Tuesday 05.31.2011

Another workday.

It started out this morning, me leaving the house a little later than usual, because I put fresh syrup in the hummingbird feeder. Which needed cleaning, I found out after I had taken it down. And I remembered that, oh yeah, it does tend to get yucky and need cleaning when refilling.

Birds fed, I got on the expressway. And just a few miles down the road, there is a car off on the shoulder with it's emergency flashers on. As I get nearer, I see a deer lying in the road, and as I pass the vehicle beyond it, the hood is crumpled.

The realization is that my delay may have prevented ME from hitting that deer. Thank you God for keeping me safe.

We had a good day at the hospital, with a good group. The hospital's air handling system "failed" today, though. Mid afternoon, 88+ degrees outdoors and humid, and the building is getting warm and stuffy. It was uncomfortable; patients, visitors, and staff were all too warm and making comments. Before we left, though, there was air movement, even if it wasn't cooled. Ugh.

I was happy to get in the car with the a/c.

A quiet evening at home, and I'm hoping to sleep in the morning.

Tomorrow is an appointment with Leah. I'm ready.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 05.30.2011 Memorial Day

I got home last night uneventfully. Daniel had called me in the afternoon to alert me to the severe storms that were developing "down state". I watched the weather radar and decided to wait another hour or so, and chose to travel down 127 instead of 75.

It turned out to be a good choice. The roads were mostly dry, with only a slight mist once that I had to turn the wipers on and smear the bugs around.

But when I got home, there was no power in the complex. Ugh.

Candles and flashlights. I was able to shower, though, which was what I needed.

And I turned on the computer, thinking I had enough battery time to post. Silly me--no electricity means--no modem!!! I laughed out loud at myself, turned the computer off, and went to bed.

This morning there was still no power. Boo. I got ready for work by the battery lantern, lit the gas stove with a lighter to prepare breakfast, manually opened/closed the garage door again, and went to work.

We had a busy day, with a good crew. And an 8 hour shift, which makes it much more better.

After work, I picked up my friend Sandy and her daughter, who are now here in Michigan, from their apartment, and took them shopping. She needed stuff, at a good price. We started at Big Lots, and they selected everything on the list, and came in under budget. Woo Hoo!!!

Next stop Kroger, for fresh food, then back to the apartment. By the time we got the car unloaded and carried upstairs, it was 7 pm. I left to come home.

And the power was on!!! Yippee!!!

So I did a couple loads of laundry and caught up a little on the computer.

Tomorrow is a work day for me.

I'm feeling pretty good; some shoulder/upper back soreness, maybe from raking and burning yesterday?? And my hips are "tight", too. Hm.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 05.28.2011

Finally posting.

I worked on Thursday, and I was glad that I had found someone to work for me in the afternoon so that I could attend a meeting. As it turned out, there was a meeting to follow that one, which I was "intended" to attend. I was not aware that I was supposed to be a part of that meeting also. I went back to the floor and checked in with my co-worker--she was ok with staying. It was a good meeting; I learned a lot.

I got back to the floor a little after 6, and I offered her to leave if she wanted, but it was so crazy busy that I jumped in and helped. Telephones, call lights, patient needs, Oh My! Sometimes it seems like it never ends.

When I got home, I wasn't sure that I was going to drive to The Lake or not, but I found myself gathering the last minute odds and ends and packing the cooler. I had also considered taking a rest before leaving, but I was too anxious, so I going.

A safe drive up, thank you God, and I arrived at the Jacque Cabin just after midnight.

Cold, 40 degrees, windy.

The furnace fired up, the bed turned on, I unpacked and unwound.

Friday was cold and windy. The thermometer showed 52, but it felt a lot colder.

Tom and Kathy Sue came to visit me after breakfast, then they went back to the GC. I went out for a jog, then showered and went to the GC to help with putting in the dock. I raked some, too. It was so cold and windy, even the warm sun wasn't enough to keep us outside.

We warmed up, then I went back to my place for supper.

Tom, KS, and Anne picked me up later to go into Hale to visit the new ice cream shoppe, The Victorian Room (I think is the name of it). KS' friend is the owner. While we were there, KS' sister and husband came in, and we visited with them, too.

