CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

  

        It’s been quite some time, five years actually, since I sat
down to write a Holiday Newsletter or send many Christmas cards. Perhaps some of you have breathed a sigh of relief while others might have missed my lovely prose. I decided to give it a try this year, five years after John passed away, to share some of what’s happened in my life since then.

To say life has been extremely lonely since John crossed the Rainbow Bridge would be a massive understatement. And, okay, that bridge is supposedly for pets, but I like to think of John on the other side with all the animals we shared over the years. With more than one day shy of fifty-three years together, his absence left a huge hole that, while I’ve become accustomed to it, hasn’t diminished one little bit. 

Just after my first trip away, which was to the Caribbean, ended the pandemic began which made my life more insular and a bit scary although I haven’t yet succumbed to that virus. Just this past year, I traveled to Costa Rica with my best friend and our doggies and to Tennessee with my son, granddaughter and her boyfriend to visit family and enjoy all Nashville had to offer. Maybe 2025 will see me jetting off to other places. 

         So, what else have I been up to in the last five years. I continue to garden and have no plans to leave the family home. I’ve been here for fifty-five years now and am hoping and praying the coroner pulls into the driveway before I have to vacate. My son, AJ, and his daughter, Haley, do a lot to help me whenever I have a need and I’m most appreciative. Other needs are met by the hiring of companies or individuals.

Before John died, I had joined the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and was participating in the Enhanced Fitness classes. I continue to do this three days a week. I also decided I wanted to learn about Driftwood Sculpture so signed up for a class. I now go once a week to join fellow sculpturers. Not only that, I’m now the Northwest Driftwood Artists’ newsletter editor. I love my classmates and this organization and thoroughly enjoy seeing ugly driftwood become beautiful creations…both my own and my fellow artists as well. In 2024, I was awarded second and third place for the two sculptures I entered in the organization’s contest. The NWDA show will be on May 10, 2025, at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville. Put it on your calendar and go see some great artistic driftwood works.

I also continue to enjoy the company of friends from Woodland Park Zoo, including that of my previous bosses. It’s great fun and a source of pride when we get together and talk about the “golden” years of the zoo when we were “in charge.” I have also maintained my friendships with other individuals who were part of my life before widowhood. Unfortunately, many folks who I thought were my friends as well as John’s are no longer in touch. 

When John died. We had two dogs, Karma and her son, Kaizer. It was a couple of years before Kaizer died and his mother joined him six months later. Well, John had always been the one to want a dog, so I gave away all the dog paraphernalia with the idea I wouldn’t have any more pets. Six months later, I was so depressed I could barely stand myself. My doctor didn’t prescribe a pet adoption, but she did say, “It will certainly give you a reason to get up in the mornings.” A week or so later, I saw Kuma, an Australian Shepherd, on Facebook and knew he was the one. I purchased him, brought him home and he’s been my joy, solace, entertainment, and fun for about two-and-a-half years. His name is Aboriginal for “Rascal,” and while he’s not a total rascal, he’s certainly brought a lot of happiness, comfort and love into my life. There are times when I barely wake and think it’s John snuggled against my back when it's actually Kuma…still a great comfort. Kuma is the biggest change in my life since John departed.

AJ is less than two years away from retiring from the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. I’m not exactly sure what the Department will do once he’s no longer available to take care of major HVAC problems. I’m also not sure what he’ll do in retirement since he has no major hobbies…maybe I can get him to take up Driftwood Sculpture???

Angie continues to work for Edmonds School District and is the Office Manager for her elementary school. While she is still a Partylite candle representative and you can order candles and other products from her, she no longer does parties in other people’s homes. She, too, has always been available and more than willing to assist me with any needs I may have and for which I’m extremely grateful. 

Haley graduated from the Everett Community College’s welding program as well as the WyoTech Diesel program. The result was she is now a welder for a company in South Park. She loves her job and the men with whom she works. She also works at Roscoe’s Ranch, a dog boarding facility, a few evenings a week closing up. Since it would be silly for her to actually take a day off, she spends Saturday’s cleaning stalls at the horse farm at which she takes riding lessons. I am extremely grateful for her, however, because if Nana needs help, she always comes through. 

Haley also has a very good friend, Tyler, whom she met in Wyoming. Thankfully, he lives in Renton instead of Wyoming. They seem to be a great couple and I’ve enjoyed getting to know Tyler as well as watching the two of them together. Only Haley’s second serious relationship, it’s clear she made good choices in both instances.

Thor continues to work for ProSweep and his wife, Amber, manages a marijuana dispensary. Their daughter Arayli is now sixteen, is being educated online and may graduate early because she really wants to begin training as a hair dresser/manicurist. She’s a gorgeous young woman who will get her driver’s license the beginning of 2025. I’m looking forward to having her do my nails and/or hair at some point.

         Thor’s and Amber’s son, Xander is ten years old, and, I swear, has his phone permanently affixed to his right hand. He expressed an interest in driftwood sculpture, and found it fun to look for driftwood and to scrape the nasty off.  The sanding part isn’t much fun because it takes FOREVER. He also was very interested in learning to sew, but Nana fell down on the job and bought a pattern that was far too small and difficult. Maybe this winter, Xander and Nana can work on further developing his sewing skills. He’s played soccer the last couple of years and it’s been a joy to watch him on the field. 

As far as my own health goes, this past year has been hard. Out of absolutely nowhere, I began experiencing chest discomfort in May. I had no idea what it was until a two-day visit to urgent care, when I was diagnosed with stable angina. A month later, the stable angina was no longer stable, and I apparently suffered a mild heart attack, with the end result being the installation of six stents in my heart. Talk about a shock…it still seems surreal four months later. Still, I feel just fine, no longer suffer from angina and am able to do pretty much whatever I feel like doing without any problems. Good for another twenty years or 200,000 miles?

I’ve also been writing off and on. I wrote three complete romance novels during covid, one of which actually had a publisher interested. Alas, it came to naught. I do post my essays and book chapters to my blog, “My Widow’s Mite.” I’ve been blogging for years about all kinds of stuff; and in case you’re interested, you can find my postings at https//paulaswidowmite.blogspot.com. Of course, there hasn’t been a publisher or a huge interest in what I think and/or write about. Still, I enjoy putting fingers to the keyboard.

How’s that for summarizing five years in a little more than three pages? 

        It is my fondest hope you and your families have an absolutely wonderful Christmas and a New Year that brings you the happiest of times.

TOO MUCH INFO...SIMPLY WAY TOO MUCH

        It’s amazing how much information there is out there and even more amazing how many ways in which you are able to obtain. I began my information gathering with one link to CNN which produces CNN’s 5 Things. I like this link and the brief information it makes available about news around the world…not too much and not too little. 

I began receiving that informative email a long time ago. It’s now been joined by at least two additional (and maybe more) CNN updates. If that isn’t enough, there’s The Daily Skimm which also sends more than one email per day. I’ve also managed to sign up for at least another two, maybe more emails a day that provide a wide variety of information from weird stories through the years to how I can be the best person possible when it comes to utilizing and working for Mother Nature’s best life.

This morning, I came to the realization that I’m receiving way too many informative emails. Should I choose to read every single one, I’d probably spend most of my day at my computer or on my I-pad just so I can acquire this (usually useless) information and delete these emails from my feed.

