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Thursday, August 28 2003
Happiness - Have a laugh on us.
My husband had the blackest and waviest hair you ever saw. Just like Elvis, he allowed it to grow long on top and would comb the hair back. That's what we called a pompador.
Well, he turned prematurely gray as all his family has. He still looked distinguished but gone was the black hair I loved.
We received a sample tube of Grecian Formula in the mail. It said it would turn your hair black gradually. I asked Reggie if we could try it out on his hair. He said no at first but after a litte coaxing he consented to let my daughter and I do it.
My mother was living with us at the time and she heard my daughter and me laughing hysterically. She saw my husband and she started laughing. (Mom wasn't the one to laugh out loud but she did that night).
Reggie began wearing a hat when he went outside but sometimes he would forget. My neighbor up on the corner asked me, "Who was that black haired man who was cutting your grass yesterday? We both had a laugh over the answer.
Life has had a lot of reasons to laugh. When we first married, Reggie knew everything, or so he thought. I had fixed strawberry shortcake for dessert. I had a can of whip cream that had a spray on top. You were supposed to shake the can and then spray. Well, it didn't work. So Mr. Know-it-all said, "I'll do it." He pulled out his knife and punctured the can. Guess what? POOF - WHIP CREAM came out all over the place--in his face, on the wall, and all over the counters. He had to take his fingers and wipe the whip cream out of his eyes and he was the only one who ate whipped cream that night. But I was laughing too hard to notice.
You know, I think there were some bad times too, but I have a hard time remembering them.
I have found such pleasure in thinking of the past and just taking the time to reminisce and write it down.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24
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Tuesday, September 2 2003
I love living in Cincinnati
On September 1, we had Riverfest in Cincinnati. It is an annual firework display by Rossi and Company. Spectacular. The Cincinnati side and Kentucky side compete to see who can make the most noise and then the fireworks. The water falls off the bridge was my favorite.
Octoberfest-Zinzinnati is coming September 20 and 21st. We always have to get a hot sausage (Bahama Mama) with sauer kraut and a cream puff for dessert at Schmidt's.
Tall Stacks will be here October 15th through October 19th. That's when numerous steam boats come to Cincinnati and you can take dinner cruises or tour the boats. The steam boats remind me of the Island Queen, that we used to ride to Coney Island. There were well known bands and dancing to enjoy.
Cincinnati is also popular because of Skyline Chili. We go to Skyline every Thursday, (a habit since ball games on Thursday).
Goetta is also something (from our German heritage) you find to eat in Cincinnati. It is made out of ground beef and sausage and pin head oatmeal. My husband makes a big batch in the crockpot and then freezes it in smaller containers. The recipe is on the package of pin head oatmeal. You then fry it in slices for breakfast. Yummy.
Twice a year we meet with a group we went through grade school with. We graduated from the 9th grade at Oyler and then went on to Western Hill High School for grades 10 through 12. Many of us went to State Avenue Methodist Church. A lot of the girls and guys married someone from within the group. Most everyone lives in Delhi now.
Two exceptions are my sister and her husband who live in Tennessee, and Don and Irene who live in Florida. They try to come to one of the meeting a year. My sister has Parkinson's disease and sometimes she feels like coming and sometimes she doesn't.
At our last meeting two of the girls disagreed about traveling or finding contentment in their own backyard. Some of us travel and some of us are home bodies. I suppose a little of both would be good but I found this poem and thought it explains both ways:
Way up high in a big old tree
Two young birds smiled at me.
The first one said, "Let's fly away."
The second one said, "I think I'll stay."
So off flew the first way up high, looking for rainbows in the sky.
The second bird stayed and built a nest. She loved the trees, she thought it best.
Each was happy in their own way.
One chose to go, one chose to stay.
We each must choose which way to go.
We each must choose which way to grow.
So smile at the birds you happen to see.
Knowing that each is happy and free.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny"? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt. 10:29-31
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Thursday, September 11 2003
Red and Yellow, Black and White. All are precious in His sight.
Today, I went with my husband to pick up our grandson from Kindergarten. He came walking out with a brown and white stuffed animal called Patches and a back pack, as proud as could be that he was chosen to bring their mascot home and take him back tomorrow. In the backpack are different changes of clothes and his Halloween outfit. It's a pumpkin outfit.
This Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Springmeyer, is so exciting and really gives of herself to the children. My daughter is supposed to make two batches of play dough for tomorrow. The teacher sent a recipe.
You know, good teachers are a blessing. Do you remember your Kindergarten teacher? I do. Her name was Ms. Shumar. I still have a card she sent to me during the summer after Kindergarten. She took the Queen Mary steamship to Europe.
We have to write down in the diary on Patches what the two of them did today. So far, they ate Skyline hot dogs and rode in Christopher's jeep and motor cycle. They are now watching television and eating candy. I don't know if I'll put that in or not.
I think of those that were lost in the World Trade Center building on September 11th two years ago. They were someone's little boys and girls and so many of them in their prime years. It saddens me to think of all the hurt that one act of terrorism did. How can we let people know in different countries that the majority of Americans and Great Britains are decent and caring people who are happy living a good life and want to see other countries have a fair chance of doing the same. It hurts me to think that those people hate us and want to do us harm.
