Day 497-500
Hey, our girl is now a dental assistant. She starts work on Monday. We went to the Conexus Centre yesterday to see her cap and gown ceremony. I picked up my Mom and Dad and took them with us for the event. It went well, except for a bit of bathroom stuff, but that was a difference of opinion more than anything. We are handling more outings, and Glenn is being a real trooper about going out and about. He is still hard to understand, but is getting better and less self-conscience about it. How could he not be there for his girl? Jackie had requested the wheel chair seats, so they were reserved for us and an usher took us straight up to them. That helped a lot. Grandma didn't have to climb a bunch of stairs, nor did Johnnie's Mom (she has a very bad back injury), so everything went well. That is another milestone on this journey of ours.
Glenn and I had a bit of a shouting match over cutting the ditches, but I told him he couldn't until after the seat I ordered came in. The seat has a higher back and side rests, so I should be able to strap him on more securely. He had a bit of trouble with his balance and I had to rescue him a few times, as he was listing to the side and unable to let go of the steering wheel to stop the mower. I have to be careful not to get my toes run over, so hence the shouting match. It felt kind of good, and was a normal thing between us. I haven't had to do that in a long time! Nor has he had to need to shout back. That always relieves tension!
We are going to the botox clinic next Friday again. We didn't get a notice before Wednesday last week, so it was a bit of a surprise. The letter is probably floating around Canada Post. We think he will only get a bit in his hand to help relax his fingers. The hamstring shots didn't help much last time, so that therapist thought we shouldn't bother again. He is compensating and figuring out how to move on that leg anyway, so maybe letting the body take care of itself is the way to go here .
(I hear a few snickers about the shouting match and need to explain that it is PMS time too!)
The boys still need to spray, and took Glenn for a scouting tour the other day. I bought the chemical, so it just needs to happen now. Then we can relax and hope for the best. I'll have to call the combine guys to come and do a bit of work on the combine so it will be ready to go. I had to get the crop reports done and sent, so it has been a busy week. We've finally got the go ahead on the individualized funding, so had an assessment done, and filled out a bunch more forms. My we use paper! It will be nice to get a bit of money for Helen, she is great!
That is about all for now, I need to write more often as there are a lot of things going on right now. Oh, remember my washing machine trouble? Turned out to be three loose/missing bolts in the tub, so the guy fixed it, and charged me $50.00 for shop fees. What a relief! We hooked it back up (again with a bit of growling on my part) and I was able to wash my clothes again. What next do you suppose?
'Til next time,
Louise
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
June 11-17
Day 490-496
We had 3 2/10 inches of rain last week, and boy what a difference in the way things look. The crops are springing up (along with the weeds) and everything looks so green. We will need to spray soon, I think Glenn wants to be along for the scouting trip. He told me yesterday that he could drive the 1/2 ton, because he could open the door to look at the weeds. I don't know if I'll be the one that goes with him for that!
We went to Swift Current on the weekend, and did very well. We remembered everything we needed, and discovered Glenn's suit is a bit snug. He needs to tighten up his belly a bit again. The ride there went well, Dale drove with us, the Rav handled both chairs and three people and luggage, so I'm happy with it. We should do well going to Nipawin in July.
Glenn was cutting grass again yesterday, and is now thinking of more things he can try to do. I told him that the more he tries to do, the more work I have to do! That is OK, but I really didn't think of that as a possibility.
Jackie graduates this week, and last night she phoned and told me she starts work on Monday. that is a good thing to be able to finish school one week and start work the Monday after! she is a very happy girl right now. Today the dentist will work out her wage scale and benefits, and she should be on her way.
Glenn took the steps at Mom's house on Sunday night. It was our first attempt at walking up stairs. Wendy helped hold him steady, and I helped work his feet a bit. He did well, and now we are a step further to independence. It is amazing to see him take on these challenges. He has more courage than I do, but he knows what is going on, and I can only help out.
'Til next time,
Louise
We had 3 2/10 inches of rain last week, and boy what a difference in the way things look. The crops are springing up (along with the weeds) and everything looks so green. We will need to spray soon, I think Glenn wants to be along for the scouting trip. He told me yesterday that he could drive the 1/2 ton, because he could open the door to look at the weeds. I don't know if I'll be the one that goes with him for that!
