ONE YEAR OF BLOGGING THIS WEEK!

MONDAY:
And here we go again.  I was up quite awhile this morning and went back to bed at 7:30am.  I slept until 11:00.  What a messed up schedule!  After breakfast and a shower; we decided to changed the sheets on the bed.  That took some effort. 
We will do the regular wash tomorrow.


Bob is still working on the income tax.  He says one more step and he is done.  I read the Steve Jobs book some more, almost to the end.  I went upstairs to make a brownie mix.  I'm tired sitting!  Well, good thing Bob came up as I needed his help reaching bowls etc. 


We had our 4:00 coffee out on the back porch.  It was 64o out there.  So wonderful!  It sure has been a strange winter and I'm loving it.  I can't remember a winter like this since we moved here...40 some years ago.  Buffalo weather man says, we are behind by 44' of snow this year.  Feet?  Wouldn't it be nice if the next 6 weeks was the same.  I sure hope we don't get a repeat of the Blizzard of 1977.


FAT TUESDAY:
Same ole, same ole.  I sleep about 3.5-4 hours then I'm up prancing around in the wee hours.   Today's good news is that I lost 14.5 pounds since they weighed me at the NH Rehab Center.   Which is only 6 pounds from my original weight so it must have been fluid.   I can see a small difference on one side of my OP knee.  Yeah!    


I see on Face Book that Bob's neice and her children will be riding on one of the Mardi Gras floats today in Biloxi.  Love that FB.  She took us one year and we had a great time.  The people on the floats throw so many beads and trinkets that our necks were covered.   So many units (police cars, semis & floats, marching bands, golf carts etc.) to look at all presenting the Green, Purple and Gold colors of Mardi Gras.   When Mom Rindo was still living in MS, she sent us several King Cakes which are delicious with coffee.  Our kids always hunted for the plastic baby buried within the cake.  I think it means the receipent must have the next party. 

KING CAKE



2003 DEBBIE ALL DRESSED UP AT THE PARADE. 



2003 SARAH WITH HER BEADS. 

Back when I was working the accounting unit always hosted Ice Cream Sundaes in the afternoon on Fat Tuesday.  We brought in all kinds of ice cream, syrup and sprinkles.  The staff could make up any dish variety that they wanted.   I  can't remember what we charged but the funds went towards our Christmas luncheon.   Following this day, everyone started the dreaded diets again.


ASH WEDNESDAY:


PT again today.  The bike and then massage.  On a table, Jackie put my ankle on a tube and then pressed down on my knee cap.  Oh mama mia did that hurt.   Later She measured the bend portion of the OP knee at 98 and their aim is 110-115.  Hope we get that far.  Then she put me on the ice machine again but this time there was heat added underneath my leg.  That felt good.  Bob did some errands downtown while I was at PT.  He mailed  the income taxes to the accountant.


Ash Wednesday was always a meatless day for us.  So we had poached eggs for lunch.  I worked some on the puzzle and read a new book some.  Bob put together a tuna noodle casserole for supper.  Can you believe it?  I instructed again.  It was delicious. 


THURSDAY:
This morning we had a beautiful snow covering.  I doubt there was more than an inch or two, but it was nice and clean looking.   More predicted after midnight tonight.


Not much new, shower, lunch, nap, work on the puzzle and read. 


We needed milk so Bob went out to pick that up and stopped for roast beef on weck sandwiches for supper as our cook is at the Rochester airport waiting on Sarah, we are waiting on a text to say she has landed.


FRIDAY:
PT again, more exercises.   I keep forgeting to tell you about the skelton at Rehab ; he is all dressed up in a hoodie and shorts just like he is going to exercise!  A lttle humor!


 At home I made out some thank you cards.  We paid a couple bills.  Bob has Quicken all messed up so some day that will take some time to straighten out.  Looks like he downloaded the same expenses twice.  Oh brother!  I don't quite feel good enough to deal with it.


Spent the evening with Betsy & Sarah watching TV; until Gold Rush came on and Sarah up and left.  She had studying to do.


SATURDAY:


This week makes a full year that I have been blogging.  I can remember all the problems at first and trying to solve them all.  A special thanks to our friend Bob who helped in that category.  I have lots of feed back but very few written comments.  Most come by email.  It would be nice to have a counter on the Blog to see how many people read it and where they are from for just plain interest; that's programing which is beyond my capabilities.   When one isn't to active, photos are hard to come by but I didn't run out of words! 


On this cold Saturday my (G) nephew, Dalton, joined the Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics at Geneva On the Lake in Ohio.   

DALTON JUST GOING IN.  RED SHORTS & BLUE TOP. 

