Cutie-Pies

Highlight of my week: Lew and I just joined Matt, Emily, Eli, and Adam for a cookout at their house. After we ate, Eli and Adam wanted me to push them on the swings. "Higher, Tia!"

 

We had a wonderful time. The boys even posed for me when I asked if I could take some pictures.

 

Love!

 

Eli and I had a nice conversation on the patio.

 

And just what are YOU up to, Adam?!

 

Kurt's "Kounter"

We are still missing our kitty Kurt.

Below is the final photo that Lew took of him.

Kurt was quite the leaper. He loved getting on the kitchen counters!

Cocoa and Sadie

I have shared lots of photos of cats on my blog, but I haven't shared too many of dogs.  Both of my sisters each have a dog, so how about a couple photos of them for Throwback Thursday?  :)

Kim's dog, Cocoa.
He is definitely ready to pull Santa's sleigh!

Debbie's dog, Sadie, with me last Christmas.
(I am the one wearing glasses.)

Dad 255: Enjoying Progress

(It's nice to finally have the windows open! Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Enjoying another summer day in the Northeast. Yesterday Portland hit 91°. Last summer did not see one day in the 90s. They tied the record for the date (2010). I'm not ready for temperatures this high this early. But what can I do? I guess accept it.

 

Spouse's therapist just arrived. One of two that will be here today. And she is early. This is a first. Usually late. While this goes on I'll finish my blog.

 

Yesterday Spouse walked all over the outside. Up and down the ramp. Up and down both sets of steps on Lew's deck.

 

Our nights are not "sleepy-throughs". Spouse is up several times a night. So that means I am up most of the night also. Tired – yes! But really enjoying the progress Spouse is making.

 

One setback. We had tried an electronic stimulator to help her left hand. It was approved by our primary care physician but the government's Medicare office denied the device. Another example of the government "knowing" more than the doctors. Not a surprise, is it?

 

Kim has been gone a week now and is missed. We're managing fine and have had no falls in the meantime.

 

Our Memorial Day weekend yard sale went well with friends Dick and Carole. It was a success for all! Glad it's over. We now wait until next year.

 

Josh has become the regular third baseman for the varsity baseball team. Team loses very-low-run ballgames. Hope they improve their run production.

 

Zack's lacrosse team is winning. Quite a change from last year. A fine season so far!

 

That about catches us up on all our activities. I'm sure I have forgotten some things. Check next week! Thanks!

 

Sooo.....

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

To-Do List Panic

I just updated my iPad software to a version of iOS 8. (Yes, I waited a while to let them work the kinks out.)

 

When I tried to open my app that shows and syncs my Google lists, it kept crashing on me. Oh, no! This is where I keep my to-do lists! My recommended reading list! All sorts of lists!

 

I frantically checked my iPhone, on which I am still running a version of iOS 7. The app still worked on it, and my lists were okay. Phew.

 

I next conducted a Google search during which I learned my old app was no longer being supported; it will never work with iOS 8. So, on to find a new app for my Google lists....

 

Found one! Still learning its idiosyncrasies, of course. But my lists are intact. Hooray!

 

To do: Get used to new to-do list app!

Memorial Day Dessert

Lew and his brother went to their parents' gravesite today.

 

They went to a bakery afterward, and Lew brought something home for me.

 

A very photogenic dessert, don't you think?!

 

This is a fairly big cupcake. Can't wait to eat it....

The Rundown

Today: Day #1 of our yard sale.

 

Tomorrow: Day #2 of our yard sale. (Probably the final day as well.)

 

Today: Spent time with two good friends.

 

Tonight: Spent time with two more good friends.

 

Today: I think I got a sunburn on my lips.

 

Tomorrow: Wear sunscreen.

 

Today: The three year anniversary of our adoption of Jerry the kitty!

Big Ideas

Writing prompt:  Ideas.

I haven't done a writing prompt for Five-Minute Friday for several weeks, so that was my big idea for today: Use a writing prompt!

I am an "ideas" person. When I have an idea, I like to see it happen. Sometimes I can pull it all off by myself, and sometimes it requires other people to do the lion's share of the work. But if I think it is a worthwhile idea to implement, then I do not hesitate to ask for the help of others. (Example: My sisters Kim and Debbie - mostly Kim - helped my mother sort through her clothes. My idea; I asked for help; others did the work.)

I do need another big idea for today. We are having a Memorial Day weekend yard sale for the next couple days, so maybe I will take it easy tonight and read. Lew and I may watch an episode of "Monk"; we like to sing along with the theme song. "It's a jungle out there...."

Now here is a wonderful big idea:  If you live near us, come to our yard sale this weekend and buy our stuff!

