djeffries

CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION Heavy Equipment IN USE !!! Okay, now that I have your attention, I have 'hired' backhoes, dirt shovels and other heavy equipment to 'did' my last blog out of the muck and mire, that has covered it since last year. I have NO IDEA how deep it is, but I just received word that they have located it. YIPPEE :Clap-Hands: Okay, now onto the serious stuff. On Tuesday, January 2, I started my 36-sessions for cardiac rehab. AND, there IS NO co-pay. On the off-days from rehab, I'll be walking at my local shopping mall. One complete 'trip' , around each mall, is a little over a mile. This week I've been doing 1 1/2 miles. My heart rate is doing fine, I'm still losing some weight, just real proud of myself. It is just a shame that I had to have surgery to make me get my rump off the coach and exercise. Oh well, it worked. Hopefully, I can now be 'more regular' in my blogs. Denny

Fred: Thank you for 'pointing out' the incorrect month. In my defense, I can only say this: I had a stroke, that's my excuse and I'm STICKING with it !! Sue: Thanks for the note of encouragement. It is really nice that people DO appreciate the Friday Night Coffeeshop Chats. As far as the cappuccino flavors, they ARE real flavors of cappuccino. There is a company, Coffee Wholesalers USA, in Texas, that sells them. www.cw-usa.com when window opens, click on cappuccino then click on Superior on the 'drop-down' window. Host Denny

Hello Everyone: Well, I came home from the hospital, on October 27, 2006, after a three-day stay. I only had a heart cath, a Transesophageal Echocardiogram and some type of drug-induced stress test. Last time I was in, for by-pass surgery, was December 26, 1994. SOoooooooooo it's been almost 12 years since I had any heart surgery. I see the surgeon on Wednesday, November 1 at 5:00pm to discuss the 'plan of attack' regarding my future surgery. Right now, because not ALL tests are in yet, I know for sure it WILL be two bypasses and a valve. The surgeon is not sure if it will be REPAIR or REPLACE the valve, but he said he will know definitely by Wednesday night. Possible future date of surgery is Monday, November 13, 2006. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. I will keep you posted as to what will be happening. Host Denny

Jean: Stroke Connection Magazine May / June 2002. Page 18 -19. Article Title: Of Strokes and Egg Yolks Denny

Fred: I'm so glad that you are able to 'see' the world around you and how some people DO go on with life as if NOTHING happened. I know when I was an omelet chef at a resort and conference center, a lady asked why I very rarely used my left hand. I told her that I had a stroke, but I was doing the best I could with what God has allowed me to do. Then she asked if I had any advise because her son wanted to be a chef when he saw how I was 'managing' despite my stroke. I asked her for her home address so that I could send her son an article about me that appeared in Stroke Connection magazine and the local newspaper. She wrote back and asked me for an autographed copy so I knew that 'something' was special about this lady It turns out that she is a Visiting Nurse for heart attack and stroke survivors. She wanted the autographed copies to show her patients, who sit in their rockers, watching TV and 'grass growing under their feet' that YES, I DID have a stroke BUT I'M not letting that stop me from enjoying life. It is so true that we should get out to the malls and shopping centers. Look at all the 'survivors' who are being involved with life. Or, you can do what I do. I carry a deck of playing cards. When people ask me why I walk 'funny' I tell them I had a stroke and then I pull out the cards. When they inquire 'Why the cards' I just say I had a stoke and I 'deal with it' :roflmao: Denny

YES Vi, when it gets cold and damp, I tend to stiffen up. The cold weather is especially hard on me. Have to use a cane to help me walk, my pace is s-l-o-w and my left hand will 'clench' into a fist, and NOTHING will pry my fingers loose until my hand warms up. Yes I do wear a glove but it doesn't seem to help much. Just difficult to get glove off of a semi-clenched fist. I went shopping for groceries with my wife. Came out of the store, holding onto the shooping cart. It WAS cold out and when we got to the van, she told me to get in so I WOULDN'T get too cold. I had to explain that the shopping cart WOULDN'T fit in the front seat with me. YEP, left hand had a 'death grip' on the handle. Took us half an hour to 'pry' my fingers off the cart handle. BOY did we get the stupidest looks. SO WHAT ?? Peggy and I had a good laugh and the cold weather KEPT the perishables cold. Now, BEFORE we come out of the store, Peggy makes me take my left hand off the shopping cart handle. But I found it hard to push the cart AND use the cane with my right hand. Oh well, live and learn. Denny