The waves were so high that the Firemen had to circle the area and watch each contestant.  Congratulations to you Dalton.


SUNDAY:

STARTED THIS PUZZLE LAST SUNDAY  1000 PIECES

We have been working on this puzzle for a week now.  Today there is just a little bit more done.  It's hard! 


David & Donna picked Bob up this morning to go to Utica College for the Football Awards. 

3 GENERATIONS  DAVID, BOB, & ERIC

DAVID, ERIC & DONNA

The girls and I had lunch together and had family game time-the puzzle-ha!  That lasted about 20 minutes.  Sarah started packing and Betsy took a nap.   The girls left for the airport about 3:45, and I waited for the Daytona race.  Wouldn't ya know, it was cancelled due to rain.  It will be held tomorrow at noon; I'll bet many fans call in sick to work so they can watch it.  They must have been very upset; first time cancelled in 54 years.

This week went by fast!  I'm starting to do more in the kitchen on my own now.   Except for a dull ache;  things are looking up.

Here's hoping everyone has a good week!  Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

ABSOUTLEY NO PATIENCES!

MONDAY:
So what is everyone else doing during the wee hours of the morning?  I've been walking the floors.  I have some uncomfort (pain) but I think that I'm worried about my first Physical  Therapy Appointment at GCC Physical Rehab @ 8:30 am.

We were asked to come 15 minutes early for the paperwork & registry.  After all the facts were documented, my assigned assistant measured my knees.  My operated leg is swollen.  Jackie said, we would address that first.  She brought in a machine which produces electric waves.  She set this up with paste clips and then a wrap boot.  I had to lay for 15 minutes with that working.  It was cold!  I got the chills and had them all the way home. I'm to keep my leg elevated and use ice packs more.   I go back again on Friday, and I have 5 more appointments scheduled.  I did not get to see the treadmill which is in the bottom of the swimming pool that is advertised.  
The chills pretty much wiped me out so the rest of my day was spent sleeping, doing my exercises and showering. 
TUESDAY:
Up early again.  I had my coffee until Betsy got up at 6:00am.  I can't go downstairs until someone brings the walker down, and vice versa.   Betsy helped me downstairs to watch TV so Bob can sleep.  She  instructed me on her computer so I can type while I'm propping up my feet.   Well, that didn't last long as it was to much pressure on my OP leg. 
In the afternoon, Bob drove me to the blood lab downtown as I had instructions and script to get blood work done.  I haven't a clue what that was about.   He drove to Dr. Hoy's office to drop off paperwork for temporary Handicap Parking permit.  While we were out, he treated me to McDonald's for lunch.  I guess it covered a Valentine's treat as we shared a Shamrock Shake along with our lunch.   
WEDNESDAY:
More of the same; where should I sit?  What can I do?  Try not to sleep so I can sleep at night.  Really a slow process and I don't have the patience.  My tailbone ached!  Betsy brought the ice pack.  They really must have jabbed me deep for the epidermal before surgery.  My thoughts were of Annalynn and all the Bone Marrow tests that she went thur;  how did she do it?  (So don't be a sissy Grandma)

With some instruction, Bob did the washing.  I enjoyed hearing him say, "That's work!"

 I'm having a plumbing problem, again.  Constipated!  The Colace stool softener doesn't seem to be working.  So today, we spent some time going over my meds!  I cut back on the B12, iron, and switched to Tylenol instead for Percocet.  The Skelaxin for Spasms ran out yesterday.  So hopefully all this will help.
I have been reading the book about "Steve Jobs."  My son brought it on Sunday during their visit.  I'm surprised about the description of Steve.  He wasn't nice to work with as he was a harsh fellow!    He would hear an idea from staff and call it shit and then a week later he would propose the idea as if it was his own.   Unbelievable! 

THURSDAY:
I slept a little bit better last night.  I discovered that I could lay on my stomach with my OP leg out stretched without pain.  It relives my tailbone and then I can read a book longer. 
Since everything is so slow paced now; I find myself looking for goals to complete.  For today I have to be happy with the fact that I will complete the shots to my belly of Lovenox.  It's an injection to prevent blood clots.  My stomach is all black & blue and looks like a Checkerboard.  I'm not to good at this but I'm getting it done.  Also, a scab fell off my leg where one of the drainage tubes had been.  I was so excited to see it healing!   I really feel like I'm out here all alone without seeing the Dr until a month from now.
Debbie & Annalynn came down for a visit in the evening and treated me to a box of Oliver's chocolates.  Yum!