And, don’t get me started about the emails I receive about all the new books that are available, seemingly on an hourly basis. And, let’s not forget the emails from all the genealogical sites who want to connect me to another thirty-two family members of whom I’ve never heard. 

Somehow, it definitely seems to me that my email feed has reached an unmanageable size and it’s time to cut it back. It’s going to take nerves of steel to hit the delete button on what now has to be thousands of emails I have not opened or read. I find myself thinking there might just be a diamond among those billions of words I’m sending into the ether…how can I just delete without knowing.

But, that knowledge is simply going to have to be lost, at least to me. I simply don’t have the time to devote to accruing all that information, nor does my brain have enough cells left to acquire and save. I think what I’ll do besides delete all these emails and block future ones is to simply Google or Search for a particular item in which I’m interested when my interest is aroused…should save a lot more time for blogging that way. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who reads my blog and even those who don’t. Yep, it’s the big T-day and I can already smell the turkey cooking away in the oven. It smells yummy.

I hope it tastes yummy. I haven’t cooked a big turkey since about 2018, I think. Earlier this year, I cooked a very small one that I’d purchased at Christmas time. It was good, so I have hope for this turkey.

My neighbor stopped by this morning on his daily walk to give me a hug and wish me Happy Thanksgiving. He and his wife are hosting two of their grandkids and his brother and wife. I’m hosting my son, his wife and daughter. We had a little chat about previous Thanksgivings when there were more than 20 people around the table, including young children. I think we both mourn, to some degree, the fact our holiday celebrations have become so small.

Still that’s life. Our children grow up, just as we did and move too far to come home for the festivities or begin their own holiday traditions. I now appreciate, ever so much more than I did at the time, the huge feasts John and I hosted for our friends and family. 

Today, I celebrate both those who will join me in my home as well as those who are holding their own Thanksgiving elsewhere. Today, I’m also thankful for the memories of all the years past as well as the memories I’ll be making/sharing today.  

IT DOESN'T PAY TO STEAL

 Currently, I am so frustrated with myself I can hardly type, think or believe what’s been happening with me for the last little bit. And, I guess you could add scared to the list of feelings I’m having. Allow me to reiterate my concerns.

For the first time ever, I left my credit card at the restaurant where I had lunch on Friday. I was debating on whether I wanted to keep the waitress’ pen. My friend and I joked about being thieves because we both liked the pens provided. I decided to keep mine because I really did like it. My friend teased me about how God would punish me for the theft. 

I left the restaurant and drove to Lynnwood Costco to buy gas. Of course, I couldn’t bother myself to get out my cards in advance of my arrival at the pump. It was when I pulled out my Costco card that I realized I didn’t have my credit card. So, I used a different credit card to buy gas while I called the restaurant and asked about my credit card. Yes, they had it. Already my friend’s threat of punishment was coming true.

So, instead of going to the mall and doing a bit of Christmas shopping, I turned around and went back to the restaurant. I planned to give back the pen, but the young woman who helped me when I arrived took me back into the bar where my card was locked away. I felt extremely stupid having left it behind. The woman said I wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last. To prove her point, she held up a stack of cards that had been left behind…must have been about a half inch thick. It didn’t really make me feel less stupid and I left still in possession of the pen I stole…I should have given it back.

Today, I went to my fitness class, the post office and then to the Aurora Costco. Sheesh, what a busy place. It took forever to find a parking place and I had to be careful not to run into people, cars or long lines of carts being returned from the field. Finally, I parked, took off my seat belt and gloves and opened my wallet to retrieve my Costco card. Well, guess what, it wasn’t there. Neither was the spare card I used to buy gas on Friday. I then remembered I hadn’t returned the cards to my wallet on Friday. My punishment continues.

So, here I am back home without any of the items I planned to purchase at Costco. I’ll have to try again tomorrow and maybe the store won’t be quite as busy. Meanwhile, I’m beginning to wonder about my cognitive abilities. True, I haven’t missed any important appointments, actually lost a credit card, or done anything else that is of a huge concern. Still, it’s worrisome. Maybe there’s some truth to my friend telling me God would punish me. If that’s the case, then I promise to never ever steal another pen from a waitress/waiter. I’ll even put that pen in my car and return it to the restaurant next month when my friend and I again meet there for lunch. 

Hopefully, my punishment won’t continue now that I’ve confessed and promised to never ever again resort to pilfering a waitress’ pen. Time will tell.

CLEANING HOUSE

Serious consideration was given to hiring a housekeeping firm to come in and clean my house in advance of Thanksgiving. I decided not to do that because I’m perfectly capable of cleaning my own house…when I want to. And, based on what I found just in the dining/computer/kitchen areas, I would have been red-faced had someone else come in with their mops/dust cloths/vacuums. 

Sheesh, I had no idea I’d become such a slovenly housekeeper. This morning, I began by dusting everything up high so whatever might fall to the floor could do so prior to my vacuuming and dusting the lower items. Everything got moved so I could clean under and behind. Wowzer, but I have to say I’m probably lucky the spiders that live in Washington aren’t poisonous.

I found spiders and spider webs in places I don’t think I’ve ever found them in the past. They were behind the table that holds photos and tchotchkes, beneath the chair seats, under the table, even in the window. I was shocked by all the places that held spiderwebs.

And, dust. Again, sheesh, but when I sprayed the tchotchke table and wiped, my dust cloth looked as though I’d taken it outside and dropped it in the dirt. All the glass sitting around as well as the framed photos had a coating of dust. I’ve tried to remember just when I last dusted the dining room and cannot recall when it happened. 

My computer and desk was another shock. I knew I’d slopped food on the glass covering the desk top, but I didn’t realize just how much I’d managed to miss my mouth or the bowl/plate. There were lots of “oops” because most days I eat breakfast at my desk and some days I also eat lunch and/or dinner there as well. I used to get annoyed with John because he ate at the desk and made a mess…guess I owe him a big apology.

Now, I just have a bit more cleaning to do which involves the kitchen and I don’t expect any surprises there. When I prepare food and do dishes, it’s almost a requirement to clean up after myself. Of course, I had no idea just how bad the dining room and computer area had become, so there may be a surprise or two left. I know if I moved the stove or fridge, I’d be looking at a mess because I haven’t done that for at least a year…maybe in January I’ll force myself to do a deep clean and get beneath those appliances. I guess it will just depend on how busy my social life is or how the book I’m reading at the time holds my interest. 

HOLIDAY NEWSLETTERS...YAY OR NAY???

 

While mucking about in my computer today as I waited for the printer to print all my stuff, I came across a folder entitled “Holiday Greetings.” The last holiday greeting/newsletter I prepared was Christmas 2019. I haven’t done one since, nor have I sent very many plain Christmas cards. I’m not sure exactly why, except I felt I didn’t really have anything newsworthy to share, plus my family and friends network has become small.

Now, it’s five years later and I’m wondering if I should try sending either a newsletter or Christmas cards to the “important” folks on my address list. For all I know, some of them may have joined John in which case I would waste the seventy-some cents postage. On the other hand, it would be one way to find out who remains alive.