We were especially proud of our firemen and policemen. But there was so much bravery and help from so many (red and yellow, black and white) people.
I said I was so proud to be a Cincinnatian in a previous diary, but I am extra, extra proud to be an American and proud of all who were by our sides.
My prayers go out to our boys and girls in areas that are unsafe and where many are being shot and wounded. God be with them.
My phrase above is from a song our children used to sing in Sunday School. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, Red and Yellow, Black and White, all are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
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Sunday, September 14 2003
A good Samaritan. A B C's
I decided to take a ride on my Scooter Thursday and thought I would take the dog, Mandy, a walk also. My grandson also went with us. Well, there are no curbs for scooters or wheel chairs so we went around our cul-de-sac and two others. This way we didn't have to go off the curb. We were doing fine until Chris got tired and wanted to know if he could sit on my lap and of course I said yes. Well Mandy kept going from one side to the other behind us and before long I heard a strange noise and looked back and her leash was wrapped around the back tire a couple of times. So I unhooked her and then tried to get the leash out. No luck. I couldn't lift the Scooter so I sent Chris to get my husband. It was safe because we had not crossed any streets. While I was waiting, a neighbor stopped her car, tried to lift the Scooter and got down on the ground and unwrapped the leash. Truly, this was a good Samaritan. Her name was Kim.
Here is a poem my daughter-in-law sent me. I don't know who the author is but I like the message.
Although things are not perfect,
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving,
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard,
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able,
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love,
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining".
No weapon that is known.
On earth can yield the power,
Praise can do alone.
Quit looking at the future,
Redeem the time at hand.
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command.
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky.
We'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high.
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but. . .
Zion waits in glory. . .
Where none are ever sad!
"I am too blessed to be stressed!
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
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Tuesday, September 23 2003
World War II Remembrances:
Well, my day started out very confused. My daughter and I went to a funeral of a previous neighbor. When we got to Shiloh Church, where it was supposed to be held, we noticed there wasn't many cars in the parking lot so we went to the office. We were told the newspaper had put the wrong date. The funeral would be Thursday. We went grocery shopping instead.
I was already a little depressed--I don't know why. So, I decided to write one of my diaries. Recently I had a request from my grandaughter to tell her everything I could remember about World War II for her class project.
Here is what I remembered: I remember being at my aunt's house when Pearl Harbor was bombed and war was declared. I was very frightened and walked home thinking we could be bombed anytime. I was 11 at the time.
Then at school we were told there would be a scrap drive to collect all the scrap metal we could get for the war effort. I remember getting our wagon out and going from house to house gathering scrap metal and being proud to be a part of helping out. We collected such things as tin cans, scrap iron, paper, tires, etc.
Each family was asked to plant a "Victory Garden."--The U.S. Government strongly encouraged everyone to plant a garden to provide their own food so that food, transportation and other resources could be freed up for the war effort. My Dad and Mom (both from farms in Kentucky) had a nice backyard so they planted many things like tomatoes, lettuce, onions, green beans, and carrots. The Government encouraged people to can all the food they could.
I remember that my sister (two years older than I am) would put a liquid that was tan on her legs and drew a black line down the back of her legs to make it look like she had stockings on.
Also, you never knew where the troops were or what they were up to next. There was such slogans as, "A slip of the lip will sink a ship." I couldn't believe the recent coverage of the Iraqian war had news reporters and photographers on the front line and everything was shown on T.V.
Also, everyone bought bonds ($18.75 for a $25.00 bond at maturity)for the purpose of helping with the war effort.
In 1941, Office of Price Administration (OPA)-started rationing. Each American was issued a book of ration coupons each month. Rationed goods were assigned a price and point value. Once the coupons were used up we could not buy rationed goods until the next month.
Shoes were rationed (Stamp 17) in War Ration Book).
Rationing was according to your occupation and family size.
Sugar, butter, meat, coffee, fuel oil, and gas were all rationed. People would barter with other families and trade coupons. If you didn't use a lot of sugar, you might trade someone for their coffee or meat coupon. Gas car owners had to register and were given a windshield sticker based on how the car or other vehicle was used. Pleasure driving was prohibited.
Sticker A: 4 gallons a week
Sticker B: 10 gallons a week
Sticker C: Unlimited-essential for the war effort.
Clothes were not rationed, just not available. Certain fabrics like silk or synthetic fibers were not available for civilian use.
I don't know if the cars and tires were rationed--but I know it was impossible to buy either. The auto plants like Ford, Chevy, and others were busy making planes and tanks. Wright was a big defense plant in Cincinnati where my dad worked.
It's so hard to get used to hearing what our soldiers are doing on T.V. Wouldn't it be better if we were more secretive? Just a hang-up from childhood.
The Schmo was here.
Love ya
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Saturday, October 4 2003
Being thankful for daughter-in-law, friends and boats.
