Day 164,165,166 & 167
The hot weather is back and is hard on the crops. The peas are turning, and I expect to see combines out this week. I'm sure the yield is going to take a hit, the rain turned off too soon again. That is one thing a person is totally helpless in the face of. Time and effort are not well paid for in a case like this.
It's been busy since I last posted, some family and friends came and helped install the railing on the deck and I hired someone to install the large door into the bathroom. We are more ready for Glenn to come home. Colin turned 25, but we put off having cake until the next week as he was busy getting organized for Farmaggedon. Unfortunately the crowd he was expecting didn't show up, so he lost a bit of money, but they put on a great show. He had 6 bands come and perform, 2 of whom he is presently recording. The evening was perfect, but he was disappointed that more didn't show up. He was ready for a bigger crowd, but too much other stuff was happening, there was a wake board competition and cabaret in the city, and a Rider game, which probably affected the numbers significantly. I asked him if he would hold another, and he said no, but as we talked I suggested that he sell tickets in advance, then he would know better what to expect. He thought about that, so we'll see. He said he actually turned bands away, so that isn't a problem, the commitment of the audience is the problem. Anyway, we'll see what next year brings. He does a good job, but needs to make something for his effort.
The big news is that Glenn came home for the weekend. He slept over on Saturday night, and we did OK. Chris learned how to transfer him and brought him home while I was at work, so the kids stayed with him until I got home. We moved him from couch to chair, and he spent a fair bit of time on the computer (surprise, surprise!) so it was good. It was hard to take him back on Sunday, he didn't really want to go, and I really didn't want to take him, but for now this is what needs to be done. He will have a busy week this week, and we'll see if we can keep him over again next weekend. It will be so good for him to be able to look forward to coming home, and relaxing on the weekends. He said that it just didn't compare to being in the hospital. How could it? He was lying on the couch watching movies, and listening to regular house noises. I could clean up a bit, and actually cooked a couple of meals, just like normal life. It has been a long time since I did that! It was tiring for me, but exhilarating too. We'll see what the week brings to us, and we will get organized for birthdays next weekend, as Aryn's birthday is August 2.
'Til next time,
Louise
P.S. We had coffee in bed on Sunday morning, I gave Glenn a few spoonfuls! It was great! LIM
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
July 20,21,22,23,24,&25
Day 158,159,160,161,162,&163
It's Thursday again, and another week has gone by. The summer is flying by, as they usually do, and today is actually the 164th day, but since I don't know what will happen, I can't write about it yet. One thing I can say is that it is Colin's 25th birthday today, and I have yet to wish him a good day. He doesn't want a party yet, as he is concentrating on his concert this weekend, so I'm good with cake on the long weekend in August. We can double up with Aryn and Dad. More on that as it develops.
Glenn is anxious to come home this weekend, so I have purchased no maintenance railing, and am in the process of getting people together to install it. I think we'll do it in the evenings, as the heat of the day is too much to endure, and most people are busy doing their regular jobs ( including me), so I'll see how that goes. I have someone hired to come and install the bathroom door also, so I should be up to speed for now. My car is still in need of brake pads, but I bought them and am driving the 1/2 ton until they are installed. I could drive the Swift, but it isn't air conditioned, so I'm being fussy.