All the years I did a newsletter, starting when I typed, cut and pasted graphics, etc., I really enjoyed putting it together. It became even more fun when computers took away the physical cutting and pasting. I loved looking back at the year and relating what John and I and the boys had accomplished. Even after the boys grew up, married and had their own kiddlings, I always enjoyed reporting on everyone’s accomplishments.

I remember John’s sister referring to our newsletters as “bragletters;” however, I always included the bad with the good, so I never looked at our newsletters as bragging about our lives. Sometimes, we all had a good year and sometimes not. Sometimes one or more of us experienced failure in our efforts to reach some kind of accomplishment. To me, it was all worth sharing and I did so. Not only that, but I enjoyed receiving the newsletters family and friends sent out.

Over the years, I always saved a copy. They’re all in a three-ring binder in the bookcase. I wonder if the kids will enjoy looking back over them when they’re going through all my stuff at some point. Perhaps I should take a gander at them now and decide if the time has come for me to look back over my own personal year and “brag” about my accomplishments or share my difficulties. I haven’t quite decided yet. Guess I’ll have to give it some more thought while browsing years past.

LAUNDRY

 

          It’s always surprising to me when my old 286 grinds and squeaks and brings up memories I haven’t given a single though to in forever. And, then, suddenly, there it/they is, as crystal clear as a blue summer sky. This happened just now as I was putting the second load of laundry into the washer.

The memory of my mom doing laundry popped into my head. Actually, it was memories. We lived in Idaho then and I was under the age of eight. My mom used two zinc washtubs and a washboard to do the laundry every week. I don’t remember clearly, but I think this entailed boiling water on the stove and adding it to the tubs. 

I also remember some kind of device my mom used when she washed the lace/sheer curtains. This was pieces of wood that would interlock. The wood had what looked to me like needles all along the edge. Mom would fit the edge of the curtains over the needles, and once dry, they were without wrinkles. I’d seriously like to know what this device was called, so if anyone has that information, please share.

Of course, there was no dryer for the wet clothes, so they were hung on a clothesline with clothespins. I don’t remember what she did in the wintertime when the snow was higher than my head, but I’m sure we didn’t go all winter without clean clothes. Funny how parts of some memories are totally missing.

Once we moved to Seattle, mom got a wringer washer. It was a Maytag and there were hoses that went from the sink to the washer to fill up the tub. I don’t remember if the clothes went in first or after the water was added. I just know the washer left the corner of the kitchen and practically filled the door to the sink area. After the washer had sloshed for a while, mom would feed the clothes through the two rollers that were above the tub. These rollers pressed most of the water out of the clothes. They weren’t dry by any means, but they weren’t dripping either. 

There was a shed attached to the house that was mostly used for storing the lawnmower and other garden stuff. Clotheslines were strung in this shed and that’s where the clothes were hung to dry. In the winter, the clothes froze and were stiff as a board. I cannot remember if freezing them dried them or not. What a chore laundry had to be for my mom for the first thirty or forty years of her life.

Mom did get a brand new washer and dryer when they moved from Seattle. I was even luckier because there was a laundry room at my first apartment; and when John and I moved to our first house, there was a washer and dryer there as well. The landlord even let us take them to our new home when we purchased our first and only home. 

The whole point of this exercise is, I guess, my inner brain talking to moi when I was lamenting having to do the laundry. I mean, one load is already in the dryer and another in the washer. That will leave only two more loads to go, and I’ll be done with the laundry for the week in a couple of hours. Fresh sheets on the bed, fresh towels in the bathroom, fresh undies in the drawer, fresh pants and tops in the closet. 

Looking back at how laundry progressed for my mom, I really can’t/shouldn’t complain about the few hours I spend doing laundry. The mental photos my brain brought to the forefront weren’t of a woman who was, like me this morning, feeling put-upon or pissed about this chore. I remember a woman who had a smile for me, who would take time to make me lunch, give me a hug or offer words of praise or encouragement for my piddly attempts to be helpful. 

Funny how memories like this rise up from time to time and bring with them a warmth and appreciation for what came before. Today’s memories also brought a life lesson…be grateful for what you have now and be thankful for those memories of what had to be a much more difficult time for mom. Even more, I should be grateful my life never incurred the difficulties my mom had to deal with. And yet, in my memories, she did so with a smile and without complaining.  

THEN AND NOW

  Don’t you think it’s amazing when you look back over the years of your life to see how much you accomplished and how much you’ve changed? Well, I do. In fact, I spent a brief amount of time this morning doing just that when I was contemplating the cleaning that needs to be done prior to hosting Thanksgiving.GP_haley1013 And, okay, it’s only AJ, Angie and Haley who will be attending and they probably don’t care one way or another about Kuma’s hair all over the floor or the dust that covers the various tables and knick-knacks throughout the house. They’re coming for the yummy food and to spend a bit of time with moi.

Still, in looking back, I’m absolutely amazed at what I used to accomplish on a weekend while working full time. Seriously, I’d vacuum from one end of the house to the other, dust every single thing in every single room, do a number of loads of laundry and end the two days with a sparkling home. In addition, I’d usually have made dinner both days, grocery shopped and planned ahead for the coming week. And, okay, I was much younger then and probably, no actually, had way more energy and stamina than I do these days.

Plus, I also had John to lend a hand, although his favorite comment was always, “Why in the hell are you doing all this cleaning before company comes? You’re only going to need to do it again after they all leave.” He did have a point, but I simply couldn’t have guests visit when all was a mess.

To be perfectly honest, thinking of the past moi and all I achieved in a couple of days, I felt rather despondent over the loss of the abilities I once took for granted. But, as they say, life goes on and the years take their toll. Instead of being unhappy about what I’m no longer capable of doing, I should rejoice in the fact I can still undertake and complete so very many chores whether they’re required for impending company or just for my own satisfaction…I do love it when the floors, tables and glass sparkle in the daylight or lamplight.

So, I’ve determined I’ll take on a room a day beginning next week. By doing that, I should be able to attend my classes, see my friends, play with Kuma, and still have one room vacuumed, mopped, dusted and looking like an actual adult human lives here at the end of each day. Stay tuned…I’ll blog about either my accomplishments or my inability to adhere to my plan. 

THANKSGIVING

 

        Ever since I sent the family email about the holiday plans, I’ve been thinking about holidays past. This year’s and years post-covid have seen a vast difference in how we get together for the holidays now as opposed to years prior. I’ve enjoyed looking back at all those previous times, but it also saddens me when I think of the present.

As a kid, and, okay, I know that was back in the dark ages, the holidays were always full of family. Aunts and uncles, cousins, you might not have seen since summer, or even since the last holidays, even some neighbors would all gather together at someone’s house for turkey and all the trimmings.

I’m sure at the time of these various events, depending on my age, I simply wanted them to all go home or for my family to go home. There was always lots of drinking and socializing. Sometimes if the gathering went a bit too long, there was also arguing as a result of too much tippling, mainly by the great aunts and uncles. Still, I have warm memories of being hugged, being asked about school, social life or whatever else had been happening in my own little life.

This changed over time as the greats passed on, especially the one special great who always did the planning. The gatherings got smaller but they often still included people I didn’t see on a regular basis. 

The next big change came when John and I became parents. We decided we didn’t want to gather up our son, pull him away from all the new toys Santa had brought and go to someone else’s house. Initially, we just Christmas, but when my parents downsized, we became the Thanksgiving hosts as well.