My daughter-in-law, Marjorie, is coming home from the hospital today. A month ago she was checked into the hospital with severe pain in the stomach. All kinds of tests were taken and nothing showed up. Since she still was in pain, they did an incision and found some scar tissue from a gall bladder operation. Two days later, she was still in severe pain. This time they cut her stomach straight across and did exploratory surgery. They found 5 nodules in the duodenum and took them out and also found 2 on the liver and removed them. Finally, after several days waiting, her stomach finally rumbled and things began working again. They checked for cancer but so far everything is ok. But, we haven't heard the final word yet. They are checking everything one more time.
Today my husband and I, daughter, and grandson went to a birthday party for our neighbors' grandson. We went to Wonder Park at Forest Fair Mall. There were rides, games, and lots of entertainment for the kids with pizza, ice cream and cake. A good time was had by all.
I have been listening to tapes my daughter has given me titled "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat," by John Ortberg. These are very thought provoking tapes. I am one that probably has never gotten out of a boat willingly in deep water. Sometimes God has allowed it to be turned over and I've had to swim.
It reminded me of words on a piece of paper I found in my dad's Bible after he died. It said, "Oh God your ocean is so vast and my boat is so small." But, the real message is, "Dot, you can't walk on the water even if you get out of the boat if you take your eyes off of Jesus. (That's what Peter, also, found out.) --and then there was Noah--
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Monday, October 20 2003
My Buddy (Get the last word in: Apologize.)
Reggie and I had a good week. His oldest sister, Mavis, flew in from Arizona for a visit. He has 3 sisters that live in Cincinnati. Our daughter, Gina, was on vacation this week so she and Christopher went with us. Christopher got to play with his second cousin, Sarah. They became kissing cousins before the day was over. Sarah likes the story of Sleeping Beauty and she wanted Christopher to be the Prince. We all got together at Alice's house, compared our health and what we have been doing this past year. Of course Reggie had to show off and bake an apple cobbler and everyone wanted his recipe, and those girls can really cook. All four of the sisters are widowed.
The Nash family moved to Cincinnati from Owenton, Kentucky, in 1941, when Reggie was 12. Mrs. Nash brought her family to the same church my family went to. When I first saw Reggie, I was sitting in choir with his sister, Charlsie, and I said to her, "Isn't he cute." I didn't know she was his sister. So, the beginning of a love story that has lasted for 62 years.
Charlsie was a year younger than I was and we became best friends. The sad thing was she got rheumatic fever and died at 16 years of age, in 1947. No penicillin. Charlsie was in an oxygen tent and someone had to stay with her every night because there was a shortage of nurses. I stayed one night.
Since Reggie and I were childhood sweethearts, his 3 older sisters invited us to their homes for dinner often. Edna Mae had the first T.V. It was small but we all thought it was great. We were asked by Alice, the youngest girl, to be in her wedding. I wore a big brimmed hat and a hoop skirt in a lovely shade of lilac. It was the only wedding we were ever in except our own.
Mavis, Eddie, Reggie, Gina and I took a cruise to the Bahamas on our 25th anniversary. It was such a fun trip except Gina got really, really sea sick. As soon as she was back on the shore she said, "I want a hamburger and a malt."
The two oldest sisters told about their neighbors in Owenton who had a little boy they called "Buddy". They always wanted a "Buddy" of their own. So Buddy was born and was spoiled by his sisters. They call him Bud to this day. They also told me a story about "Chicken for Dinner". Reggie was about 2 years old when he decided he wanted a chicken for a pet. So, he went into his grandparents' chicken pen and chose 2 of the finest pullets. He took them by their necks and was swinging them back and forth while he was taking them to show his sisters. He was a happy boy until his Mom saw what had happened. Two chickens for supper and one spanking for "Buddy".
"Buddy" asked me to marry him when I was a Junior in High School and again when I graduated. I said no--let me work a little first because he thought the woman's place was in the home. Well, two years went by and I wasn't asked anymore. One night, while we were taking a walk, I asked "Do you still want to marry me?" He said, "Yes", and he tells everyone I proposed to him.
Two of the girls, Alice and Mavis, went to Tall Stacks, a fleet of steamboats, enjoyed by Cincinnatians Wednesday through Sunday. The weather was delightful and the temperature was in the 70's. The Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen raced on Sunday at 2:30 PM. The Belle of louisville won the Golden Antlers given to the swiftest boat on the river.
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Thursday, November 6 2003
Thankful before Thanksgiving
Today is three weeks before Thanksgiving. I am thinking about all I have to be thankful for:
1. God's comforting presence.
2. For three wonderful children and their families.
3. The family is in good health.
4. I had a good report from my cardiologist.
5. Friends at PHC and PHA and words of encouragement.
6. Marcene is better, at home, and recuperating.
7. Christopher's good report card, (kindergarten).
8. This is PH Awareness Month.
9. The weather has been delightful but turning colder tonight.
10. We get to share Mandy, my daughter's Jackie Russel dog, during the day and her unconditional love.
11. Frost tonight and tomorrow night in Cincinnati. People with allergies will breathe better and bugs will die. like mosquitos, bees and wasps. I'm allergic to their sting.
