OR….
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY HELPED TO PUT MY TROUBLES BEHIND ME
It may sound crass, I know
To have pain in one’s derriere;
But after many years of it
My life filled with despair.
It’s embarrassing in nature
Thus it’s difficult to share.
My doctor and I went on a search
To find someone to care.
I knew there was an answer
In the vast medical field
As I longed with all my heart
To have my sitter healed.
“Please, get me some help,” said I
As she searched her books for a pill
Then frustrated, we both decided
On the physical therapy skill.
I knew one of our physical therapists
He had come to my rescue before
For yet another problem
As I have health issues, galore.
On arriving he re-evaluated me
By poking and prodding my back
And with his skills and training said,
“You have an inflamed sacroiliac.”
He hauled out all the tools of his trade;
Heat, cold and machines that tweak the nerves
And I did so many exercises
I was sure I’d lose my curves.
Thanks to all they taught me
Their skills and friendly staff,
I can often go for days
With a friendly rearward aft.
I hope this very personal poem explains to all of you what an important role physical therapy plays in my life. I wrote it for my physical therapist several years ago and he still refers to it when I see him, from time to time.
I know movement is always considered the enemy for many of us who suffer any chronic pain or disease which involves our joints, our nerves or just making it through life on two feet. Sitting down, lying down or being suspended in air sounds very attractive. I get that. If only… But alas the demands of life call out to us as the refrigerator grows empty or moldy, the laundry piles up in a menacing fashion and our financial needs continue to press us on. We realize life goes on and we must keep up if we are also going to “go on.” There are days I don’t believe it is possible to survive this misery, but night falls and the next morning arrives full of responsibilities, possibilities and surprises. The new day shows no respect or concern as to whether you or I have slept or not. The life it represents for many of us is demanding and often appears impossible.
This is when; once again free choice enters our lives. We have decisions to make, goals to set or ignore and attitudes to adjust. Of course, we could sit and “slide” but then our life is leading us around instead of us living it. It feels terribly depressing to do nothing. It embodies a loss of control over all that is important and of value to each of us. It’s easy enough to do nothing…you just sit, lie down or turn on the TV and flop down. Do I have days like that? I certainly do but always try to remind myself not to let one day turn into two or more. I usually get restless, even on the most painful days and must accomplish something, however small it may be. I do it for the reward of accomplishment more than the material result, although it is gratifying to water a thirsty plant, sweep a gritty floor or wash a load of laundry.
Physical therapy has brought a new dimension to my life and its possibilities. Has it cured me? No, but it does often make it possible. I’m often satisfied with just accomplishing the possible because of the hope it has brought to the once, impossible. Endorphins, success through increments of movement, looking better and feeling better are all rewards of physical therapy, daily stretches or mild exercise. Laughter also releases endorphins when you share a very corny joke with a small child, watch a puppy romping or a kitty stalking you from behind a chair.
There is definitely a depressive nature that is exemplified by not trying. We show our love of self, this shell we cart around with us called our body by struggling to make it work for us. We must, at the very least, try.
Another benefit of movement is the strengthening which inadvertently keeps us safer and more ready to handle what life brings. We aren’t out to set any land speed records. We are in contest only with ourselves but it is a contest we must win. Ready, set, go!
Weekly Dose of Sue 
I’m with you on the moving. I try to get to my Silver Sneakers classes 5 days a week. Sometimes I can’t do much, but I do try. One of the truest statements I know is “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. Trouble is i Just found out even if you do use it you can still lose it. I now have neuropathy in my feet and legs. It’s a little scarey, but still keep moving, just be careful not to fall. Sue,You always make it easier to keep going. Thank you. Actually compared to the others on here I have been amazingly lucky. My problems all have come with old age. I can’t imagine living with this stuff while still young. My prayers and positive thoughts go out to all of you. Love, Janet
JANET,
KEEP GOING LOVE, MY LEGS SUDDENLY JUST DISAPPEAR UNDER ME AT TIMES, AND I CAN’T WEAR NORMAL SHOES BECAUSE OF THE SAME STUFF AS YOU HAVE, SO I HAVE TO GO FROM SPONGY SANDALS STRAIGHT INTO SPONGY CLOGS AS I CAN’T ENCASE MY FEET IN ANYTHING ELSE, SOMETIMES I LOO LIKE A DUTCH REJECT….HA HA!!!!
Thanks Jennie. I was just surprised by it. I thought if I kept the diabetes under control, exercised and lifted weights it wouldn’t happen, turned out I was just fooling myself. I probably delayed it by a few years, but didn’t stop it. As I have said many times the people I have met on this blog give me the incentive to keep on battling. By the way I find it great that I have a Yorkshire friend who lives in France, yet I live 10 miles from the nearest town in the middle of North Central Texas. isn’t the internet wonderful?
Janet, I love your attitude. I also admire you for pushing yourself. It’s true the percentages of falling go up with nerve involvement, or in my case bad knees and deteriorating ankles..to say nothing of the pain of the neurological problem you go through. That’s all the more reason to keep our “working parts”, working. I found the large balance ball you blow up and sit on really helps with balance. I just sit there and alternate lifting legs and even that is difficult most days. The down side to those balls is that they take up so much room.
