kath/ mckait 2012 ~ Marching into thread #7 ~

5 * star - loved it, breathtaking, keeper, will re-read. Possibly life changing!
4.5 * star - very good, possible keeper
4 * star liked a lot
3.5 * star - very satisfying
3 * star a solid read, nothing extraordinary, worth 1 read
2.5 * star- failed potential but somewhat engaging
2 * star A mixed bag not worth reading unless desperate
1.5 * star It was a book
1 * star Fail ! A bunch of words cobbled together




You have your way, I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. - Friedrich Nietzsche

1. Camptown Ladies by Mari SanGiovanni 4 stars
2. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer 2 stars
3. Come In and Cover Me by Gin Phillips 4 stars
4. The Truth of All Things: A Novel by Kieran Shields 2 stars
5. Mourning Gloria by Susan Wittig Albert 3 stars
6. Defending Jacob: A Novel By: William Landay 4 stars
7. Seriously . . . I' m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres 3 stars
8. Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion 1917 by Laura M. Mac Donald 4 stars
9. Ashes to Dust by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir 2..5 stars
10. A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer 3 stars
11. A Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore 4.5 stars
12. Gunn's Golden Rules Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn 3 stars
13. The Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede 3 stars
14. The Harp of Imach Thyssel: A Lyra Novel by Patricia C. Wrede 3 stars
15. Until Again: Prequel Novella to BLUE & Blue by Lou Aronica 4.5
16. The Magicians by Lev Grossman 3 stars
17. Chosen by Paul A. Bradley 4 stars
18. Graceling by Kristin Cashore 4.5
19. Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardiff 4.5 stars
20. My Way Home by Cynthia Lee Cartier
21. The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye 3 stars
22. Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin 3 stars
23. The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri 3.5 stars
24. The Sounding by Carrie Salo 4 stars
25.Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead by Christiana Miller 3.25
26. The Fey by Claudia Hall Christian 2.5
27.If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: Comings and Goings in Small-Town Alaska
by Heather Lende 4.5
28. Oath of Office by Michael Palmer 3.5
29. Green Grow The Rushes by Harriet Smart 3 stars
30. Tallis' Third Tune by Ellen L. Ekstrom 4 stars
31. When Captain Flint Was Still a Good Man by Nick Dybek

OSTARA



Ostara marks the first true day of spring. It is the vernal equinox. It is believed that the name Ostara comes from the Germanic Goddess Oestara. Oestara is the Goddess of Fertility. For this holiday we picture the goddess in her Maiden form. Ostara is the time when witches celebrate the balance of the seasons and the passage of nigh into day. The Goddess blankets the Earth with fertility, bursting forth from her sleep, as the God stretches and grows to maturity. He walks the greening fields and delights in the abundance of Nature. On Ostara the hours of day and night are equal. Light is overtaking darkness. This is a time for beginnings, of action, or planting spells for future gains, and of tending ritual gardens.
As spring reaches its midpoint, night and day stand in perfect balance, with light on the increase. The young Sun God now celebrates a hierogamy (sacred marriage) with the young Maiden Goddess, who conceives. In nine months, she will again become the Great Mother. It is a time of great fertility, new growth, and newborn animals. The next full moon (a time of increased births) is called the Ostara and is sacred to Eostre the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility (from whence we get the word estrogen, whose two symbols were the egg and the rabbit. Although Ostara is a festival of fertility, however, unlike Beltaine, it is not a festival of human and animal fertility, but of the fertility of the earth.

Other Names: Eostre (OHS-truh or EST-truh), spring equinox.

Good morning, my dear banana muffin. Are you well today?

Hello my friend.. I am a bit anxious and ouchy.. but fine otherwise... you?

Hi banana muffin! Which made me hungry. Off to find breakfast. : ) Oh, I like the picture and explanation of Ostara.

LOL me too.. but lunch!

I am in the process of reading both

26. The Fey by Claudia Hall Christian
Which has grown on me a bit.

27.If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: Comings and Goings in Small-Town Alaska by Heather Lende

and will hopefully be finished with both tonight..

Lovely new thread, Kath! I'm settling in for a day of basketball and crochet, with maybe a little reading thrown in. Hope you have a quiet and peaceful day.

Am ~meh~ today with the cool-down causing aches and pains. I was angling for a full ankle report without wanting to come across as hectoring. :-)

Hi Kath, thanks for the info on Ostara. I like the idea of new beginnings.

Re Hospice on your last thread. I'm pretty sure it is covered under Medicare...at least here in Missouri. Wonderful organization that offers support for both patient and family.

Hi Kath- Just swinging through to say hi! I like the new thread. Colorful & spring-like.

As a "housewarming" gift..i bring you this link. I know you have a fondness for Guiness, and beer bread:

http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-cheddar-guinness-beer-bread-166877

Hospice care is covered under Medicare...and thank god for that. They paid for my Dad's hospital bed and all of the other equipment...and most of the doctor bills. His insurance from Firestone was a pitiful joke, otherwise....

Thank you all for coming. . . It is a nice way to warm up a new thread :)

roni, I hope you have a peaceful day of doing what you plan :) and dinner out!

rdear.. sorry.. Sue ( P.A) who is a marvel and I love her madly... says .. she thinks it might
be a torn ligament. She sent me for Xrays, which she hopes will be ready by the end of the day. She referred me to a ortho office. .but the their ankle person now works in Pittsburgh... I called to ask for some
other rec. The Aleve and Iburpfen I have been taking for pain.. do not work. She asked me why I keep taking them, and how is my stomach. Good question I replied, and not good at all. She offered me vicodin and I declined.. can't take it. She gave me a "Sample" of 60 600 mg ibuprfen. She said only take it with food and stop taking it after a few days or less if it doesn't work.
Good plan because my stomach is in a bad way... alka seltzer and pepto are my recent forms of snack.
So that is all I know. I am trying to stay off of it, but need some laundry done and some tidying up ..
almost done now, though.

thats all I got.

Hi Donna.. welcome! I wanted to spice things up for spring :)
and thank you, and you too, jude for the hospice info. It is much appreciated.
I will let debbie know...

Jude.. thank you so much for the link.. I will exolore..

Hi Mark! thank you :)

I will try to catch up with all y'all later.. when I feel a bit better :P

hugs

Ugh going into PGH is clearly right out. What did she say about the idea of a support bandage? Was this discussed at all? And why on earth is a higher dosage of something that's not working going to help?

Understand about the vicodin, but perhaps oxycontin? It works less well for me than vicodin does, but that's because I respond best to acetaminophen, the base for vicodin.

Cannot take it. I tend to suffer the pain rather then endure the side effects
of those pills.. so.. I have an appointment on the 27th of March, in Hopewell. It is at 8 am. I can Hopewell.. It is between here and the airport.

Support Bandage will probably not do much to help, but if I use one, take it off 3 times during the day
to prevent swelling ?dunno.

Feeling punk in so many ways right now :(

and waiting for frikkin' comcast. GAH! due to internet issues. . .

thanks to Rdear for asking the question I've been longing to ask...so sorry, Kath, that the ankle was well and truly injured.

Comcast must be the original company from Hell. Hoping I never move to where it's my only option...I have little patience with incompetence of any sort, but particularly with technical "support" that doesn't.

Love and soft hugs to you, Dear Girl.

I trashed my right ankle, when i was in college...Modern Dance class, i didn't do my warm ups...my tendons/ligaments were toast...my foot dangled like a lost puppet

Back then...1970...there was no Sports Medicine..i was put on a "light"cast...and many pain meds

My right ankle hurts when the weather turns cold...if i'm stressed...if i look at it funny

You do what you must...don't take the meds that trash your stomach (GAK)

A pressure bandage might help (but, what the fuck do i know)...i hate to see women, of our age, suffer so

i'm outta here

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Ouchie!! Arnica, taken either internally or external rub might help.

Arnica rub sounds like just the ticket!

Hi Kath, thats one beauty of a floating tree up there!?! How do you get them to do that? I think it might look good "on" my front lawn :)
Bad ankle. Try everything to get it better but I suspect the biggest thing would be R E S T .....you've heard of that I suspect but probably are too busy doing stuff for everyone else to do it! (yes, that was a kind telling off)
Take care, and good luck on finishing your 2 books by tonight.

Hello again, Love. Try to take it easy...let someone else pick up a bit of slack--or here's a stunner I've done maybe twice in 63 (yikes!) years: just don't do it. Of course, I don't manage to heed that advice well either.

Rest up, Kath. We love you here.

Hey there,
Good on you for finally getting that ankle checked out.
I hope you get some relief from the ibuprofen she gave you.
Did she happen to mention keeping weight off the ankle?
keeping your foot up?
giving it a rest and opportunity to heal? Just askin'

Went shopping with a friend - all day today! Bought very little, but had a great time. Did me some good :)

Hope you feel better. @--,--'--

Congrats on the new and supercharged thread Kath. Hugs to you for Walter and your ankle.

Kath, the 27th sounds like a long wait when you're in pain. I hope something helps in the meantime. Take it easy!

Oh, Kath, so sorry the ankle is continuing to give you problems. The 27th seems like a long way off, so Dr. Lynda prescribes staying off of it as much as possible and elevate. Read two books and call me in the morning if pain persists.
Seriously, hope you'll feel better soon.

Stopping by to say hi! Oh, I hope your ankle feels better very quickly! Take it easy! I hope it's not a torn ligament. hugs!

Broke my foot and wrist at the same time a couple of years ago. I still use heat on that wrist off and on... I have a wee idea of your pain. So sorry!

So sorry to hear that your ankle is taking so long to heal. Take care of yourself, put your feet up and read a book or two. {{{Hugs}}}

Hi Gail.. Comcast is the devil. I had two guys, one a supervisor, here yesterday.
Of course it was during the 30 minutes time when my download was higher than
5 -7 mbps it was actually zooming at 12 or so. I should be getting at least 16 on
my "tier". At first they seemed to think that was fine. I pointed out .. sternly, and glaring
over my spectacles why it was not. It is not fixed. It is not diagnosed. And as hard as they tried,
they could not blame my router or my modem. ARGH. Someone else coming out, they say. A
maintenance team to look at it from outside. After they left and we ate dinner ( stuffed pork chops)
it was back to 5-6.

Hi Jude... ya do what ya gotta do for sure... I am fine.. just hurting. I know what you mean about
old injuries coming back to haunt. Both of my ankles are painful in certain conditions.. as I have
injured them both multiple times. Being a klutz has consequences.

