GOOD FRIDAY

I so wanted to go to a Good Friday service today.  I was feeling better, but still not 100% so it just didn't happen.  But that didn't mean I didn't worship at home with Joe.  We had a nice devotional time on the subject.

Yes I am feeling better.  Sleeping until 10:30 a.m. this morning helped, I'm sure.  And getting a shower, washing my hair and brushing my teeth all added to the good feeling.  I haven't been allowed to shower until today because I couldn't get the incision wet.  I feel like a person again.

I came home from the hospital with this bandage on my arm:

I am graduated today down to this:

 

It is a lot more comfortable.  And tonight I went down even further to a bandaid.  We'll see how that goes, but so far so good.  I am even typing with both hands tonight.  So much faster.  But I can't do it for too long, so this will probably be very short.

My other arm has a bruise from the IV:

 

And last night I fell and this morning noticed that I had broken my toe!

 

I really look like I've been through a war!  But in a couple of weeks everything will be back to normal.  I hope...

My friend Carol came over today and drove me to Rite Aid and Wawa.  It was payday so I wanted to get some money out.  And I needed some things for Easter.  I can't drive until tomorrow so that was really nice of her.

It was so warm and pleasant today.  I had the front door open and the screen in to get some fresh air in the house.  It's always nice to do that after having the house closed up all winter.  But it was very cloudy.  I loved, though, seeing the birds all lined up on the electric/telephone lines.

   

 I got some of the living room cleaned up today.  I did a lot of laying down/resting in between picking things up, but it looks a lot better.  And Joe and I got the refrigerator done this evening.  I really wanted that done because tomorrow is trash day and I wanted to put everything out then.  Things are coming along here in the "sick house" as I call it.  Me with my injuries and Joe still having the pain in his mouth.  Ugh!!!

Got to go to bed and get some sleep.  Until later folks....

UPDATE

Wednesday morning

My time to check in at the hospital was 8 a.m.  My friend, Carole, came at 7:30 to take us there.  I checked in and went to the waiting room.  A few minutes later a nurse came to take me back to the Cath Lab.  I got undressed and settled in the bed.  The nurse came back to give me the IV.  I told her how bad it was last time and how I have been having nightmares.  She said, "Well this time you have an expert."  After taking a look at my veins she said she needed a small needle.  A quick pinch and it was in the first time and didn't even hurt.  She really was an expert and I kept thanking her.

When the doctor came in to talk with me, I had Joe brought back so he would hear everything I did.  We both really liked the doctor.  He answered all our questions, addressed all our concerns, and said he understood about my back.  He looked at my wrist and said he was sure he could go in that way instead of my groin.  By doing that I could sit up and have a shorter recovery time following the procedure.  It would hurt my back a lot less and I would be able to go back to work, take care of the house, Joe, drive sooner, etc.  And that is exactly what he did.

I was never upset about the procedure itself.  I was awake the whole time and got to watch it on the monitor.  It was fascinating!  I was told it took about 30 minutes, but it seemed like 10.  The results were that all my arteries were perfectly clear, no blockages, no sign there ever were blockages, and no sign there would be any in the future.  My heart is very strong and looks like it belongs to a 39 year old, not at 59 year old.  Yes!!!!

When they were all finished they put a compression bandage on.  It was so neat.  It was clear plastic and they pumped it full of air so that it was really tight.  Then for the next two hours they slowly let the air out.  Being clear, they could keep an eye on how the incision was looking.  I kept saying how cool it was and the nurses all agreed.  They told me that it was something new that had been in use only a few months and they all loved it.

I had to eat before they would let me go home.  I am not able to use my right hand or arm for 48 hours.  I am learning to type with just my left hand.  It takes a lot longer though.  Anyway the nurse suggested a breakfast sandwich.  She had to read the menu to me because Joe had my glasses.  I got an egg with mushrooms and onions on an english muffin and a glass of apple juice.  It was so good.  I am going to make it for myself at home when I can cook again.

