this 'n that

I'm feeling tired this morning. 2 evenings of work and I feel shot down. The full moon has certainly been evident. One of the girls last night said there were 9 babies born over the full moon.
WHEW! I remember those days in the labor room only too well. I remember saying to my boss the next morning "I don't like working at your house".. hehehe. Yes, I had attitude. It seemed so overwhelming at that time. 2 nurses and 8 laboring moms.. too much. Lots of stress, at least that's the way I felt. Nursing has changed completely from when I first began. It's a good thing I suppose, but right now I see patients on the general med/surg floor that used to be ICU patients.

I didn't get to sleep till after 2am. There is good reason to be tired. I have another day of it today.
We got slammed in a sense last night. It felt like a slow motion slam.. one after another after another- admissions... till we filled the unit. The last one I signed off at 11:35pm. I was the lone secretary on my unit, and when I asked for the night secretary, she was already assigned another floor to help for the next few hours. So I did the last admit myself.
I'm off Monday. 124 days to go.
It occurred to me yesterday that before October is over I'll be at less than 100 days before I can be relieved of my hospital duties. It can't come fast enough.

GIFT BASKET

An edible arrangement
Wendell said it was super heavy- he guessed about 50#. Even if it was 30#, this was one heavy arrangement !

A FRIDAY UPDATE

I had a note from Nancy about Barb. It's an email from Duane..
Keep praying friends. God hears every whisper..


Duane called with the following info:

Request for prayer:

She has a blood infection, but they will not know for three days the cause, in the mean time she's being given antibiotics.

Pray for safety for those who take the children down each weekend.

Praise:
She can now get more air with the cuffless trach
She has vibrations in the voice box, so her voice can be retrained, per examination by an eye, ear and nose specialist..

Her temp and heart rates are back to normal
They've met all of her therapy team.

Duane said the people go the extra mile; Security says "Good Night, Mr. Kelly."
He saw one doctor in the parking lot who called to him and asked how was Barb?

Now for a funny:
Barb has a head button, that she can bump to call the nurse.. I'm sure you get the picture...need I say any more. They practiced, then Duane said "now, don’t be hitting it, while I go to lunch." He no more walked into the hall, and the button sounded, the nurse went in and Barb was laughing!

God Bless you, as you Praise and Thank the Lord,
Love,

Nancy & Don

5 Grandkids

Wendell is walking on air.. Annabelle let him hold her today and she didn't cry.. must be a good day! Here they are.. Daniel, David, Joyce, Annabelle, and Paul 3.

We had rain today.. it came down hard late this afternoon and Lake Blair had waves. Not enough to go surfing of course, but it was odd to see the water move that way.
We had a mish/mash supper tonite. I had sliced chicken warmed with orange and rice. Wendell had a hamburger patty with baked potato.. we skipped the veggies since we were both planning on having some dessert. Oh.. let's see.. pie....and , oh, .... how about a sliver of cheesecake just to make sure it's good enough to give to John?
I thought the pie lacked something, though Wendell said it was delicious. I used regular sugar in it, but he had to have a taste anyway. Then we both tasted the cheesecake....... oh.... definitely an A++++++++++ !!! The topping was better than the cake itself this time. I added a tiny bit of confectioners sugar to it and whoa...!!
Wendell called his sister Joy tonite to chat. She is doing well and planning a trip this way in October. We'll look forward to that.
Gotta get moving here..
Pray for us. Pray for the Hixon family who have lost a son/husband/daddy.
Pray for Barb as she deals with rehab, for Nicki that her treatments will be healing for her.
And world leaders that their eyes and hearts would be open to accept Jesus as savior.

Yeah.. so I missed some really spectacular photos this morning.. I made up for it with these:

Homemade Apple Pie.. mmmmmmm

Can't keep the pie.. any volunteers?

Homemade cheesecake...ooo...aahhhhh..