The Anniversary weekend was great, lots of people came to see us and wish us well, and Mom and Dad's tea was great. Thanks to my family for organizing this, it went off without too much bother, although I wasn't in on much of the work, so all I saw was good. Glenn was tired and felt a bit as if he'd been on display, but that was fair because he sort of was. He recovered fast, and was OK Monday. I didn't recover quite so fast, but feel mostly like myself again. It takes a lot of courage to face people when you are in a changed state of being. A lot of people say things that are hard to take, although they mean no harm nor have unkind intentions. They don't understand exactly what has happened, and tend to talk over Glenn instead of to him. The kids were amazingly protective, and every time I checked, one or more of them were beside Glenn, fielding questions, or getting Glenn whatever he needed. I am so proud of them, I can't say enough. They played a couple of songs, and I again felt a bit amazed at the talent they have. Chris sang really well, and Dale and Darcy just picked up where they left off a few years ago. They all are impressed with Colin's ability to listen to guitar riffs a few times, then play them on his own guitar. I guess they should be in bands, they really enjoy themselves. My brother Fred was MC for Sundays program, and couldn't resist teasing the boys. Having listened to them Saturday night, he racked his brain to give the band a name. He was totally amused when he told me he had thought of one, and during the program explained that he had had to think hard for a name. The boys know Uncle Fred well and were not sure what to expect. On Saturday I had introduced them, and had pointed out Dale's quantity of hair, and Colin's lack of hair. So, Fred couldn't resist, and named the band "The Hairdresser's Nightmare"! Chris laughed so hard he could hardly start singing. I thought it was perfect, and you should have seen the other boys faces. That's what family is for!
Glenn was back to therapy, and had his right leg cast for a brace. His foot tends to turn out, so this will keep it in line as it begins to bear more weight and he walks. He is swallowing his ice chips without too much trouble, although he does have to concentrate. I'm going to see him a bit earlier today, we have an appointment with the social worker, who wants to talk long range home care, and to check up on my progress with renovations. He will go to the hospital sometime next week to have tests done where they will watch how well his swallow is working. It has something to do with barium and X-rays. This too has a proper name, but it escapes me at this time. My head is full of stuff, and a lot that I hear just falls back out and doesn't stick at all. I think a lot of that has to do with my age! I'm going to blame it on that anyway.
Jackie's car has problems that a few thousand dollars will fix, so she is in a bit of a dilemma. We will have a discussion with Glenn about that, and pick and choose what to fix, and what to limp through. She needs to get through the next year before she can really think about buying another one, so that too has been filling my head with details. Life doesn't slow down too much I can tell you that. You may be able to put some things off for a while, but they wait for you, and sooner or later you have to deal with them. I've got books that need attention again, so I'll put that on my 'to do' list for next week! If you see Colin, wish him a happy birthday! It was hot the year he was born, I remember bringing him home in just a diaper and baby T-shirt! Time flies, so
'Til next time,
Louise
It's Thursday again, and another week has gone by. The summer is flying by, as they usually do, and today is actually the 164th day, but since I don't know what will happen, I can't write about it yet. One thing I can say is that it is Colin's 25th birthday today, and I have yet to wish him a good day. He doesn't want a party yet, as he is concentrating on his concert this weekend, so I'm good with cake on the long weekend in August. We can double up with Aryn and Dad. More on that as it develops.
Glenn is anxious to come home this weekend, so I have purchased no maintenance railing, and am in the process of getting people together to install it. I think we'll do it in the evenings, as the heat of the day is too much to endure, and most people are busy doing their regular jobs ( including me), so I'll see how that goes. I have someone hired to come and install the bathroom door also, so I should be up to speed for now. My car is still in need of brake pads, but I bought them and am driving the 1/2 ton until they are installed. I could drive the Swift, but it isn't air conditioned, so I'm being fussy.
The Anniversary weekend was great, lots of people came to see us and wish us well, and Mom and Dad's tea was great. Thanks to my family for organizing this, it went off without too much bother, although I wasn't in on much of the work, so all I saw was good. Glenn was tired and felt a bit as if he'd been on display, but that was fair because he sort of was. He recovered fast, and was OK Monday. I didn't recover quite so fast, but feel mostly like myself again. It takes a lot of courage to face people when you are in a changed state of being. A lot of people say things that are hard to take, although they mean no harm nor have unkind intentions. They don't understand exactly what has happened, and tend to talk over Glenn instead of to him. The kids were amazingly protective, and every time I checked, one or more of them were beside Glenn, fielding questions, or getting Glenn whatever he needed. I am so proud of them, I can't say enough. They played a couple of songs, and I again felt a bit amazed at the talent they have. Chris sang really well, and Dale and Darcy just picked up where they left off a few years ago. They all are impressed with Colin's ability to listen to guitar riffs a few times, then play them on his own guitar. I guess they should be in bands, they really enjoy themselves. My brother Fred was MC for Sundays program, and couldn't resist teasing the boys. Having listened to them Saturday night, he racked his brain to give the band a name. He was totally amused when he told me he had thought of one, and during the program explained that he had had to think hard for a name. The boys know Uncle Fred well and were not sure what to expect. On Saturday I had introduced them, and had pointed out Dale's quantity of hair, and Colin's lack of hair. So, Fred couldn't resist, and named the band "The Hairdresser's Nightmare"! Chris laughed so hard he could hardly start singing. I thought it was perfect, and you should have seen the other boys faces. That's what family is for!
