BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again

Subject: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:19 PM

Curmudgeon, home again, home again, lickety splish...

Okay! Last post here and I'll start another thread...

Previous thread here

Tom is HOME! And got safely into the house (plastic bag around his cast, cat in the cellar) despite the general dampness. At least it wasn't actively raining when we got here.

Took a little maneuvering, but, despite slippery steps and deck (geez, isn't where this all started seven weeks ago?!?) he's in the house and only slightly winded.

Rufus is vacuum cleaning the wheelchair...walker...rollator...and more or less ignoring Tom. I'm sure Tom will have two cats fighting over him tonight.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:26 PM

I'm so happy to read this--though not nearly as happy as you two must be! Hooray for you both--and the cats.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: GUEST,Jennifer, knitpick
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:28 PM

YEE HA! Glad to hear this. Sorry won't see you guys next weekend! Hugs to you both!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:46 PM

Well done. Welcome home Mudge, all the best from me and mine.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Jeri
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:49 PM

You need a raincoat for your butt.

Welcome home, Tom!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:56 PM

I think there is a song in that Jeri.
Welcome home, Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: GUEST,Pam Biggi
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:57 PM

YAY!!! Congratulations on finally getting Tom home!!! Tom, you stay in the house until things dry out outside!! Love you both!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 04 May 12 - 03:59 PM

Sniff...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Nancy King
Date: 04 May 12 - 04:10 PM

Excellent news! May all go well from now on!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 May 12 - 05:49 PM

Just what I was hoping to hear.

Have a wonderful evening.

Charlie and Judy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 May 12 - 06:40 PM

small case......large smile........


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 May 12 - 06:46 PM

Great news. Be well Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bill D
Date: 04 May 12 - 07:38 PM

Great news... for Tom, you...and the cats!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 May 12 - 08:50 PM

fantastic

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ranger1
Date: 04 May 12 - 09:43 PM

Welcome home, Tom!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 May 12 - 11:02 PM

Welcome home AND to your Mudcat home, too, Tom.

Linn, now you can breathe!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Amos
Date: 04 May 12 - 11:11 PM

So glad you're back, Tom!! Tell your cells thanks for getting through!! Enjoy being home!

Warm regards,

A

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 12 - 07:58 AM

It's GREAT to have Tom home. That being said, It's ony 7:45 a.m. and I already feel a bit run ragged.

I've stolen some time to just sit in bed and read with the cats, but I've got too many things still crashing about in my brain. The reading is interrupted by list making and bringing stuff to Tom.

He's needing to familiarize himself with what I have in freezer and larder. We just decided on dinner. And in a few minutes we'll cooperate on breakfast -- he'll toast the English muffins and I'll make the scrambled eggs with cream cheese.

Before I go out on a round of errands, I need to find some smaller boxes for the books I'm dropping off for the library sale. Then off to pick up some of his Rxs, drop those books off and pick up a few items at the other grocery store. And, most importantly, stop at Radio Shack and see about a pair of walkie-talkies or something so Tom and I can communicate between upstairs and downstairs.

After I get home, the project is to rearrange EVERYTHING in the room with the computer so he can get himself and his wheelchair in here. And that project actually starts outside the door. I'm certain that every box, etc. will be moved at least twice...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 12 - 12:32 PM

Back from errands...but, before I left, I took a nap. (At nine o'clock in the morning! After a decent night's sleep!) I'm still very very tired, but a lot has been accomplished. (I hate to think of how I'd feel without that nap!)

Walkie-talkies achieved, too, very economically. Spent half again as much on AAA batteries, as this is the model that doesn't come with rechargables. This should save a lot of running up and down stairs. (ME running up and down stairs...)

Still have to open up an avenue to the computer for Tom...but I've got all afternoon to do that.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 05 May 12 - 01:59 PM

Another sniff... guess I really AM just an old softy. I hope all goes well with recovery... for you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 12 - 05:24 PM

Walkie-talkie situation not exactly taken care of. Tomorrow on my way to work (or maybe on my way home) I have to stop at Radio Shack and see what go accidently turned on on Tom's unit that it makes static for no apparent reason. I pulled the batteries out of it to get it to stop.

But because of it, Tom interrupted my already several times interrupted nap. It's okay, but, well, I'm still too tired to clear out the stuff I have to for Tom to access the computer.

I just reassessed the situation and I can't do anything until I can do it all -- things have to be moved (and then they'll be majorly in the way), things on the bottom have to be REmoved, then those things that were moved have to be stacked in a better place. Oh, and the stuff behind the door has to go somewhere else, too, and I don't know where...

Meanwhile, Tom can't get to the computer.

I need to go call my mother.