We went to Swift Current on the weekend, and did very well. We remembered everything we needed, and discovered Glenn's suit is a bit snug. He needs to tighten up his belly a bit again. The ride there went well, Dale drove with us, the Rav handled both chairs and three people and luggage, so I'm happy with it. We should do well going to Nipawin in July.
Glenn was cutting grass again yesterday, and is now thinking of more things he can try to do. I told him that the more he tries to do, the more work I have to do! That is OK, but I really didn't think of that as a possibility.
Jackie graduates this week, and last night she phoned and told me she starts work on Monday. that is a good thing to be able to finish school one week and start work the Monday after! she is a very happy girl right now. Today the dentist will work out her wage scale and benefits, and she should be on her way.
Glenn took the steps at Mom's house on Sunday night. It was our first attempt at walking up stairs. Wendy helped hold him steady, and I helped work his feet a bit. He did well, and now we are a step further to independence. It is amazing to see him take on these challenges. He has more courage than I do, but he knows what is going on, and I can only help out.
'Til next time,
Louise
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
June 2-10
Day 481-489
We had another nice rain on the weekend, so that should get things started well, especially the weeds! We are thinking about what to take to the wedding on Saturday, and the list is getting longer. I just have to start packing, and as I go I should remember the important stuff. Glenn needs a haircut, but other than that he is good to go. It will be interesting to see how we do.
He is getting stronger, and we are getting smarter about a lot of things and how to go about doing them. Yesterday I had to take my washing machine to the hospital, (yes, it finally gave out!), so we had to see if Glenn could get into the 1/2 ton. Last time we tried, he was too unsteady to be able to get there, and the boys weren't around to boost him in, so we tried using the stool again. He got his left foot on the stool, I helped him stand on it, and got his right foot onto the stool. From there he just had to turn around a bit and get onto the seat and we were away. He couldn't do that last fall, so he has come along quite well. He just giggles when we overcome these obstacles, and it actually went well, no scary parts at all. Off we went, and I will probably hear today or tomorrow if the poor machine is dead or not.
Chris also hauled the Sunbird into the city to have his neighbour go over it and tell us what it needs. It will cost too much, so I told him to get rid of it. We'll take some money and it will be out of the yard. It is a mechanics special, so we don't have the time to fix it ourselves, and really we don't need it anyway. Now we just have to get Dale's Buick out of the yard and we should be OK for the rest of the summer. We could work on Bluey (the '89 Camry) but the way things are going I'm not going to hold my breath. It probably is the most reliable car, worth some money, but again, we don't need it right now. Colin bought another Suzuki Swift, and is waiting for a settlement from SGI to license it. The cars that have come and gone the last few years is a bit mind boggling.
Back to Glenn... we should phone the doctor to have a surgeon remove his feed tube. He hasn't used it in over a month, and seems to be adjusted to real food. We had a bit of trouble with some BM's, but that has since resolved itself, and we are eating a normal diet. He can drink as much as he needs, and takes his meds by mouth, so I think we are away. He cut grass again last night, and will do more tomorrow (if it isn't raining.) The mower is good for him to drive, although he is hunched over. I hope his posture improves over the course of the summer. He has to think about sitting up straight, and really is balanced because he is holding on to the steering wheel. We have a pretty good system of getting him on the thing, although it can be scary getting his leg over the steering wheel.
I think that is about all I have to say for now, we are looking forward to the weddings, Jackie's cap and gown is on the 20th, and we have to work on a Powerpoint presentation for our niece's wedding in July, so our agenda is full. Of course the boys will have to spray sometime soon, but we haven't scouted yet, so that won't be for a bit.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there, take the day and enjoy yourselves and your families.
'Til next time,
Louise
We had another nice rain on the weekend, so that should get things started well, especially the weeds! We are thinking about what to take to the wedding on Saturday, and the list is getting longer. I just have to start packing, and as I go I should remember the important stuff. Glenn needs a haircut, but other than that he is good to go. It will be interesting to see how we do.
