My Sanity Needed Vents

[kayc]

On 11/30/2023 at 9:52 AM, kevin said:

Kay. how was your Drive?

The storm hadn't yet materialized, went well.

Yesterday Kodie was sick, vomiting and diarrhea...Iris later told me she had something old in the freezer didn't smell good so she gave it to the dogs!  WHAT?!!!  He was sick all day, he's still sleeping, I made some rice/chicken/pumpkin/yogurt mixture with broth for him.  Poor baby.  And she passed on her cold to me...Tuesday she flung open her door her face one ft. from mine and she was sick, horribly.  Yay.  

[Margm]

That is what happens when you have wonderful neighbors, sometimes they give you everything.  I like waving at mine.  

[kayc]

Karen, are you there?  Dee?

[KarenK]

I'm here, Kay. How are you feeling?

I've been feeling crappy for a couple of weeks with intestinal problems. It seems to be a bit better now, but no matter what I ate, my intestines would hurt. My house is so dirty, but just no energy to clean it up. Not even sure I'll put up any Xmas decorations. No Xmas spirit here at all.

Guess it is winter for you now. Still in the 70's here, but 40's at night. The temperature in this old house stays confused.

[Margm]

We are missing a lot of people.  Sometimes I think the holidays bring us down.  Gin has not been on in awhile.  Dee, and a few more.  Gwen, of course, that is a big mystery.  

[Widow2015]

12 hours ago, kayc said:

Karen, are you there?  Dee?

Kay, Marge, Karen and all on Grief Forum:  I'm still here and I think all is as well as it can be.  My life is so uneventful I really have nothing to share.  I do read The Forum occasionally but don't sign on.  

Kay, I was sorry to see you had a bad "head bump" as you tried to retrieve a key for your neighbor.  I hope you're recovered by now.  And Karen sorry your intestinal issues are giving you discomfort.  That can be exhausting.   And Marge, your ability to keep on going is enviable.  I think I have lost any desire to get behind the wheel to drive.  You are a blessing to your sister.

Around Halloween I am pretty sure I had a strain of Covid.  My son started coughing about that time and within a day he was so sick he couldn't go to work.  A home test indicated he had Covid.  The next day I started coughing & every joint ached for about 4 days.  I just stayed in bed for 3 days with no desire to eat, just wanted to sleep.  Took about a month before any taste came back.  Seems to have changed my eating habits unless it's just part of being 82.

It's debatable whether I will drag out any Christmas decorations this year.  It's such an effort.  My son put some lights on my little house and a timer, so I don't have to remember to plug in the lights.  He is wanting me to make some homemade Chex Mix Snacks like I used to do when he was a kid.  I'd make lots and fill those big metal popcorn cans.  It's easy, just had to remind him I don't have the big roaster I used to use.  He's a nostalgic 50-year-old kid.  He doesn't want to let go of his past memories.  Dee

 

 

[kayc]

On 12/11/2023 at 4:34 PM, Widow2015 said:

Kay, I was sorry to see you had a bad "head bump" as you tried to retrieve a key for your neighbor.  I hope you're recovered by now.

No, concussion still there but bumped my head the car so that didn't help. Right now I have the nastiest bug, knocked me down like none other, even Covid wasn't this bad. Showing slight improvement, day 7 but who is counting. Missing all Christmas celebrations.  No one to help me get the tree up, so first year w/o one but it's so close now why bother.

The guy that does all of my home stuff, cleaning chimney, roof, gutters, cutting/limbing trees, track in front of carport, his name is Jack (we call him Jack of all trades) he had a horrific accident Saturday and is in the hospital, six ribs with 12 breaks, T-12, T-6, L-1 all broken, they have him in ICU in a brace, he can wiggle all toes and fingers so that is good, and is finally able to eat food but not hungry.  His son can cut firewood but no idea who I'll get for the chimney.  It'd cost a fortune to hire from the valley, hoping I can get my son to come do it come spring.  All of us neighbors are putting cards and $ into his mailbox...see why I love my neighbors!  Also, one from towing company and another neighbor went to get his car...someone stole it. They found it on Dead Mountain, stripped of battery & who knows what else. They talked to sherriff and he said if they're going to get it to do so w/o reporting because once reported they can't. So they hauled it home.  I haven't seen it yet, will do so today.  I'm sure it's a scary sight.  Again, love my neighbors.

On 12/11/2023 at 12:44 PM, KarenK said:

I've been feeling crappy for a couple of weeks with intestinal problems.