So at 1 p.m. I was able to go home.  Carole came back to pick us up.  Two of the nurses were going to lunch so they walked us down.  As we were talking I mentioned that I worked at the library.  One of the nurses asked me which branch and I told her.  She said her first cousin worked at the library but she didn't know which branch.  I asked what her cousin's name was and it turned out to be my friend Joan that I had worked with for 8 years and was even at my wedding!  What a very small world!!!

The rest of my day was spent resting, watching TV and napping.  One of the families at church is supplying our dinners for us.  Jim brought over some bean soup, chicken, cabbage and rolls.  It was all very good.  Hard to eat with just my left hand.

So that was the end of the day.

    
By 8 p.m. I was ready for bed.  Since I had slept only 2 hours the night before I was really tired.  I had a good night's sleep too.  I slept until 7 a.m. this morning.

I want to tell you about today, but I just can't.  My hand is throbbing and I'm very tired.  So I will leave you hanging until tomorrow.  But just know that everything is good.  Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and good wishes.  I really, really appreciate it. 

WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON

Our Richmond Branch of the library is still closed.  But I was able to go in for a few hours yesterday and today to work on some things and help clean things up.

Yesterday it was just Jerry and me.  I did an awful lot and was really tired.  But Jerry told me that I did a fantastic job.  That's high praise from my boss.  And all of this took place in the middle of a snowstorm that began before I went in.

 

It was coming down so fast that the snowflakes look like streaks in these pictures.  And it turned to ice as the day went on.  Not fun.

But today it was sunny and warm.  All the snow and ice is gone.  It is supposed to be nice all week.

This morning instead of Bible study we had a goodbye party for our friend Charlie.  He and his wife are moving to Kansas on Sunday after their church service.  He was a big part of our study and we will miss him.

Charlie as he walked into the room.



The spread -- ham and turkey sandwiches and strawberry shortcake.



Cherie, Deb and Dottie.  Charlie is in the background.



Pastor Justin and Charlie



A more posed one of Pastor Justin and Charlie.



Debbie and Margie dancing.  We told Pastor Justin we were a wild bunch.  Maybe now he believes us.  (ha, ha)  Charlie was playing the piano for us one last time.



The group of us:  Charlie, Dottie, Deb, me, Margie and Rick.

After the meeting I went to work for 4 1/2 hours.  There was still so much to do and I won't be in now until after Easter.  I got everything that I needed to get done finished.

I have been talking with the nurses about my procedure tomorrow.  Suddenly today they spring on me that I will not be able to drive for several days, or lift anything over 5 lbs. for three weeks.  I told them that was a major problem because I have to go back to work.  They keep telling me "this is your life we're talking about."  Yeah, well if I get fired they aren't going to get paid.  And I will lose my house.  Plus they told me today to get someone in to take care of Joe because I will not be doing stairs or cooking or doing wash or dishes, etc.   So things keep getting worse and worse with this procedure.

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. I am to be at the hospital and admitted for the heart catheterization.  As of this moment I am still going through with it, but I am definitely going to voice my concerns to the doctor BEFORE things happen.  His assistant told me that they gave me the "worst case scenario" and she had it done and was fine in two days.  So we will see!!!

There is a verse I am holding on to.  It is Deuteronomy 31:8 -- And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joe is still in a lot of pain from his surgery last week.  I called the dentist (since he wouldn't) and they changed his pain medication.  Hopefully this will have him getting better much more quickly.  The resident I spoke with said this is not uncommon with this kind of surgery and probably it will take another week for him to be back to himself.  I am so glad I called.

So bye for now from the "sick house".  I am going to make flounder and rice for dinner.  That should be easy for the sick guy to eat.  I will let you know as soon as I can how everything turns out.  Until later....   

 

PALM SUNDAY

It was a beautiful day today.  A bit chilly, but sunny and nice.  I went out into the yard and saw that the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are up.  The hydrangea and forsythia have buds on them.  Spring is really here.  Pretty soon I will be able to give you my "Sunday Garden" updates.

Just as I thought Joe was not able to get to church this morning.  He is getting better, but it's a very slow progress.  He is still in a lot of pain.