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Today I'm baking an apple pie thanks to my friend Sandi who sent me a website with apple pie recipes with pictures. I made sure when I stopped at the store yesterday that I had the right ingredients.. it's in the oven right now. I also made a cheesecake for John just because he likes my cheesecake..it'll go in next.
While I was preparing the pie, I noticed that the deer were all standing out behind the house. You know, all summer I've been trying to get a good close up of the deer. They are there so often, and I miss them every time. While I was in town yesterday, Wendell said they were all there really close to the house. I asked him if he got a picture.. he said no, he hadn't thought to take pictures.
Well, today was MY day !! There was the entire family out there waiting for me to do my thing.

They even posed for me.. straight head on closeups.. side views, and one with a white tail in the air. I was in heaven!!! I got them..!!! I can't believe I actually got 8 glorious pictures.
Then I noticed a gray squirrel on a tree not 8' from me.. so I clicked off 3 more pictures of the little critter in various poses. It was as if they KNEW I was taking their pictures and wanted some good ones ..
I went back into the house with a big smile on my face.. I had really done it this time.. my pictures were spectacular..so I thought I'd preview them..

Ya know, the pictures would have come out a lot better if I'd just had the camera card in the camera.. it's like taking pictures on a regular camera without film. AAACCKKKK!!!
I would have cried if I hadn't seen the humor in it all and started to laugh at myself!
I'll try again another time.. for now, these ones were the big ones that got away.

-sigh.............

Our family is saddened by the loss of a cousin yesterday:

PENN TWP — A farmer was killed Wednesday when a hay wagon ran over him.Jeffrey Hixon, 41, of 105 Distillery Road was working with his father, Wayne, on Brownsdale Road, cutting corn for silage at about 5:30 p.m.When the wagon was full, Hixon unhitched it from a tractor and it began to move.Hixon was killed as he tried to control the wagon and it rolled over him.Butler County Coroner Bill Young III said this morning that the cause of death was from multiple blunt force traumas.Penn Township police and volunteer fire departments, as well as the Butler Ambulance Service, were called to the scene.

Please keep the family in prayer..

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I Peter 5:6,7

What's an Ejection Fraction anyway?

Wendell saw the GI specialist today.. all is good. No problems. The GI upset over the weekend was likely just the milk he drank that he said was lumpy, but didn't smell bad..so.. he drank it.

No comment here. Better to be mute on that issue.

I also saw my doctor today for a check up on the asthma.. he says I still have some wheezes, but not like before- I'm progressing in a right direction. I'll be on the inhalers till the snow flies, then wean off for the winter and start up again next March likely. HOORAY!

We discussed the results of my echocardiogram also that I had done this month. It was super.

No problems.. my ejection fraction is 70%... fabulous for my age. Most 40 yr olds can't have that good a reading. HAH! Well, I do have a minute amount of aortic stenosing but that is to be expected for me, and it's minimal and won't need watched for a few more years. He mentioned that I still have my murmur, but it's stable. The murmur was the reason I had the echo done in the first place. My dentist suggested that I check with my PCP to see if he still wanted antibiotics prior to any treatments, that the latest information is that SBE prophylaxis is not necessary. Well, let's see.. I take 2Grams of Amoxicillin once every 6 months to get my teeth cleaned.. versus the possibility of endocarditis which either will kill me or leave my heart majorly weak after months of the 'big gun' antibiotics.. I'll opt for the Amoxicillin. That's what the doctor said too.

Huh?? What's an ejection fraction?

Well, it's really quite simple..You have 2 systems in your heart. The top of the heart has 2 chambers called atrium that receive blood and the 2 lower chambers called ventricles pump blood out of the heart.

The left ventricle pushes oxygenated blood into arteries and from there it goes to your body.

Blood is received into the right atrium and pushes it into the right ventricle that pumps blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. It comes back to the left atrium and is then deposited in the left ventricle and the process continues over again. Valves in the heart prevent blood from backing up.. (regurgitation). When the left ventricle forces the blood out into the body, it is called ejection. It's a big pump, but not all the blood gets pumped out. There is always a little bit left behind for the next heart beat. The amount that is pumped out is called the ejection fraction and is expressed in a percentage.