Oh no, Karen!  Hope you continue improving!  I'm hit hard too, neighbor Iris infected me then said she "chooses to believe she doesn't catch things."  Her way of absolving herself.  Infuriating, this is super nasty, hard to even think!

Kodie had a great escape, we took him to the next town for surgery, leaving here at 6 am to be there when they opened at 8, three hours later they said he doesn't need the surgery and sent us home with medicine!  He was beyond ecstatic!  Bounding in cone-less with a huge grin on his face! That is the day I got hit with this.

On 12/11/2023 at 4:34 PM, Widow2015 said:

Around Halloween I am pretty sure I had a strain of Covid.  My son started coughing about that time and within a day he was so sick he couldn't go to work.  A home test indicated he had Covid.  The next day I started coughing & every joint ached for about 4 days.  I just stayed in bed for 3 days with no desire to eat, just wanted to sleep.  Took about a month before any taste came back.

My taste, voice, breathing, everything is affected, Covid was negative but who knows with home tests. Halloween is when I got my concussion.  I'm glad you're over this now!!

Hmm, quote seems to have quit working...Gin I hope you can make him a scaled down version!  That's sweet.  Sure miss my kids. Spent Thanksgiving at my daughter's BF's Mom's house, I felt right at home 15 of us, it was wonderful!

Marg, you're staying well thank God!  We have to stay together even though infrequent, in a way I feel Gwen kept us all together, God I miss her, she's always on my heart even when my brain won't work!

[kayc]

Kevin, you're included in this, we see you often in the positives thread, but if you're here, weigh in! (Not literally)

[Margm]

One of the young girls from another country did not know what "knock on wood" meant.  I think she may have met our teacher friend from Arizona, (not sure of anything.)  I hope they are happy.  Hope our Hawaii and Arizona woman and fellow are making a go of her restaurant.  Lots of memories.  Anyhow, I will "knock on wood" because this ole body does not need anything else to happen.  I know everyone says the cataracts are easy and results are great, but since last hospitalization 10 years ago, I am afraid of everything.  Still get my checkups and blood work done every four months.  Still good results with the starch diet being the only one this old radiated body can handle, and shots, not pills for the antibiotics, and another "knock on wood." Enough action happens in my family, do not have time for "me."  My anxiety chases off all bugs and viruses, I guess.  Even a termite does not want to invade a fence post that can only stand against the wind.  

I did decorate my patio and went to plug it in and the receptacle would not work.  Michael (our "fixer") was here Monday morning as soon as I called.  Beautiful 4-foot white flocked tree with pine cones flocked and white lights.  I put little red shiny pinecones all over it.  It is very pretty, but I miss the cedar ones from the woods, cut down and stuck in the corner with tinsel and old saved glass trimmings. I do have the Grinch climbing over the fence and it has stayed for two days anyhow.  

[Widow2015]

3 hours ago, kayc said:

The guy that does all of my home stuff, cleaning chimney, roof, gutters, cutting/limbing trees, track in front of carport, his name is Jack (we call him Jack of all trades) he had a horrific accident Saturday and is in the hospital,

 

kay: So sorry to read your friend Jack is in hospital.  His injuries will surely take some time to heal.  Hopefully his knowing all his good neighbors are helping out as he recovers will help with a speedy recovery.  

Your Thanksgiving sounded fun.  Glad you fit right in.  I have no doubt you can fit in anywhere. 😄 Your daughter's boyfriend sounds like a special person.

Your sweet Kodie escaped the dreaded cone!  I can imagine that sweet face showing his joy.  Makes me smile.  

I can imagine your disappointment as you recover from whatever it was Iris shared with you.  Your being the "Energizer Bunny" type personality, missing out on the Christmas activities at your Church can't be easy for you.  Hugs, Dee     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Widow2015]

3 hours ago, Margm said:

I know everyone says the cataracts are easy and results are great, but since last hospitalization 10 years ago, I am afraid of everything.  Still get my checkups and blood work done every four months.  Still good results with the starch diet being the only one this old radiated body can handle, and shots, not pills for the antibiotics, and another "knock on wood."

Marg:  Yes, I am one of those that said cataract surgery was a good thing for me.  But I also understand your concern about any kind of surgery.  Fortunately, I haven't experienced what you have had to go through with radiation treatments. (Knock on Wood!)   I shy away from doctors and instead choose to take a pill for my achy knees.  I've heard others say knee surgery doesn't always work so don't want to take the chance.  I go to my annual "well check" appointment that lasts 15 minutes and allows my primary care doctor to write my medications.   I think about what Gwen went through after her surgeries.  We each have to do what is best for ourselves.  

