Guy's Weekend

we had a great time at this year's guy's weekend.  We did our usual overeating along with playing lots of cards and fishing some.   This year's participants were Scott, Ding, Doug, Maddog, Deerington, Kenny. Dave Smith., Groves and me.

Pete, Janet, granddaughter Caitlin, son in law Rick, and daughter Nancy

Canopy on lake house deck. Guys weekend

New washer and dryer at Sue's lake house

Halloween at BJEC

Mary Pauline Felin

Mary Pauline's guardian called on Friday to report that she had come through the surgery and was recovering.  

SORRY

The way to get on to post was completely different today, and it seems easier.  I was sure the Cards were going to win last night, and they did it the hard way.  Rose down the hall wondered what happened to me, and I'm sure my men friends missed me also.  I decided to watch the game here in my room rather than with one of them.  I am looking forward to tonight's game.

World Series

I'm back to myself today after a day and night of mostly eat and sleep.   That really helped.  The whole dining room yelled my name when I went down for dinner last night,  I was invited by my former roommate to watch the game this evening and also by my two men friends to go downstairs to a different place to watch the outcome.  I decided to just stay in my room and watch us win by myself.  (I hope I'm right.  Right now we're leading,)

Sis brought me and my former roommate Starbucks coffee and spent a long afternoon with me. A therapist started an evaluation on me asking me a lot of questions and testing my strength.  I slept through Pete's call.  First time I've ever done that.  Ding was here for a while.  Brayden's soccer team lost their game but only lost by 5 and lost by 9 last time they played these guys.  I think he said they are getting better.  He did loose the Student Council President Election but was probably relieved since he won't have to deliver any more speeches.

Linda has been such a great friend and companion.  She and her husband, Joe, are also great Cardinal fans and Rose and I both agreed she should they should watch the game together I'm sure they are doing so.  Again, I'm pretty sure Rose and Shirley are probably watching the game and play Scrabble.  The Abbotts are probably gathered in a huddle and now we're ahead.  Margaret's dog is even named after the hindcatcher.  Brayden, should I call him catcher instead of hindcatcher  like home run with the bases loaded instead of grandslam?  Maybe I should ask Yadier?

Bray

Bray

bray

APOLOGY

I'm back at BJEC after another trip out here this time in an ambulance instead of the Company car - an EMT Abbott Ambulance.   I owe lots of people apologies and this is my apology post.  I know people love me and I love lots of people.  The doctors keep searching for a physical cause for many of my problems.  I made a separate entry but couldn't get it to post after I saved it so I may repeat myself here.

Adding Some Facts

I'm hoping the Cardinals perform much better tonight than they did last night.  Linda just left and is planning on getting home in time to watch the whole game with her husband while Joe finishes a game of tennis.  I'm sure Rose and Shirley are watching the game and playing scrabble.  I think Shelly had to work and Chris has already stopped by.

When I saw a group of doctors yesterday morning and they were discussing and working toward a diagnosis, they asked ME what I thought it could be when I believe that I'm a happy person.    Then why do I sometimes cry for no reason?  I know that people love me.  Then why do I feel unwanted when I know most everyone does?  I feel left out when I'm not left out.  During one of my 'homeless' feeling periods last week, Chris hugged me and said 'Mama,you,ll always a home with me',  Rose and Shirley and Scott and family, too.  Linda had the recipes decided upon for our trip to the lake .

This morning, after a very restless night of thinking these things over, I decided perhaps I  should just list and concentrate on physical problems.  I'll get lots of physical and occupational there so the therapists already  know I need to work on.

Back at Barnes

I'm home now or rather back at Barnes- Jewish.  I awoke yesterday morning to a 'room full of doctors' - not a flattering place to be.  I'm on a first name basis with a lot of the personnel here and I'm sure they're as tired of seeing me as I am being here.

Chris and I came back from Louisville Sunday evening after a delightful weekend with Scott and family.  Something happened to me on the way home and Chris took a stop by the Emergency Room.  They didn't keep me then but they did keep me on Monday.  Rose brought me  because Chris still had my insurance card and he met us there.  I'm here now and have been acting weird lately.  'I didn't want to go there, I didn't wanna do it, but I did.'

Linda and I were scheduled to go to the lake on  but she is here with me now and was here yesterday. too.  Sis and Chris have been in and out.  I've talked to both Pete and Donald and briefly to Margaret.  Mad Dog went over yesterday while they delivered the washer and dryer.  He had also done any laundry that needed doing.  Now that I have these new appliances, there's no dirty laundry awaiting.

A QUICK UPDATE

Sue had a setback on Sunday and by Monday evening was back in Barnes Jewish Emergency Room.  From there around midnight she was admitted to the hospital.  She is undergoing lots of tests.  We don't know much yet but will post here when we do.

Another bad piece of news:  Art Jaske, the state-appointed guardian for Pauline Austin (nee' Felin) called to let me know Pauline fell last night and broke her hip.  She will have surgery tomorrow.  For those who don't know, Pauline is the only surviving offspring off Louis Felin, brother to my father.  She is in an extended care facility in Great Bend, Kansas, and has been for three years now.  If you want to read more about Pauline and where she fits in our extended family, type her name in the search window for this blog.  We have posted news about Pauline on several occasions.