I agree with you it is wonderful getting to know others in other countries like Jennie, Chris and Brenda plus a few Australians on FB. We’re all sisters in our experiences. Love you, Sue
I know I should but exercise is a Four Letter word in my head…
Ruby, You know there are a lot of wonderful four letter words like, LIFE, LOVE & MOVE. Freedom of choice, like I said. Fondly, Sue
OH I LOVE THAT, YES SOME FOUR LETTER WORDS FIT THE BILL, HOW ABOUT “TRIED” COME ON YOU CAN DO IT, NOTHING COMES EASY, WHOOPS THERE’S ANOTHER ONE. ONLY DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, NO MATTER HOW LITTLE, BUT IT WILL BE A START……GOOD LUCK, THERE ARE TWO MORE. X
What a wonderful way to start the day ! A new BLOG. Wonderful poem and sage advice. Exercise is a wonderful thing, but seems I get going good and then am unable to continue for a week or so, then try again !
Janet, good to hear from you. Ruby, I know, gotta reprogram that head. You probably are getting more exercise than you realize just doing everyday chores. I know I do.
Well, gotta get going. Off to a ladies day program at one of our churches. I promised Carol I would go with her. Much rather snuggle under this cover as it is severely cool this am !!
Have a wonderful day all
Love
Tonie
Tonie dear, so you’re off to be a girl. At least you won’t be digging, hauling, chasing chickens, etc. Enjoy today. I saw your comment on last blog about pain in your left arm. I know the first thought we usually have is “heart” but down in the elbow space, maybe muscle? I also have moved to the other arm for blood draws because I used my left for years and it was hardening the veins and sometimes itching. Aren’t you right handed? Keep an eye on it, okay?
You know i agree with the thoughts about your disability getting turned down. Virginia must be broke; you need a new attorney who is a bit more hungry and definitely a new doctor.
Sorry to hear it’s getting so cold already. Cooler here also, with some early morning fog. Painters, only two, working today. I’m weary of talking about all that is wrong around here. Know the house and road will eventually be okay. As far as my compression fracture, makes me light headed when I try to do something. Irritating and I also can’t poop. The body is a delicate and frustrating thing. Must go see the rheumy but right now can’t travel two hours one way. WIll make appt. very soon..plan to have the pain pass. Thinking of you always…Sue
Good blog again Sue…but every time I exercise I hurt some other bits.strangely I seem to always get cramps in my tum a few days after! However I always try and accomplish something for the day,which keeps me in front of everything
Well like Tonie said ….I praps get enough doing housework and gardening
Hi Tonie ..left messages on last weeks blog
Sun coming out now its nearly 2pm gives gales here tomorrow
Hope all have a good w.end
Chris
Chris, it could be that you need some mild exercises to strengthen your stomach muscles…I know I do. I just do a mild knees up and together then lift my legs from the knees down, one at a time. Easy at first, only a few, and it really helps. Oh dear, it sounds like winter is blowing in on you and Jennie both. I agree with Tonie we all get exercise with housework, etc. but many of us need specific exercises for specific problems.
Hope your Dad is coming along and can get his nose fracture fixed soon..poor sore fellow.
The clock still clicks here with the painting, road work off today so it’s quiet and I’m making myself rest and getting very bored. Not sleeping well due to the pain. George, great laugh relief. Love…Sue
Hey Chris:
Saw your message. It is muscle cramps in the elbow, Boy does it hurt. I just wonder why I get them. We had our church picnic today at the river, so beautiful there. So foggy and silent when I got there arounf 8:30, sat and drank my coffee and read my book. Walked about a mile and caused my hip and back to act up. On the way home Judy and I stopped at a lady’s home to see her horses. I am so envious of someone like that with a big barn and lots of horses. Love horses, the smell and beauty. I just cried on the way home feeling sorry for myself cause I can’t have what I want. It ain’t what I want but what I need. But, shake it off and get one with it.
HELLO FOLKS,
I DID ENJOY THAT BLOG SUE, AS SOMEONE WHO EXERCISES ALL THE TIME, AND I AM NOT BEING SMUG HERE, COZ IF YOU SAW ME DRAGGING MY SORRY CARCASS INTO MY SELF STYLED GYM……WELL PERHAPS NOT, THE SIGHT WOULD PUT OFF EACH OF YOU. BUT IT IS TRUE, EVEN IF ALL YOU MOVE IS ONE PART OF YOUR BODY FOR FIVE MINUTES, IT MAKE YOU FEEL ALL IS NOT LOST. I TOO HAVE MANY PROBLEMS, BUT I WILL BE DAMNED IF I WILL LET IT GET THE BETTER OF ME IN THAT RESPECT…….SO YES A BRILLIANT BLOG WITH LOTS TO THINK ABOUT. WE ALSO ARE HAVING GALES HERE TOMORROW CHRIS, GOT TO BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES, AND PITY THOSE RUNNING “THE GREAT NORTH RUN”
TONIE…..I TAKE FOR YOU TOO THE COLD WINDS HAVE ARRIVED, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT LEFT IN YOUR VEGGIE PLOT? WE ARE STILL PICKING FRUIT, YOU KNOW THE KIND I AM NOT ALLOWED TO EAT, SO I REFUSE TO CALL THEM BY NAME, ALSO ONIONS, TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI, AND A LATE CROP OF BEANS…OH YEAH AND APPLES. LOOKING AFTER LIZ’S PLACE AND HER CHUCKS NEXT MONTH SO THOSE CHUCKS BETTER LAY SOME EGGS, OR THERE WILL BE A FEW LESS WHEN SHE GETS HOME….KIDDING!!
HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND EVERYONE…….BY THE WAY I CAN’T SEEM TO PUT THIS BLOG INTO “MY FAVOURITES” ANYMORE, SO I CAN’T SAVE IT ANYWHERE….ANY SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED.
LOVE YOU ALL , …….JENNIE XXXX
Jennie, funny you see yourself that way. From here across the pond I see you buff, sexy and exercising while eating strawberries. (See I can say the dreaded word because I can’t eat them either, as you know.) I do still get the flavor in juice and jelly as well as most strawberry yogurt..so few seeds. It’s awful how all those tiny things in life can make one so miserable.
You’re going to have your life full with babysitting the neighbors chicks and garden..you are such a kind person. Hey, I say eggs aplenty sound good. I suspect she’ll count the chickens before she leaves. You can always blame the disappearance of a chick or two on a fox. Any fox in Normandy? How are Tim and Claire doing? Have they moved into the new house yet? Glad you are worrying less. Hope you’re feeling better as opposed to last week. I’m not but plan to very soon. Love you, Sue
HI SUE,
THE KIDS ARE DOING GREAT, AND I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THE PHONE WILL BE INSTALLED VERY SOON.
CLAIRE SENDS ME LINKS SO I CAN SEE WHAT THE COLOUR SCHEMES IN THE NEW HOUSE WILL BE, ALSO THE FIRE SURROUND AND THE WOOD THEY ARE USING ON THE FLOORS, SO DON’T FEEL ABANDONED LIKE BEFORE. HOW IS THE HOUSE COMING ALONG SUE, GOT A COMPLETION DATE YET OR IS THERE STILL A LONG WAY TO GO. NOT MISSING THOSE FREAKING STRAWBERRIES REALLY, ANYWAY THEY HAVE REACHED THEIR END NOW. JUST PICKED A MAS OF APPLES AND PEARS, AND IT REALLY IS AUTUMN HERE NOW, AS IT WILL BE FOR CHRIS……TAKE CARE MY DEAR FRIEND, ALL LOVE TO YOU AND THE FAMILY…JENNIE X
Jennie:
No more garden for me, dried up. Too much water and then the heat. Got apples to do here now. THink I will make some applesauce. You be good to them chucks.
Love ya
Jennie and Tonie, you and your gardens I envy greatly. Jen, so pleased to hear the kids house is progressing and you are able to be a part of it..much better for all concerned. Tonie, well, fall is here, right? Hope those chicks are behaving…all except Sue. She must make me proud. Love to both of you…Sue
You are so right Sue. We all have to keep moving to be able to keep going. Janet I totally understand the four letter word but as Tonie said you probably move more than you think by doing your chores. I know I count that in for exercise. I also have a puppy (Old English dog 8 months old) so I need to bring her for walks 2 or 3 times a day. Some days as we are walking I am crying because of the pain but I need to move or else it makes it that much harder to get up off the couch. I’m not talking fast here, maybe at a snail’s pace would be a better description of my walks. We live in the country so Molly is able to run around as I slowly make my way. Of course as Sue said I do have days where I can barely move and just lie on the couch. So Molly has to go outside in her pen which is huge, to play and run by herself. I will not let this pain get the better of me!!
Oh Jennie you make me laugh with your comments. “I refuse to call them by name” LOL. We have a garden also, still have lots of tomatoes, corn on the cob which I will be blanching and freezing today and a few zucchini and peppers left. Still lots to do but I am slowly getting through the garden. I keep telling myself soon the snow will come and I’ll be stuck in doors, so I’ll enjoy it now while I can.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! God bless. Suzanne XXX
Suzanne, I thought you must have requested to be happy 59. I also don’t know how it happened. I wish the pic of your dear pup was larger…so cute. Now i won’t be jealous that you said Molly runs around on her own. I thought you had already trained her on a leash. George is far from trained…and he seems proud of it. You are such a great addition to this group because you are so positive under difficult circumstances. It takes great effort to do that. Your garden sounds so good. I don’t think we had one ear of decent corn this year. By the time our markets get it up here in N. Oregon it is all mildewy..I just go around the produce department sniffing the vegies. We do have wonderful apples being across the river from WA state. Take care and I do pray that good med. care comes soon. GS is here for the night so looks like we’ll have a STAR WARS evening.
Oh my dear no, Molly is a stubborn pup and has so much energy I would be sad to have her on a leash and make her walk at my pace. Besides I’m blessed cause Canada owns the piece of land bordering our land, it is a foresty. So I can go for peaceful walks everyday and there is always something new to discover. Here where I live in the country there is only one road and very curvy, so many people have died in the past few years because of idiots who drive like the wind. Feels like getting on the Indy 500??? when I do take my car to go do groceries.
Oh you must have delicious apples – yum! I do love eating an apple especially with extra old cheddar cheese.
I have two apples trees with very few apples this year, but that’s okay cause I can’t roll out the dough to make apple pies as I once could. Guess it will be apple crisp this year.
It’s hard not to be positive on this site, all the people here are so friendly and also give great advice. I’m thrilled to be on board with all of you.
God bless each and every one of you!