12. I don't live in Florida where they have fire ants. (I am allergic to them, also).
13. My husband made me breakfast--bacon, eggs and toast.
14. The leaves are almost gone.
15. I'm able to exercise more.
16. I'm thankful for our chat group and the fun we have.
17. That my husband got his two fingers unglued after fixing Christopher's Bey Blade with crazy glue. It wasn't easy to do. We used fingernail polish remover and then paint thinner. It still pulled some skin off.
THINGS I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO BE THANKFUL FOR:
1. That I have lost weight.
2. That I have my house clean.
3. That I have the hall wallpapered or painted.
4. And numerous things I don't want to think about.
My life is certainly interesting. I have told Reggie before, "I don't remember one dull day in our 53 years of married life." The crack about Florida is for him because he would love to spend at least a couple of months in Florida every year. His Mother lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, until her death in 1998.
I enjoy and sometimes hurt when reading other diaries and how fellow PH'ers cope with what is happening in their lives.
Hugs, smiles, and thankfulness for everyone who reads this.
Dorothy
Many times Satan whispered, "There is no use to try. For there's no end of sorrow, There's no hope by and by." But I know Thou are with me, And tomorrow I'll rise - Where the storms never darken the skies.
'Til the storm passes over, "Til the thunder sounds no more,
'Til the clouds roll forever from the sky,
Hold me fast, Let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand;
Keep me safe 'til the storm passes by.
This is a verse and chorus of the Hymn,'Til the Storm Passes By Mosie Lester.'
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Sunday, November 16 2003
A tale of two vases and one daughter.
Today was hair cutting day. My daughter and I go to the same beautician. She was getting her hair cut and tinted after work. The beautician asked how Gina was and then she said, "Tell me something I can blackmail her with." I told her I would have to think about it because she is such a good daughter. But then I remembered something she had done. Gina's job was to do the dusting because I absolutely hate it. She did her job faithfully without being told. Now that should have given me a clue.
When we bought our first house, the lady we bought it from gave us the two vases that sat by two pillars that divided our living room from the dining room. However, when my sister-in-law brought her son for us to baby-sit he knocked one of the vases off and broke it. Now I only had one vase and I treasured it. We moved and I sat the one vase on top of the TV.
Well, one day I thought I would do the dusting and help Gina out. While dusting the TV, I took the artificial flowers out of the vase and proceeded to dust it also. Oh my gosh, what happened to the vase. The top of it was all broken and glued back together. It must have taken a long time to do it and I can just feel how frustrated she must have been. It looked like a jigsaw puzzle. When I asked her what happened she admitted she had broken it. She knew I loved that old vase and she thought I would be really mad but when I saw her tearful little face I said, "Gina, I loved that old vase but I love you more." Now she treasures that old broken vase.
When my nephew broke the first vase I told his mom and dad that when he gets married I'll give him the vase that was not broken. However, that didn't happen. I bought Terry and his wife a new vase.
Gina said the broken vase was a secret for over a year. She must have dreaded the day I would find out.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy," and where thieves break in and steal, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6:19-21
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Monday, November 24 2003
Children's Sermon
I usually did the children's sermon on the first Sunday of the month at Lakewood Baptist Church (Cincinnati).
I used to have fun with them because children are by nature mischievous and I have always enjoyed using different approaches to get their attention.
I think my favorite children's sermon was about toothpaste. I brought a tube of toothpaste and asked for two volunteers. I gave the tube of toothpaste to a very cooperating young boy of about 6 or 7. I told him to squeeze all the toothpaste out of the tube onto a plate. He did a good job and then he was going to take the seam apart and make sure it was all out which would have ruined my point entirely. I said, "Have you done this before?" and everyone laughed. Then I asked my second volunteer, a quiet little girl about the same age, to put all the toothpaste back in the tube. I gave her a very tiny spoon. She actually tried to put it back in the tube but after a few tries, she said "I can't do it." So, I proceeded with the lesson we learn from this. When we tell a lie about someone or say something unkind, it's like the toothpaste--we can't get the words back in our mouth no matter how hard we try.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbe 12:18
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs: 18:22
When I was finished, I sat the plate of toothpaste under the preacher's podium. After the preacher's sermon he said, "I could smell the peppermint toothpaste while I was preaching." He said, "I was constantly aware I could get my hands or clothing in the toothpaste under the pulpit."
I think he is a little mischievous boy, also.
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Wednesday, November 26 2003
Thanksgiving then and now.
Do you ever wonder what the first Thanksgiving was like? The Pilgrims and Indians sat down for a meal together. That must have been a sight to see. I wish we could sit down with the Iraqians and be friends. We are wanting to help them so they don't have to live under a dictatorship and will be able to enjoy life like we do. But, I haven't lived under oppression like they have and don't understand how they feel. I wonder if there are folks in Iraq that have Pulmonary Hypertension?
I am sorta sad today thinking of how we used to celebrate Thanksgiving. It was Reggie and my day to invite my whole family to turkey dinner. It is one of the easiest meals to fix. We had turkey, dressing, chicken and dumplings, green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, devilled eggs, a relish tray, and of course pumpkin pie. Every family brought a dish also. What a spread. Now I'm hungry.
