not really repeating it its just kind of there.  You do it for 20 minutes.  Then you do the 2 minute calming down (it's not actually called calming down just kind of thinking nothing).  

I found it very calming when doing it and your breathing gets very slow.  I found myself sometimes freaking out by how slow my breathing got.  After taking the lessons, I did it for a while but then stopped doing it on a regular basis.  Believe it or not, as many times as I've said on this blog what a terrible memory I have, I have never forgotten the mantra.  I've also never told anyone want my mantra is.  Although my whole family wanted me to tell them.  I was always afraid if I told anyone, I would forget.  For all I know everyone that ever did Transcendental Meditation might have the same one LOL.  

According to some things I read recently it is not without controversy. Primarily because of  how much it costs.  In 2009, it cost $1500 for the course.  Also, they offer supplemental courses.  I know my friend did take some extra courses but I didn't.   

When I am especially stressed I still do it some times.  I should really get back to doing it on a regular basis.

I can't waiting to get over to Jenny Matlock's to see what others did for their M post.  Why don't you head on over too.  http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/04/alphabe-thursday-m.html

Party Girl

I would say I'm a pretty truthful person.  I have a hard time lying.  Although I've told a few whoppers in my life time.

I'm pretty sure I was in 7th or 8th grade.  I wanted to go to my first boy/girl party.  For some reason, I thought my mom wouldn't let me go. She may have told me but I don't remember.  I decided to tell my mom that I was spending the night at my friend's house (which I was).  We lived on the same street.  There was up the hill where she lived and then a street crossing and down the hill where we lived.  It really wasn't much of a hill but that's what everyone called it LOL. My friends name was Denise but my mom always called her "dirty knees" LOL. (So, if dirty knees happens to be reading this, let me know what I left out) Her father had died and I said her mom was going out and I was going to stay with her so she wouldn't be afraid.  Really, big mistake saying that.

Apparently, Mom was worried about us and went to my friend's house to bring us something to eat and make sure we were all right.  The mother answered the door who wasn't supposed to be home. She told mom where we were.

My brother came to the door and got me AT. THE. PARTY!!!  Oh boy, I really knew I was in BIG trouble.

To say I got into trouble was an understatement.  All the way home, Mom never said a word.  Let's just say, when I got home, that was the era of corporal punishment.  Enough said LOL.

 

Mom

Mom's in the hospital again.  They called Sunday and said she had a lump on her leg that was hurting her.  The nurse thought it might be a blood clot and they would do an ultrasound on it. I had just seen her in the morning and nothings was wrong. They called about 10:30 p.m. and it was negative.

When I went to see her today her leg was all red.  They think she has an infection in her leg and they direct admitted her to the hospital.  The doctor was going to put her on antibiotics so hopefully, that will help and she won't be there too long.  She doesn't really seem to feel bad though which is good.

Just when she seems like she is good all of a sudden something happens Ugh!!

Grade School

I went to Catholic School from Kindergarten to 8th grade.   I went to this church and school until the 3rd grade. The school closed down many years ago.  The thing is the Bishop of Cleveland is closing quite a few churches.  Now the Church will  be closing.  The Church and parishioners are appealing the decision. This was me when I graduated from kindergarten. 

From 4th to 8th grade, I went to another school.  It was where my mom went to school and church.  Get a load of that hair style.  You can imagine how much teasing went into that. 

I think there were only two men lay teachers that I can remember.  I had both of them.

One was when I think I was in 4th grade. His name was Mr. Harris.   The thing that sticks with me about him was once  I laughed in Church and he made me scrub the classroom floor with steel wool LOL.

The second one was when I was in 8th grade. His name was Mr. Osinski (sp).   He was really a cool guy.  I believe he was much younger than Mr. Harris.  He used to play popular music and we danced.  Everyone wanted to be in his class. 

In those days though most of the classes were taught by nuns.

I remember being in class and finding out that President Kennedy was assassinated.  At school, we watched the funeral on TV.

At the time, I went to school we didn't wear uniforms and it was unheard of to where pants to school. Your dress or skirt had to go to your knees. You would have to kneel down and if it didn't touch the ground, they would pin Kleenex to your hem LOL.

