Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 09:27 PM

You may not be a very happy bunny, Wendy, but at least you are a live one and will be for many years to come.

It's hard to have to be treated for something which doesn't make you feel ill. I hope the medicine gets your BP where it should be and the specialist can help you keep it steady.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 05:35 PM

Sailing - paddling with the all the good mates on this ship and the accompanying boats in the flotilla.   Old Ties and Companions

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Peter from seven stars link
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 04:22 PM

I,m seeing doctor..s...for high blood pressure too. Been on tablets since last week but our home moniter is still registering high. I do hear that it is quite common as we get older. I suspect stressful situations don't help none, so here's wishing you some peace and calm moments, Wendy. Hopefully, with the sun appearing more often now, you might get to chill at the beach hut sometime.          Blessings.          Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 06:39 AM

Oh what a can of worms...................

Got all the blood tests back and everything is clear, whew!!
But the blood pressure was still high, the ECG was ok I think, although he did keep looking at the screen and looking puzzled and then, just as I thought I was off out the door the Dr asked if there was any history of heart problems in the family?

So ok dad had a massive one when he was 55 but he was working for the Ministry of Defence in a very stressful job and was a heavy smoker, then my brother had a heart attack last year but had a very unhealthy life style. But, I am now on tablets and have to go to see a heart specialist!!

Not a very happy Bunny!!

Wendy xxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Mysha
Date: 06 Mar 15 - 02:55 AM

Hi,

"do they communicate I wonder?"

Wendy, judging from the way my mother's medicine prescription regularly turn out to be bungled when I fetch them from the GP's practice, I would say the answer is: Hardly.

Curiously, when prescriptions and appointments were all done in doctor's handwriting, which the layman would consider unreadable, there hardly seemed to be any problems, whereas it appears that now that everything is communicated by computer, coordination has become much more difficult .

Then again, that's probably an "unwarranted generalisation" (Does that translate correctly into English idiom?)
But at least, when we're feeling the urge to drag their keyboards away from them and fill in the forms ourselves, we'll now know it's not just us.

Bye
                                                               Mysha

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 06:40 PM

Wendy, I hope that 24-hour care comes through. Your family has worked hard and deserve the help.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 04:02 PM

and from here also. ......still has her lovely smile........not to mention a loving, thoughtful daughter and supportive son in law.            blessings       pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 01:58 PM

Wendy... thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 08:14 AM

It stopped with the neck warmer, gloves and hat. I rethought having left off the neck warmer after I kicked snow down the back of my neck multiple times, though!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 07:56 AM

Sandra, last August the mental health social worker said they were transferring mum to the community social worker as her team was possibly going to be closed . Somehow the transfer wasn't carried out! Yesterday the care company rang the continuing care team and hopefully they will be looking after mum's case from now on, fingers crossed. Maeve, yes we have tried pictures and cards etc, but we are past that now, we just have to interpret mums facial expressions and if she stands up hold her arm and see where she takes us!If we get continuing care then we will be funded for 24 hour care, it is very difficult to obtain but I am learning to jump through hoops! As long as we can keep her at home with us. It is beginning to wear Billy and I down but who knows how much longer mum will carry on? She has been living with us for four and a half years now and the deterioration has been getting worse almost daily, BUT she still has her lovely smile!

Wendy xx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 07:06 AM

Wendy- Could you use picture cards to help your mum communicate her needs? Thinking of you and especially your mum. She has excellent defenders in your family!

Tami- Good for you!

Maeve

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 07:02 AM

closed her case??? was there a reason?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 06:12 AM

Whoot, Frogprince that was just the post to lift our spirits! Tami how far did the stripping off go? Looking forward to the photos on FB !!

Linn, sending hugs from me too, glad to see you back on The Rainbow xx

I had the blood tests on Friday and the ECG yesterday just need to battle with the receptionist from Hell to get an appointment to see the GP, ( that he said I must have this week, do they communicate I wonder?)

Mum is much weaker day by day, only taking fluids no more pureed food, she weighs 6 stone 5, just like a little bird. She has no speech so understanding her needs is becoming very difficult. Also I found out this morning that social services had closed her case last August, no wonder we have had no follow up visits!!

Onward and upward!!

fondest love

Wendy

Oh and the aromatherapy oils worked on the neck, lavender, geranium and petit grain !xxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Mar 15 - 11:06 AM

sounds like things might have got pretty interesting before the finish line...