Suzanne
HEY 59,
GLAD I CAN MAKE YOU LAUGH A BIT, WE ALL NEED PLENTY OF THAT IF WE ARE TO BEAR THE THINGS WE DO. SOUNDS LIKE US, YOU ALSO ARE BUSY HARVESTING YOUR PRODUCE. THE FRUIT WHICH SHALL BE NAMELESS HAS HAD TO BE BANNED FROM MY DIET FOR MEDICAL REASONS, GOT TONS OF THE BLOODY THING DOWN IN THE CELLAR IN THE FREEZER, WAS GOING TO MAKE ICECREAM WITH THEM, BUT THE SPAZZY DOCTOR PUT THE KYBOSH ON THAT……AH WELL AS WE SAY IN’T NORTH “SHIT HAPPENS”…HAVE A LOVELY DAY, NICE TALKING WITH YOU. X
You’re right laughter is good for the soul! Can you not give away the nameless fruit (LOL) I think it would drive me nutsO to have to see them everyday. Yah, we say that too around here. ‘ SHIT HAPPENS” that is for sure and for certain.
Have a great Monday Suzanne XXX
Suzanne, I also love extra sharp cheese on top of hot apple pie..yum. Now I’ll be craving one. We have the best Tillamook brand cheese made here on the coast. Yes, our apples, especially from just across the river in WA state are at their best in the Fall. So many new types…every year. Your road does sound treacherous. So often the view around those curves are so over grown. Do watch out for you and dear Molly. Sue
Now I’m happy 59 what happened to Suzanne? Oh well c’est la vie. XXX
Hello, everyone! Sue, kudos to you turning this one out with so much going on in your life and body right now. I’m another firm believer in doing what we can with what we have so we can do what we want longer. 😉 I always feel better when I’m eating well and in better shape. Yes, I do indulge and can’t always get the exercise in, but as soon as I can, it’s right back on the horse – so to speak. I don’t think I’ll be on a real horse any time soon. A cold front has hit us here. A day or so ago it was so hot that it literally felt like 100 degrees outside. Right now it’s 61 degrees outside! We are to be around 70 the next several days. It’s been such a crazy past few months temperature-wise here and elsewhere. Well, folks, it is time for me to get some of that exercise in the form of household chores. Have a great weekend everyone!
Lyn, You’re correct. Exercises come in all shapes and times of day. Sometimes we can even work it in while we do something..like counting when we scrub something, etc. I think a lot of people think they shouldn’t move because it hurts and for many years, doctors also taught that but it has changed now and I’m glad. I think many arthritis patients will live longer and lead more productive lives. Hope all is well with the kids and DH. Our GS is coming over to spend the night. He’s an easy sleepover..no trouble at all. It does him good to get away from his little sister sometimes and he’s been a bit bummed because he’s spending so much time at school and not at Nana’s and Papa’s. Sorry to hear winter is arriving there. May get a few warmer times yet, though. I like this time of year but don’t care for the cold. Guess I keep anticipating the holidays. Already bought a few Xmas gifts and stashed them away. Since I rarely shop anywhere but online, it’s easy. Maybe, it’s too easy. House is shaping up guys working 7 sevens a week trying to beat the onset of fall. Love you dear girl, Sue
LYN……HI THERE, HAVEN’T SPOKEN TO YOU IN AGES, HOW NICE TO SEE YOU ON HERE AGAIN, UNLESS OF COURSE YOU HAVE BEEN THERE ALL THE TIME DURING THE TIMES I COULDN’T GET ON HERE. SO YOU ARE ALSO HAVING STRANGE WEATHER? ITS SEEMS WHEREVER WE ARE SCATTERED OVER THE WORLD, THAT IS THE SAME STORY EVERYONE IS SAYING, NOWT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT, KEEP WELL MY FRIEND…LOVE JENNIE X
Hi, Jennie! I’m here. I’ve been reading just not always chiming in. 😉
Lyn, I saw an exercise machine that simulates riding a horse ! I would like to use it and build all my mucles up in anticipation of riding again !!
Tonie, I would pay good money to see that x
To me, such a machine would be comparable to being on the “rack.” Different strokes for different folks. Reminds me of the jokes we used to make as kids about the razor blade banisters….Sue
Oh, dear, Tonie, please do so with extreme caution! I know you’d love to ride again, though.
Sue-
This post about your BUM rings ever so close to home! Lets face it–when you fall out of a tree from 12 feet up in the air, thereby being BLESSED the ANGELS were around–landing on my BUTT certainly HURT—THROBBED—but I ignored all the Pain and kept moving with life…
My BUTT stayed with me–giving me a daily reminder of my actions—and finally PAIN arrived and I was desperate to find RELIEF…. Fast forward–the lovely two year Doctor search (MS, Hip replacements needed, You are Crazy) that last one was NOT easy to take but I never gave up and finally found a Doctor to help me. Not all injuries to the body can be repaired in a quick manner–but I tried and pushed my Doctor constantly. I learned everything possible about Piriformus Injuries, and then got my real introduction to SCAR TISSUE!!! Ah–thats a tough one to rub away–but with stretching, walking, pool therapy~~~I did have moments of true Relief.
Now almost 18 years later—it feels like too many problems cropped up way to fast~~~ Herniated Disc in Neck, Degenerative Disc Disease in Back–and my lovely BUTT burn!!! I am trying some Physical Therapy again and at my first appointment~~~ Got a Reminder of the importance of Always being Thankful for what I do have—I was doing some Gentle stretches and watched a man really working hard–so I asked him “What did you mess up–you know,why are you here?” He paused and said, “Oh I had a Stroke!” I had no words…. Just a silent prayer for this man. I tucked my BUTT under me and kept working. There will be up and down days—we each find our own way of managing.