Well, at first we had a total of 12 people. However, as the three brothers and one sister got married and had children the crowd grew bigger. And then those children grew up and got married and had children until we had over 65 people. We always got along well so we had a lot of fun getting acquainted with the families and the boys played ball (well, the girls did too). We brought each other up-to-date on what we were doing and what each child or grandchild or great-grandchild was doing,(a time to brag and show pictures). God has been good to our family.
The crowd got so big and was mostly adults so we decided to have a picnic reunion once a year but that didn't work out as well. The only time we see each other all together now is at weddings and funerals and now and then a picnic.
This week my husband, daughter, and two grandsons went to Florida and left me here to dog sit. That's ok, I needed some quiet time.
Doug and Vickie, my son and daughter-in-law, have invited me to come to their house for turkey dinner tomorrow.
You know families are like Pulmonary Hypertension. No one responds the same way. If we all piled our families in a pile and God said, "Go pick you out a family you want." I think we would pick our own family again. But, if diseases were piled in a pile, how many of us would pick Pulmonary Hypertension?
Psalm 94:1 and 2 - Come,let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Happy Thanksgiving Day my friends and new found family.
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Saturday, January 3 2004
A new day - A new year - Thank you Lord
I have passed a year with PH since I was diagnosed on 12/31/03. I am so thankful to my God first, my family, and the friends I have made with PH and their help with any problem. You all were always ready to help anyway you could. It was such a pleasure to go to read E-Mails and have words of encouragement from so many of you. That will be one of my New Year's Resolutions - to encourage those just joining and those who are hurting or going through a particular rough time.
Our family all went through the flu. We all were not feeling well most of December. The Christmas stuff didn't get put up. Gina makes stockings for everyone and they crowd our mantel but we love to see how the family is growing. Well, they never got put up. The reindeers stayed in the basement, the lights were not put up outside. We did try to put some lights on the railings of the porch but when we turned them on, Christopher said it looked like a lot of scribbling so we turned them back off and took them down. Something else we usually try to do is to go to the Cincinnati Zoo and see the Nutcrackers our son, Mike, made at Murphy and Cattons. He goes every year to put them up for the Zoo. We are so proud of Mike and his expertise in displays. By the way, I received an E-Mail from Mike today. He had shaved his head because he had made a bet on the football games and won. He had bet a younger man and if the younger man lost he had to shave both sides of his head and dye the middle hair red and if Mike lost he had to shave his head. Mike won but said he felt sorry for the younger guy and so he shaved his head also. That's quite a shock to see your son, who is now 52, bald. Mike has always been the sensible one of our family.
Oh, while we are talking about Mike, he was making Christmas presents. His wife's family all have horses so he was making saddle holders. I think he had made about seven and got careless and drilled his thumb pretty bad. I had wanted a quilt holder and he said he will make it when the thumb is better.
All the family came for brunch on Christmas and everyone was feeling better by now. It was so good to be together. Michael, our 24 year old grandson brought his girlfriend, Ericka, for us to meet. Reggie cooked the whole breakfast by himself. We had bacon, goetta, ham, sausage, fried potatoes, eggs, gravy, biscuits, orange juice and of course coffee. Is anyone on a diet?
Before Christmas, Christopher went for a ride in a limousien and out to lunch with the Principal of his school and other boys and girls who had sold the most in last year's fund raising project.
Christopher had a birthday, December 17th, so we got him some leap frog pads and gave them to him on his birthday. At his birthday party we gave him some more leap frog pads. He told Gina he was going to tell Santa Claus not to bring anymore leap frog pads.
Hope everyone had a happy Christmas and that you have a wonderful new year.
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
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Monday, January 12 2004
Angels have fur
Mandy is my daughter's dog we dog sit with when Gina goes to work. Gina goes to work before 6 A.M. and we get Christopher and Mandy sometime as early as 5 A.M. After I take my C-Pap mask off, Christopher comes in my room and if I'm lucky I get a hug and a kiss. He's stingy with them and says he gave them all to Gina just to hear me beg. Gina gives me one of Christopher's kisses and leaves for work. Christopher goes back to bed and Mandy comes and gets in my bed and sleeps with her butt in my back. First, though, I have to pet her and she gives me kisses freely.
Where did Gina get this little Angel with fur? Her first dog was Princess and we all loved her. She had been mistreated as a pup and wasn't as lovey as Mandy and she was easily frightened of storms, etc. But we felt her gratitude and she was such a good dog.
Well when Princess had to be put to sleep because of cancer around her bladder, Gina couldn't live without a dog so she told her vet she was looking for a good dog like Princess. Well, the vet said, "I know of someone who is looking for a good home for a Jack Russell. The owner was a 70 year old school teacher who was going to be married for the first time and go with her husband to live on a farm. He had several dogs but told her if she brought her dog, Mandy would have to stay outside with the other dogs. This was not acceptable to her so she told the vet to help her find a good home for her Mandy.