Also, if you forgot a covering for your head for church, kleenex again.

In my experience, some nuns were nice and some - not so much.  Nowadays, they probably couldn't do what they did back then.  Of course back then, if you got in trouble at school the parents took the school's side ;-) and you would get punished again. 

Friday random thoughts

1.  My husband took Corky for his first walk this spring and he did very well.  He could use some exercise since he's gained some weight.  My husband thinks its good for him too because he could lose some weight LOL.

2.  Speaking of weight, I haven't lost any since the new year.  In fact, I put on a couple more pounds.

 

3.  I felt sorry for Butler not winning the NCAA.  So close but so far.  I'm sorry I fell asleep before it ended.

 

4.  Years ago, I played a game called Bookworm on the computer.  Recently, I found it again and I'm addicted to it just like before.  I should have known better.

5.  When we went to the nursing home on Easter, the little lounge room door was closed and there was a family in there.  When I looked in, two little dogs came running up to the window.  It was just like looking into a pet store window LOL.  I took mom there so she could see and the lady brought the two puppies out so Mom could pet them.  They were 5 month old Yorkies.  They were the cutest little things.

6.  Last week the neighbor lady asked my husband about a tub seat we had gotten for mom.  It's the kind that fits half in and half out of the bathtub. We were never able to us it for mom.   She wanted to pay for it but we told her she could just have it.  Her husband is in his mid 90's.  They have only been married for a few years.  However, he is the original owner of his house.  I'm writing up a post about what happened to his first wife.  It was terrible and something I hope I won't ever see again in my lifetime.

7.  The weather has been beautiful.  I've been able to take mom outside every day when I go.  The next few days its supposed to be colder and maybe some rain/snow.  Mom's been real good again this week although her legs are starting to swell a little.  I think that's just going to keep happening though.

8.  I decided before I forget everything I ever knew I'm going to write some posts from when I was younger.  Some may be bits and pieces but at least I'll have a record of what I remember.

9.  ???????  I guess I won't have a 9.  I got nothing else LOL. 

10.  Have a good weekend. 

Alphabe-Thursday

This might be macabre for my letter L post but  I chose Living Wills.

I chose living wills, in lieu of the last six months, with all the talk of "death panels" with the health care debate.  I thought it was lousy and I was livid that  people were using scare tactics.  What was up with that?

 

When we were in our 40's we got our first living wills.  We were able to get a bunch of free legal work done so we got one.  I must admit I was a bit leery and a little uncomfortable doing it but when we were done, I was glad we did.  It gave me and my husband a chance to discuss when our time came what we did and didn't want done.

After we had ours done, mom went and had hers done.  Dad wouldn't do it.  I think he was afraid.  I got to talk to mom about what she wanted.  It was such a relief to understand and know what she wanted.

After my dad died, we all had them done again. This time I thought more carefully before I went and I revised mine a little.  This time I also told my son my thoughts so he would know.

I personally think it is very important for the person making the living will and for family members so they have a clear understanding of your feelings.  Why put the burden on someone else to make decisions when that time comes if they are not aware of what you want.  Also, if there is a dispute within family members there could be litigation which would be terrible for you and them.

Also, it's very important to get a health directive or whatever its called in your state.  This way if your incapacitated and can't speak for yourself, there is someone that you can appoint to speak for you to the doctors and hospitals and they will have more authority.  Very important.


Don't be a laggard on these things.  Get them done now while you are still able.

Go on to to Jenny's, I'm sure there will be more lovely, laughable L words then what I picked LOL
http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/04/alphabe-thursday-l.html

Monkeying Around

As I've said on this blog, I really have a bad memory.  Sometimes I have to ask my mom and brother about things that happened.  Sometimes they don't remember the exact facts either.  I can blame my mom's lack of memory on her having dementia, I'm not sure what's up with my brother and me LOL.  

Anyhow, when we were younger we had a monkey.  My mom bought it for my dad.  She doesn't remember where but I'm assuming it was from a pet store but who knows.  She said we had it for 7 or 8 years.  I don't remember how old I was.  I think I was pretty young.  I could not find a picture of him anywhere.  Either she never took one or it got lost. 