Glenn was back to therapy, and had his right leg cast for a brace. His foot tends to turn out, so this will keep it in line as it begins to bear more weight and he walks. He is swallowing his ice chips without too much trouble, although he does have to concentrate. I'm going to see him a bit earlier today, we have an appointment with the social worker, who wants to talk long range home care, and to check up on my progress with renovations. He will go to the hospital sometime next week to have tests done where they will watch how well his swallow is working. It has something to do with barium and X-rays. This too has a proper name, but it escapes me at this time. My head is full of stuff, and a lot that I hear just falls back out and doesn't stick at all. I think a lot of that has to do with my age! I'm going to blame it on that anyway.
Jackie's car has problems that a few thousand dollars will fix, so she is in a bit of a dilemma. We will have a discussion with Glenn about that, and pick and choose what to fix, and what to limp through. She needs to get through the next year before she can really think about buying another one, so that too has been filling my head with details. Life doesn't slow down too much I can tell you that. You may be able to put some things off for a while, but they wait for you, and sooner or later you have to deal with them. I've got books that need attention again, so I'll put that on my 'to do' list for next week! If you see Colin, wish him a happy birthday! It was hot the year he was born, I remember bringing him home in just a diaper and baby T-shirt! Time flies, so
'Til next time,
Louise
Thursday, July 19, 2007
July 17,18,&19
Day 155,156 &157
Had some Louise time today, and got my hair fixed and my feet...hmmm...how do you describe getting your feet scrubbed, rubbed and basically rediscovered? Anyway, had a pedicure and manicure (which I didn't know I was booked for) and generally spiffed up. Now I just have to keep everything looking good for Saturday and Sunday, so I guess that means no doing housework for a couple more days!
I had a frustrating start to the day as the ongoing saga of the reluctant lawnmower kept me amused for over half an hour this morning. I was going to get a bit done before my appointment, but the mower was again not very co-operative about starting for me. We had a bout which I eventually won, but I lost a favourite coffee mug in the fray. I had set it on the mower as I was boosting it, so when the thing finally started, I wasn't quick enough to grab it as it vibrated off the mower. Crash, and there it lay, unfixable, unusable and generally just broken pottery. Oh dear, not what I had planned at all.
My appointment at 11:00 was almost missed as I had to wait for a slow semi, a train and other heavy traffic tie-ups. It's a good thing I left a little early, because I got there right at 11:00. I was not impressed with the way the day had started. I was getting uneasy as to the possible outcome of my hair!
After lunch things went better, my hair looks fine, and my toes and fingers have nice red nails for now. We'll see how long they last! I got to the hospital to find Glenn having a rest. Yesterday was a big day in that he had an extra physio appointment. They were consulting with an bone specialist (sorry, I can't remember the proper title of this person) who checked out his elbow and wrist on his right arm. The tissues around the joints have tightened and need to be manipulated and stretched so that Glenn can keep some range of motion in his forearm. He needs to be able to swivel his hand up and down, and this tightening tissue is preventing that. The botox is showing up in that his joints are easier and less painful to move. We now need to stretch them to keep them flexible. He then agreed to go for a walk, and they let me guide the walker for him. Gosh it was good to see him on his feet, and although he can't swing his right leg, and really has to concentrate on doing what he's doing, I actually stood and looked straight into his eyes. Wow, I've waited for that, and can see now that he will be walking on his own. It will still take a fair bit of time, but what a good feeling!