Those Thanksgivings were full of people as well because we included not only family, but friends and their families. At one time, I remember seating twenty-two or twenty-four around the table. I could go back and look at the photos…we always took a photo after dinner…to determine just how many. Oh my, but how the memories of the faces that no longer inhabit my life remain in my mind as they were then. It also makes me wonder what they look like now.

This was a lot of hard work, but all attendees brought something to contribute to the bounty on the table. There was lots of comradery, laughter, memory sharing, and great food. These little gatherings usually began late afternoon and carried on into the evening, or at least until it was time for the little ones to be home and in bed. 

It makes me happy to look back at these times and dredge up the various memories brought to the forefront of my mind. It also makes me sad because so many of the folks who gathered around my table are no longer part of my life. Some have, of course, passed on, but others with whom I/we were friends have disappeared into the mists of time. I wonder if they’re still alive and whether they think about those Thanksgivings as they make whatever holiday plans they have these days.

I wonder, too, if their gatherings have become as small as the one I will host this year, if some of their family members will be absent, and whether or not they, too, look back and remember our splendid times together. And, perhaps, maybe, like me, miss those times as well. 

OH NO...I NEED A NEW MD

  ARRRRRRGH…I just spent far too long trying to determine which lucky person would become my new doctor. For more than twenty-five years, I had a wonderful doctor at Group Health and then she retired. She was replaced by another fantastic woman who is now going to continue to work for Kaiser, but her new position won’t have her seeing patients. So, I have to find a new provider; and hopefully, before I need to have an appointment.

          I have always been proactive when it comes to my health just as I was for my husband and children. The fact I was the editor for the last publication of the Textbook of Physiology and Biophysics, was of great benefit when it came to talking to doctors and understanding what they were saying back to me. Actually, there were times when I would have appreciated knowing a lot less about the human body and how it works.

Having a new doctor to “educate” doesn’t fill me with joy. Both my previous doctors “knew” me and would prescribe and/or advise via email without my having to trek into the office. Hopefully, whomever is the lucky provider of my health care will be able to access past information and communications. I would assume she will have access to My Chart. I can only hope she’ll be able to take a minute to look back and see my prior relationship(s); or that my current doctor will reach out and inform her as to my knowledge and understanding about my various conditions.

I’ve been extremely fortunate with the doctors who have cared for me for most of my adult life. I’m rather hoping this tradition can continue with whomever comes next, especially now that I’m OLD and have so many more complaints than in the past. Wish me luck.

NEIGHBORS

  I’ve been a resident in this neighborhood/house for fifty-five years. During all those years, the neighbors have been mostly friendly and helpful if help was required. Over those years, I watched their kids grow up as they watched mine. I have a lot of very fond memories of the folks that inhabited the houses in this neighborhood.

Unfortunately, time passes; and while I’m still here, the majority of my favorite folks and their/our children moved on to new locations for one reason or another. There’s only one other person in the neighborhood who’s been here longer than me and she turned 100 in September. I’ve a feeling I’ll be the eldest, longest residing neighbor in the not-too-distant future.

What’s caused me to reflect on all those years, those neighbors and the replacements who now occupy the houses around me is the fact I cannot do anything that would be personally satisfying because what I’d choose to do is undoubtedly illegal and would be recorded on someone’s camera. Still, I remain annoyed and thought getting those annoyances out through my fingers might be helpful to me.

I was fortunate enough to have one neighbor for thirty-eight years. We got along famously and were comfortable enough to borrow an egg, a cup of sugar or whatever our recipe lacked from each other. We simply met at the fence and handed over whatever the other one required. They were older and ill health necessitated their move.

Initially, the family that moved in seemed like a good fit, that is until he began to send us emails and letters about the fact our mutual fence was at least one foot on his property. He wanted that one foot back. Well, we didn’t erect the fence, the original property owner did so, and once a fence has been in place for thirty-eight years, it cannot legally be removed and replaced so the neighbor can recover that one foot of ground. This might not have been quite so annoying if John hadn’t been fairly ill at the time.

The house behind me was owned for many years by my son's best friend’s family. This family allowed me to put my yard waste behind our fence as well as my cutting back ivy, blackberries, morning glories and weeds so they didn’t grow through the fence. Again, initially, this family seemed as though their occupation of this property would be just fine. I did check about placing yard waste on their property and ceased doing so when they responded to my inquiry asking I not do so. This was just fine. At one point, I asked about the English Laurel and with agreement (they hated it as well), my sons went back there and cut it all down. 

As I had done for the entire time I’ve lived here, I continued to police the area next to the fence to keep the weeds from coming through. That appeared to be just fine until this fall when my granddaughter came over to cut and rake back the weeds from the fence. There was some yelling back and forth which I couldn’t hear because I wasn’t wearing my hearing aids. My granddaughter told me the woman was going to text me. I put my hearing aids in and my phone in my pocket.

No text came and all was quiet until my granddaughter yelled for me to come behind the fence. There stood a Lake Forest Park Policeman. I was trespassing and it didn’t matter that I’d done this for fifty-five years. It’s not my property. He hoped we could settle it amiably with us going back through the gate and remaining on my side of the fence. When the weeds grow through, then I can cut them back…great, just great.

My final annoyance has to do with the motion sensor light across the street. Once before, over a year ago, I asked if the light could be repositioned so it does not shine into my bedroom and into my eyes. Supposedly, it was moved; however, now that the trees are losing their leaves, the light shines right into my bedroom. 

This time I sent an email asking to have the light readjusted. It comes on when cars drive up and down the street, the neighborhood cats walk through the yard or the wind blows hard. I received an email back claiming I’d asked to have this done more than once (not so) and that they thought it had been fixed since I hadn’t brought it up (leaves on the trees blocked the light). My request for a readjustment was denied (a safety issue) and I could choose between having it on all the time or having it remain as is. Well, I certainly don’t want it to be on permanently.

So, the light remains as it was; however, I took care of the problem myself. I taped a large piece of aluminum foil over the part of the window through which the light shines. It no longer shines directly into my eyes. And, yes, I could pull the shade closed and eliminate it altogether, but it’s not a choice that would work either. I sleep with my window open 365 days a year and when the wind blows, it makes the shade move and make noise which wakes me up. My problem, right…right.

The remainder of my neighbors are just fine. We chat, wave from our cars, visit each other now and then. Still, I wish the neighbors that originally occupied these three houses were still here. But, as people keep telling me, life moves on, things change, and I just need to adjust.  So, okay, by writing this, I’ve decided I’m adjusted!!!

FAMILY VACATION IN TENNESSEE (Part II)

     

      After a very fun time in Nashville, we got up and headed for my brother’s home in Crump Tennessee.  It’s a little more than two hours from Nashville, and the car’s GPS led us right to Crump and then his home on the Tennessee River. Initially, Ricky didn’t have a clue as to who was parking in his driveway because he didn’t recognize the car and the plates said Florida. As we climbed from the car, he, of course, recognized moi. Lots of hugs and introductions all round.

          It was also Ricky’s birthday, so the fish fry he planned was for both his birthday and our arrival. As the afternoon moved forward, so did the appearance of guests and family, all with potluck items to add to the table. I introduced AJ, Haley and Tyler whenever possible, but they certainly didn’t seem to have a problem mixing in with all the guests.