Rose's Coming Birthday

I'm back n St. Louis and don't have much time this morning because I have the physical therapist, the occupational nurse, and home nurse coming today and will get lots of rest in between.  Wednesday is Rose's birthday.  I won't say which one for those of those who don't know.  Linda and I are going to the lake tomorrow morning and will stay until Friday so I can't celebrate her birthday until my return but I will do that.  I hope she doesn't proofread this for me which she sometimes does.

I'm sorry I didn't get to have brunch with Margaret while I was in Louisville.  I haven't seen her for quite some time.

Margaret at Brunch Today

Brayden playing Soccer

Jalen and Brayden

GO Cardinals

Sis got my email figured out what I was doing wrong.  I put a comma in where I should have put in a period when I was signing in.  Since I had my cataract surgery my eyes haven't been right and I still see double a lot  so mostly I just don't wear my glasses and shut one eye to watch television.  The eye specialist the cataract surgeon referred me to is booked up until November 18 so when I went the neurosurgeon yesterday he suggested that perhaps I should try someone else because it is frustrating and irritating.  I will maybe ask him for a referral.

The neurosurgeon yesterday was pleased with my progress.  I had a CAT scan which measured the drainage through from the shunt.  There's a lump on my head and he adjusted the drain through this magnet slightly.  They will send me an official report later  and I'm not supposed to have to go back for three months unless I have unexpected problems.  He said just get lots of rest and therapy.

Chris and I came over to Louisville last night.  We saw the last part of the Cardinal winner but listened to it which enhanced the ride.  Brayden has a soccer game today which Uncle Ding and I came all the way over here to watch.  It's cold and and rainy here and they're telling me I may have to stay in the car even though I brought my wheelchair it will still be too far and cold.  I think maybe it will warm up.  With both my sons and both grandsons, surely they can push me over rough ground for a front row seat.

Brayden is running for student council president.  He has been on the student council for three years.  I told him last night that I didn't know that and he insisted that I did but I just  forgot.  Aunt Rose agreed with him.  I am forgetful.

It's Saturday and Brother Pete called.  With the time change, I was awake but couldn't find my phone so Ding got it for me and I called him back.  Joe was either walking the dog or sleeping.  Things were good in Idaho.  I've also talked to Sis.  I'm trying to get lots of rest per the doctors' orders.

I'll try to get everyone to take pictures so we can post them.  So far, no luck.  Scott and Beth made bacon and waffles and scrambled eggs for breakfast.  I did have coffee but I'm not sure if anyone else likes it.  Someone made it for me.

In Lieu of AOL

For some reason, I can't get on AOL to write to people or receive mail so I'll communicate by blogger as usual anyway.  Ding and I are are heading to Louisville after Rose takes me to my first checkup the neurosurgeon this afternoon.  I'm not sure how to to spell his name but I really like him and am eager to see if he agrees with me that that I  am progressing.  Rose has yet to meet him and is also eager for the appointment.

The occupational therapist came yesterday for her first visit and will come back on Monday morning.  Her name is Cynthia and she mostly assessed me and what I need and what I want to accomplish.  I think both the physical and occupational therapists will see me when I'm at the lake too.  Cynthia said they would be contacting me down there as will the physical therapist here.

Chris and I went to dinner last night and he took me to Target.  I've been wanting some Dr. Scholl shoes and Google said they have them but they only had the inserts.  I did buy  some more picture frames for the lake house but I'm about to run out of wall space.

Linda and I are going to the lake Tuesday morning.  I'm sure the leaves across the cove have turned.  Mad Dog has contacted the company to winterize the boat and Doug will winterize the wave runner guys' weekend.  Guys' weekend is November 1 and I'm not invited.

Haircut

No Cardinal game today and it was disappointing that they lost yesterday but we have tomorrow to look forward to.  Sis took the Company Car to get it ready for Chris and me to take to Louisville this weekend but I didn't leave the premises yesterday.  Shirley does the grocery shopping at Whole Foods on Wednesday mornings and Rose gets whatever else we need at Schnuck's when we run out.  I don't do much.

When I was back at BJEC, I made some new friends and lots of the people there remembered me.  One of the therapists, Michelle, was especially attentive and I opened my computer yesterday morning to write to her and had a message from her. I responded immediately.  Same thing happened with Kay Berry. my old neighbor from the lake and I also heard from Kay's daughter, Jennifer.  Our hairdresser, Stephanie, who made the house call and I was in dire need of a haircut though Sis though manage to make me look  presentable for a short period, Stephanie is a professional and I appreciate both of them and feel more light headed now after the pro visit.

Chris and I are going to Home Depot this evening to look at washer and dryers and then out to dinner.  Shelly has to work.   We' going to Louisville tomorrow right after he gets off work to watch Brayden play soccer Saturday and whatever else sport the boys might be doing.  I'm wondering if Beth is nervous about her mother in law coming to visit and spend the night.  Don't be, Beth,  I'm harmless.

Suzanne and Doug at the wedding

Brayden

Sue and Stephanie

Our beautiful hairdresser Stephanie from David's Salon made a house call this morning. Thank you, Stephanie!

Mizzou and Central Students

Brothers Alex and Brett Smith with their cousin Connor Abbott.  All three are students, Alex and Connor at Missouri U in Columbia, Brett at Central Missouri U at Warrensburg

Urban Eats

I'm the first one up this morning and don't have a lot of news to post but seems I have been keeping other people busy the last several days.  Rose and I met Sabrina and Bret for brunch on Sunday at a place called Urban Eats where Rose's guitar teacher was playing.  Rose and I are sure that Sabrina had to bribe Bret to get him to come along with us old ladies,  We enjoyed his company, though he didn't say much mostly on his phone.