Thanks Sue for sharing your BUMM story—amazing how many aching, burning BUMMS are out in the world… Martha Herden
Hi Martha
I too fell on my bum and fractured the sacrum.this was 24 years ago ,when it first happened it was so sore and for the first few years. But it improved and just plays up when I do anything, it swells up ….so I know what you feel.
Physio and exercises helped
Good to hear from you but not in this way but good anyway
Chris
Yes, Martha, bad as things may seem, there is always a reason to be thankful. Sometimes you have to look really hard… but it’s there, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
Hey Martha:
Glad to see you on here. But sorry for the reason. I fell on my butt once and cracked my tailbone. It hurts so much. I feel for you, and you are in my prayers.
Martha, indeed, you and I have chatted previously about your fall and I’m pleased you shared with all these wonderful fellow sufferers. I also had a fall a couple of years before my disease took over. I was at the hospital on duty and slipped on a wet, freshly mopped floor. Pulled some intercostal muscles as well as the SI joint and connecting tissues…Both have never been the same. You’re so correct. We do gain much wisdom and comfort when we keep our perspective by relating to others. This week’s blog, already written, pertains to that subject. The way all of us share with others is so enriching for each of us…the one who gives and the one who receives…Hope you are in as good a condition as possible right now. Indeed, the piriformis muscles are intriguing and do respond to the right kind of PT such as those designed by R. Don Tigny. Do take care dear girl. Fondly, Sue
Sue–Thank you for sharing with me about this lovely thing we call the BUMM!! If we open up and just listen to others as they share about their own personal battle–there is so much we can learn and without question–my days are always lifted when people are telling me to “hang in there–keep going”–simple words of caring that mean so Much. Let me also send a heart felt Thank you to Toni, Lyn, Jennie, Chris and Sue!! I will be keeping up with this wonderful blog you are sharing with the world. Way to go! Martha
MARTHA…..GREAT POST, THANK YOU…….JENNIE X
Hi all, as many of you may have noticed, I accidently posted as Teddi Bear the first time because my entry was through facebook and Teddi’s was the one opened at the time. I decided I should post again as NAN Brenda and I signed into WordPress and opened an account and attempted to use it, only to be told my password was wrong! For the past two weeks I have been told that I couldn’t make a new account in my name and because I already had one … but my password was wrong, but they couldn’t find it!!!!! So today I got a new email address and called myself Pommum so you would know it was me … they wouldn’t let me be Nana Brenda anymore because there already was a Nana Brenda (me), and even just Brenda was not allowed!!!!
Sue, just loved your poem and I hope our back is feeling better. I have multiple fractures in my lumbar spine so I know how you feel! I have been raking in a bush area at the cottage and I think that is really good for my shoulder replacement, but eventually my back spasms starts and I know I must lie down, but I still enjoy raking! I can see the water and the squirrels and chipmunks! The part of the lot that I was cleaning up today has large trees and has never been raked before, so the brush and leaves had been there since God made our little island … but next time I must remember my wrist splints and I’m sure glad my rheumy wasn’t around, lol! Last fall a neighbour with a Kubota removed a lot of dead brush, so we will have a fire once the water level drops and can safely use the lake bottom that will no longer be under water. The water level of our lake is controlled by a dam and is lowered in the fall as they prepare to make the skating rink (the longest in the world) on the canal in Ottawa, many, many miles away, but we are connected by rivers and another lake.
We were at home last week because there were a few wrinkles to be ironed out concerning GS’s transportation to JK, so we were on call if he wasn’t picked up in time from Daycare in the morning and school at noon, but finally on Friday they got it right … and he LOVES school!!! His parent’s were telling us he refused each morning to put on a t-shirt, it had to be a shirt with buttons or a golf shirt! Next year they hope to move him out of his special class and into the new school close to where he lives, and Grandolly will also be in SK at that school, and In two more years his sister and the other Grandolly will be starting school there together which is amazing as we live in a large city … and eventually all five will be there! We spoke with the Dad of the new babe tonight and were told that he has slept very little in the past two days, and Daddy sounded very tired! The little guy gained over three pounds in a couple of weeks since his last doctor’s appointment and his Momma said he is hungry all the time, but the doctor told them he is a thriving, healthy boy!
Well guess I had better get some sleep myself, but now with my new pass word I will try to keep caught up!
Love and Hugs … Nana Brenda
pommom, Nana Brenda, and all things good..I am so sorry for the “trip” you had getting here…I don’t know when this was posted, I only see when it was written. Since I hear from you on FB I was not terribly worried, just assumed you were extremely busy…And you have been, amidst so many other things. Oh, the cottage is really coming along.It’s wonderful to picture you and DH there on the lake and making so much progress. I loved the image of you out in the medieval forest..beautiful. That sort of experience really puts us in touch with life, God and our history, doesn’t it?
Good to hear about your beautiful grands, as ever. So pleased to hear Connor is settling in. So, you’ve been overdoing a bit? How do we impaired folks live life without doing that? We don’t, so rally on dear girl. I’ll post on this weeks blog so everyone can find your entry here and do love you. Sue
You see, screwed it up by calling you pommom, when it is really pommum. Hopefully between all of and WordPress we’ll get it right. Sue
Hey Nana B !!