When they dropped me back at the JC, I went over to Evelyn and Bob's to visit with them. They were in the midst of assembling a kitchen island--you know, the furniture you buy that comes in a box with a million pieces and you have to put it together.

Between the three of us we got it figured out and assembled correctly. And it looks real nice!

The wind finally quieted down by midnight.

Today, Saturday, it was still cool, low 50's, heavy overcast and occasional drizzle the first part of the day. I went to the property owner's association meeting in the morning. By late afternoon there hadn't been any more rain, and I thought I would try to burn some of the twigs and leaves if they were dry enough.

And they were. I ended up raking and burning the leaf and twig debris from the front and side yards. I enjoyed the fire, and the boats started coming out, too. It's funny to see people out on the water with winter coats, hats, and blankets.

By nightfall, the clouds were breaking up. Maybe tomorrow we'll have a nice day?

I have to go home, so that I can work on Monday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 05.25.2011

Finally.

I haven't been able to log into the Blogger, so I tried sending the post by using my phone, but I saw that it translated into something other than what I wrote, and I deleted that.

Yesterday I went out for a jog in between rain showers, and Dan and enjoyed dinner at Los Tres Amigos.

Today I worked, and had a fairly nice day, even though the unit was busy. The morning didn't go very well--pouring rain and no shuttle, and I had called security for the group of us that were in the parking lot. The shuttle didn't show, so I walked the two blocks over to the hospital. Even though I had an umbrella, I was soaked on my arms and legs, and a funny spot across my bottom where the water ran off my coat. Damp underwear and wet socks are not a comfortable way to start a 12 1/2 hour shift. Much to my surprise, I did not melt.

Dan went back to the trailer this afternoon.

Tomorrow is a workday again for me, and I'm hoping that I'm not too tired to drive up to the lake afterwards. What I'm really hoping for, though, is good weather up there for the next three days so I can get my chores done.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 05.23.2011 Look, No Cavities!!

I had a good day today. I slept fair and woke when I needed to get up for the day.

I was going to go jog/run before going to Jackson, but when I had gotten ready, a rain shower happened. Hm. Plan B.

So I had breakfast, and was going to shower, when I looked out and saw that the sun had returned and the road had dried up. Great! I still had time to go out...

And I did.

I had a good jog and had just enough time to cool off a little and shower. It all worked out well.

At the dentist's, Debbie cleaned my teeth. She noticed a "rough" spot on a tooth, and Dr came in to do his exam. Seems a piece of a filling (amalgam) had broken off, and some dentin is exposed. I have an appointment, in September, to have it repaired/replaced. But no cavities!!

I stopped at Meijer on the way home for a few groceries. Fixed supper, ate, and enjoyed a quiet afternoon listening to the birds.

Dan should be home sometime this evening.

I've been feeling pretty good, overall. Thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 05.22.2011

I slept a couple of "blocks" last night, which is good. I felt better today, not quite as tired, but not rested, either.

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God. The two deer were on the far shoulder of the road, fortunately, on the north bound side. They lifted their heads and watched me go by.

We had a good work day, and we appreciated it.

Tomorrow I have a dental cleaning, and Dan will be home in the evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 05.21.2011

A fair workday. I was pretty tired, though, most of the day.

And this evening, I'm ready to go to bed.

Maybe the drizzly rain sounds will contribute to a restful night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 05.20.2011

What a wonderful day!

Heavy fog socked in by 0400. Diane said it was foggy when she got up, about 0730. I was happy to see the clock at 0920. Woo Hoo!! Time to get up!!

And it was sunny, with the fog mostly burned off, wispy clouds moving out, temps mid 60's.

Diane was out on the neighbor's dock, fishing. She caught a nice mess of keepers--6 or so. That made her a happy girl.

After breakfast, I started getting my things together to leave, but had to get outdoors. I decided to trim up a bush that I had been looking at, which was down by the water, and keep Diane company while she fished. It was fun, as she would call out "fish on" when appropriate, and I watched her reel them in.

