Phyllis4732

I haven

Kristen, take a deep breath and perhaps meditate. You are stressed and have every right to. I'm the Queen of Stress and after a second stroke that shouldn't have happened. I hope I learned my lesson. Avoid anything that is going to stress. Yes, easy for someone else to say. I have come to the conclusion that things will happen no matter what we do. Nothing is a guarntee. I used to go to Reiki twice a week and they were starting classes for children! They said everyone stresses and maybe they are right. Being a believer helps because God will not give us more than we are able to handle. Somehow we manage to get through it.

I have always been under orders to take nothing prescription or over the counter unless a Dr, (or I guess a pharmacist) says so. Not great when one is hurting but much safer. Glad all turned out ok in the end.

I find unexpected meetings interesting. I had such a happening today. The % of chances that things like this happen must be very high. I had gone to the library to a meeting. I almost didn't go; an out of town freind asked about us meeting for lunch and so I was going to miss the meeting- not that it really mattered. I honestly don't know what attracts me to the organization. Our plans changed and I did go to the meeting Some people left right ater the movie they showed end; I stayed until, the final words were spoken and then left although many remained to talk to one another. As I walked outside, I had to cross the driveway to get to my car and a car stopped to let me pass, however the car could have gone; I was over to the side and I thought perhaps the person wanted to make sure I didn't loose my balance which I didn't think was very bad. As I past the car, a women said something and I thought she was asking me something which I couldn't answer, but I stepped back (not recognizing her) and she said something like "you knew the x's". They were the couple I had written about who I had become friendly with from stroke support. The woman was the survivor and her husband was the best caregiver I had known. Perhaps you remember my saying in "part 1" that in December he had surgery for a cancerous brain tumor. A few months later they decided to move south to be near a son. I forget who had called but I was told that they were leaving the next day. "Y" and I share the same birthday and I sent a e-card and also tried to send emails to them some which weren't returned but I never received an answer. As best I can remember it was April when a called appeared on the answer machine from a male that said, you have my number. The name had been given but it wasn't clear and although my niece also listened to it and I listened numerous timeswe could not figure it out. I could not understand the name. I thought it may have been "Y"s husband, since there aren't many people who's numbers I have. I could not call though because I had misplaced the scrap of paper with the number; I always used the land phone not the cell. The woman who recognized me (and I didn't know her - I'm so bad about that) had met me when I visited him about 10 days after his surgery in a rehab. The woman, Robyn, had been "Y" caregiver when her husband became ill. At the time I told "y" that now she would have to be the caregiver. Obviously she could not but what I meant and could put it no other way was that she needed to make his life easier in whatever way she could. The one thing that burns me up is when (and my head will be handed to me for saying this, I'm sure) is when people do not try. Most people here do, but there are some who do not - no effort is made. "Y" was like this. Prior to "D's" illness she had made some improvement and I had hopes, but it was not long-lived. When Robyn told me who she was and reminded me of our meeting, I asked her how "D" was; she told me he died August 5th. This man, especially, did not deserve the lousy fate he found. "Y" was a difficult woman and I wonder if she had always been like that or it was from the stroke. I had hoped that the Dr's prediction that he had a very active type of cancer and although they tried to get it all would be wrong. He had the latest treatments of all types but I guess it just wasn't to be. Robyn also thought that perhaps it had been Dan you called. I'll never know...........but I will never forget this lovely man who's path crossed mine. Dan, I know you are not suffering anymore and are in a better place.

"FANTABULIS"! (Like that word?) This Granny is so pleased and also nosey about the date. I always demand reports such as who was there, what was so-in-so wearing, what did you eat etc. when my sister meets friends. That should tell you that I want a blow-by-blow description of the date- What he looks like, what hewore, what he is majoring in, where did you go, do, eat and even if he kissed you goodnight LOL! Sorry about the fall but all went well and I'm glad about that. Well, have a great time..........my heart is starting to pound from the future report I will get. ok, so it isn't but I am nosey. Granny Phyllis

Unfortunately, everyone who needs to be in a Nursing home situation needs to have an advocate. I spent 4 weeks in one getting my step-down therapy. I had visited people in nursing homes years before and they smelled of vanilla which masks urine (I said masks) The place I was in did not smell of urine or vanilla because they took good care. That is the way it should be. Keep fighting Ann. They will know they can't get away with it with Bill at least - and that's basically who you care about. If they do it for Bill, they will have to do it for all. That's the way it should be. They started with the wrong person. Go Ann!

