Summer's Final Weeks

I am looking forward to fall with great enthusiasm this year.  We will be going to the pumpkin patch and maze again this year.  I have mapped out some other activities to celebrate the cooler weather. 

 

We took the boat out to watch the fireworks from the water a couple of times this year.   Both times we went out with good friends.  Former neighbors came to town for a visit then a friend from work and grad school came with us to watch the season finale.  Keeping the boat at a marina was a great idea.  I love going fishing in the fall.  I’m not one of those people that think that a tan is worth the damage to the skin.  I avoid the summer sun as much as possible.

 

We’re about half way there on converting the sun room into an herb green house.  It should be complete by the time the plants come in for winter.  I like having fresh herbs.  They are so cheerful  - and tasty!  Stan used to complain when I brought home parsley from the grocery store because you seldom use it all before it is green slime.  A plant just keeps on giving so the effort of keeping it alive is its own reward.

 

It's been a while!
I've been so busy, I forgot I had a blog. :)  All is well.

Stan took Walter to the doctor Monday and won a release.  They wandered around some after that and went out to Mother's grave.  I think Donna is planning to take him there on Mother's Day.

Stan is planting accent plants and flowers in the front.  He put out fresh mulch yesterday - is there anything as nice as new plants and fresh mulch? 

Life is good!

Walter "got out" last week.  He still needs a CT Scan and to be released to drive but is doing well.  Stan is taking him to the store as needed and trying to get him out every day so he can recover from all the bad stuff that he has gone through.  At 81 years old, it takes a while to recover from surgery, especially when you've had two holes drilled in your skull.

 The restaurant project at work is moving forward.  They should be able to open in about two weeks.  We are working through all the last minute changes and adjustments to get everything just the way the operator wants it.  Their area is starting to have a little personality because of an enhanced decor.  They are planning more installations that build on what they have done so far.

Busy times, but it will get better.

 

Well, it's lunch time.  I had homemade white chili.  It's pretty good - very low fat but very high protein.  Mike, Randy and I worked on the restaurant equipment a little to get it in place for the gas, electric and plumbing contractors to finish their work.  I'm tired!  I was the designated box lady (carry them to the dumpster) and general clean up person so the men could work.

Walter is good.  He walks behind the wheelchair now.  It's hard for him to turn the wheels with his hands because his left hand is bandaged from the hairline fracture.  He has a nice roommate now and a gentleman at his table in the dining room that is pretty feisty!  He lives alone too and is the first to say he is pretty independent - doesn't want his kids telling him what to do.  You can tell he has always been a jovial soul.

I think Roger is supposed to be back from California today.  Donna will be happy about that.  Stan "has a cold" and didn't get out yesterday.  He didn't want to get out today either so I'm going by the rehab center after work.  Makes for a long day and is so reminiscent of the years of going to see Mother after work.  As hard as that was, I am so glad I was able to do it.  There were some really exceptional moments that only I got to share with her.  They make up for all the bad times and the constant battle to ensure she was cared for properly.  There should be a special place in hell for some of her caretakers, especially the social workers at two facilities.

Well, back to work for now.  Happy Tuesday.

Walter is in rehab and doing well.  They wouldn't let him come home for the weekend.  Stan and I have been alternating days with him.  I am so tired from everythng going on at work that driving there after work today reminded me of all the days I rushed from south Grand Prairie to Keller to have dinner with Mother. 

I've got the greatest husband anyone could ever find.  We had his mom and step-dad here, then just his mom.  He helped me and supported me when Dad was dying and I had to go sit with him at the hospital from before breakfast until afer dinner each day.  He took over at home so I could spend evenings at the nursing home with Mother and went in my place on those few days each month when it was all too much for me.  Now, he's there beside all three of us watching out for Walter.

 Stan has told me that I'm the bravest and strongest person he's ever know.  I couldn't be any of that without him.  He's always got my back.  I am so blessed.

Work is challenging right now.  I keep telling people that Mike and I are ready to open our own business as general contractors.  Who knew one little project could be so much work and involve so many trades.  No matter how carefully you plan, there will always be something that needs to be changed and it will impact ten other things.  One piece of equipment not being available can throw the whole design off.  There are still three or four more pieces of equipment outstanding.  One carpenter project, a little electrical, a little cat-6, a fire supression system, a floor contract, some tweeking of the gas service and plumbing, an inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy.  Oh, did I mention changes to the security system?  The need for that change came up around 4:00 this afernoon.  I guess that's why I love my job.  Every time the phone rings, it could be a new challenge and the opportunity to create a Raving Fan.

Hubbs is running  a little bit of a fever tonight so he's in bed with the TV lulling him to sleep.  Penny is missing Walter so much after a week with us that she won't leave my side.  I'm trying to stay up a little later so he can rest.  

The last infusions of Rituxan have lost their efficacy and it's time to do them again.  Unfortunately, I am having to negotiate the labyrinth of the healthcare system to get them to agree to cover a treatment I've been receiving for the past four years.  Steroids are so dangerous for me but are the only real option I have until the infusions are approved.  Please, UHC, get this approved so I can get on with my life! 

Walter is doing well after giving us quite a scare.  They drilled two holes in his skull to allow the bleeding to clear.  He is walking and talking and appears to be just fine.  We are all so glad there will be no long-term damage or complications. 

Despite the storms, it was a great week.  We have been really busy at work - no stress just interesting stuff.  I love my job.  I love my life.  I have a great, supportive hubbs and wonderful family.  And Brac is probably the cutest baby ever.  What a joy.  Add him to Kelsey and Caleb and we've got a good next generation coming up.  Not a brat in the bunch, just really great kids.  All three have good parents who have the kind of values that surpass those of most others in their generation.  

I am finally feeling a little better this morning.  And, it's Friday Eve!  Looking forward to a nice weekend with the hubbs.  He has really taken care of me this week while I've been under the weather - literally - it's alergies.  He made me tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner last night - real comfort food.

After almost 32 years of marriage, I still keep discovering things about our relationship that make me even more appreciative.  We will always be there for each other - for as long as we both......Hope it's a long time!

We had a great time at Watauga Fest yesterday.  I got a Watauga Senior Center Cook Book and Stan bought a bracelet for me that is made out of salvaged buttons.

Forever Plaid was absolutely wonderful.  It was done in a cafe setting rather than in the theater.  The performers were perfect for their parts and had really great singing voices.

I am a little under the weather today.  When's the first frost?  It may take that long for my head to clear. 

 We really enjoyed our day out.  Spring is always wonderful!