Glad to see you on here again, was wondering what was up with you. SO happy GS is liking school. He will start to perk up now. I bet granddolly is gonna give em a rough way to go when she goes ! Your cottage always sound so cozy and nice. And I know how pretty it is from the pictures you posted. All them grands in such a short time 🙂 Babies everywhere !!
Hi Suzanne
Hope you got my reply on the last blog
I put to have replies emailed to me but they don’t come.only got yours by looking thru the recent comments column at bottom
Chris
Chris, we’re trying to get that feature fixed..mine isn’t working either. How’s life right now for all of your family? Love, Sue
Hello Everyone! 🙂 Sue! So happy you have a perfect blogging place and home for everyone to visit! Have missed you all and glad to see you! Will catch up and write more later on– for now, its Happy Monday at work! Love, Theresa
Hey all:
Must be quiet day today. 🙂 I got a lot accomplished and am getting ready to take a shower and bathe the dogs. The bed is freshly laundered, even aired out my featherbed. Mowed the yard and let the chickens out. Chickie Sue is MIA, I have no idea where that chicken is at !! All the other came home (after pulling all the mulch out of the beds around my deck) and are safely in their pen. I have looked high and low and called and called, but no sight of her. So ends another adventurous day at eh Dalton Farm. Hope you all had a pleasant day.
Love
Tonie
Hi Tonie
You being busy again
How’s the aches ?!
I know..it’s just get on with it innit? No choice but do it…
But it does all sound idyllic where you are , is that wood burner of yours all ready for winter..how’s that boiler?
We took out GS out today and he’s seems to be interested in motor maintenance ,well always into car racing and all laddish things.so maybe he will take that up.. There are courses at college……but while we were out he went and got a cute teddy bear for his mum..I was so pleased. she would be so happy i know…its just those thoughtful things that get to you
How’s your GS ..hope all is sorted….
Hope you ok
Chris
Tonie, All I can say is Chickie Sue….YOU GO GIRL! Your sister Sue
TONIE…….HAVE YOU FOUND THE CHUCK YET? GONE FOR A BIT OF “ME TIME” PERHAPS? SO BED DONE, DOGS DONE, YARD MOWED, WHAT THE HELL YOU GONNA DO NOW? I KNOW YOU COULD SAW SOME LOGS READY FOR THE COLD NIGHTS!!! SERIOUSLY, HOW ARE ALL THE ACHES AND PAINS? I SPOKE WITH MY MOM THIS MORNING, 90YRS OLD AND JUST STARTED MOANING ABOUT O/A IN HER WRISTS AND THUMBS, AND I KNOW THIS SOUNDS “OLD HAT” BUT SOMEONE SENT HER A GIFT FOR HER BIRTHDAY, A MAGNET BRACELET, MOST OF US HAVE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, BUT IT REALLY WORKED FOR HER, SHE IS PAIN FREE NOW……GOT TO GO, GONNA CHECK OUT AMAZON…LOVE YA X
Hey all:
Chickie Sue done came home around dark thirty last night. Have no idea where she had been nd still had to chase her into the pen. But at least she was okay. I guess I am going ot have to watch letting them out from now on. And yes, Jennie, she has to go and have ME time, she doesn’t stay with the others but goes on her own. Sometimes Sadie stays with her so I know they are together but she was gone completely. I think that is great your mum is no hurting now. It DOES work on some. I have a copper penny bracelet that helps me some.
Getting ready for winter gals. No not logs this year, going to burn gas and then not have to hurt my body more in the pursuit of heat !
Chris that is so sweet of your gs. A grease monkey huh ?? That is what we call mechanics. I love working on cars (the old type, no computers) It pays good these days. And always good to have a knowledgeable person in the family huh ?
Take care all, gotta go work today.
Love to all
Sue hope you are feeling better I sure did sleep good in my clean bed !!
TOnie
Martha
Look forward to you comming back
Sue
How’s it all coming on,hope you are ok
On the other blog I’ve asked for Suzanne’s email address if its ok to email me it,,as I haven’t had her email that was sent me
Tonie
Cars as well in your repertoire..you just keep on giving ..!!
See how it goes with GS,bit worried there really.