That was yesterday. He was also supposed to have a swallow assessment done yesterday, but that didn't happen until today. Sit down, he is going to start taking fluids by mouth! Yes, we are on the road to eating! He is allowed ice chips for now, but they have given the go ahead for some liquids. He will still be on tube feeding for a while, but I was thrilled. I don't know if Glenn was as thrilled, he worries about this, as well he should, but he swallowed a bit of my ice tea, and laughed and said he actually swallowed almost half a mouthful. This is another thing he has to learn, and it is amazing to me to be reminded again how far he has come, yet how far he has to go. He is doing things that very few survivors of these strokes do, and I have become very aware that he is a miracle of grace. I thank the Lord everyday for helping him through this and look forward to the day he can come home to stay!
Jackie came for a visit and is getting excited for this weekend of celebration with family and friends. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty for not helping more, but for this time I had to lean on my family to do everything, and guess what, they did just fine without me! Who knew? Apparently my boys sound good, and have practiced a few songs for Sunday. I told Dad to bring along earplugs, so I hope he remembers them. Maybe I should tuck a pair into my purse as a joke!
I have rambled on a bit, but it truly has been a momentous week in many ways. Glenn wants to come home more on weekends of course, so next week the railing has got to be installed. First things first, party for now, work for later.
'Til next time,
Louise
Had some Louise time today, and got my hair fixed and my feet...hmmm...how do you describe getting your feet scrubbed, rubbed and basically rediscovered? Anyway, had a pedicure and manicure (which I didn't know I was booked for) and generally spiffed up. Now I just have to keep everything looking good for Saturday and Sunday, so I guess that means no doing housework for a couple more days!
I had a frustrating start to the day as the ongoing saga of the reluctant lawnmower kept me amused for over half an hour this morning. I was going to get a bit done before my appointment, but the mower was again not very co-operative about starting for me. We had a bout which I eventually won, but I lost a favourite coffee mug in the fray. I had set it on the mower as I was boosting it, so when the thing finally started, I wasn't quick enough to grab it as it vibrated off the mower. Crash, and there it lay, unfixable, unusable and generally just broken pottery. Oh dear, not what I had planned at all.
My appointment at 11:00 was almost missed as I had to wait for a slow semi, a train and other heavy traffic tie-ups. It's a good thing I left a little early, because I got there right at 11:00. I was not impressed with the way the day had started. I was getting uneasy as to the possible outcome of my hair!
After lunch things went better, my hair looks fine, and my toes and fingers have nice red nails for now. We'll see how long they last! I got to the hospital to find Glenn having a rest. Yesterday was a big day in that he had an extra physio appointment. They were consulting with an bone specialist (sorry, I can't remember the proper title of this person) who checked out his elbow and wrist on his right arm. The tissues around the joints have tightened and need to be manipulated and stretched so that Glenn can keep some range of motion in his forearm. He needs to be able to swivel his hand up and down, and this tightening tissue is preventing that. The botox is showing up in that his joints are easier and less painful to move. We now need to stretch them to keep them flexible. He then agreed to go for a walk, and they let me guide the walker for him. Gosh it was good to see him on his feet, and although he can't swing his right leg, and really has to concentrate on doing what he's doing, I actually stood and looked straight into his eyes. Wow, I've waited for that, and can see now that he will be walking on his own. It will still take a fair bit of time, but what a good feeling!
That was yesterday. He was also supposed to have a swallow assessment done yesterday, but that didn't happen until today. Sit down, he is going to start taking fluids by mouth! Yes, we are on the road to eating! He is allowed ice chips for now, but they have given the go ahead for some liquids. He will still be on tube feeding for a while, but I was thrilled. I don't know if Glenn was as thrilled, he worries about this, as well he should, but he swallowed a bit of my ice tea, and laughed and said he actually swallowed almost half a mouthful. This is another thing he has to learn, and it is amazing to me to be reminded again how far he has come, yet how far he has to go. He is doing things that very few survivors of these strokes do, and I have become very aware that he is a miracle of grace. I thank the Lord everyday for helping him through this and look forward to the day he can come home to stay!