Kurt's Room

For Throwback Thursday.... The last picture I took of Kurt, and he is with his best friend Jerry.

 

I know this photo is from the last week and a half while Kim was visiting because I see a water bottle on the shelf by the bed.

 

When we first adopted Kurt he stayed in the guestroom for about a week. It is only fitting that his final photo is in this room.

 

Kurt and Jerry, friends forever....

 

Dad 254: Be Patient With the Patient

(The occupational therapist has come and gone. The laundry machines are both running. Jerry and Mom are napping on her bed. Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Enjoying (?) a non-sunny spring day with cool temperatures. Hoping for the weather to turn better for the weekend yard sale. (Please!)

 

Daughter Kim flew out of Portland about 5:30 A.M. to Baltimore. From there she flew on to Chicago to be picked up by Joe and return to Eureka, Illinois. Both flights were on schedule and, as I write this, Kim is on her way home in the family car. "Thank you" to Kim for all her help with her mom while she was here. Also a great big "thanks" to Tracy for driving Kim to the airport at the early dawn hour.

 

Spouse and I sit here eating some homemade soup for lunch. We await a visit from the occupational therapist. Tracy just returned with Jerry the cat after his annual checkup. Two days ago Kurt (Jerry's cat roommate) was taken in to the vet and was put down because he had a huge tumor in his tummy. After that sad day our thoughts were with Jerry's checkup. He is fine, although a bit overweight. So it was good news today. We say thanks.

 

Spouse seems to be progressing nicely. I certainly want the process to speed up. All the therapists seem to be pleased with her progress. I want more! We must have patience. Patience is not high on my list. It should be.

 

As you see, we have many things going on but our hopes are high. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

 

That is it for now, sooo....

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

A Tearful Goodbye to a Sweet Cat

I did not write a blog post yesterday because I was very sad.

 

Lew and I took our sweet kitty Kurt to the vet yesterday afternoon because he hadn't been eating. We thought it was something that could be remedied, but we received bad news. He had a large tumor in his belly.

 

The vet was very honest with us about the odds that he would get better after testing and surgery. She was crying with us as she told us what she would do if it were her kitty. We agreed with her decision, hard as it was.

 

We came home with an empty pet carrier and a big hole in each of our hearts.

 

Kurt, you needed a home and a lot of love. We tried to provide you with both. We will miss you.

 

 

Josh's Junior Prom

Josh came up to the house to model his tux for tonight's prom. Doesn't he look handsome?!

 

With his Grandma.

 

With his Aunt Kim.

 

Uncle Lew photo bomb!

 

Proud Mom. :)

 

You Go, Girl :)

Last Friday I wrote about a goal for today: My mother should be able to stand up for five minutes.

She did not exactly meet this goal today.... She surpassed it!

The physical therapist had Mom walk (with a cane) from my parents' apartment, through my living room, out the front door, and down the ramp. After Mom briefly rested in a chair, she walked (without the cane) with the physical therapist on the driveway for a bit. Then they walked back into the house the same way in which they came.

Definitely more than five minutes.

Definitely more than just standing up.

Hooray, Mom!

There Is a Master Knitter

Tonight Lew and I will be attending the annual community awareness and fundraiser banquet for our local crisis pregnancy center.  I was on the board of directors at ABBA, A Women's Resource Center for eight years and this is a ministry that Lew and I continue to support.

ABBA is part of the Care Net network of crisis pregnancy centers. Today I encourage you to find a Care Net center near you and get involved!

"For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." 

Psalm 139:13-14 NRSV

Dad 253: Daily Progress

(Kim and Debbie have been the "discard" team so far. They are doing a great job! Enjoy Dad's post!  ~  Tracy)

Derf Here!  Another beautiful spring day here in the Northeast. We are enjoying the day. Must take a break now....

{Interlude}

It is now afternoon and the occupational therapist has completed her work with Spouse. Spouse is gaining strength every day and she seems to be enjoying the fact that her three daughters are all at the house daily. The days seem loud and are generally filled with laughter. A welcome sound at the old homestead!

Josh and Zack are continuing their baseball and lacrosse schedules with some success. They are enjoying the experience.

Congratulations to great-niece Heather for completing her doctorate. A real accomplishment!

I sit here as the daughters continue to discard memories and get stuff ready for our upcoming yard sale on Memorial Day weekend. I hope we are ready. It is only days away.

Our days are filled with numerous appointments and doctor's visits. We certainly have a full calendar. More to come next week. Tune in. Sooo....

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Enough Already!

Lew's comment tonight regarding DeflateGate (especially the news coverage):

 

"It's over-inflated."

 

Well said, Lew, well said....