I loved your Grinch decoration and good to hear he's still there.  😁 Dee 

[KarenK]

Glad to hear that we are all in one piece still(sort of). Marg seems to be the only one with any Xmas spirit at all. Of course, she's a southern gal with grit(no pun intended) and they are tough, no matter what. My daughter sure was.

Wanted to pass this info to you, Kay. An article in the news about a mysterious canine respiratory illness. Vets at a loss and no treatment. In a dozen states so far with 200 cases in Oregon. Airborne or contact, don't know but worse for very old or young dogs. Just thought you might want to take extra precautions with Kodie. Our dogs are old, but only go out in the yard a few times a day, nowhere else.

[kayc]

I am well aware of it in OR, mostly dog parks, hasn't hit the local park where our runners run, etc.  Mostly older dogs or dogs hit with other ailments.  Thanks for looking out for us!  Most of Kodie's playtime is with Jazzy in her yard.

 

[kayc]

Wishing you all a good Christmas!  Two weeks I was sick, just getting over it...

[Margm]

Hope you are doing better Kay.  I think we all suffer from "seasonal depression" at this time of year.  My son, who is bipolar, has suffered from it for as long as I can remember, and me, well I feel like the Grinch.  The thing is to remember the reason for the season, and not gifts and tinsel. I think my nephew is fixing a Tex/Mex meal at my son's house.  Kelli is stuck to the bed most of the time.  Her "Energizer Bunny" wakes up about once a week. My sister is slowly losing it.  Hard for someone with so many degrees to accept that chemo has robbed her of so many things.  She has her life, but after 14-15 months of chemo is only going twice a month now.  And we are "our brother's (sister's) keepers" when they have no one.  I signed up yesterday to be her "go between" for her Medicaid.  We got it renewed on a 3-way call. She holds onto mail and "plans" on answering, but it is only added to the stack of mail. She read me one on the phone where she was cut off Medicaid.  She has to have it. Guess I do not feel too Christmy.  I think I made up that name.  At 81, I have made it where I do not have to remember some things.  We get so much mail that we need to ignore and some we cannot ignore.  

[KarenK]

Kay, so sorry to hear that whatever Iris passed on to you hung on for so long. Hope you are feeling a lot better. I finally managed to get rid of my intestinal issues, whatever they were.

For some reason, this is a more depressing than usual holiday time. I think it has a lot to do with my no teeth and poor vision troubles. Still hate the dentures. I know I need to get used to them to leave the house and make a neurologist appt. about my vision. That will be my new years resolution. Got my little tree put up to try and add some brightness to this drab existence.

Marg, as usual you are taking responsibility for so much, but it is your nature. I'm sure your family cherishes you.

This my 11th Xmas without my soulmate and 10th without my sweet daughter. I guess we never stop counting.....

Hope all have a holiday filled with peace.

[Margm]

No sweet Karen, we never stop counting.  

[Widow2015]

On 12/20/2023 at 4:13 AM, kayc said:

Wishing you all a good Christmas!  Two weeks I was sick, just getting over it...

Thank you Kay for your Christmas Wishes.  It's good to see you are finally getting over Iris's "gift".  Two weeks is so long and sorry you had to forego your Holiday Gatherings.  Hoping you can soon be back to feeling as good as you always do, and you, Kodie and Panther will have a Merry Christmas. 

So far, I haven't decorated at all this year.  I did get a few Christmas cards mailed out and ordered a few gifts online.  Grandkids will get cash so they can do their own shopping.  Being from the South I love fruitcake for Christmas.  My son in law and l are the only ones who like fruitcake so ordered him one and bought myself a small box of "fruitcake petites".  

My son came over yesterday and we made homemade ChexMix, his request.  His childhood Christmas memories are so evident the older he gets.  He plans to make his Dad's recipe for "Tom and Jerry's" on Christmas Eve.  I dug out the recipe and seeing his Dad's handwriting on that recipe card brought tears.  I don't know if that pain will ever go away.🥲 Dee

[Widow2015]

On 12/20/2023 at 10:09 AM, Margm said:

Guess I do not feel too Christmy.  I think I made up that name.  At 81, I have made it where I do not have to remember some things.  We get so much mail that we need to ignore and some we cannot ignore.  