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 08:35 PM

The last one was quite warm, actually. I left my anorak in the car before I even started, by the top of the first hill, I'd asked the volunteer at the trail junction to hold onto my neck warmer for me, and by the end of the first 1/3 or the course, I'd ditched my hat and gloves.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 07:06 PM

Tami, I thought I'd write "Cool," but on second thought "Cold" more appropriate.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 12:13 PM

Good job, Tami! Hope you find your moose leather.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 08:46 AM

Well done, r1!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 07:47 AM

In the good news department, I just finished the last of the three snowshoe races I'd signed up for. What an amazing experience! I was one of only 35 people who ran all three races of the series. It was tough, but a good challenge. I blogged about the experience, if anyone gets bored. They're posted in most recent order, so you'll have to scroll down to reach part 1.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Manuel
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 07:20 AM

Nigel, so sorry to learn from you post of 21 Feb, which I'm just seeing, of the unfortunate experience of our youthful travellers in Bolivia. However, as we the older heads know, the experience shall prove most valuable hereafter. I, myself, was breezing through Trinidad, just off the northern tip of South America, for the better part of last week. Very happy to be back aboard with all.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 01 Mar 15 - 05:44 PM

Oops, my post didn't post!

Hugs from me, too, Linn. I hope there'll come a time when I can get back to The Press Room to give you a real hug.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 01 Mar 15 - 10:39 AM

Count me in. I've been following Linn on Facebook on a nearly daily basis. All I can say is that you are in my thoughts and prayers, Linn, and, given the support on Facebook, the same goes for many others. Bless.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Mar 15 - 06:57 AM

adding to the hugs heading to Linn.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 04:06 PM

very sage frogprince. losing the loved one hurts, but the memories of that one sweet.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 09:40 AM

That hug sounds like a good idea; have another. Sometimes life might feel easier if we didn't grow to love someone a lot, but I wouldn't wanta recommend avoiding it.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 28 Feb 15 - 07:31 AM

Glad you are planning on going to the bereavement group Linn. No pat on the head here, but a warm hug. And I can only imagine how this winter weather and isolation and that goes with feet of snow piled everywhere can add to feeling beleaguered.

And likely it eventually will be alright   But 'alright' will be something different from what it was before you lost Tom.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 04:08 PM

You and I both know that changing that filter is easy, but MOST people don't. The number of people that don't know how to change a headlight bulb is pretty high, too, and that's a very simple procedure. So take the damned compliment, you earned it!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 02:44 PM

Pete, I never was out of touch with the internet -- I had my iPad. It just made doing my primary email a little more complicated. The stressful thing was not having access to any of my writing, my archives, various address books, financial information, archived email, letters, etcet etcet -- my LIFE!

Tami, the washer filter is easy. It's a little plastic casing between the shutoff at the pipe just above the washer and hose that goes into the washer. You shut off the water (and, thanks to the plumbing work done last summer, I only had to shut the water off here instead of down cellar, too), unscrew the filter housing (well, a little more complicated -- unscrew the hose first so the housing can be unscrewed), pop in the new filter (they come in packs of two), and reconnect everything and Bob's your uncle.

Except I SHOULD have opened the filter package first. It's one of those that requires either an industrial strength machete or a small nuclear device. As a result of the delay between taking everything apart and popping the new one in, I may have put it in upside down...or not gotten the seal right, or something. Therefore, the leak. And I Just. Did. Not. have the patience to do it all over again right then. The laundry was done. I just shut off the water in the laundry room and popped the clothes in the dryer.

That was Monday. I haven't had the energy or patience to deal with it yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Called to sign up for the April grief group and, wouldn't you know it, the person I needed to talk to was out of the office today. So had to leave a message. (One more thing hanging.) I'd been looking forward to talking to her, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 02:12 PM

*Pat, pat* There, there. Everything's going to be alright.

