Miss Annie Fernackerpan!

Congratulations on passing your physical with the London Metro Plod Dept.

Well done girl - you will be the best baddie getter in the whole of the "Smoke"

Onward and upward!

One day I expect you will be Chief Inspector Annie Fannie!

You go girl!

Love

Auntie Pee

Some Days are Good!

Well, yesterday started off well and got even better as the day went along. How good is that, then?

Nurse Phyllis came in the morning and spent an about an hour filling out the paper work necessary for Mr. Indi's Home Health Care services - including physical therapy, occupational therapy, a social worker and (with a bit of luck) some home help for me! Yea! One of the things that she is going to strongly recommend is a hospital bed. It will make it much easier for his Lordship to sit up while eating and for me to raise and lower the bed to help him on and off his posh potty. I'm not sure about where and how I am going to store the queen size bed where Mr. Indi now resides - I will probably get Jesus to help me stack it in the garage. Nurse Phyllis promised that we should be hearing from all of the people involved with Mr. Indi's care by the middle of next week.

Nurse P made me laugh - she kept remarking on how organized and knowledgeable I am. She was amazed that I have typed up records of Mr. Indi's medications with dosages - Mr. Indi's doctors with phone and fax numbers - Times and dates of Mr. Indi's past and future appts for chemo, blood work, etc. She asked me if I want a job! HaHa! Not bloody likely! What is funny is that if she saw my little corner of the family room that I call my office, she would think a bomb had dropped on it! LOL. It looks like an explosion in a paper factory!

The next great thing that happened was a surprise email from my daughter with a little video clip of my beautiful granddaughter on the evening news giving her views on the environment! I had missed her on the news - even though it was on the channel that I usually watch - must have been making dinner. She looks just as beautiful on the tele as she does in real life.

I picked up the mail from the mailbox and there was a letter from a legal firm - Oh Oh ! What have I done now? But, I was pleasantly surprised to open it and find a check for $64. Wow - how did we deserve that? - it's enough for a few lunches! - Well, a long time ago, we had joined a class-action law suit against a certain credit card firm who had been over charging for the exchange rate on purchases made in Europe between 1997 and 2004. We had been to England on several occasions during that time frame and so we filled in the paper work and forgot all about it! Well, I guess we won the law suit and we are now $64 richer!

Today's picture was taken in 2006 when Mr. Indi and I visited the 17 mile Drive in Pacific Grove/Carmel, California. It is a stunning area of the California coastline and Linda, this picture is for you because I know you love the sea.

Spikes, Scallops, and Flat Tires!

Well, I'm sorry to report that there is no pink spiky hair today! I hope you enjoy the pink hibiscus instead! I got into the car at 7:45 a.m. for the quick trip down to Peggy's shop and set off down my road which is on a bit of a hill. Thumpety - thumpety - thumpety. Wow, I thought, this car is running a bit rough! Duh. I pulled over when I got to the bottom of the hill - ran round the car and, sure enough, the left rear tire was flatter than my chest! Grrrr!

I made an illegal u-turn in the middle of the road and headed back to the house. I dived out of my car and into his Lordship's clunky old auto. His car has been sitting in the driveway for several weeks and even though I start it up about once a week, it still runs like a clunky old hunk of junk! But, I really needed a haircut - so off I went and made it to my appt just in time. I was in too much of a bad mood to start messing about with spikes or other fashionable modifications to the mane - so I told Peg - Just give me a chop job and I will be back for the spikes in February. Watch this space.

I was back home in less than 45 mins and after checking on his Lordship - who was reading the paper - called AAA to come and change my tire and put the spare on for me. Thank heavens for the Auto Club. I would be up a tree without them. Now it was off to the tire store, where we bought these rubbish tires just over a year ago, to get the puncture fixed. They checked my paper work and everything was under warranty so everything was done free - but it wasted an hour and a half of my time while I sat and worried if his Lordship was managing OK by himself. By the time I got home it was 11:30 and nothing had been done - Grrr!

Now, the good news - S came and took some measurements in order to help me work with a company that makes ramps - should I decided to do that. Also, a nice nurse called and will be out at the house at 10:00 this morning to assess Mr. Indi's situation and determine his needs for physical therapy, etc - Yea! The cavalry is almost here!

I made a fabulous dinner last night. I made up the recipe myself and if anyone likes sea scallops, garlic, mushrooms, white wine, lemons, butter and cilantro - drop me a note and I'll write down the recipe. Mr. Indi loved it - and he's not a big seafood lover - unlike me who would eat anything - and I mean anything - that comes from the sea. We had my dish - that I call Scallops a Yum Yum with rice pilaf and fresh asparagus. As my sis would say "Bloody Loverly."

I hope to have lots of news once our nurse has been - stay tuned.

The Things We Do For Love!

Mr. Indi stayed in bed all day yesterday except for taking a couple of steps to get onto his posh commode that I bought him. He just doesn't trust his legs to go any further and has lost all use of the left one.

I bought the posh potty chair at a medical supply store in nearby Corona. The man who runs the store, Richard, is one of the nicest, kindest blokes you could wish to meet. He has MS and has a bit of a struggle to get about but is a lovely cheerful soul who is always very helpful. I was pleasantly surprised that the commode didn't cost too much - $45. I had looked for them on the web and could find nothing cheaper than about $60. Of course, I could have purchased the antique one that I saw advertised - the one with the inlaid veneer cabinet and English china potty for $200 - but Mr. Indi's bum isn't worth it!

I must admit that I would never have chosen "hospital orderly" as a career and still don't place it very high on my list of fun jobs to do. Without going into details, I had to go back out to the store and buy several cans of air freshener - a couple of containers of bleach wipes - and a clothes peg for my nose! But, I mustn't complain - at least all of Mr. Indi's bodily functions seem to be working like a finely tuned machine! Twice a day!

I have taken to having a lunch break each day. Once I get his Lordship fed and tucked in - I go down the road and sit in the corner of one of my favorite restaurants and have lunch and a beer. I take my writing pad and pens with me because I have got back into writing my book that I started about 5 years ago. It's my story of how a 15 year old girl found herself to be in a home for unmarried mothers and the stories of some of those mothers and their heartbreak at giving up their precious babies. I like to write and am finding my lunch time scribbles are quite therapeutic - gets my head into a different place for a little while. I mean, JK Rowling made a mint by scribbling in coffee shops and cafes - why not me?

I am going to get my mane shorn this morning - at 8:00 a.m. - I hope Mr. Indi doesn't get a visitation requiring the commode while I'm away - but I shouldn't be too long. I'm thinking of having my hair spiked. I quite like old ladies with spiky funky hair. I shall ask Peggy what she thinks. And, if it looks good - maybe I'll get the ends bleached pink! Hey - stop laughing!

Santa Ana winds are back - blowing a gale this morning - gusts predicted to 70 mph - fire danger will be high. I hope you like this picture of clouds. I think I may have posted it before - oh well - I like it anyway!

January 28th - Sadness.

Today, I am posting a picture of my 3 beautiful children when they were little - long ago! 12 years ago today, my lovely elder daughter, the one in the middle, died. She was 35 and left behind a 7 year old son. I will love her and miss her forever. Love you Julie xxxxx

Mr. Indi's brother showed up at 8:00 am on the dot yesterday and, between us, we got Mr. Indi into the car and set off on our trek to parts unknown in downtown Riverside. I wasn't really sure where this Dr. Clarke's office was but managed to find it without too much trouble. It's in one of those huge medical complexes with 8000 doctor's offices and parking for 25 people! Anyhow, we got his Lordship out of the car at the front door and then I went and found a parking spot. We soon found Dr. Clarke's office and didn't wait too long to see him and let me say - What a nice, kind and patient man.