We had an "unusual" message this morning.  I went in expecting the usual Triumphant Entry account and it was one on Luke 12:1-8 about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, our hypocrisy by the way we live, and how we do what we want and then question why God isn't blessing us.  The end of the message really spoke to me.  In three days I will be having the heart catheterization.  I had another nightmare about it last night.  I am upset.  But at the end of the message Pastor Justin said "We have no need to be afraid of anything in this life.  God is taking care of us."  I am going to hold onto this promise tight during the next few days.

Sorry to ramble on like this.  It's just something that has been on my mind.

I still haven't done anything about the house and time is getting short.  I am just so tired.  I took another nap today.  Didn't mean to, I just doze off.  I think when I have a week off this coming week I will get all caught up.  At least I hope so.  Especially with company coming.

Well, got to run.  Work tomorrow.  Morning comes early and I am NOT a morning person.  Until later....    

THE WEEKEND SO FAR

I ended up sleeping most of today.  I am so tired from yesterday.

I got a call from my boss at 7:30 to ask me to show up at our closed branch to help get the backlog of returned books cleared up.  I said sure.  So that is what happened.  For two hours I opened the drop box, loaded books and videos on a book truck, pushed the heavy truck up the ramp to the door, unloaded the books/videos, and then discharged them and sorted them to go to other branches or be put away.  I was sweating and tired when it was time to go to my regular Friday branch and start my work there.  I spent the rest of the day there shelving, manning the front desk, answering phones, etc.  Then I had to go food shopping to get Joe some easy to eat food.  When I got home I made dinner.  But...

I put the crab cakes I bought into the oven.  Then I sat down to watch some TV while they cooked for 20 minutes.  But I was so exhausted that I fell asleep for about half an hour.  I never heard the buzzer go off to tell me the crab cakes were done.  When I woke up I smelled something, looked at the clock, said "OH NO!" and ran for the kitchen.  The potatoes I was cooking to mash were fine.  The peas were in the microwave so they were fine.  But the crab cakes were overdone.  I ended up using a spoon to pull the insides of the cakes out for Joe and he got about two tablespoons out of three cakes.  I was not a happy camper.

Like I said I did practically nothing today.  I think I'm getting too old for this job.  What kills me is that I'm really good at my job.  And I love my job.  It's just that my body doesn't want to do the heavy part of the job anymore.  I'm getting old.  I'll admit it.

The nice part about yesterday was the beautiful sunset.  So lovely.

     
And with that I'm going back to bed and hopefully get a good night's sleep so I can get up for church tomorrow.  Good night all.

JOE'S DENTAL DAZE

Today was the day for Joe's tooth extraction.  We thought they were going to extract two, but only one was taken out and some bone grafting was done on his jaw.  The whole thing took about an hour.  He opted to not be put to sleep and so was able to walk out with no problem when he was finished.  I went into the room with him, but left before they started the procedure.  I really didn't want to watch them pull his tooth!  They said it was very difficult to remove.

He had the procedure done at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in downtown Philly.

 
There are many buildings associated with Jefferson.  It covers about 8 city blocks.  The dental department is on the top floor of one of these buildings.  The whole ceiling is a skylight.  The view is dramatic.  I was able to sneak a shot out of the skylight with my cell phone.

 

I remember being in one of those hospital rooms for four days when I had my stomach surgery two years ago and how much pain I was in.  I thought I was going to die.  And when I didn't, I wished I had.  So glad that surgical pain eventually goes away.

Our friend Charlie drove us down and then came back to pick us up when we were finished.  That was so nice of him.  Joe did extremely well.  The nurse gave him an ice pack to keep on his cheek for the ride home -- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.  You can see him holding it to his cheek here.

 

Since I had my camera and I wasn't driving I took a few pictures on the way home to show you.

Washington Square (I think).  There are lots of little squares, or parks, throughout Philadelphia.

The tulips are up!

Our one and only casino -- Sugar House.

Penn Treaty Park -- where William Penn signed a treaty with the Delaware Indians.  That peaceful treaty lasted for many decades.  The tall building in the background is in New Jersey.  You can just see the Delaware River which separates the two states.

  When we got home I got Joe settled in bed and then went to get his medicine and some iced tea, flavored water and juice.  He is on a liquid diet for 48 hours so food does not get caught in his incision.  He is NOT a happy camper about this.  Then for a week he is on mashed or pureed food.  Easter dinner is going to be yummy for him.  (Ha, ha.)  He says he is eating solid food by then.  We will see.  He goes back to the dentist the day after Easter.

After I finally ended up running around I took a 2 hour nap.  I really needed it.  I expected to be able to stay home and clean for two days, but all I've done is run errands.  Why is it that kids never want to take naps and adults love to take them?  There's something wrong with this picture.  Afternoon naps is something I am looking forward to when I retire.

And speaking of retiring, it's back to work for me tomorrow so I'd better run.  Until later... 

FIRST DAY OF SPRING

It was rather cool for the first day of spring.  But it was sunny most of the day and we got a chance to be out and about.  We both slept in.  That was nice.

We woke up with Verizon calling to tell us the internet was fixed.  But it really wasn't.  It took about 45 minutes with a tech to get it up and running.  But it's finally working!  It is high speed and it really is very fast.  I can actually watch videos now without them stopping to load.  That's nice.  We are waiting a week, though, to make sure there are no problems before cancelling our service with Sprint.

When I finally got off with them, we went to the Country Club for brunch.  Joe got his usual whitefish platter.  He loves it and that is the only place we can find it.  I had a chicken salad sandwich and fries that was really good.

The rest of the day was spent doing a lot of errands.  The reason I was trying to do everything today is because tomorrow Joe is going to Jefferson Hospital to have two teeth extracted and a bone graft on his jaw.   His appointment is for 10 a.m. and our friend, Charlie, is picking us up at 9 a.m. to make sure we get there on time.  It was so nice of Charlie to offer to drive us so that we don't have to pay for parking.  When we are finished we will call him and he will come back to pick us up.  Because of his epilepsy Joe has to be completely sedated so he doesn't have a seizure which would be horrible in the middle of his surgery.  So I expect to be there for quite awhile.  I am going to take a good book to read.

I made Joe a good dinner tonight since he won't be able to eat for a few days.  I made pork chops, mixed veggies and potato salad.  He ate it all.  I have soup for him for tomorrow.  Poor Joe.  I think one of the worst things is to have your teeth worked on.

Tonight we got a call from our next-door neighbors that they were smelling gas in their house.  Joe had already gone to bed, but he got up and we went over there.  There was a really strong smell of gasoline coming from their basement.  They had called the gas company and they came out.  I don't think they found anything.  They came in our house too to check things out.  And guess what.  There was a small leak by our heater which they fixed for free.  A real blessing for us.

So now it is late and I have to get going so I can get some sleep.  Happy Spring everyone! 

WHAT A SURPRISE

I fell asleep last night before I could put things together for our Bible Study this morning.  So I got up at 6:30 a.m. and got all the handouts typed up.  I was going to make cupcakes, but unfortunately I just didn't have time to do it.  So on the way to pick up my friend, Deb, I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and got some muffins.  I got two pumpkin, two coffeecake and two corn.  They were a big hit.

I was really impressed with the store.  It is attached to the BP gas station.  I had never been there before.  It is so clean and attractive and the people are so helpful and want to wait on you.  The muffins were so delicious too.  I will definitely be going back.

After Bible Study I straightened up the living room because a technician was coming to set up our new internet service.  Joe found that if he got Verizon it would be free with our phone service.  Free is good.  And a lot cheaper than what we are paying Sprint.

It turns out that the wireless router they gave us is not working correctly with our lines.  We can connect with the network, but we can't get any internet service.  Joe called Verizon and no one can figure out why we can't get on the internet.  They will call us back in 2 to 3 days when they figure it out.  I am glad we still have the Sprint and it is still working.

When I got to work today I found out that there was absolutely no water in the building.  We have been getting by the last two weeks with faucets and a water fountain that worked, but no bathrooms.   Yesterday the faucets were running very slowly and the water in the drinking fountain was rusty looking.  Today, nothing.  We had the choice of taking vacation time or going to another library.  Sheila went to Fishtown Branch.  Walt went to Widener Branch.  Diane was still on vacation and it wasn't Marquita's day to work.  Jerry, Bob and I elected to stay at Richmond until 4 p.m. and then take vacation the rest of the day, tomorrow and Thursday.  So surprise!  A nice little vacation we didn't expect.  I'm so glad I had those extra vacation days.

We got so much done in the four hours we were there.  It's amazing what you can do when you don't get interrupted by the public every 5 minutes.  I think I am completely caught up!

I am looking forward to this unexpected day off.  I have so much cleaning to do to get ready for company on Easter so I am going to use this to great advantage.  Also, Joe has been having a lot of seizures, so I am glad to be home to keep an eye on him.

I'm going to end for now.  I want to watch the Duggars in Asia.  It's really interesting since Joe was stationed in Japan for a year and part of my family comes from China.  So cool to see the housing and food.  Until later...   

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Our front window

Hope you all had a lovely day today.  Everyone is Irish today, aren't they?

I began the day by making Joe and I "Egg In The Hole" for breakfast.  Do you know what that is?  I learned it from the Pioneer Woman.  You cut a hole in a slice of bread, put it in a pan with a lot of butter, break an egg into the hole and cook it.  Today I took a shamrock cookie cutter and made a shamrock shaped hole in the bread.  We love Egg In The Hole.  It is one of our favorite breakfasts.

 
The hole part is really good too.  Imagine a piece of toast just slathered in butter.

It was my Saturday to work yesterday.  I was thinking how nicely my tulips and daffodils are coming up when I looked out the front door and saw this.

 

Yes, it was snowing.

And it got heavier as the day wore on.

 By the time we left, it was a major ice storm.  It was tough getting to the car to get home.  And it was tough driving home too.

I made up another pasta dish for dinner last night.  We were going to go food shopping, but you know that didn't happen.   I took a summer sausage and sliced it up (but you could use any kind of sausage or even ground beef), chopped a half an onion, cut some grape tomatoes in half, and added a little bit of minced garlic.  Then I heated it all up in some olive oil.  When everything was pretty well cooked, I added a can of tomato soup and then the cooked penne.  When I plated it I grated some cheddar cheese on top.  It was very good.  I'm getting pretty good at this pasta stuff.

  
Tonight I made a beef rump roast, mashed potatoes and peas.  Not very Irish, but Joe is having two teeth pulled on Thursday and I am saving my stew for then.  He is going to need soft stuff to eat for awhile.

I've got to get going.  Morning (and work) comes early.  Until later, folks.  

GOOD MORNING

Good morning everyone!  Hope this is going to be a lovely day for all of you.  It began a little cloudy, but now the sun is shining brightly and there is a lot of blue sky peeking through those clouds.

Yesterday began sunny and warm and ended up rainy and cold.  I couldn't believe how much the temperature had dropped from when I went into work and when I came out.

Speaking of work, I took a couple of pictures to show you of the new mural the kids did for the children's department.  It's really pretty.  So spring like and colorful!

Night before last I was so sick.  Something I ate didn't agree with me.  I got very little sleep.  I was debating whether to go to work or not, but ended up going.  I was so tired all day and felt so sick.  So glad I got out at five.

When I got home I told Joe to call out for dinner, I was too tired to cook.  He did and I ended up just going to bed without eating.  I slept for four hours.  When I got up I felt so much better.  I ended up eating half of a sandwich at 10 p.m. and going back to sleep.  I'm feeling OK now and hope today is better.  It's my late day so I won't get home from work until 8:30 tonight.  I so need a vacation.

I have so much to do before Easter.  I hope I can get everything done.  Part of it is getting this heart catheterization.  I got a call from the hospital yesterday to set things up.  I'm praying that this time it goes better.  14 days to go.

I'm going to get off of here and do some things around the house before I have to go to work.  It never ends.  Have a good day, folks.