I also moved some leaves and twigs/sticks around, not having time to burn them. But the debris is still pretty wet, so hopefully, I'll be able to do that next time up.

We dawdled as much as we could, but ended up leaving the JC about 4 pm.

A safe, and beautiful drive home, as a lot of the flowering trees are blooming.

I dropped Diane at her place and continued on my way, stopping to refuel before getting home. $3.84 here in Lansing this evening. Still too high, but better than $4.48.

I'm unpacked, fed, and tired.

Tomorrow is a workday for me.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 05.19.2011 At The Lake

A much better day today.

The rain stopped early morning, and the temps got into the low 60's, but the wind was cool enough that it was uncomfortable after a while to sit outdoors.

Diane and I went out for a walk, which was most enjoyable.

We've cooked and cleaned today, as well as set up the awning and put the furniture out. We have sat out at intervals, going inside and warming up, then going back out. This evening, we're sitting outside, with blankets over our legs. The bats came out to eat the newly hatched mosquitoes, then the wind calmed down and it's really quiet, other than the insect and duck noises. Very beautiful here.

Wish you were here to join us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 05.19.2011 At

Wednesday 05.18.2011

I woke and got up at 0830; Daniel was already up. After breakfast I looked at the computer, then packed. The weather was cool and drizzly and predicted to let up. I did after a bit, and I decided to go out for a jog.

It turned out to be very pretty outside. The birds and insects were making their noises, and it's gotten really green. And smelled like damp earth, with worms added.

Dan left to golf, and I finished getting ready to head north. The drizzle had stopped and the pavement was drying up. I looked to be a nice drive.

And it was. Along the way, the fruit trees were in beautiful blossom, with the sky lightening to a soft gray as the cloud cover was thinning. And the assorted shades of green.

I stopped to pick up Diane, who is recovering from the third in a series of 4 nerve blocks to her lower back. She's pretty sore, and sleepy. I hope she finds the JC as restorative as I do.

We did go out for a flashlight walk, though. Nothing real exciting, which was good, probably.

Not planning do to a whole lot tomorrow. We'll see what the day brings.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 05.17.2011

Dan says I woke him up with my snoring. That doesn't really surprise me. I was really tired. And though I woke easily when the radio came on to get up for work, I could have just as easily slept the morning.

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God, and a fair day at work, thanks again. It blew up an hour and a half or so before we left, and it will not be pretty for the oncoming shift, or for tomorrow, either.

I was getting a migraine again this morning, but "interrupted" it successfully. It's odd, what the brain does. The pain was gone, and the spasm had lessened but not stopped, and I was feeling a little "spacey" for a few hours. Well, most of the afternoon.

I'm mostly better tonight, with a bit of neck soreness and facial numbness leftover. I'm thinking it should be gone by morning.

Tomorrow I'll be going to The Lake. Yippee!! I'd like to jog first before leaving, but will let the day unfold. Dan wants to golf before going back to the trailer. Pray for good weather!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 05.16.2011

I worked today, on my own unit, and we had a pretty good day. Which is a good thing, because I only slept maybe two hours total last night.

I went to bed about 11:15, feeling sleepy. I got settled into the bed, stretching out and getting myself comfortable. And was wide awake. Ugh.

Ok. Deep breathing. Relaxation exercises (you know, start with your feet and move up the body), more breathing. Count backwards from 100. Most times that works. I often get to the low 90's before either falling asleep or my mind wandering away, forgetting about counting. I listened to a couple of different types of music. I saw 2 o'clock. Ugh again.

I did doze off then, waking a few minutes after 4. I slept again with the radio waking me at 0425. I took a deep breath, praised God for my life, and got up.

Dan got home tonight, too. He hopes to golf tomorrow, while I go back to work.

After a restful night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 05.15.2011

Today was a good day.

I went over to Flushing to celebrate Diane's 50th and Lois' 79th birthday. Donna, Sue, and Dave were there, and we had a lovely afternoon. An odd awareness for me was that this kind of gathering was something that I would do with Elaine, way back when, kind of a just-us-girls thing. (Sue's Dave didn't often come, and none of us had a man around) And I kind of missed her being there.