He explained that Mr. Indi's problem is very complicated. The bone cancer that has invaded his spine would normally eat away at the bones of the spine but in 2 areas of Mr. Indi's spine, the cancer has actually invaded the spinal cord cells causing irreparable damage and leading to paralysis. There is a surgical procedure that could be performed but because of the way that the damage has been done, it would mean going in through Mr. Indi's chest, rib cage, and past his lungs to get to the front part of his spine; a very difficult and risky operation with no guarantee of the outcome. Something to think about.

Before making any decisions though, Dr. Clarke wants Mr. Indi to have another MRI and a series of spinal x-rays. I don't know how I am going to get him to the MRI place but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Our patient advocate is working on getting the insurance company to pay for ambulance transportation - fingers crossed.

After getting back home and saying our goodbyes to R, I set off to get prescriptions filled and find out if the missing blood had shown up - or if that nurse had turned out to be a vampire and drank the stuff! Well, the blood results report has been found and is on somebody's desk somewhere in Rancho Cucamonga. I don't know what Mr. Indi's numbers are and Dina was too busy with patients to bother her - I shall call and find out today. I got the prescriptions and also got a new one - this time for Ambien. Mr. Indi is not getting the sleep that he needs and I hope this will help him.

I got into a bit of a bind when it was time for Mr. Indi to go back to bed (he had been up and watched tele for an hour around 6:00 pm.) I got him back to the bedroom and he just couldn't stand up out of his chair and get into the bed. The legs were gone - kaput - shot! Grr. I went next door and got my dear Jesus and he came straight over and helped me push his Lordship into the bed. I'm beginning to feel that he will be staying in bed from here on out. I don't know how to move him. I am so frustrated, I could scream!

Jesus stayed around for a while and sat on the edge of the bed and shot the breeze with Mr. Indi for a while. We were so upset to learn that he has been laid off from his job of 16 years. He and his lovely wife, Lourdes, have 3 teenagers to feed and he doesn't know how his is going to make it. Damned recession is hurting hard working people. Anyway, when I go to the super market today, I will get them a gift card so that they can stock up on a few things. It's the least I can do as Jesus is always so good to us.

I'm late doing the blog today because I fell asleep on the couch at 4:30 am after having an awful night. But, am feeling a bit more refreshed now. Onward and upward.

Got Any Crabs?

I called the oncologist's office to check on the results of Mr. Indi's blood tests that he had last Thursday and Lo and Behold! There are no results and nobody knows where the blood tests went or who to call to get the results. So, once again, just as I think that things are starting to move - we hit another wall. I shall personally go to the oncologist's office myself after I get Mr. Indi home from the neuro-surgeon, partly to see if they have had any luck tracking down the results and partly to get Dina to write some prescriptions for morphine and some anxiety medicine.

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day with his Lordship spending most of the day on the bed. Rather than order more books to read from Amazon (The Ra Expeditions) he decided to tackle some of the hundreds of books here at the house that he has yet to read. He picked up Ghost Soldiers - a true story of the Japanese prison camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines and includes details of the Bataan Death March! Hmmm! Not my cup of tea but he says it's very good - and also very sad. No kidding!

Today we go to see the neuro-surgeon and it is an appt that I am not looking forward to at all. I think there is nothing left to be done to help Mr. Indi except to make him comfortable - I don't think that that can be accomplished by spinal surgery. We'll see. Mr. Indi's brother will be here at 8:00 am to help me get him into the car. The docs office is about 15 miles away - so should get there in plenty of time for 9:00 am appt. The wind is blowing a gale and I hope it dies down when the sun comes up. Wish us luck.

Today's picture is one that I took of one of the breakwaters at Newport Beach - the kids are all looking in the tide pools for hermit crabs and other critters on a lovely September day.

Keeping Your Wine Safe!

Well, now I've heard it all - Did you know that you can now buy an earthquake-proof wine rack that will keep your tipple safe up to a 7.0 mag earthquake! Well, who'd a thunk it? I must run out and buy one.

Yesterday was a good day for a thorough scrub down. Mr. Indi can no longer stand at the sink and so between the two of us we invented a washbowl holder to strap onto his walker using a square washbowl and some bungee cords. I have a long spraying hose thingy in the sink (designed for rinsing off dishes) and - with his Lordship sitting in his push chair and his head over the bowl - I was able to give him a nice shampoo and set. He then did his upper ablutions and I worked on the feet and legs. The only thing left was the 3 piece suite which I scrubbed up a treat and got rid of the finger marks!

A dab of this and a squeeze of that - some clean clothes and he was ready for anything. Well, almost!

By the afternoon - I had pushed My husband up and down the hallway at least 8 times and, when he wasn't in the push chair he was in the bed - I was getting totally fed up and knackered and so I called my son and asked if they could come over and give me a hand - in exchange for roast pork with roasties and sprouts! Roasties - Roasties - One whiff of roasties and they were on their way. My son would sell his grandmother for some roasties. (* My son would come over even without roasties!)

Mr. Indi spent most of the rest of the day in bed except for getting up to eat dinner - Mr. Indi doesn't eat roasties - how sick is that? Everything was going well until we tried to get his Lordship into the comfy chair and he took a mis-step and fell. Bang! My son is not a big chap and was unable to pick Mr. Indi up - and so I once again ran over to Jesus - who, as luck would have it had just come home from a basketball game. Jesus got his Lordship up into his push chair and from there we got him into the big comfy chair. Jesus is an angel.

D and I were happy that I had bought a new bottle of Baileys and after we had our dessert - Baileys over ice - we got Mr. Indi in bed and my helpers left for home. I was so thankful for the company and the assistance. Peace and quiet reigned until Mr. Indi yelled for me at 2:10 this morning! He had to do big jobs - Yikes! No peace for the wicked!

Today's picture is of the yachts in the harbor at Santa Barbara - ours is the large red one in the center of the photo - honest!

The Pitter- Patter of....Possums?

Mr. Indi isn't feeling well, at all. If he sits in the chair for more than an hour, he becomes so uncomfortable that I have to push him down the hall to the bedroom so that he can lie down. His bum goes to sleep and his left leg in particular feels like a lead weight. But, you know what happens! Usually, about half an hour after I have got him settled on the bed, he has to visit his auntie! Grrr. So, back in the chair and up the hallway to the big bathroom (easier to maneuver than the other one.) After 15 minutes on the pot with a crossword puzzle - but usually not much action - it's time to make a decision; the chair or the bed? So, it's back in the chair and either a right or left turn out of the bathroom to the comfy chair or the comfy bed! This procedure is repeated 8-10 times a day by which time I am crawling on my hands and knees! We have also upped his painkillers to try and give him a little more comfort.

We have cancelled the doctor's appt for Monday (tomorrow) because, for one thing, I hadn't arranged for someone to help me - I don't know if and when the home help might show up and- Dr. J is on vacation and so Mr. Indi would see a sub anyway. So - best to call it off. However, his Lordship's brother will be here on Tuesday morning to help me take Mr. Indi to see the neuro-surgeon - and for that, I am thankful.

The forecast is for showers and - as I lay awake at 2:00 a.m - I could have sworn that I heard a pitter patter on the roof. But, when I got up at 5:00 and went outside for the newspaper it was dry as a bone - no sign of even a sprinkle. I wonder if that baby possum was running around up there?

Once again, a BIG THANK YOU to all the kind people who have posted on the blog and sent me emails and also phone calls. It's a big boost when I know that people care - Love to all of you xxx

As most of you know, I am not, with a capital NOT, a religious person - BUT - I do love art and particularly sculpture and I really like this picture that I took last October of a sculpture in the courtyard of the Mission San Diego. The lighting through the trees was so pretty. I know that the sculpture is of Jesus and Mary Magdalene but I don't know who the other chap is. Maybe Granny Williams can tell me. And, I hope you all like the picture.

What a Difference A Day Makes!

Who sang that anyway? - Frank?

I don't know if it was the report from Ray, the RN, or my letter to Dr. N that made the difference, but I got a phone call from our Patient Advocate, S, at about 11:00 a.m. to say that Dr. N had turned over Mr. Indi's case to the insurance co AND that the insurance co has approved all the recommendations made by Ray and our Patient Advocate. This includes Home Nursing, Home Help (bathing etc), Physical Therapy and Home Safety Evaluation. I still don't know about transportation to and from the house to the car - but we will work on that. So, it pays to yell and kick and scream and write letters! Yea! I am not expecting to hear from any of the people who will be involved in Mr. Indi's care until Monday at the earliest - but, at least I know that the Cavalry is on its way!

Mr. Indi's big brother came over with the platform that he has built to put under the comfy chair in order to raise it up about 6 inches. It makes it so much easier for Mr. Indi to get in and out of. R has also built some extensions for the outside steps and we were hoping that Mr. Indi would be able to get up and down them now - but no luck, I'm afraid - he just doesn't have the strength in his legs. However it does make it easier to wheel the transporter chair out onto the outside porch and down to the pathway. I can't do it because I am too puny! But it will only take one decent sized bloke helping me to get him down onto solid ground. Getting him back up into the house is a bit more strenuous and I have told him that I may resort to setting up a sleeping bag, porta-potty and camp stove so that he can live on the porch! A big Muchas Gracias to R for all his hard work xx.

I went to see my friend, Cathy at lunch time (while his Lordship was in the bed reading)- she told me to meet her as she and her daughter have made something for Mr. Indi - have no idea what it is! Well, her work schedule had been changed and she wasn't there! Grrr. Still, I did see Regina and we sat and had a bit of a laugh about her old grandpa and his urinal bottles (what a subject for lunch!) Still, you have to laugh, don't you? - Either that or go nuts!

The weather is gloomy, cloudy, showery and a bit parky! So, I though we should have a pretty yellow hibiscus to look at today. I took the pic last summer at the local garden center.

I've Gone and Done It!

Yesterday was a very productive day - all things considered. We got tidied up early and waited for the nurse to arrive. I had told myself that I would be on the horn to someone if we hadn't heard anything by 11 am. Well, at 10:30 a lovely chap name Ray, a registered nurse, called and said he was on his way and would arrive at 11 o'clock - Perfect timing.

Ray informed us that, per his paper work, he was only authorized to come out to the house once and that was for the purpose of a blood draw. He immediately said that this was not a satisfactory arrangement and that we need home health care as well as access to social services available in the neighborhood. He could see that Mr. Indi cannot walk more than 5 steps with the aid of a walking frame and he also saw the struggle that I have wrestling the push chair from the living room to the lavetory. Ray was surprised (although not shocked) that Dr. N had denied us the home health care benefit. He wrote lots of notes and said that he would report all of his findings to his boss - who would pass the info along to Dr. N. I told Ray that I was about to write a letter to Dr. N, explaining our situation. Ray said, "DO IT."

Ray was able to get a decent blood draw - with the aid of a butterfly - and he left at about noon. I fed Mr. Indi, put him to bed and took a writing pad and pen and went off to the corner table of a local eatery where I ordered a bite of lunch, a glass of beer, and I began to scribble. I scribble best with beer in one hand! This is the letter that I wrote (some names x'd out to protect the innocent!

Dear Dr. xxxxx

It is my understanding that my husband, xxxxxxxxxxxx, has been denied the benefit of Home Health Care and all of the advantages that are included in this benefit ( with the exception of today’s visit from a nurse from Anura Homehealth Services for a blood draw) because you have determined that John is ambulatory.

His last consultation with you was on December 8, 2008, and at that time, if you remember, he was using a walking frame and unable to drive because of the weakness in his legs. (I drove him to the clinic.) The weakness in his legs is caused by a tumor in his spine; the result of advanced prostate cancer.

Since that visit, almost 8 weeks ago, he has lost approx 95 % of the use of his left leg and approx 50% of the use of his right leg. He cannot walk more than 5-10 steps with the aid of the walking frame using his upper body to force the movement. Therefore, it has become necessary for me to use a transport chair to get him to and from the living room, toilet and the bedroom. He uses a urinal bottle at night. He is unable to shower or bathe as he cannot get in or out of the tub or the shower. I wash him and dress him each day.

We live in an older home with a raised foundation and it has become impossible for John to maneuver the steps down to the outside. I am unable to help him down those steps as I weigh 115 lbs and he 235 lbs. Also, I am a 65 year old woman recovering from throat cancer. If you consider that he is ambulatory, would you please arrange to come to our house and examine him yourself or send two large men who can carry him to the car so that I can bring him to your office for an evaluation..

I await your early response as, based on the amount of premiums that we have paid to Health Net over the years, I am hoping to get some help with our situation. I am also enclosing a list of his medications that you can place in his file.

Yours truly,
Xxxxxxxxxxx

While I was in the mood, I typed up the letter (with ccs to several orgs) and shoved it in an envelope and drove it down to Dr. N's office. I handed it in at the front desk and told the half baked receptionist to make sure that Dr. N got the letter as it has been sent to several other organizations. she assured me that she would pass it along as soon as she had time!

I don't know if my letter will make a difference but at least I got it off my chest!

Today's picture is of various molusks? (correct me if I'm wrong) Maybe barnacles and a few mussels and heaven knows what else. I took the pic last summer under the pier at Santa Monica

A Face That Only A Mother Could Love!

So, Mr. Indi was lying down and I decided to do a bit of work in the front garden. I was sweeping up leaves and pulling out a few weeds as I went along the front path when suddenly, I stopped dead in my tracks. What was that under the wheel of Mr. Indi's car? A rat? Holy Moley - must be a huge rat! But as I looked closer, I realized that it was a baby possum. Isn't he/she the ugliest baby you ever saw? I ran in the house and got my camera and had to practically lie down on my tummy to get a good shot of him/her - but the baby stayed there until after it got dark and then, when I went to take the rubbish out after dinner, it was gone. I wonder where it's mommy is? - poor lonesome little ugly thing!

Yesterday was a good news - bad news - good news day. I managed to get his Lordship dressed and situated without any mishaps and he worked on his work work (as opposed to playing Mah Jong) on the computer. I got busy with the washing machine - first doing his bed linens and mattress pad because of the unfortunate incident where he missed his aim at the urinal bottle by a good 3 feet - the judges gave him a 4 for accuracy - but a 9 for style! And, as long as I was washing beds - I did mine too. So, there was the morning shot - bashing away with the washboard and green soap!

In the afternoon, S, the Patient Advocate, called to say that a rep from a home health care group would be calling in the morning (today, Jan 22) to set up a time at which they can come out and examine Mr. Indi and get a blood draw. It had taken her quite a bit of leg work to get permission for this health care rep to come out to the house. Our main MD (Primary Care Physician) had denied the request for home care assistance on the basis that last time he saw Mr. Indi he was ambulatory and therefore could go to the blood lab for a blood draw! When I heard this, I went bozo. I burst into tears with anger and told S that I shall be writing a letter to our MD (Dr. N) and sending a copy to our health insurance company and anyone else that I can think of explaining that Mr. Indi can't even get out of the house - let alone to the lab!

S then went to Dr J, the oncologist and explained the situation to him. Dr. J had no problem with issuing an approval - although it will have to go back through Dr. N's office and might get blocked - but by then I shall be down there with the letter in my hand and these people will be sorry that they ever said no - I have fought bigger fish than them- and won!

So - we await the outcome - but S said that if I don't hear from the home help nurse by noon, to give her a call and she will, once again, go to battle. Did I tell you that S is Canadian - I love Canucks! They don't give in easily! Must be all that cold weather and ice hockey - oh, and Labatts beer!

I just want to say a quick I love you to Anjo the Banjo; my little brother, Wayne; my good friends Annie, Sandy, Sharon, Lyn, Jan, Susan and lots more and everyone else that sends their best wishes to John. We love you all - xxxx

ps to Mike - Dad read Kon Tiki in 2 days and is now looking for Ra but can't find it - any clues?

You Know What They Say!

They say that "A bad day fishing is better than a good day working" - and - ain't it the truth! The picture above was taken on a beautiful morning on Newport Pier in August of last year.

Well, it isn't getting any easier - and I don't know what I did in my previous life but it must have been pretty ghastly! I have tried to be good this time around so that I can come back next time to a life of world travel, pots of dosh and a staff of hundreds to take care of my every whim!

Mr. Indi can no longer take a shower or a bath as he is unable to get in or out of either - so I am now doing his daily ablutions for him. I was able prop him up against the kitchen sink and give his noggin a good scrub. Once again, the chemo has not taken his hair away - although it is certainly not the thick and full mane that it was a few years ago. After I gave him a good shampoo and conditioner I fluffed his hair up and he started to look like Albert Einstein! (Although, later in the day, his brother said he looked like Ernest Hemingway!) Either way - I like the fluffy look and hope he keeps it like that!.

After a good hose down with warm water and a wash cloth - a la Nurse Ratched - his Lordship was feeling much better and I think he is now free of cooties! A dab of smelly - some lotion for dry skin - clean clothes and he was looking like a movie star! - Lon Chaney! - Kidding!

As mentioned Mr. Indi's brother and Sis-in-law came over around lunch time and were able to get him out of the house and into the car for a trip down to the local Italian. Everyone enjoyed the food very much and we had a good old natter about this and that. Now the challenge became how to get his Lordship back in the house as his legs are so weak, he cannot lift himself up the back steps. So, between the three of us, we were able to lift him, in the wheelchair, up into the kitchen. Cor - that was a good workout. Mr. Indi's brother is now going to work on widening the steps and maybe making a temporary ramp so that it will be easier to get him in and out of the house.

A crisis arose as I was getting Mr. Indi ready for bed - about 8 p.m. He was using his walker and backing up in order to sit in the push chair so that I could wheel him back to the bedroom and the silly thing sat down too soon. Bang! He was on the floor! Grrr! It was a real struggle to get him up onto the footstool - with both of us in tears - what a mess. But, he did not have the strength in his legs to get into the chair or up on his walker. He is a stubborn old bugger but enough is enough! I ran next door and got my neighbor, Jesus. Jesus, pronounced Haysus, is a very popular name with Mexican males and I'm sure that my religious friends (yes, I do have some!) will be happy to know that Jesus is alive and living next door to me!

Jesus ran over right away and grabbed my other neighbor, Freddy, and between them they were able to lift Mr. Indi into the chair and get him down into the bedroom and into bed! Phew. It was all I could do to keep my nerves together - but once I got him situated - gave him his meds - lined up his urinals - and kissed him on his fluffy head - I went into my room and cried!

Today will be better - It will!

A Pretty Start to a Good Day!

Our Patient Liaison/Advocate showed up at 8:15 and stayed for at least 2 hours. What a nice lady she is too. She's a registered nurse and also a member of the home hospice staff for the local area. She gave us lots of information as to the services that are available - some covered by insurance - some not - and she promised that her first priority will get a nurse out here on either Wednesday or Thursday to get a blood draw from his Lordship. Boy, that is a load off my mind as I was really dreading trying to get him down to that blood lab. After she has got that arranged, she will work on getting someone here on Monday morning to help Mr. Indi down the steps and into the car for his appointment with Dr. J at 10:45; preferably a big strong burly bloke!

She spent time inspecting our bathrooms and looked at ways that the shower and/or bathtub could be made safe for Mr. Indi to use - without becoming too intrusive on the lives of others in the home - namely ME! She is also going to send us literature about a home alarm system that Mr. Indi can wear as a wristband and can use to alert the local fire department if he should fall down while I'm out shopping or at my own docs or dentists appts. It is only about $30 a month and would give us both some sense of security while he is here alone. Who would have ever thought that my big old 6'2" 235 lb bloke would ever need one of those - "I've fallen and I can't get up" devices! What on earth will it be next - an ear trumpet? A wooden leg? A Chia Pet on the window sill? How things change!

Our Patient rep is also going to get someone to come out to the house and look into installing a handrail down the wall next to the front door steps. The house is a covered in wood siding so it should be a fairly easy job. We will have to pay for it ourselves but if it means that his Lordship can get down the steps to the pathway, I don't care about the cost. How much can a handrail be, anyway?

So - all in all - our visit from our rep was very positive and she will definitely get the ball rolling for us.

Today is Inauguration Day for Barack Obama - what an historic occasion for all of us to see. I shall have the TV on all day, no doubt - and I just hope that nothing untoward will happen. BIL and SIL are coming to visit his Lordship today - not sure what we shall do - maybe get him out of the house and do a bit of Italian - Chicken Parmigiana sounds good.

I took the picture yesterday morning - what a sunrise it was. I was out getting the newspaper when I saw it and dived back into the house to get the camera - I caught the pinks and purples just before the sun came up over the eastern horizon. I posted the pic on another web page and gave it the wrong date! Sept 19 08. Duh! What a silly old moo, I am. I'm only one year behind!

Kon Tiki and Football

My son and DIL came over to visit and stayed to have liver and onions and bacon with us. It wasn't the best liver that we've every had but was better than one can get in most restaurants. And we washed it down with Bailey's! Even Mr. Indi had a glass - naughty boy. I don't know - Bailey's and liver just don't seem to go together! But by the end of a busy Sunday - Bailey's starts to taste good with anything!

My son bought his Lordship a copy of the book - Kon Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. Mr. Indi had read it many years ago but was really pleased to get a new copy and is looking forward to reading it again - he loves adventure books.

While dinner was cooking, we were all keeping one eye on the play-off football game between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Neither Mr. Indi nor I are big football fans - but D's Dad is from Pittsburgh so we were all rooting for them - and - they won! Yea! I much prefer baseball because when the baseball season starts, I know that it is springtime and all the flowers will soon be in bloom! Mr. Indi does not do sports at all ( except fishing) - he was never allowed to get involved in sports as a kid - his Dad thought it a waste of time and so - after school - he worked at a bicycle shop from the age of 12. He knows how to fix a bike! And just about anything else! I suppose that is why he became an engineer.

The insurance lady will be here early this morning to evaluate Mr. Indi's situation. So - I will get moving and do a quick tidy - We don't want her to think we live in a tip - do we?

The picture is one I took last May of a bunch of red carnations at the Temecula Farmer's Market. I doctored the picture in PSP (I figured out how to outline the edges of the flower petals - ain't I a clever dick!)

Mr. Gates - You Must Be Kidding!

Well, I had a really splendid time yesterday morning, meeting up with Sharon and Sandy for a late breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. Sandy had invited two other friends, Tina (from London) and Angelina (from Brunei and married to an Englishman) and what lovely ladies they are. The 5 of us had a good gossip about the state of world affairs - well, not really - we mostly talked about food and how to make the best Yorkshire Pud! Along with what is our favorite alcohol! They are all concerned that I get help to look after John soon - and we all exchanged phone numbers so that we can keep in touch. Angelina herself is fighting a battle against cancer and has just finished a course of chemo - but what a bright and cheery lady she is with a wonderful attitude.

I was a little worried about leaving his Lordship alone for a couple of hours in the house. I'm so afraid that he will fall and not be able to get up - but my son stopped by and poked his head in the bedroom and found his Lordship out like a light. And, when I got back home, his Majesty was sitting on the throne! Happy as a lark! But gasping for a cup of tea!

We are now using the big push chair to wheel Mr. Indi back and forth between the living room and the bedroom. It is taking up too much of his energy to use the walker to get around. Luckily, we have oak floors in the hallway and bedrooms - so I have taken up all the carpet runners and rugs so that I have a smooth surface to push him on. The only tough part is the living room but I'm getting good at it as long as I approach the carpet at top speed! Fasten your seat belts!

Because Mr. Indi is becoming so weak, I think it's time for a dose of good old liver with spinach or Swiss chard for dinner today. Well, I don't mean old liver - young liver would be best! I'm sure the chemo has taken his red cell count to below acceptable levels and the poor little cells are crying out for some iron - so I will be happy to oblige even though I have to drive to the next town to buy liver. They never have it in the store here - I wonder why? I guess real cowboys (this IS a bit of a hick town) don't eat offal. Shame - they don't know what they're missing.

Yesterday afternoon, I finally got the chance to play with my new pink computer and I love it - I don't understand what all the fuss is about Vista. Seems fine to me. I was going to buy a pink mouse to match my computer while we were at Staples the other day. But, Microsoft wants $55 for it so I told Mr. Gates what he could do with his pink mouse! I'll stick to black.

The picture is one I took last summer of the Agapanthus in my front garden. I love it when they all bloom - what a beautiful blue!

Paper Clips and Pasta

Well, it wasn't easy, but I got his Lordship out of the house and into the car yesterday for a trip down to Staples - his most favorite store in the whole world and fortunately, they have handicapped parking directly in front of the shop! Mr. Indi loves checking out all of the computer gadgets - mice - cameras - paper clips - sheets of paper! He would spend hours there - and I didn't mind pushing him up and down the aisles while he inspected all the goodies! I shall soon have muscles in the back of my legs like an all-in wrestler! But, it does both he and I good to be out of the house and in the company of other people - even the ding-a-lings at Staples!

We didn't spend too much dosh - I bought a new binder because I need to start filing all of the information that I have amassed for another branch of his Lordship's family tree. This time it is the Paul and Player families who emigrated to Canada from Dorset, England, in the 1850s. I have lots of good info including birth, marriage and death certificates. It will be good to get them filed in one place rather than be scattered around my office like lost souls. Mr. Indi bought some new ink cartridges and a ream of paper. His working from home is eating through our supplies - I think his company should pay for them!

While down in that neck of the woods, we went to see Marika and Cyndi at the Chili's restaurant. They are always so happy - it's a pleasure to see them. I had that lovely gooey Cajun pasta and Mr. Indi had his fave chicken wings in hot sauce with celery sticks! Cheap and Yummy!

The new photo program showed up via Fed-Ex and Mr. Indi spent the afternoon loading it onto my new laptop and reading the instructions. Much of his time was spent scratching his head and trying to figure out what the heck they are talking about! Maybe he was reading the pages that are printed in Dutch - Double Dutch!

The wind has gone and the weather has turned cooler. Maybe my plants will survive after all. Also, it feels good to have a little chill in the air at night. There is nothing worse than trying to sleep when it's 80F. They (the BIG they) say that we could could get rain by next weekend - that would be wonderful.

Today's picture is one that I took last June. The pier at Balboa.

I Went to the Prado!

Well, somebody must have pushed the right button because we got a phone call from our insurance co and they are sending a rep out on Monday morning to evaluate Mr. Indi's needs and to help expedite any treatment, etc.

His walking is getting slower and more painful and is very exhausting for him - even just going from the bedroom to the living room. He fell twice yesterday - actually he didn't really fall - he slipped off the side of the bed because he hadn't planted his bum in the right place. He blamed the bed sheets! Grrr. He said they are too smooth and slippery! Well, there is a dilemma - where does one get sheets with ridges or Velcro to hold his bottom in place so that he doesn't end up in a heap on the floor! I was able to help him up by scooting his bum under the footstool and from there he was able to pull himself up on his walker - but that performance in itself was enough to send him back to bed for 2 hours.

The doctor's office also called and I told Dina that I am not going to be able to get his Lordship to the lab for blood tests. The main problem being that the lab is a little building in the middle of a row of other medical buildings - there is no parking except for on the street and the nearest handicapped parking is 100 yards away. I can't get him into the chair and push him that far along the side walk and then up a ramp into the lab. I just can't! He is twice my weight and, while I can just about manage pushing him on the flat - I can not push him uphill. Period! Dina said she will request permission for a nurse to come to the house and draw blood. That would be a good thing.

The wind died down and I spent an hour in the front garden working on the pots in the window box. (The impatiens) I have hacked them all back to 1/2 inch - watered them - fed them some Miracle Grow - and told them that they can please their bloody selves. Live or die - I don't care. They sell more at the Home Depot! (That should scare them into growing - do ya think?)

Today, I have to go on a tea bag run. They only sell my favorite tea at the World Market - about 12-15 miles away. I wish Mr. Indi could come with me - I hate going everywhere alone but I don't think he will be venturing out of the house - the fear of falling has really taken over.

I got a call from my friend, Sandy, and we are meeting up tomorrow at Mimi's Cafe. She is bringing her English friend so that should be lots of fun and we can have a good old natter about our lovely home country and how homesick we are - or not! (Maybe she's not!)

Today's picture is of a statue and water feature in the courtyard of the Prado Restaurant in Balboa Park in San Diego. We went there for lunch a few years ago. A bit pricey - and snooty - food was passable but not worth the money! I give it 3 stars (out of a possible 5)

Two Tough Old Birds!

Today's picture is of two very well bred and high class ladies as they enjoy a little sojourn to beautiful downtown Palm Springs. Please note the exquisite (and terribly expensive) sunglasses on the lady on the left. And, the beautifully coordinated tee shirt (Marks and Sparks, I believe) and titfer of the lady on the right. This picture was probably published in one of the Royal Court magazines at some point but you probably missed it! It was taken in 2003 and Palm Springs has not been the same since!

I went and had my check up with Dr. K - AND - he can see NO sign of anything that even vaguely resembles a tumor on my vocal chords! He says that, apart from some damage from the radiation, my voice box is clean as a whistle! YEA! The radiation worked! He doesn't want to see me for 6 months. I am a happy girl!

While at Dr. K's office, I got talking with Sharon, the world's greatest hugger, and I was telling her how difficult it is becoming for me to look after his Lordship by myself. She asked if I was getting Home Health Care and I explained that Dr. J's office was supposed to be looking into it. Without any hesitation, she got on the phone to my health insurance coordinator and told them to get moving! She said that "this lady is too old and little to be doing this by herself!" She made me sound like a wizened up old crone! LOL - I expect I am!

If I don't hear anything by next Wednesday, I am to call Sharon back and she will jump all over somebody! Yikes. (She's a big girl!) I also got talking to Sandy, Dr. K's nurse. Her poor hubby has Parkinson's and they have always enjoyed going out to eat but he won't go anywhere now because of his shaking. Sandy asked if I would go to lunch with her one day as she misses her outings. Me - go to lunch!!! What a daft question! I live to go out to lunch - and now I can't do it either - so - there we have it. Two old ladies are going to Mimi's Cafe for a meal in the near future. I promise not to wear the sunglasses!

Mr. Indi's day was OK. No falling down so that is a good thing. He played with my new laptop while I was out and has ordered a new whizz bang photo program for it - should be here in a few days - then you can expect to see even better pictures of more dignified ladies!

Right - Right - Left - Right - Left!

Today, I have to see Dr. K for a check-up on my throat. I'm feeling fairly confidant that the cancer hasn't returned - but will still be very nervous when he sticks that toilet snake thingy up my nose and down my throat. The bright spot of my visit, of course, will be some great big cuddly hugs from Sharon - the best hugger in the world! Mr Indi won't be coming with me as he usually does - boo hoo - so I shall just have to be a brave little soldier and go on my own.

I think I shall stop in at Brian's place on the way back and check up on Eric - see how things are going with his English class and maybe find out the name of his nasty evil teacher. She needs to be turned in to the powers that be.

I managed to get his Lordship to leave the house yesterday and go out for lunch. It was a huge performance that included a big fight but I felt that I should force the issue and show him how we can manage to get him down the steps. The outcome was that, while he was glad to be able to get out, he didn't feel it was worth all the effort just to eat a poxy lunch that made him nauseous! Grrr. I don't think he got the point! Anyway, I see that part of the problem is that he is leading with his left leg and that is the leg that keeps giving way. He is VERY left handed and left footed and so it is difficult for him to lead with his right foot - but with me yelling at him - he was able to do so and was much steadier on his feet! I must sound like a rotten sergeant-major the way I yell at him - Right Foot - Right - Right! Still, it seems to be part of the answer to the mobility problem.

Yesterday afternoon, the wind calmed down to nothing more than a gentle 5 mph breeze and I scrubbed and cleaned the side porch which was covered in 1/2 inch of dust and dirt, leaves, dead flies and heaven knows what else. I also brushed and washed the 2 lawn chairs and my little glass table. It all looked so nice. This morning, the wind is blowing at 50 mph again - ARGGGGGGG!

I took the picture in 2006 on the coast of Central California - I miss the ocean!

A New Phase!

Well, we have reached the point where either Mr. Indi will have to have home health care or he will have to go into a hospice as I am no longer able to look after him as his legs get weaker and weaker. His fear of falling is making life very difficult and he is now in bed most of the day. He is also finding it very tough to get up and down from the loo - so yesterday, I bought one of those loo extender seat thingies. It raises the lavatory seat up about six inches and makes it so that he doesn't have to work so hard to stand up when he's finished his visitations! I went into the loo last night, before bed, didn't switch on the light and when I went to sit down I had the fright of my life! That thing is WAY up in the air! I felt like a little kid with my feet dangling down - almost touching the ground!

We have called the oncologists office (he wasn't there yesterday) and left a message asking that the insurance company send a representative out to evaluate Mr. Indi's need for Home Health Care benefits. The main concern being his inability to get out of the house and therefore being unable to get to chemo or any doctor's appointments. We cannot afford a private ambulance (about $1,200 a trip) so are hopeful that our insurance will cover some sort of transportation. Either that or I am going to go down to the DYI store where the Mexican day labourers hang about looking for work and grab a couple of them to come and do some heavy lifting! Shove him in the van and I will drive him myself! Where there's a will...........

The Santa Ana winds are still blowing like the devil even though that nice weather lady says, each morning, that this will be the last day of the wind. She's been saying that for 5 days now! I think her weather map is stuck on the same groove and needs someone to give it a nudge! The wind is really strong this morning but I'm not too worried about damage as it has already done most of my potted plants in - the impatiens are all toes up and even the succulents are turning a strange color. And, of course, my sinuses are not amused.

My dear friend, Jan and her lovely hubby, are freezing their bums off in cold and stormy Wales. Jan sent me this sweet picture of her little apple tree and what it will look like in few more months. Just beautiful. Hang in there babe - Spring will arrive - one day!

The Cardi!

Here it it - the cardi. And, as luck would have it, my beautiful granddaughter came by yesterday and was able to take the cardi with her. It's a little bit big but that's a good thing. She was really happy with it as pink still is her fave color.

Mr. Indi was unable to do much of anything yesterday. I don't know if the outing on Saturday wore him out or if it was just another bad day. He was nauseated most of the day and didn't eat hardly anything. He also felt very anxious and afraid so the anti-anxiety drugs are not doing much good. I gave him one of my Valium pills and that sent him off to sleep for a couple of hours but he was still very weak and unable to get out of bed. We shall call the doctor today and ask if he should get a blood test this week. I am worried that his blood counts have dropped badly - and he still has 10 days of the chemo pills to take.

Well, tis a short blog today - I forgot to put the rubbish out last night - and, as our rubbish men come at about 6:30 a.m., I'd better shift myself and get it out there.

Why Me and Religion Don't Hit It Off!

I think I mentioned a few days ago that, while I was out running around doing chores, I stopped in at Brian's Pizza place for a quick beer and a sit. While I was there, one of the chaps that clears off tables and delivers orders came over and asked about Mr. Indi.

This chap (in his 40s, I would guess) is from Mexico - not very fluent in English and not the brightest star in the sky. However, he is a wonderful caring person and will always come across with hugs - for both me and Mr. Indi. He told me about his English class - he is taking an adult ed class for ESL (English as a second language.) He is taking the class through an adult ed program at a state run school (not a private school.) He told me he didn't want to take the class any more because of his teacher. I asked him why.

His teacher is a "Born Again Christian" and has told him that if he doesn't accept Christ into his life - and if he doesn't give himself to God, that, when he dies, he will burn in hell for eternity!

This poor guy, I'll call him Eric, is so upset and he doesn't know what to do. He was raised as a Roman Catholic in Mexico (the predominant religion) but according to this teacher - that isn't Christian enough!

Well, I am irate and if I didn't have so much to worry about I would be taking this issue to the State School Board. First of all, it is illegal for any school that receives state funding to teach religion - except as a part of a Religious Studies course - covering all religions. Second, it is outrageous that this woman would scare the wits out of this very loving and vulnerable man.

If she had said something like that to me, I would have told her that I am a Buddhist and hope she comes back as a fly so that she can live on horse poop until her next life!

If what she stands for is Christianity - she can shove it!

I took the picture in 2006 in Morro Bay.

Win Some - Lose Some!

The wind died down quite a bit and so, by mid-morning, I decided that we should drive down to Pechanga for lunch and so that I could satisfy the need to chuck some money into a slot machine. It's only about a 45 minute trip and is actually a very pretty drive through rolling hills and down into the Temecula Valley wine country. Mr. Indi wasn't keen on the idea, but he didn't put up too much of a fight.

Things started out on the wrong foot when Mr. Indi lost his balance as he was trying to get into the car. Down he went! Arghhhh! I was so scared that he had broken something but he seemed OK and with me pulling and pushing, he was able to get up off the driveway and into the front seat. Oh dear, he seems to be becoming more and more paralyzed in his lower half. Anyway, I was glad that I was able to help him get up - although this morning, I feel like I did 12 rounds with Joe Frazier!

We had a nice drive down to the casino and I used the valet parking which is really handy - and FREE! The valet was very kind and helpful and got the transporter chair and Mr. Indi's walker out of the car for me and got him all situated so that all I had to do was push! And push - and push! By the time we got into the casino I was quite out of puff! I had to sit and rest for a while before continuing on to the restaurant but I made it in the end. Me pushing and Mr. Indi holding his walker, my handbag and a urine bottle hidden in a shopping bag! Empty, I might add - for emergencies only!

We had quite a lovely lunch - Me, fried shrimp and big fat chips -Him, a triple-decker club sammie with a bowl of fresh fruit. But, the best part was the badly needed cold beer which helped me to get my breathing back to normal and my heart rate down to somewhere below 250!

After lunch, we found two machines to play and got settled in for a pleasant hour of money wasting. Actually, we did quite well - we put $80 in and took $95 out! So, our winnings almost paid for our lunch! Nice job!

Before leaving for the return trip, his Lordship had to use the men's room. I pushed him over to the entrance where he then got out of the chair and used his walker. A lovely male attendant came running out and offered to watch over him and took the chair so that he could wheel him back to me. How kind. After a few minutes, the attendant came out and asked me, "Is he doing a poop?" I was rather taken aback! How the heck do I know what he was doing? I suppose he (the attendant) didn't want to stand around if this was going to be another marathon sit! Hehehe! But, no, things were completed in just a few minutes and pretty soon here came his Lordship in his throne being pushed by his man servant!

We were back home by 4:00 p.m. and really, other than the fall, we had a very nice little jaunt.

I haven't seen the ocean for several weeks and am getting the urge. So today's picture is one taken last July by my friend S. I love the ocean - it must be because I'm a Pisces.

Lost Wages!

I was rummaging through some old pictures on the computer and I came across this one but I can't remember when it was taken. I know that it must have been when Me and Him and Anjo the Banjo all went to Las Vegas - but when was that? 5-6 years ago? Don't know! But we did have a very nice time even though "Lost Wages" is one of my least favorite towns in the whole world! How do I know it's Las Vegas? - See the Keno board behind Mr. Indi? That's how! Plus the fact that Anjo was in the picture but I cut her off as I don't think she wants her mug shot on a blog that is going to discuss Mr. Indi's bathroom behaviour!

I took Grannie's advice but I didn't get a gazunder (I don't think you can buy them except for the chintzy ones at antique shops) I don't like piss-pots anyway. Reminds me of my childhood - and the night that Dad dropped his pocket watch in the pot and scared mother half to death - but that's another story. I went to the proper medical supply department of a large drug store and got his Lordship a proper man's urinal - the type they use in hospitals - with a handle on it so that it can hang on the headboard. His first response was "What if it isn't large enough?" Holy crap! It's 32 oz - how large do you want it? A 5 gallon drum? I told him to just make sure he stopped before it overflowed - and to call me and I would empty it! If 32 oz is not sufficient, I will buy more. They are only about $10 each. He could have several - all hanging on the headboard! What a sight!

Well, I may have to get another one of them there things as I was woken up at midnight and had to empty the jug. But, it's better than getting up at midnight and dragging a large man across the bedroom floor! Although that could be a matter of opinion!

Yesterday was a bit of a struggle for everyone - especially as the wind was howling a gale for most of the day and that made for lots of sniffles, runny noses, dry skin and dirt in the eyeballs! Just more of the pleasures of living in southern California. The Santa Ana winds are here again and promise to stick around at 60-70mph for most of the weekend. Oh Joy! But, the upside (Everything has an upside!) is that the temp will rise to 80F (26C) so I shall save some money on the heating bill!

I got the buttons for the cardi and although I am not real happy with them - they will have to do. We shall be staying in today because of the windstorm and fire danger, so should be able to get the buttons sewn on and VOILA! Goodbye cardi! Now, what to knit next? Covers for urinal bottles?

Things That Go Bump.......

So, Me and Him went to bed early - as usual - and after I had tucked him in, I got into my own snuggly bed and settled down to continue with my book. I had reached a quite exciting part when, all of a sudden, I heard these horrible crunching, scraping and shaking noises! Oh, oh! An earthquake. HOW RUDE! The quake made a heck of a racket but I didn't feel much movement - and for that I was thankful. I dived out of bed and went to check on his Lordship who was engrossed in a crossword puzzle - earthquakes don't bother him - he says! I checked the quake Web page this morning and it was only a 4.5 mag - but very close to the house - epicenter about 10 miles away, hence the noise.

It took me a while to calm down - I'm always afraid that a little one is a precursor to a big one! But, I eventually got back into my book and by 9:30 was fast asleep. I was woken at 10:45 by Mr. Indi yelling my name at the top of his voice. I dived into his room to discover he had fallen on his way to the toilet - tripped over his pyjama leg - and couldn't get up! Arggggg! I got him untangled from his walker and the conversation re: what happened? - quickly devolved into a shouting match because - of course - it was all MY fault! It took me a few minutes to decide what to do next - and as I sat on the bed, thinking, he was able to crawl to the bed and pull himself up on his knees. I got the big footstool from the living room and, using the end board of the bed, he was able to pull himself up so that he was sitting on the stool. After a few minutes rest, he was able to hoist himself upright onto his walking frame. Phew! And off he waddled to the toilet! I eventually got him back into bed - sans PJ bottoms (too much of a hazard) and gave him a pain pill. I needed a stiff drink - but decided against it and got back in my bed - but did not get much sleep!

The early part of our day had gone fairly well with a trip to get the pies from the English Import store and a lovely lunch at the Indian joint - although, even there, I had a rather stressful episode when Mr. Indi went off to the men's room on his walker and was gone for ages and ages. I started to worry that he had fell in, fell over, passed out or couldn't get up! I asked one of the lovely Indian waiters to go and check for me and he soon came back with a big grin on his face and gave me 2 thumbs up! OK - well, it meant his Lordship was having a marathon sit (notice I said SIT!) so I ordered another Kingfisher beer. I do like Indian beer!

I hope today is a bit calmer - for both Me and Him. I'm going to get the buttons for the cardi and take a quick drive down to the World Market for some tea bags. I also have to go to Larry's for more pain killers and the other store for more Senokot! I will consider leaving his Lordship at home as he is becoming too unsteady to go very far. But, I hate to even consider that he is becoming housebound. Things seem to be getting worse in a hurry. Although, another bright spot came yesterday when we got a call from the neuro-surgeon's office and we have an appointment to see him on the 27th Jan. Yea!

The picture is one of a cactus flower in my garden taken last September - I put it through the mosaic mangle!

Sybil's Sunset

Today's picture is one that was sent to me by my friend Sybil the Prophetess. It was one that she took while on her holidays and I think it's lovely. And - I know she won't mind me using it. Love you Syb.

Mr. Indi was very sick (nauseated) yesterday and he stayed in bed for most of the day. These chemo pills that he is on must be really powerful as they are causing him some real discomfort and also adding to the constipation problems! Grr! Just when I thought I had his movements moving in an orderly fashion! Today, I shall make him a booster rocket! 4 Senokot pills and 2 Tbs of MOM. That should get him going - or blow the bed up!

The cardigan is finished! Well, not quite. I haven't had the chance to go to the craft shop yet in order to get the buttons. The cardi is very plain - so I want to make sure that the buttons are a special feature. I shan't get there today as I am going half-way to LA to the English store to get some frozen pies and some lovely sausages. I just fancy a beef and mushroom pie with chips and gravy for dinner tonight. But, as soon as I get the buttons on, I will take a picture of the cardigan before it goes off in the post. Bet you are all waiting with baited breath to see it, too!

I hope that Mr. Indi will be able to come with me today but I think he is now afraid of falling down the back steps (we also have 2 steps down from the front door) and doesn't want to risk it. If he can just make it down those steps, then I can push him in his throne out to the car. I'm so worried that if his legs get any worse, I will not be able to get him out of the house and over to the cancer center for his chemo - then what?

We still hadn't heard a word from the neuro-surgeon re an appointment for a consultation. Remember this was the one that took 3 weeks for the insurance to approve - well it's now another 2 weeks and still nothing! Mr. Indi called their office and they act as though they have never heard of him so he had to recount the entire story to some alien being at the other end of the phone. They will check all the paper work and we should hear back by Friday - if not call them again! Cor struth - One can die waiting for a bloody appointment!

While I was waiting for the dinner to cook last evening (pork chops, roasties, sprouts, apple sauce) I noticed that my yellow rose in the front garden had another lovely bloom on it. I went out with my camera to catch a couple of shots and ran into Candy, one of the teenagers who live next door. She was out in her front garden with a camera, a real nice Nikon, taking pics of her Mom's flowers etc. She told me that the camera was one that the school had loaned her to use for a photography project! Wow, lucky kids. When I went to school they didn't even give you a ruddy pencil to draw a flower!

Palm in the Sky

Yesterday was a bad day - from start to finish!

Mr. Indi had made his mind up that between the two of us we could change the tail light bulbs on the van. Well, it just wasn't that simple. First of all, he will not admit that his left leg will no longer hold him up. He relies 100% on his walker and, one of these days, he is going to have a horrible fall. It is a terrible struggle for him to get down the 2 back steps out of the house - and if I say anything - I get my head bitten off! I'm getting rather tired of that!

It took me ages to find the right wrench to fit the hex nuts that hold the light assembly in place - more yelling! Then - after I got the nut out - the plastic cover wouldn't come off. Long and short of it! Mr. Indi sat in his transporter chair and used a screwdrive to try and pry the thing off - and he broke it! So, one lamp is changed - the plastic bit is taped together and I have to take the car to the mechanic to get things sorted. Lots of tears! I ain't a bloody mechanic!

My afternoon was spent running around but I left his Lordship at home. I needed a bit of space. First was a visit to Larry's for more refills for more drugs and another expenditure of $40 - that makes over $300 in the past week. Then up to the cancer center to get a doctor to sign a medical exclusion for Mr. Indi who had been called to serve on a jury. Fat chance he can ever do that again. Then it was a stop at the market for a frozen lasagna for dinner and finally a quick visit to Brian's place for a beer and a chat with the girls there and a chance to sit down for 20 minutes.

I don't want too many more yesterdays.

The picture is one I took last week - the palm tree is at the end of my driveway - it's about 80 feet tall!

I Found It - I Found It!

OK, that's it - this house is haunted. I am now convinced! Mr. Indi said that the 10 digit alpha-numeric code for the wireless access was written inside the booklet that came with the router. I have torn my (so-called) office apart looking for it for over one week with no luck. Yesterday afternoon, I decided to clear out the last of the 3 shelves in my desk. The first thing I pulled out was the booklet from the Belkin router - YEAH! But, you see, the problem is that I have cleared that shelf off at least 3 times and that booklet WAS NOT there! So - how did it get there? Is there an evil little spirit lurking in my house? Is it the same spirit that stole and then returned my gardening gloves? And why?

But, it doesn't matter because Mr. Indi immediately set up the beautiful pink Dell and I now have access to the internet while sitting in the living room by the fire - or lying in bed - or lounging on the chaise in the back garden! I am a happy interneter! Now, if I can just figure out Vista!

My visit to the docs was good. My BP is 132/65 so my pills are working well. Also my chest is clear as a bell - ding! and I have gained 10 lbs! I shall be glad when that 3lb tin of Quality Street is finished or my bum will be as wide as this house.

Mr. Indi's visit to the radiation center was OK - but somber. Dr. B tested his leg strength and I could tell by the look on her face that his legs have become weaker rather than stronger. She said she would have a final report ready "soon." I told her that I would like a copy to be mailed to us before the end of the week. She agreed. There is no possibility of more radiation in that area of Mr. Indi's spine, although they will consider treatment to his upper or lower back. So, it was basically - Toodles! Nice seeing ya!

The other day, I was alerted to the fact that 2 of my 4 brake lights are burned out on the van! Grrr! So, that is my assignment for today - change the light bulbs. But, they make it so difficult to get at the darn things on these new fangled cars. In the olden days, you only needed a screw driver - now I shall need a wrench and a schematic to figure out what the heck I'm doing! Just the job to keep me warm on a chilly and windy day. Still, never mind - tis supposed to be 80F by Friday!

Don't even mention the cardigan!

Sleeping Like a.......

They said that the chair would be delivered between 1:30 and 3:30 in the afternoon and lo and behold, at 1:25, a nice young man knocked on the door and asked where I would like them to put the chair. He was a real gent and he and his mate even rearranged some of the other living room chairs so that his Lordship could be situated next to the fireplace and the window - his favorite spot. I flipped them a bit of extra dosh for their trouble and they went away happy.

So, now that he has his reclining chair, he has taken up the prone position (as you can see) and I had to pry his big bum out of it to get him into bed last night! He says it really does help relieve the pain from his spine and take the pressure off his legs. It's not the fanciest chair in the world but if it helps him be more comfortable then I'm happy with it.

My son and his wife came later in the afternoon. My son bought me several large bottles of drinking water for which I was grateful as they are very heavy for me to carry. There is nothing wrong with our drinking water from the tap - except for the taste! The water supply comes from underground artesian wells and the water is very high in minerals and you can tell! I think it must be similar to the taste of lavatory bowl cleanser! I hear that the water is very good for you - and in fact there are several spas in the area that boast the benefits of the local spring water. But, there are always people looking for the Fountain of Youth -and - who have too much money!

Today is doctor day for both Me and Him, I have to see Dr. I this morning for a check up on my blood pressure and swollen feet. The feet are back to normal so I should be OK. Mr. Indi has to see Dr. B, the radiation oncologist, for a 30 day follow-up and a final report on the results of his radiation treatment. I am not expecting any good news on that front as his walking is even more difficult and his legs are weaker than before the radiation treatment began. Still, it will be interesting to see what she has to say.

It is 30F this morning (-1C) and so the newspaper will stay at the end of the driveway until the frost has cleared! And, this afternoon, after all of our running around, I shall light the fire and knit! I have made a major blunder with the collar of the cardigan and now have to back up about 6 rows to correct my mistake! ARGGGGGGG!

The Internet LIES!

So, the web page said that we could view the reclining chair up the road a piece at a large department store - and, after I had done all the necessaries, I gathered up his Lordship, his walker, his push chair and his walking cane (which he now uses as a punting pole when I am pushing him in the chair!) and off we went to check out said reclining chair.

As it happened, the store was having a "Door Busting Sale" - although I can't imagine why they would want their doors busted - and the parking lot was pretty full by the time we arrived at about 10:30. I had to park a fair ways from the entrance and so I got a good work out pushing his Lordship in his throne on a slight uphill grade for about 50 yards. In fact, I collapsed onto a rack of ties in the men's department as soon as we got through the front door! Van Huesen they were - very nice too!

After my heart rate returned to normal and I was able to breath, we made our way to the elevator and rode up to the second floor. We wandered around for a while checking out the bargains - Mr. Indi wants to buy me a Cuisinart Mash Em Smash Em machine for about $400 - I don't want the bloody thing - but he always wants to stop and check them out. I am quite happy with an egg beater and a hand operated spud basher - thank you! We could see no sign of chairs - reclining or otherwise and stopped to ask a sales lady. "Oh no," she said. "We don't have chairs - in fact we don't have a furniture department." Arggggggg! She gave us directions to their branch that DOES have a furniture department - 25 miles away! But, she also told us of a furniture outlet ( showroom models and factory over runs) that was just about 5 miles away. SO, it was back to the car - but at least this time I was on a downhill slope!

We found a chair that fit the bill perfectly at the furniture outlet store. A decent color - a wine red - soft material - not too large - just right. I could have taken it with me but I have enough trouble with his Lordship in his throne without carrying a reclining chair on me back! I don't know anybody with a pick-up truck so have had to pay to have it delivered - it should be here today and it will make Mr. Indi very happy! Or Else!

After all that performance, it was time for lunch and we stopped at a place called Spaghetti Eddie's in Rancho Cucamonga (Don't you just love that name?) Lunch was really good. Mr. Indi had a sausage and meatball sandwich with lots of gooey cheese, grilled peppers and marinara sauce. I had salmon with lemon and capers over fettuccine. All very yummy.

Today's picture started out as a photo of a beautiful yellow rose growing in my front garden - I then went a bit over the edge playing with it in PSP. I still think it's pretty though.

About 10 more rows of the collar to go - grrrrr!

Me and Him and Her

Yesterday, we had a lovely visit with Mr. Indi's sister - who is a Sister! She bought us some lovely gifts including a bag full of delish tiny ginger and cinnamon cookies. I must get the recipe - they are addictive! I was in the bag at 4:30 this morning with a cup of tea! She also gave us a lovely picture of dear Sister Renilde which will be a great reminder of a great friend.

After an hour of talking each other's leg off, we went to the Mexican joint for some lunch and that is where the picture was taken by Joe, the restaurant owner, who is actually Cuban! Mr. Indi is standing in front of a painting by the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The picture is called Nude with Calla Lilies and it's a good thing that Mr. Indi's big head is covering the nude part - we wouldn't want any naked bums on the blog, would we? We had a good meal and a couple of cold ones and before you knew it, it was time for D to get on the road. Our visits are always too short - but sweet!

Today, we are going to look for a reclining chair for Mr. Indi. He is having lots of trouble trying to find a comfortable chair to sit in in this house and he found that the recliner at the chemo center was just the job for taking the pressure off his back and legs. While searching the internet, he found a chair that looks to be the right kind of thing and they have it in a showroom at a store about 15 miles away - so as soon as I get more gas in the van - some lunch money from the hole in the wall - a few groceries and eat some more of those delicious little cookies, I shall have the strength to push his Lordship around in his transporter looking at comfy chairs ( Oh No! Not the Big Comfy Chair!) For those that don't get it - see Monty Python.

I don't want to say this too loudly BUT - I think the dreaded cardigan might be finished today and then all that will be left is to buy the buttons. Shhhhhhhhhh! Don't say anything!