Linn, you're one of the most capable people I know. Most people wouldn't even attempt to replace the filter in the washing machine themselves, much less consider it simple. Things will slow down, spring will come (no idea when, might not be until July this year...), and in the meantime, you have friends you can call and kvetch to.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 01:08 PM

Oh dear linn, bereavement is heavy enough without being literarily snowed under, and metaphorically with problems. Hope the return of internet access improves things for you and for a lifting of your spirits.      Blessings.         Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 09:29 AM

Haven't been here (or, indeed, spent much time at Mudcat) for some time. I've come to the conclusion that the second year of widowhood is...more complicated than the first. Not necessarily worse. Not really "better" (whatever that's supposed to mean). Just different. And, well, complicated.

I had trouble going into the holidays this past November and December. Part of it was that my computer was in the shop for the entire month of November (along with my LIFE -- access to, well, EVERYTHING; I didn't think I would lose anything, but even that wasn't CERTAIN). And I came out of it with the newer computer that I'd bought a year ago and my backup and secondary computer arrangement totally reconfigured. The rest of the emotional complications stemmed from the fact that 2014 seemed more like the first "Other Anniversary", Christmas, and New Year's without Tom than did the holidays right after Tom died. Back then I was on autopilot, still numb, and, of course, I had to go to Milwaukee for my mother's funeral the week before Christmas.

I think I'm still stumbling through life. The weather this January and February certainly hasn't helped. "Beleaguered" is the one word that sums up this winter. I lost (literally; I have a clue where under the snow it is) my mailbox over a month ago and have to pick up my mail at the post office. My porch light got snow in it and doesn't work and it's looking like at least another month will have to go by before I can even assess what needs to be done. I thought I'd lost my driveway alarm due to piled up snow but, surprise!, I heard it this morning. (Probably wild turkeys rather than a vehicle.) Everything is more complicated -- even when the driveway is freshly plowed and snow is removed from in front of the oil intake, the driver decides the driveway is too narrow for his truck and I have to call my plow guy to work miracles so I can keep the house warm. A simple washing machine filter change results in a leak. The toaster oven kicks the bucket for no apparent reason. It's like being nibbled to death by ducks.

I thought I had skipped the part of grieving where you get angry with your loved one for abandoning you, but when I started reading Gail Sheehy's book, "Passages For Caregivers" (which I should have read when it came out in 2010 -- but caring for Tom distracted me and I forgot about it), I started screaming at Tom for not being here so I could read it aloud to him. I was surprised, too, a couple weeks ago when I had a full blown "grief day" which I not only didn't recognize until early afternoon, but I couldn't embrace -- I had things I HAD to do. (So I did them, then sort of collapsed afterwards and was asleep, exhausted, at 7:30 p.m.)

I'm in a bit of an odd space this morning, but can't do anything about it -- too many other things that HAVE to be done, including leading the Press Room session from 4:30-9:00. One thing I CAN do, though, is (after writing another check to my plow guy) see if I can sign up for another grief group that starts in April. I did one last year and it helped me understand the grieving process. Maybe this one will help me better understand this second year which is so different from the first. I wish I could figure out how to slow down from the gallop I've been at for the past four years or more. I wish someone would pat me on the head and say "There, there. Everything's going to be all right." Even if it's total bullshit.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 26 Feb 15 - 11:54 AM

Apologies to all Southern Hemispheric Catters for my Northern Hemispheric verses. Maybe there's an opportunity here (thinking of you, Sandra (-:) for a corresponding, SH version...three, three line verses. They could stand alone, or it might be fun to interleave NH with SH. Anyone up for the challenge?
      Chantey, I'm sure if you made your way to Peru right now, you'd be welcomed with open arms. I concede that at age 19, some things can be easier to achieve!
                            With Love,
                                           Nigel
                                           xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 07:52 PM

I want to go to Peru and build a school. At least I might have wanted to if I were the age of Nigel's granddaughter and her friend!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 05:55 PM

A January/February poem here would refer to hot humid days & nights!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 03:20 PM

Great to hear they are doing well, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 02:30 PM

Good on your travelling twosome doing the voluntary work. Blessings.       Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 12:46 PM

Fun stuff, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 11:19 AM

A few rhyming lines as we approach the end of February:

January days, January greys, long to feel the warmth of the sun.
As each day goes past, a little longer than the last,
My winter blues will soon be on the run.

January cold, January bold, standing at the head of the year.
For some a fearful time, closéd windows etched with rime,
Ashen faces bear a frozen tear.

January stays, January's ways are fickle, challenge all to raise a smile.
But February's here, means that Springtime's joy is near.
And January's gone it's yearly while.

                                                       Nigel
                                                       xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 03:27 AM

My Dear Wendy,
                        ChanteyLass couldn't have expressed it better...you certainly don't do things by halves! (-: (-: I'm hoping that by the time you read this, both you & your dear Mother are feeling much, much better. I also agree that your Daughter was right to 'snoop'. You've devoted an enormous amount of time & energy, caring for your Mother & BB, kept your business running & tussled with your brother. It's all too easy with so much on your plate to forget that you need caring for too, so bring on the coffee (preferably in it's cup!) & let's have some more of that personally centred aromatherapy, plus a touch of the good old NHS, courtesy of your GP.
                      A brief update on our travelling twosome. They have made it to Peru, where they will be doing some voluntary work, helping to build a school. That should keep them out of trouble for about a month. They have encountered no further problems. Just yesterday, they posted nearly 100 photos on FB. Judging by the expressions on their faces, they are having the time of their life!
                      Wishing Max & his crew, a calm sea & a prosperous voyage.
                      Sending much love to all who sail aboard 'The Rainbow',
                                                         Nigel & Ann
                                                         xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:28 PM

Wendy, it never rains but it pours (or snows, here). I hope your neck pain ends, your BP goes down, and future cups of java stay where you put them. I also wish your mother well. And tell your daughter I said thanks!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:37 PM

Ah, Wendy; I'm sure we would rather have heard that you had been a bit of a pain in the neck to someone else, rather than having that much pain in the neck. Wishing much more comfortable times for you, and better fortune to those young wandering wenches.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:33 PM

GUEST was me... Norton tossed my cookie and I didn't see it.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:29 PM

Oh Dear, Wendy! And as Sandra said, good for your sneaky daughter:>) sending Hugs!

Nigel, hope the girls have had their one and only misadventure.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:01 PM

Wendy... my heart goes out to you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 12:37 PM

Sorry to hear how it has been so hard, Wendy . At least your mum is mobile again, but sorry to hear of the neck damage moving her.   Sometimes you have to go for it, and hope for the best...it's nobodies fault!.    GOd bless Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 08:56 AM

Gentle hugs from Maine, Wendy. I don't do ill well, either! However, your new perfume smells divine, lol!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:48 AM

poor Wendy who does not do ill - & good on that sneaky daughter.

I hope your neck is feeling better soon - can you have physio or some other therapy for it?

and that your tests have good results.

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:29 AM

Morning crew,
I have been AWOL for about ten days, mum has been very ill, three Dr's visits needed on different days, Hooraah for our NHS! She has bounced back to good mobility but during the days that she was bed ridden I pulled a muscle in my neck ( ok I know, my own fault trying to lift her) so I have been bed ridden myself in horrid pain, actually made me cry!BB and daughter got me an appointment yesterday with our GP and now that has opened a can of worms. Daughter snuck in behind me and told the Doctor to look at my records as I never go to the Dr, well not for some years anyhow! So he took my blood Pressure and it was high ( no surprise really given the past two weeks, mum ill, funeral down in Surrey and worrying about mum while I was away) so now he has booked me for blood tests on Friday and an ECG Tuesday next! I don't do ill, really fed up.On top of that everyone forgot about the bad neck so I am just taking the paracetamol and mixing a nice aromatherapy concoction to self treat! Rant over, Oh and I just knocked a cup of coffee all over myself, first day back in the salon and I smell like Starbucks!!

lots of love

Wendy xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 15 - 05:26 AM

I have no knowledge or understanding of the 'inner workings' of computers & their servers, so from a tech. p.o.v. I'm less than useless. I'm hoping that the missing data is just that; missing, not lost & gone forever...retrievable & restorable, sitting there, waiting to be found. As a self-declared, tech klutz, I find it nothing short of miraculous that we are still able to post. Mudcat survives, bowed, but not broken, very much in need of some TLC (Technical Loving Care). Please support Max, Joe & everyone closely concerned, in whatever way you can.
                   Sending every good wish for a successful outcome to Max & His Crew,
                                                          Nigel.
                  
                   (Copied to the 'Mudcat Crash' thread)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 22 Feb 15 - 07:10 AM

"if Max is able to retrieve the data that all of this will interleave itself, old and new.   SRS "

What happened last time is that all "replacement" threads were overwritten thus lost.