Gina was thrilled and wanted to see the dog. A meeting was planned and Gina was interviewed and Dorothy (the owner's name) said O.K. but then asked her, "who will be watching the dog while you work?" Reggie and I had to be interviewed and we were raising Christopher at that time and Mandy and Christopher got along fabulously. So, Mandy moved in with Gina. She's been a delight and we all love her to pieces. Then Gina adopted Christopher and they became a family.
I used to sleep on a foam rubber elevated pad for my reflux but the foam got torn into shreds the first time we left Mandy alone. The foam was all over the bedroom. What a sight. I wished we had taken a picture of it. Also, several comforters were shredded.
But, Mandy got over being rejected and decided we were going to take good care of her. We all have been very happy together.
We had one other near catastrophe. We have a lot of Racoons in the woods behind us and Mandy was exploring and a big Racoon got hold of her back right leg and Mandy just barely got away. It was such a sad sight to see her dragging her right leg behind her and trying to get up the hill. Reggie went to her and picked her up and carried her inside. Mandy stays in the upper yard now. Our neighbor had problems with racoons and she had an exterminator trap 30 racoons and take them away.
The title, "Angels Have Fur" is from a book being talked about on Regis' and Kelly's show and I failed to hear the author's name but I will try to find it and read it.
We've had dogs named Laddie, Scalawag, Butch, Princess, and Mandy. They all have lived long lives and have left great impressions on our family.
Thank you God for pets (dogs, cats, birds, hampsters, goldfish, gerbels, etc.).
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Monday, January 26 2004
Grandma has lost her marbles
We have five feet of snow in Cincinnati. It's beautiful looking outside and not having to go out in it. Christopher didn't have to go to school and Gina works from home every Monday. Christopher was home watching "Arthur" show on T.V. and the Grandmother taught Arthur how to play marbles. Gina told him I was a tomboy and played marbles. Christopher called me and said, "Get over here Grandma and bring your marbles. I want you to teach me how to shoot marbles." I've never been so needed by the male species before. Hope I can find the chinese checker marbles.
Isn't it wonderful to be needed? Anyone have a dog sled? I can't get out. We live on a cul-de-sac and we live at the bottom of the hill. Not only that, Reggie hasn't finished snow plowing it.
We were supposed to pick up Edna Mae, Reggie's older sister, and take her to Houston's Restaurant in Mason, Ohio. Houstons' has the best salad bar I have ever seen anywhere. I, also, have a brother who lives in Mason. Well, that's off. I guess I'll have barbecue and slaw we made yesterday. Do you all put slaw on your barbecue?
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Sunday, February 22 2004
There is none so blind as he who will not see
I always thought that being blind was the one thing I didn't want to experience. Well, that was before I met Anna. Anna works at Cincinnati Association of the Blind. She was an African American, single parent with 2 teen age kids. Anna takes care of keeping up with the "talking books" whereabouts at CAB. She uses a computer that she types information on and it talks back with answers. She has a seeing eye dog named Muffin that Reggie and I just adored but we weren't allowed to make over her while she was working. Anna used to ride the bus from home to CAB on Gilbert Avenue. She now has the availability of riding Access.
How did we get to know Anna? Our church group retirees volunteered to mail out CAB's quarterly news letters. Our church group was called "Young At Heart" and we all tried to prove that we were.
Anna needed someone to help her so Reggie and I volunteered to help keep up with the talking book machines. Columbus sent out a spread sheet monthly that we had to check. If machines were returned or needed repaired or new ones were sent out we had to make an accurate list for Anna to work from. We also transported the machines that were not working to a group of men at General Electric called the "Elfkins". They repaired the machines free of charge on their own time. You know there is a lot of good people in this world but you usually only hear about the bad ones.
We volunteered with CAB for five years and enjoyed it very much.
Anna. had all kinds of tricks to help her survive. I know she folded her money to tell her if it was one dollar, a five, or a ten. She really didn't have any problem if you were white or black. (Think about that). Every year she had a friend that worked with her to have a picnic for all of her volunteers and she helped plan and cook for the picnic. She is truly a friend. Every year some of our group from church would volunteer to cook hamburgers and hotdogs and CAB bought baked beans, potato salad, potato chips, pretzels, tomatoes. and other good picnic supplies. A good time was had by all. I forgot to tell you this was a rafting trip and everyone came back wet. When we told anyone we went rafting with blind people they looked at you like you had really lost your mind. We ended up singing for hours.
I always thought that being blind was the one thing I didn't want to experience, but being blind to Anna was was just a small handicap and she never let it get her down. I wouldn't be able to see my husband, children, and grand-children. I wouldn't be able to see Mandy, God's beautiful creations, and Jackie's pictures of her son, Caleb. I guess I could still do E-Mail but I wouldn't be able to see all the wonderful picture cards I received from you wonderful PH'ers. (You know who you are.) I'm afraid to name names because I'm sure my PH brain would forget someone.
PH has some bad points but so does everything else we have to experience in our daily walk. Speaking of our daily walk, God has drawn me closer to Him daily and to you all, too. I would never have called up someone--even those close to me and said, "Isn't God wonderful? He's everthing to me." And then receive so much encouragement from you dear friends.