Yesterday morning the representative from BJC Home Care Services came and will set up therapy sessions for me. I go back to the brain surgeon on Friday.   Meanwhile I'm doing 20 minutes a morning on the exercycle  and what ever else I can.  I am better since the shunt and can definitely feel the difference.

Yesterday afternoon, Shelly took me for a pedicure.  She didn't even get one herself but was in the neighborhood and I had an ingrown toenail.  After the pedicure, we met Chris for dinner at Red Lobster.

Shirley and Rose were quite upset when the Cardinals lost last night but 'it's not over yet'.   There's still tonight.  I think I hear someone stirring upstairs and looks like it's raining outside this morning.

Roses

I'm home now and glad to be here.  They took good care of me at BJEC but nothing comparable  to Rose and Shirley.  Pete and Janet called yesterday morning with their weekly call so I knew it was Saturday.  They inquired about my watching the 13 inning Cardinal game the night before.  Needless to say, I didn't make it.  My room mate whose name was Rose did watch the whole thing.  So did Rose and Shirley.  Yesterday's game wasn't nearly so exciting, even though we won.  All of St. Louis has baseball fever.

When Rose picked me up yesterday and brought Starbucks Coffee for me and my room mate, whose name was also Rose, my nurse was in the room, also named Rose, Sis said it was the first time she had been with two other Roses.  I guess I was a thorn among Roses.

I wasn't going to update today because I didn't have any really good news to tell, but Beth just now called me with the word that she begins her new job on Monday teaching kindergarten and first grade in Jefferson County.  She had her interview this afternoon and they called her less than an hour after she got home to tell her she was hired.  She was ecstatic.  I told her not to teach the kids any bad words, but I really don't think she knows any.

I heard from Ron and Georgia Reinhardt today.  Some of you will remember that Brick and I used to work with Ron, and Ron replaced Brick as Accounting Manager.  GM retirees no longer get a discount on appliances since GM sold Frigidare.  They are also looking for a washer/dryer and watching the ads.  We vowed to get together soon.

I had my last day of physical and occupational therapy here today.  I will continue to have both at home and at the lake.

Friends

I'll start this post though there's really no news.  I'm just really anticipating getting out of here.  My room mate and I really enjoyed the ballgame last night.  Even though we won, she thought they didn't keep score correctly.  We both were still happy about the outcome.  We both managed to stay awake through all nine innings.  I called Scott to see if they were watching the game.  He said Beth preferred Soap Operas, and he had been over ruled.  I didn't believe him.

I've decided to look at a washer/dryer before buying.  Like Mother used to say 'Don't buy a pig in a poke',  A Kenmore pair is what I find on line most reasonable and what I need.  The one I'm replacing lasted a very long time, and this pair will probably outlast me.

Rose, Chris, several of my therapists, and myself met yesterday to discuss my progress and release.  I'm popular around here, but not sure that's a good place to be.  As I was getting off the elevator from dinner last night, I met some workers from the third floor that I hadn't seen since this stay.  I'm now on the second floor.  They weren't aware I was back, and I thought they were confused.  I had to show them the scar from the shunt to prove I had been on the second floor and was back.  They didn't know what had become of me and were very glad to see me.

Rose will be here shortly with Starbucks for me and my roommate.  I haven't had either therapy yet this morning, but have made friends with several therapists.  We've vowed to be and stay friends this time after my stay.  It's nice to have Kay Berry back and to have made the Orsos friends, plus all my other friends and family.

Good Therapy

I have already told my siblings that I will be released from here on Saturday and still hope to get some intense therapy after that.  I need a haircut badly and will get an appointment as soon as I can arrange one,

Had to take a break from updating for a 75 minute therapy session.  The therapy here is really great.  Scott and Beth and the boys stopped by on their way back to Louisville for a quick visit.  They brought me a lovely present that Beth had made but were dreading the long ride back.  The boys were more interested in a hamburger stop than a visit with Granny, though they tried not to show it.  I assume they got home safely, though I haven't heard.

Rose hasn't been here yet but she's probably on her way.  As usual. she'll bring Starbucks for me and my room mate.  They call me 'Martha' here at BJEC and Rose called me Sue when there was people in my room the other day.  Someone inquired 'Why do you call her Sue when her name is Martha?'  Rose explained my early childhood shyness in telling people what the family called me when I went to school.

The washer at the lake house quit this weekend.  I believe I've had it since I bought the place and bought it used back then.  I may replace the  drier, too.  It still works but not too well.  After Rose arrived with the Starbucks, we spent some time on Kenmore website pricing a washer or a pair and decided it might be a wise decision to replace both.  I'm still deciding and shopping and watching for sales.

Rose has come and gone.  I have instructions to wear a Cardinal shirt tomorrow from my session this morning.  Really, what I'd like and think I've earned is a therapy shirt.  

Scott & Beth's wedding - Photo from Suzanne Hollensbe

Scott & Beth's wedding

 

Sitting in my Room

I said I wasn't going to update today because I probably wouldn't have anything to say but the ballgame will be on pretty soon and that's what I'm going to do this afternoon so I'll just make up some stuff.  Scott and Beth and family are stopping by on their way back to Louisville.  Rose has already been over with a cup of Starbucks but had to go home to practice for her guitar lesson she's having later this afternoon.  She's pretty diligent about practicing and very diligent about my daily Starbucks.