Now don't you feel smart? Class dismissed.

It's been one of 'those' days.. the moon is full and we were run ragged at work.. so many discharges and then admissions to fill the beds.. we got through it though and I'm home again.
It was warm today- almost 90 degrees.. When I got home none of the ACs were on, so I'm feeling the heat pretty good right now. My room will cool off quicky- it isn't that big.

We have pumpkins ripening in the garden.. not big, but nice. I don't think they are pie making pumpkins, but who knows? The Zombecks bought a huge one and it's sitting on our porch.

I had a note from my friend Nancy tonite.. I'll share parts of the note with you..

Hi All,
Thanks for praying for our safe arrival here Monday noon.

Spent some time with Barb, it was an emotional time for all.
We were thrilled today to see her move her left foot several times on the bed and her left fingers, and trying to tense up near the elbow.

This morning she was transferred by ambulance to the Rancho Rehab in Downey, Ca. Duane was allowed to ride in the ambulance and the Med tech seemed happy to have him as he knows how to get responses from her.. She will be in Acute rehab, with many new faces and challenges.

Nicole and Ethan rode down with the pastor and a friend, to see where their mom will be. Pray for their comfort in not being able to see her everyday. The kids have activities and have to be taken and picked up from school, no late risers here!

Please continue to pray for her healing and the hard work ahead.

Pray Duane can get rest. He's very loving and we were humbled watching him attend to her needs, exercise her limbs and figure out what she needs.

We praise God for the funds that continue to arrive for her medial expense..

Tomorrow, we're being blessed by a crew of house cleaners and people to mow the yard.


We appreciate your continued prayers and love for all of us..

Love,
Nancy And Don

CURRENT EVENTS

As I listened to the news yesterday, I was reminded of one verse of scripture in particular:

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.
Genesis 50:20

130 days

I am so happy when I look at my little train above and see the number dropping each day. It's such a thrill.
Today was busy and yet a really pleasant one.. I woke up feeling crabby for some reason, but as the day went on felt much loved and much better. In fact at supper, Mandy asked me if I was still feeling crabby.. I guess it didn't show.. that's a good thing.
Mandy took me shopping for things on my 'long term' list- the things that we routinely use but were getting low. Then she and John washed the front of the house- the siding, windows and door. It does look a lot better. John cleaned the gutters too.
After a supper of grilled steak/chicken salads, John, Amanda and I went out and picked the red raspberries.. we got almost a gallon of them. Oh, sooooo good.
Yes, I'm not feeling as crabby now.. We accomplished much. Sinks shine, though I didn't get the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. My clothes are already laid out for tomorrow. I'm back on my routine.
It's a little chilly tonite- 59 degrees.. I knew you were all dying to know that fact. I couldn't disappoint.
I've rambled on long enough.. have a wonderful day tomorrow.. enjoy the sunshine. For me, I will be busy at the hospital gainfully employed again.

BOUGHT WITH JESUS' BLOOD

2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

1 Corinthians 7:23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.…

Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.

The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1,10-11 NLT

This is a picture of the Kelly family we've been praying for.. Nicole,Barb,Ethan, Duane.

DRESSED FOR BATTLE

Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil.
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.
In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

UPDATE BARB KELLY

Had a note from Nancy today. She says Barb has been approved by the insurance company for 100 days in the rehab center that they felt was the best for her. They will be moving her there this coming week. Nancy and her husband are leaving Sabbath for the long trip to Santa Maria to stay with her grandchildren there for the next 3 months.
+pray for traveling mercy for Nancy and her husband; for Barb as she is being transferred
+pray that Barb will do well and have the strength to make the recovery she needs
+pray for the family- this has been very hard on the children and Duane too.
+thank the Lord for providing the rehab center that will be able to help Barb recover
+thank the Lord for the financial support they are receiving
More later..