The monkey's name was Nickey.  He was a squirrel monkey.  What I remember the most about him is that my dad used to put him on a leash and would take him outside to show him off.  Nickey would inevitably be so excited that he always would (TMI coming) poop down the back of dad's shirt LOL.

I remember one time Mom gave him a bath and put him in his cage in front of the space heater to dry.  She forgot about him and he almost died from the heat.  She had to take him outside and run the hose on him but he survived. 

One other thing I remember was mom and dad found out that someone's monkey had escaped and was up in a tree.  They took Nickey there on the leash to see if they could coax the other monkey out of the tree.  I asked Mom the other day if she remembered what happened to the monkey.  She said Nickey reached for the other monkey and it fell out of the tree.  I don't think it survived. 

The monkey and us kids all had rhyming names, Vickey(because that's how my name was spelled at the time), Mickey, Rickey and Nickey.  Only my mom could come up with that LOL.

Mom and Corky

We took Corky to see Mom on Friday.  I was so excited.  That didn't last long.

I took Mom to the lobby because, as you know, Corky is quirky and very timid.  I thought he would be too afraid to go to the day room.  We were sitting there and mom could see my husband bringing him past the window.  When they got in, Corky didn't seem to recognize my mom.  He wouldn't go to her.  I eventually got him by her and she petted him.  I really thought he was going to be jumping all over her.

I think he's forgotten who she is.  Or maybe it's her smell he didn't recognize.  It was a nice day so we went outside thinking that maybe he was distracted from being in the building.  He did let her pet him but he wasn't exceptionally friendly to her.  I think she was pretty disappointed.

I guess I should have taken him sooner but she hadn't seen him since last June but I thought he would still remember her.  I'm still going to take him back though.  Next time, I'll just bring Mom outside and see how he does with that.  I'll also bring a couple of treats for her to give him.

When I went to the nursing home on Monday, the nurse told me Mom told her the dog didn't recognize her.  I felt really bad.  Maybe I shouldn't have taken him, I don't know.

Easter day

I couldn't believe how beautiful the weather turned out on Easter day.  It was in the 70's. Just the perfect weather for me.  I can't remember the last time, it wasn't cold, raining or snowing on Easter.  All the people that went out and bought new Easter outfits were able to show them off.

We went to see Mom in the morning.  Then my brother and his wife came over.  All in all, it was a great Easter.  I gave them some food to take home and I have enough for a couple of days.  Also, I'll be putting some in the freezer. 

I hope your Easter was good any sunny.

Viki

Friday random thoughts

1.  Mom was really well physically and mentally this week.  Although she did tell me that the Easter Bunny was at the nursing home which gave me pause LOL.

2.  I'm slowly getting my house in order for Easter.  Its not going to be perfect but good enough.

3.  I'm glad Lent will be ending today.  Any other day if I didn't eat meat it wouldn't bother me but because I'm not supposed to have it on Fridays it's been making me want it even more.

4.  I had to call the oncologist's office for my last prescription for the medication I take.  I only have to take it until the end of July which is good.  But it also makes me scared a little bit.

5.  Speaking of pills, most of my adult life I couldn't swallow them.  I know it was all in my head but if a pill was in my mouth I couldn't make myself swallow them unless they were teeny tiny and then just barely.  It wasn't until I had BC that I finally was able to do it but never capsules.  When I went to the dentist because of a condition I have they wanted me to take meds at the office and they were capsules.  They said that was all they had so I put my big girl undies on and did it. I was so proud.   Yeah, I'm weird LOL.

6.  We were at my mom's house this weekend and I found a box with some handkerchiefs in it.  I don't know how I missed them before.  Some of them look old but some look new.  I brought them home.

7.  Michael Buble - Am I the only one that didn't know he is a big deal?  One of the dinner friends didn't come because she was seeing him in concert that night.  Then over the last week, I've seen on many blogs people were going to his concerts.  I finally googled him and remembered seeing him on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago.  He was good but I didn't realize he was so popular.

8. The last few days have been gorgeous.  It's been in the high 70's and low 80's.  I've had to put on SHORTS (can you believe it) .  My husband even cleaned up the front flower beds.

9.  OMG Survivor.  I can't believe it.  I won't give anything away this week.

10.  Have a great weekend and Happy Easter everyone