Mom's Mother's Day Photos

"Media Monday" is being preempted by two photos (taken yesterday) featuring my mother!

 

With her grandsons, Josh and Zack.

With ALL 3 daughters, plus grandcat Jerry.

 

(PostScript: We believe the last time Mom had all three of us with her on Mother's Day was 27 years ago!)

 

Kim Meets "The Claw"

My sister Kim arrived today! I have been teaching her Mom-care. :)

 

Photographic proof that Kim is actually here: She is modeling "The Claw." (Mom wears this at night to keep her left hand/fingers stretched out.)

 

Five-Minute Friday

I have been working with Mom on her exercises.

 

One thing we have been doing is having her stand up straight, hold, then sit back down.

 

On the final "stand up" she is "holding" for a pre-determined amount of time.

 

Today she stayed standing for 90 seconds!

 

By next Friday she will be doing five minutes.... I can feel it.... Five-minute Friday!

 

Smile!

The New Ramp

This is not really a throwback photo, but I can't be perfect all of the time!

 

 

Dad 252: A New Plan

(It's been several hours since Dad wrote this post. I planned on uploading it before the occupational therapist got here, but she arrived early. Then he got a call from the speech therapist, who wanted to do her evaluation today, too. She has been and gone. Other news of the morning: Jerry broke a ceramic dish on my parents' side of the house. He was a bad kitty, but he got away with it. He is too sweet a kitty to be mad at for long. Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Another beautiful day here in the Northeast. If I'm not mistaken, this is the third Spring day in a row. Rest of the week looks good. Perhaps a slight dip in temperature on Friday. We'll take it.

 

Had another hospital session May 1st with Spouse (a.k.a. Mary Lou). As a result, the recommendation is that we have in-home therapy as opposed to out-patient. So we have changed our original plans. We are awaiting a visit from the occupational therapist in about one hour. We have already been contacted by three nurses.

 

Hope to be able to let you know more next week. Will also attempt to get you updated on all other activities. But for now I'm done. Tune in next week. Sooo....

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Gasoline Rewards: ?

I received an e-mail earlier today regarding my gasoline rewards card. (I will omit specifying which chain of stations the card is associated with.)

Here's what the e-mail enthusiastically shared with me:

• Gallons Needed to Earn Next Reward:  23 gallons
• Most Recent Rewards Redemption:  You saved $0.87
• Rewards Lifetime Savings (since 12/17/2012):  You've saved $1.72

Wow!  I have saved a whole $1.72 at the pump in almost two and a half years!  Now that is indeed something to celebrate.

To do:  Save time.  Stop "swiping" my gasoline rewards card.

M(a)y Reading Month

March was officially Reading Month, but I didn't read as much as I had hoped. And April wasn't much better. So, because May 1st was my birthday, I am declaring May as my own personal Reading Month. Hence, the "M(a)y" in this post's title. (That's a play on "My" and "May" for those of you that are pun-challenged.)

I am actually off to a great start! In Saturday's post I mentioned how I had looked over my 2015 Reading Challenge list. I've managed to complete a couple categories since then, and I am forging ahead at a good clip. I hope to average 2+ books a week this month.

Lew is calling for me to come eat the hamburger that he just made for me, so off I go to eat and then read!

Today is Brought to You by the Letter E... With an Umlaut

A boring post because I am having a birthday "do over" today.  :)

I just went through my 2015 Reading Challenge list to see what books I want to read next. (Books and reading, I love.)

One of the books that I'm going to read has the name Zoe in the title, except it's not really Zoe - it's Zoë. The e has an umlaut over it.

I didn't know how to type "ë" on my laptop. I did a search on Google, and voila! I now know how:

1. "Num(ber) Lock" key needs to be on. (I use an external keyboard with my laptop.)
2. Hold down "Alt" key and type "0235" on the number pad.
3. Result = ë.

Pretty cool, huh?

ë

I Am 52

My birthday started off by my riding with Dad to Maine Medical Center around 12:15AM.  Mom had complained of a pain in her chest, so the EMT's that came to the house decided she should be transported to the hospital. After some waiting, Dad and I were "sent home" and were once again sleeping by 3:30AM.

After undergoing more tests today, Mom was discharged early this evening. Dad and I brought her home, she ate some dinner, and she is now in bed watching the Red Sox game. Go, Sox!

Three photos from today.....

Couldn't resist this selfie in the hospital restroom. The sign encouraged me to hum "Happy Birthday" while washing my hands. How did the hospital know it was my birthday?  LOL!

I was with my mother in the hospital 52 years ago today as well. I asked Mom if she wanted to reenact the moment of my birth and capture it on camera, but we decided on this ourselfie instead!

Lew bought me a cake. Chocolate, of course!  :)