Errands and a Sunny Day

It hasn’t rained today – that is news. 

Yesterday I got ready to run some errands, checked my wallet to see if I needed to go to the bank.  I grabbed up the keys and my list and left.  A few miles later I got to the first store.  I reached in my purse to get my wallet – and it wasn’t there.  So I went home and took a nap. 

Sometimes when a day starts out like that it just keeps on the same way.  That’s one of the good things about being retired.

Today I was successful in getting to the store with my wallet.  I combined the trip with several places I needed to go.  On the way I noticed the local gas station says $4.15/gal.   There will be a lot of combining errands from now on.

My hair continues to grow on the top of my head, it also continues to fall out on the sides and back. 

My hands and feet are still numb but the extent changes a bit each day. 

This past week has been a week off from chemo.  It starts again next Monday. 

later….

 

 

More Rain

There was actually a little sun this afternoon for a change.  The first thunder storm came at 4:00 a.m. and it woke me up.  I usually sleep thru it.  The second one came later in the morning.  Bandit spent the night in the bathtub. 

I didn’t even get dressed until noon.  I have errands to run but it’s hard to get in the mood when it keeps raining. 

Both my kids stopped by on their way home from their work which was a nice surprise.  It made me glad I had gotten dressed. 

I’m still choking and snorting.  I’ve been trying to wash my sinuses out.  A friend told me about it.  You put some water in something that you can squirt up your nose.  They sell something called a netty pot at the drug store.  I have been using an old plastic honey bear container. 

You stand over the sink and tip your head forward and to one side.  Then squirt the water up the high side of your nose.  Keep your mouth open and keep breathing.  It should come out the other side of your nose.  It does seem to help get that drainage over with for a while.

I think the last time I looked it’s supposed to be nice on Friday. 

later….

 

Rainy Monday

Blood check was good today at the doctor’s office.  My sinuses decided to drain so I had a choking/coughing fit while I was there.  The nurse asked the doctor if they should prescribe antibiotics and she said no.

That’s okay with me.  Lory has had this bug and she got antibiotics which didn’t help.

I stopped at the health food store and picked up some of my cheese. 

I also stopped to look at the river.  It was very high.  It empties into the Ohio river which is supposed to crest today well above flood stage.

Ten inches of rain so far in April which breaks the previous record.

One year there was a tour boat from New Orleans docked at Cincinnati when the floods came.  The water rose so the boat couldn’t get under the bridges to go back to the Mississippi River.  They offered special tours around the area to the customers.  They also offered to fly them home.  I thought it was funny.  Mother nature will have her say in the best laid plans.

I guess that explains why so many bridges are arched way up over rivers.  I hate those high bridges.  The palms of my hands and the bottoms of my feet tingle when I drive over them.  I have to just watch the vehicle in front of me and miss the possibly wonderful view from the top.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter.  I had a quiet day sniffling and snorting.  (pity party)

later….

 

Strange Appetite

No, I’m not expecting, but this is what I’ve been craving lately.  A slice of bread with mayo, rice based cheese, and pickles.  Actually it’s very tasty.

I’m getting low on cheese so there is a trip to the health food store in my future.

A couple of friends stopped by this week.  I’m going to have to put my foot down about bringing me stuff.  Then I see the stuff they brought and I love it.  Hmmm. 

Susan and Will came over yesterday evening and mowed my lawn.  It really did need it.  They beat the rain.  They just said we will be getting 4 or 5 more inches this week-end.  Maybe I’ll try to get some pictures of the flooding tomorrow.

Teddy went back to the vet yesterday and got the rest of his shots.  Bandit went in the car with us, took a walk around the vet’s building, then refused to go in with us.  Since it wasn’t his appointment I put him back in the car and left him there.  This could be a problem when it IS his appointment.  He has too good a memory.

I have the sniffles, cough, and hoarseness back.  Every little germ or tree pollen seems to get me. 

Next week is a week off from chemo so maybe I can get over this by the week after.

later….

 

KIDS! SHEESH!