Anyway, we had good food and laughs. And serious times, too, talking about future possibilities.

It was cold, 41 degrees, rainy and windy on the drive over, but the rain ended shortly before I got there. It had warmed up to 46 degrees by the time I got back to Lansing this evening. With scattered frost warnings tonight. Sheesh.

I work tomorrow, and Dan's coming home tomorrow night. *smile*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 05.14.2011

I slept off and on, as I usually do, and got up about 9. I had breakfast and a shower, and got ready to go to the theater (or theatre, however you prefer).

Leah drove us to the Wharton Center on the MSU campus. She bought the tickets--third row, center. We were eye level with the stage.

Chicago. What a production!! The staging, lights, simple set--small cast that was most excellent in their singing/dancing/acting skills. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

Back home, I had a couple of phone calls, then got the veggies ready to take to Lois' house tomorrow, to visit with her, Donna, Sue, and Diane. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm feeling pretty good, too, aside from the naggy leftover sore area in my head from the migraine yesterday. It will get better.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 05.13.2011 Lucky Day

I was dressed and about to "do" my hair and face when... the phone rang. So my stomach tightens, and I take a deep breath, and answer it. I'm "on-call". And probably won't be needed on my unit. The anxiety is wondering if I'll have to go in and float to another unit. After several minutes of angst, I decide to put my 'jammas back on, but leave my work clothes out, as if I'll be needing them. Kind of a superstition--maybe if I leave them out, I won't need them.

I went back to bed, and did go back to sleep. The phone did not wake me again, though the birds were noisy. I was happy to see 0918 on the bedside clock.

I was reading after breakfast, trying to ignore the naggy headache, when my sinuses all-of-a-sudden drained. Uh Oh. I recognize that as the type of migraine that I have. I took some tylenol, motrin, and less than a half of a tylenol with codeine, along with a fresh brew, and within a half hour or so, the actual pain was gone. I still felt a little yucky, though.

And since I could, I went in and took a nap.

I slept about an hour, and felt better when I got up.

It's been a pretty day, quiet, temps in mid 80's.

I had something to eat, and about 7pm I though I'd better get some exercise, and went out for a jog. After I got out there, the sky to the north was ominous thunderstorm. I decided to continue, though, as I didn't see lightening in the clouds, or hear thunder. My jog was a little faster tonight.

The rain started an hour or so after I got back, and it's been raining the rest of the evening so far.

Tomorrow I'm going to see "Chicago" at the Wharton Center with Leah. I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 05.12.2011

I had a good day today. The tylenol and motrin I took last night before going to bed helped me sleep for a few hours, and I realized when I woke about 3 that the headache was gone. Praise the Lord for that.

The birds were noisy this morning. The weather was warm and humid. It eventually got up to 85 degrees today!

I did go out for my jog today, making sure I had hydrated well throughout the morning. I was surprised at how wet I was when I got back in.

Shower, then to Meijer for some fresh food.

I fixed my supper, cleaned the kitchen, worked on a gift, tended my fingernails, talked with Daniel.

I'm feeling pretty good.

Thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 05.11.2011

I was happy to have slept pretty good again last night. Dan got up around 7 to go golfing; I dozed a little more, getting up around 9.

A beautiful day, almost a hazy sunny sky. I had a nice morning, then went out for a jog. I did pretty good again, too. Maybe I'll be able to call it a "run" before too long.

I showered, had a snack, then went to Leah's for my massage. She does such a good job, and I feel so much better after.

When I got back from there, Dan was back. We visited a little before we had to leave again: he to go back to the trailer, and me to a Condo Association Board meeting.

That took an hour and a half. I came back with the shadow of a headache that is trying to not go away. I'm thinking that tylenol and motrin are on the list for bedtime.

Tomorrow is groceries.

And other than the headache, I'm feeling pretty good.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 05.10.2011

I slept halfway decent last night, got up and went to work.

And had a decent day there. Finally.

And tonight, I'm tired.

I still feel pretty good, though.

Tomorrow is a massage.