Jean: You have you hands FULL with Don and Cooper. :roflmao: Denny

You know what they say . . . . Insanity IS hereditary - - - - - you get it from your kids !! :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: Denny

GEE !!! I use the punch ONCE and right away it IS confiscated. That's NOT FAIR. Asha, we have just 'waged war' on Jean. :swordfight: Denny

Jean: You JUST EARNED another punch in your Senile Card. :oops: I DIDN'T post the picture, Steve DID. It was 'posted' this morning at 1:02 AM. At that time, I WAS in bed, sleeping. Denny

Hello Everyone: The other day I 'posted' a blog about the Stroke for stroke Golf Tournament. WELL . . . . In the Gllery, under Favorites, Steve 'posted' a picture that WILL make Jean Jealous. (Yes Jean, I can see your mouth drooling) :roflmao: Yes, I did have a very good day and I am planning to make this event an annual event each year. Denny

Hello All: Yesterday, Friday, September 8, 2006, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting our CEO and founder of StrokeNetwork -- Steve Mallory. AND his wife Melissa, some of the daughters, sisters, brother-inlaws, sister-inlaws, mother / father-inlaws, and other family members. There were, I don't know how many golfers, but there were quite a few who have played in ALL five years of the golf tournament. It was a 'real treat' that so many people have a passion to help out a worthwhile cause. The day was beautiful, a little 'crisp' but nonetheless, a nice day to play golf. NO, I didn't play golf, don't know the first thing about it, but I had a nice 8-hour visit of sharing and talking with Steve, Melissa, family members and some of the golfers. At theAwards ceremony, I was introduced as the StrokeNet Friday Night Chat Host and several thanked me for what I am doing with StrokeNet. We CAN ALL be proud to be part of an organization that is 100% Stroke Survivor / Caregiver based. I know, after meeting Steve that I AM. Steve, thank you for your having the 'desire' to start something this IMPORTANT. My time with Steve and Melissa 'opened my eyes' as to what some caregivers have to do to help their spouse who had a stroke. I won't go into details here, but I was just amazed at what type of care Steve REQUIRES during the day. As I told Steve on Friday, when people are on StrokeNet, whether in chatroom, on the message board, or in blogs, we HAVE NO idea what deficits' that person has. After Friday's 'excursion', I DO PLAN to 'volunteer' each year from now on. I did ask Steve to contact me with the date in 2007. I think it would be neat if there were several StrokeNet users who could attend, if possible. Melissa, this IS for you, and ALL the other caregivers who 'feel' that they want to 'give up'. :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: DON'T !!! You ARE INVALUABLE !!! Denny PS: YES I did pass along greetings from members on the board. And YES, I DID express my displeasure at my avatar.

Cindy: I am so glad that your 'injury' is almost healed. I really am. Now, I just hope that you will follow these instructions: When slicing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, radishes, potatoes, carrots, or anything that I forgot (memory 'shot' because of stroke) PLEASE USE THE SAFETY GUARD. If you don't want to use the safety guard, you can go to a restaurant supply store and buy a pair of 'mesh' anti-cut gloves, like they wear when carving meats. They are only $35.00 EACH :roflmao: Your favorite :chef: Denny

Cindy: I just wanted to say that it was a pleasure to have you 'visit' in the Friday Night Coffee Shop Chatroom. I'm so glad that you enjoyed yourself, got to 'share' with other people, had a few laughs, and enjoyed a cup or two of 'fresh-brewed' cappuccino. Denny :chef:

Hi Cindy: I'm sorry that you cut yourself. I can understand the pain and trauma that you experienced. I 'understand' your panic and the fear of stitches. After I had my stroke, and in need of a different career, I went to culinary school. YES, we used knives. We spent two weeks, doing nothing but cutting, dicing and making 'fancy cuts' with vegetables; cutting and slicing meats and fish. I cut myself, on my left finger. BECAUSE I have NO feeling, I didn't know it. Just a small cut, but it bleed for almost an hour. I was afraid to use a knife the way chefs do - with the blade 'against' your knuckles. I've been 'corrected' several times, stating that I would 'lose points' IF I didn't start 'doing it right'. I just informed the chef that I would - but let me on 'my timing' (meaning when I WAS comfortable). I eventually 'got it together' with knife blade against knuckle. I also use a mandoline. They ARE nice, they allow you to make 'uniform' cuts, and they ARE SAFE, IF you use the safety guard. The manufacturer spent money to have the 'safety guard' made and put in each box. I use my mandolin to make French Onion Soup, slice tomatoes when needed. If I'm doing a vegetable tray, I'll slice cucumbers with the mandolin. I've been using a mandolin for 3 years, and I have yet to cut myself using it. WHY ?? Because I USE the safety guard EVERY time. When I slice something, when the safety guard is down as far as it goes, what food is still on the 'prongs' gets pitched. I know I 'rambled' on, just giving my :2cents: Denny :chef:

I responded, I don't think I was understood correctly, SOoooooooooooooooooo . . . . . . the 'drama goes on !! All I can say is, 'hit me with your best shot' :bop: Denny PS: I don't what to 'cause friction' between two friends, so I WON'T respond to this blog AGAIN !!

One lesson we learn early, that in spite of seeming difference, men are all of one pattern. We readily assume this with our mates, and are disappointed and angry if we find that we are premature, and that their watches are slower than ours. In fact, the only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Blame is safer than praise. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson There is a time when a man distinguishes the idea of felicity from the idea of wealth; it is the beginning of wisdom. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Wise men are not wise at all hours, and will speak five times from their taste or their humor, to once from their reason. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson The wise man in the storm prays God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson I did a 'search' on Ralph Waldo Emerson and I thought (there I go, thinking again !!) that they were pretty good. I'm not taking sides, I'm not being a referee. I 'REFUSE' to be 'drawn' into these 'childish games'. I WILL say this. EVERYONE is entitled to freedom of speech. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution PERMITS that. I'm just saying that I don't enjoy the attacks that are waged' when two, or more people DON'T agree on a certain subject. THAT'S why I USUALLY don't respond to blogs. I'll just close with another quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: He who has a thousand friends Has not a friend to spare,While he who has one enemy Shall meet him everywhere -- Ralph Waldo Emmerson Denny

Diane: I can understand your frustration. I understand your 'lack' of physical mobility. I DO understand how this can 'affect' your 'mindset' and I give you all the encourtagement to 'seek' out things that motivate you and give you great pleasure. Yes, I agree that the computer 'masks' our physical problems. That IS a good thing. That's why I said that on here, each individual IS CONSIDERED 'equal'. No, you did not offend me. No you did not hurt my feelings. I'm doing my best to make you feel comfortable in what you are experiencing at the moment. Keep on blogging. If people have a problem with what you are trying to say, that IS their problem. Denny

Hi Diane: I CAN NOT even begin to image what life is like, seated in a wheelchair 24/7, only the use of one hand, not being active as you say you once were. I JUST CAN'T relate to that. HOWEVER, I CAN 'offer' the advise that, yes, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. NO, it is NOT a train 'coming your way'. I also understand where you would be bored - given the situation you are in. I don't know if your chair is motorized or not. If it is, are you able to go outside on your own, or is it too dangerous?? Can you maybe do jigsaw puzzles using one hand ?? I appreciate your 'cry for help' and I believe that by blogging and 'venting' your frustrations, people will offer encouragement and suggest things that MIGHT keep you from becoming bored. At least, I would hope so. I believe you said it has been 18 months since your stroke. It seems like an eternity for you and I can understand that. Progress will come 'in small steps' patience IS the key. My stroke was 8 years and a month ago. I only have numbness and no feeling on my ENTIRE left side. YES it is frustrating and I do wish, at times, that my stroke WAS WORSE. WHY ?? Then I could 'relate' to others on this site and be 'more in-tune' with their struggles, trials and triumphs. I DON'T consider when people are blogging 'negative remarks, that they are 'having a pity party'. Human nature is to sometimes think that 'woe is me'. The feelings ARE OKAY, but you also need to find things that will 'pull' you out of that 'muck and mire'. I'm rambling, but I just want you to know that I will be praying for you. Keep your chin up, and remember that there ARE others who are 'experiencing' conditions worse than you. I would also invite you to 'visit' the chatrooms at night. Spelling and typos DO NOT COUNT. As far as I'm concerned, although we had a stroke, we 'are considered equal, whether it be in the chat room, on the Strokenet Message Board or blogging. One hand typing IS fine too. AND, this is for you :friends: Denny

For those that read my BLOG that I COULDN'T find my picture / bio in the Gallery, PLEASE DISREGARD that Blog. It's BBBBBBBBBaaaaaaccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkk. Denny :Clap-Hands:

Okay, I know I saw it in the Gallery. I just don't know where it went. :uhm: It WAS in Member's Bio, in the Gallery. Oh well, I KNOW I 'posted it'. You will just have to believe me. Denny

