Growing Pains

Husband has not had soda pop in a week or so now. He has had other treats--paczkis, cheesy macaroni and biscuits. Of course, he has access to healthy food. I send him off to work with a sandwich, green salad, and fruit. He finds the other goodies on his own. I'm happy that at least he is trying and hope that he'll get a bit of encouragement, so he doesn't give up the healthy life style altogether. I believe a tiny step in the right direction is the key to a healthy life style. I persevere with my lifestyle choice of healthy food and exercise. I have given some thought to Lent. I am going to focus on helping the needy--feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, welcoming strangers and also on offering instruction, forgiving and praying. Yesterday afternoon my husband and I visited my life insurance agent. My policies are in order and my husband knows how to access them. His affairs are much more complicated, but then I find he makes my life much more difficult. He is frugal so I have to be creative with items we need. He works, manages the bills and does yardwork, but the other chores fall to me. I am grateful that I can do them. His thinking is very linear, so it is difficult to converse sometimes. He is extremely self-centered and self-serving. He is a rooster, I am a dragon. I am a Virgo, he is a Libra. I guess the difficulties make sense when dealing with two opinionated, strong-willed, stubborn as mules people!

Husband Trying to Eat Healthy

My husband has decided to change his eating habits. Last Friday, we browsed the grocery store, loading our cart with veggies, fruit and lean meat. Now to be honest, he also put a few treats in the basket. But we are making an effort to eat healthy, leafy vegetables and lean meat. I helped him make a romaine letttuce salad with carrots, egg, chicken and cheese, tangelo and peanuts to take for work. So much better than zipping through the drive thru at a fast food restaurant. So I'm glad he's on board and wish him well. I am doing okay with the new life style. I find that my sense of taste and smell is much more acute. I don't feel all that hungry and will reach for berries or a baby cucumber as a snack. I have found interesting healthy recipes. Today the dogs and I walked around the field and through the woods. The dogs sniffed out a half dozen squirrels,the day was bright, birds were chirping.

A 90th birthday adventure

My dad will be 90 on July 3rd, and my brother, sister and I are doing our best to give him the vacation trip of his dreams--a trip to visit "Four Corners," the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, The Redwoods, the area west of the Rockies. My brother, who is 61 years young today is requesting time off work to go with my dad on the big birthday adventure. My dad is buying a new 14' trailer, dinette table that can stay up, lav, and two bunk beds. My sister has offered to take care of my brother's four dogs, one who has to be leashed. She said it will be easier to take her own dog to her son's home. I have written down the care schedule for my mother, noting when there are areas that need covering. In order to make this trip happen, we need lots of help. Everyone has to step up to the plate and pitch in. My dad is a love and this trip to rest, relax, experience new adventures will rejuvenate him. Now my dad and brother argue like an old married couple. Mother is disturbed that he is leaving her for three weeks, but this can be her special birthday gift to the man she has been married to for almost 69 years. And she will be well taken care of. So I'm hoping we can make my dad's dream come true.

Sun and fun

Early days yet, but the sun is shining, a driver drove with his convertible top down, and I saw two children in shorts! My soul is singing! More than warm temperatures, it is the sun that lift my spirits. Clear days here, while the DC area is getting buried with snow. My daughter measured 18 inches, with a possible 10 more! I had a mammo on Wednesday and am waiting for the results. If the test comes back clear, I am set for a year. I continue to work with the diabetic support group and am making steady progress. The program began the week before Christmas, and as I had guests and attended a get-together, I didn't make any strides. Things have stabilized, and I am walking and riding the health rider along with kickfit and martial arts classes, eating cleanly (veggies, lean meat and fish) and a bit of yogurt and fresh fruit. I wish I could convince my husband to participate with me, but I can't. I record the food that I eat on two sites and participate in the discussions and skill modules. I've lost some weight and my blood pressure is normal. My niece, who helps my parents on Sunday is on vacation, so my sister and I are sharing the care. Trying to figure out when I can exercise as it will be too dark to walk when I get home. Praying for the family of little 2 year old Noah who got lost and died in the woods near his home and for Joey Feeks who is fighting her cancer battle.

Working with my best friend

Today was a special treat. For many years, my friend and I worked the same shift at the flower shop. Then she had to have knee and cataract surgery, and now only works to fill in. But today was like old times. I was scheduled to work with her! I made salads and put together a bowl of raspberries and blueberries, and brought my decaf tea supply along with two cups into the store. It is a snowy, bitter, windy, cold day here, and what better way to warm up than to share a cup of tea. The store was busy, but we still shared confidences and laughter. Such a blessing to work with my dear friend.

Decisions about elderly parents

I guess when parents are near 90, there is always an issue. As my dad's physical health deteriorates, he needs more assistance with my mother. He hopes to have an aide in the late evening to help get her settled in bed. He is not sure what to do. I offered to help settle her for the night, but my dad didn't like the idea. He worries that if something happened to him, my mother would be stuck. She would be, but only for a limited time as aides come in the morning. He suggested an alarm, but my mother would not know to activate it, so I don't think it would work. I've wondered for some time now how much time my dad actually interacts with my mother. Does he sit down and chat? I really don't think so, because he has worn himself out doing care, and doesn't have the energy. If he doesn't interact that much, then perhaps it is time to consider a group home or assisted care for my mother. I am trying to remain peaceful, but every non-eventful day now is a gift.

Taking action for an infected surgical wound

On Dec 16, my doctor removed something from my leg that I found out later was a dermatofibroma. These are deep growths so I had a bit of a crater in my leg. My husband commented that "it looks like you've been shot!" The healing progressed normally for 2 weeks. The wound was protected by several scabs. However when the scabs fell off, the wound began to get infected. It was red and tender, oozing a smelly discharge and not healing. Fortunately, it was no more painful than usual and there was no streaking. My husband punctured his finger on the thorn of a Russian Olive tree and the wound became infected. He had to have a shot of antibiotic and a tetanus booster. I decided to try to clean the wound with antibacterial soap containing benzalkonium chloride and to put hot compresses on it. I protected it with a bandage. I stopped at the clinic the next morning, but could not be seen and made an appointment for today (Sat). Happily the wound began to respond to the antibacterial soap and compresses and began to heal again. Encouraged I canceled my appointment at the clinic as the site is mostly closed, there is little pain, and the redness is decreasing. I feel so fortunate that we had benzalkonium chloride in our house and that I had the good sense to use it and cover the wound with a bandage. Sometimes I wish I had more medical knowledge. I am glad that I realized that my leg was getting infected and took action.