God knows what he is doing. Maybe a cure will be found while we are still alive and what a thrill that would be for our very young ones still in school and to those who have small children. Hey, I even want to see my other great-grandchildren and to see Christopher graduate. I want to also live a while longer so Reggie doesn't marry again and loves me forever. Well, I do.
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Tuesday, March 9 2004
Tests and more tests - Doctors and more doctors
I have been busy last week taking tests. I had an Echocardiogram and had a Holter Monitor put on Thursday since my heart was skipping beats again. On Friday I had a stress test (the one where they inject something in your arm to make your heart react like you are exercising).
I will go Friday to find out what the results are.
I go to a very consciencious Doctor, Dr. Desai. He and Dr. Herzog were the doctors who did the angioplasty procedure after I had a heart attack. They put a stent in one of my arteries and after they opened the artery it closed again right below the stent. I was awake watching all of this because I asked them not to dope me up too much. I don't tell them that anymore. Anyway, I had a mild heart attack then and the doctors said that was what a heart attack felt like. After the pain subsided they inserted another stent just below the other stent in the same artery and it worked. Was I ever glad. I am so indebted to both Dr. Desai and Dr. Herzog for their hard work and their dedication to succeed. They both were wringing wet after taking turns to fix me up. Thank you doctors.
I've had many good doctors in my lifetime. Dr. Conrad was my PCP from the time Reggie and I was married until about 5 years ago when he retired. One time when I went to see Dr. Conrad, I told him that my uncle had just visited us from Somerset, Kentucky and had brought us 50 pounds of potatoes right out of the field. And then I told him the following episode and probably asked for nerve pills. I don't remember. It's all a blank what happened.
Our boys, Mike and Doug, were about 4 and 6 and I told them I was going downstairs to hang up the clothes I had just washed. We had four rooms that adjoined and went straight through. The boys saw the potatoes and decided to bowl. The only problem was they didn't have bowling balls (only potatoes). When I returned upstairs I saw wall to wall dirty potatoes all over the house. I have learned to laugh about that in later years but I didn't feel like laughing that day. Can you imagine the mess? Dirt all over the floors and hundreds of potatoes under the beds, couch and chair and everywhere else. And the boys were quite dirty too. Do kids still do such things today?
I told the doctor that Reggie had just built a wall across our back yard and that my uncle had also brought us 25 pounds of onions and they were sprouting so quickly I couldn't use them quick enough. He sat there and laughed the whole time and kept muttering, "Well, you could always have your husband go out everyday and plant the sprouting ones on your new wall."
Dr. Desai is a doctor from India and I just read one of his reports and he called me a most pleasant white female. I love it.
My PCP doctor now is also from India. She is Dr. Shetty. Her father has been my physician since Dr. Conrad and he is a very caring doctor but he doesn't put up with much of my nonsense. His daughter has started working with him and she now takes care of Reggie and I. She said she was glad that I was interested in finding all about PH and thought it good that I learned everything I could about the disease. She seems quite knowledgable about PH herself. She keeps up with what is going on in your life and is helping me keep by blood sugar and blood pressure in line. Such a nice young lady. God has truly blessed us with good doctors.
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Sunday, March 21 2004
It's about a wonderful doctor, nurses, and PH'ers
Dr. Desai and I had a date on St. Patrick's Day at Christ Hospital. I had an Angioplasty. My Circumflex Artery was 70% closed and a Stent was put in. When I had a heart attack in 1996, I had two other Stents installed in my Left Anterior Descending Artery. Everything went well and I came home Thursday, March 18th.
The Doctors and Nurses certainly get my praise for their cooperative work during the Angioplasty as I got to watch with the help of some relaxing sedation.
I had a lovely room in the newly finished part of Christ Hospital. The nurses were superb in their watchful care of me. The food was good and I always look forward to hospital food.
The worst part was having to lie on my back and be still for most of the day.
Our Pastor, Tim Turley came and spent some time with my husband and I. And he is a wonderful, comforting person to have around.
And most of all, God was there taking care of me and all those who had a part in fixing me up. What a wonderful God I serve. I hope to get busier in helping others as I feel better.
My wonderful daughter, Gina, brought me another stuffed dog so I could love it and keep my blood pressure down. I always miss Mandy (nurse dog) when I am at the hospital. Life is good.
And last but not least, those wonderful Pulmonary Hypertension people who were praying for me. There were two precious ladies who sent me flowers. One lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia and one lives in Iowa. They are so beautiful, (the ladies and the flowers).
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 5l:10.
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Friday, April 9 2004
Just living the good life
Today is Good Friday and Reggie and I went to our Good Friday services at church. It was a very touching program with many people participating and reading scriptures and singing.
I feel much better since I had the Angioplasty March 17th and the installation of another stent. This makes three in my heart.
I have much to be thankful for this Easter but most of all that Christ died for our sins and arose on Easter victorious over death. Everything has been done for us. All we have to do is repent of our sins and accept Christ as our personal Saviour and the Holy Spirit comes to live in our heart forever.