YES, you can teach an old dog new tricks. It has been a month and a half since I blogged. Okay, so SUE ME !!!!! I just wanted to 'announce' that, in the Gallery, I have FINALLY 'posted' my picture (either basement OR Post Office material) and my bio. In Favorite Pictures, I 'posted' a picture of a wishing well that I carved out of a watermelon. The 'bucket' is made from a yellow squash and an eggplant. Hope you enjoy them. >>>> Back to 'the dungeon'. Denny

Next day was Sunday. I went to church, and I 'budgeted' $5.00 for offering. Well, when the offering came, I put in my $5.00 PLUS what I 'made' yesterday from changing the guy's tire. It was . . . . . . a $50.00 bill. Scooterman: NO, it wasn't the $50 bill that the guy gave me BECAUSE I put it in the collection plate when the offering was taken, just like I 'stated' in the excerpt above. Now what could be the possible explaination ?? Denny

This blog is written because of Asha's blog on Monday June 12, 2006. The story you are about to read IS TRUE !!! You may either read it, in it's entireity or you may simply stop here and call it 'foolish'. A little background information first. I was working in a truck / automobile tire repair shop. I fixed flat tires on anything from a wheelbarrow to a backhoe to a tractor trailer to a off-road vehicle. Now, on with my experience. IT DID HAPPEN, I HAVE NO REASON TO SAY IT DIDN'T !! In August 1988, I was on my way to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for a short-term missionary trip. Before I left, I made out a budget of my expenses of which I thought I would need. My budget was $250.00. (Gas WAS cheaper back then). I had $200.00 when I left. REMEMBER - I WAS $50.00 BELOW WHAT I NEEDED FOR THE WEEK !! The Bible said that God will supply ALL my needs. Well, if God wanted me to go, He would supply my needs, as I needed them. Before I left, I said a prayer for safety in travel and, because I was on vacation, to 'do His Work', I WASN'T going to fix any flat tires, NO how, NO way. Okay, I filled my car with gas, and I left for my 'vacation'. I drive towards my destination, and halfway in Virginia, I noticed that, in the distance, a pickup truck had a blow-out. I saw it, and I said to myself "I'm not stopping". Got closer "NO, I'm not stopping". Drove past, looked at driver "NO, I'm not stopping". I drove past, I DIDN'T stop, and I DIDN'T feel guilty. HOWEVER, as I approached the next exit, my car 'pulls' to the right. I'm thinking to myself - NO, I'm not going back, I'm doing your work. As the exit gets closer, my car 'pulls' sharper to the right. NO, NO, NO, I'm NOT going back. However, I couldn't 'steer' my car as I approached the exit ramp. OKAY, I'll go back - and just like that, I could steer. I went back, about 30 miles to the last exit, and as I passed the guy in the pickup, he WASN'T doing anything. Okay, got off exit and came down, pulling in behind him. He still isn't doing anything. And, he's older than I was. I get out of my car and ask what the problem was. He said that I wouldn't believe him. What I just been through, YES I would. Then he asked me if I passed him about 30 minutes ago. With all the cars going past him, on a major interstate, HOW could he remember if I passed him 30 minutes ago ??? Well, after an exchange of talking, this APPARENTLY was his first flat tire and he DIDN'T know what to do. Well, I got my tire tools and 12-ton jack (Which I WASN'T bringing along but did anyways) out of my car, and put his spare tire on. He offered to pay me, but I said that I would 'be rewarded' in Heaven. He insisted, I keep refusing. THEN, he called his wife and she insisted, 'shoving' the money in my shirt pocket. Okay, I'll take it, just don't tear my shirt. I took it, NEVER looked at it. We shook hands, and we went on our different ways, him to Texas, me to North Carolina. Next day was Sunday. I went to church, and I 'budgeted' $5.00 for offering. Well, when the offering came, I put in my $5.00 PLUS what I 'made' yesterday from changing the guy's tire. It was . . . . . . a $50.00 bill. I had no problems 'giving it' because I knew what God was 'teaching me'. After church, people from the congregation invited me home for dinner. Later that night, another family picked me up for supper. That week, I was invited out three times. Fast-forward to the following Saturday. I knew I needed $20.00 for gas, to get home. I had all my 'budgeted items' in separate envelopes, that was marked with each expense. Example: Turnpike - $1.60. Gas - $20.00. Lodging - $30.00. And everything I spent, I marked down, even 55