People all around this facility knew about the wedding.  Even one of the doctors inquired about it.  My name isn't on the door but that's because everyone here knows me.  It's room 217.  My only complaint about this place is that they change sheets more often than a person is allowed to shower.  I have complained, but so far it hasn't helped.

I just found out I won't have physical therapy today.  Lots of people don't like PT but I do, and I'm disappointed.  The occupational therapist told me yesterday I was through with that but came in today for me to do.  I'm not sure what.

Beth and Scott and the boys haven't stopped by yet.  I believe they have another day off tomorrow so can rest up from the beautiful occasion.

I'm going to call Pete and Donald and Margaret this afternoon.  I'm sure they already know how much we missed them.

Third Update on One Occasion

There was something else that I knew but that had slipped my mind.  Kay Berry had a heart attack and a double bypass in August 2011.  I insisted that I wasn't aware of it but was able to refresh my mind by referring to the posts from 2011 with her name.  It popped right up.

The pictures of Rose and Joe and myself are already on the blog and copies will go on the family shelf down there.  Too bad that Pete and Donald and Margaret couldn't attend.    Joe said he truly enjoyed his Turnbough Tour with Jennifer and Donald.  Next time I hope I get to do it with them or at least someone who knows the way.  I don't.

I'm not sure I've ever posted three updates in one day before nor had as much news so that may be the reason.  Looks like the one who's been checking it the most has been me today.  Perhaps other readers have been in church.  Rose came over.  I talked to Scott.  Goldman made sure Rose and Shirley and I got home safely.  That was today after we returned yesterday.

I may not post tomorrow just because I may not have anymore to say.  I've taken time between my postings and watching the ballgame for my meals and haven't even had a good nap today.  Sis thinks I must get bored and I do on occasion but keep busy with my computer and major leagues right now.  I'd like to have one of those fancy phones but can't afford it right now.  Besides that, I'm not even sure I can do everything this one does.

More of the Wedding Occasion

I spent a long time updating but lost y work.  Rose is on her way here to BJEC and maybe can help me find my post.  If she can't, and, if I have accidentally deleted my hard work, I'll just do it again.  I'll be more careful this time and perhaps repeat myself.  If I should do that. I'm sure no one will mind.

It was a lovely ceremony even though it was overcast and we had occasional slight rain, The weather man cooperated long enough for us to have the ceremony on the sun deck.  I think the sun did come out for a while after the ceremony though I'm not sure because I stayed inside.  Such a lovely occasion celebrated by all even those who weren't able to attend.  I believe the bride and groom and maybe others were staying even longer than today.  I'm not sure this constitutes their honeymoon or if they plan on another one.

We had lots of young kids there, and they were all well behaved throughout the day.  Many of them were in the wedding ceremony - more pictures which Rose and others will be posting.  (The 'others' being those that know how.)  There were even five-year old triplets, two girls and a boy, who were in the wedding!

Mad Dog, or "Care Taker" as the group has begun calling him, had the house looking spiffy.  I'm sure it will also be back in the same shape when the newly weds have to depart.  The food was out of this world, and there was three different kinds of wedding cake.  I know Beth had a lot of help but took much on herself.  Needless to say, none of the help was from me.  I'm sorry I couldn't!

I have old pictures posted all over the lake house.  Todd, Kay Berry's son, spent quite a bit of time scanning the walls trying to find one of himself.  I don't believe he ever did find one on the walls, but there is a box of pictures in my closet down there that I' sure has several of him in it.  Mad Dog has recently rearranged the wall frames.  I'll get someone to help me frame more photos, including one of Todd, and hand even more.

I've already had breakfast, lunch, and physical therapy today.  The occupational therapist came in my room and said I probably don't need that any more.  I did best at physical therapy that I've done since the shunt.  The therapist asked me if I had kids.  I replied 'No, I have middle-aged men.'

Kay Berry has such a wonderful sense of humor.  She and the wonderful occasion of the wedding cheered me up and made me hopeful again yesterday.  This has been a particularly rough patch.

SCOTT AND BETH'S WEDDING

I'll start this post but it may take me a while.  Thanks, Rose, for the pictures you've already posted and I'm sure there will be lots more.  It was a beautiful ceremony day and gathering even though the weather didn't cooperate.  I don't believe my little house had had so many people in it at one time.  Even amidst the rain, the weather cooperated  and they were able to have the ceremony outside.

Beth has a lovely family and I'm sure we'll post more pictures of the day as the others get them to us.  I myself saw people I hadn't seen in years, and we made vows to keep in touch.  Kay Berry and her sons, Todd and Tommy, showed up which made it an extra special day.  Again, we pledged to return being best friends.  She used to live next door at the lake house.  Brother Joe was also there.  Like Rose, Shirley, and me, he had to leave fairly early for the drive home.

Photos

Beth and her Father

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Beth and her Father

IMG_0763

 

Brayden and Jalen during the wedding ceremony on the lake house deck

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Brayden and Jalen during the wedding ceremony on the lake house deck

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Jalen, Sue, and Brayden at the Wedding

IMG_0738

 

Jalen, Sue, and Brayden at the wedding

IMG_0737

 

Sue

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Jalen

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Jalen and Sue

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Scott, Maddog, and Groves

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Reselling Electronic Gear

Gazelle.com buys older electronic gear and makes it super easy.  I have sold them all my older model iPhones for more money than the new version costs.  And Gazelle sends a shipping label and box if you need one.  Hint:  If you keep all the original wrappings, the value of your device is higher.  Right now, I am considering selling my iPhone 5 and getting the newer iPhone 5S.