A DAY AT THE PARK

Today Wendell and I made a trip to Beaver County to the Raccoon Creek State Park where he was once employed. We stopped for breakfast and then went on to the park.. It was such a glorious day. We don't often get the chance to just take a day 'for ourselves', but today was one of them. Besides, Wendell needed to visit with some former co-workers. He hasn't seen them for months.
When we arrived at the park, we stopped along the way before going to the office. The picture below is the beautiful clear water of the dam. It was nearly breathtaking..


Of course, at the entrance to the park (one of the entrances), is Smokey the Bear who lets all the visitors know the danger of fire for the day. Today it was low. It's a blurry picture because Wendell was not able to stop for the photo.. too many people out enjoying the day.

We joined the group for lunch here at the banquet hall. It was lovely.. simple and delicious.

Afterward, we drove down to the beach to see if there were any swimmers.. yes, there were. It was about 80 degrees and the beach was moderately crowded.

The Ohio River.. on the way home. Beautiful and quiet.
We also went back to the spot where last year we saw the beaver dam.. it was totally gone. The water level is low, and the water wasn't moving hardly at all. No sign of the dam or beavers either.

News, this and that

I woke up an hour later than usual this morning.. Wendell made the coffee, and that's where I am so far. Sitting at the computer drinking my morning coffee and planning my day. It's not a hard day to plan-most of it will be taken up by gainful employment at the hospital.
But wait- I've got a 3 day weekend coming up !!!!! OH FOR JOY!!!! Wendell and I have plans to go to Raccoon Park on Saturday. He's gonna visit some of his old buddies there.
And then we are going to do some shopping on the way home. The babies in our family are needing a swing, and the one we have is just plain broken~ can't have that! With Eli and his family coming and Annabelle too needing a swing, we feel the need to get one ASAP.

At the moment it's 64 degrees here in WPA, but the forecast says it's gonna get to 84 and be sunny.. wonderful, but the air quality index says it's an Action Day, which means asthmatics should stay indoors. Bummer.

Yesterday was a fine day. All went well at the office and on my way home I stopped for gas and then at the grocery for something quick for supper. I had in mind the deli counter and got a rotisserie chicken and macaroni and cheese for Wendell since I seem to serve him chicken as a main diet most of the time. No, not SEEM.. I do. Anyway, the lemon pepper rotisserie chicken was more than delicious and I may do that again some time. I got fresh broccoli to go with it and what I cooked is gone.. no leftovers. It made a very good meal and there is still a half chicken breast left for my lunch today. YIPPEE!!

Sometimes my red hair causes me to become infuriated with our world leaders. I am reminded that Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for them.. so that's what I've been doing. Asking the Lord for their conversion and hearts that are stone to turn to Him.

The word from my friend Nancy in Idaho is that Barb's doctors now feel she is a very good candidate for acute Rehab at the center where the family has been trying to get her admitted. They are recommending this and the insurance company is reconsidering their position. Keep praying for this family. They appreciate all you do and thank you for remembering them and Barb in this difficult time.

I'm about done with my coffee... gotta hit the shower now. Have a wonderful day bloggers!

If you haven't already seen it, you should take a look at Joel Rosenberg's blog.. Current events..

It's Wednesday.. that's 'over the hump day' for some of us. It was also the day that Amy dropped off the 4 grandchildren for a little visit.. and we had some fun.

I heard the scuffle first.. and then saw the boys scrambling around to catch a bug.. "what is it?!" they called out.. They finally caught the little critter and put her on the picnic table. Daniel, Paul and David inspected her thoroughly.. I told them they'd caught a Katydid.
"You mean a grasshopper?" "No, she's not a grasshopper, but she does have some resemblance to one."


"Can we feed the chickens?!" "Of course!" and I went for some old stale buns I'd kept for just that end. No chickens were seen as we walked slowly toward the coop. Then one by one they came out of hiding, curiosity getting the best of them. Before long, Joyce had a number of them practically eating out of her hand. David liked to look at them, but did more throwing 'at' them to keep them at a distance.