          I had a chance to catch up with Uncle Gene who will soon be 85. He looks terrific, and while still sad due to his wife’s passing, he keeps himself busy around his place and eats most of his meals at a diner in town (more about that later).

          Ricky had a few assistants when it came to preparing and cooking the catfish. I stayed away from that section of the fish house, but should have investigated because whatever piece of equipment he was using to cook the fish looked totally foreign to me…something I’m going to have to ask him about the next time we talk.

          Not only did family attend, but either three or four couples who are Ricky’s neighbors. Everyone was very outgoing and friendly, and I appreciated seeing my nieces and nephews even though it didn’t seem as though there was enough time to catch up with everyone. I’m also certain you, my reader, has attended events where you wished you’d had more time with every single person there.

          The food was excellent, as it always is at a potluck. The catfish was cooked to perfection and my plate was practically overflowing with the various accompaniments. I also ate my first frog leg and was so amazed by how good it was that I had a second. It was a bit like a chicken wing only bigger and tastier. I wondered if I could get them in Seattle and still don’t know because I haven’t checked.

          The party went on for the entire afternoon and into the late evening. While I didn’t get a chance to talk a lot with a number of the folks, I went to bed thinking and hoping I’d get a chance in the days to come. In some cases, I did.

          That was Sunday. Monday, we just kind of lazed around for the morning. Ricky and Tomia did lead us over to the Shiloh Military National Park. Again, there was a video for us to watch and I learned so much about the earliest battle of the Civil War which lasted two days. Initially, it looked as though the Southern Military group was going to push north and defeat the Northern troops. It would have been a defining win for the South. Unfortunately, the Southern fighters were exhausted and General Grant was on the other side of the field for the North. Almost 24,000 soldiers from both sides died which is why it is called the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Later I looked up this site and found that an actual tour can take up to seven or eight hours (if you like to hike) if you want to see everything that’s referenced. This Military Park also contains a cemetery and well-preserved prehistoric Indian Mounds.

          Ricky and Tomia went off to buy some jalapenos for jalapeno poppers. We stopped at a store and I bought salad fixings and corn on the cob. I had heard Ricky tell Tyler that we’d have duck for dinner. What I didn’t know as I watched Tomia fill the jalapeno peppers with cream cheese (No, I couldn’t help because there wasn’t enough room at the counter.) was that she was adding a piece of duck breast before wrapping the whole thing in bacon. Ricky then cooked them on the grill.

          I made the salad and Tomia showed me how to cook the corn in it’s shuck in the microwave. It’s two minutes per ear. When it’s done, you hold the skinny end with a hot pad, cut off a bit of the fat end and the corn slides out totally free of the silk. Amazing. Tomia then put the corn into two separate containers, each with a cube of melted butter. By the time we ate, the corn was saturated…and extremely yummy. Also yummy were the stuffed jalapenos. I ate two, and initially expected them to be HOT, but the cream cheese and fat from the duck breast somehow prevented the HOT from being too HOT.

          On Tuesday, we were off to Muscle Shoals and Haleyville Alabama. We went first to the Muscle Shoals recording studio. I had no idea that this little nondescript building was responsible for recording so very many artists. At one point, it was Detroit and Muscle Shoals that were responsible for recording the music we all love. The gentleman who provided the tour knew so many stories about so many artists, I now wish I had put my phone on record. If you’d like to learn more about Muscle Shoals, there is a great documentary which can be found at https://youtu.be/hKmGUIM1uAI?si=NJ1BU94hXdDn036-.

          Then we went to Haleyville so Haley could have her photo taken beside the “ville” sign. We were hungry and stopped at a Mexican restaurant that we found didn’t serve alcohol. We had a small appetizer, left and tried another Mexican restaurant. We could see the bar as we walked in, so this was the place. Tyler and I had medium margaritas and Haley had the fishbowl while AJ stuck to one beer. A little bit of shopping for Haleyville souvenirs and then we headed back to Crump.

          On Wednesday, Ricky took Tyler and Haley fishing on the Tennessee River and my niece Anita came to visit. AJ went for one of his marathon walks. Anita shared lots of family information and delivered t-shirts she’d planned to send in 2019. Some health issues took precedence and she didn’t remember they were tucked up in the closet until we came to visit. Niece Tina (Anita’s younger sister) runs a dog rescue operation in addition to her regular job. The run/walk happens the beginning of November and on the long-sleeved t-shirts, there’s always an “in memorium” section. The 2019 carried the line, “In memory of John Karlberg.” I had no idea the news of his passing had gone far enough to be remembered there. AJ, Haley and I each got a shirt, plus I brought one home for Thor. Anita also told me Tina is looking up in the attic for another shirt that remembers either Kaizer or Karma, probably Karma, which she’ll mail out to me.

          Both Tyler and Haley caught a big catfish that afternoon, and as we sat on the deck, we saw them returning up the river. I didn’t personally see the fish being cleaned, but there are photos. The results went into the freezer and I’m sure Ricky and Tomia will think of the kids when they chow down.

          I thought we had planned to go out to dinner (my treat) on Thursday. First, we went to the Tennessee River Museum across the river in Savannah. It was very interesting to learn about the area and how it developed because of the river. I also brought home the Historic District Driving-Walking Tour Guide. Number 13 is called the Williams-Churchwell House. It was rebuilt in 1869 because the original was burned in the Civil War. The blurb about the house didn’t include any family information. Number 20 in the guidebook is the Churchwell McGinley Taylor House, built in 1876 and purchased by E.P. Churchwell in the 1880s. He was a merchant in downtown Savannah and the home has remained in the family for over 125 years. I’m gonna have to ask Ricky if we’re related to those Churchwells.

          When we left the museum, we ended up parking behind some buildings, but I didn’t know why until we got inside where we found Uncle Gene. It’s the place he always has breakfast and lunch. He was treating all of us to lunch. It was cafeteria style, and I ordered the chicken-fried steak (HUGE), mashed potatoes and deep-fried okra. I could have had corn and peas, but they were reminiscent of when Grandma or mom opened a can and cooked them for hours. I also passed on the corned bread, biscuits, bread. A glass of sweet tea went well. I wasn’t able to eat it all, so Haley (who ordered a hamburger from the menu) finished it off. Ricky had ordered a piece of caramel pie which he shared with the table. OH MY, it was yummy and I ended up with the last couple of bites. Uncle Gene ordered three servings of banana pudding. I haven’t had banana pudding like that since the last one my momma made. Another few bites and I was…as they like to say…full as a tick. I also had a feeling there’d be no dinner out that evening.

Back at Ricky’s, I went for a walk in the hope my tummy would decrease in size. Walking back, I ran into Ricky who was taking Haley and Tyler to Uncle Gene’s to fish in his pond. Tomia and I sat around and chatted about stuff for a while. When AJ returned from his walk, Tomia drove us over to Uncle Gene’s. Now, when I say he has a pond in his back yard, I mean a POND. He told me his property line is on the other side of the trees on the opposite side of the pond in the middle of the creek back there. He doesn’t do all the upkeep himself any longer, but has someone come in a mow the hay on one side. He said it was due for a second mowing right about then.