FRIDAY:
Moving about slowly getting ready to go as we have another appointment at the Rehab Center at 10:30am.    The place was very busy.  Each attendant had at least 3 people each to direct.  They put me on a elliptical bike to warm up.  This bike had a seat and big foot pedals.  They told me to watch the guy next to me, who was peddling like a house on fire!  Right! 
I found it very cumbersome; and I felt pain every time the OP knee came back up towards me.   I peddled away AT MY PACE for the 10 minutes until the timer bell rang.  No one came to assit me so I kept peddling, may as well get my monies worth.    Then they took me to the parallel  bars and I had to STEP  over 10  fences laid out.  I couldn't do it with one foot.  I was throwing my OP leg out to the side as I have done for years going up the stairs.  NO, NO, Jackie yelled.  Lift and place, no swinging.  Okay I finally got so I could do it with two feet planted but not with a walk.   I'm sure more work is coming up on that.  Next she took me to the table and put the "ice machine-Tens" on me for 15 minutes.  I sang, I said prayers, I counted the minutes.  That thing is horrible!  So cold.  I hit that timer bell so hard when the machine went off-get me out of here!   The 45 minute appointment was over.

We drove downtown to the bank and then went for lunch.  Hungry for a good juicy cheeseburger.  Well, we should have shared one order as we couldn't finish either platter.  But it was yummy!  
In the evening, Betsy did our nails to perk me up a bit.  My friend Mo stopped by with a big box of Italian Almond Cookies which I just love.  She has a cousin in Holley with a bakery @ her home and those cookies are the best. 
She does all occasion holdiays/events.  Mary Lynn Soto @ (585) 638-6497.

www.biscottideMisiti   ITALIAN COOKIES

SATURDAY:
Well, I did something during the night that hurt my OP leg.  Tossing and turning around I would guess.  It was painful all day so I kinda sloughed off of my home exercises.  I read my Steve Jobs book while glancing at Whitney Houston's funeral.  I wanted to see Kevin Kostner and I enjoyed his speech.  I think that I'm about half way in the Jobs book (600 pages) and I beginning to see what an intellegent visionary the man was.  Brilliant! 

Bob went fishing with our son, David.  They found a place up near Waterport Dam.  They didn't catch anything but Bob found some nice scenery to take pictures.  I appreciate that David asked Bob to go and get him away from the handicap scene.  David brought me 3 puzzles to build that his MIL lent to me.  1000 pieces, so I had to lay it out on the dinning room table.  It's a winter scene and very challenging.  Now when I'm up during the wee hours I can work on that to get my mind off things.  (No Patiences) 

RUSHING WATER

DAM AREA

I JUST LOST A BIG ONE!      DAVID ADJUSTING HIS LINE

BOB FISHING

SUNDAY:
Well, I was up two times last night and then slept in.  Betsy was at our bedroom door asking if I was all right?  She was leaving for a friend's baby shower. 

DEBBIE'S DIAPER ART!

A quite morning and afternoon, doing what we feel like.  18 days out from surgery and  I can't say that I'm glad I had the surgery.  I'm hoping next week shows alot more improvement.   I'm dreaming of the sand, surf and sun as I go thur each day.  Load that motorhome and go! 

Everyone have a great week!   Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram 

AH, TO BE HOME!

A BEAUTIFUL SPRING BOUQUET FROM MY SISTER & FAMILY.

I would like to thank everyone for all your kindness!  I received so many cards, calls, e-mails, blogs,prayers and wishes.  The flowers are still beautiful.  I really appreciated the the McDonald's runs from my friend, Mo.  It was a long wait for coffee when they wake you at 5:00am and the trays didn't come until 8:00am.   So thank you all so much for all you did for me. 

THIS IS UNITED MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, where the adventure started.

FOLLOWING SURGERY; THE GIRLS PUTTING THE CPM BOOT ON ME THAT BENDS THE KNEE.

FIRST TIME OUT OF BED.

Mary Lama aka "Momma Lama" stopped in to see me.  She was conducting another Joint Camp and she had a guy who didn't think he needed to sit there and listen.  She invited Bob to come down and tell the class all the "good" benefits of attending.  Bob (who loves to talk) was thrilled and he went right down.  Oh my, now to wonder what he said!

UMMC is a teaching hospital.  There were all kinds of students.  I found the male nurses to be most helpful and kind. 

DR HOY REMOVED THIS CLUNKY BANDAGE AND THE DRAINAGE TUBE FRIDAY MORNING.

B-LINE BUS RIDE TO REHAB.

Another patient and I rode the B-Line bus service from the hospital to the Nursing Home , as we found out our insurance wouldn't pay for an ambulance if it wasn't a medical emergency.  After loading us, and heading out to the first intersection, the other patients' chair started going down the isle.  She screamed!  I screamed!  The driver pulled over and came to the back and attached a floor hook to her chair.  A little excitement there.  Our ride costs us $1.50 each. 