But the good news is the sun finally came out while I was napping!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ranger1
Date: 05 May 12 - 05:29 PM

I wonder if anyone has a laptop that you could borrow while Tom convalesces, might save you a lot of unnecessary work.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 12 - 05:36 PM

Yes, but two things: we not only aren't networked, it's not a wireless network, and, two, because of his sight problems, Tom's had keyboard and screen problems with laptops.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 12 - 07:45 PM

Besides, all that de-cluttering has been put off waaaaaaaay too long. In a way, it's good to have an excuse to accomplish it AND a deadline.

I think I've done the minimal so Tom can indeed get in here tomorrow and Monday.

Then I'll see what I can get done on Tuesday.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 05 May 12 - 09:06 PM

Because Tom is home, you won't have to spend time driving to see him. That is time you can spend on other important things like clearing a path to the computer. But remember to BREATHE.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 May 12 - 11:37 PM

IS there someone who can come help you move all that stuff, Linn? Doesn't seem as if you shoud have to do it all alone, not after the past seven+ weeks!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: mouldy
Date: 06 May 12 - 04:36 AM

Sounds like you've been running on adrenaline for a good while now, which is why you crash when you stop. Have you a neighbour who can help you move stuff? The last thing you need now is to put yourself out of action!

Still, lovely to have Tom home!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 May 12 - 06:56 AM

I've been moving stuff for the past seven weeks.

Yes, a neighbor and several others have offered to help, but it's actually less aggravation to do it myself and at my own pace...and it involves constant decision making.

I got help with the things I needed help with.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 May 12 - 08:14 AM

Visiting Nurses make their first appearance this morning -- I'll be at work.

I'm looking forward to one of these days feeling a bit rested...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 May 12 - 08:33 AM

Just a report on Tom's computer use -- I managed on Saturday to clear a wheelchair avenue to the computer, but Tom found Sunday that he was unable, even enlarging the screen quite a bit, to read much. And, as he kept losing sight of the cursor, he couldn't access his long- neglected emails...

Not sure whether his vision has deteriorated or if it's a temporary condition caused by not using the computer for two months.

Tomorrow I intend to do a major de-clutter of this room -- and also I can help Tom (especially if I can get the wheelchair and a chair for me at the computer) do what he's two months behind on.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 May 12 - 08:52 AM

god luck for the decluttering (I really must do the same one day)

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 May 12 - 09:49 AM

Is there a god of declutering your house? Really? No shit? If so, I might just get me some of that religion!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 May 12 - 09:58 AM

Linn, try reversing the screen - make the background black and the letters white. At one time you used to be able to emulate the old black or amber screens - probably in the accessibility settings.

If you don't solve the walkie-talkie question by the end of the week, let me know. I think I have a pair in my eBay stash that works fine up to about 1/4 mile that I used when the kids were younger (they'd take one with them when they went to explore the woods across the road - half of the fun was reporting back to home base with the walkie talkie.)

As a note to those not familiar, the decluttering threads have been running for a while, as a general public service to all and sundry at Mudcat. ☺ Drop in and make yourself at home (that is, dig your home out from under to find it with the encouragement of the declutter crew! We're all at some stage of making paths through, rearranging, or planning for more efficient operations.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 May 12 - 10:05 AM

The largest possible script might help. There are special screens for the vision impaired available. Thomas had one. Maybe a local group working with the blind could help.
Meantime, how is Tom feeling now that he is at home?
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 May 12 - 07:58 PM

Yeah, Tom regularly blows up the screen -- larger, not with a big bang. The light on dark doesn't work, but I changed some colors for him (months ago) and that helped him be able to see things. I also googled a simple fix for the cursor problem -- and learned how to make the pixels larger in the cursor so IT'S larger and he can see it.

Got the walkie-talkie problem ironed out. Turns out our neighbors up the hill got a similar pair of 2-ways over the weekend and I was picking up their transmissions just fine in our living room. After a bit of back and forthing, they changed the channel they were communicating on. I wonder if we'd have had this problem with a baby monitor...

Tom is sooooooo pleased to be home. Last night he got the best night's sleep he's gotten in over seven weeks. He's a little frustrated that cooking is not that easy for him from a wheelchair, so I'm doing most of the cooking for awhile and letting him do what he can. (Such as grate the romano for tomorrow's dinner...)

I'd love to loll in bed tomorrow morning, but the VNA will be back tomorrow morning to get the release form from Langdon Harbor that was on top of the pile of papers on my side of the table, but Tom couldn't see well enough to even look for. Ah well. The earlier (after I get back from paying the mortgage and other errands) I can start on the major demolition and reconstruction of that room the better. And, besides pulling two large pieces of cubic footage out of that room for deaccessioning, I'll be able to FIND the other boxed antique-ish things that we can call in a dealer to take a look at.

Now all I have to do is get another decent night's sleep tonight...