Marg:  I agree with you on "not remembering some things".  I have to push some things out of my memory, or I find myself drowning in sadness.  I envy your ability of being able to keep on going and helping your sister and family. 

The abundance of useless mail is a real pain.  I use the online post office service, "Informed Delivery" that scans what is put in my mailbox.  Unfortunately, my mailbox is not just outside my front door but down a gravel road.  I don't bother emptying mailbox unless I see something of importance is in the box.  I might not empty the box for a week or more.  It's usually just full of junk mail.  ☹️

I do hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Marg.  Warm Hugs, Dee     

[Widow2015]

20 hours ago, KarenK said:

Still hate the dentures. I know I need to get used to them to leave the house and make a neurologist appt. about my vision. That will be my new years resolution. Got my little tree put up to try and add some brightness to this drab existence.

Karen:  At least you put up a little tree.🎄 That's a Good Thing.  I hope it helped brighten your Holiday Feeling.  It is difficult some days when we remember what the Holidays used to be.  

I am sorry your dentures aren't working out for you.  Hopefully within time you will get used to them.   I empathize with you and your vision problems.  Even though my cataract surgery was a success for me my macular degeneration in my left eye creates ongoing problems.  Now my eyes are extremely sensitive to light so much, some days I have to wear sunglasses inside my house.  In addition, my eyes will start tearing like I'm crying.  There's no pain just annoying.  I did mention it at my last eye injection appointment, but my retinal doctor didn't comment.  But it gives me another reason to not want to drive anymore.  My daughter said she has the same problem and the optometrist told her she had "dry eyes". 

21 hours ago, KarenK said:

This my 11th Xmas without my soulmate and 10th without my sweet daughter. I guess we never stop counting.....

 No, Karen we will never stop counting.  It's 8 lonely years without my Love.

Merry Christmas Karen to you and your family, and a "Healthy 2024".  Warmly, Dee 

[Margm]

I have had so much frightening things happen to me and it all involves me getting naked.  That is not a pretty picture.  I am so scared of the cataract surgery; just promise me I don't have to get naked.  

[Margm]

17 hours ago, Widow2015 said:

I might not empty the box for a week or more.

If I did that the mailman would report it and I'd have a couple of police or ambulance people doing a "wellness check."  I had that happen the first week after Billy left.  Earphones on, reading till 2:00 a.m. and woke up with flashing lights.  Two police cars (at least) (county and city) and an ambulance with lights all flashing.  So, I bedhead went to the door just as they were to knock it down.  I quit using ear plugs after that.  (My family had tried to call me over and over). Do not enjoy being "on my own" but I'm not really.  Just like an "Amber alert" would be done if I was a kid, now a "silver alert" will be done if I do not report where I will go.  I missed the time between school and marriage and jumped right into marriage, which I do not mind having done.  Well, gotta take my sister grocery shopping now, it is three days before Christmas.  I live in a small (about 12,000) population city but they all come to Walmart and Brookshires at the same time.  You all be safe.  

Karen, I had time to get used to my dentures, because of small tumors on the roots of my teeth, they were (cut out) pulled many years ago. (I was 19). Tumors were benign but had eaten the roots away.  The body does many strange things.  Just keep gnawing away.  I had an uncle-in-law that even ate ice with his gums.  

I hope you all have a healthy Christmas.  

[Widow2015]

21 hours ago, Margm said:

  I am so scared of the cataract surgery; just promise me I don't have to get naked. 

Marg:  To tell you the truth I don't remember if I changed into a hospital gown before my cataract surgery.  I do remember going into a changing room and taking something off but honestly can't recall.  My 82-year-old memory bank is overdrawn.   I just know it was amazing how bright things were afterwards, no discomfort or pain.  Keeping you in my thoughts. Dee

[KarenK]

I don't think I changed into a gown. Might have removed my boots? It was an outpatient eye surgery center set up like an ER with curtain dividers, no changing room, lots of nurses busy as bees. I remember an IV because the anesthetist gave me something to relax. Discharged soon after it was over. The main thing was to be very still and quiet during surgery. I remember my surprise at colors after healing. My vision is 20/20 each eye now if only they would work together.

You will do great Marg. Just be sure to have a driver.

[Widow2015]

Marg:  Karen's description of surgery is pretty much as I recall.  But, I do remember going into a small changing room.  It was a busy place with curtains dividing others in the room.  Once on the gurney it was over before I knew it probably thanks to the IV.   Besides the brightness improving I don't need my glasses so much.  Dee