The oak trees have acorns, I explained to David. He was very interested in the little balls under the leaves.

David wanted to watch a Veggie Tales movie, so Joyce and I headed for the kitchen and she single handedly whipped up a pan of snackin' cake. She frosted it with chocolate frosting and then added colored sprinkles on top. She does love decorating!
By the way.. the kids took home what they baked today- none for us, thank you. Daniel whipped up a pan of Jello (sugar free) for Papa.

Time to get ready to go home.. Paul has his brownies covered and ready to travel.

I stopped Daniel before he left and said.. "okay.. give me a big smile".. to which he replied "I just don't know why, but I don't know how to smile"..
I couldn't let them go without a couple pictures of Annabelle.. she has been learning to make funny faces.. I think her teeth are so pretty.

This must be her "mean" face... ?? heheheh.

After the kids left I finished reading a book in which I'd been engrossed. It's called EPICENTER.
Anyone else read it? Current events and the Bible- Ezekiel's vision. WOW. Interesting reading.

UPDATE BARB KELLY

From Barb's mother in law, Nancy:

We have a "praise the Lord" tonight from Duane. He was so excited he could barely contain himself on the phone.
Barb lifted her right foot off the foot board, and the left foot she moved.. doctors saw this as did the nurses and it was noted.. One doctor and the case worker are working to get her moved to rehab.

Please continue to pray that the insurance company will pay more than the 60% for rehab.. the doctor said he'd step in and call them for Duane..

thanks for praying,

This is an update on Barb Kelly and her family from their pastor:

Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 12:18 PM

Yes, the Insurance Company is a pain on top of the suffering. But God is at work, and we think we are going to be able to move her soon.
I have not read the book, but did get to listen to their story when they were here. Many similarities, and one encouraging thing is that Barb is not as bad off as Kate was. She is way ahead. And with the movement of her legs now, we have great hope that the Ins. Company will come around. We are determining though, that the main priority in decision making needs to be what is best for Barb, and not what is funded by the insurance. God is giving lots of encouragement along these lines, assuring us that He is the Healer, not Blue Cross. Even the decision of where to send her had to be made, not based on what the ins. Company would do, but what she needs. We had to go for the best place, even if it was a distance, in order to give her the best chance. And Duane is ready to sacrifice convenience and work and everything, to see her get the very best. Pray..
By the way, you would be so proud to watch Duane in this situation. It is excruciatingly painful, and he's not getting enough sleep (another prayer item). But he is living so sacrificially, so selflessly for his family, so humbly in submission to God's will, and yet so firm in his advocacy for Barb's best. It is so amazing to see. It's a perfect picture of the believer operating in God's strength when his own is exhausted.

CONSTITUTION DAY

Thank the Lord for this land where we live.. Pray for those in high places .. Pray that they turn their hearts to Jesus..

LOOKS LIKE WE HAD FROST

It's my day of non-gainful employment.. so I took a leisurely walk to the garden. I knew the tomatoes would be ripening rapidly, so I took a pan out with me and collected about 8 of the nicest ones I could find. I wasn't prepared to see the plants withered however. Many of the other tender plants are also in this condition.. dying.. drying. Time to make tomato juice..
I picked a bouquet of flowers and then got chased by several bumbly type bees.. so I left.
I picked about 5 apples from the trees... mmmmmm !!! crisp and sweet and juicy!

Silly rhodadendron! They love the cold weather.. bloom at the oddest times. I took this Saturday when we were really cool here.

ANOTHER COLD MORNING

39 degrees.. brrrrrr! I was awakened at 6am by shivering.. brrrrrr! it's cold! We should get to about 71 today.. fall has arrived.

Good night at work yesterday. I had 2 admissions all evening and finally went home around 10pm.
It was nice to go home a little early. I was so tired .. I do better when there is a steady stream of work instead of 'nothing' to do.