Well today…guess what….really exciting …huh….the drainage board is dragging the local river free and they are gonna contact DH to go and photo it when they are near the road…..can’t even read a book while I wait with the headache. You wouldn’t believe how long it takes by the time they talk about it as well!! Oh well it’s something different
Jennie catch up when we speak
Best to all. Chris
Hi everyone, I’m baaaaaack! My summer defies description- suffice it to say it’s been ummm, shall we say , adventurous? exhausting? downright crazy? all of the above??? The timeline goes something like this: June 28th-July2nd, moving across town, cleaning the old place, fender-bender on the wet highway ( I was not hurt but my car had front-end damage and a cracked winshield where the finial of my floor lamp flew forward and punched a hole in it.) July 4th weekend spent in Oklahoma with family/ girls’ day out road trip to the Pink Pistol in Tishomingo, OK with my sisters, sister-in-law and niece Brandy followed by all of us taking Mom out to dinner (she is looking so frail); posted pics on FB that some of you saw. Car in shop for a couple of weeks in Late July/early Aug to fix boo-boo’s as crack was rapidly expanding. July 16th I lost my beloved 16 year old Kitty Maxx after a stroke caused by acute renal failure. It was just horrible, and I still miss him fiercely. 2 weeks later, I nearly collapsed at work with fever and a weird episode which my doc thought was possibly a pulmonary embolus but turned out to be dehydration from antibiotic-related diarrhea and adrenal glands somewhere along the fatigue/suppression/insufficiency spectrum. Few days off work and a lot of tests. Went to SanAntonio in early Aug for great nephews 9th birthday, and I’m not sure what happened to the rest of August- I think I slept through most of it. Choir program at church with Anthony Evans leading on Aug 25th. Labor Day weekend found me still trying to get my apt unpacked, jury duty a couple weeks ago, & some crazy hormonal/chemical/mental/physical meltdown-ish kinds of things the last couple of weeks- weepy one day, raging psycho bee-yotch the next, zombie the day after that, and so on. More doctor visits, referrals, blah blah blah. Saw Gyno and primary doc last week- they are disagreeing as to what hormones (estrogen vs progesterone) I should be on. I decided to go with the Gyno’s Rx even though my primary doc was also trained in OB, because the stuff my primary had me on was obviously not helping my hot flashes or my mood, despite several dosage increases. Think I was not absorbing it due to IBS anyway… Got labs back that showed my estrogen level was way low (which my primary had tested as ok). Anyway, started on some estrogen gel and weaning off the progesterone and will see Gyno again in 3 months. Have referral to endocrinologist for the adrenal stuff and possible thyroid isues but the appt is not til Nov 21st. Have asked to be placed on cancellation list for earlier appt if possible, and wondering if I casually drop the phrase “homicidal maniac” into the conversation if there might suddenly be a previously overlooked opening! Today (Tuesday) was the first good day I’ve had in several weeks. Actually felt human, (mostly) sane, and enjoyed some time this afternoon playing with my little patients at work instead of functioning in “Robo-Nurse” mode. Last Thurs I went to the chiropractor for the first time in nearly 2 months (work schedule doesn’t jive too well with his office hours). It hurt so bad when he adjusted me that I laid on ice and cried most of the night. My thoracic spine felt like a bomb had exploded aroung T11/12, and my S-I joints were screaming “FIRE!!!” only there were no cute firemen coming to douse the flames! Lots of other chaos going on; and the icing on the cake- my car overheated in traffic, and since none of the oh-so-polite Dallas drivers would let me change lanes or pull over, what was originally just a busted radiator hose became a blown head gasket on my car. Not the kind of news you ever want to hear from a mechanic. Mucho expensive.
I’d say the highlight of my summer was my goddaughter/ adopted niece Isabel’s first birthday party! I made her a fancy birthday bib to wear for her cake-smashing debut, she is taking her first steps now, and gives Titi (auntie) Annie “besitos” (little kisses) on the cheek. (Her mother is the Puerto Rican speech therapist I work with who adopted me to be her auntie since they have no family here). Both grandmothers were here from P.R. for her birthday. Her party was held at a beautiful little park here in Irving but it was OH.SO.HOT! 106F that day. The theme was “La Placita de Isabel” or Isabels’s Market. There were tables with fruits and veggies in little baskets, a “paleteria” (sweetshop or bakery) table, tacqueria (taco stand), lemonade stand, and flower cart. They put little stakes in pots of dirt, like garden markers, with her picture from each month of her first year. When went through the line to get our plates, Isabel rung up our orders on her little toy cash register. It was so cute! I was kinda proud of myself- I was able to sing Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpleanos) with them and wrote my birthday card to her in Spanish. I am so blessed to see this precious little one every day at the dayschool where I am the nurse.
My mom is declining steadily with her Parkinson’s, diabetes, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, etc. One glance at her and I instantly feel as though I have not a trouble in the world. My niece Amanda had her second child Arabella Lynn, the end of July and my nephew Heath and his wife Alisha are expecting their first child, Lincoln, Oct 27th; so I will be a great auntie for the10th time (I have 18 nieces and nephews). My brother Mark’s new barn is finished (old one burned down last fall), my brother Alan spent seveal days in ICU with chest pain and arrhythmia/ suspected heart attack that turned out to be pleurisy, my great niece Charity got engaged, my niece Brandy went through an ugly divorce, and the rest as they say is history. I’ll try to keep up so my next post is not such an encyclopedia! Love to all, Princess Crabby Pants
Oh my goodness Annie! What a wild summer you have had, no wonder we haven’t heard from you. Here’s hoping your fall is better. At least it is finally cooling off to 90s, pretty soon it may actually be cool. Positive energy going out to you along with the usual prayers. Love having our Princess crabby pants back.
Take a breath, there, Princess Crabby Pants. We all must remember to b r e a t h e. 🙂 Glad you found your way back here and hope you soon make some serious progress on the health front. Blessings.
Well Annie, good to see you survived, and are BAACCCKK !! Take care and come on back sooner than later !
MY OH MY! I NEVER FAIL TO BE AMAZED, WHAT AT YOU MAY ASK! WELL I WILL TELL YOU. I ORDERED 4 RED CHENILE CUSHIONS FROM AMAZON UK, NO PROBLEM, ORDER WENT STRAIGHT THROUGH, ORDERED 2 CREAM ONES, “OH SORRY! WE CAN’T DELIVER TO FRANCE” WHAT THE HELL DIFFERENCE WHAT THE FREAKING COLOUR IS, THEY WERE MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME COMPANY.