Photo

Jalen

Rose and Jalen visiting Sue

Brayden and Beth

Jalen

Jalen

Brayden

En Route to the Wedding

Had a bit of set back at BJEC but things are okay now.  I had to come back to big Barnes  for a couple days for an adjustment on the shunt but should get back to regular place tomorrow in time for my haircut Friday morning.  My hairdresser will come to BJEC and Rose and Shirley will pick me up there and we'll leave for the lake then.  My symptoms were fluctuating blood pressure and some pain at one of the 'holes in my head'.  The doctor believes some medication will relieve both.  I'm here at big Barnes but return to the other place tomorrow.

Joe met up with Donald and Vita and Jennifer in Marshfield yesterday.  They did a tour of the place and Joe had heard there had been some vandalism of the cemeteries.  He sent me an email to see if I had any old pictures of the place for our ancestry collection or information about this crime.  I'll let Rose post this and would like any data any other might have.  I'm sure he sent  this email around.  I just don't know how to add it and I'm sure she does.

Scott and Beth and the boys are right now en route from Louisville.  They are going to drop Jalen by our house because he has a paper to write.  He will go down with us or whoever leaves first.  Brayden is going to down with them.   They'll go near here but past visiting hours.  Chris spent a lot of the afternoon and Rose was here this evening.

Good News

OKAY - I have a wonderful update this morning.  I've had therapy already and Rose and I have had a meeting with all my therapists and learned of my discharge date which will be Friday, October 4, in time for the wedding on Saturday.  I was surprised and overjoyed.  The neurosurgeon had assured me before I had the shunt that I would be able to go even if I had to ride in an ambulance.  I feel good and able and will just ride down with Rose and Shirley.  I will continue home therapy as I've done before at home and at the lake.

Sunday at BJEC

I' m up and waiting for my breakfast and shower.  Rose has already brought donuts and was on her way to pick up a client at the train station in Clayton while Chris came by en route to Dallas for  a couple days.  I called Margaret yesterday and things seemed well in Troy with the Abbotts.  Pete and Janet and I had our usual Saturday chat yesterday also.  No therapy on Saturday or Sunday which I really miss.

Goldman came by yesterday and so did Chris.  Rose and Shirley visited twice and they picked me out something to wear to the wedding and made sure It suited me.  It did.

Meanwhile I did get my shower and breakfast and talked to my friend Linda who is also a Cardinal fan as his her husband Joe.  The Cards are a shoo in now - whatever that means - but I'll watch the game this afternoon.

Brayden

Another One Out of Time

Finally got a shampoo after waiting some quite some time.  It happened late yesterday and felt so much so much better.  I've had therapy and going down to the dining room for   lunch.  Rose has been here already today and I've already had therapy earlier.

I'm getting lots of exercise and I'm looking very forward to the wedding.  Scott and Beth and the boys are coming forward through on Wednesday or Thursday but I'm not sure when everyone going down.   Mad Dog is down there putting some finishing touches and 'shining up' the place.  I'm not sure if anyone else is available or ii he needs help.  He does a really good job.

Not Much News - Just Happenings

I had 100 minutes of physical therapy besides occupational therapy this morning.  One of the therapists was fascinated with the blog and Rose got here soon enough to show her how to start one.  She also comes from an extended family and believes this would be a mover.  I can add to ours but have been doing it so long don't remember how we began it.  I've also shown several people about 'unclaimed funds' and found some money for some of them.

Shelly stopped by at lunchtime and I think Goldman is coming tomorrow.  Chris and Shelly went to the Rams game last night but I guess the Rams got clobbered.  I'm much more excited about the Cardinals and Cubs tonight.  I'll watch that but didn't even watch the Rams.

Chris just called and he will be here shortly.  I'm having some trouble with my AOL and I thought I had it working or could make do.  The ballgame doesn't start until 7:15 so he can get home in time for that to start so he can probably fix it and beat the traffic.  I get in trouble with my old dinner buddies if I eat in my room or at the wrong table.

Sue at BJEC

Good care, wonderful staff, fine friends

Sue and Rose in a selfie

Stil No Shampoo

Another sunshiny looking day and Cardinals are paying this afternoon.  I've already had therapy and talked to Chris and Rose.  Rose had a morning client but said she will be here later  and Chris plans on popping in sometime today.  I'm still waiting for approval  to get a shower and a shampoo.   It's something about an incision closing with glue or stitches.  The neurosurgeon didn't give me a choice.

Kay Berry resumed our long lost friendship the last few days.  She and I were both truly delighted.   Probably some of you remember  her since she lived next door to the lake house.  Scott and Beth are inviting her to the wedding and she won't need a map.

Sunshiny Day

I'm still waiting for a shampoo and it's making me crazy.  The neurosurgeon hasn't given me a time for a follow up appointment and the doctor here is off today and tomorrow, so I guess I'll just have to keep toughing it out.

Beth stopped yesterday on her way back from Kansas City en route to Louisville.  We had a lovely visit and she's much more informative than Scott about preparations for the wedding.  She has everything organized and let's just hopes the weather is as good as it was here yesterday.  She and I sat in the garden, as did Rose and I while Rose was here.  Rose was also here during physical therapy and saw me walk and go farther than I had in quite some time (since last May).  Goldman came over after school.