It's Monday.. blah.. I hope the day soon improves- I'm looking forward to it.
I think I need to get out my "I'm thankful for" list and review it..
I woke up this morning
I can walk
I'm not coughing
I have a blanket to wrap in when I'm cold
I made coffee.. running water.. plenty of food
I have warm clothing to wear
I have a loving family
Working indoor plumbing
Roof over my head
Splendid garden full of veggies
Eggs from Charlie
I can still read my Bible without fear of being imprisoned
Electricity..
137 days to retirement
I am blessed richly
Have a super day everyone.. catch ya later

UPDATE ON BARB KELLY

Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 11:09 AM
I am working on the insurance as they have already denied authorization for Barb to go to Rancho. The issue is that they feel Barb is in a sub-acute state and would not benefit at an acute rehab facility. So the options are that I look for an acceptable sub-acute facility to place Barbara there until she qualifies for an acute facility. Or I can self pay an place her at Rancho. Self pay is $1,705 a day times the number of days that is anticipated that she would be there. And then I will be required to pay up front. I felt very strongly that God was leading me to place Barbara at Rancho so, if He is indeed ,then He will work out the finance also! ( Marilyn( Rancho Los Amigos is one of the two top rehabs in the USA the other is LOMA LINDA both so calif.)

My work has been very understanding so far and my prayer is that they continue to give me the time off paid. The church fund is set up however there is not any funds available yet. I have not incurred many added cost as of yet that have not already been covered by gifts from others. God will supply when the need is there, this I am trusting in, when my faith is not weak.

Barbara, moved her right arm from a palm down position to a palm up last night - very exciting for the kids and myself to see. It really helped me have more hope after dealing with the insurance co and rehab locations telling me no.

Love, Daune

FROST WARNINGS

I expected it soon.. and wasn't disappointed. The frost warning was out last night for counties just north of us. For us.. we dipped to at least 43 degrees.. it's 45 now at 9am. The anticipated high today is only 65. cold~ anyone think that global warming is fact? I'm doubting it seriously.
Perhaps the globe is a nano-degree warmer but you couldn't prove it to ME. We have had seasons as usual~ promised by God and delivered as promised.

Good morning. I've been trying to NOT whine too much about the cold weather and future snow days. Seems like it's all I do anyway. I'll have to try harder. I've been blogging about the signs in nature that I see.. posting pictures.. and watching the season change again.
I wonder what happened to the summer of '07?
I don't mind warmth of summer or cold of winter as long as the extremes aren't there.. but then, that's what summer and winter are anyway~extremes. I think that is what being a redhead is about- skin is fair and thin and we feel the extremes intensely.

It was super busy at work last night. I stayed atop it all evening. I was the lone secretary..
(hi ho secretary!~sorry, couldn't resist..) The staff was delighted to give the other secretary off last night as they had had a major exodus of patients bringing the unit down to about 25-26 patients. Not bad for one secretary, but they do not think ahead. The exodus also creates an influx of patients.. I call it the 'grand slam'. I get hit with one admission after another.. and last night was a good example. One admission after another after another..etc. It was super busy.
I left 2 admissions behind when I left at 11:3o. I took a supper break at 5pm, but no breaks other than that. I worked steadily all evening till I left for home.
One positive thing is that it sure makes the evening go fast.

Today is the Sabbath. I see Wendell is getting ready for church. Atta boy! He is feeling a bit better and though still not at peak, he's okay.
Asthma was only fair yesterday when another neighbor decided to mow grass. I wish my body would acclimate to grass, but it's still fighting it. I'm using the inhalers daily, but didn't have to use my handy-dandy one I carry in my pocket for when I start to wheeze badly. That's good.

I'm heading for the shower.. have a great day.. the sun is shining..