Sounds great! :Clap-Hands:

What a great birthday! Next year - 4 cakes! Glad Ray had a great celebration/s and got so mant calls from the family, Phyllis

Hi Donna, I would never have the trouble you did with the chicken soup! Not that I'm so great; I don't like chicken soup. LOL! I have my own problems. I can open a can of soda with a pull tab, and use my good hand to pour it, but I still have some manage to get on the counter. Well, that is what sponges, water etc. are for. yes, a microwave does give you away. My sister made some popcorn and overheated or something and for a while we had the popcorn smell. As Lin said. we have an excuse- but I also leave my shoes around at times. One of the cats and my dog love the smell of my feet and are always after the insides of the shoes, so I put them places where they can't find them and neither can I. You'd think your brother knowing what happened to you would have been more concerned about his "problem" and maybe knowing that, was trying to avoid what he felt. Yes, sounds suspicious to me but I hope it was the med he is taking. Glad Kristie is getting more comfortable with the kids at school and another week or so, everything willl be fine. As for she and your mother, well, guess you must make up your mind not to worry about it. The more involved she'll get in school activities and with new friends, the less time she will have for Granny. As for the Steelers, (LOL! love your shirt and the cheering rag), I'm sure they are doing well. The Dolphin have a tie but they'll fine a way to loose it, I'm sure. I get the reports when the game is on- it's bad enough that way. So for you: :Clap-Hands: Go Steelers! :Clap-Hands:

Oh Ann, this is so very difficult for me. (I had just sent you a message before I read this.........) anyway, I am a bit confused. Is this definitely Bill's new home or will his condition be tweeked and reverse the situation? Your stance, of course, took much thought; and it has been pointed out "just for today" is the situation. It certainly is hard to understand how this has happened and Bill's new "attitude". Perhaps that is part of whatever happened, but I know that what you do will be the best for him. Do not forget us and do keep us informed. After all, we are all family. Phyllis

Many, many years ago when I was about 9, I planted a watermelon seed - in New Jersey. The soil wasn't exactly for it. It did start to grow and being a kid, I stuck my nail in it to see if it was "real" and of course that killed it. About 2 months ago, I planted some canteloupe seeds in pots and one really took off and started to grown. I watched it as you would a child. It got to be the size of a tangerine and was starting to get too heavy to just hang, so I raised it and rested it on a pot turned upside down. The weight caused it to get cut on the edge of the box. The lawn people were here and I don't know if they knocked it but it a day ago, it appeared to be in very bad shape. The leaves had dried up and it was turning yellow. Today, it was just attached with a thread of stem and so I vut it off. It was the size of a small orange and the bottom of it looked just like the "skin of a canteloupe. I brought it inthe house and cut it in half and it was a perfect miniature canteloupe! Seeds and all. So I took a teaspoon and scooped out the flesh and the taste was so very good and so sweet. Imade my sister eat the other half (LOL) and she thought I was fooling and that it was terible and was also surprised. I guess, it should have been transferred to the ground but the weather has been so hot that it would have dried up as the pepper and tomato plants my sister planted. Just can not get enough water on them and of course they must get sun. It was a great eperience and next year, I guess I'll try one earlier and use a huge pot. Guess, planting it won't be permitted in wetland.............but that will be another blog. It was a great experience! Who knows, maybe I've discovered something new - Bonsai canteloupes! :roflmao:

Due to circumstances, not of my doing, it is necessary for me to go to a new doctor. This is extremely stressful for me; I hate change. Needless to say, my life these past few years have been full of change. In a nutshell, my doctor of 14-1/2 years had left the area and apparently the state. This is nothing new with him. It seems to be a flaw he has- at least to my way of feeling. Hating change, I set very deep roots and it takes dynamite (in this case a meaningful stroke) to unearth them. So, the practice had been taken over by a new group and I picked a Dr. I wished to see and made the appointment. At least my records were right there etc. When I went though and was given a Physicians Assistant, I was told Dr. K wasn