Jackie came for a visit and is getting excited for this weekend of celebration with family and friends. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty for not helping more, but for this time I had to lean on my family to do everything, and guess what, they did just fine without me! Who knew? Apparently my boys sound good, and have practiced a few songs for Sunday. I told Dad to bring along earplugs, so I hope he remembers them. Maybe I should tuck a pair into my purse as a joke!
I have rambled on a bit, but it truly has been a momentous week in many ways. Glenn wants to come home more on weekends of course, so next week the railing has got to be installed. First things first, party for now, work for later.
'Til next time,
Louise
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
July 12,13,14,15,&16
Day 150,151,152,153,& 154
I've been at the store for a full week of work, and have not done much at home at all. The grass is long, the house is grubby, and I have been eating way too much fast food. I thought that I couldn't have too many burgers, but I have had my fill. I have a few days off now, so I'll do a bit of catching up before the big weekend.
Glenn was indeed home on Sunday. It went very well. The kids helped lift him up onto the back deck, and we were happy to relax at home for a change. I think Glenn thought we would get a bit more alone time, but I'll have to finish the railing before that can happen. We did go out onto the deck from inside the house, and he really likes the composite decking we used. He gave me orders to finish the railing, so I will have to find some helpers to do that soon.
They gave him his botox on Friday, so we are waiting for that to take effect. We are suppose to flex his hand and foot to help loosen up the joints. They gave him another injection in his right arm because he still has pain when his ring finger is straightened. He will loosen up as the week goes on, the botox needs to spread through, and then the muscles start to relax. The joints needs flexing as this happens, so the physiotherapist will be working that hard. I was so glad they settled before a walkout or slow down happened, because that would have totally affected Glenn. He has discontinued some of his meds and seems to be doing well without them. He is starting to read more now, so I'll have to find him some magazines that he likes. He made a suggestion, but I told him I didn't think Penthouse was a good idea in the hospital! Some things just don't change.
I need to get busy now, so 'til next time,
Louise
I've been at the store for a full week of work, and have not done much at home at all. The grass is long, the house is grubby, and I have been eating way too much fast food. I thought that I couldn't have too many burgers, but I have had my fill. I have a few days off now, so I'll do a bit of catching up before the big weekend.
Glenn was indeed home on Sunday. It went very well. The kids helped lift him up onto the back deck, and we were happy to relax at home for a change. I think Glenn thought we would get a bit more alone time, but I'll have to finish the railing before that can happen. We did go out onto the deck from inside the house, and he really likes the composite decking we used. He gave me orders to finish the railing, so I will have to find some helpers to do that soon.
They gave him his botox on Friday, so we are waiting for that to take effect. We are suppose to flex his hand and foot to help loosen up the joints. They gave him another injection in his right arm because he still has pain when his ring finger is straightened. He will loosen up as the week goes on, the botox needs to spread through, and then the muscles start to relax. The joints needs flexing as this happens, so the physiotherapist will be working that hard. I was so glad they settled before a walkout or slow down happened, because that would have totally affected Glenn. He has discontinued some of his meds and seems to be doing well without them. He is starting to read more now, so I'll have to find him some magazines that he likes. He made a suggestion, but I told him I didn't think Penthouse was a good idea in the hospital! Some things just don't change.
I need to get busy now, so 'til next time,
Louise
Thursday, July 12, 2007
July 9,10, & 11
Day 147,148, & 149
I have good news. Glenn can start coming out on regular passes! We are going to start this weekend, Sunday to be exact, so if you are a regular Sunday visitor, we will probably be at home! I'm a little startled, but Glenn is pumped, and really, really wants to come out for the day. That's what we'll do. I don't have the railing on the ramp, so I'll have to get the boys to help lift him into the house. I would like to get the railing done, but I'm at the store for the rest of the week and haven't figured out how to do it. Any suggestions?