THE GREENS.

DR HOY SIGNED HIS WORK. (RH)

17 STAPLES REMOVED 2/10/2012.

ME & MELANIE.  SHE IS THE DEPT. HEAD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY.   WONDERFUL PERSON, ALWAYS ENCOURAGING!

CINDER WELCOMES ME HOME!

That's it for now.  I'm tired!  Pictures are worth a thousand words.  I do have someone who just looks at the photos!  

 Hope you all have a good week.  Happy Valentine's Day too.

Golden Gram











DAY OF SURGERYS NEAR & A NEW WATER HEATER!

MONDAY MONDAY so good to me,
MONDAY MONDAY, it was all I hoped it would be; 1960's by The Mamas & Papas. 

Today we met another Mama!  We attended "Joint Camp 1-3:30pm" at UMMC to learn more about my surgery.  Four patients and their support member met in a tiny 10 X 10 conference room with Mary Lama.  She promptly introduced herself by her floor nick name- "MAMA LAMA"- if you want anything yell for 'MAMA LAMA!"  That set the pace for a 2.5 hour meeting of fun and information.   Mary has been with the hospital for 32 years, starting in the clerical field then acquiring her RN degree.  She developed the "Joint Camp" as one of her thesis's for her nursing degree.  She is proud to wear her Nursing Cap!  She even had a joke for us.  Do you know the similarity of a hospital gown and an insurance policy?  Answer: Neither has complete coverage! 

Most all the nuts & bolts were covered for pre-op and inpatient care.  Several of the orthopedic doctors forbid her to discuss rehab as their concern is "big time against infection" in still another facility.  They prefer the patient goes home and has in house rehab. 
  
During the meeting; Bob's phone rang.  He immediately said sorry and left the room.  Everyone reached for their phones to shut them off.  On the way home, Bob told me the call was the lady from the NH returning his call about confirmation of a room for me.  Here it comes; there are issues with our insurance company which should be settled by Friday's meeting.  Oh No!  Another hurdle.

After class I thanked Mama Lama for her excellent presentation and I made a point of discussing my meeting with Annette last week. (the cold experience) I suggested that they plan "Joint Camp" before meeting with Annette if they had that opportunity. 
Hurrying home for our 4:00 coffee  and to let the dog out,   we were bushed!   Bob called for a pizza and I started to sort the washing and pushing that through.  Later I turned on the TV to watch the debate; I didn't even see it, snooze time. 
TUESDAY:
As soon as I woke up, I started thinking how much I could get done before the next appointment that afternoon.  The main thing was getting supper planned, maybe in the crock pot.  I even made the salad ahead of time. 
I had to go see my GP -Dr. Suwarna Naik or Dr. Sue for medical clearance.  She was in a ripping mood; commenting the only time that I come in is for surgery.  I was laying on my back for the EKG and I didn't let that one pass.  I made a response; "that's not true as I was here for my yearly physical."  She left and I waited for her return.  According to her my EKG showed a fast heart beat.  What?  I have never had a heart problem.  Probably her comment raised my heart beat.   Well, that aside, now I have to go for another stress test and she wrote a script for 30 pills of Metropolol for me.  Crap!  She has me on so many vitamins now that my feet and palms of hands are all broke out with tiny white blisters that turn red when they break.  They appear two at a time; like a snake bite.  They itch!  I told her that I'm allergic to the vitamins.  Her response, "of course not, that's lack of vitamins."  Okay now she has me thinking it's scurvy.  The hospital said, no surgery if you have open wounds because infection will go straight to the knee.  So I may not get the knee done yet.   Enough said on that.

They cut the Biggest Looser show down to an hour.  Was that because of the President speech?  I watched him for as long as I could stand it.  I can't help but wonder if he ever forgets anything he had planned to say.  So controlled is he.  
WEDNESDAY:
Betsy has our car today while hers is in the garage for service again.  We kept ourselves  busy all day with income tax and bookkeeping, until we couldn't focus anymore.   

Bob sorta got things ready for the delivery of a new water heater.  You all know how Bob likes to talk, yes?  Well, yesterday he stopped at Sallome's Heating and visited.   As he and John talked, John decided to make a call and John received approval to  replace our heater with a brand new one, same brand, free.   We have to pay for the installation.  So that's on the schedule for tomorrow. 
More income tax preparation in the evening. 
THURSDAY:
Up and at em, breakfast and shower before they are here to shut the water off.   There's another coating of clean white snow outside.  
They arrived before 9 and started the exchange.  The new tank is a couple inches taller so to fit it into the same spot; the shelf has to be removed.  All the storage had to be moved.  I suspected it would be a mess!  Bob has to rebuild the shelving now.  Stuff is piled all over this room and the rec room.  Well, I should just stay out of it and continue to make my grocery list. 