If you check the comment on yesterday’s post it will explain today’s post. 

One of my daughters did the wallboard and spackling, the other did the painting and wood work.  I didn’t properly credit each child for their efforts. 

I am very proud of both my girls.  I like a woman who can handle tools.

Along the side of the tub was probably the most difficult place to get the quarter round to look right.  The tub had to be shimmed a lot to make it drain properly in this old house.  So the gap was not straight or even.  Extra large quarter round and lots of caulking was used.

This trim was a beautiful wood  color but had to be painted white to match all the other woodwork.  It was out of John’s garage stash.  Thanks again, John.

When I turned on the camera to take these pictures the battery was flat.  Usually when I change the battery I have to reset the date.  This time it held the date which was a nice surprise.

Today’s chemo went well.  This new drug takes about a half hour/45 minutes less time.  I do get some steroids IV before the chemo.  That is to keep me from barfing on their stuff. 

I felt pretty energized when I got home so I took the dogs for a walk over to the post office.   It’s about a block away. 

Bandit got tired half way back so he pretended there were some very interesting smells along the way so he could catch his breath.  On the way over he dragged me.  I didn’t object to the break he took.

Tried to get Teddy to stand on his back legs for a picture but it didn’t work out.  Dogs eyes are supposed to look like that so don’t worry.

Maybe I’ll get him begging….

Later….

No Steroids Sunday

Saturday I went over to the barn and came home with that potty/dog waterer.

Teddy has gotten a drink out of it a couple of times already.

I finally got around to taking some pictures of my redecorated bathroom.

As you can see, sunflowers are still the main theme.  The walls used to be a much deeper yellow.  I really like the softer yellow.

As you can see one of the grab bars is installed.  It’s probably the only one I will ever use.  The other one goes on the back wall and is to use if you sit down in the tub.  I just take showers.

This picture shows that one of my light fixtures is crooked, maybe both of them. 

The camera flashes in the bathroom chased Bandit out.  That seems to be his favorite room in the house.  I think maybe he connects the camera flash with lightening.  There I go trying to figure out dogs again.

Tomorrow is chemo day again but I don’t have to take the steroids the day before with this drug.  I really appreciate that. 

later….

Spring Day

I mailed my federal and state taxes and hand delivered the city tax forms with a big X in the box that says “retired” which means I don’t pay city taxes.

Also made it to the grocery store this morning.  Then I took the camera and went outside to take some pictures.

Robins have been trying to make a nest in the eaves at the back of my house.  I kept finding pieces of grass right by the back door.  After the rains last week they found a better spot. 

The violets are out by the patio.

I think this is a poppy in the side yard.

This is a remarkable weed in the front yard.

This shows why Bandit is called Bandit.  Looks like he is wearing a mask.

I took a short nap this afternoon.

It’s a beautiful day.

Lazy Wednesday

Hit the couch this afternoon for a short rest while I watched a rerun of The Closer (2:00 on TNT).  Woke up at 5:00.

I did get my taxes signed and ready to mail and I washed dishes. 

One of these days I’m going to write this blog and not correct any of the mistakes my partially numb fingers make. 

I have been informed that the plumber will come on Friday to install my grab bars in the bathtub.

That means I had better get some grocery shopping done tomorrow if it’s going to get done this week.  Also need to mail my taxes.

I haven’t noticed any big difference in the chemo except I enjoy not having so much steroids in my system. 

It was a nice day today for the estate sale.  I found an adjustable cane and a small spade when I went shopping yesterday afternoon.  This is the first estate sale this group has done.  It’s a big job. 

I couldn’t be there when so many people with possible germs were there today but Lory went and helped out. 

Later….

 

There, I fixed it

After looking for ideas on the internet I found several “there I fixed it” websites.  I decided I could do that!  Here is a link to one of the sites.

it/http://www.urlesque.com/2009/07/03/there-i-fixed-it/

I put the handle of a small screw driver under the edge of the laptop to allow cooler air to circulate underneath.  (the little green thing on the left)

Also a damp dishcloth on the part that seems to hold heat might help.  I have to turn it periodically and redampen it on a regular basis.