I did get into the conference on Tuesday afternoon, and the doctor was happy to discontinue some of Glenn's meds. He says that is what he likes doing best, and the fewer meds Glenn can be on, the better. I really like this doctor. He again commented on how much improvement he sees in Glenn between conferences, and Glenn's new OT is anxious to get him more independent. The visit home is part of that, so I have to remember to let Glenn take care of as much personal hygiene as he can, and not baby him along. Now is the time for Tough Love, he can do a lot of it, and works really hard at it. It is hard not to open toothpaste and start the razor, but I'm getting better at it. Glenn compensates, and the OT has worked specifically on these skills to get him to the point of going home. How exciting is that? I'm also a little scared, OK, a lot scared, but we have to start, and if Glenn is willing, then I'm all for it.
We are now going to be looking at overnight passes, not for a few weeks, but the intention is real, and will happen in the near future. They also said that we need to discuss a vehicle, so I guess I'll be shopping for new wheels soon. Glenn and I will have to discuss it a bit more, and I'll get more input from the experts as what our needs actually are or will be. I'm feeling a bit like we are at the end of the tunnel, and daylight is getting stronger!
'Til next time,
Louise
I have good news. Glenn can start coming out on regular passes! We are going to start this weekend, Sunday to be exact, so if you are a regular Sunday visitor, we will probably be at home! I'm a little startled, but Glenn is pumped, and really, really wants to come out for the day. That's what we'll do. I don't have the railing on the ramp, so I'll have to get the boys to help lift him into the house. I would like to get the railing done, but I'm at the store for the rest of the week and haven't figured out how to do it. Any suggestions?
I did get into the conference on Tuesday afternoon, and the doctor was happy to discontinue some of Glenn's meds. He says that is what he likes doing best, and the fewer meds Glenn can be on, the better. I really like this doctor. He again commented on how much improvement he sees in Glenn between conferences, and Glenn's new OT is anxious to get him more independent. The visit home is part of that, so I have to remember to let Glenn take care of as much personal hygiene as he can, and not baby him along. Now is the time for Tough Love, he can do a lot of it, and works really hard at it. It is hard not to open toothpaste and start the razor, but I'm getting better at it. Glenn compensates, and the OT has worked specifically on these skills to get him to the point of going home. How exciting is that? I'm also a little scared, OK, a lot scared, but we have to start, and if Glenn is willing, then I'm all for it.
We are now going to be looking at overnight passes, not for a few weeks, but the intention is real, and will happen in the near future. They also said that we need to discuss a vehicle, so I guess I'll be shopping for new wheels soon. Glenn and I will have to discuss it a bit more, and I'll get more input from the experts as what our needs actually are or will be. I'm feeling a bit like we are at the end of the tunnel, and daylight is getting stronger!
'Til next time,
Louise
Sunday, July 8, 2007
July 5,6,7, & 8
Day 143, 144, 145, & 146
Well the weather has been the "hot" topic for conversation again this weekend, and personally I'm glad it has cooled of a bit. Friday found Ken and me in a grain bin in the morning. I told someone today that when he called to say he was coming I didn't know if I should cry or run away, but I helped out, and thankfully the wind was good enough to blow the dust and keep the air moving around enough to make it bearable. There are two more bin bottoms, but they are hoppered, so it isn't as bad as shoveling a flat bottom. Ken said he had to shut down Friday afternoon because of the extreme temperatures, and I'm glad we got it done in the morning.
We have been lucky enough to be getting a few showers to keep the heat from completely frying the crops. It makes for very muggy conditions, and the coolers at the store were all fogged up on Saturday. I had an interesting day in that the interact machine went down, and I couldn't take payment by card that day. They were having trouble elsewhere, so I wondered if the lightening storm the night before had caused some trouble. They will have to replace the machine for us, so I don't think it was my fault!
Glenn continues to gain daily. He noticeably tries to converse with everyone who comes to visit. It makes some people nervous, but we get out the letter board and help him get his message through one way or the other. He goes out and about more by himself, and they have discontinued more of his medications, the big one being his sleeping pills. He says he is sleeping well, and actually slept in this morning. They had to wake him for breakfast, and then took him for his bath, so he was fresh as a daisy when I saw him today. We had quite a bit of company, so he caught up on the goings on in the family. The psychiatrist came in today and asked if we had any concerns about Glenn's moods and general state of mind, and I told him that he seems to be doing well. I asked about the anti-depressants, and he said to leave the dosage alone for a while yet, and Glenn was OK with that. If it is helping his general well being, I'm OK with it too.
We are unsure what will happen with therapies this week. If they go out on strike, Glenn will definitely be affected, but we hope talks will resolve the issues, and we can continue with his treatments. His days will get long if he doesn't have his routine to follow.
Today was Aryn and Chris's 1st anniversary. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by. What a year it has been. Life deals the good with the bad, and we can only cope as best we can.
Well, the party weekend is fast approaching, and plans are mostly in place. I haven't done as much as I usually do, but everything is well taken care of by the rest of the crew. One thing about a large family, there are many hands to share the load. My deck is awaiting the finishing touches, so I need to look into the purchase of some railing material this week. It looks pretty good on the house, as if it were planned for all along. The lilac that is surrounded by the ramp looks perfectly planned and I will buy a new honeysuckle to replace the one that had to go to make room for the last leg of the ramp. I want to thank the erection crew for a great job in the heat of a July day. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't answered the call!
Preparations in the house will happen soon so that Glenn can start to come more regularly, with the object of moving home coming in sight. God willing that will not be too much longer.
'Til next time,
Louise
Well the weather has been the "hot" topic for conversation again this weekend, and personally I'm glad it has cooled of a bit. Friday found Ken and me in a grain bin in the morning. I told someone today that when he called to say he was coming I didn't know if I should cry or run away, but I helped out, and thankfully the wind was good enough to blow the dust and keep the air moving around enough to make it bearable. There are two more bin bottoms, but they are hoppered, so it isn't as bad as shoveling a flat bottom. Ken said he had to shut down Friday afternoon because of the extreme temperatures, and I'm glad we got it done in the morning.
We have been lucky enough to be getting a few showers to keep the heat from completely frying the crops. It makes for very muggy conditions, and the coolers at the store were all fogged up on Saturday. I had an interesting day in that the interact machine went down, and I couldn't take payment by card that day. They were having trouble elsewhere, so I wondered if the lightening storm the night before had caused some trouble. They will have to replace the machine for us, so I don't think it was my fault!
Glenn continues to gain daily. He noticeably tries to converse with everyone who comes to visit. It makes some people nervous, but we get out the letter board and help him get his message through one way or the other. He goes out and about more by himself, and they have discontinued more of his medications, the big one being his sleeping pills. He says he is sleeping well, and actually slept in this morning. They had to wake him for breakfast, and then took him for his bath, so he was fresh as a daisy when I saw him today. We had quite a bit of company, so he caught up on the goings on in the family. The psychiatrist came in today and asked if we had any concerns about Glenn's moods and general state of mind, and I told him that he seems to be doing well. I asked about the anti-depressants, and he said to leave the dosage alone for a while yet, and Glenn was OK with that. If it is helping his general well being, I'm OK with it too.
We are unsure what will happen with therapies this week. If they go out on strike, Glenn will definitely be affected, but we hope talks will resolve the issues, and we can continue with his treatments. His days will get long if he doesn't have his routine to follow.
Today was Aryn and Chris's 1st anniversary. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by. What a year it has been. Life deals the good with the bad, and we can only cope as best we can.