REMOVING ALL THE STORAGE.

COATS ARE PILED UP ON THE SOFA. HOOA, HOOA!

OUT GOES THE OLD WATER HEATER.

DAVE & JOHN; NOTHING IS EASY, IT WON'T FIT! 

ALL INSTALLED; BOB REBUILDING THE SHELVES.

Another co-pay at Dr. Sue's and the dreaded stress test.  I had my bull headed mind make up that I was gonna die trying to pass that thing.  They kept asking me to rate my breathing.  I finally said, my breathing is fine but my knees are killing me.  They really didn't keep it going to long when Dr. Sue said, "your doing much better than I expected so guess we will shut it off now!"  No problem with my heart beat.  I have approval for surgery.  Makes one wonder?  They can now bill for their enormous fee. 

WE HEADED FOR DUNKIN DONUTS FOR OUR 4:00 COFFEE!

After supper we all worked on replacing the storage items.  We are very thankful for the replacement water heater tank.  We never expected that; so good thing Bob likes to talk! 
Time for pills, and greasing the blisters on my feet before going to bed.  I put a cortisone paste on them and then a coating of VICK'S!  Yep, the AARP magazine said Vicks was good for infected toe nails so I thought why not?   
FRIDAY:
Another one of those wide open eye nights.  I watched the debate in the wee hours of the morning.  
RICK: anyone having 7 kids can't be to smart in this day and age; but he's a millionaire.
NEWT: I like Newt because he can't be molded: but he has had his hand slapped a couple times.
ROMNEY: I can't get a liking for him, what's he hiding?  Shyster!
TEXAS-PAUL:  He doesn't cotton to anything, and says so.  We need to get him on Team Annalynn if he can ride 25 miles in the Texas sunshine. 

I finally had coffee and toast before Betsy got up for work.  Then I wanted to read my book and couldn't stay awake.  Figures!  When I did get back up there was the prettiest, large snowflakes coming down-"SUGAR SNOW!"  This saying stems from my farm days; all the farmers who tapped Maple trees for sap, called this snow Sugar Snow.   I'll bet they have their buckets or plastic lines all installed by now.  They need freezing nights and warm days for the sap to run. 

I had a couple of messages on my phone so I made those call backs.  Then Bob and I went over town for groceries in the afternoon.   I picked out a couple paper backs to read while hospitalized.  I wonder how much time I'll have to read if they start the day a 4:00am with that machine that bends one's knee.  We shall see.  (While in Tops we saw our friend who works at the NH Rehab-They are closed down for a procedure audit-no patients-everything dark!  The problem could be paper work or health care)
TGIF-We are all sitting around, doing our thing.  Waiting for the Gold Rush program. 

SATURDAY:

PHOTO: ERIN BROCKOVICH
I should take a ride east to the next town over (Le Roy) to see if I can see her someplace.  She is making an appearance.  Some of the teenage girls with the tic outbreak have been on the Today Show.   Bob recognized one of the fathers who was interviewed.  He owns a TV appliance store and Bob just happened to back the current motor home into his building while there for help with our TV.
Instead of turning it into insurance; Bob went out and replaced the vinyl siding himself.  Life of an RV-ER! 

The Movie "ERIN BROCKOVICH" was out when we were broke down with our  "HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER in Tenn. for over a week; it had to be before 2002.  We went to the movies to pass the time of day.  Of course, the star Julie Roberts, one of my favorites helps.   During the movie, the garage mechanic called to say the gas tank had to be dropped and replaced, it was being ordered from Mexico.    OMG!  We may as well drive home and come back when and if?  That's what we ended up doing.  The garage owners promised to keep the refrig plugged in, which didn't happen.  We had one smelly, stinking mess when we returned two weeks later to pick up the motor home. 

I cleaned our bedroom, started to gather items for the suitcase.  Thanks to everyone who voted for Christianna & Joe on the Mills Jewelery site.   I enjoyed going thru their site; looking at all the diamonds worn by the movie stars on the red carpet!  Did anyone else see it?  And the new fad; gold & silver tattoos! 

SUNDAY:
We met (GS) Alex tonight for his birthday celebration!  (22 years wow) 



A BIRTHDAY GREETING FROM UNCLE PHIL!

ALEX, DAVID & DONNA @STICKY LIPS BAR B QUE!