Oh, yeah.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 05.09.2011

I was called last night by the hospital, saying that our unit was closed. As in, no patients. Zero.

Whoa. In my 27 years, I think I remember a time many years ago that we didn't have a patient for about 3 hours, but there was someone delivered in labor and delivery that would be coming out to our unit. Very Strange.

Anyway, my instructions were to report to work at 0800, as there was a scheduled procedure that we would be admitting. Someone will call you if you need to come in earlier.

So I set two alarms--one for 0430, and the other for 0600. I slept pretty good, and when I woke at 0300, I turned off the 0430 alarm and went back to sleep. I was happy to wake at again at 0450, having had another almost two hour block of sleep. (Yes, for me, that's pretty good) And then the phone rang.

I had to go in at 0630, but now I'm a half hour behind. So I got ready, collected my breakfast ingredients, drove faster than I should have, and made it on time.

We ended up having about seven or eight surgical patients today, as well as a couple of babies, utilizing 5 of us staff members by the end of the day. It sure is crazy how the census can change like that.

I was happy to work on my own unit. We ended up having a pretty good day, mainly because of the crew and the pace of the admissions.

And I get to go back tomorrow.

Dan got home tonight, and he'll be golfing tomorrow, of course.

I've felt pretty good, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 05.08.2011 Mother's Day

I hardly slept last night, and when I finally did, the alarm came on for Daniel to get up. Ugh. And I didn't really sleep again in the morning. Ugh again.

So I got up and had breakfast, looked at the television for a bit and turned that off, looked at the computer for a while. Hm. I should go out for a jog in the clear blue sky day, 65 degrees.

I got ready to go, and my phone rang. It was Jeremy, so I took the call. We had a nice visit. He's doing well; it was great to talk with him.

And then I went out for a jog.

What a beautiful day! I had a good jog, and enjoyed being outdoors. When I got back, I met another of my neighbors and visited with her for a bit.

Back inside, I had another couple of phone calls before I could shower, and after I did, Frank came for a visit.

We had a nice evening together.

Tomorrow is a workday for me, and Dan is coming home tomorrow night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 05.07.2011

I had a good block of sleep during the night, which was a nice change. I enjoyed the morning, thinking of what I needed to do today, and realized it was time for me to get ready for Dan's friend's son's wedding.

It was lovely; the nicest Catholic wedding mass I've been to. Father announced that there would be no receiving line, that the newlyweds would visit their guests at the reception. So most people left right away. I lingered a few minutes to see them outside, but decided to leave. They were probably taking pictures and I didn't want to wait that long.

I stopped at Meijer for fuel, which has come down to $4.01 here, and into the store for a few fresh items, then home to wait for Daniel.

He arrived a bit later, changed clothes, and we went to the reception. It was very nice, too. We visited and ate, and left about 9:30 so we could get home and Dan to bed. He's up and back to work in the morning.

Not me. I'm hoping to get some exercise tomorrow, like jogging.

Thank you for reading. Mother's Day Hugs.

Friday 05.06.2011

Ugh. Started the day being "on-call", then called in a couple hours later. To Float. To the cardiac unit. Did I say Ugh?

I looked for a good attitude to take with me, but it seemed that there wasn't much of it. I did the best I could, trying to keep my mind and heart open to the patients, listening for what God might be trying to tell me. At the end of the shift, as I was telling the patients good-bye, they surprised me with their remarks of kindness and how nice I was. (I realize now how much I was struggling, and how much better those comments made me feel) I went back to my home unit to clock out, and "decompressed" with my co-workers. Ugh, again.

A safe drive home, thank you God. I talked to Dan, and wrote here.

Tomorrow is a wedding in the afternoon and a reception later that Daniel will be joining me at. And tonight, I'm tired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 05.05.2011

Not hardly sleeping, I got up for work. Was just about ready for breakfast when the phone rang for me to stay home. Ok, back to bed.

I could feel that I was finally going back to sleep when the phone rang again. 0620. Need you to come in... So I got up and had breakfast, got ready, and clocked in by 0800.

We had a good day that fell apart about 5:30 this evening. We floated a couple of our staff out to other units today, too. I fear it may be my turn tomorrow.