De-accessioned a deckload of flower pots and planters yesterday, but I have to call my friend who took them away and tell her she grabbed 4 planters under the deck that I wanted to keep.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 07 May 12 - 10:31 PM

Sounds okay. Hope it gets better.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 May 12 - 11:32 PM

Linn - years ago our govt started a new series of car licence plates in black on white. The existing series was black on yellow & was much easier to read as a friend working in Publishing pointed out. And still is as we still have both series.

Perhaps you could try yellow on black, too

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 May 12 - 07:14 AM

After a couple of twitters earlier in the evening from the 2-way, I ended up removing the batteries at 2 a.m. because of a long spurt of intermittant twitters. I don't know if it's someone else on the same frequency or a close frequency. The directions are unreadable; fine if you already know what you're doing.

I think changing to another frequency that no one else might be near might work, but I have to figure out how to do it.

Would a baby monitor have been a better idea?

I'm back -- "Can you turn on the radio...turn up the heat...bring me my coffee..." and I loaded the dishes, washed the pan for breakfast, made my tea, started getting the trash... Picked up a wine glass to bring it downstairs and it shattered in my hand. What's with THAT?!?

A couple sips of tea and I'll make breakfast.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 May 12 - 09:23 PM

Ouch! I hope it didn't cut you!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 12 - 06:34 AM

Three big pieces -- but for no reason. I just picked it up, no tight grip or anything. No shards on the floor, just the piece with the stem and two smaller pieces of glass. Easy to pick up safely.

Just never had anything like that happen before.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: freda underhill
Date: 09 May 12 - 07:07 AM

Glad to hear he's back, BG, what a relief. Re the wine glass - same thing happened to me last week -and just the same, the stem, + 2 other pieces.

Enjoy your recovery, Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 12 - 09:58 AM

The physical therapist from visiting nurses was just here on the preliminary visit -- Tom won't need him until his cast is changed next and he can put some weight on the ankle -- Tom's next appointment with Dr. Blitzer is May 25th.

Tomorrow will be fun, with Tom "practicing" getting in and out of the house TWICE. He has a morning appointment with his dentist to get a start on the new dentures. Then back home until we go out again mid-afternoon to go to the Press Room session. Won't know until we get there whether we'll need help getting Tom and the wheelchair into the Press Room or whether Tom can negotiate that step the way he does the step into the house.

Oh, just to make life interesting, I sprained my left thumb last night -- not doing ANYTHING that you'd think might stress it. After moving heavy things all day without incident (other than some heavy breathing), evidently picking up a book and getting into bed did me in. It's not horrible, just very very annoying. I've wrapped the joint with a couple band-aids to avoid bending it, but it reminds me of its existence whenever I, say, copy and paste. Ach!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 May 12 - 11:57 AM

Press Room session on a Thursday? Something new?
Glad the dentist is finally getting started on new dentures. What a nuisance!
All good, Tom.
Is the Room Service up to par or are you missing your friends at rehab?


SINS on her way to the CELLAR!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 May 12 - 12:39 PM

Linn-

Oddly enough I sprained my hand as well. But I like to think it was more dramatic. I was drilling 3-inch holes into the soffits for venting the attic space and the drill bitt hit something hard and kicked back. Fortunately I didn't fall from the ladder but life is exciting up there on the roof-line.

Hope you and Tom can make it to the Press Room a week from Saturday for the usual sea music session.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 12 - 01:23 PM

Ach! Sins...FRIDAY. Yesterday seemed like Wednesday (because I wasn't scheduled to work) so today feels like Thursday. Alas, Thursday I DO have to work...

Then comes Friday with the aforementioned dentist appointment and Press Room session.

We should be there, Charley!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: mg
Date: 09 May 12 - 06:30 PM

I think a convenient spot with a radio, few things like kleenex, and a small coffeepot would allow for more independence and less of your running around. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 12 - 06:41 PM

Oh, Tom's got everything (except being able to turn the radio) close at hand. I turn the radio on first thing in the morning. I work tomorrow 10-3, but that's certainly not a problem. A friend is coming over to see Tom at some point. (Monday, yesterday and today it was the VNA.) The coffee pot is the usual one. He can reach it, and the sink, the refrigerator/freezer, but can't reach (in the wheelchair) the controls on the stove. He can get the wheelchair in to be able to use the computer, but he's had vision problems the past few days.

My running around is normal -- Tom can't drive, so I have to do all the errands, take him to his medical appointments, etc.

Things are working out fine...getting in and out of the house, though, is a bit trickier. Do-able, but a bit of a project.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Jeri
Date: 09 May 12 - 10:48 PM

I was over briefly today, and he sure seems a LOT happier to be home! Linn seems a teeny bit happier (haha), and 50% of the cats are now fond of sleeping on the sofa, now that it's a bed.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 May 12 - 12:02 AM

On top of everything else, a sprained thumb! Did one of you break a mirror recently?