I think everyone tried their hand at fishing except me and AJ. We sat with Uncle Gene on his back deck and watched the fishers and the ducks and one swan move around the pond. Tyler and Haley caught some small fish, but released them back into the pond. The day was coming to an end when we said farewell and piled back into the vehicles to return to Ricky’s and pack. The sun was still shining as dusk fell.

We packed up, including three boxes that would be shipped via UPS the next day. I had the smallest box and Haley and Tyler the largest. Haley said in the future, she was going to buy one of those hard suitcases and carry her stuff back home in that…far far cheaper than UPS. Then to bed with a bit of concern about Hurricane Helene…would it hit Nashville?

The next morning, it was windy and rainy. We said our thank yous and farewells, stopped by the UPS store with our boxes and hit the road. I was happy to be in the back where I couldn’t see the highway because I think visibility at seventy miles an hour, or whatever speed AJ was traveling, was pretty much zero.

Still, we arrived in Nashville without a problem, turned in the car and went to our rooms at the Hilton adjacent the airport. AJ had applied for and received permissions for us all to enter the airport and take advantage of the restaurants and gift shops. We did and I wanted ribs one more time; however, the rib joint didn’t look all that appetizing, so AJ and I ended up at Hattie B’s Chicken. It was both hot (cooked) and hot (spices). I asked for macaroni and cheese but got fries which was fine. Once again stuffed, I picked up a couple more souvenirs before heading back to the hotel and bed.

The next morning, it was still windy, but the rain had stopped. The airplane was on time and lifted off without a problem

NASHVILLE, JUST NASHVILLE

 

          I honestly don’t know how I had any kind of life when I was working full-time. I’ve been trying to sit down and write about my Tennessee trip since I got home last Saturday and this is the first opportunity I’ve found…and then only because my tummy isn’t happy and I thought it was better to stay home close to my own convenience rather than risk going to my fitness class and being totally unfit.

          The trip to Tennessee was splendid. Everyone got along and we all had a lot of fun. We arrived in Nashville Thursday afternoon, checked into the hotel and went out to find Broadway…this is the street that has bar after bar after bar. Honestly, I was absolutely amazed at the crowds of people that were walking up and down the street. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people except for functions like the breast cancer walk.      

          And, I was totally enthralled by the wide variety of appearances of the various individuals strolling along. Again, I’ve never seen such huge differences in how people dressed, made up their faces, combed (or not) their hair. I could have happily sat on a chair on the sidewalk and been entertained for an entire day.

          Not only is it bar after bar, but every single one of them has live music. As I walked past one, the sound began to fade only to be replaced by sound from the next location. Out of all the musicians I heard, there was only one talentless guy…AJ told me to silence my hearing aids and I did, but I could still hear him…he managed to make a few of my favorite songs sound absolutely awful.

          Many of the bars have an extension on the roof. At one place, I counted 74 steps; at another 95 steps. Do you think I got my exercise in Nashville? I also have to admit that I did have to stop and breathe for a bit when I climbed the 95 steps. I definitely needed a drink or a beer once I arrived. If there isn’t live music up top, the band on the bottom is piped to roof speakers. At the place with the most stairs, the sign indicating the mezzanine was behind the door (or the door may have been open covering the sign), so I didn’t stop where the kids had told me they were. I got to the top only to realize the top wasn’t the mezzanine because I couldn’t find my people. When they found out where I was, they made the trek up to retrieve me.

          At one place, I talked to the man who perused IDs to make sure the person entering was old enough. I was never ever asked for ID…can you believe that? Anyway, I asked him for the name of the band that was playing. He told me he didn’t know, that several groups would be there playing throughout the day and night. When one group left, it would go to another location and play there while a new group would come into that bar. I guess there’s lots of work for musicians and singers in Nashville.

          There was one very impressive young woman who played the fiddle. We (more like Haley and Tyler) kind of followed her and her band to various places. When she came around with the tip bucket (seriously, like a 5-gallon Home Depot bucket), I got a chance to talk to her. She’d been playing since she was four years old, so she’d been playing for twenty-two years. Her fiddle-work was amazing and she was cute as a button. Haley said that at one place, it looked as though the tip bucket had more than $1,500 in it.

          AJ and I were out and about every day wandering here and there, but were fairly happy to call it a day by 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Haley and Tyler stayed out every night until midnight or 1:00 am, bar-hopping and dancing and listening to music. To say they had a splendid time would be an understatement.

          I have to confess I did drink one afternoon/evening. Back at the hotel, I laid down to wait for AJ to do whatever he was going to do. Then I’d get up and get ready for bed. Well, I fell asleep (or passed out) and didn’t wake up until the morning. OMG, it’s been decades since I went to bed without brushing my teeth or washing my face. I couldn’t believe how bad my mouth tasted and felt. I think I used half my toothpaste scrubbing.

          We did tour the Ryman Auditorium. The tour begins with a wonderful video about the Ryman’s history. It was narrated by an actress portraying Lula C. Naff. This widow and mother began to work at the Ryman in 1904 as a stenographer. In 1910 Ms. Naff became the official Ryman manager, a position she held until 1955. She often went by L. C. Naff to avoid discrimination. She was responsible for efforts that went toward saving the Ryman when the possibility of it being demolished was promoted. The video was very informative and interesting and if you’d like to know more, look at Wikipedia. Anyway, I don’t think the kids realized the video made me cry. I managed to suck it up before we had to get up and leave. The video just brought back so many memories of growing up and listening to the Grand Ole Opry with my mom and grandma…they would have loved, loved, loved the tour.

          At the end of the tour, you can stand on the stage and have your photo taken. Well, of course, we all did that. Unfortunately, my photo has gone to another dimension for the time being. I know I unpacked it, put it on the counter with other stuff, but it’s disappeared. I’ve looked in all the places I could have put it, including the garbage, but it’s no where to be found. I wanted to frame that damn photo, so the fact it has gone to that other dimension, really pisses me off.

          On Saturday, we toured the Country Music Hall of Fame. OMG, again, the memories some of the exhibits brought back was amazing. After an hour or two, I got to the point where I felt overloaded with music, information, photos, etc. To do this place justice, I think I’d need to visit several days in a row, leave and then return the next day to take up where I left off. There’s Just. So. Much. To. Take. In. Also, there is one exhibit that must get changed periodically according to who’s currently the most famous. There was one entire long wall, plus additional exhibitry devoted to Luke Combs that began with his birth. Again, I’d like to be able to take my time and absorb the entire Combs exhibit.

          We could also get food at almost every single place we visited. I only had barbequed ribs once, but they were soooooooo gooooooood. I tried to have them for the last time in the Nashville airport coming home, but that restaurant didn’t take orders and then serve. Instead, you chose from what was behind the glass and those ribs didn’t look very good. I’ll have to have a Briley’s fix in the near future.

          Here I am at three pages and I haven’t even left Nashville yet. So, I’m going to stop and post this to my blog. I’ll continue with the family visit and other tours as I continue to write and blog about the trip. I know there’s lots of stuff I could have included in just this post about Nashville, but I’m older now and think I may be having difficulty with my short-term memory…that, or it was simply overload, or at least that’s what I prefer to think.

FALL PLANS...A PEP TALK...KINDA

 

          My blog hasn’t’ seen a new post in quite a long time. It’s not that I haven’t written anything because I have; however, the main reason I didn’t post them to my blog is because on rereading them, they were more of a pity party than not. Who wants to read “poor me, poor me, poor me” ad nauseum?