After leaving the hospital, I went over to Lauretta's for a haircut. A much needed haircut.

A safe drive home in a light rain, thank you God.

This evening I learned of a loss. Sue, Theresa, and Diane, may God's peace surround you, as it has your father.

Hugs.

Wednesday 05.04.2011

Another night of fragmented sleep. But I did sleep this morning. Of course Daniel was out of bed when I woke.

He went to play golf, while I stayed in and put together a potato salad for potluck tomorrow at the J.O.B. I made lots, and had a container for Dan to take back with him.

I called over to the Rehab facility and spoke with Aunt Lois to see if she was up to visitors, and did she need anything from her house. She wanted her mail. I fixed a small container of potato salad for her, too, as she hasn't had anything "homemade" for over a week, being in the hospital and now rehab.

All was well at her house, though there was no mail. There was a note on the table that it needed to be restarted. Her neighbor came over with fresh-out-of-the-oven banana muffins on a plate for me to take to A. Lois. Thank you, Lynnette. They were yummy.

I stopped at the post office per Lois' request for a change of address form, then went over to the rehab place. It's very aesthetic, and Lois says she likes it.

She looks good, though maybe a little tired. I stayed through dinner, helping her with the change of address card, charged her cell phone, and left to come home.

I got back in time to send Daniel back to the trailer. *sad face* But it was still daylight, and I decided to go out for a jog.

That went well. The street lights were coming on just the last three blocks.

A shower and bed. Tomorrow is a workday for me, with a haircut after work.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 05.03.2011

I didn't sleep as well as I thought I would have, but I had a good day anyway.

About noon I had a phone call saying the meeting that I was going to was cancelled. So I didn't have to go to Jackson. And the dealership called to get authorization to fix the problem.

Since my afternoon was now free, I went out for a jog. It was a cold 50 degrees, and trying to rain. But I had a good jog. Shortly after I got back in, the dealership called to say the car was done. Woo Hoo!!

Shower, snack, over to get the car. The oxygen diffuser electrical component had failed. (not oxygen sensor) Hopefully it's a definitive repair.

Dan got home, and we went out for supper.

We've had a quiet night; tomorrow, maybe he'll golf? I don't have anything scheduled.

Please keep those who are experiencing life changes in your hearts. (isn't that all of us?) Especially those who are dealing with parental declines. Love you Sue, Theresa, and Diane, and Kathy Sue and Tom.

Hugs.

Monday 05.02.2011 Back to the Shop...

I slept the first part of the night pretty good, but the morning hours I kept waking, as I wanted to call the dealership shortly after it opened at 0730 and didn't want to set the alarm (in case I was sleeping good). I saw 0600, then 0810. I called.

The Guy told me to bring the car in. "Is 9:30 OK?" Sure, I told him, and got up.

The Guy who signed me out on Friday apologized for the car not being completely repaired and went out to get me a loaner vehicle. This time I got a Cruze, which is proportionately more my size. It's a little smaller, but the interior fits me. The ride is like a smaller car, though. Maybe because it's a base model...?

I left there and went to Meijer, then the post office, then the drugstore. When I got home, I stretched and went out for a jog.

It was a very cool 62 degrees. I was able to go all the way around again, without too much discomfort. Yay for me.

I showered, then fixed my supper. Dan finally got home about 9:30.

He's got stuff to do tomorrow, and I've got meetings in Jackson.

I'm feeling pretty good today, too, thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 05.01.2011 May Day

I finally slept pretty good last night. The radio woke me, and I got up feeling like I wasn't done sleeping. Ahh, off to the J.O.B.

And on the way to Jackson, the traction control light bing-binged again, and came on. Then it went off. Of course, the engine light is still on. Yep, back to the dealership tomorrow.

None-the-less, it was a safe drive down and back.

Another pleasant workday, thank you God, although we did "float" one of our staff off to another unit. I'll sure be glad when other units get their issues resolved.

I've felt pretty good today, too, thanks again.

Tomorrow it's over to the dealership. Dan will be home tomorrow night, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.