Charley Noble, sorry about your hand, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 May 12 - 08:27 AM

Any chance of putting a microwave down low enough for Tom to handle?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Severn
Date: 10 May 12 - 08:40 AM

My best wishes in recovery. I'm pulling for you to get through things the best you can

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 May 12 - 04:12 PM

Both microwave and toaster oven are low enough for wheelchair access. So is most of the fridge and freezer. It's just that until he can stand, the stove controls are too far away -- and it will also be safer for him to not use the front burners.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 10 May 12 - 05:55 PM

I dare say the stove is off limits for a while. I am glad to hear he has some mobility and that it improves.. the sooner, the better.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 12 - 06:21 AM

Today, dentist -- get a start on those replacement dentures that Wentworth-Douglass is paying for.

Home for awhile. (Maybe a nap for me -- I woke up at 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep.)

Then...ta dah!...wait for it...The Press Room!!!

Hope the step and the combination of doors don't prove too complicated...and that there's someone around to help, even if it's just to hold the outside door open.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 May 12 - 08:27 AM

enjoy your evening (you've worked hard enough for it!)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 May 12 - 10:34 AM

Linn-

Is the backdoor by the kitchen more accessible?

I'm sure Tom will be so pleased to be back at the Press Room.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 12 - 11:59 AM

Charley, the back door of the Press Room is considerably LESS accessible than the front door. Larisa has assured me we'll have no problems...and if I need assistance, there should be a couple stalwart males available.

We've just returned from a successful excursion to the dentist. There were two small steps to get into the office, but they had a portable ramp which made life fairly simple, and someone to hold the door.

Initial impressions made and the good not only didn't taste horrible, but the drips came right out of Tom's beard without too much fuss.

With a little luck he'll have the new dentures in time for my birthday...

Right now, I think I need a nap before we head back to Portsmouth.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 12 - 12:07 PM

Initial impressions made and the GOOP not only didn't taste horrible, but the drips came right out of Tom's beard without too much fuss.

Goop, GOOP

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 12 - 02:50 PM

Off to The Press Room!

Tom's been away, I think, for at least eight Fridays.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 11 May 12 - 03:27 PM

I hope you both have a good time.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 12 - 08:10 PM

Home, tired but happy...

Steve Smith and Bruce Pingree lifted Tom and the wheelchair into The Press Room, slick as anything, while I found a place to park the car. (I'd been in the non-parking place in front of the PR with my flashers on.)

LOVELY session...Tom, who knew he'd missed the Friday music, said he didn't realize exactly how much until he was back there. He was as glad to see everyone again as everyone was glad to see him installed in his usual spot. (Pete Hale, big grin on his face, nudged me and said, "Who's the new guy?") Ayuh. It's truly been a long time -- since the 9th of March, to be exact. That's...let me count...eight Fridays (plus the April shanty sing).

We had to leave so Tom could get home in daylight. It IS a project (for both of us) for him to get into the house, plus it was the second time today and late in the day so he was tired. We managed it, though. No cats escaped and neither of us killed the other.

He asked which was most physically demanding for me -- getting the wheelchair in and out of the car or up or down the steps (with him sitting on the steps and me, with both knees shot, trying to hang on to the railing above his head). Definitely the stairs.

Good exercise, though. All of it. He's getting a good upper body workout (and doing isometric leg exercises through the day) and I'm getting a pretty good workout, too. So we'll come out of this in better physical shape, I'm sure, than before. Hard work, though...

I'm turning into a pumpkin. (Didn't get much of a nap earlier.)

Good night!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 11 May 12 - 09:48 PM

I'm delighted to read that everything went well.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 May 12 - 10:29 PM

wishing you many more wonderful evenings (& days & nights, too)

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Jeri
Date: 11 May 12 - 11:39 PM

Ken looked at Tom's 'tina. Cleaned some stuff, adjusted some things, including "flatulent valves" and said he could do more stuff if he had more time. I'm not sure if he wanted to do some pin-striping, rotate the tires or what.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 May 12 - 07:19 AM

I'm so glad you got to the Press Room, and that all went well! Hope today can be a day of r&r for both of you!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 May 12 - 09:16 AM

Excellent news.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 May 12 - 09:36 AM

Right. Some R&R IS in order...

Tom slept poorly last night, but we have no obligations today so he can nap at leisure.

I'm about to head off to the Nottingham Library sale -- I win if I purchase fewer than I donated. (It's just a game I play; I seldom win...) Then a couple errands and home.

It's a gorgeous day and I hope to get a bit more yard work (getting the winter's leaf mulch out of the flower beds) done and the nasturtium planters on the deck planted. And a couple household chores that sort of do themselves while I'm doing other things.