          Anyway, I have way less to poor me, myself and I, so I’d just better look to the future and make plans for the betterment of my life. Seriously, there’s really no reason for me to feel down or sorry for myself. I have what’s basically a new heart, plus the other things that are affecting my body aren’t terminal, just mainly annoying.

          So, I’m not going to go into detail about the various annoyances, rather I’m going to write about what I’ve been accomplishing and/or what’s in the future.

Next week, I’ll board a plane with my son AJ, granddaughter Haley and Haley’s friend, Tyler. We’re flying into Nashville where we’ll spend a couple of days. So far, we’ve made reservations to tour the Ryman auditorium and have our picture taken on the stage. I can look at that later on and pretend I’m an actual country singer…as if. We’re also going to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and walk down Second Street which is lined with bars. We don’t plan to imbibe at each of them, but the one named AJ’s is a definite visit. My brother’s wife also suggested we visit Printer’s Alley.

After those two days, we’ll get up and head for my brother’s house which is about two hours from Nashville. It’s also his birthday and I think he’s planning to have a fish fry to celebrate, welcome us and have other family guests. I’m looking forward to that and to introducing my Washington family to my Tennessee family. It’s going to be so much fun; I can hardly wait.

We don’t have the following days all planned out, but on one of them we’ll drive to Haleyville Alabama (for Haley, of course) and to Mussels Shoals, the home of the oldest, and still operating, recording studio in the state. Haley and Tyler also want to go fishing and I think my brother, Ricky, is going to oblige them. Heck, all they really need to do is walk down his hill and stand on the bank of the Tennessee River and toss in a line. I don’t know if that really would work, but not being a fisherwoman, I don’t know.

Memphis was also on our list of go-to places, but I think we’ve decided to give it a miss. The cheapest tour of Graceland (why we were going to go) is almost $100 and you don’t get to see much. We could drive in to Memphis (another two hours) and just walk about the grounds which are quite lovely I’m told, but according to the Tennessee natives, Memphis is not a very safe city.

Still, there’s lots of stuff we can see and visit with Ricky’s house as our home base. Shiloh National Military Park is just minutes away and I found it very interesting on my first visit. Plus, Savannah Tennessee is just on the other side of the river and has lots of things to do, i.e., the Tennessee River Museum, Historic District, whiskey tasting, a Civil War History Tour, and who knows what else. I know the whiskey tasting will be top of the list…most likely.

AJ’s wife, Angie, couldn’t join us because school is in session. And Kuma, well, Kuma gets a vacation as well at Roscoe’s Ranch in Maltby. He spent last Sunday night there as a test and he did very well. The person who dealt with him on Monday indicated he was a “Goofball.” Since Haley’s worked there for years, I know Kuma will be in good hands while his “Mommy” is gone, but I’ll still miss him, I’m sure.

Once I return home, it will be time to begin putting the garden to bed for the winter. Because of all my health problems for what seems like the entire year, lots of work I would have normally done didn’t get done. But I plan to get it done this fall so that come spring, it will rejuvenate in a much better way than it did this past year. I’m even thinking about purchasing some new lily bulbs. I’ve saved the catalogs and know I have to place my order by November 1^st. I guess how much I spend on lilies will depend on how much I spend in Tennessee.

My return will also include having Xander most every weekend until we complete his Halloween costume. He wants to learn to sew and we’ve begun. We bought the material, washed and dried it and cut out the pants. We did a bit of sewing on the pants and Xander is getting more comfortable with the machine each time he uses it. I’m going to have to cut out the jacket before I leave town mainly because the pattern is much more difficult than I expected. It’s been a long time since I’ve made anything using a pattern. Most of my sewing has been simply mending, so I hope my teaching Xander allows him to learn. 

So, as you can see, the remainder of September and October are pretty much on the books. There’s going to be no time for sickness, doctor visits, urgent care visits or feeling down for absolutely no reason at all. I think I’ll print out this blog and put the copy beside my bed. Me, myself and I will read it each night and remind ourselves that life is good, life is busy, life is exciting, life is fun, life brings new experiences each and every day, in one way or another. How’s that for a pep talk…I think me, myself and I rather like it…a lot.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 

          Fifty-eight years ago this evening, John and I became husband and wife. He’s not here to celebrate with me and I miss his presence deeply on this particular day. It is a number we would have celebrated together with cards, dinner, drinks and physical afffection.

          Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of his passing. I had told him that day it was okay to move ahead and go beyond to join my father and those he loved who went before. Our son, AJ, did a masterful job of remembering and celebrating his father and his family and I was touched and pleased that he wanted me to publish it on Facebook.

          I remember being so young and so in love that the thought, the very idea of days like yesterday and today weren’t even on my personal horizon. I’m still amazed at how quickly all those years passed. It doesn’t seem all that long ago the two of us were just beginning our journey together. Looking back, it’s true we had our difficult times, but the good times, the good memories far outweigh any negativity that visited and that negativity was always on a temporary basis.

          Just yesterday our granddaughter, Haley, asked me for some examples of her Pa’s handwriting. I thought perhaps she was going to weld me a sign that said, “I love you, John,” but no, she wants to have a tattoo on her body with her Pa’s name. In the process of looking for a good example, I pulled out of the closet the three big shoeboxes of cards we gave each other, our sons and the cards our sons, granddaughter and friends gave us.

          I spent yesterday afternoon on a trip down memory lane. My dining room table is currently a big mess that spills over onto the kitchen counter. I decided as I went through all those cards that I would return to our children and grandchildren the cards they bestowed over all those years. And, in the process, I found a few gems I thought had already been passed on. To AJ will go the pictograph letters his dad sent him from Naknek Alaska in 1977. To Thor will go the teapot shaped card he gave me with a Stash Peppermint Herb Teabag still in its wrapper with a little rhyme that says, "...I'll try my best in every way, but when you get upset with me, relax and have a pot of tea. 

          In all these cards I also found ones that friends had given both John and I. In some cases, I am thinking about putting them in an envelope and returning them with a thank you for the love and affection provided when the card was given, but also the love and affection and great memories they provided this, the second time. I wonder if those recipients will be pleased with this gift.

          It is my hope our children, grandchildren and friends will enjoy looking at these pieces from our pasts. I hope it reminds them of the love we held/hold for each other. My journey yesterday brought some tears, but more than anything else, a tremendous feeling of being surrounded by love throughout our entire pasts right up through the typing of this blog.

HEART HEALTH UPDATE

 

          For more than a week now, I’ve been trying to write a post about how I’m doing after my heart attack and stent placement. I want to be informative as well as amusing; however, my funny bone seems to have been affected in some way and refuses to find humor in much of anything these days…very annoying, not to mention depressing.

Anyway, as of this afternoon, it has been three weeks since the doctors placed six stents in my cardiac arteries. I’m still amazed by what they did, the fact they needed to do it, and how much better I think I’m feeling as a result. The miracle of modern medicine undoubtedly saved my life.

          As for how I’ve been doing and am doing currently, I still feel very tired and could probably take a nap every afternoon, but rarely do. Of course, if I lay down to read my book, then the next thing I know, I’m waking up and the I-pad is on my chest. I’m assuming it’s just my body adjusting to blood coursing through all my veins and arteries the way it’s supposed to.