NO SNOW ...YET

I know... I know... what a wimp I am.. there is NO snow in the forecast, but at 55 degrees, I about froze my fingers off. Well.. not quite, but it is cold. I'll be wearing a jacket today to work.
Sure don't like to have winter come- where have I heard THAT before?!
I really need to change my attitude.. I HAVE to get through November and December and January.. then I can relax and not worry about driving in snow already.
139 days.. getting closer.
It is a most beautiful fall day anyway.. sunny and bright. It's just cold. There are big white fluffy clouds in the sky. We MAY hit 58 today before we drop overnight.
Pretty soon we'll have frost.. we came close last night- mid 40s. Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!

I'm off to work.. have a great day.. wear a jacket and stay warm!

UPDATE ON BARB

I've been following the events surrounding Barb Kelly. She and I share something in common- a posterior brain stem infarct. Her's was so much worse than mine.. I've been requesting prayer for her and for her family too as they struggle to make sure she gets the care and rehab she needs and will need in the near future. She is making progress. I want to share the update from the family here. mb

Thank you to all that have been holding Barbara and the rest of our family up in prayer. Today was a good day for progress with Barbara. She was able to show movement in both arms, a slight turning of the right palm downward and pushing her left arm down on the bed. Also she worked on communicating better with her "YES and No" by nodding and moving her head side to side. This will help us understand her a lot better. And lastly with the improvement of communication she spell out a phrase using the letter chart. It was the highlight of my day when she spelled out the letters "I L U". !!!!

Steve and I will be visiting a few rehab centers on Thursday however to date we do not have one that is willing to except her until she can handle three hours of therapy. So please keep praying for her continued progress.

Some have asked about the fund that the church has set up - please read below if interested.

Again thank thank you for your prayers,
Duane
----- Original Message -----

Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 1:59 PM
Subject: Kelly Medical Fund
From the Desk of Steve Pruett
The Evangelical Free Church of Santa Maria, a 501(c)(3) organization, has set up the "Kelly Medical Fund" through which anyone can make tax-deductible donations.
All donations to this fund will be used for the sole purpose of Barbara Kelly's ongoing medical expenses.To ensure proper placement of funds, please make out checks to EV Free Church and write Kelly Medical Fund in the memo.
If you have any questions, please write or call the church office at (805)937-5703.
Please continue to pray for Barb's recovery, and the Lord's provision for their family during this difficult time.
Pastor Steve Pruett
Evangelical Free Church of Santa Maria
751 E. Foster Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

I left the fan on all night.. as usual. Normally I have the AC with it, but last night was chilly, so just the fan. This morning I woke up coughing....... coughing......... coughing.... and wondered what in the world was going on.. Then I heard it.. the neighbor next door was busy mowing grass. I guess the fan sucked in some of the pollens and I'm wheezing.
I waited until I felt it fairly safe to go outdoors. It is a truly beautiful fall day. Temperature will be about 78 today, and in fact, it is close to that now. I did my usual "listen for the mower" thing and then proceeded with my camera in hand, hoping to see something really great or unusual.

I had just spotted a small pumpkin growing where last week I'd taken a picture of the blossom in the garden and posted it on this blog.. when I suddenly became aware of a familiar engine sound- the neighbor across the road had decided it was time to mow HIS grass ! I raced back to the house for safety, but the wheeze is there. It will be there for a few hours I'm certain.
UGH. Allergies are not fun. They get in the way of a lot of good walks around the perimeter.

I guess on my day off I really was meant to stay indoors and get some much needed clean up done.. just as soon as I can start breathing normally again.
Little things can be done..that are not taxing. I'll concentrate on those for the day.

Time to leave the computer desk and get busy.. see you all later..

When I left for the office this morning it was in the mid-40s.. chilly. I felt cold on the way in despite my warm up jacket I always wear. I turned the heat on in the car.
It was a good day. I came home with less pain than usual, and feeling fine other than just plain tired. I went to bed early.. but now I'm awake. Go figure!