He is getting stronger, and we are getting smarter about a lot of things and how to go about doing them. Yesterday I had to take my washing machine to the hospital, (yes, it finally gave out!), so we had to see if Glenn could get into the 1/2 ton. Last time we tried, he was too unsteady to be able to get there, and the boys weren't around to boost him in, so we tried using the stool again. He got his left foot on the stool, I helped him stand on it, and got his right foot onto the stool. From there he just had to turn around a bit and get onto the seat and we were away. He couldn't do that last fall, so he has come along quite well. He just giggles when we overcome these obstacles, and it actually went well, no scary parts at all. Off we went, and I will probably hear today or tomorrow if the poor machine is dead or not.
Chris also hauled the Sunbird into the city to have his neighbour go over it and tell us what it needs. It will cost too much, so I told him to get rid of it. We'll take some money and it will be out of the yard. It is a mechanics special, so we don't have the time to fix it ourselves, and really we don't need it anyway. Now we just have to get Dale's Buick out of the yard and we should be OK for the rest of the summer. We could work on Bluey (the '89 Camry) but the way things are going I'm not going to hold my breath. It probably is the most reliable car, worth some money, but again, we don't need it right now. Colin bought another Suzuki Swift, and is waiting for a settlement from SGI to license it. The cars that have come and gone the last few years is a bit mind boggling.
Back to Glenn... we should phone the doctor to have a surgeon remove his feed tube. He hasn't used it in over a month, and seems to be adjusted to real food. We had a bit of trouble with some BM's, but that has since resolved itself, and we are eating a normal diet. He can drink as much as he needs, and takes his meds by mouth, so I think we are away. He cut grass again last night, and will do more tomorrow (if it isn't raining.) The mower is good for him to drive, although he is hunched over. I hope his posture improves over the course of the summer. He has to think about sitting up straight, and really is balanced because he is holding on to the steering wheel. We have a pretty good system of getting him on the thing, although it can be scary getting his leg over the steering wheel.
I think that is about all I have to say for now, we are looking forward to the weddings, Jackie's cap and gown is on the 20th, and we have to work on a Powerpoint presentation for our niece's wedding in July, so our agenda is full. Of course the boys will have to spray sometime soon, but we haven't scouted yet, so that won't be for a bit.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there, take the day and enjoy yourselves and your families.
'Til next time,
Louise
Sunday, June 1, 2008
May 21 - June 1
Day 469 - 480
We are finished seeding, and actually received 1/2" of rain to get it off to a good start. The boys did well, and now we are waiting to see what else will come up with the crop. It is a fair bit different than a few years ago, but what else is new? Every day is new and different for us now, and we need to get on with life.
Glenn has been getting on his feet more, and people going by on the highway see him standing on the deck. He goes for a bit of a stroll and is getting better at that too. The more he does, the better. Jackie took a few pointers from Helen regarding stretching his arm and leg, so more of us know what to do for him. Jackie came and started putting in the garden yesterday, and I'll work on it this week. It doesn't look too bad, considering what we started with. (Oh, Johnny helped too, and really doesn't like to garden. Dale figures it's the Y chromosome!)
Now we are looking forward to a wedding on the 14th in Swift Current. We have a room booked, so it will be our first sleep over since Glenn came home. I think it will be OK, and we will deal with what ever comes up as we go along. I have never been a strict keeper of schedules, and that should help. I just can't predict what may need to be taken care of, so strict schedules are out of the question. Day by day is the rule of thumb here now.
Glenn has been on the lawn mower twice now, and has done a good job. I need to be available in case of trouble, but so far so good. I have a belt that I used to strap him to the seat, and as long as he stays out of the trees and rock patches he does well. He over did it a bit the other day, and could hardly sit up any more, but I put him in the shower, and he revived quite well. His physio just shakes her head at us, and says he is quite different from the old guys she works with. No joke, he isn't that old, and is in his right mind, so he is as careful as anyone with himself, and knows what he shouldn't do, although he is a bit impatient at times, and won't wait for help. Oh well, some things don't change!
Jackie's Grad is coming up, and she is lined up to start working as soon as she is finished her board exams. She is looking forward to receiving her own paycheck again, and plans for the wedding will start to pick up too. We shopped for a dress a couple of weeks ago, so that really got her interested. It was fun.
We are still in need of a good soaking rain. Last night the kids planned to have a fire, and Dale and Johnny worked at getting in some wood. All was well until we started to cook wieners. A cloud blew up and spit on us on and off for over an hour. The kids perseverred, and actually had a nice night. Glenn and I bailed at around 9:30, but we're old after all, and really don't need to get damp around a fire anymore!