I had dinner with Jack.  Nels wasn't up to it.  Again, Jack was upset because I wanted to come back to my room and watch the Cardinals instead of joining him in the television room.  He much prefers football and played for Notre Dame in the 60's.  Jack Simon is his name and I did find his record on google.  We've become gossip here at BJEC, and they have our table ready for us when we eat together in the dining room.  Jack is going to be upset again this evening when he learns that I'm going to come back to my room and again watch the St. Louis Cardinals.

I've had occupational therapy this morning and waiting for physical therapy.  Rose hasn't been here yet with Starbucks but is probably on the way.  We live either 5 or 7 minutes away.  That's what she says - if she speeds.

She just arrived.

Brayden and Tristan

Scott, Brayden, and Tristan went to Bloomington, IN, Saturday evening to see Mizzou beat IU's football team.

Saturday

Had dinner with Jack and Nels last night.  Only Jack showed up the night before but Nels  felt better yesterday.  Chris came by and took me down to the dining room.  One of the workers there remembered us from when Denny was here and I used to visit and from when I broke my ankle.  The physician stopped in and asked if I was keeping up the blog.  I told him I had and had promoted him to a neurosurgeon but would correct that entry.  I'm doing so.

It was Saturday so  I knew it was Saturday when Pete called.  Rose and Shirley came over and we figured out what I will wear to the wedding.  Scott and Brayden and Tristan went to the Missouri/Indiana game.  All I know is Missouri won.  I watched the Cardinals game and they also won.  My old friend Jack played football for Notre Dame and I was going to try to google him but couldn't get on google after I got back to my room..  Jack doesn't like it that I watch baseball.  He would rather I stay downstairs in the TV room and watch anything else.  TCM is having Hitchcock movies on Sundays and I've been catching as many as I can.

Rose hasn't been here yet today but I've talked to her and she'll be along later. I talked to Donald.  They''re back from Europe but will go on a short trip to Florida soon.

Back to BJEC

I'm amazed at how many people remember me from my previous two visits here.  The neurosurgeon remembered that there's two steps into our house.  I'm going to go down to the dining room for dinner tonight and plan on doing that quite frequently while I'm here.    I had physical and occupational therapy already today.  They came to get me just as I called Rose to tell her where she could find me.  She has a client early so decided to wait
 to wait until later in the day.  She's faithful about coming every day and Chris stops quite frequently after work.  Shelly came yesterday after work.  Goldman and Joy are coming to visit this evening.  Doug and Mad Dog are going to finish getting the lake house ready for the wedding.  I really appreciate their help and thought it couldn't be done without me.

Update on Sue

Sue is doing well.  She transferred from Barnes-Jewish Hospital late this afternoon by ambulance to Barnes Jewish Extend Care Facility.  At this facility (BJEC) she will receive intensive physical therapy and appropriate nursing care as she recovers.  It is too soon to tell how helpful the shunt will be for Sue's condition, but we are hopeful.  BJEC, you may remember is the place Denny returned to after his stroke in 2004 and the place Sue has been twice before, once to recover from her broken foot and more lately this past June when she had such a reaction to withdrawal of the trial meds she had been on.

Anyway, so far, so good.  There is no wi-fi at BJEC.  Chris is checking into a hot-spot for Sue so she can use her computer and access the internet.  She has her cell phone:  314 452-3685.  Cardinals baseball has been a marvelous entertainment during this ordeal.  We are hoping the season extends into the world series for our home team.

Post Out of Order in Time

This is Rose posting something that I thought I had put here back in May but just discovered it in "drafts."

Sue and Joe (Felin) exchanged newsy e-mails recently.  Here they are:



"Hello Joe,

Rose is over in Kansas and has an appointment with Pauline's guardian this afternoon.  She is also going to see Pauline.  I'll update the blog after her appointment.  The snag Margaret ran into in trying to arrange her burial in the Marshfield plot was that she needed an attorney.  Shirley has a niece who's a licensed attorney in Kansas and said she will help us.  More later.

Wish you would come up.  What color is your GMC? 

Love. Pepe ["Pepe" has been Joe's nickname for Sue for 60+ years.  Long story behind it.]"


Joe's response:


"Sue, thanks for the News.

Rose always come through!  I doubt if Pauline has many visitors.

We made the "Cemetery Run" yesterday. (Sunday)  & noticed flowers were on the monuments at Pauline's family plot.

Unusual is the fact none were at our family plot until we added the ones we brought and took pictures  before and after, then sent them to Don & Vita. They always have the Marshfield Greenhouse set up a wreath at Mom & Dad's tombstone. Maybe I can e-mail some pictures later. Usually we make the trip on Memorial day itself but we went one day earlier this year.

The Turnbo Creek  Run portion of our trip was truncated as we first went to Fordland Cemetery, then Marshfield Cemetery, then Welch Cemetery with the idea of going through Northview and on to Shockley Ford (low water bridge) then Shockley School, our old farm. the former location of Anderson Rural School
and via Hix Hill RR Crossing to Interstate I 44, thence return to Springfield.  (No restaurant stop as we did not leave Springfield until about 1:30 P.M.)

The big change in our plans occurred when we arrived at Shockley Ford.  The Road was closed and the crossing bulldozed out.  We will be checking to  see what is taking place. Even though Webster County experienced some heave rains recently, Shockley Ford was never damaged severely so we feel it is undergoing some planned upgrades? After turning around at Copper Head Corner (Shockley Ford) we came back through Northview and on home to Springfield.