It's after 1am and I'm still up and moving.. having a cup of tea. I am not gainfully employed until Saturday now. I have the weekend to work. Soon this will not be a problem for me. 140 days to go!
Today is catch up day for the last few days I've been working. Back to the Flylady too. I've let that slide too long and it shows. My asthma is taking a good turn and the cough is much less. I suppose I'll have it till the snow flies, but I can deal with that. It's just good to not have to cough all the time no matter what I do. My raspy voice is improving too.. hooray !!!!

Have a super de duper day everyone! Catch you all later today. I'm heading back to my bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICK!
HAVE A BALL!
(HAHAHA)

It is 46 degrees this morning.. high today in mid 70s.. I'm cold!

Brrrrrrr

If there were any question before, it should be very clear that fall is here. This morning it's 50 degrees. Brrrrrr! It will only be 67 today... brrrrrr again! I believe I will think about getting out some of my fall/winter clothes- some long sleeved shirts to keep me warm.

Last night at work was good. It was very quiet- the opposite of the night before. In fact, at about 9pm, I was asked if I wanted to go home early. I did indeed.

It's Wednesday and I'll be going this afternoon to the office to take care of 3 patients. Tomorrow I'll have 7. I split the patients to 2 days to give myself an "ease" into being on my feet for many hours. I'll be glad when we get our new office. I'll have my own space again and a room big enough to do all the patients I want. AND.. after hospital retirement, I will be able to schedule any day I desire. LOVELY!

My coffee cup is empty. I suppose I should get on the move here. Routines await and then I'm ready for whatever the day has in store.

Have a super day, bloggers! Pray for us.. For Nicki and for Barb. Barb has been able to flex muscles in her upper arm and raise her head some. This is awesome news! Thank the Lord for his great mercy.

SEPTEMBER 11

ONE TIRED COOKIE

It seemed like a long evening.. I went back to the hospital for work today. I had to run around with paperwork getting myself 'moved back in' to my department. I didn't run.. I walked...slowly.
I couldn't risk getting out of breath trying to go to work.
Everyone asked me if I had a cold... I had to laugh. The bosses welcomed me back and at least 2 of the 3 daylight secretaries told me they were so glad to see me and know I was okay.
It was a hugely busy night for both me and the other secretary. We plugged away till we were done.. I had about 10 minutes left to my shift when I decided to take a break and not answer the phone any more. Then I came home. I'm a tired cookie. It was a bit draining today.
In a few moments, I'm gonna climb into my bed and snooze for the rest of the night. I have to work tomorrow too.. so I'll need the extra strength.

Let's see.. it's after midnite.. so .. 143 days to retirement! WAHOO!!!!

MORE FLORA ...

1. Another tree for which our road was named. They grow wild around here- Can you name the species?

2. We have a number of species of this tree on the property.. but I can't tell you which is which

3.A garden treasure..

4. This tree, again named for our road.. is named for the brilliant color ..

5. One wild and crazy plant.. will grow about anywhere on anything.. really a nuisance.

6. Sweet little flower that blooms among the first in the spring..

7. Named for a delicious vegetable.. I wouldn't try this one..the smell would make me sick!

8. My dad was good at picking these all summer long and making necklaces out of them.

9..I think this is a beautiful tree.. but watch out.. it's poisonous!

10. I don't like to run in the grass and step on one of these...OOUCH!! The pretty little flower on top will become brown and in the winter if you walk by, it will stick to your coat or pants.

11.Pure as driven snow.. another one named for where we live.

12. I remember asking my mother what that funny plant was that was crawling up a lot of the trees.. it got so scarlet in the fall.. she said "why it's a............"

13. This one is just 'itching' to get on your skin..

14. In the spring, these plants cover the floor of the woods.. we called them 'umbrellas' when I was a child..

15. This one puts forth a fruit that is most delicious..

16.This plant makes little fish shaped seed pods that when you open them, the feathers all fly

17. There is a row of these trees here.. the deer love them. They eat the fruit and we don't mind.

18. The jelly from this fruit is awesome! Wish we had more of the plants.

19. Big and stately, not an oak.. but a huge tree growing by our house. Leaves feel kind of rough on the back side...