GR! Try not to stress; it the worst thing for those who have high blood pressure (not sure if this is the case with you) - even if it is controlled. One of the most important things for us to learn is to stay cool, no matter what. Let me say though, I KNOW that isn't easy. NOTHING is worth having another stroke about. My sister gets so angry with me because I don't worry about important things. She doesn't realize that I have to be optomistic or chance blowing it all. I found out what can happen. Yes, I worry, but have such strong faith that I feel it will somehow work out. Patience..........she's lucky she didn't have the stroke - she would really aggravate herself. Just avoid your mother as much as possible and perhaps Kristi, when she gets into the sociak life and starts to feel comfortable with life in Pa. will not feel the need to call Grandma as much. The week is started anew and I hope your luck has already changed. Phyllis

:happydance: that's me - dancing for joy! Looks like things have made a turn for the best, and that is great. Sooner or later, these different aquaintances will remain as such and some willl become close friends. It's really only been a short while and for that length of time, a lot has happened. As always, I'm very happy for you. Congrats for all involved in the new addition to the family. Like yourself, I became a young aunt and my oldest niece is already retired and again working. Her son is entering college next year and that gets expensive as you know. Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. For me, I have this crazy idea that on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, you must wat hot dogs and all the fixings. Crazy, yes but to me it has become a tradition. Hope you enjoy your vacation home and rest up some so you can start all over again. I think that while you have gotten a red place and a blister, they will adjust to the braces and the walking will do a lot of good. At least you are able to get out and around and don't just sit in your dorm room. Does your school have clubs etc. Any you are thinking of joining? Anyway, keep letting your cyber aunts and uncles know what is going on.....I know we're all delighted to hear it and it makes us all feel young again. :big_grin: Phyllis

well, have to agree with the others on all points. When you look at it though, all in all, would have to give you maybe an 80 - 90 or even a tad better. The real only bad thing was the fall and as the others said, you were lucky some man was there to help and you were permitted to go to your room and rest. The good was that you now know the importance of tieing laces (hard lesson though) or getting velcro closing shoes in future and in meantime, maybe those jazzy bungy types Bonnie mentioned. Kudos for getting to meet lots of new people. It will get easier as time goes on. Glad the students accept you as they should. This is great to know. You chose a good school. Hope classes are good and as for weather- well, the dog days of August are almost over and fall will be here soon enough. How far are you from home? Good your Dad can pick you up for the weekend. I think things are going great. I'm so happy for you. Be sure to keep us informed. Phyllis

Agree with the others but as Bonnie said, counters and furniture help a lot. You leg will get better too - just be careful. And something else, unless you use an AFO, barefoot is very good or thin socks. Barefoot is better because the foot feel feels different textures and it helps the brain remember. JUST BE CAREFUL!

Hi Donna, What a summer you two have had! And now, life in Pittsburg is really starting. Kristi is starting a whole new segment of her life- and this is a perfect time to do it. Most likely, students won't know every other student because they come from different Junior High schools, so Kristi will at at home as far as knowing everyone - well in her case anyone. She will do great. It was nice of your brother to take her shopping and to lunch, making it especially nice and Ma got some goodies brought to her. The furniture sounds great. I miss the big bed I had. It did not make it up here but I will get the same- a King Size Bed headboard with 2 singles attached.That way, I can use sheets of both sizes, but actually use singles. I like to sleep catty corner and with my little girl as a bedmate, now, I'm hugging the edge and half off it. She sleeps across the bed. Good thing she is a chi, but it is amazing how those little dogs can stretch out on a bed. As Asha said. home is where loved ones are and although the furniture is great, it's not needed for happiness (LOL! just comfort) Do be careful of the stairs. I guess you can't use themethod I had to use when I hurt my good leg a couple of months ago. I "walked" the stairs on my rear end. I was hopimh, some of it would get bounced off, but that didn't happen.......... :roflmao: Oh, almost forgot...........Go Steelers! [/size][/size]as long as they aren't playing the Dolphins :big_grin:

This is quite a surprise. My problems with strokenet is now gone, and I want to thank whoever was responsible. Computers! Guess you have to love them. but they can really mess up one's spirit when they decide not to work. Anyway, this is the blog, I had intended to put on Tues. past. I sold my soul to the devil. I did it with my eyes wide open, but after almost 2-1/2 years and almost 1 of intensive searching, Part 1 has been accomplished. Hopefully, part 2 and all that follows will be a little easier. As many of you know, I bought a rural piece of property in February 2005 - large enough to not have neighbors watch me each time I went out of my home. I have also hoped that I could have a small vegetable garden but it will have to be very small, although the land is about an acre and a quarter. Being a city girl my whole life, the terms "wetland" and "ecological protection" really had no meaning to me, but did I learn really fast. They would be a lump in my throat for about 8 months and they actually haven't ended. The Department of Ecological Protection (a US government department) and I have just about parted. I received my fill permit, necessary for a building permit, today. Hopefully, the Corps of Engineers will accept what had been decided and the County will also kick in but after a possible "show down"on a technicality. You cannot allow 25' between the wetland and the house when the whole area, except for a small section which has to be used for the drain field, is wetland.. The part that irks me most is that once when I asked how they could allow a piece of property be sold that couldn't be built on, I was told not "let the buyer be aware" but that they are not responsible for sales and that some other organization is! Yet it is the county that set the 25' rule. What difference does that make? If it is ok for the government who is the Protection agent, what do they have to say about it? Guess I'll find out. If any of you live in Georgia, I'm sure you know about Kudzu. If you don't know, it is a nasty vine that curls around plants and chokes the life out of them. Well, I agreed to a clause saying that I would inspect the lands and if I found any, I'd see that it is eradicated - by hand. Actually, I have done this on any I've seen whether on my own land or if I saw it on public land. So just think of me as the Kudzu Killer. This and about 20 others clauses was the cost of my soul. But, when all is said and done, the peace and quiet of this piece of heaven where the only noise heard is birds singing, is exactly what I need. Hopefully, I am almost there.

I had some time before the mail and lunch and there it was -as always- the piano. It's actually been a very long time since I played the piano, perhaps 40 years except when I'd play some 4 handed fun music with some kids I baby sat for. But today, no one was here and the windows were closed because of air conditioning and I thought I'd see if I had to count the spaces and lines to figure the notes on the music. There was a book of simple arrangements from Oliver so I sat down and surprised myself.......not perfect not timing exactly right (I can here my father even now) but it sounded pretty good and I didn't have to count spaces and lines or even look much to see where my fingers were. My Dad was a professional musician - a violinist, from the time he was very young and gave lessons at 9. He would sit in the next room, reading the paper, suffering through my practicing. Each wrong note would receive a remark like "no". "sharp" or "flat". He continued playing, as a second income, even after he became a chemist, married and had children, . The funny part was that he ran the gamat from Christmas Eve services in a Catholic Church to the burlesque!) I told myself since the right hand has the hardest part (but is the easiest to read for me) it would be good exercise. I enjoyed it so much, I may do it again and maybe by the time the windows are opened, I won't care if anyone walking by hears it.

Hi Katrina, The day is finally almost here! I'm also glad your Dad let you go to the movies with friends and glad you were asked. That was great as an ice breaker for when you are in college. Remember to write all about colllege because it will bring back memories for those of us who went and be a new adventure for those of us who did not. We all need vicarious thrills in our lives and you are going to be one for sure. Sorry you missed chat. We ere a wild crowd of 16 at one time and had all types of food. Space was short though and some of us had to squeeze together. There was talk of a strokenet cruise to Hawaii perhaps and Sue and our other Australian family are going to be flying to meet us there. OK, it's virtual so far but who knows. Have a great start to the beginning of yournew life. Granny Phyllis PS Guess Great Grannny is closer but we'll let it go at that. :roflmao: :friends: :happydance: :uhm: :silly: :2cents:

Sounds great, Fred! I've never been there either. Win lots of money so you can tell Wally's World Bye Bye, your wife can retire and the two of you can go live on a deserted island with your private jet parked outside. (Knowing you, you won't have to worry about emergencies with the jet right there,) And ofcourse anything else your heart may desire. Guess that is dreaming a little high, so at least make enough to pay for the vacation so it's free and a few bucks for spending on something you'd like. (More dowm to earth, I guess.) And even if you loose a few, sure you had that figured into the cost of the vacation. Got to see a lot of family anyway, and that is nice. Phyllis

Oh, how great! Now both of you are headed for the top. So happy for both of you.........Oh? :oops: Dear Bud, This is your friend, Snooty Noel and I want to give you a big smooch because I am so happy for you. Of course I am smaller (and shorter) than you, so please lay down so I can reach your nose. :friends: I can't keep her off the computer when she sees your name! Phyllis

Lin, they said that you retain the deed to the house. Heirs have 12 months to sell or if an area difficult to sell, at least have an active contract. The man was very knowledgeable and his presentation was excellent. Donna, I will have to see but this is or has been changed. All that George said is true. I believe there may be some differences in states though.Obviously, there should be much thought about this. As for heirs, let's be honest. While it's nice to leave them a lot, you do not have to worry about them and not be able to pay your bills. People must do what is best for them. The heirs, should not expect to be taken care of; they should be responsible for themselves. You and your spouse have paid for the home and the money in it was from their hard work. This should be a persons last concern. If money is needed for medical treatment, medicine and it can be to your advantage (not the heirs) then, you should go for it. You will have a place to live. Ever check prices for assisted Living situations? It will shock you! if you sell your house and the $ goes, and you outlife the $, what then? Will your heirs take care of you?

Unless you are 62, this will just be something interesting to read, but if you are 62, this may be a subject you should look into. We all know how stroke robs people of the things in life that they have worked so hard for. We know about people loosing their homes because they are no longer able to pay their mortgage payment or the taxes and insurance on their homes and desparately need the money for their long treatments. I don't know the % of people here that are 62 since there seem to now be so many younger people who have gotten stroke via PFO, but there may be some. My sister had gotten an invitation to attend a presentation on reverse mortgage. It was held at a restaurant and lunch came with it, so it was a very interesting proposition. She could bring 4 guests with her and so she took me. Since I am getting closer to again being a home owner, perhaps this would also be something for me as well. The speaker was the president of the company and really good and very easy going. People were permitted to ask questions as he went along so they would not be forgotten, which many speakers do not allow. The deal is this. You may be feeling a crunch but no one ever thinks of the money they have invested in their home as being a valuable source, except if that home is sold. In this case, you get to live in the home as long as you want and you get paid a monthly tax free amount. You cannnot be forced out of your home in any way and you can spend the money anyway you choose - no questions asked. Even if you choose to blow the money on a trip to Las Vegas, or buy the car or boat of your dreams. Your home which you paid for for many yearts is your equity and that money is yours. I can't explain all of the factors but if you have a home and need some cash , check into it. It has been changed from the reverse mortgage of years ago and is backed by the govt. This money may not be enough to live on but could be that little extra that you need, and even if you get SSDI, I don't think this counts as income because you already have this money Never assume you are not qualified for something unless you have checked it out.

It's time for me to again bring something for refreshments at the Orchid Society meeting. I leave the drinks (soda) for the guys, and feel that purchased baked goods, while nice, isn't as special as home made. A friend had recently sent me 3 recipes each made with a can of sweetened condensed milk. Today, I tried one of the recipes to see if it would be ok. Didn't want any mishap the last minute. Except that it took me a little longer than it should because I haven't fully learned to use my good hand for everything, I used a larger bowl so I wouldn't get it all over the floor when mixing. This is very simple though, even with only 1 good hand - oh and as Paula Deen would say- oh, it's so good. LOL! Pirate Bars 2 C. graham cracker crumbs 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 C, finely chopped walnuts (I prefer larger pieces so cut a 1/2 nut into about 8 pcs.) 1 can sweetened condensed milk Put all the ingredients into a medium sized bowl (whatever that is supposed to be) and mix well. Spray an 8" x 8" pan, put the mixture in and spread evenly. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 25 minutes. Cut into bars or small squares.