A two full page article in Sunday's News-Leader featured Martha Jean Andreatta-Myers four-level house.
They built it about 40 years ago and it is just south of Marshfield beyond where Bill Felin & family lived but on the west side of the hwy and aboutg 1/2 mile farther south at the top of the hill. View to the north overlooks Marshfield.  The White Oak Road (as we remember it)  has been changed and a new road builtrunning east-west from where the Myers house is located and it comes out on the old White Road adjacent to where the Ira Dillon-Lucien McDonald lanes were located. You might be able to pull up the NEWS-LEADER.com article on the WWW?

Sue, thanks  for the invite to the lake, but Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are good days for me to avoid the lake. My new car's color is gray but looks more white when it is wet or after dark.

Bro Joe"

Joe's e-mail reminded us of Memorial Days when we were kids.  Mother always insisted we accompany her on visits to obscure cemeteries to visit the even more obscure graves of long-dead ancestry.  Now, we wish we had paid more attention.

Therapy

I've had therapy this morning and the therapist was pleased was my progress since the previous time she had seen me so hopefully the shunt is working.  Rose arrived with Starbucks just as the therapist and breakfast got here and since I've got an IV still in she was able to accompany me on this walk.    I believe this will be the last IV and I''ll have another session this afternoon.  I hope I will walk further and get more therapy.

UPDATE ON SUE

Sue is in recovery, doing fine. The surgery went as planned.  She will go back to her room later tonight. No phone coverage here but Internet available.

Today's the Day

Chris is here with me anticipating the surgery.  Rose had to leave for a while but is coming back.  Shelly is stopping by on her way to work,  Dr. Chicione has been in and said he will ask them to shampoo my hair before the surgery.  That was my main question.  We had some other medical hopes and agreed that I'm going to have and get lots of physical therapy after and during recovery.

Donald and Vita are in Italy and are going to see the pope today,  They're praying for me as are lots of other people.  Goldman came in to see me last evening but left before the  Cardinals played.  They lost but he's a hockey fan anyway.  Brayden has his first basketball practice tonight this evening.  

Shunt Tomorrow

I have good news this morning that they are going to do the shunt tomorrow.  I'm praying it shows me some improvement so I can attend Scott and Beth's wedding.  I know it won't make me well but hopefully I can resume my former status.  Through all this, I have made some wonderful friends and had some genuine caring attention.

Rose  is bringing Starbucks this morning.  I had to let her know they moved me yesterday evening so she can find me when she arrives.   They want to keep me in the same floor because they're going to do the shunt.  They didn't tell me until this morning and told me then to stoke up today  because I would have nothing to eat tonight after midnight.

Advertisement on this blog

Out of curiosity I clicked on the "Who is right about Syria" ad that appeared here.  Sure enough, it took me through a brief survey then to something from "Newsmax."  I watched some of it.  It is a pot-load of lies about Obamacare.  From where I sit, with what I know about people with pre-existing conditions, folk without medical insurance, kids who can now stay on their parents' insurance to age 26, people stuck in dead-end jobs because they dare not give up health insurance--Obamacare looks like something many of us need badly.

There is even a provision in Obamacare that would allow families able to care for a loved one at home to receive help with Medicaid.  Right now, to get Medicaid a loved one must go into a skilled nursing facility where the costs are astronomical.  Think of the savings if a family is able to keep the loved one in the home, receiving care from family members and some financial and medical help through Obamacare.

We have had quite a lot of experience with emergency rooms over the past ten years.  Believe me, there are a whole lot of people whose only alternative for medical care now is a trip to an emergency room.  An ailment or injury that might be treated in a short physician visit IF the person could afford it or IF the person has medical insurance means hours in the ER.  Who bears the incredible costs?  You and I.  Who is in the queue at the ER?  You and I.  I venture a guess that an $80 appointment with a physician translates to $1800 in the ER.  And that is probably a conservative estimate.

Obamacare is going to be like Social Security and Medicare in a few short years--something built into the fabric of our lives that gives everyone a better quality of life.

Brayden playing soccer

Brayden playing soccer

Sunday at Barnes

Rose is on her way with a cup of Starbucks so I may quit in the middle.  I did but meanwhile I can just keep typing.  They brought lunch and I'm hoping the physical therapist comes while Sis is here.  It is difficult for me to do two things at once.

My neurosurgeon hasn't been here yet today but I believe he is going to leave it up to me about the shunt and I think I'm going to have it done.  I googled a book about NPH that is out in kindle.  I found it on Friday and Rose ordered it while she was here yesterday.  I spent most of the day reading it.  The book was written by Adam Mednick. and the title is NPH From Diagnosis to Treatment.

Rose and I had a lovely visit and discussed the shunt.  She also put the new book on her computer and has been reading up on NPH and the shunt.  She just had to leave but it's almost time for the Cardinal game and I'm all set up to watch it.

Still No News

I walked with the physical therapist today.  I'm finally unwired from some of the iv's though I'm still electronically wired for oxygen level, blood pressure, and heart rate.  The therapist said she would be back tomorrow, but I'm still not allowed to do anything - or able - on my own.  She assured me we would walk farther in the morning.