I’m also fighting off depression, i.e., how can I possibly be depressed when I’m alive and better off than before stents (BS). Doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, although some articles I’ve read seem to indicate becoming depressed can be considered normal. Part of the depression may be not having a normal schedule as I did before all this happened. That will change Friday when I return to my fitness class. I don't have to wait six weeks to exercise after all...good news. That means I’ll see people three days a week rather than just now and then. I’m sure that will assist with lifting the depression…I do miss my friends and my schedule.

To keep myself busy, I’ve been working around the house and in the garden. I did become a bit concerned during the weed wars when my heart rate got up into the 120s. I felt just fine, but thought I should check it out on the internet. Turns out my optimum heart rate with exercise is 137 beats per minute, so I had more than a few beats to spare. That’s good news, or at least I think so.

          The week after the procedure, I saw the cardiologist as well as another doctor from my personal doctor’s team. It certainly seemed like overkill to me, but the general MD did order blood and urine tests which the cardio MD did not. I also received a covid booster. I would have gotten the flu shot as well, but it won’t be available until fall. Now, the good Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise, I don’t have to go back until October.

          I’ve also been talking to my cardiology nurse once a week about how I’m doing and how to go about changing my lifelong habits so they are more heart healthy. I must admit I haven’t been doing a very good job, i.e., last week I had two (2) bacon cheeseburgers, onion rings and two (2) small milkshakes, not to mention a restaurant breakfast. Add to that the fact I only walked two (2) days during the week and there are no gold stars next to my name. On the other hand, I did purchase a heart healthy cookbook for one, and except for those two BAD days, I’ve paid close attention to my diet…I was paying attention those two days too, but OMG, every single bite was absolutely yummy.

           Lastly, there’s my brain function. I’m beginning to wonder if some of the plaque in my arteries got loose during the procedure and has taken up residence in my head. Or, I suppose it could be due to being tired, but I find myself searching for words when talking or thinking. Eventually what I’m looking for churns its way to the surface, but I sure hate the wait and sometimes the wait is so long, the conversation has moved on to another topic. Did these spells last this long BS or does it just seem that way because of my experience and my search for changes?

          I also have a new mattress which arrived yesterday. It came all rolled up and the delivery guy carried it in on one shoulder. I was amazed how it EXPANDED once they took off the plastic wrap. He told me it would take 24-48 hours for it to fully expand, so Kuma and I alternated between the twin bed and the couch all night…I’m tired today and figure we’ll sleep like logs tonight. I decided on getting a new mattress because there was no back pain when I got up in the hospital, but it returned big time the first night home. I have high hopes this new mattress will alleviate any further suffering…I’m way more than ready.

          So, there you go. This is how I’m doing three weeks out. I wish I could have posted more amusing information, but like I said, my funny bone refuses to cooperate. I’ve great hopes that once I’m working hard at being fit, it will wake up and rise to any challenge I…or anyone else…might present.

MY REFURBISHED HEART

   

       Those of you who read my blog are aware of my June diagnosis of Stable Angina. What you don’t know is the fact it developed into Unstable Angina. I began to keep track of the episodes on June 27^th. By the end of the day July 8^th, I had had a total of twenty-six episodes and the last six had occurred on that very day. Was I concerned? Sort of, but if I took a nitroglycerin tablet and breathed, the episode went away within five minutes or so.

          On July 9^th, I had my scheduled phone call with the cardiology nurse. This is the program I joined to improve my heart health. I had sent her the table of my episodes sans the last day, i.e., July 8^th. We didn’t do the scheduled program after we talked about the table and the previous day’s six episodes. She said she wanted to talk to my cardiologist and would get back to me.

          The cardiologist called me a few hours later, the end result of which was for me to go to Swedish Cherry Hill Emergency and be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible. She planned to have an angioplasty performed the following day. I wasn’t prepared for this, i.e., Xander was spending the night, so his dad had to come get him. AJ needed to come get me and take me to the hospital. Haley had to come stay at my house for the night with Kuma.

          After a small glitch regarding my admission (the orders couldn’t be found initially), the paperwork was completed and I was in a room hooked up to all the machines as I had been the beginning of June. In the ER, however, I was told the cardiac enzymes indicated I had had a small heart attack…how about that!!! Let me add here that I had had no episodes at all on Tuesday, having made sure I moved slowly all day. The heart attack must have happened on Monday but none of the six episodes, or any of the episodes really, seemed like my idea of a heart attack. Once I was settled in, AJ went home.

          After a not so restful night (they kept coming in to check this and that), a woman showed up early and performed an echocardiogram. She told me she couldn’t tell me anything because the doctor had to read the results. Seriously, how does she know what to look for and document if she cannot read what she’s seeing on the screen???

          Nurses were in and out and a total of three doctors came in to see me. The first one was Dr. Brown and he was the most important since he would be the one doing the angioplasty. A variety of times for the procedure were given but finally, a nurse came in and hauled me off to the operating room. I thought I was totally aware during the entire procedure; however, I was totally wrong.

          As it turned out, I was extremely fortunate I didn’t have a huge heart attack and fall over dead. I did, however, have a Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Dr. Brown installed six, that’s SIX, stents in my heart. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed on my left anterior descending coronary artery and two stents were placed. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed on my circumflex coronary artery and two stents placed. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed on my left main coronary artery and two stents installed.  There’s a lot more verbiage in Dr. Brown’s report; however, this is what was accomplished.

          Dr. Brown’s report was completed with the following, “This was a complex procedure due to bifurcation disease, calcification. Additional work required beyond usual steps included serial balloon dilations, T-stenting left main bifurcation. Usual time for this procedure is 30 min and this took 70 min.” I guess you could say I was one lucky individual to have survived long enough to have the procedure(s).

          My chest hurt when I was returned to my room. The nurse gave me a Percocet and I pretty much slept/dozed until the following day except for the multiple times nurses came in to check a wide variety of physical responses. Eventually, discharge orders were written and AJ came to pick me up and take me home.

          My orders at this point in time is to remain calm and rest for about the next week. I’m also to not do anything that requires great physical exertion for six weeks. I am to take up walking on a daily basis but not to the extent I am exerting myself. Of the three new prescriptions given in June, one has been deleted and two new ones added. I have two cardiology appointments next week and one at the end of the month.

          Let me tell you how absolutely amazed I am by all of this. I am also extremely amazed I’m still alive. I was a walking heart attack just waiting to happen. AJ, Thor and other family and friends could be planning my memorial service today instead of just checking in to make sure I’m doing okay and don’t need anything. Seriously, how could my coronary arteries become so bad while my body continued to move about as though there were nothing wrong…my heart rate got up to 124 beats/minute exactly one week before the myocardial infarction.

          In any case, I guess I’ve been given a new lease on life, or at least will be after the next six weeks. I’m not exactly sure what that means at this point in time, but I’m sure those six weeks will give me the time I need to reflect and plan for the future. I’m also extremely grateful for the staff at Swedish Cherry Hill and Dr. Brown and his crew for saving my life. I’m also extremely grateful for my family and friends who rallied round to take care of stuff when I couldn’t and who will continue to monitor my well-being.

          I think you could say I’m one enormously lucky woman.