And, since gravity seems to be set a bit high, I hope to spend some time under-reacting...read...watch a movie. Wednesday night I finished the last episode and the last special feature of Season Five of "Boston Legal". Sigh. I feel as if my world and imaginary friends just disappeared. Rather like finishing a book you were completely wrapped up in.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 12 May 12 - 02:10 PM

Great! Made my day.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 May 12 - 03:37 PM

Let's try this again, since it didn't "take" the first time. (Glad I copied it...)

Went upstairs to read for a few minutes...and took a nap. Couldn't concentrate on the page and couldn't keep my eyes open. I think it's not just trying to get caught up on seven weeks of being stressed, but also having a lot more physical activity -- up and down the stairs to hefting the wheelchair in and out of the car (and up and down the porch stairs), etcet etcet.

Not going to get any yard work done, and the ladyslippers (28 so far at the head of the driveway) can be photographed tomorrow morning before I go to work.

Got a load of dishes started and later will do a load of laundry. Right now I'm slicing strawberries for shortcake and making tartar sauce (mine qualifies as a vegetable) to go with dinner tonight.

I'm also scheduled for more hours at work than I have been since the end of the year.

Oh, and I suppose I SHOULD bring in the books I got at the library sale...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 May 12 - 01:45 PM

Well, finally have something pertinent to update...

We just got home from Dr. Blitzer's office. Another x-ray and a new removable boot brace rather than a cast. Now he can take it off twice a day to rub some vitamin E oil or other skin lotion into his ankle and foot.

Alas, the ankle is still non-weight-bearing. The lowest screw has backed off slightly and there's still a bigger gap between a couple ankle bones than earlier in the healing process. But it's not any bigger than it was the last time.

This brace is a bit heavier and bulkier than the last cast, but, at least it's removable. Which, I guess, is good news/bad news. I hope it won't be any more uncomfortable for Tom to sleep in, but it's going to be yet more work for me -- twice daily airing of Tom's leg, rubbing in skin cream, and massaging the leg to encourage blood flow (Dr. Blitzer said that wouldn't hurt...could very well help).

Just sat back down after attending to a crash in the living room -- found Tom on his knees on the floor. He had been trying to get from wheelchair to commode. Got him safely back into the wheelchair. The new brace is a bit more awkward and, evidently, is going to take some getting used to.

So...still no weight on the ankle at least until Tom sees Dr. Blitzer again in July, so he's stuck in the wheelchair around the house...at The Press Room, doctors' appointments, etc.

Tomorrow I have to scrub down the steps to the deck with TSP or bleach. It's been so damp lately they were slimy (and slippery) this morning. Got to take care of that ASAP.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 May 12 - 02:34 PM

The new boot brace is also a bit more aggro...in ways you can't possibly imagine...

Ach! What next?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 25 May 12 - 02:45 PM

Thanks for the update, Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 May 12 - 03:57 PM

My thanks, too. I'd been wondering what was happening and hoping that no posts (on this thread, but I did read the Press Room threads) meant that things were going well. It must have been scary hearing that crash and finding Tom on his knees on the floor. Must have been scary for him, too! This still sounds so hard for both of you. July will come but probably not fast enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bill D
Date: 25 May 12 - 04:36 PM

"...a bit more aggro...in ways you can't possibly imagine..."

Some of us have far-ranging imaginations.

Still... progress is as progress does! (Profound tautologies are my specialty...just ask)

Take care and take your time on them tasks like steps.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: GUEST
Date: 25 May 12 - 04:59 PM

I remember how pleased I was when I finally got rid of a shoulder cast. Boy, did it stink in there!

Have the doctors explained why they think the fracture is so slow in healing? Is there a calcium supplement (with no side effects) that Tom's taking?

Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 May 12 - 04:59 PM

Thanks for the update Linn. I was wondering how things are chez vous.
Best wishes to you both, and I hope things improve rapidly.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 May 12 - 08:27 PM

Tom has vascular problems -- basically his circulation sucks canal water. That's why healing is a slower process than it used to be. It's also why he's legally blind -- he's not getting enough blood to his eyes. And he's not a good candidate for carotid surgery.

Lovely session at The Press Room tonight! Some people we haven't seen for awhile and Kip, who recently retired and plans adding a lot more music to his life. And it looks like the Press Room session will benefit from that.

Wish we could have stayed later, but...let's just say the Press Room doesn't have a handicapped-accessible restroom AND we need to be home in daylight so we don't add complications to an already complicated (but well choreographed) entry to the house.