Well, the party weekend is fast approaching, and plans are mostly in place. I haven't done as much as I usually do, but everything is well taken care of by the rest of the crew. One thing about a large family, there are many hands to share the load. My deck is awaiting the finishing touches, so I need to look into the purchase of some railing material this week. It looks pretty good on the house, as if it were planned for all along. The lilac that is surrounded by the ramp looks perfectly planned and I will buy a new honeysuckle to replace the one that had to go to make room for the last leg of the ramp. I want to thank the erection crew for a great job in the heat of a July day. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't answered the call!
Preparations in the house will happen soon so that Glenn can start to come more regularly, with the object of moving home coming in sight. God willing that will not be too much longer.
'Til next time,
Louise
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
June 29, 30. July 1, 2,3 &4
Day 137,138,139,140,141,&142
Twenty weeks! Almost 5 months! Wow, I don't think I'll do that anymore, it just boggles my mind to think that much time has gone by since Glenn has been away from home.
I've been busy, but had to start doing some things in preparation for Glenn to be able to come home. On the 2nd of July, my family and some neighbours came and constructed the deck and ramp on the front of my house. It will make it possible for Glenn to come into the house in a wheel chair without the strain of being hoisted by whom ever is around. It looks good, and I bought composite decking, which means it will be maintenance free (somewhat anyway) I really didn't think they would get the ramp done too, but many hands, and a lot of experience made it come together very quickly. It needs a few finishing touches, such as a railing, before Glenn can use it, but the big job is done.
I also took Glenn out of the hospital to a wedding in our neighbourhood on the weekend. It was a little nerve racking to transfer him, but with some good instruction from his OT, we were able to do it fairly well. He got a sunburn, so now has a farmer tan just like always. We will hopefully be able to be at the Anniversary celebrations for a while in July. It is encouraging, and makes home seem closer to reality.
I've been to work a few days, and now need to catch up on some farm books. I took my car in for a check-up, and they let me drive a new Corolla around. It was red! I really liked it! I can't buy it, but had fun anyway!
My Dad had growth in his lip removed, and the biopsy said it was cancerous, so he will be watching that for a while. It has healed up very well, although he says they must have taken quite a big chunk out of his lip. They stitched it up, and he won't have much of a scar. He'll look great in the pictures we are planning to take.
I'm fairly tired tonight, so please excuse my rambling and skipping around from subject to subject. I just type whatever is popping into my head, but I think the last bubble just broke, so I'll sign off.
'Til next time,
Louise
Twenty weeks! Almost 5 months! Wow, I don't think I'll do that anymore, it just boggles my mind to think that much time has gone by since Glenn has been away from home.
I've been busy, but had to start doing some things in preparation for Glenn to be able to come home. On the 2nd of July, my family and some neighbours came and constructed the deck and ramp on the front of my house. It will make it possible for Glenn to come into the house in a wheel chair without the strain of being hoisted by whom ever is around. It looks good, and I bought composite decking, which means it will be maintenance free (somewhat anyway) I really didn't think they would get the ramp done too, but many hands, and a lot of experience made it come together very quickly. It needs a few finishing touches, such as a railing, before Glenn can use it, but the big job is done.
I also took Glenn out of the hospital to a wedding in our neighbourhood on the weekend. It was a little nerve racking to transfer him, but with some good instruction from his OT, we were able to do it fairly well. He got a sunburn, so now has a farmer tan just like always. We will hopefully be able to be at the Anniversary celebrations for a while in July. It is encouraging, and makes home seem closer to reality.
I've been to work a few days, and now need to catch up on some farm books. I took my car in for a check-up, and they let me drive a new Corolla around. It was red! I really liked it! I can't buy it, but had fun anyway!
My Dad had growth in his lip removed, and the biopsy said it was cancerous, so he will be watching that for a while. It has healed up very well, although he says they must have taken quite a big chunk out of his lip. They stitched it up, and he won't have much of a scar. He'll look great in the pictures we are planning to take.
I'm fairly tired tonight, so please excuse my rambling and skipping around from subject to subject. I just type whatever is popping into my head, but I think the last bubble just broke, so I'll sign off.
'Til next time,
Louise
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