Arnica is a great idea, thank you for the reminder, Berly. My pellets are nearly gone though.
I should run over and try to get some and the salve later... nice to see you here :)

rd.. the 600 mg ibuprofen did help the back and neck and knee pain..
all directly related .. I took it with a hearty meal. But I agree about the arnica :)

Megan.. lol again! you are like sweet fresh air !
Telling off well done :)

Gail.. excellent advice! I am as good at following it as you are :) but it is very good advice.
Yesterday, I did as much as I could as early as I could.. then did nothing! Then I went to bed and
having taken 2 sleeping pills, slept through till after 7

Cee... I am so glad that you had a nice ay out with a friend :)
That can be nice, I agree. And to be able to do it on a construction
day made twice as nice!! I really had to go and do something..
The pain had stayed fairly steady for a while but has really played up the last few days.
It was so bad I was dragging my leg and moving around by hanging onto furniture.
pretty pathetic ! lol The xray shows no fracture...

Paul, what a loyal visitor.. thank you. I have no idea where your thread has
gotten to, I am so far behind..I do think of you and will catch up as soon as I can.

Terri.. I know .. it does. But You know how these things are. I expect that
by the 25th it will be completely healed. Like taking a sick kid to the doctor and having
them be perfectly fine while there :)

Lynda ... good Rx! I did almost all of that ! Thank you

Deb OUCH! terrible.. that must have been a real devil to deal with?
I imagine that it does still come back to haunt you a bit..

calm I did finish one! I did not quite finish the other. Just a few pages left, but
I fell asleep :)

26. The Fey was pretty good, actually. One has to suspend belief of course..
which is so easy to do with a fantasy, but not so much with a realistic story..
at least for me. I get annoyed when someone is being dropped off of
cliffs and out of planes and into volcanoes and pops up cheerfully with a beer
and a band aid. I would give it a 2.5 nook

Walter is continuing to fade each day...
Sadly he is also experiencing pain and discomfort.
:(

Hey Kath - why is it we are all so good at giving advice but so bad at following it? :P
I am not good at pacing myself either... but...
does it not make sense to do things a little at a time
with rest periods in between?
If you try to get everything done so you can sit down and rest,
you *know* something else will come up while you are trying to rest that ankle.
You're gonna have a really hard time getting old when you are forced to slow down.
Yes, yes. Sadly you are pathetic! ;-)
I hold out hope for you though...

LOL Cee

I wish Walter comfort and ease. You, OTOH, clearly need to suffer (in your own opinion). So I leave you to it.

Comcast *charges* for 16mbps download speeds?!? I'd be HYSTERICAL if my rate dropped below 50mbps on a regular basis! Yea verily they are Satan and I shall put in a form requesting a Corporate Smiting.

Hi Kath. Just swinging by to see your new thread. Nothing interesting to say (but I'll work on that!).

Yes, it was an " ouch!" I nearly gnawed my cast of my wrist in the 6 weeks that it was on! Drove me mad! They put the cast on too tightly -and I had to go back and get it readjusted about ???? 6 times! I fell on the back of hand , rather than the palm of it, so yeah, it was kinda gibbled looking! My foot hurt so much less, that at the hospital, it was them that said - hey- you are limping - let's x -ray your foot. So I had cast on my left wrist and a boot cast on my right foot. People asked - oh ! Skiing accident? Car accident. Blush - slipped and fell in the foyer of our house. .... LOL!

Hello, Kath! Happy St. Pat's Day tomorrow!

Adding a wish for a good green day tomorrow.

In a fit of contrariness, I decided that crabmeat salad rolls would be a good dinner for March 17th.

Hi Terri! Long time no see :)

Gail.. I was thinking of breaded butterfly shrimp?
Not sure.. it depends on what the day holds. It
has been unpredictable here lately.

I tried cooking corned beef once... last year. it is the only thing I have
ever cooked that Dan said he hated. I didn't like it much either, so I
will never make it again :PP I might be in and out tomorrow.. or not.. time will tell..
but I am happy to see you :)

Growing up, we always had corned beef brisket and cabbage on Mar 17. I've never cooked it but I should. I miss it.

Take care of that ankle while you're in and out - but I know that's easier said than done. It seems as if your days are falling into the "when it rains it pours" category. I hope the sun shines for you soon, Kath.

Joanne :)I am trying to ignore the rain / pours feeling.. lol
Instead of taking it a day at a time, I sort of feel like I am
taking it an hour at a time.

Walter is losing ground. No longer eating, body not functioning
normally.. can't speak clearly...in pain. They keep telling Debbie that
his vitals are great. This is perplexing. Great for someone whose heart
is barely beating? They are starting him on morphine for pain... he has
an intestinal blockage of some kind now. My heart is breaking for him, he is suffering so much..

I am sort of on call for kim today.. she may go to see Walter..
he doesn't want her to. He only wants Debbie. Kim may go and do some clothes shopping..
she has no shoes that fit......

On the lighter side.. having finished The Fey I am working on
If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: Comings and Goings in Small-Town Alaska by Heather Lende .
It is story Haines, Alaska. You can only get there by air or water. Heather Lende writes the obituaries and
a little about the town sort of column for the local paper. She writes of the unusual and interesting
people who have decided to make Haines their home. The stories of how they make
a living, or manage emergencies are intriguing. Cee I think this is one for you..
I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. I chose it because it was non-fiction, about Alaska..
which I have always wanted to visit.. and it looked like a light read, which it is. But it reminds me of
reading The Tide... small towns like this call to me in a way that is impossible to explain. I do not
think I could live in Haines... but I admire the people who do. I will finish it today... check it out..
I think that there are a few folks here besides me ( and Cee ) who will like it .

Off to baby sit in a few.. I think?

Cute pics! Oliver has such a strong family resemblence to you!
Owen is getting a noticable personality :)

Thanks for the rec above - sounds good!
Have a fun day...

So I babysat for awhile this morning so Kim could get out..
and did the usual Aunt Katie things..

When I was leaving, I told Oliver.. "come here, I need a squeeze" he said "why? are you a lemon"
I said "you tell me" He said.. " you must be if you need a squeeze! You must be full of juice!"

Kim had never said that to him.. he just came up with it .. he is one hilarious kid :)

Thanks Cee.. I do love the beasties..

Heartbreaking post about Walter, Kath.....prayers and hugs to you all from across the oceans. Pray that Walter is as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.

thank you Paul...

Sad about Walter, delighted you got some baby time!

The babies are day brighteners, aren't they? And Cee is right, Oliver does resemble you; trust Cee to notice such.

I'm so sorry about Walter; usually refusing to eat is not good...

babies are a great antidote to the sadness of suffering. I hope Walter can be made comfortable, are they sorting his meds out? Why cant they make him pain free?

Great pictures, go give them a squeeze, and make you forget your troubles!

The Pennsylvania Board of Medicine has announced two Beaver County medical personnel had their licenses suspended in January.

Richard Albert Schollaert, a geriatrician and doctor of internal medicine, of Ambridge had his license suspended for five years because the agency said he "failed to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of addiction to alcohol."

Colleen L. Fedell, a nurse from Aliquippa, had her license suspended for three years, but the board decided to stay the suspension in favor of probation. The agency said Fedell's sanction was based on her dependence on alcohol or drugs.

http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/state-board-suspends-licenses-for-two...

Richard Albert Schollaert was my mom's doctor. He found a lump in her breast and didn't tell her. He only said that she should have a mammogram ...which she cancelled 3 times due to dealing with her own mothers serious illness and death.

He is Walter's doctor... and he misdiagnosed him with both Lupus and Diabetes a few year ago..
He prescribed meds that had some serious side effects.. finally after more than a year, Debbie talked him into seeing a specialist for Lupus... who said.. ummmm, no. No Lupus. Finally .. he was recently told that he did not have diabetes either .. after years of being afraid to eat his usual ( very very healthy) diet. This is apparently why Dr Fuchs ..Schollaert's associate refused to have anything to do with Walter or admit him..

Can you hear my fury??

And Walter would not change doctors because he trusted Schollaert ...... goddess alone knows why..

Crap. That's awful, Kath. I'm giving you a long distance hug. Wish I could do more. Unbelievable.

Thanks Joe...

Wow Kath - this Schollaert really is a piece of work - looks like you have a cause of action against him but it doesn't bring back loved ones or make Walter ok. btw "Fuchs" is an appropriate name for his associate.

Oh my word. Kath, sometimes your life is just...awful.

{{{Kath}}} and a smooch

{{{Walter}}} even though it would probably make him mad.

Serious suckage. I'm limbering up my whammy muscles.

O
M
G
Kath, that is so hard to take! It is just not fair. Haw dare that "doctor" take lives in his hands so frivolously. You cant go back in time, which in this case sucks.

Hi Paul...I think there will be a lawsuit or many.. or a class action or something?
I honestly don't know.

Gail.. yeah, there have been some moments over the last half century... more than my share
I sometimes thing.. the think us I was not the least bit surprised .. aside from a small amount of surprise that any official steps were taken. More stories... Hugs back at ya! and if were a year ago Walter would not get mad.. embarrassed maybe? But he would hug back.

srsly rd.. thank you :)

I know, Megan.. but this is not the only doctor who is so careless, ( or alcoholic).. not even the only one I know. One of my good friends in High School ad a father who was a doctor. Lets just say that you see a lot from the inside of someones home... I worked for different doctors over many years... so

Anyway..

I have finished book number:

27.If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: Comings and Goings in Small-Town Alaska by Heather Lende
and it was a 4.25 star read. I don't know what more I can say that I haven't already...and I don't
plan on writing a review. It's a wonderful book about a fairy tale like place. Remember, fairy tales have
some very scary moments~ and some of the most amazing and quirkiest people imaginable. I do
recommend it for almost everyone. I will read it a gain.

I have moved on to a political-ish thriller Oath of Office, which was sent my way by the author.
I like his books well enough, and I guess I must have reviewed one or two? Anyway.. it is pretty good.

I don't know what today will bring... but will hope for the best.

What are you all up to ?

{{{Hugs}}} Kath so sorry to hear of more troubles. Hope Walter can be as pain free as possible. Take care of yourself.

The scariest thing about Scholleart ... he was a geriatrician. These older people
depend on and believe in their doctors to a frightening degree. Like Walter. He
believed everything the man said to him, despite all evidence to the contrary.
He is far from the only one.. I expect that there will be a huge backlash here..
I will keep you posted.