APPETIZERS-WE HAD FRENCH FRIED DILL PICKLES & THEN THIS PLATE.
LOOKS LIKE A GARBAGE PLATE, BUT OH SO GOOD.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE RIBS!

AUNT BETSY & ALEX

Such good food!  While we were inside having a grand time, the predicted snow was coming down outside.  TV said, " an inch per hour!"  Big, huge, Sugar Snow!  So pretty.  Heading home, Betsy was driving her big truck and we didn't slip or slide but it was slow moving.  She got behind a snow plow and we all felt safer.  Mother Nature rules again.

GOOD BY OLD KNEE!  BONE ON BONE.

Well, Tuesday (surgery day) is just around the corner.  They are to call me tomorrow with the time to come in.  The same day my nephew in NC will be having one of his feet amputated due to diabetes.  My prayers go out to him and Linda. 

This maybe my last post for a couple weeks.  The hospital has Internet but I doubt that I will have time (Tues. - Fri.) and patience for typing.  Bearing complications; it looks like I will leave there on Friday for the NH Rehab.  The NH does not have access to Internet. 

So until I'm up and doing the "Chicken Dance" ; hope you all have a couple good weeks. 


Golden Gram


























  

Bored!

I don't even want to post this as all I did all week was medical, and one movie.  But like Newt Gingrich says, " I don't but I will!"

MONDAY:
Boring day!  Isn't there a saying; if bored wait something will come up? 

Yep, Couldn't get into the dentist because the doctor was out sick. 

At super, Betsy complained that she had a cold shower again this morning.  Not again, we just had it fixed before Christmas and I just sent the payment out.  Call John!  (Sallome Heating)  John is on a cruise so his brother Dave came out.  He got the pilot light going but he found a wire that is burned.  He has to order it.

TUESDAY:
Went to dentist at 11:30am.  They ground the high spots on plate that were hurting and out I went happy as they felt so much better.   While I was there at the dentist, Bob went over to Home Depot to price water heaters.  He explained the different units but I don't listen; I don't want the mess!  He is also pricing the tank less wall units. 
I dug around for my DVD on Yoga.  I called Sarah who was also bored and we went thru the instructions together...laughing at each other.  While we are down on the floor, Cinderella gets all excited and she attacks us for attention.  A dog's life, ahe?
We had high wind warnings for this evening.  They were saying 80 mile an hour; stay inside.  The winds were bad but Bob's weather machine only recorded 49 mile per hour. 

WEDNESDAY:
Today I had two pre-op appointments; one at Genesee United Memorial Hospital and one at Dr. Hoy's.  The hospital was at 9am.  They remodeled the hospital and it really looked beautiful in the front reception area.  However, to get to the back part they made a long, long, gradual incline hall.  They should have put in a walking conveyor belt like the airports install.  My two cents.  
I had registration with one employee; who did her thing, no chit chat.  Back to waiting room for about 15 minutes.  Then the next employee; she was thorough, she didn't rush, she offered additional health care, she gave me a folder of reading pamphlets, she explained so much but there was just something missing.  (A cold experience) I don't know what I was expecting but I started to loose my confidence.  "Maybe my leg is not bad enough to go thru with this?"  On to the blood tests and chest x-rays.  That completed this appointment. We drove to Dunkin donuts for coffee and a treat since I had to fast for blood work.
Then to Dr. Hoy's.  More x-rays!  We met with the Dr's assistant, Greg.  He answered my above question by pulling up the x-ray pictures on his laptop, and showing me on his knee exactly where he expected the pain area that I'm having would be.  Right on man!  My next question was about my vision of my lower leg flopping around once the bones are sawed-what do I do?  "Say come on leg, we are going this way!"  At this point, nothing had been said about the extension of the replacement knee having a insertable point that goes down into bottom tibia for control.  He cleared up my vision.  We went thru allergies, meds and hundreds of other questions; one more time.  I had my confidence back. 
Home for lunch with Sarah and then we were off to the movies.  Sarah's treat!  I have wanted to see the "War Horse" even though I hate war movies.  The advertisements had a horse in it and I immediately thought "maybe like Disney!"  It was very good and I survived the war parts.  It's 2.5 hours long. Steven Spielberg film with lots of enhancements.  Nice to be retired; to the movies during the week, in the middle of the day! 