OH AND THIS WILL REALLY CRACK YOU UP, I ORDERED A PINK LIGHTSHADE, NO PROBLEM, AND YES YOU KNOW WHATS COMING DON’T YOU? NEEDED A WHITE ONE THE SAME, “NO! WE CAN’T DELIVER THE WHITE ONE” I WENT TO THE FRIDGE DOOR AND BEAT MY HEAD AGAINST IT, HONEST I DID, ANYONE ELSE HAD THOSE KIND OF PROBLEMS.
WHILE I’M ON A ROLL, WHY IS IT YOU CAN LOOK AT AN ITEM ON AMAZON, MOVE ON TO ANOTHER PAGE, AND WHEN YOU GO BACK TO THE PAGE YOU WERE LOOKING AT, THE ITEM HAS DISAPPEARED????
ANYWAY, HOW IS EVERYONE? TONIE YOU SLEPT WELL IN YOUR NICE CLEAN BED, THATS NICE LOVE.
CHRIS, SORRY YOU HAD TO GO OUT MID CONVERSATION, DON’T WORRY WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU LATER.
ANNIE WHAT A TREAT TO SEE YOU BACK AGAIN, MISSED YOU.
MARTHA ARE YOU DOING OK?
HAPPY 59…..HOW ARE YOU DOING?
RIGHT GOT A PIECE OF SALMON WITH MY NAME ON IT, SO I AM GONE, TAKE CARE EVERYONE, LOVE YOU LOTS
JENNIE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hey Jennie:
But don’t you LOVE shopping on Amazon anyway ? You can find anything there at usually lower prices than anywhere else; I need to get my old cd’s and dvd’s up online there and sell them. I am muddling by. The cooler weather is slowing me down a bit, but doing oky. I went up to feed the chucks and Chickie Sue was trying to squeeze by me. I picked her up and gave her a talking to, don’t think she cared. They do like ti when you hold them and cuddle. 🙂
Hi Annie
Good to have you back
What a tale you have to tell!
My dad has Parkinson’s like your mum…awful disease
Hope it all settles to normal soon for you ..as we all say whats that?
Chris
Chris, I hope you’ve heard from Suzanne, or happy 59 by now. Also hope your Dad has had his fx nose repaired and your GS and DD have worked things out. Oh boy, when they leave the nest! Did DH get any new answers about his B/P problems?
Around here it is looking very bright…color wise, painters working long hours to finish due to all the recent rain we’ve had. Beautiful day today with the river sparkling and a strong breeze blowing. We have street construction that is half way there. We have some asphalt and a new curb but still no real road or sidewalk, as yet. I must say the painters are doing such a diligent job and being very neat and orderly about draping, taping, etc. Fall is in the air, by it’s smell and crispness in the air. Should be getting tons of new apples from Washington state very soon. Hope you’re getting some rest and getting in some fun. Love you, Sue
Hy Sue
Nope no email yet
Things sound as if they are moving along with the house. It will be so great for you to be back to have the house to yourself
DH bp…put him on a simple diuretic ,indapamide,see hw it goes,only been on it 6 days
Out today photo ing the water board dredging the river ..oh dear! But this time I’m staying with the staff in ther rest room with tea! Should be interesting
Got the dentist first
Ugh
Chris
Annie, Since you and I have chatted via FB, etc, I knew you were having a wild summer. Hope you’re settling into your new place. I think you need to remind yourself that all of life is seen from our eyes only. If you’re having problems with pain or your current endocrine problems of any nature it can most definitely throw you for a loopdy de loop…therefore I urge you to follow through on the endocrinologist appt. Please.
It did sound like many wonderful things have happened in your family as they grew in size. It is difficult to see your Mom aging and having problems and yes, it does, or rather may, serve as a blessed reminder that life moves along each day and is to be cherished. I hope as you settle into fall it will start to calm down for you. Perhaps the cooler weather will help. Know it’s been a hot summer for all of you Texans. Do be good to yourself and maybe find a few things that bring you pleasure in your life.Always in our prayers and hearts…Sue
Thanks Sue for your encouragement amd prayers as always. I have rediscovered this summer how much I love to sew. I made some little ruffle-bum diaper covers for Isabel and my newest little niece Arabella, as well as Isabel’s birthday bib. I am getting together with Lilly later this week to pick out fabric for Isabel’s Christmas dress. I’m thinking navy , plum, or deep red velvet would look gorgeous with her olive skin and beautiful dark hair and eyes. Maybe even a deep forest green. I want Lilly to choose the color and which style she wants out of patterns I have. Guess I never really outgrew dressing up baby dolls, and Isabel is definitely a precious little dolly.
Things do seem to be settling down at least a little. Keeping fingers crossed that the trend continues.
Apparently some of my little talks on Including our special friends have begun to sink in as one of the rowdy little twin boys said today he wished he had a wheelchair so he could race on the playground with KK
Sweet dreams. Hopefully I will be able to sleep soon so I won’t be a grumpy bear when the alarm goes off. xoxo
Chris, you had a big day today. No wonder you’ve awakened early..per new blog. Did DH get some interesting pictures of the dredging? Sounds like a chilly day for you and small wonder you were holding your tea. We always get a lot of complaining when they dredge the Columbia R. here because a certain groups claim they are disturbing the natural habitat. Everything is a battle in Oregon and Washington state. Hope the new diuretic works for DH. Love…Sue