Walter had a better day yesterday than the day before... in some ways.
They have so far, refused to give him morphine, just steroids.. he has
been in considerable pain.. but they say not yet :( I wonder what they
are waiting for?

Well.. today is kid call day!
I already know that Amy did a half marathon yesterday..
Cory bought a couch.. and Craig was busy doing sound work
for a body building show.. Adam is the only one who had an ordinary day yesterday :)

Morning Kath- Thanks for posting the kid pix! They are cuties. I hope you guys are enjoying the warm weather like we are. This is amazing.

Oh, Kath. This is terrible about Walter's doctor!
No profession is exempt from a$$holes - very unfortunately.
Patients of Walter's generation *do* trust their docs fanatically. They do what they are told and don't ask questions. It's heartbreaking when doctors take advantage of this. It is important to find someone you trust - but it's also critical to make sure they deserve that trust.

Poor Walter... to have gotten involved with a jerk. Who is caring for him now? Any chance for better treatment to help him be comfortable in his last days? I'm so sorry this is all so hard for everyone. Thinking of you and hoping for some comfort for you.

Cee... this explains why Scholleart was unavailable to him when he was last
taken to the hospital... Fuchs is one of the doctors who visit the rehab where he
is now.. but Debbie banned him. ( good) I have no idea who the doctor is that is
caring for him now.. but Debbie can't get him to talk to her. He has only seen Walter 1-2 times as far as she can find out.. and will not call. She has not been able to see him, because his hours are random..
it just goes on..

I'm totally not surprised but saddened about Walter's doc.
I've found that many seniors do not like change and to start over with a new doctor is a major life change for them.
My MIL's geriatric doc told us a year ago she'd be driving again in a year. Duh, she can't even find her way to the dining room in assisted living by herself.
Perhaps they just say what the patient wants to hear.
*shudder*

Hugs to you, walter and your family, what a very tough time of it you are all having.

BTW: I've wishlisted If you lived here, I'd know your name it sounds very Northern Exposureish. A show which I loved so much.

Wishing you a peaceful day,

Good lord, Kath. How many lives has this dreadful doctor ruined? So many older people treat their docs like gods, someone who cannot be questioned and is always right. Even my mom, who was an RN and a hospital floor nurse for decades, had a difficult time confronting her own docs.

Smile inducing kiddo pics - thanks!

If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name is a book I've checked out from the library but never read. Sounds good!

That is awful news, not about the doctor, but the patients whose lives he adversely affected. As Claudia and Lynda said, many older people will stick with a doctor even though they don't like or trust him, often times to their detriment. My parents' best friend was one of those, unfortunately. My parents, his children, and myself tried to encourage him to switch to someone else, particularly my parents' GP, who we all like, but he steadfastly refused while complaining about him. That SOB ignored his early signs of dementia, which all of us could see, until it was too late.

BTW, is there a public web site for consumers to obtain information about medical providers in Pennsylvania? Georgia residents can access the Composite Medical Board web site, and obtain background information about physicians and other health professionals, free of charge. You can find out if a doctor has been sued, been convicted of any felonies, lost a malpractice suit, or had his hospital or other privileges revoked.

:) I loved that show, too! It wasn't on nearly long enough...
I can just see the moose.. lol

Oh dear. I don't think I can bear to read If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name. And you reviewed books by Oath of Office writer where? On the 'zon? Can't find 'em....

I know how Debbie feels. I hope there's a special hell for medical professionals who just *don't* call back families. A day later, even, is better than simply *not* calling.

ok - just bought on my Kindle $1.79
If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska

I may need a reminder to read it in a couple weeks. All "booked" up for a bit ;-)

I said maybe (I think )... I didn't look, couldn't remember and frankly don't care.
Maybe he is someone who follows me on twitter ? I get authors there, too..
I have read a couple of his, though..

sorry... kinda grumpy today

You have a right to be grumpy! Good grief! What a jerk! Shame they didn't pull his license earlier. Poor Walter.

Difficulties with doctors are so awful . . . sometimes when there's an issue it's even hard to get another doctor, as other doctors don't want to get involved. This was our experience with my mom's doc when we tried to get him off her case.

Doctors who refuse to communicate . . . grrr!

Hugs to you, Kath!

CEE! I missed your post somehow... must have xposted or something .. sorry...
I hope you do read it sometime.. it ws wonderful, and I know you will enjoy it..

Thanks Terri... just have to move on...

If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name sounds like a good one, Kath. Onto the tbr it goes.

Your thread's just chugging along, Kath. Just managed to catch up ... so much I missed in just 2 days!

Hope the week ahead is better for you.

Wow, Kath. I finally get caught up and I'm so upset for all that you have been experiencing! There aren't enough hugs for you.

I know that the longer that I am involved in healthcare the more disgusted and shocked I am by it. It seems that there are more and more people that want the paycheck and less that want to help.

Oh Kath, What can I say other than my heart goes out to you. YOu are a saint...A true saint!

Thanks caro... it is getting to the point where nothing surprises me at all.. nothing.
Carrie .. yeah... that is what I have seen from working in medical situations over the years... and why I got out.. Caring .. when it is your job.. should not be just for a paycheck.
Linda.. Saint? not so much.. I would like to sue him and shout in his face and well.. lash out at anyone who gets into my path....and watch Marty disappear in a puff of green smoke.. and .. well, maybe I need a Guinness.......

Cee, Thanks! so glad you posted the info about If you lived here etc etc on Kindle. After I read your post I grabbed my Kindle and also purchased it for $1.79. The only thing is, no moose on the cover :0(

Sorry Lynda... I should have posted that it was a nook book :( and of course available on kindle..

Good morning! I have to go to the mall with Dan this morning. *shudder*
whatcha all up to ?

I tried posting here earlier and wound up thrown off the internet. :(

I'll just say "good morning" this time, Kath, and leave it at that!

GAK! Terri, do you have Comcast?? I hate when that happens.
good morning to you :)

28. Oath of Office 3.5 nook

Fairly typical of this author.. medical /political thriller.
I nearly quit reading in the middle..there was a considerable ick factor.

Next up is Green Grow the Rushes also a nook read. The title drew me in,
that and the thought of a Scottish county home. Pure fluff.

I love the image of Marty disappearing into a puff of green smoke. As mentioned many times, Will's cousin Brian is truly the most arrogant, self absorbed, nasty, scum walking the face of the earth.

Oh, what is happening to me? I used to be so nice and turn the other check, but I'm getting worn down by being nice to those who are incredibly cruel to me.

I simply refuse to have him in the house when I'm there. I've made that very plain to Will. This jerk has caused many, many problems between Will and I and I'm at the breaking point.

Can Marty and Brian go up in the puff of smoke together...but, can it be a slow, slow burn?

Keeping karma in mind... maybe green smoke in a flash of warm light? Together of course :)
Dan has to go to a meeting tomorrow to make a treatment plan for her. I keep reminding him
that coming here is not an option. I am not invited to the meeting.. we shall see what happens..

*snort* Too nice by half, both of you. *gets out nastywhammy cauldron*

One fatal crash each, comin' up!

Ah... good (?) morning...
please don't hit me :(
Just coming to see how things are.
so.... be back later when the smoke dissipates :}

Big bear hug for everyone!

....or, you could tell Dan if she comes in the front door, you're going out the back...trouble is, you'd have to actually Leave for a while, and let him figure out her care, especially if he has to work......Oh well!

Big Hug and maintain....

Kath, I am so appalled by the conduct you describe that doctor demonstrating..... As if all you are going through is not enough, to have a doctor you truly don't feel you can trust. Not good.

And yes, there is karma, but I wonder if there is a way to report him (Darryl's post above)? --- finding a lump and not telling the woman who owns the breast in which the lump exists --- NOT acceptable!!!

*steps down off soapbox*

Joining others in sending you big hugs -----

Sending you love this afternoon. Surely even Dan wouldn't consider Marty in your house as an option?

I know what you mean about shuddering at going to the mall with Dan. Much as I love Dh, going to the mall with him makes me want to run, screaming, in the other direction. Or throw up. Urgggg....

Hope it went better than expected.

Every time i go to the Mall, i get a migraine...that's the only time i get a migraine..i avoid the Mall

;-)

Hugs to Gail, Cee, Ellen, jude and rd. hugs
Thanks for keeping me buoyed up :)
rant over.

I hope you soon start to feel as buoyed up as this little fella, Kath.

All crossables are crossed that Dan will return from the meeting with a solution that will work for everyone without adding any strain on you.

Checking in. Hang in there!

I didn't realize If You Lived Here was available as a $1.99 nookbook. I've added it to the blackhole that is my nook.

Caro... I love that! I have a small collection of elephants if various materials and poses..
because I adore elephants. I would love to meet one up close and personal one day. :)

Joanne, sorry.. I have not been doing a good job at anything lately.. sorry I didn't mention it,
but glad to know that you picked it up and that your nook is a black hole too :)

Nothing much to say. They told Debbie yesterday that Walter's heart is barely working.
She continues to insist on being the only one there, that he even gets upset when nurses
or "his family" come in. He wants her. so...He doesn't even want Kim or Bobby

A lot has gone on, he is hallucinating and making middle of the night phone calls to Kim
and to Deb.. she won't let them take his phone at night. I am much more on the outside looking in
than otherwise with this ...

Today is a phone conference with Marty's social worker. I cannot wait until that is over.
It is on the phone as there is a flu epidemic at the rehab. It is to figure out where she will go from there.
Not here.

READING? I am reading Green Grow the Rushes on nook. The best work I can use to describe
it so far is relentless. It does seem to go on and on. I am not terribly interested in any of the characters
and the story is sometimes grim, but I carry on reading. I don't hate it. I don't like it either, but it
is something to keep my mind busy :) I am trying to be relentless right back, and stay off my ankle as
much as I can.

Whatcha all doing?

Doing? Listening to saws, screwer things (power screwdrivers?), banging, etc.
Subflooring and tile getting done today... will continue for a couple days. :P

Happy Spring!

I've got a Kindle mystery going that I feel much the same way about: The DVD Murders. Pacing problems, structure troubles, I'm keeping on because I'm too stubborn not to when I don't actively *dislike* something.

I remind myself that, had I picked up Still Life on first release, I'd've never picked up another Louise Penny ever. It's working.

Gardening. Reading. Figuring out my book stuff. Trying not to get impatient with the Old Man.

And enjoying a beautiful spring day.

Should I add Green Grow the Rushes? I've already added the Alaska book. To my nook, I mean.

{{{Kath}}}and a warm blueberry muffin.

That's true for me too, rd.. with Still Life and Penny..
goes to show.

Gail Xposted !

.. I say avoid that one? or at least go and read the synopsis twice.

mmmm just what I needed.. I waited for Dan to get up and finish his call to make
anything to eat.. He wants grilled cheese. I cannot eat another one of those..

Thanks for coming by :)

I wonder what would happen if you just went for a walk and weren't there when they decided to "let you know"..... hmph. Not really suggesting it, just sayin'.

Okay, so am I getting this right from you and Richard? ---- if I've read Still Life by Louise Penny (which I have) and I thought it was okay but not earth-shattering (which I did), that I should still read the second in the series because it gets better. Is that what you're saying? :-)

>97 EBT1002: That is, in the shell of a nut, precisely what we are saying. I would *never* have picked up the second Three Pines book if it had not already been right there in my face, had I only read Still life.

The third book is **outstanding** and the fifth is a vicious boot in the face of her devoted readers.

>98 richardderus: Thanks, dear richard. I'll give the second one a chance, then. Nice shell.

Poof....Does this help?

Oh My Dear Kath, you have had way too many stresses.

Ellen.. I guess the pain is just making me even grumpier than usual..
I was beckoned, just after I made half a sandwich to go with my muffin..
I went.. took Deb to West Hills and went in to visit.
They had given him meds shortly before and he was more sound asleep than she had
seen him in weeks, Deb said. I stayed half an hour, the nurse said he would sleep for
a couple of hours.. so I gave up. I didn't want to wake him from a quiet and sound sleep..
so.. I came home. OH! and don't listen to RD about book five.. he takes that one very
personally. EACH and every Three Pines book is better than the last one, I promise.

Walter looks so thin and terrible :(
I can hardly bear to look at him.
So sad.

Linda.. boy, her powers would come in handy today :)
So far there will be no Marty in my home .. We are looking into
one of the seats that go up and down stairs.. what are the blasted things called?
I am also going to ask around about selling her house.. just for fun. She needs
to get into a single apartment for the elderly.. round here we call them The Towers..

OF COURSE I take book 5 personally! I dislike being stomped and kicked and eviscerated and acidified!

So, I was sitting in my chair eating dinner ( in the living room) and felt a quick chill.
Then I realized that the ceiling fan was on. hmmm I had not turned it on..
So I turned it off, and a few minutes later Dan called. Still in my chair, I answered.
Spoke. Hung up. two minutes later the phone rang again.. I couldn't find the phone.... so I
took off for the kitchen to get the phone from there. I spoke to Debbie, and then went in search of
the living room phone. It was on the kitchen counter. Someone is messing with me..
( no, not Walter... I called to check )

Wonder who it was? My mom? She has turned on lights.. and shut cupboard doors.
hmmm

Seats that go up and down stairs are called "chair lifts".
We have one :} It's acting up today. :P
But they are generally great!
(Not much is working right today.)

"...no, not Walter... I called to check ..."
LOL!

Well, ya never know! :P

Perhaps a friendly spririt trying to keep your mind of not-to-be-helped situations?

Got a mad on at Dh for no really good reason. I hate that.

So, Kath, I've been pulling together my records for taxes and going to see my tax person today.

This relentless dumping on you has to stop. It's just unbelievable. I continue to hope things will improve Kath. They just have to.

Gail, that is what I though.. but I couldn't "feel" who? Oh well..

Roni.. I am glad to say that ours are done! yay! One thing out of the way

Bonnie.. yeah.. from your lips etc...

I made arrangements yesterday to have my beloved tree removed. My Japanese Dwarf Maple
that I love so much, that we planted years ago.. that was attacked by Ash Borers last year..
has to go. If we do not get it out of here they could go to other trees, and I don't want that
either. So.. next week I think. They will take it down and away and make me very sad.

I will replace it soon.. probably in the fall.. maybe with a Redbud? Maybe with another
dwarf tree of some kind.. I don't know yet. I love that tree . I know this sounds crazy, but it is in a
direct line from where I park my car. I have never had to duck under it. It has always grown in
such a way that I can just walk under it, even though the branches are lower on other parts of the tree. I have always thought that it grew that way for me. I know it sounds crazy, but I will mourn that tree as one would a friend.

I finished the book!

29. Green Grow The Rushes by Harriet Smart 3 stars

This was a good solid read. A family saga about a family that suffered more than its share of
tragedy. It took place in the early 1900's, and there was a bit about women's suffrage involved.
The ending pleased me.. and even though I feel that it was over long, it was a somewhat satisfying
read.

Oh dear Kath, with Marty and Walter going through all this stuff, you and your family have got to be drained.

"...no, not Walter... I called to check ..."
It's true you never know. My mom was cleaning the house while her mom was in hospital. While dusting she broke a figurine she rec'd from her mom. Moments later she got the call from hospital.

Sending cyber hugs your way and hope all meetings go your way.

Sooo sorry to learn that the Japanese Maple is so sick. You've made a difficult but wise decision.
cute how it grew with you in mind

As painful as it is, getting the ash borers away from other trees is good.

All for a redbud! Such beautiful spring color.

I know.. and the nursery I plan to use has some that they they grow..
so they are good and ready for our climate, and will feel right at home :)
We shall see.

I also want to put a Wisteria.. somewhere. I am thinking down by the garage.

I don't suggest it, unless you don't like the garage and want to bury it under a terrifying Little-Shop-of-Horrors-esque plant from Hell. And if you do plant a wisteria somewhere, be sure to buy a machete and make a daily trip to the roots to whack away at them. You won't kill it by doing that. After the Inevitable End, the world will have kudzu, wisteria, and roaches as its entire biomass.

LOL... I thought I remembered that you hate them...

( that is partly why I posted that )

so my daily bitching.. yesterday Deb told me that she has an appointment to
discuss arrangements for after Walter passes. I suggested a particular place,
which is very nice, and less expensive than the one his family typically likes to use.
She spoke to both. They both have exactly the same services. One single difference..
Anyway. She made an appointment at the more expensive place
( she has very limited funds to work with.. VERY limited) .... for 10 am today.
I asked if she wants me to go along. She said she would let me know ( of course )
So this morning I didn't give it a thought.. nothing on my calendar .. -------->took my diuretic
then as usual.. drank 2 cups of coffee and she called. Will you go with me? Will you drive? AARRGGHH!

I know she is going through a hard time, but JMJ on a donut.. can't you give
me a heads up just once? Once???? I know. I am being a bitch. :(
I am not doing anything else.. but it makes me crazy.

nope, not being a bitch at all. The reason I have a very small group of close friends is because I now choose very healthy, unselfish, people who are considerate. Sound like Deb was not being considerate of you or your time. Perhaps she is a nice person, but still, this behavior isn't considerate.

Well, she has now decided that we will go directly up to Walter....
( he slept the entire day yesterday... aside form 2 hours in the morning)
so.. see y'all later...

Noooo...noooo. Oh, poor tree. I was afraid it would not recover - but... was hoping anyway.
You will love a new one too.
We had to cut down a huge, beautiful oak last year that was way too close to the house for comfort.
We have a lot of heavy wind around here - so.... *sob*

I think I will replace it with something smaller but haven't decided yet. Too many other things going on.

Nothing is worse than trying to run around town and you have to go every 5 minutes (or whatever).
Perhaps you could put a diuretic in Deb's coffee sometime...
oh, look... I'm getting nasty. :p I didn't really mean it.
Poor Deb. I'm sure she is a wreck. Perhaps her own worse enemy too.

Good wishes for a decent day :)

Could you please package up some ash borers so that I may release them on the *!^%$*^%^)%*(^%% sweet gum tree next to our garage? I hate that spiny-ball-raining thing with a passion.

Kath, it's sad to lose a tree but you certainly don't want a diseased tree infecting the others. You won't regret going that extra mile for Deb. it's hard to think of anyone else when one is in that horrible situation. Your entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe I should include your trees?

I agree. The tree loss is sad. It is necessary. We gave it all of last summer to get well,
but I knew in my heart it wouldn't . So..

Walter looks and no doubt feels .......I don't think there is a word.
He can no longer take his meds by mouth. Or water. They waited until Debbie
got there to ask for an IV to be ordered. As it happened, Dan and I went up and
Deb and Bob came after. I tried to talk to him, and tell him that it was okay to
stop fighting so hard, and go on to where he wouldn't hurt any more. I told him I
how much he is loved...

I left. The only thing he said in the 2 hours I was there is Leave Me Alone. I think
he just hates it when there is a room full of people.. so a while after Deb and Bob came in,
We left. Once they start the IV.. ( not yet ) ..

I don't ever wish anyone would just die.. but I do wish for him to move on..
He is covered in a horrible itchy rash, and that is the least of it. I want him to
sleep away.

I went with Debbie to find out about arrangements today. We have most of that
sorted. Debbie feels better now.. so..

So.. now it is just waiting until he runs out of strength.

It's okay.. I know you have my back here.. this has gone on for so long,
you don't have to keep saying it.. I know.. and appreciate your friendship..
So no commiseration for me needed.. but if you feel so inclined.. spare a thought to
giving him the strength he needs to let go.

Okay then..

So I got home and Duncan had had diarrhea. yep. really?

I took him out right before I left, but.. so now, of course I am
worried about that. so.......

I am hoping that I am able to pick up a book at some point today..
but who knows..

Kath, I'm sorry to hear that thngs are so...unrelenting for you. I wish peace for Walter. I know my mother died too fast and my father lingered way too long. Never a good time, I guess.

I know the loss of a good tree can be heartbreaking. Trees out here on the plains don't seem to live very long. It's not really the right climate for trees.

LOL to Richard's wisteria advise.

((hugs)) and good thoughts to you!

Just loving thoughts to you and godspeed to Walter.

There is an American wisteria that isn't so invasive...not sure what the Latin name is, though.

Kath - we each have our own way to go and Walter is finding his in his way I guess. You so vividly recreated the scene at his bedside that the hairs on my arms were standing to attention. Will echo Gail and wish Walter God speed and you and yours every comfort.

Not great on trees - had some lovely larch trees in our garden when I was a boy and two laburnams which blossomed beautifully. They also produce seeds in little copter type pods which are quite poisonous and I remember catching my younger sister happily making a meal of them. She had her stomach pumped and the trees seemed unmoved.

I'll join in wishing Walter godspeed and for comfort for your family, Kath. It's just tough as the end approaches, and I understand the desire for him to stop suffering.

Hi Kath,
How difficult things are for you still. I hope Walther can be made comfortable and you can have just one (more?) pleasant time sitting with him. I can understand his not liking the room full of visitors. You were nice to vacate when you could see that he wasnt comfortable with everyone there.

I have wishlisted If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name, but as my library doesnt have it, Im not sure Ill get to it any time soon.

I understand him not wanting a room full of people. That's why I left.
He only spoke the once. Bob had touched his poor sore foot..
His circulation is bad, his feet are very bad..

When I told him how much we all loved him and were
so glad he was in our lives... he patted his heart. That worked for me.. it looked
so deliberate. I kissed him and told him to take the first star to the left.. and straight on
till morning.. and he would feel strong, and good again. I asked him to let me know when he is home safe.

Megan.. I would sooner he slept away tonight. It is too much to ask him to stay.. better he go on to
the next thing and breath in the sweet breezes he finds there. I know he will be around... in our hearts
and memories.. and more..

but if you feel so inclined.. spare a thought to
giving him the strength he needs to let go.

The only way I can help you out, Kath, is to do as you request, so I will keep Walter in my thoughts for an easy passage to the other side.

>127 mckait: When I told him how much we all loved him and were
so glad he was in our lives... he patted his heart. That worked for me
:')

Time for you to fly, Walter, and thanks for all the good things you've done. We won't forget you.

Kath, so sad a time for you, and that's all there is to it. I agree with Megan's sentiment in 129 above. So sweet to know that he knows you love him and that he loves you too....
Wish I could think of something magical to say, but a hug will have to suffice.

I hope someone wonderful like you is around when it is my time to go. :)
Sending strength and comfort to Walter...

{{{{{kath}}}}}

Morning Kath- I'll just stop by and give you a Big Hug! Hope things start to get better.

Just stopping by to see how you're doing, Kath. Sorry it's such a sad, sad time. My best wishes to Walter for a peaceful passing. Hugs to you!

After just recently have seen the same struggle in my father in law, I empathise your feelings and hope Walter won't have to struggle much longer...
Give Duncan a hug and yourself too!

Hi Megan rd and Ellen.. and thank you ..
I love that picture Ellen. I used to have kitties and bunnies that shared litter boxes
and played together. :) Long ago! I love bunnies, too :)

Cee... not so wonderful. .. lol

Hugs back ronnie and Mark..

Thanks Terri.. hugs back.

No change overnight as far as I have heard.

I read A Tale of 3 Witches yesterday, thanks to rd for tipping me off to the freebee. I
downloaded it thinking it was a full sequel to Somebody tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead which was
a hoot. I was really glad to have some lighthearted silly reading.. but alas.. it was nothing but a short
story or a few chapters of what I had expected to be a book length read. I won't be counting it..
sigh.. Then I went back to Tallis Third Tune which I had cracked, but not really begun. I didn't get too much of it read, as I then talked to my kids.. and so.. I will read on today, I hope. It looks yummy.
Allof the above mentioned books are Kindle.

So, wow! Thursday again! And a vine day ...
Last week I chose no books.. actually I was late to the game.
It is when Comcast had me with no internet. So Since it was a targeted
newsletter, I suspected I would be missing something pretty good. I did.
But, with everything going on, I decided to not get a book. I requested
Tide Pods Detergent, Spring Meadow, 40-Count ( and actually got 40, not a sample!)
and BISSELL Stomp 'N Go Stain Lifting Pads, and got a full box of 5. I will try those today
because Rosie unswallowed all over my rug last night. Yesterday was one of those days...
sheesh! Today, hopefully books..

ok.. I need some help.. what can I cook? which yikes!
I was supposed to go to the store this morning.. so
I am off.. what am I thinking sitting here with coffee?

back later :)

Yes, Kath. You do need some help!
Don't cook! Go out to eat :)
I know that is not always a pleasant experience for you, so I'll relent and suggest cooking a chicken pot pie with a toss salad. I'll be over.

btw - yes, you are!

Sounds like a plan! lol..
but it is 80F or will be.

I settled on steak salad ( that is grilled steak and chopped egg, fries and shredded cheese)
on top of a regular tossed salad. That is good hot weather food. The steak is in a marinade...

I got some ribs to make tomorrow.. so?

I told Dan I wanted to eat out today.. but I just can't do it..
ya know?

I just saw a good recipe for Steak Salad...on my allRecipes newsletter (eMail)......and I have venison...and beef sirloin....sounds good to me..if I could get motivated to cook......maybe i'll just do a loaded salad (salad with everything-but-the-kitchen-sink)...it's that kinda day

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Steak-and-Spinach-Salad/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25...

{{{Hug}}} to you, my friend

That's a little fancier than mine.. but
that's the idea.. it is yummy and a summer meal.
The summer weather inspired me.
I will have some cauliflower and cukes and black olives to put in..
onion.... whatever I find around.. croutons :)

I love it, but frankly, I prefer it made with grilled chicken :)

Mmmm...ribs. We so seldom have them anymore. Dh has teeth issues (upper plate), but we can get pretty darn good, not too fatty country-style ribs with no bones; they're good too. Dh is a master griller and smoker (i mean, smoking meat; cigarettes belong to the dear dead days for both of us), as well as a superb fish and vegetable cook. I like the idea of the steak salad except for the fries part...I like fries crispy on the outside, soft and mealy on the inside, with lots of butter. And maybe a shot of vinegar, maybe not.

We're going to a show tonight, Fiddler on the Roof, presented by a national touring group. Columbus GA may be a bit in the slow lane in many ways, but they have a terrific performing arts program, with a University theater and the Springer Opera House and some nice, although pricy, restaurants in the area for a complete night out. Dh is trying to urge me into more heavy gardening projects today, but I said no, today's my day off from work of all sorts. Sometimes he gets pushy because he doesn't realize that in addition to whatever plans and jobs he wants to do (all of which require my help/approval/presence), I still have my own nonsense to get through. Sometimes that can be a bit of a bone of contention.

It strikes me, Kath, that we know an awful lot about one another. Not a bad thing, eh?

Again, love and hugs to you and godspeed to Walter as he enters the next part of his journey.

Just one of those Twilight Zone moments, was all

I like grilled chicken, or fish, on green salad...better than red meat......the rest sounds great...Now, if someone would give me a goose (!) to even think about food...

;-}

Grilled Chicken Salad, that I love:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Grilled-Chicken-Salad

So how's this for a balanced meal, Kath .... Paul and I shared tapas plates of chicken pate, white fish crab cakes, peking duck crepes and baked eggplant and then peanut butter crepes & ice cream, molten chocolate cake & ice cream and 3 giant pavlovas.

Want to give you a comfort bunny

I like the sound of Caro and Paul's meal best! Anybody want my molten chocolate cake?

Hi Kath, just checking in to see how it goes in your camp.
Food is on my mind too, just thrown together a casserole in the slow cooker, and now boiling up some veges for little Lennys lunches/dinners over the next few days. All while eating an easter egg and LTing!

Gail.. it is actually country ribs that I bought, too.
I will pop mine in the crock pot though. Then I'll go
down to stay with the nephlets when the nurse is there with kim.
Sorry Dh was being way too ambitious for your slow day. Frustrating, that...
I ended up busier than I planned today.

First.. Deb called the hospital at 9 ish..
and was told that Walter..
who had slept through 3 entire days and put on IV meds due to his
inability to swallow, was sitting up having breakfast.
yep. The nurses brought in refreshments yesterday for the family
who were at the watch..... and today? Well..breakfast.

So. I called him and he hung up on me. hmm Guess he was irritated by
people saying goodby? I was going to go up, but on the way out the door,
Deb called me and said that he threw them out. yep. So I didn't go.

I cleaned, and did floors and laundry and all sorts of things.. including a
quick trip to Walmart with my neighbor Margie. Then I made dinner and
afterward we were invited to Kim's to have coffee and ice cream.
There was also Oliver and Owen time :).. then a shwoer and here I am!
All in all a good day.

Jude.. I repinned your Chicken Salad recie.. it looks yummy, and I think I will try it very soon.

Caro. it sounds exotic and yummy! Your life is exotic and yummy so I am not
surprised. I love the bunny gif :)

rd.. I would think so.. for you fancy is good :)

Hi Megan :) Like any good mom, multitasking is not a problem for you!

No reading yet today.. maybe in a bit?

I'm tired.....

Busy day for you... as usual lately...
I wonder if Walter is angry that he is still here on earth.
You can't will yourself to die. I know.
No matter how miserable you feel.
Some can let go, others not. It's all a big mystery.

On a lighter note - I can hear the peepers tonight :)
This is dang early for them to be out. Crazy weather!
I'll be heading up to read very soon... wish it was my own bed.
Pretty soon.

Sleep well and peacefully...
Thinking of you. Hugs.

Walter, Wow!

Just checking in, Kath. Hope you have a good and quiet night!

Cee.. I am astounded. Everyone is astounded. I am also worried..
this crazy weather could have some serious consequences.. scary.

Lynda. I know.. wow! Interesting to see what today will bring?

Hi Terri :) I didn't sleep well.. I hope you did.
I had taken my iPad with me though, and watched some tv shows..

I have to babysit this morning..
then?

Friday~ so what will you be doing with your weekend?

Good morning, Kath! Sorry you didn't sleep well --though with all that's going on in your family, I guess I'm not surprised. I had weird dreams last night and kept waking up every hour or so. No special plans for weekend, just usual house stuff and church stuff.

I did too! Very weird dreams about magic and some of it going awry..
Keith was a high level magician.. and I was no slouch myself. :)
All I had before bed were a few jelly beans so that couldn't be it ..

LOL! Not even jelly beans for me! I was on LT right before bedtime, and had visited your thread. I dreamed about those ash borers that killed your Japanese Maple -- only they'd mutated and were destroying not just trees (which is quite bad enough) but also houses and people . . . also dreamed I went back to college and was living in a dorm. Only there were all these dead singers in the dream -- Frank Sinatra owned the dorm, and Dean Martin ate dinner in the cafeteria. Total weirdness.

Oh dear.. I am so sorry! Now my current mess of a life is affecting yours!
Terrible. Dead singers .. interesting, but none from our generation? lol :)

Dead singers .. interesting, but none from our generation? lol :)

I have no idea why Sinatra and Martin showed up in my dream. I would have thought John Denver or Harry Chapin more likely to make an appearance.

yeah! exactly :) too funny Terri !

Geesh! I'm happy to report my night was much better than either of yours. If I had any dreams, they are behaving and staying in my unconscious.

Walter - btw, sometimes right before some people pass they become more alert. (There are actually studies on this.)
This may or not be the case here. Death is one thing we just can't second guess...

Hope you have a decent day :)
I feel so good this morning, my skin can hardly contain me!

That, my friend is very good to hear :)))

Joining the camp of astounded. And intrigued by Cee's bit of information. How strange life is.
And weird dreams all round! I rarely recall my own dreams, but when I do, they are often novellas.
Keep taking care, Kath. I hope you get a break in the warm temps, but steak salad and ribs in the crock pot sound like good coping.

I watched A History of Celtic Britain on YouTube before bed (well, actually IN bed, fell asleep with the series on endless repeat) and dreamed of Druids and the Green Man.

*smooch* to Florence Nightingale

I dreamed about crows in the house last night. It was raining when I woke up this morning so no cawing to enter my dreams. I wonder what they are trying to tell me?

I'm glad you had a good day yesterday, Kath. Hoping the trend continues for you... and Walter. It must be nice for him to eat some real food and have the strength to kick people out of his room!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Z6pWhM6TA

smiley

Hi Kath, I saw the link you posted on my thread and the great place you took Duncan looks just like the great place I took Copper (well, different name and 1500 miles away, but same concept). I'm sure the economics make perfect sense when you consider all the equipment and staffing.

I'd post a link here, but I post links so rarely, I always forget how! But it's vrcc.com if you want to take a look.

Hope you are doing well. I can't believe the weather we've been having here this week - It's 72 here now and we may hit 80 and break a record tomorrow!

Joanne.. another fabulous looking place!
It is a blessing to know that good places exist..
and can hook us up with CareCredit if need be!
I didn't have 2400$ in my pocket the day I took him.. Care Credit helped..
I don't regret a dime I spent there.. or since..
Thank goodness for furkids :)

(((joanne)))

Kath, I am so sorry that you have to cut down your tree. When I was a teenager, my mother had the silver maple in our backyard cut down. I was so sad about that for years.

Hang in there with Walter, family, furkids, trees, and everything!

Sandy K

Wow, Kath. Sorry for the shitstorm that seems to be following you around this year. Please try and take care of yourself, my dear. You'll be in my prayers to the goddess! *smooch*

Off to pick up the revelers soon, but stopping in for a Saturday morning hug and smooch.

Hi Sandy, :) thank you! It has been a bit crazy.. I can hardly stand to look at my tree ..
I fee so guilty, even though it isn't my fault. but I feel like a murderer.. cutting down my beautiful tree friend :(

Cee .. cute gif :) I did actually sleep last night. .. Some OTC thing called Tranquil has been working for me..

and Laura... I do feel a bit like lately...

Hello everyone. It appears to be Saturday. huh! How did that even happen?



thinking of you all... back later

Hiya Kath! I've had a lot of catching up to do here on your thread! wow, sounds like you have a lot going on. Sorry for what walter and you are going through. Sending hugs!

Hi Kath - just thought I'd show off my new pjs - lol

love your shitstorm gif - so realistic (hahaha) oh, not funny. sorry.

hugs for the day {{{{K}}}}

30. Tallis' Third Tune by Ellen L. Ekstrom 4 stars kindle

read and reviewed. ( sort of )

Thumbs-upped it. Sounds like a dream come true...or a nightmare waiting to happen.

it was

I liked it

Next up I think...

When Captain Flint Was Still a Good Man

Oh dear re: raining poo, but had to laugh at the gif too :)

*off to check out your sort-of-review*

Kath - wishing you and especially Walter a very peaceful and comfortable weekend.
Noticed that Caro spilled the beans on our KL menu - we were both warily pacing ourselves actually although I was a little scared of losing a finger or two if I tried to get more than my fair share! (she knows I'm kidding). I also noticed that RD was straight in with an order for the same again. Richard if you make it over here mate I'll buy you two double portions of the molten chocolate cake.
Mmmm...ribs. We so seldom have them anymore
Gail there is a rumour that I still have ribs but I have not been able to see or feel them for a goodly while.

Nice review Kath - I'm feeling incredibly bad about not reviewing Tallis yet but I will get to it sometime soonish.

Tallis' Third Tune... is it worth $4?

Paul, you silver-tongued devil. You know how to make me avoid an entire continent, don't you, for sheer fear of having to eat chocolate.

I forgot! I posted two reviews from my rediscovered cache. The Lovely Bones (ptui) and The Count of Monte Cristo (anxiety-fest).

Paul.. thank you :)

Cee... It is ..

ok... Kindle has it for $4
sounds good :)

Mine was kindle.. drat! I keep forgetting to put that in.
Shame on me :(

They do have it in paperback, too, I think.

hmm I think you might be right..
I think Debbie would like to read it.

*smooch* just 'cause

and here's a daffodil.

Yes definitely available in paperback - it looks nice and feels good as a physical object as well :)

xoxo rdear... I love daffs :) thank you! I have a few blooming out there right now!

I thought yours was a paperback calm :) The cover is so pretty!

Oh, Richard... you never give ME flowers anymore... in fact you never say hi anymore :(
Hugs to you anyway...

>178 PaulCranswick:: Paul, my ribs had disappeared for years and years but are now edging their way back to the surface. Chin up, Man! There is still hope...

Oh. Hi, Kath! How weird your life has been of late.

No cable at La Casa Bo for two days; finally exerted myself to call the tech folks after spending much time fiddling with it; someone came out and in 10 minutes had replaced the fried co-ax cable and I was good to go. I love my cable company, not for the t.v., but for the internet.

Hope the remainder of your week-end is smooth...

aw, Cee.. more daffs.. thank you! I used to have a lot of them..
but as time has passed they have dwindled.

Gail.. same here.. no internet would propel me into action!
No tv? I would notice, but it might take me a day or three to care :)

>191 -Cee-: Claudia? Is that you? How did you escape? How lovely to see your smiling face, dear! *dials Rent-A-Pirate customer service to bless them out for not kidnapping Claudia*

We must have a long chat soon! *limbers up voodoo dolly making arm*

xo

>192 Matke: I couldn't possibly care less if the TV operates, even, so long as I've got the Internet. That goes away, I turn cranky faster than a Model T.

Much too spiffy. More like:

I like that one better.

>194 richardderus: Richard, I'm a convert... and I have earned a bit of freedom! Yo ho ho! Drink up!

LOL

>198 -Cee-: LOLOL

Yo ho ho and a bottle o' rum!

Yum!

JD, the only man in film who seems as nice as he looks.

I'm stopping by to give hugs and say I'm thinking of you.

Oh Kath I'm so sorry you had to take down your tree. Our yard is filled with ash trees and we live in mortal fear that they will succumb to the disease (they've been spotted in several spots in the county. A few years ago they made some kind of regulation saying no firewood from outside the county but I don't think that worked.

Glad to hear that Walter`rallied.

Hi. I seem to be an entire thread behind. Hope all is well with you.

hmmm so, you like rum then , roni? A lot?

Megan, JD seems interesting, I admit . . .
different drummer and all that..

Linda.. Thank you ..

Thanks Bonnie.. . . It isn't down yet, but it is scheduled to go.. and it
makes me sad :(
Walter's rally was short lived :(

Hi Jen, I know.. I am way behind, too.

Today.. very similar to yesterday in many ways..
Watching Celebrity Ghost stories ( no sound) , listening to a friend's son's podcast ..
waiting for Big Bang Theory to come on and make me laugh. I was hoping the podcast
would do it, but frankly .. it is no funnier than my son's podcasts. Bless them..
But they enjoy it ..

>200 richardderus:

I'd take Johnny Depp, walking up my driveway in smelly sweats...heck, i'd make burgers & fries for him...I am hopeless

{{{Hug}}} for Kathy

;-}

I love The Big Bang Theory..It is so darn funny and the characters are hilarious.

I do too, Linda... no matter how many times I see an episode, it makes me laugh.

hugs back at ya jude.

Walter passed away earlier this evening. He waited until Debbie left..
and he left, too. He was calling out to my mom and his sister yesterday..
he is from a big family.. so I imagine he had a nice sized group of people
to help him on his way...

Kath - I don't think commiserations are in order because it was Walter's time but condolences certainly. Hugs to you from over the waters and my thoughts will definitely be with you throughout the day.

Gratitude that his passing was accomplished at last.

{{{Kath}}}}

Kath, I was just stopping by to see how things are going. I'm sad to hear of Walter's passing, and I know there is some relief mixed in that he is out of pain and in a more peaceful place. Keep taking care of you, Kath. With relief comes such a great sense of loss and emptiness. I hope everyone in the family rises to this occasion and focuses on what matters. Remembering Walter.

xoxoxo

My condolences, Kath. After the first pain of loss, perhaps some peace will come to your family.

love and many hugs and a soft kiss

Wishing peace to you, Kath, and to Walter's spirit.

Hugs!

{{{Hugs}}} Kath and family.

Paul.. I agree and thank you..

rdear... me too. And I thank you for everything.. know that I appreciate you ...

Ellen... exactly. That is exactly it.. but it was time. His misery was horrible to see..

Gail.. you are right. And I loved him, I hated seeing him suffer.
Much appreciation for your intentions and xo back to you .

Terri & calm thank you and hugs back :)

This week will be hectic..
I don't know who is coming home or when or?
I have to go and help to finalize arrangements today..

I am now looking forward to April.... >>>>>( 4 rd.. not 2)

Morning Kath- Wow, I got behind a little bit over here. You can not let a day get by you. I love all the photos. I hope you enjoy your Sunday!

So sorry for your loss, Kath. I know you loved him.
Walter is in a better place. His pain and suffering are over.
At least you know you all did everything you could to let him know how much you cared. That's a very hard thing to do when someone is dying - and most people just let that opportunity slip by.
Hugs to you {{{K}}}
Good luck in the coming week - having the energy and composure you will no doubt need in abundance.
I'll be thinking of you...sending comfort.

Thanks Cee... hugs back

My deepest condolences Kath! I know it was a long tough road for you. Gentle hugs!

My sympathy, too, Kath. I'm sure a lot of thoughts and memories are going through your mind. Thinking of you.

I'm so glad Walter is finally at peace, and so sorry for your loss of the man he was.

I'm both sorry to hear of Walter's passing, and relieved that his suffering is over. My thoughts are with you and your family, Kath.

I'm sorry for your loss Kath but glad Walter is no longer suffering. I hope your family has a wonderful celebration of his life.

Me too. Good thoughts from us!

hugs & condolences
I know you feel relief too but it is the loss of a loved one too.

Wish you strength in the week ahead

Sending peace at last to Walter and blessings and strength to you and your family for the time ahead of you without him.

My condolences for you and your family Kath. And courage for the days ahead my friend.

Hugs to you Kath, and my condolences. What a challenging time you have been through. Yes, courage for the days ahead.

Mark, Joe, roni, Darryl, Pat, Jim, Anita and Donna, Bonnie and Deb...
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I have to say that it doesn't
seem "real" yet. And yes.. a lot of remembering ...

There will be a wake tomorrow night, and a service Wednesday morning.
Amy will come, but not the boys. Not sure about Tom, Amy's husband.

I have decided to keep my appointment tomorrow for my ankle. It is early in the
morning, before Amy gets here and before I have to be anywhere else. It is still
so painful.. I need to see what can be done. I have a feeling that this week will not
help much.

It has gotten chilly here again, and they predict cold for tomorrow.
I don't mind chilly, but frosty car windows again .. so fun.

To add to things... Dan saw a coyote ( he is pretty sure ) run through our year on
Saturday night when he came home. We have heard of them being in other nearby towns
over recent years... That makes taking Dunkers out, especially at night,
a scary proposition. He saw it run from the trees behind the garage through the yard.
The motion sensor lights went on under my back porch. That's where I take Dunkers out,
or let him out on his run. No more out on his own, though.. not even for a minute.
We have noticed the neighborhood dogs getting all riled up now
and then, and I wonder if this has something to do with it? This is hair raising for me..
I am always afraid of Dunkers tangling with some of the dogs that run the area, but a coyote is
even worse. I go out armed with a broom an a phone.

I didn't feel well yesterday. After we finalized the arrangements for Walter.. I was
very lightheaded and wonky feeling. I figured that I would feel better if I went home
and ate something, as I hadn't eaten yet ... but eating was out of the question :PPP
Finally some sweet, hot tea and toast did the trick ..

So.. I have a busy day ahead today, and then tomorrow.

What is going on for all of you??

They are going to take down my poor tree tomorrow.
That makes me sad. I wish it would get better overnight..

We have coyotes too, Kath.
They don't come near the house (that I know of) -
but then, we have plenty of woods for them.
I never let Loki out at night without a leash and my watchful eyes.
Plus I tell him there's a snack involved and he's anxious to come right back in!
The cat, of course, never goes out.
There's more than coyotes out there :{

I'm glad you are keeping your ankle appt.
Hope they can do something for you.

Please try to eat something regularly - tea and toast is always good for starters...

More hugs....

More hugs from here, too, Kath. Hope the dr. can figure something out for the ankle.

And Cee is sooo right: try to eat regularly, even crackers is better than nothing.

Love and many concerned thoughts headed your way.

I'm sorry for your loss, Kath. Any death even the expected ones are hard.

Tagged you on FB dearie

Hi cee.. no worries I am eating, but yesterday was just a bad day..
I had a wee bit of chili for lunch today. I hate chili .. :PP

Hi Gail.. you and me both.. the pain makes me queasy at times.
No good at all.. No worries.. I am fine xo

Carrie... so right.. I still can't believe he has gone.
It isn't so much that I miss seeing, him.. I sometimes saw him only once or
twice a month. I just can feel the space where he had been on the planet being empty.
:(

Thank you rdear.

I have been sewing buttons on a suit I bought years ago..
I never wore it, but it was on sale. Navy with white piping.
The buttons were on with like one thread. . . now try doing that
with my many furkids and not get furz all over it.
Why don't they sew the buttons on any more :(

Hi, Kath! I'm really glad you decided to keep the ankle appointment. Sorry to hear about the coyote. Our area, bears and rattlesnakes are the big issue, but not often here in town -- more out in the townships.

I know what you mean about buttons these days -- heck, clothes in general are not made well any more.

My renovation project has started. Lots of hammering and other such noises going on upstairs.

Kath, So sorry to hear of your loss. Even when we know a death is imminent, it still manages to catch us off-guard - the shocking finality of it. Best wishes to you and your family in the coming days.

The coyotes were probably around for a while before you noticed one - stay safe!

Kath - I would be worried about coyotes too - over here they are not a problem and they wouldn't survive I'm sure - the Tigers and pythons and cobras would get em!

No coyotes here, that i've seen (apparently they are in the area)...but i know there is at least one Bobcat on my property (probably ate my cat, Ishie, who's been gone for 10 weeks now)

Condolences regarding Walter's passing..

Buttons-on-clothes? I worked in a sewing factory for 10 years....and the gal who does buttons has to "make her money" so she has to skimp on how many times she runs her machine...per button....it's a shitty world...i always re-sew buttons on store bought clothes...

♥♥♥

Oh Kath, please add my condolences to the many listed above. You are loved!

Joanne, true. As much as i wished for him to go and leave his pain behind, the reality when it happens is shocking, as you say. You are probably right about them being there before.
Still scary

Terri.. Good luck with your remodel :) your turn to post pics... Have you?

Paul, ye gods, tigers? But not in the neighborhood, right? I hope you keep your furkids close by?

Jude, i can't bear to think of that happening to your kitty :(
No way i would let my cats out..bad enough i have to take Dunkers out armed with weapons. I am very afraid of a coyote that is in my yard when there are better plces for him to be.

Tomorrow evening is the wake, and wednesday early morning for the rest. It will be a long day..both days will be long.

Linda, thank you my friend, hugs

Oh Kath my condolences on your loss! Walter will be missed
Hope you are doing ok

Doing ok. It catches up with me at odd moments...but i try to picture him with my old dog dirk, who loved him,a and who he loved. Snd of course, with his family who went on before him.. With him happya and pain free :) that helps

Ok....sleepy ...gotta hang it up. Good night all

Kath - in KL we don't have wild tigers (SWMBO to one side) but while we stayed in Johor Bahru a number of years ago a tiger escaped from the zoo and was actually caught in the wasteland behind my property!

Kath - actually a little artistic licence as it was a black panther that escaped...my excuse is that it is ten years ago already - I was actually typing black tiger above before I went and checked. http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/vegetarian-forum/1157505-caught-escaped-panth...

245 Kath, keep picturing him with those gone before (both human and furry loved ones!) and pain free, but let yourself mourn, too, as it's a necessary part of the grief process. Hugs and warm thoughts to you!

242 Before photo and end of day 1 photo posted on thread.

Have a good night!

Oh kath, I had been checking in as often as possible to see how Walter had been doing. Sad and mixed emotions for you I guess now that he has gone. And you forgetting to eat too! Please take care of yourself and seek support from people you love.

Oh my goodness, Kath. The last time I checked in, Walter seemed to be rallying a bit, and now this. You and your family have my deepest condolences.
Sending you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
RIP, Walter.

Take care sweetie. You will probably feel better once the service is over for Walter. My dad passed at home of cancer just about 5 years ago. Even though it was completely expected by that point - he was just 65 - and I remember the shock and unbelievable feeling that I had that my dad, a bigger than life character, could actually die. It takes time, but it does get better . Big hugs.

Paul.. well, panther... not a tiger? That's differen. I wouldn't worry about that! Glad they caught it and didn't kill it :(

Terri.. I know.. I do.. thank you for looking out for me :)
oh.. I will go and look at your thread if I can.

Megan.. I will be fine.. no worries.

Thank you Deb... it is hard.. I know.
My mom died of cancer.. it was nightmare . hugs back

Ankle fractured. No wonder it hurt..

Kath - you've been hobbling around on a broken bone! Ouch. Hope that you heal quickly.

I scored Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Doctors by Nancy B. Kennedy from LTER
... looks good..

calm.. with luck I will heal like a cat :)
At least now Iknow I had a good reason to whine :PPP

Did they do anything to help relieve the pain - or give you orders that you won't tell us? Are you supposed to rest it, stay off it, etc?

I was gonna lecture you a bit - but you don't need it today.
little soothing ankle hug....

nada.. The doctor ( her name is Sis Engle and she acted like a sort of beer drinking buddy.. I liked her )
Said the worst was behind me ( ? ) and that I should wear the brace. I declined some fancy pain meds,
I can't take them anyway..

"...and that I should wear the brace..."
and? are you? Wouldn't that help stablize the bones for quicker healing? just askin'...

>252 mckait: fractured? sheesh Kath, maybe its time you bought a lotto ticket and got yourself some good luck. Enough already with the other kind :)

I'm sorry to read about Walter's death, Kath. Sending good thoughts and energy to you.

Sandy K

> 252: Ankle fractured and you keep on walking on it kath????
Please, please, pretty please DO take better care of yourself dear!

I am ***SURE*** the brace is on, and the ankie is up, because Kath would not want Claudia to stop in New York and pick me up, then stop in PGH proper and pick Terri up, and then have all of us come to beat the cotton waddin' outta her if none of these are true statesments.

Oh, Kath. Oh dear. Rest as much as you can, Dearie, boring as it may be.

Love to you, Babe.

Hi Kath. Way behind, as usual. Broken bones as well as loss. Just not fair.

Coyotes: During the first summer we lived here in Seattle ('08, that would be), I was awakened in the wee hours by a horrific scream. I assumed there was a cat fight in the neighborhood and I did what I do in such circumstances: I went out to break it up. Well, I ended up walking down the street about half a block, and there in the street was a coyote. I picked up a rock and threatened him, and he feinted, then did actually trot away. And I trundled back up the street and back into my bed. P said later: "I would prefer that you didn't go out into the city street in the middle of the night in your bare feet and pajamas to take on wild animals." Point taken.

Keep resting and taking care, Kath.

Kath- Wow, the mckait roll just keeps on coming! Sorry to hear about the ankle. Ouch! Take care of yourself, my friend!

Hope you made it thru the day w/o incident or despair... not easy :(
Tomorrow should be better - in your case though, please go easy.

Ok. I googled this for you and found the answer (I don't do this for just anybody!):

"To change your luck, add one tablespoon of nutmeg to six cups of boiling water.
Steep for three hours. Use for body anointing or add to a ritual bath."

And I think this should be done sitting with ankle up... just sayin'

....oh and ankle broken....carry on.....

I believe it's this carefree attitude that helps to drag you down Kath. Please take care of you. When is it your turn?

Sorry to hear about your fractured ankle, Kath. I hope that it heals soon!

I didn't find out until 3-4 years ago that I had fractured my right ankle, probably in the mid-1980s when I sustained what I thought was a severe ankle sprain during a pickup basketball game. I saw a local orthopaedic surgeon for calcific Achilles tendinitis; he ordered an X-ray, and showed me a chip of bone that had separated from my right lateral malleolus (the knob you can feel at the outer edge of your right ankle), along with the calcium deposit in my right Achilles tendon that resulted when I partially tore the tendon. I walked on that ankle all of that day and to my evening classes after work despite it swelling up like a grapefruit.

Oh dear Kath now you'll never get fit in time for the Olympic trials! Put your feet up curl up with several good books and time will heal all. btw update your ticker counter.

I'm hoping the quiet over here means you are taking care of yourself - but I'm thinking you are probably taking care of company and family.
Don't forget to eat and rest, dear friend :)

Thinking of the whole family today. *hugs*

Just checking in. BROKEN ankle? Oh, my. :(

Besides the Walter business...you've been walking on a fractured ankle??

Boggles my mind

i will shut up before i say something rude

;-/

Cee, Megan, Sandy, Anita, rd, Gail, Ellen, Mark, Bonnie, Darryl, Paul, Cee, rd, Terri and Jude.
I sure hope that I have at least mentioned everyone's name ..

Please accept my apologies for not commenting back to you each one individually...
I will try to sum up, because I have to leave for Kimmy's house in a short time. The nurse is coming
early today.

The last two days were exhausting and by yesterday evening, I was seriously done.
Amy and Tom came in on Tues. for the wake and funeral. I was very touched by the several men
Walters age who came to say good-bye. A few could hardly get around... but they were there
and told stories and clearly would miss him. That 2 hours seemed to last 8. We went out for
some food afterward. Yesterday started early. The morning at home did not go well, and the
coffee pot did it's I hate you and can make you crazy routine, and I scalded both of my hands...
It took much of my at home time in the morning to clean up after that happened 2x, and I finally got a put of coffee made.

The funeral was sad. Way too much gloom and doom in the Catholic service.. Lots of
asking for forgiveness and very little celebration of life aside from a few minutes where the
priest shared a few things the family had told him. I don't get it. Most of the time, the
person who has passed is not a murderer, or scoundrel.. but you would never know it with
all the begging for forgiveness. A shame that....

One of the pranks Walter would play back in the day. ( there were plenty )
was to put bubble wrap under the throw rugs .. either in his house or yours.
After the military salute and the final blessing at the cemetery .. the pries did 2
things which were different and I heartily approve. He had been toting around a plastic
grocery bag. He pulled out and passed around bubble wrap.. so we could salute Walter.
( I am sure he would have loved that!) Then he said that everyone always wishes thy could
do one more thing for the person who has passed. So he offered up a bottle of "holy " water..
so each one could make a cross on the casket and leave a final blessing. I made a smiley face..
wishing him joy in his new life in spirit. I wonder if anyone but the priest noticed ...lol.

There was a luncheon after, and Keith brought the kids. so that was ice. Amy wanted to hold
Owen :) so I gave him up. She and Tom left 5 minutes after we got home.

My tree is gone. It was excruciating in several ways.. but it is gone.
After looking everywhere last summer.. I finally found an arborist yesterday afternoon,
when I was looking for information on treating the area where it was. One of the
same places I called for information last year gave up his name yesterday. It turns out it was
most likely and ambrosia beetle ( another borer) which attacks sick trees. If I had
found this guy last year, I might have been able to save my tree... it turns out that it
was rotting inside....badly.. but still. Maybe. The ambrosia beetle does attack the type
of cherry trees that I have...He is coming today to look and see how things are with my other trees.

Before that, I am babysitting..

After that I am doing as little as possible.

I will catch up with everyone's thread as soon as I can.
Thanks for stopping by to keep my thread warm and offer
kind words.

Oh, the brace does help..I have a bit less ankle pain ...

Your spirit is beautiful.
Loving you....

Yes, I agree with Claudia...I love as well..and lots of us do.

I'm so sorry for your loss and all that you are going through right now.

The arborist came to look at our other trees to make sure non of the
others was infected. ( infested?) They are fine but need work
He gave a lesson in how to keep your trees healthy.This guy is Adam's age,
and he LOVES trees. Loves them.

We are going to get another Japanese Dwarf Maple for the front.
He suggested a Ginko for in the back. They are beautiful.. but
I have heard that the female ginko's smell yucky.. or the seeds do.
How do you tell if a ginko is male or not? Anyone have a ginko? Please help?

I am thinking if not that then a redbud.. but time will tell. We want to get a nice big
one for the front, so we may not have the money for much else this year.

I feel like I haven't slept in
days.. sluggish and exhausted. I still have
strawberries to clean and a cauliflower to cut and roast.
I put on a pot roast.. will make it with portobello mushrooms and
potatoes. All the things that I need to cook in a hurry are getting cooked
today. Maybe tomorrow the leftovers will become soup ? Some diced tomatoes ?
dunno. Will have to see. I will let tomorrow take care of its own damned self. I need to
go out int he morning anyway, to we shall see.

Still a lot of things that will need to be done... and we may go to Kim's for coffee
later.. not sure.

*whine* :PPP

*smooch* for your rough days.

Left that soon? Hm.

Love the smiley-face on Walter's casket, Kath!

Good luck with the trees. I know nothing about gingkos, unfortunately. We do have a Japanese dwarf maple in our front, but we're going to move it to the back so it gets more sun. It wasn't showing the color we were looking for.

Poor exhausted kath! Take some time for you please.
*hugs*

What an exhausting week you've had, Kath!
The smiley face with holy water is such a cute idea. I bet Walter knows who did that.
Re catholic funeral masses: My husband's cousin passed away about a year or two ago. He had requested that his mass be said in Latin! Oh, what a horrible, dreadful and sorrowful mass it was.
How the mass is said all depends on the parish and pastor, some are old school but the newer priests are fairly flexible and will work with the family's wishes.
If, I said if, I kick off I want them to play Kenny Loggins 'Celebrate Me Home'

Just stopping by to say hi, and wish you well.


glitter-graphics.com

Lynda.. I admit.. this week has kicked my butt.

They are very strict here about music.. for weddings or funerals..
often they just say no. If the song is less that 300 years old, its out!
Fr Joe is a guy who became a priest in his.... late 30's I think?
He is a mix of old and new.. has a sense of humor at times..
The bubble wrap got him 5 stars from me..

Terri.. that is beautiful .. Thank you :)

Had some nephlet time..
and cake.

I am sorry if I misssed anyone today.. I will catch up tomorrow .. or soon!

Your ankle has been fractured all this while??!! You poor thing. I hope the brace helps.

I love the smiley face on the casket - perfect. :)

Take care and have a restful night, Kath.

Sending love and hopes for sweet dreams...

and a bit of strawberry short cake with real whipped cream...

Joanne.. I know, right? Who would have thunk it? No wonder it hurt.
Walter used to buy smiley face stickers and put them on the envelopes of
any card he sent. He sent cards... birthday and anniversaries.. there were cards.

No dreams that I can remember Gail, but I did sleep well :)
The strawberry shortcake may not become reality, but the strawberries and cream could happen.
I have a container of nice berries in the fridge. They are not my favorite fruit, but I will
eat a few...

Went back to Kim's in the evening for coffee and cake and of course nephlet time.
Errands this morning, and then.... ? I sincerely hope nothing. For at least a day.

I'm on duty from now until Sunday, loveycuddles. I'll pop in and out.

I hope you get your hope for today.
Typing left handed as Woolly hs my right arm pinned. Why do I let her do that? I really don't know. I love the little sweet thing. Just wrapped around her little soft paw!
Tide going out today (I hope).
Hugs....

I do enjoy The Tide.. and there is a continuing story there if I am not mistaken?
Wonder what I did with the last one..........? drat.

rd is this the big weekend? or next? I've lost track :-/

Morning, Kath.

Not much going on here...we had a fog come in for about 20 minutes this a.m.; very weird. Fighting the squirrels (nothing but rats with fluffy tails) by oiling the support for the bird feeders; very funny to watch them slide down, really p.o.'d at me, I'm sure...

Got a couple of oldies on the Nook last night, lying in bed, shopping...my, my. How this world has changed.

Oh...from Cee's thread--do you remember toe socks/ I had a pair with different colors for each toe, which I wore with...wait for it...platform sandals. Oh, to be young again.

Gail.. I had the platform sandals too :) no toe socks though. Back in those days
when I was young I scoffed at socks ! No more.. I like a good variety of socks in my drawer these days .
I am a huge fan of fog. When we lived in Swampscott, I used to practically run to walk the beach
in the fog.. the heavier the better. I would walk right along the water so I knew where I was :)

I marvel daily at what I can do online! I have to try to remember that you nook not kindle..
Hard to keep track :)

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/The-NOOK-Blog/Free-Fridays/ba-p/1313367

is today free friday book :)

Sunday. Can't come (and go) soon enough.

I understand. Sorry.....

Can I just say really? Really ? REALLY!
Marty, who has refused to answer her phone for days..
called this morning. She wants us to take her dining room table apart..
move it to the basement.. clean her dining room to make space for her
hospital bed and potty chair ( but she can walk steps so? wth????)
and she wants a walker. She wants picked up from the rehab Wed morning.
So tomorrow I have to go and clean her dining room and get that sorted out.
Dan and my BIL will move the table downstairs
I am about ready to spit. For the first time in AGES we have plans to go out on Wed.
For Lobster. Or something.

I had to reschedule the chair lift guy . Again. She wants to be there
when he comes. They are behind in installations, because the install guy's
mom died.

WAH!

Sorry you have so many stressful things happening lately! Hopefully you can find some YOU time and chill soon!

WTF.

I think you should put Something in her food. *nudgenudge*

Well, I talked to her social worker..
She is getting out on Thursday morning.
That is much better. Still have to go and sort out her house tomorrow..
Have to buy her milk, bread etc. I also have to get her bed and so on sorted
before she arrives home.

I took a nap. When I woke it was still true.. she is going home.
So.. that's our next week ...

When Captain Flint Was Still a Good Man by Nick Dybek read and reviewed 3.5 stars.

Next up 11/22/63 by Stephen King.