THURSDAY:
Another appointment!  I had to be at the American Red Cross at noon up on Transit Road in Buffalo to donate my blood for surgery.  That went fine.  As I'm getting my coat on I see Bob is out in the parking lot; looking down and waving his arms-like he is swearing.  What is he doing?  I approach the car and he tells me that he lost his phone.  He wanted to take a picture of me coming out of the ARC building for my blog.  Okay Bob, calm down. He was so upset with himself.  (It might be  the fourth phone replacement in the last two contract periods)  He had been to Sears to look at water heaters.   Back to Sears and he took my phone to make the call so his would ring.  A lady at the shoe area had it; a good person had turned it in.   We went to Cracker Barrel for a "soft" lunch.  My gums hurt!  After 2 other stops we headed home in a blizzard. 
FRIDAY:
Cool morning!  17 degrees.   Sarah & Betsy left for Bryant University in Rhode Island about 7:00am.  Betsy will fly back and we are to pick her up at the airport on Sunday night.

One more appointment at 10:40am.-my annual eye check up.  Good to go for another year. 

Home again to do some pick up, lunch, a nap and it was supper time.  I made baked pork chops but I went back to my old false teeth to eat! 

More discussion on the water heater replacement; the tank less type has a 12 year warranty.  Okay Bob, but maybe we won't stay in this house for 12 years or in 12 years we could be in the Nursing Home.  74 +12=86 YEARS OLD.
  
I had so much reading to do from hospital that I went thru that while watching the Gold Rush program.

SATURDAY:

I never got dressed until the afternoon because I wanted to shower and all the water was turned off!  DH shut the water off and then went to the store to get the parts required for a couple leaky faucets.  He took the parts with him to make sure he purchased the right replacements.   
After shopping, Bob picked up a box of Florida oranges as the truck driver was here this week.  A group was selling bar be que chicken there so he brought one of those home for dinner.  So thoughtful!
We spent the evening compiling printouts to begin Income Tax. 
SUNDAY:
We have had a nice quiet weekend.  I saw three deer run the length of the back field this morning.  The first sighting in a long time. 
We worked on Income Tax some of the day.  We saw the beginning of one football game and the ending of the other; as we had to pick Betsy up at the airport. 

It's late so guess it's posting time.  No pics this week; we are slipping!  Hope  everyone has a good week ahead. 

Golden Gram

Snow, Snow & Cold!

MONDAY:
I'm blank as to what I did today.  Let's start off with Bob's project.  Over last week; he slowly and methodically  pulled everything off the garage wall where he wants to put his new cabinets.  He had lots of stuff to relocate as that wall was covered.  Betsy had picked up the hanging rack at Sears and she helped him to install that then place the cabinets. 

BOB'S NEW CRAFTSMAN CABINETS.

Ah yes, I made some bean soup.  I picked up the kitchen.  I picked up my finished puzzle to get it ready to mail to my sister.  Then I checked thru all the addresses on the received Christmas cards.  Important little stuff!

The afternoon Bob and I checked all the saved files for the camping club.  After 7 years as Secretary we will be handing everything over to the newly elected and I had stuff so out of order.  I think we pretty much have each writing in the folder it belongs in now.  This computer does what it's told; funny thing I always think that I'm saving things right! 

Then I got an e-mail from Debbie inviting me to go dress shopping with the Bridal party that evening.   Betsy drove and we met everyone at a Rochester shop.  It was fun to see the young girls in the gowns all gussied up!  I tried on three more dresses and never hit that moment when you say "yes, this is the dress!"   One of the dresses made me feel like Dolly Parton; alot more on top than I have.   Wish I had her tiny waist!  When they (14 of us) were all satisfied we went to the Macaroni Grill for a late dinner. 

TUESDAY:
We received word today that (GS)Alex will be assigned to an Airforce base in Oklahoma right after graduation.  He wanted Texas but he is happy with OK.  Several of his friends are going to Mississippi!  Too soon!
Also heard of a calendar date change:  (relatives pay attention) The wedding shower date for (GD) Christianna has been changed from April 22, 2012, to April 29th, 2012.   Hay, that's my Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary-April 29th, 1926.  Well, I guess they will be there in spirit!

Bob and I worked together on the HRRVC camping records again.  We had a lot of junk saved.

After supper,I decided it was time to take down my glass ornament tree (2 hours to pack it all) .   I remembered back when my Mom had barely finished putting decorations up until Jan. 7th.  (Three Kings Day) and no way were we allowed to take it down before that date.      While doing that; I watched the Biggest Looser and it had a different ending!  Putting one guy down for his actions.  Scrapping amongst the team.  Kinda gross!

WEDNESDAY:
I lofted about 10:00am.  Surprise from (DH)Bob; he had arranged for our newly elected HRRVC Secretary to come over this afternoon to go over the transfer of records.  Wow, I have to wake up and get ready!  Now there's no way a person can pick up a house when there is so much piled everywhere for certain events so I dismissed that idea and did what I could.  Bob did run the vacuum upstairs to pick up the tinsel on the floor from tree dismantling! He shoved the tree decos back in storage under the stairs.  There we're ready so we had lunch. 

