I'm Still Here!

Hi! Remember me? The one who was going to do daily blogs? Then weekly. Maybe monthly? I'll try to get back into at least weekly. I've decided my life isn't interesting enough on a daily basis. My niece, Tina, was on me tonight about it. "I keep checking every day and there's been NOTHING since the 22nd of January!" So, thanks for the motivation. In honor of Tina, who leads our children's choir at church, I've posted a video of their special music this am. (that's her in the front row doing the actions) For as few children as were there today, they really sang out and did a great job with the actions. Well, most of them did. Little Tabby in front is just shy and CJ (one of the grandsons hiding in the back row) just didn't want to. However, when he got back and sat with Papa, he did the whole thing - actions and all - when HE wanted to. Then tonight, while at Great G & G's, he would run from one end of the living room singing "the rains came down" and back again with "the prayers came up" over and over. At least we knew he has learned the song even if he won't sing it when he's supposed to. This past Thursday, mother had a stent put in her heart. It's amazing how opening up a teeny little artery can give you so much more energy. She was so happy yesterday when she went from the parking lot up to the 4th floor at the hospital (for some followup) without having to stop and rest along the way. Wasn't today a beautiful day? And, no, I did not go riding. I know, hard to believe. It's hard for me to believe. Had planned to, but fell asleep after lunch and didn't wake up till 5pm. Curtis came in just after I got up and said "guess you were needing that, huh?"... evidently ;) Since I last blogged, we've had two major snowstorms, both on the days I was to work in Hutch, so I missed those days. However, I've worked at Sandstone Heights (local nursing home) several times as needed and have actually covered all three shifts at one time or another. Hmmm.... maybe that may have something to do with my need for rest or for my body not knowing what time I should be sleeping?

Snow and Ice

This picture was taken Thursday morning from my front porch. I just love the glisten of snow, ice, and sunshine! ... as long as I don't have to drive in it.

That was quite a little winter storm that went through this week. I had heard forecasts of snow, but don't recall any of them mentioning the ice part of the storm. I was working in Hutchinson Wednesday and usually work until 6pm. However, after my dear hubby had called three times by 2:30pm, I figured I'd probably better head for home. (not real sure if he was more worried about me or the truck he let me drive that day) My co-workers looked at me like "what's the big deal"? But the storm was coming from the north and 35 miles north of work where I live was a sheet of ice.

My typical 40 minute drive took 70 minutes that day. I took back roads as soon as I could, but they weren't a whole lot better than the paved. There were times that I started to slide around when I pushed the speed over 10 mph, but mostly I drove 20-30. The windshield collected ice faster than the wipers could wipe it away. I had my defroster on High as long as I could stand it, then would turn it down, till I couldn't see again. When I got ready to cross Hwy 56, I had to roll down my passenger window to check for any traffic. The cold air actually felt really good. So, after that, I kept the defroster on High and just gave myself a "cool flash" every once in a while.

Something I noticed as I drove home that day, or maybe I should say "didn't notice". It was those little lines you see on the road that shows they have been "treated". How many times have we noticed those, and then no storm occurred? (There was even a day in November when I was riding my bike on Hwy 4 when I got "treated".) Maybe they should just treat the highways on a weekly basis. That seems to keep the snow/ice away.

Spelling Bee

Things are looking up, so maybe I can get back to working on this daily. If nothing else, it disciplines me to accomplish something every day.

My mom came home from the hospital this morning after spending 12 days there. She is doing well and seems to me to have more energy than she did before she was admitted. I think we need to credit the Physical Therapy dept with some of that. They had her working hard, plus she was determined to go back to her home and not have to spend time in nursing care/assisted living areas. My sister, Cassie, will remain with her for a few more days before heading back to TX. By then, Mom should be ready to be on her own.

This afternoon, I attended the Windom Elementary Spelling Bee. Yes, I did have a grandchild participating, but I am a bit of a nerd and LOVE spelling bees. I have even been known to attend them when I DON'T have a family member in it. Hannah did a good job, but missed on the word "certain" and spelled "curtain". That put her out of the competition at #5, with the top 4 advancing to the Rice County Bee. She is the alternate, though, if any of the others can't make it.

I remember participating in the Reno County Spelling Bee a few years back. I received third place and will always remember the word I missed - hydrangea. I spelled it with "ia". I had never even heard of the word at the time. The winning word that year was kiln. How easy is that? But its all in the order of the words and how they match up with the order of the contestants. Obviously, it was a memorable moment for me, and I hope the students that participated today will remember their spelling bee for years to come.

Week by Week?

So much for my goal of a daily blog/pic. Maybe I should change it to "Week by Week"?

Have had a busy week. Been staying with my Mom at the hospital as much as possible. She is doing so much better. No more blood clots, kidneys are improving, and she's gaining strength daily. We originally thought she'd be going home today, but the Dr. thought it would be better to wait till Monday in order to get her Coumadin regulated.

My sister, Cassie (a winter Texan) flew in Wednesday evening and plans to stay about 10 days. Although I know Mom is well taken care of at the hospital, I feel better if one of us three sisters are around for her. So I feel a bit of relief of not having to make the drive daily or spend the night in Hutchinson since Cass is here.

I basically took the day "off" on Thursday - got caught up on laundry, dishes, set up my trainer and rode my bike 10 miles (boy did that feel good!), took a nap, and went to a Sterling College basketball game that evening.

Went to see Mom on Friday, then back to Little River basketball game to watch granddaughter, Hannah (4th grade) get honored for her state math assessment test.

Keeping this short so I can go get ready to go to work at Sandstone Hts. Nursing Home from 2/10. I work on an as needed basis and haven't worked for about a month, but looking forward to it. Love the residents, have a great staff of CNAs to work with, and my friend, LeeAnn, is the other nurse. Should be a great evening!

80th Birthday

Today's highlight was the open house celebration for my father-in-law's 80th birthday. We were concerned the weather might affect the turnout, but there were over 100 people there. All family were able to make it except for one great-granddaughter at college. Jessica & her family drove 6+ hrs (with a 2 yr & 3 yr old) round trip to spend 2 hrs at the party. I know her Grandpa appreciated that effort. After the party, he took the family out to supper at Fat Boyz


The pic is of the birthday boy greeting one of his cousins.

Update on my Mom - she was moved out of ICU to a regular room today. Because of the birthday open house, I was unable to go see her, but talked with her. She is not having any problems right now, except that she is so weak. She's very discouraged, which is NOT her nature. She knows she needs to eat to gain strength, but nothing tastes good. This happens often after medical procedures/surgeries. Also, just laying in bed doesn't help. The longer you lay around, the weaker you get. Right now, getting stronger is her priority so she can get back home. Hopefully, that will happen sooner than later.

Mom Update

It's been a long couple of days. Been at the hospital with my Mom since about 2pm Thursday. Was that just yesterday?

To update you - she had two large clots (one in femoral artery and the other in the popliteal) extracted from her left leg in an emergency procedure. From her first symptoms around 10am till her admission assessment at 3pm, she had lost all circulation to her leg. Everything moved very fast as the doctor said the longer the time without circulation, the greater the chance of losing her leg. I'm happy to say that both feet/legs now have nice, pink color and strong pulses.

Got about an hour of sleep through the night alternating between the hospital recliner and ICU couch.

Today, she was scheduled to do another catheterization at 11am to check the other leg and her heart. Eleven am finally came around about 4pm, so it was a long day of just waiting. More clots were found, but no total blockages, so the Doc feels he can treat them with oral meds. She will be dismissed tomorrow or Sunday depending on regaining her strength. She said she'd rather spend another day in the hospital and be able to go directly home than to have to spend time in the nursing care center. She is determined and has a great, positive attitude. What a blessing!

She was feeling and acting good and has very attentive nurses in ICU, so I came on home hoping to get a bit more rest tonight.

A big THANK YOU for all of your thoughts and prayers. It has meant so much that everytime I turned on my phone, I received another message of support.

Today's pic is of my Mom, AKA Grammy, with 7 of her 20 "greats" on her 87th birthday this past Thanksgiving.

Jan, RN

Whew! The only thing I can think of to say tonight is - I AM EXHAUSTED!!! Worked in Hutch till after 6pm today, then my long drive home. It was a long and very hectic day. Seems strange how much more my feet and legs tire standing and walking around the clinic than riding many miles on my bike. Oh well, you know my theory on that - somehow I don't get the same re-charged feeling. ;) Don't get me wrong - I love my job as a nurse, have worked there for nearly 20 yrs and can't imagine ever working for anyone else. And, now that I'm home and have had a chance to recover a bit - it was a great day!!!

Today's pic was taken by my daughter of me removing stitches from her husband's chin on their kitchen table. My nursing skills often come in handy even OFF the clock.