Fathers Day is coming up, so I wish you all a good day. I may actually post again before then, but I have been slow the last couple of months, so I thought I would send best wishes out now. A lot of people are still following my thoughts and reports online, and I am rather impressed with the dedication shown. I assure you that I do this as a way of putting into words the events that are important or at least memorable to me as Glenn continues to recover. Some days I really see great improvements, and somedays I don't. Some days I am impatient and a bit grumpy about all of this, but for the most part, I am OK. Glenn is not hard to be with most of the time, and really works hard at getting on his feet and back into life. We can't and don't dwell on whythis happened to him. It did and we have to cope. The kids talk about it more, and have a good handle on it, and help whenever they can. The doctor told Glenn that his will to get better will drive his recovery now, so he's in the driver's seat! Spring has helped everyone's outlook, and the farmers prayer for rain is again on our lips.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes, they help. We are aware and grateful for your interest, and welcome your comments.
'Til next time,
Louise
We are finished seeding, and actually received 1/2" of rain to get it off to a good start. The boys did well, and now we are waiting to see what else will come up with the crop. It is a fair bit different than a few years ago, but what else is new? Every day is new and different for us now, and we need to get on with life.
Glenn has been getting on his feet more, and people going by on the highway see him standing on the deck. He goes for a bit of a stroll and is getting better at that too. The more he does, the better. Jackie took a few pointers from Helen regarding stretching his arm and leg, so more of us know what to do for him. Jackie came and started putting in the garden yesterday, and I'll work on it this week. It doesn't look too bad, considering what we started with. (Oh, Johnny helped too, and really doesn't like to garden. Dale figures it's the Y chromosome!)
Now we are looking forward to a wedding on the 14th in Swift Current. We have a room booked, so it will be our first sleep over since Glenn came home. I think it will be OK, and we will deal with what ever comes up as we go along. I have never been a strict keeper of schedules, and that should help. I just can't predict what may need to be taken care of, so strict schedules are out of the question. Day by day is the rule of thumb here now.
Glenn has been on the lawn mower twice now, and has done a good job. I need to be available in case of trouble, but so far so good. I have a belt that I used to strap him to the seat, and as long as he stays out of the trees and rock patches he does well. He over did it a bit the other day, and could hardly sit up any more, but I put him in the shower, and he revived quite well. His physio just shakes her head at us, and says he is quite different from the old guys she works with. No joke, he isn't that old, and is in his right mind, so he is as careful as anyone with himself, and knows what he shouldn't do, although he is a bit impatient at times, and won't wait for help. Oh well, some things don't change!
Jackie's Grad is coming up, and she is lined up to start working as soon as she is finished her board exams. She is looking forward to receiving her own paycheck again, and plans for the wedding will start to pick up too. We shopped for a dress a couple of weeks ago, so that really got her interested. It was fun.
We are still in need of a good soaking rain. Last night the kids planned to have a fire, and Dale and Johnny worked at getting in some wood. All was well until we started to cook wieners. A cloud blew up and spit on us on and off for over an hour. The kids perseverred, and actually had a nice night. Glenn and I bailed at around 9:30, but we're old after all, and really don't need to get damp around a fire anymore!
Fathers Day is coming up, so I wish you all a good day. I may actually post again before then, but I have been slow the last couple of months, so I thought I would send best wishes out now. A lot of people are still following my thoughts and reports online, and I am rather impressed with the dedication shown. I assure you that I do this as a way of putting into words the events that are important or at least memorable to me as Glenn continues to recover. Some days I really see great improvements, and somedays I don't. Some days I am impatient and a bit grumpy about all of this, but for the most part, I am OK. Glenn is not hard to be with most of the time, and really works hard at getting on his feet and back into life. We can't and don't dwell on whythis happened to him. It did and we have to cope. The kids talk about it more, and have a good handle on it, and help whenever they can. The doctor told Glenn that his will to get better will drive his recovery now, so he's in the driver's seat! Spring has helped everyone's outlook, and the farmers prayer for rain is again on our lips.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes, they help. We are aware and grateful for your interest, and welcome your comments.
'Til next time,
Louise
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