Pete has called with his Saturday call morning call.  Janet was going to make relish.  Chris called and said he would be here sometime today with my daily steak burger from Steak and Shake.  It is sure a treat, especially here.  Rose just arrived with more Whole Food cookies.  Goldman  keeps in touch and thought he'd be here today or tomorrow.  Brother Joe wanted to know by email if I stayed awake for the end of that Cardinal game which of course I didn't  but he did.  Chris and Shelly were at the game and they stayed until the end.  The game tonight is at at 6;15.

I have the most  wonderful neurosurgeon and one came in this morning and said perhaps they would put the shunt in Tuesday, I'll wait to see what my neurosurgeon says.   I told him yesterday about Scott and Beth's upcoming wedding and that I was concerned about about being able to attend.  He said I would go if I had to go in an ambulance.  I haven't seen him yet today but I'm hoping he does work Saturdays.

Brayden in soccer game

Still No News

I'm still in the hospital and not sure what the neurosurgeon has planned for me.  He's not sure a shunt will be quite so helpful as I'm wishing but that it could be.  I hope he does it and it proves him wrong.

My computer really keeps me company while I'm here.  Rose and Chris come everyday too.  Chris and Shelly are going to the Cardinal/Seattle game tonight and expect  
to touch base with some Fellins tonight.

Waiting for the Doctor

Just as I started posting this update, my lunch arrived.  I',m having hamburger, onions, corn, and vanilla pudding.  I believe Chris is bringing me a Steak and Shake burger for supper as he did last night.  These burgers are better than the hospital food,

II haven't seen the neurosurgeon yet.  I.m hoping to have physical therapy today.  I don't get much exercise laying in this bed.

SHUNT

This will be a quick post.  I'm still in  the hospital and had a lumbar puncture yesterday.  This is to drain the cerebral spinal fluid off my brain.  If it is succesful, they may do the  shunt as early  as tomorrow.

I started posting this update and somehow lost my work.  I'm trying it again.  Doug and Mad Dog got lots accomplished this weekend.  Those men really worked up sweats.  They ate really well with Linda's cooking.  Rose, Shirley and I had some of her leftover cannelloni for dinner after Linda and I got home yesterday.

I didn't feel well all weekend and could hardly walk last night with double and blurry vision among other symptoms.  Rose called my neurologist's off-hours number.  The physician on duty told her to take me to Barnes-Jewish emergency room.  The staff there admitted me around midnight.  Two of  the neurologists have already been in to see me today.  One has started the IVIG, which I have periodic injections of anyway and was scheduled for one on September 19.   Dr. Chicoine may do the shunt to treat the NPH (diagnosed last month) as early as tomorrow.  Lots happening and very fast!

Scott told us about a quarterback, Jim McMahon, who played for the Chicago Bears.  He had many neurological problems which were finally relieved by something like the procedure Dr. Chicoine is considering for me.  I will post more when we know more.

Doug and Maddog repairing deck at the lake house

 

 

Doug and Maddog repairing deck at the Lake

Image

 

Back to the Lake

The Home Health  nurse just left and Doug and Mad Dog are working on the sun deck.  They're replacing some boards  and Doug is going to trim my trees.  These trees were barely twigs when Denny planted them but they provide too much shade now.  Linda is making cannelloni and corn on the cob for dinner.  I'm sitting on the sofa watching the news..

Rose and Shirley are in Belleville at a conference at a place near Our Lady of the Snows.  Linda has been there to one of her Teachers' Conference and knows where they are.

After Linda and I got here yesterday, I saw that Greek yogurt Idaho warning on TV.  I emailed Pete and told him we were having Idaho Russets for supper but we WEREN't having yogurt.

Plans for the Week

On Monday coming home from the Lake, I rode back to St. Louis with Beth, and all three boys rode with Scott.  I boys wanted to stick together,  I liked riding with my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.   I'm just glad to be at the Lake any way I can.  Linda and I are going back tomorrow and staying until Sunday.  Doug is coming down sometime this weekend to trim the trees and work on some of the boards on the deck in preparation for the wedding.  I'm sure Mad Dog will be his right hand man.  He's been doing a lot of stuff around there by himself during the week.

After I got back to St. Louis Labor Day, Chris took me out to dinner.  We went to JJ's over in St. Charles which is one of our favorite places.  Margaret, Dave and Sabrina, and Rose met for breakfast Sunday morning.   The Abbotts were headed for the Jefferson Barracks Cemetery to visit Norman's grave.

Rose is with a client and Shirley has gone to Whole Foods, so I may take a nap.  I'm still hoping  to meet with the neurosurgeon sooner than October if he has a cancellation. so I'll find out just what he can do.

The wedding is October 5, and I'm getting excited!

Labor Day

There's shoes laying all around the room and I believe Scott is going to make breakfast.  Beth is in the kitchen now helping him but I'm trying to get her to just come over here and visit with me..  She's spoiling him.  My computer keeps saying there's an error and I don't know what it is.  She could probably assist me.

We all have to leave today.  Linda and I are coming back Thursday through Sunday.  Rose and Shirley have to go to a conference over in Illinois for the weekend.  The Cardinals finally beat Pittsburg yesterday.  I was beginning to think Pete was right that the Cards weren't worth watching.

The kids rode the tube behind the boat and the big kids took a long ride on the wave runner a lot the last couple days.  They got their license now.  Doug and Brayden took a long boat ride - just the two of them.

Brayden asked his Dad on the way over here 'What's your favorite place in the  whole wide world?'  Scott said 'The lake house'.  Brayden said 'Mine, too. and when I get old I'm going to have one too.'  Scott said 'It will probably be this one.'  Brayden said 'Where will you be?.