Picked up egg fu yung take-out on the way home. One of the guys working at the restaurant was wearing an "I May Be Old But I Got To See All the Good Bands" t-shirt and I, of course, had to comment. He's actually at least 10 years younger than I am and I'm the one who got to see all the good bands -- Beatles, Rolling Stones (nobody knew who they were, believe it or not), Blind Faith, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters...the list goes on.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 May 12 - 07:33 AM

Coffee is brewing and we're recovering from an eventful night.

I was at the head of the stairs around 1 a.m. (a couple hours after going to bed) and heard a thump. Dashed down the stairs (well, hobbled as fast as I could -- knees, you know) to find Tom on the floor between the couch and the wheelchair. He'd gotten into trouble when he got up to pee. He was unhurt -- just on the floor. Since he'd also taken an ambien, he recognized he wasn't at his best as far as getting back on the couch was concerned and insisted he'd be okay sleeping on the floor. I got a quilt under him and one over him and his pillow under his head.

He got back to sleep (and this morning says he slept fairly well).

I...didn't. Between my wide-awake brain, gut spasms, my knee really hurting (I even put the expensive prescription Voltaren gel which only works for a little while on it) and a purring cat in my face insisting on ACTIVE petting, not just putting my arm around her, I couldn't seem to fall asleep. Around 2:30 I took half a clonazapam and, eventually, fell asleep.

Got dressed this morning around 7 before coming downstairs just in case I'd have to call the EMTs for a lift assist, but using the "stair method" and the two back pillows for the couch, Tom got back up onto the couch and from there into the wheelchair.

The problem is that the boot/brace is a LOT heavier than any of the casts. This is a holiday weekend, so, of course, he can't call Dr. Blitzer's office and see if there's an alternative. He's thinking he's just going to have to get used to it -- being very very careful in the process.

I have to work Sunday and the holiday on Monday ("only" 10-4), and I'm concerned about him being alone for the first time since this all began. But I have confidence that he'll get it figured out today.

Gotta go see if the coffee is ready...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 May 12 - 05:29 PM

Tried to nap this morning, but that didn't work. Did finish a mystery I started yesterday. And now I'll take "Huckleberry Finn", my purse book upstairs and finish the last twenty pages.

That and a couple necessary things around the house, took Tom's boot off and massaged vitamin E oil into his leg and ankle, made some popcorn and watched Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" (trying to recapture my youth, am I?).

Had a bit of a fit earlier when I was asked to do One. More. Thing. (and it involved putting my contacts in and driving to the store). We found a workaround. (I'm so tired I would be unsafe behind the wheel. And absolutely no patience to deal with too many people in the store and the waiting involved.) As I explained to a friend last night, I'm keeping my brain in my sock drawer where it will be safe, but my patience has just disappeared. I haven't a clue where it's gone. And I have NONE left.

I apologized and so did he. I'm not easy to live with when I'm way too tired. I get testy. Especially when I'm way too tired because Tom scared the crap out of me last night and then HE got right back to sleep, but I lay awake.

Better now. All I have to do is heat up supper. Then bed. Probably early. I'll be okay tomorrow.

I hope Tom will be okay when I'm at work. (I think he's getting the boot figured out.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 May 12 - 07:32 PM

I'm wishing you and Tom many nights of undisturbed sleep!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 May 12 - 02:15 AM

A good night's sleep is definitely needed, good luck with it, Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 May 12 - 05:57 AM

So sorry to hear about your problems BG, my wife shares some of the same in dealing with health issues I have just now. My diabetes is causing painful walking, I have circulation problems, fading eyesight(not too bad at the moment, but deteriorating slowly),lack of energy, and unsteadiness on my feet. I fell down in the shower yesterday, bloody painful. Without Elaine's tending I would be a hopeless mess. As it is I am just my normal mess. God bless you ladies.
All best to you and Curmudgeon. See you someday, RoyH

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 May 12 - 10:05 AM

Roy! You've GOT to be careful! (And stop scaring Elaine -- believe me, I KNOW what it's like.)

For some time, Tom's been a bit too shaky and his vision has been too poor for me to let him shower by himself. I think this is more for MY peace of mind than his fear. So he gets to sit down on a shower chair while I scrub him down. But he's not going to be able to climb the stairs to our bedroom or bathroom for a while yet, so he has to cope with sponge baths in the kitchen.

I'm constantly "on", listening for and interpreting every sound he makes so I can hear if he gets into trouble -- he hasn't the voice to call for help. He summons me when necessary with a whistle (one of those "wheeeee" sounds that can't be missed) and I find myself occasionally being irritated by it. But it's the best system we've found. The 2-way walkie-talkie picks up too much static and picks up other frequencies. More aggravation than it's worth. And I've been told by a friend who tried it with her husband that a baby monitor has the same problems -- just costs more money.

Tom is really frustrated now because he can't stand to make a meal and cooking is one of his primary joys. Doubly frustrating for him because not only is it something he enjoys, but it's yet another thing that I have to do.

I think I've finally gotten him to stop constantly apologizing every time I have to do something he would have been able to do himself if he hadn't slipped on the deck. And to let me KNOW when he needs help -- he didn't let me in on his vision problems until HE accepted that it wasn't safe for him to drive, etc.

Aging isn't easy...and it's hard to accept that there are things we can no longer do or have to do in a different way.

Katlaughing...I just ordered some of the Amergel that you had suggested (several months ago) -- now that Tom's brace can be removed twice a day and goop can be rubbed into his leg.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 May 12 - 11:58 AM

falling is really a worry, Linn. Would Tom use a simple urinal bottle at night and when he is alone in the house? A package of wet wipes to wash his hands. A lot less dangerous than injuring himself further.
He must be totally frustrated by it all.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 12 - 01:48 PM

Yes, SINS, I expect Linn and Tom are both feeling the frustration. Wish I had words but I ain't so good at that sorta thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 May 12 - 05:34 PM

Tom's figuring out/getting used to the boot/brace. As I've said, it feels a LOT different than the cast and, because it's bigger, he gets snagged on stuff. It's as bad as the adolescent Little Brown Bats who come home on wings that are 1/8-1/4-inch bigger than the wings they left on.

On days that I work, it's hard to fit in TWO times a day to take the boot off, rub oil into the skin that's been encased for several months, massage his leg and then get him all strapped back into it.

No A/C again at work today. Had a fan to push hot air around, but the few customers who came into the shop found the temperature uncomfortable. Ach! Retail! It was a gorgeous day...and a holiday...what were people doing at the mall, anyway?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 28 May 12 - 07:16 PM

The mall was open on Memorial Day? That is just unreal. So much for honouring the dead and all the soldiers who sacrificed. Sickening.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 May 12 - 08:27 AM

Gnu, the American religion is the Almighty Dollar. "We" (at least the corporate "people") celebrate holidays by having stores open and running sales. And people with pathetic lives stroll the malls, shop grocery and convenience stores, and eat at McDonald's and Burger King.

In our operation, the only holidays we are closed for are Fourth of July (and that's only recently), Thanksgiving, Christmas and, as long as it doesn't fall on a Saturday, New Year's Day.

I once for a short period worked for a video rental place. They were open 365 days a year.

Ever read "Malled" by Caitlin Kelly?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 May 12 - 08:34 AM

LL Bean's is famous for being open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whenever the sportsman feels a need to spend, they're there to fleece him.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 08:20 PM

Just a note...

Tom had his defibrillator "read" today at York Hospital (home of the best ever hospital food -- yes, we did have lunch today in their cafeteria). The tech noted that there was an "event" on April 7th (the day before Easter).

Guess what -- that's the day Tom was too weak to sit up, fell out of bed, got moved to a quieter room (because his roommate made loud strange noises all night), and changed nurses as a result of the move. That was the first day I started screaming (figuratively) that something was wrong, very wrong, and that something should be done about it. (But nothing was done until Tuesday -- after their tame doctor did NOTHING and didn't even address Tom's weakness, dangerously low blood pressure or notice he was bleeding internally.)

When I told the tech what had been happening on that day, she said, "Well, that certainly explains it."

After lunch we went to Tangibles Antiques (also in York, ME) to visit with Cesar for a bit before heading to The Press Room.

On the way towards Portsmouth on Rte. 1, just slightly past the Cape Neddick traffic lights, a mother duck was herding a passel of ducklings across four lanes of Rte. 1 traffic. While not a great idea, she picked probably the best place to attempt it. I was able to creep safely around her brood which was smack in the middle of the road and I watched the traffic behind me in both lanes slowing and stopping to let her get safely (I hope) to the other side.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 08:55 PM

Linn-

So no one "reads" the defibrillator when there is evidently a health issue? Mercy Maud (or supply your own expletive)!!! Remind me not to get ill.

Here's to the ducks that line up and safely make it across the road. I also witnessed a successful crossing on I-295 in Maine the other day.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 09:28 PM

Yikes! How could nobody have checked that defibrillator? Thank goodness Tom recovered.

Loved reading both duck stories above. I recently reread Make Way for Ducklings to my grands. It's nice to know people still stop so that ducks can make it across the road.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 10:03 PM

Duck families on the move frequently hold up Ottawa city buses on the Transitway at this time of year. There's usually someone on the bus with a phone that takes photos, so the incidents tend to make the papers.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 12:35 AM

An ICD can provide appropriate therapy to a varying type of "Event" without disturbing the patient and will only be picked up at regular checks. They have several monitoring modes which can activate ventricular pacing as opposed to a shock. Most times the patient won't notice at all. A doctor would rarely check except in cases when the ICD delivers a shock.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 11:30 AM

The defib is usually only read at regular quarterly appointments.

The tech then asks Tom what was going on if an "event" shows up -- time and date.

Most of the time we haven't a clue what triggered it. This was really obvious.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 11:41 AM

They were wondering why he was lucid when his blood pressure was so low. Maybe the defib? I'm glad that event and the "rehab" facility are in the past.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 04:07 PM

Right, S'paw...the only time Tom was ever shocked by the defib was about 4 years ago when we were shovelling out the cars after a snowfall. Tom usually takes it very easy snow shovelling, but this snow was very lightweight and he may, because it was so easy to shovel, put a bit more into it than he should have. He didn't want to go to the ER to check it out, but I insisted. His cardiologist is a very cautious man (something I admire in a cardiologist...) and kept Tom in the hospital overnight for observation. Alas, that was the day of our monthly sea music singaround, so he missed it (and I missed most of it, only putting in an appearance to let people know what was going on).

The hospital released him the next day...in the middle of a snowstorm! I managed to get to the hospital while the weather deteriorated around me -- the last distance from Portsmouth Traffic Circle to the hospital was in almost zero visability and very dangerous road conditions. They still released him. We didn't make it home, but slid blindly into a Motel 6 out around the malls and spent the rest of the day and night watching the Food Network before getting home the next day and having to shovel out a place to put the car before our plow person showed up.

All THAT was worse than the kick from the defib!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 03:43 PM

The Nottingham EMTs just left -- don't panic!

We were trying to get organized to head to The Press Room for this evening's session -- and I'm celebrating my emancipation from wage slavery. (My last day at work was Tuesday, though officially I won't be retired until June 21st.)

The commode slipped while Tom was trying to position himself and he ended up on the floor. We tried to maneuver him to where he could pull himself up on the wheelchair, with the back pillows (large) from the couch, but no go.

So I called 911 for a lift assist. Tom is now safely in the wheelchair, but he bruised his tush and doesn't want to face (sorry, bad choice of words) the deck steps to get to and from The Press Room. He's also a bit over-exerted, perhaps, as well. I have another Portsmouth errand to attend to on the way to the PR and several while I'm there, so I'll be at the session for a little awhile at least, but I'll be heading home very early so Tom won't be left alone for too long.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 03:58 PM

Wel, well, well... just an hour or two ago I was gonna PM you about an update but decided not to do so. Damn glad I didn't. As you will recall, just about every time I do, something bad has recently happened. Then again, maybe just me thinking about PMing for an update knocked Tom off the john? I gotta stop that.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 12:07 PM

It's not your fault, Gnu!!!

Tom's recovery is a continuing saga...full of little annoyances (and bigger annoyances). And it's usually the stupid stuff that nobody thinks about that's the most annoying.

It's a long haul for Tom -- no weight on the ankle for AT LEAST another month. (His next appointment with Dr. Blitzer is July 6th.) My part in it all just got a wee bit easier -- I signed up for social security, handed in my letter of resignation effective June 21, but due to the new computer system and vacation time owed, etc., last Tuesday was my last day of work. So now I HAVE the time to take his boot off twice a day and slather and massage Tom's leg, and do everything else and not get testy cuz I'm overstressed and have no down time. I don't know if I'm officially retired until June 21st, but I'm effectively retired and just starting to figure out how to enjoy it.

And today I completed another trip around the sun, so we're off in a bit to have my birthday dinner at Newick's (local seafood restaurant on Great Bay) and get my 10 bucks off. They, at least, have good handicapped access.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 12:57 PM

Enjoy and happies atchya!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:22 PM

That was me. Tossed my cookie.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 10:30 PM

Ouch for Tom!

Linn, congrats on your retirement. I'd say it couldn't happen at a better time, but of course it could have--probably the day before Tom's fall on the deck.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 06:56 AM

Today we see his dentist again...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 07:21 AM

the Curmudgeon saga continues

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 08:45 AM

At least now I have the time to undo Tom's boot/brace, rub either Amerigel or vitamin E oil into his leg twice a day (and let his leg breathe for 15 minutes each time) as per doctor's orders. Before I suddenly retired, that was the care that, in actuality, just ended up being "too much" and is probably what kicked me into investigating and signing up for social security three years before I intended to.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 07:26 PM

Home again from new denture tweaking -- appointment started late and took a bit longer than either of us expected. But the next stage should be back from the lab in about a week.

That much closer to the real deal.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: maeve
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 09:07 PM

Have a good night, Linn and Tom. Hugs all around!

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 10:23 AM

Do you have a filet mignon at the ready?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 03:26 PM

Looking forward to seeing you both at the Press Room this Saturday.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon, Home Again, Home Again
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 06:30 PM

Looking forward to BEING at the Press Room on Saturday...

Sins, it'll be a few weeks yet...

Linn