Did you see the beautiful daffodils and tulips that are in bloom? Christopher pulled up some of the daffodils to bring to me (along with a lot of dandelions) for a boquet. How could I yell at him when he was so pleased to bring me such a lovely present.
While reading the E-Mails I heard of many answered prayers and people feeling better and coming home from the hospital. Some were even getting over pneumonia. This is a tough bunch of PH'ers.
Happy Easter to you all and let's all have a wonderful summer. I need the warm weather bad. Yesterday Christopher was learning to skate and I went riding in my scooter. I soon had a tag-along on the back of my scooter. Our Mandy had two tumors cut out on her two front legs and an abcessed tooth pulled yesterday. She still is groggy and wants to lick the bandages.
That's about all the excitement I can think of right now.
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Thursday, May 6 2004
Awaiting the Cicadas and other happenings
We are awaiting the arrival of the 17 year variety of Cicadas known as Brood X. They are expected to emerge in Cincinnati (the southwest corner of Ohio) on May 14, or whenever the soil temperature is 64, by the billions. Some of the other areas that will be included are all of Kentucky, two-thirds of Indiana, a small portion of West Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, and southern Michigan. Also, a pocket in the East that includes Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; Long Island, N.Y.; New Jersey; parts of the Carolinas; and northern Georgia will also host Cicadas. Only a very small section of Greater Cincinnati will escape them.
They lasted about six weeks in 1987. The emergence began May 19 and ended June 30. They do not bite but can pinch slightly. They do fly a short distance and are quite a nusiance when you use the lawn mower or chain saw or gas powered weed wackers, etc. They also like to fly at your face and get in your hair. You can eat them as they are a nutritious treat and your dog and other insect eaters can eat them without any problem. They do urinate and they call it "honey dew" and it doesn't stink or stain. Dead bug corpses will decay in the heat and smell like ripe Limburger Cheese. The odor will last for about two weeks.
Cicadas don't kill flowers or shrubs. They do minimal damage to adult trees, but are a benefit to them in the long run by destroying weaker branches and essentially providing a pruning service. Trees less than 2 years old and/or less than 6 feet high, however, are at risk. Place netting around the crown and tie it off at the bottom so Cicadas can't get into the branches.
Yes, Cicadas sing a love song. Males sing to attract the attention of the females. The three species of Cicadas have unique calls - which, vary from a high pitched hollow whistle to a series of clicks and buzzes to the sound of a rotary sprinkler head--so that only females of their own kind are attracted. Responsive females make a sound by flicking their wings, which is similar to flipping through a deck of cards.
The shells the nymphs emerge from are biodegradable and will blend into the soil.
It might be hard to have an outside wedding during the time of the Cicadas. Or, it could be interesting when an occasional Cicada lands on a guest, or the constant hum of the Cicada love song.
I read most of this in the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning and found it quite interesting. Hope you all have too.
I'll do the other happenings tomorrow.
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Sunday, May 30 2004
Looking forward to Summertime
Well Diary, Christopher will be out of Kindergarten after this week and we will be able to go to the park, go watch his ballgames, and go to the Library with him. That may not sound like a very exciting time but we rarely are bored. We will also be able to swim as our above ground swimming pool was installed last week. Christopher is taking swimming lessons and can't wait.
Christopher was in a wedding last night and I can't wait for the pictures to be developed. He wore a tuxedo and was the ring bearer. He walked with Morgan who was throwing flower petals as they walked down the aisle. When Morgan reached the end of the aisle and had petals left, she dumped the rest of them at the end of the aisle. The bride was my daughter-in-law's niece and the groom was the son of the lawyer who took care of our daughter (Gina's) adoption of Christopher.
Our grandaughter, Stephanie, graduated Thursday. She will be going to college at Northern Kentucky University. Jacob, another grandchild, will be cutting our grass all summer and is always ready to have a sample of grandma's cooking. Love my grandbabies.
When I had my angioplasty at Christ Hospital on March 17th, I had nothing but praise to give my doctor, Dr. Desai, and all the wonderful nurses and other workers. They worked so well together. Two of the nurses were so attentive and made sure all was well with the groin incision. The hospital sent me a questionaire to fill out about my visit. I had nothing but good things to say about their hospital and the doctors and nurses that had helped me during my stay. I also enclosed a copy of my Diary about my visit. They sent my letter and a copy of my Diary to the doctors and the two head nurses and sent me a letter telling me what they were doing and how helpful it is to their hospital and their staff when they get good comments. I guess we are more likely to tell them if something goes wrong and if things are done well we don't always tell them. I, also, thanked my God.
It is rainy today and a little cooler than we want for swimming so I am cleaning up loose ends. I even cut out grocery coupons that had been stacked up for a while. I guess one of those loose ends better be cleaning up the kitchen and starting supper.
The Cicadas are about 90% out now and while it was raining they were very quiet. It now has stopped raining and you should hear those little pests sing. There should be about three more weeks of these unwanted creatures. As they die and deteriorate they will smell like rotted limburger cheese. I can hardly wait.
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