We will see if this works to keep the computer from turning itself off suddenly with no warning.  So far it has behaved.

I’m going to a dealers preview of an estate sale this afternoon so I’d better get ready.

later….

 

Doctor’s Appointment & Chemo

The scans in Oct. showed spots of cancer in my liver. 

The report of the scans done in January did not mention any spots in my liver. 

The scans done in April did mention spots in my liver.  So either they were gone and are back or the report was in error.  They are not so big as before so that is a good thing.

I ended up getting a dose of the new drug today.  It is Navelbine, kind of sounds like navy bean.  It is quicker that the taxol.  It has less side effects.  It will be given 2 weeks in a row with a week off, then 2 more weeks.

The most recent scans showed a rib in my back was healing from being cracked.  Hmmmmm.  I checked my calendar and on Feb. 1 I took a tumble on the ice (link – WINTER).   I know I was miserable for a while and had a cold as well.  Coughing was a painful thing to do. 

If I had gone to the emergency room about the fall they would have taped me up as that’s all they can do for a cracked rib.  Anyway, I can’t seem to get away with anything and it was only painful for a couple of weeks.

My laptop computer has started turning itself off periodically again.  I think it might be that it gets too hot.   It’s always something.

later….

 

Another Week Off

After a phone conversation with my doctor I am taking another week off from chemotherapy.  I still go for my appointment tomorrow to discuss how we move forward.

Due to side affects from taxol, the drug will be different in the future.  I can always go back to the taxol if I need to. 

The scans were best described as “stable” since January.

Today spring has sprung with a vengeance.  It is in the 70’s outside, windows are open, my nose is running, my eyes are itchy. 

This area has been named the 7th in the nation for spring allergies.  We scored number 1 for fall allergies.

Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy with possible thunder storms.  Goody goody.

Dog Ramble Warning.

I give up on figuring out dogs.  I know, I thought I had it but NO.  Bandit has refused to get into his cage at night lately.  He goes in during the day.  Maybe he doesn’t like the door closed. 

He doesn’t get the smelly chewy treat at night when he doesn’t go in.  When Teddy goes in he gets his treat but if Bandit is not in his cage Teddy’s door is left open so he can come out also.  At least there has been no puddle in the morning when they are left out of the cages.

I spent  a lot of time today trimming a bunch of hair off Teddy.  He is like a long haired cat, he gets knots and mats in his fur.  I hate to even send him to the groomer like that. 

I also used a “furminator” on Bandit.  When I first got Bandit the Ohio Bassett Rescue said I should get one so I did.  It works very well pulling loose fur off him.  It has tiny short teeth.

I don’t think he had ever been brushed before as he panicked when I first tried to use anything on him.  So I used the back of it to stroke him several times and praised him greatly for his patience with it.  After a few days of that I was able to use the side with teeth.  It must feel good  as he leans into it, especially in the area near the base of his tail. 

later….

 

 

 

Dog Psychology

Dog ramble warning.

If you have a dog or dogs you may understand this. 

My dogs spend their night in cages kennels.  That is because one of them, Bandit, can’t seem to settle down in one spot at night and tends to pee somewhere during the night.  In the kennel he is fine. 

Bandit’s kennel was one I already had from when I had a Great Dane, so it is huge, the biggest one I could find.

Since I don’t think it’s fair to put just one dog in a kennel, they both go to bed in kennels.

Bandit has been giving me trouble about getting into his kennel at night.  Even the smelly chewy treat wasn’t working.

I noticed there were doggy toys in his kennel and I know he doesn’t carry those around.  Then I happened to see Teddy in Bandit’s kennel.

I keep some pieces of an old wool blanket in each kennel.  So yesterday I took the toys out and washed the blankets.  After fixing Bandit’s kennel up all clean I closed and latched the door so Teddy couldn’t get in it.