Once Bob Jae (Bob Jae has a Blog, he helped me with mine) was here, we talked and talked going over stuff.  We had lots of laughs.  The guys even worked in the procedure for installing a generator and some Ipad questions.  Oh ya, Bob showed him all about his new weather station.  Sarah came home from her "hot Yoga" class with Annalynn.  We introduced her to Mr. Jae and she said the right thing!  "I've heard all good things about you!"  Bob J. will have lots of reading material for these winter days.  Shortly after Bob J. left, Betsy came home from work.  The girls were going to "Spin Class", they would eat later. 

Well, be darned if I'm cooking, off we went to eat out.  Now that was a experience.  A family came in with children and of course they picked the big booth right behind us.  The kids were kids!  Of course, the parents wanted them to behave in public.  (Apparently they don't teach them at home) With a very loud voice the mother was correcting them and she was worse than the kids.  She never let up.  One boy took his meal and went to the front of the restaurant to sit on the bench.  I nearly jabbed myself with the fork on her outbursts for that one!  The father asked for a takeout and he left with one of the kids.  That's how bad it was.  Moral of the story; don't sit by a big booth. 

THURSDAY:
Rain all night and all day.  Bob is out checking his rain gauge. 

Finally a day to do the washing and the machine is not busy.  The girls must be all caught up with their wash.  We were close to running out of gutchees! 

I worked on some financial duties this morning.  Everything takes time.  I received another bill from a doctor in Rochester for the copay amount.  I thought we had that taken care of back in October.  Apparently the bank didn't send them a copy of my email payment as promised.  (DH) Bob took right over and he was on the phone for some time with the doctor's office staff and then the bank.  Hope this will end that problem. 

Time to get cleaned up again as we are going to Lancaster to see (GS)Eric before he leaves to go back to college.   Also, before I get my teeth tomorrow and I'll be miserable.  

FRIDAY:
Our green winter is gone!  Blowing and drifting snow; and it's cold.  My appointment at the dental office was for 10:00am.  We got ready and backed out of the garage.  The snowdrift fell into the garage so the garage door wouldn't stay down.  Bob had to get out and shovel the clumps away. 
Then driving was slow but we made it.  The place was open much to my surprise.  Everything went well.  My new teeth went right in.  No adjustment for the top plate.  One on the bottom plate.  We'll see how it goes from here.

We went over to Wal*Mart for bread, milk and birdseed.  There wasn't many customers; the floors were still shinning. 

Lunch at home and then a nap.  I was rived up with nerves and had to settle them down. 

SATURDAY:
Up early so I could call the dental place.  This morning I couldn't get the lower false teeth back in.  The left side of my jaw was too swollen.  I called and called.  No answer.  They promised me they would be there!  Punt time again!  What else, I went back to my old set.

Betsy is outside running the snow blower in our driveway.  (DH) Is not allowed to do it but he sneaks sometimes.  The County plow dumped about 6" at the end of the driveway and it will be hard to get thru if it freezes. 

BETSY RUNNING THE SNOW BLOWER FIRST TIME THIS WINTER.

LOOKS COLD OUT THERE.


Well,  the cursor is stuck here.

We watched football most of the afternoon and evening.  Later GS Eric came down to visit with Sarah.  She promised to cook dinner for him but that never came about-they went out for Chicken Fingers.  We watched a movie together later.

Before going to bed, I went on the library site to get more reading material.  Of 9 pages of mysteries only two listings were available.  All the rest was "place a hold" and when it becomes available they will e-mail me.  Well, that's annoying!  Must be alot more people received e-readers for Christmas.   Also, for many of the books there is only one copy available.  

Sunday: 

Boy is it cold today.  The porch windows have "frost etchings" on them.

I was able to put the new teeth in again today.  I have to get used to them.

Betsy bought a new printer to go with her Ipad.  She and Bob was working on hooking that up.  I guess our printers are to old.   That figures!  They don't even wear out and they need updated.

All the kids took off for Holiday Valley for boarding & skiing.   I wanted to go watch them but came to my senses after deciding I don't need to be adding to my problems.  Instead, Bob helped me take down the last of the Christmas decorations in the Rec room.  

All of a sudden, I can't add captions, as it moves the photo somewhere else above.  Rats.

#1 photo:Annalynn, Christianna & Sarah

#2 photo: Annalynn, Christianna & Rocky

#3 photo:Eric, Annalynn, Sarah, Rocky & Christianna.

So that's about it from our area.  Another week rolled by.  Hope you had a good one.  Posting time.

Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram