Old Fashion with a Twist

I am trying to find my BLOG … and to write a few comments. My surgery … right knee replacement is tomorrow … October 7th. I have apparently introduced a new editor into my writing my BLOG. (And I currently have two televisions on, in this three-room apartment!!! I do have both too loud … and the staff is checking my temperature (for coved-19) … and telling me that they are bringing my food to my apartment (for a repeat of how we handled meals before today!) I obviously have some of my essay written — we will see if I can add a little more and get this published.

Seriously … I could not find the BLOG to write on it. But here I am… Let’s see what I have to say before my surgery tomorrow. I am already totally panicked because I had the flu shot for old people today … and I am scared I might show up with fever for my surgery and they think I have Coved-19 … and deny my surgery. Right now I am wishing I did not do the flu shot today!!! So much … and so little has happened since my last entry.

I spend days sleeping late … getting dressed … and, most of the days, doing my walking. Our grandson is taking both differential equations and linear algebra. He joked (it had to be a joke from my point of view) about our son or me helping him with problems. I immediately suggested that I take the linear algebra … and our son do the differential equations. Our son suggested he was also better on the linear algebra!!! So he and I began talking … and I confessed that I had had a course in differential equations as either a junior or senior in college … and I did not really understand the theory behind integration at that time. So … you can guess how much differential equations I know after almost 60 years … and I was not good at that 60 years ago time. I have been looking for something that will keep me going during this quarantine … and rehab from surgery. Nothing has clicked … reading, exercising, just anything. Almost immediately in my conversation with our son about differential equations … I realized that this was my time to learn differential equations!!! I immediately grabbed the idea … I have started my course in differential equations … using a book our son had : Edwards and Penney, Elementary Differential Equations. I have only made it to page 7 but it is great … I have found something I care about!!!!

This editor is asking something … I don’t know what. I really dislike change that is change to me!!! Remember my right knee replacement is tomorrow … October 7th. Plan is for 7:00 AM our time. Think of me.

Love y’all.

I could not even come up with a title for this essay!!!  Craig has suggested that I, at least, tell y’al about our COVID-19 restrictions here.   And my beautiful roommate from undergrad noted it had been a month since my last entry in this BLOG!!!   You know how it is … you have no deadline to do something … so “why do it now???”   I don’t really think our COVID-19 will be gone for a year from now … unless a vaccine is found.  Let me describe our COVID-19 restrictions … as Craig suggested …

The restrictions are not that bad … considering that one resident came in with the virus … no signs until here about 4-5 days … and two associates came down with the virus.   And that is all we have had of the virus.  The associates are the staff who work here but go home … or such … for the rest of their time.   Temperatures are taken of every associate and of every resident every morning … and taken again if anyone goes out and comes back in.   If I have a doctor’s appointment … and take a car, from here, and driven by one of our staff … I can return to the complex with only a temperature check.   If someone not from our staff here drives or a car not from our assisted living complex garage is used, I have to be quarantined in my room for 14 days when I return… because there is no guaranty I have not been exposed to the virus.   Yes … that means that if Craig were to drive me to the doctor’s or anywhere, I would return to being quarantined to my apartment for 14 days … not the building … my apartment!!!

Also, only residents and staff can come into the building.  So … no visitors!!!  A few weeks ago “chat rooms” were implemented.   We could arrange half-hour meetings with family/close friends during which we would speak with a glass wall or glass door between us.  About 2-3 weeks ago, the admin began holding the “chat rooms” outdoor … with just a picnic table between the resident and visitors.   A little more than 6 feet was measured off with blue tape.   And … the tables and chairs were cleaned between users!!!  These “outdoor chat sessions” have gone to 45 minutes.   Craig and I usually meet during the last “session”, so we usually have a full hour for conversation.

Sensible COVID-19 rules … in general … prohibit large gatherings, so we do not have our meals in the dining hall.   Food for all three meals is brought to our apartments.   Prior to each meal, one of the staff comes to our room with a choice for menu for the next meal … yes, this is done for each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner … each day.   We choose what we want for the next meal … and the food is brought to our room during the usual meal-time!!!

Oh, yes.  Face-masks are required each time we leave our apartments!!!

Since I sometimes do my walking in the halls, I might see a fellow resident … not often … but sometimes.  I have realized I miss seeing other residents!!!  I want to question if we could at least get four residents together to play some bridge!!!

I think several people in all of Denver … or in the States … have used our COVID time to develop new skills … or refine old ones.   And I have done nothing!!!   I set as a goal being able to  insert pictures in this BLOG.  At the beginning of writing this BLOG I labored and sometimes accidentally inserted a picture … I wanted to do it step-by-step knowing what each step did.   If the quarantine lasts another year, maybe I can still learn!!!

That is pretty close to describing  my life now.  Nothing!!!  If I am not walking or eating, I am watching television … news or re-runs … or Colorado Rockies baseball!!!

I have had SEVERAL DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS .  October 7th is set for my  right-knee replacement; September 17 is pre-op.  My lungs have been completely checked … from the January Blood clots … and are in condition to go through the knee-replacement surgery.  I need to put-together my leaving the hospital and coming back to here.   Several re-habs are closed because of COVID-19.  And I know that I cannot come back here directly from the hospital.   The surgery will be so intense that I will need more professional help in walking and exercising.   After the re-hab, however, I will, then,  come back here.  They are able to take complete care of me as I recover after re-hab.

It is 4:00 … and just enough time to walk/exercise before dinner.   I do about 1/2 mile each day.   I have wanted to increase that, but so far I cannot walk more.  My episode with blood clots in January set me back.

I’ll come back after walking … to either publish this essay … or add that one precious occurrence I just thought of!!!

My one precious occurrence :  did my walking … 10 x 200 = 2000 ft == 2000/5280 = .38 of a mile.   That is still not making 1/2 of a mile.  Dinner is soup, chicken salad with lovely crackers, and ambrosia for dessert.  (There are always larger dinner entrees … so I choose a light entree from lunch and hold for dinner!!!)  I am drinking my little white wine now … and I will still be drinking it with, and after, dinner.

I am thankful for the conservative COVID-19 rules this complex is using.   I may be a little moody when I realize Craig and I cannot do lunch, travel somewhere in this beautiful country, just go for coffee and conversation, etc…  But I am well … considering my lung experiences, it is excellent to be here.

I will write more often … I appreciate those of you who are reading this!!!   Also, South Dakota Sturgis Motorcycle meeting is on … lots of memories … Pete and I visited it once for the food and just to see it!!!

Love y’al…

Or a weekday???

I am so reminded of a story Pete would tell about his brother, Art.   I don’t remember the exact reason , but Art was being questioned by a medical person:   (We all remember the drill.) “What is your name?” “Where are you?” … “What day is it?”  Art’s response to this question: “Shucks, I am retired.  I never know what day it is !!”  I am sort of impressed by what I have started doing.   I have my day-planner clearly on one table, and when I see it, I check off the morning for the day.   Thus, I know today is Saturday.   Of course, I have to check my planner once and only once for a day.  I think I have mentioned earlier, if I get confused, I have two clocks that give me the day ... of course, I have to remember to look at the clocks!!!

A couple days ago, I stopped following the parades here in downtown Denver.   I followed them through the news for about 8 or 9 days.  I am so sympathetic to the reason for the parades.  I don’t know if I would have joined them if there had not been the Covid-19 problem — but maybe if I were younger!   But I could not believe the destruction.   I don’t think Pete and I were ever at a town/city where there were such parades.  I remember the year 1970 when the students at Southern Illinois University started a series of parades … mainly, I think, they were unhappy that the University had closed down and did not allow Halloween Parades!!!   The idea of parades and student destruction was so unusual at that time that SIU’s closing made the international newspapers.  Pete and I were teaching in South Africa, and we read about SIU’s closing in one of their newspapers!!!   (We were SIU faculty at that time  … on leave.)

Just finished my walking for the day … 8 x 200 ft = 1600 ft walked!!!   200 ft is the distance from my door to the end of the hall.   Before I had my trouble with my lungs, I could handle 10 laps.  I was even transitioning to 24 laps at the time of my blood clots.  I try to make sure I do 8 laps a day now

Saw one of the residents I know during my walk.   We both commented on how we miss seeing other residents … I DO!!!  My days consist mainly of eating two meals and doing my walking…I try to keep up on my e-mails.

I’ll close now — and as usual see if I forgot a world shattering occasion!!

Back to this essay … a whole week later … and SAME!!!   It is the 4th  of July —  we were usually at the lake –– Pete cooking. grands and family up, started a boat parade on our lady … I remember Mark and my going house — to — house delivering notes to people also at the lake … “to remember the boat parade.” 

BTW … if you want to write me a note, whatever, … a note connected to any essay comes to me … and I love the notes.   And I can answer them … my life is full of good memories … but not currently full of exciting activities!!!

Love y’all.

My Heavens… Katie has it wrong … it should COVID-19 !!!   COVID 19 will be part of this essay … but now I mean COVID 15!!!   Remember so many years ago ,,, when we left for College …remember that FRESHMAN year … that FRESHMAN-15.   The phrase “FRESHMAN 15” referred to the … (at least) 15 pounds that we had gained our freshman year of College.   The phase COVID-15 refers to the (at least!) 15 pounds that we have gained during the quarantine.   That has actually happened to me … now , WHAT DO I DO  ?

I was walking before the quarantine … and I have continued.  There have been a couple times when walking  became one lap … and a couple times walking really seemed “out of reach.”   But, now, about 2 months into the quarantine,  I am doing about .47 of a mile daily.  I have walked outside since two residents and three associates came down with the COVID-19.   The staff here has done a very nice job handling this situation — so it does not infect other of the residents or staff,   But you don’t walk the halls now.  In fact, I had to ask to do my walking … and of course, “OK”.   So, I am walking the perimeter of the parking lot two times … for my daily walking.   And that walk is .47 of a mile.  A couple times I have added enough to make it at least .5 of a mile.   I want to add a little bit. so I can do more walking!!!  But note … there is no “losing” weight .  In fact, obviously I am gaining weight.   My old body will not do the walking faster or excessively longer than right now.   My strategy … add a  little length to my walk; make that a comfortable walk;  add a little length to my walk; make that a comfortable walk; etc

So back to gaining weight … I will have to do something.  I am doing breakfast and one more meal.   That is obviously too much.  At least, I am doing something … so I will try to work with both my walking and my eating.  I know that I am causing the weight gain … but I also  know that being quarantined 23 1/2 hours a day does not leave a lot of room for just living and doing things!!!

The riots … I would never have expected the riots to enter DENVER!!  Denver is really a very thoughtful town … it appears to me that decisions are thought out before actions.  We have a very fine governor who works so well with people in charge of other units of governance.  Our governor, also, is a user and fan of “DATA”.   His decisions are “data driven”.   I love it !!!   He does a good number of online press conferences … always supported by pictures of data graphs and conclusions made from the data(graphs).   Recently he wanted to show the effects of “masks”.   He puts up a transparency with 4 graphs… each showing GROWTH of Covid-affected patients with percentage of people wearing masks as the variable.  The curve flattened nicely at 65% wearing masks and began its trot to quite large numerical outcomes as the % was lowered.   As I am writing 65% there is a little warning that enters my mind … I may have forgotten the exact percentages.  But, you get the idea.   Excuse me, I could be mistaken. but I do not think I have ever had a governor who would use graphs to explain how a certain behavior of people could result in some drastic outcomes!!!   It was very impressive!!!

Oh, … I have written several times about “Little Mary” … Pete’s great niece.   Mary and her husband have three children … absolutely precious.  The middle child made her first communion yesterday … and I watched it all … through the Church’s “www” address.  Although this was a very well planned occasion, I was impressed … the use of the video was such a great gift to family members not at the ceremony.  Of course, the children were lovely and very well-behaved.

As I was watching the First Communion, I had vivid memories of the riots everywhere … and in Denver.  The two … so-contrasting occasions … First Communion … and individuals deliberately destroying downtown stores … and the callousness of stealing merchandise.   It is said that it is the culture of a people that molds a person … well, culture and some one individual who connects with the person.   Who are the people who culturally molded the “agitators” ... the name usually used by our news people … to describe the people destroying our town!!  I saw the Capitol with graffiti on it;  the Denver Art Museum, … several such buildings downtown … defaced!!!  And, we could have a fifth night tonight.   The police try to identify the “agitators” and remove them from the scene … there are too many … and they hide in groups not-agitating.

I didn’t know I would write so much about the riots.  They has really affected me.

There must be something else I want to write about.  When every day is getup, get dressed, “wake up”, watch “The Price is Right” on TV, watch some local news, watch a program called “DBL”, …  Denver people discussing current topics, each very opinionated, and not covering it up.  Put on sun glasses, mask … and usually my oxygen connection to my nose !!!  Do my .47 of a mile.   Think of writing in my BLOG … that won out today!!!   And here I 7 of a mile walk!!!am!!!    Want my nails done … but do not want to go out of this reasonably pure environment unless it is necessary.

I will end this writing time … and come back later if a reason … and then post this monologue on my site.

(LAST NIGHT WAS SOME DESTRUCTION IN DENVER.)

Love y’all.

As I continue to write entries in this BLOG. I need to develop a writing “personna” so I will experience the realization of having been here before!!  Have spent time with my college roommate these past couple days … so I will remember activities with … or parallel to … Karenanne’s.  Karenanne lost her husband … Bob … around the spring before Pete passed.   Karenanne and Bob had seven children.  I have already told Karenanne that I am jealous of all her grandchildren.   They are certainly providing a very full life for her now!!!

Should I develop my “homemaker personna?”  In particular do I relearn knitting so I can do something while I watch television …or while I listen to audio books???   When Lori was around 7 or 8 years old I taught myself to knit so I could teach Lori to knit.    I am not sure why I thought teaching a child knitting and crocheting were part of the necessary skills a child needed to have for appropriate growth!!!  I did feel that way ,,, so ,,,   The other day, someone was talking about knitting, and I felt very much that I would enjoy the finished product if I went back to knitting.   My mind flipped to crocheting vests or something like scarves!!1   Christmas???

April 28, 2020  I started the above two paragraphs a little while ago ... I guess two weeks.   I have really done nothing since then … but I want to write!!!  Around last week-end, I spent Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday either in bed or putting my clothes on… I absolutely felt like doing nothing … and my legs hurt so badly!!!   Before those days … and today, I did get dressed … and have gone for my walk.   It was a good walk and my legs did not hurt nearly as much as before.

I have spent time watching public TV here.  Last week I saw several films on the Roosevelts.   I have always liked Eleanor Roosevelt … maybe, felt sorry for her.   When I heard that the President Roosevelt kept his mistress at the “hot water springs” where he tried to help his legs … from childhood polio, I was not too pleased with him.  And, Eleanor was busy trying to help the poor!!

Today public TV began a series on the United States … from the Thirties on.  In particular, the film is now about the ’60s.   I almost find it impossible to think of all that was going on in the ’60s … and it really just went by me … and Pete.   There was the March on Selma; there were the protest marches; there was the violence in Mississippi.  Several of our professors would go to Mississippi over weekends to help if they could.  One in particular was Professor  XXXXX … I do not remember his name !!!   And he was a topologist, and I kept in touch with him past the time of these happenings!!!   He was quite vocal on what was happening in Mississippi … the highlight being when he laid down in the middle of the Tulane football field during intermission in a football game..   It was suggested that he leave Tulane, and he went to Purdue, Case Western … something in that area!!!

And, all of that was happening … and I did not know it.  Lori was born January of 1963; I was not well after she was born, and it took me a whole semester to come back to my level of life and teaching.   I think Pete and I both received our Master’s that year … that really required nothing of us.   We hired Grandma Downing to take care of Lori.   A total blessing.   That is a person who entered our lives at that time … a miracle … just when we needed her.  Come Fall, Pete and I were both back teaching the schedule we should have — and with Grandma Downing … I knew Lori was being taken care of.  Come November 22, 1963, Kennedy was shot…It was a Friday … Pete and I got home about 5:00 PM, and Grandma Downing was complaining that we did not have a television — and the whole weekend … and more TV … would be about the shooting of JFK!!!   Grandma Downing stayed with Lori, and Pete and I went out to buy a television.   We did; we came home, and Pete hooked it up.   We now had a television.

We watched the entire pre-funeral and funeral … and post funeral.  USA Presidents are not shot.   MLKjr had been shot not that long ago.  Bobby Kennedy was shot.  And, now, JFK.   I know the people shooting our children in classrooms are the worst … but I could not, … at that time … fathom a president shot.!!!

How did I get on this topic???   I looked back, and it was the Public TV program I was watching!!!

I love y’all … before I close I want to mention my lovely, beautiful niece who took a picture from the  2014 family reunion and one from the 2016 family reunion … framed them, and sent a finished copy of each to me… When I fall asleep at night, I am looking directly at the picture of Pete in the 2014 family picture reunion!!!   I love y’all.

I am OK.   I am eating too much.  Trying to balance weight and walking.   Not doing a good job.   We are still in quarantine … and I am happy that way.  It will be interesting to see what orders we get…  now that we are loosening up a bit … but not in this assisted living complex!!!   My nails really need help.  I had them done the week before we closed up.  I am about 4 weeks into needing a new set.   But I am scared to go out.

I’m OK.

Love y’all

 

 

Of course, we are basically quarantined … but I am in my apartment … still comfortable … some one is coming in daily to see what I want for my meals … which are being brought to my room!!!   The Activities Person brought me … and everyone here … a collection of activities that we could do during this time in our room!!!  Most of you know that I am very content with just myself!!!  It also happens that a dear friend sent me a book that I am back to reading … am about half read!!! Maybe I can focus again.   I got used to always thinking about Pete and just could not focus.   Things still have not changed that much!

I am at my computer … windows open … beautiful outside … a little windy.   Probably 50 – 60 degrees.  I just came in from doing my walk outside … .48 of a mile.  Beautiful … I have it measured again.  I do think we are predicted to have snow and rain on Thursday of this week … remember, it depends on whether the rain gets over the mountain!! !    Denver needs such a song … I bet there is one!!!

Took advantage of Yesterday … nothing to do … and pulled my medical payments from my checkbook for 2019.   I have that ready for Craig.   Since Craig cannot visit me … no one can visit the residents here … things can be left at the front door  … at the Concierge … and the “things” will be brought to our room by staff who keep a record of everyone’s temp!!!   I know it is really only the first two days in quarantine … Sunday and Monday … but I am feeling quite well emotionally and physically.   (I will miss the hair person doing my hair … but I would guess I can handle that!!!  If we only last this way 8 weeks!!!)

Was supposed to have a third procedure Tuesday of last week — to handle a pain in my side… all these blood clots in my lungs … have cancelled the procedure on my side … and any plan for a replacement of my right knee.  I need to allow 6 months from my notice of blood clots in my lungs.   That puts me at July 18th for any medical procedure.   The blood clots and my age put me in the categories of “elderly” and  ” could easily pick up this Convid-19.”  I feel very comfortable here … honestly, I can think of nothing that would cause me medical problems while here!!!

Finished my small glass of wine and something soda … as I was sitting here doing this BLOG.   Lovely!!!

Our Governor is on TV giving a list of “personable” things we can do during this time.  He really does not appear to be distant from people…He appears very sweet!!!  We will have to figure out how people who lost their salaries … or part of their salaries  … can get back on their feet.   It may be difficult.

Take care.   I am OK.

Love y’all.

 

 

 Bowl of Gumbo!!!   Today is Mardi Gras!!!   It brings back so many memories.  My first Mardi Gras … I was a graduate student in Mathematics at Tulane University.   Of course, Tulane closed down Monday and Tuesday of Mardi Gras… and Wednesday, also.   I was totally  amazed that Tulane University would close down for Mardi Gras.   Several Tulane-Math graduate students partied until way into Wednesday morning … and ended up sleeping in my apartment for the rest of the day/night.    I am thinking my second Mardi Gras was about the same.. and so the third … the fourth  … Pete and I were married and I had had Lori , January of 1963.   I was not well … but … Lori’s first outing was the Carrollton (Mardi Gras) Parade … right in front of our apartment!!!  Wonderful.

We left the New Orleans area in 1965 … we certainly remembered every Mardi Gras when it came around.  In 1997, we returned to the New Orleans area … Hammond, Louisiana … home of Southeastern Louisiana University and 40 miles from New Orleans.  We also renewed our closeness to Jennie Belle and Sergie.  I had taught with Jennie Belle at Newcomb College.   Hurricane Katrina flooded the area where Jennie Belle lived.  Sergie escaped the terrible destruction … and since Sergie could use help with various household tasks, Jennie Belle moved in with him.  Sergie’s house was right on one of the major mid-town Mardi Gras parade routes … if Pete were here, he would surely remember the name of the parade … but I cannot.  With Sergie on the parade route, we could park in his drive-way … parking was always a problem along a parade-route …  and set up chairs right on the parade route!!!

We began to plan for that parade date.  Watch the parade on Sergie’s front yard … and share Dinner with Jennie Belle and Sergie… Jennie Belle would do the red beans and rice; she would also do the Mardi Gras cake … again I forget the name of  the cake … with all the goo-eys.  Wonderful … I loved that woman.   We would return to Hammond with great feelings and delight … and sacks of beads from the floats from the parades.  Wonderful … they became my beads to share with grandchildren and children of friends.

All these memories brought forward because of a “bowl of gumbo.”   Pete made the best of black-bottom pies. cream pies, pizzas, … and gumbo.   We would go south of New Orleans … to get the sausage.   Pete would do sausage and chicken gumbo.   Wonderful.

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone.   Memories are beautiful.

Love y’all.  

Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:00 AM :  I was talking on the phone to our cousin; got up out of my chair; fell straight forward hitting my chin and the right side of my face by my right eye.   I am sitting on the floor … blood all over me and all over the floor.    Found my call…button … pushed it.  Staff came in … they called Craig … put a band-aid on my chin to catch the blood … then a piece of folded cloth … with tape at the ends;  that sort of kept the blood off things.  I found out that there are many blood vessels in the face ,,, and thus the heavy load of blood flowing everywhere,

Emergency room:   It is so cold.  I am guessing that within the next 3-4 hours they put an IV in my left arm … someone did.  I remember telling each nurse trying to put the IV in that they have two chances … and that is all for them.   First nurse took her two chances and could not get the IV positioned.  Next nurse:  now a male nurse that knew he did not have to use x-rays to position the IV … two chances for this nurse.   Note:  we ARE NOW FOUR ATTEMPTS!!!  A third nurse:   makes it on one attempt.   I do not remember male or female … whatever.   I have 5 … five … clear needle attempts in my left arm!!!   I do have the IV in.

Hospital Room:  Some time in the next hours … they somehow find out that I have blood clots in both lungs and am being admitted as a patient.   All I remember is being in the hospital room and being put on this “heparin” to begin to get rid of the blood clots … of course using the IV.   Craig waits with me for a room … he goes home during that time and comes back when they have me in the hos[ital room … bringing a change of clothes and my face-washing stuff!!!   (Craig had been suggesting I get a small bag together with what I would need in a hospital trip.  Of course, I had not done that at that time … but I assure you I have a hospital bag ready now!!! )   Oh … the hospital room was very cold!!!

Hospital room … Continued:  Monday. January 27th … late afternoon … I am told that I can go home that evening.   I went off the Heparin sometime that Monday and I was switched to a blood-thinner … maybe that was Sunday … I think they wanted me on the blood…thinner 24 hours before I left.  I showed the worst of myself when a rep of the oxygen supply insisted I have a third canister to go from the hospital to my apartment ,,, probably a 5-minute ride … I knew I would not hook myself up to that plastic cord for that little time … and of course I did not!!!

Now …     I am on oxygen 24/7 … really about 22/7.   I have a horrible runny nose … I am guessing from a cold I caught at the hospital.   I have this oxygen tube in my nose the 22 – 24 hours daily … which causes my nose to be irritated … and more runny nose … if such is possible!!!   I am doing my walking … trying to get it back up … I was at 2400 feet daily when all this happened … I am back to 1600  feet daily … did it with my oxygen today.   I have had two nose treatments during this time … the skin on the tip of my nose has come off ,,, the nose is definitely red … and my runny nose is not helping my nose either!!!   I was beginning to think that I could take care of myself in an independent situation … and then this!!!  I am so thankful I was here.  Sitting on the floor with blood running down my clothes and all over the floor … and people came immediately!!!

A white-out!!!  There is a part to this story that I have told only a couple people.  I am telling it now.  As people were trying to find out what had happened … remember,  I was sitting on the floor in this blood as the staff came in,,, a few of the people asked me if I had had a black-out?”  I had not … but what happened as soon as I fell if not passing out??  I remember distinctly my fall … everything is white … I am standing where I was before falling … I see a white blur that falls to the floor … I see myself form a white image of my sitting down ... I see myself in the white image … no longer standing beside my fall but being my fall.   That is what happened as I fell and, then, got into a sitting position!!! 

I am OK: It is Wednesday, February 5 … 2020.  I am on oxygen … and trying to get better at my walking.

Love y’all.

 

 

It really is.  I would never have described it as such … until these past days …tried to arrange for Erin … a granddaughter … to visit; when walking yesterday, a dear friend, here, sort of lost her legs while coming to walk with me;  i need information on what is medically a plan for my right knee … and for my left knee;  Craig is attending the Joint Mathematics Meeting … held annually at this time of the year … and coincidentally being held in Denver this year;  Craig will be teaching 16 hours this coming semester … 8 hours college algebra, 3 hours of trig, and 5 hours of calculus I; (memories!!!); my cancer on my nose has had three treatments … fourth tomorrow … some reddish irritation is appearing at the end of my nose … I am going to take pictures weekly so I have a record;  I have done my 2400 feet of walking for today; Craig put a television in this room that I use as an office ... three televisions in this little apartment!!;  the lady whose legs gave out two days ago passed away … her husband knocked on my door this morning to tell me such … we did a cup of coffee and an hour and a half of memories; we all have such similar milestones; I should have washed my hair today … had it on my calendar and just did not want to; one of the bridge players … my 101 year-old-friend … the best bridge player in this building … has been in poor shape medically … she was given the wrong medicine … came out of that … only to fall and break her leg … she may be back here for rehab … but more likely help and leg healing as is; we have a new resident who is here because of physical shape … brain cancer affecting his right side … but excellent mentally !!; I have the afternoon “Let’s Make a Deal” on the television … and I am watching it!!!; it is too loud;  I still have my Christmas decorations up … we took down the wreath on the entry door … but everything is still up!  I love it;  except for removing his things, everything in Pete’s room is the same as when he was using it … Craig has suggested a new mattress … and I am thinking of new colors, too; I am really not using his bedroom … but I think I should open it up with new colors and such … and I thinking of yellow, gray, and black;  I am not in the mood for a geometric pattern on the bed … but flowers would be too much … we shall see what Amazon has!!!

Reader:  You do realize you are getting a brain dump … it is certainly beneficial to me!!!

What else???  I am drinking too much coffee;  Craig bought me one of those one cup Keurig coffee makers … I think somewhere in this writing … a long time ago … I have mentioned how I love it!!! I did not send Christmas greetings this past 2019 … I am hoping I can get a couple more friends on my reading list for this BLOG … so we can stay in touch … I do not want to lose contact with past students and friends who were on my Christmas list; this is mid January … and Denver … city … has temperature around 50 degrees during the middle of the day … it is wonderful; I did something on the computer a little while ago that keeps the collection of pictures in the computer on the screen whenever I am not using another file on the computer … so whenever I walk into my office I see pictures through about 2003 until around 2017 … the pictures are lovely … there are so many of Pete!!!  Switched the television to a sport’s talk program … they are discussing what the football team for LSU and others will look like after the current football players leave for the NFL … it does appear that many college football players are opting for the NFL.  It does appear to me that there is considerable support for Alabama to be the team to beat!!!  There is also support for Clemson … it appears Trever Lawrence may be returning.

Love y’all…

 I cannot believe the Saints lost!!!  One more tie with New Orleans erased from my life now!!!  I know that sounds very dramatic … but when you know that it is just memories that tie you to something, you stretch those memories.   I had been holding tightly to my Saints … wearing my SAINTS shirt every Sunday … or Monday.   I liked to remember when they won the Super Bowl … I was still teaching at Southeastern  … and just could not believe we won the SUPER BOWL!!!   The memories are good.   Of course I remember the Quarter with Pete … grad school, Mardi Gras, the restaurants … the restaurant on the corner that did a great Beef-Po-Boy for Pete and a great Muffaletta for me.   I am remembering more than I had thought!!!

Letting memories guide me … I am reminded of a wonderful woman … Edna … who passed away this past January 1st.   Edna was 98 years old … and when I knew her … a more self – sufficient person you would never find … and so lovely, and helpful to everyone … Edna checked every day on my mother.    I remember “Blan-chee,  are you there?”  We loved Edna.

This past week-end will stay in my mind!!!  For the entire Friday, Saturday, Sunday … and, I hear, this Monday, also, the residents of this assisted-living complex are requested to stay in their apartments.  There are cases of a “neuro-virus” among the population here … and among the “Memory Care” population.

Time off … it is now Monday afternoon … and this “quarantine” has been continued until this coming Wednesday … the 8th … after breakfast.   Already, I know I have gained weight!!  I had football to watch this week-end … but after tonight … nothing!!!   whatever!!!!  I have my glass of wine … and I will do something to fill my time

Of course … I have my first radiation treatment tomorrow … morning.   That gives me an excuse to sit in my chair and feel sorry for myself!!!   This “quarantine” is excuse enough!   (I have to watch my bold and such … it can carry past my use.)

Love y’all