The problem seems to be solved.  This morning Bandit was rubbing his face on his blanket in pure happiness. 

The first thing each morning is to let the dogs outside.  They potty and come right back in.  Bandit bounded out and in, unlike the last few days.

So he owns his space and is a happy dog again.  Maybe I should hang out a sign advertising my ability to analyze dogs.

later….

This Old House

Last night I was sitting here in the kitchen at the counter where I eat and use the computer when there was a loud popping noise from the electrical outlet I use for the computer and the phone. 

I unplugged the computer and found an extension cord so I could plug the phone into a different wall outlet.

There were two more noises from the outlet before I got things arranged so I could keep the phone plugged in. 

I found a screw driver and took the outlet out of the wall.  There was no odor of hot wires and no evidence of burning behind the outlet.  I also checked the circuit breaker box in the basement and nothing was wrong there.

This morning I called an electrician, they came this afternoon.  They replaced the box behind the outlet.  The part you actually plug into was scorched.  It still had a price tag stuck on it, .95 cents from the local hardware store.   The service call cost $95.00. 

Also this afternoon the plumber came and brought a couple of grab bars for the bathtub.  He figured out how they can be secured but didn’t have time to install them today.   So I have grab bars, just not where they need to be.

This poor old house always seems to need something.   So does this old lady. 

The dogs were thrilled with the company of repairmen coming and going.  They get pretty bored with just me around.

The weather is beautiful today, sunny and warm.  YEAH!

later….

 

 

 

Walking between raindrops

Rainy day with thunder storms.

Actually made it to the hospital for the PET/CT scan and then to the doctor’s office for blood work and then home without getting wet. 

The parking area for the scans is around back by the dumpsters and loading dock.  You still need a parking pass to park there.  I saved mine from last Oct. when I was getting radiation every day.

No breakfast before the scans so I carried along a large chocolate bar for afterward.  Also there are always snacks at the doctor’s office so I took advantage of them.  Juice and crackers hit the spot.

The parking garage at the doctor’s office has five levels and I drove to the top, then back down to level two before I found a parking spot. 

That one spot reserved for “employee of the month” had better use their spot, I almost used it.

One thing about going to the doctor once a week, I’m about over my fear of parking garages.  I no longer chant “I hate this – I hate this” as I drive around looking for a spot.

The blood work was good so I didn’t need a booster shot.  The office was full, the waiting room was full.  Monday morning must be a popular time.

When the dogs were at the vet’s office they were given sunflower squeaky toys.  This one got carried outside.  When I tried to get Teddy to bring it back inside he refused.  In fact he ran back outside with it twice.  I brought it in last night to avoid the predicted rain.

He loves to squeak them while I am on the phone, or if I’m giving attention to Bandit. 

Lory and John brought back the RV yesterday.  It looks brand new from their cleaning.  The door that was hard to open now opens very easily.  The only problem left is the generator that won’t start.  We put a can dry gas in the gas tank and added some gas.  At the present prices I’m not willing to fill the tank.  I’ll give the generator one more try, when it stops raining, before I take it to the repair shop.

Later….

 

Vet Visit and Bandit’s Drink

The vet appointment was kept this morning.  Teddy has lost 3 1/2 lbs, Bandit gained a few.   From now on his treats will be broken in half.

Teddy has a yeast infection in his ear.  He is to get pain pills for 2 days and then drops in his ears for a week.  We go back in 3 weeks to see if it is gone and also to get the other half of his immunizations.  There were just too many to get them all at once.

After the vet visit we stopped by the antique barn to visit and pick up our money from last week’s sales ($18.00 – a view master and a lantern).

The dogs enjoyed the smells in the barn and outside the barn.   As we were leaving Bandit found a drinking place just his height.

For once I had the camera in my pocket and got a picture of his find.  Regular toilets are just too tall for his short legs but this one was just his size.  It was just rain water in it but it must have tasted good. 

I might have to go back and buy that dog water dish.  It would look pretty good in my kitchen – but what do I do when the great grandkids visit?  That could be a problem.

later….