January 26, 09

Good morning to all.

Last week was busy as usual, Dr Appointmments, visiting nurses and physical therapists kept us on our toes.

Doris is improving by leaps and bounds. She is still a bit weak, but is dressing now and walking up and down the hallways of the condo. 

The visiting nurses approve of her recovery process and all vitals are normal. 

She has not begun to complain as yet so I assume she has a ways to go for full recovery.

These angels (visiting nurses) are very thourough and it helps both Doris and I when they arrive with their computers and confirm her health issuses. 

To-day she has a follow up appointment with the surgeon. We have some questions concerning the so called mass in her pancreas, and about future treatment etc. 

We are managing and all systems at home seem to be working well. 

I have become an experienced grocery shopper and take advantage of all the 2 for one's. 

Doris has yet to complain.

This last week the snow falls were non-existant but the thermometer dropped and made the wind seem severely cold.  Forecast for this week is a bit warmer. 

I miss going to the shop each day. I hope they miss me.

Sign on the electric company door.

"We would be delighted if you would send your payment.

  How ever, if you don't, you will be".

Thanks for tuning in.

JIM

Monday 

January 19

This is MLK day. It is also the day before Barak obama is inaugarated the 44th president. 

History ! 

Last week was an extreemly busy one for Doris and I. On Thursday, one week to the day Doris was discharged from the Uof M hospital. Both she and I were happy about that. 

She is doing well and begining to eat and more importantly, to keep it down. Doris does not do well when being administered medications from tubes and bags. 

On Saturday the Visitng Nurse office sentr a rep to visit and take notes concerning Doris condition and her after care needs. This morning a physical therapy and and heath nurse visited. One at 9:00 AM and the second at 10:00 AM. Doris was busy and I am impressed with this fine service. They are setting up schedules for future visits. Excercise is important and we are fortunate to live in our condo where miles of indoor walking opportunities are available. 

She needs a bit more help with a lingering physical problem that needs attention. The visiting nurses are helping with that problem. 

 I have become the in-house attendant. Nursing, cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry  and  whatever it  takes to get Doris back to normal. 

 I must report that I have not taken time to attend to the many phone calls, and e-mails    inquiring about Doris hospital stay and recuperation. It is not an immpossiblity to do this,    but is time consuming and is accomplished between chores and visitors.                                    Yes, Doris does enjoy the calls and visitors and  the cards of encouragement. 

Thanks to all of you.

Jim's humor:

Don't let your worries get the best of you:

Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

 

SundayJanuary 11

It has been a busy week for Jim and Doris and especially Doris.

Doris Surgery went as scheduled on Thursday and went well. 

The days before the surgery they had her taking more tests and exams to make sure every thing was A-OK and it was. 

She came through with flying colors and is recuperating nicely. 

The plan was for her to return home on Monday 1/12.  However due to her inability to keep food down she will have to remain at the U of  M hospital a few more days.

Jim is a good care giver but he would like her to be feeling  good before she arrives back at 121.

 

Jim has been busy cutting a trail from home to the hospital. A trip in the morning, back home and a trip in the afternoon and back home. Nightime driving  is not an option. Evenings while a guest at the Uof M Doris is on her own. 

The hospital and its staff have been super. The surgeon a his team have been great and check on her in person every day. We are thankful for these people.

Thanks for tuning in.

A little smile for all.

I was stuck in the grocery express lane behind a women with too many artcles.  "I'm sorry" she told the clerk. "I guess I forgot to count the things in my cart."

"Don't worry", the clerk replied. "Everyone behind you is counting them".

Jim and Doris.

Keep in touch.

It's 2009. Hard to beleive how fast the years pass and how many new years celabrations we have had. This year there was no celebration. Just a quiet eving in front of the TV trying to stay awake.

Another busy week week of preperation for Doris' surgery. A cat scan, a pre-op exam and on Wednesday a stress test.  Thursday January 8 the big day will have arrived.

Everything so far is a-ok and we are sure the stress test will prove to be negative. 

Jim went fishing last Tuesday while Doris traveled to her favorite casino for a day of bingo. 

To my knowledge she did not bring a large amount of extra cash home with her. 

I did not bring a mess of fish home either. Will try again tomorrow.

Had some snow in Minnesota over the holiday. not enough to bother anyone, but always is important to skiers and snowmobilers.

 Still receiving a few belated Christmas cards and we do appreciate hearing from freinds and relatives around the country.

The Vikings were beaten on Sunday, not to the surprise of most Minnesotans. The best team one and we wish them luck as the ployoffs proceed.

  "Why did you loose your last job"? 

  "It was sometihing my boss said"

  "What did he say"?

  "You're fired!"

If you are rading this you don't need any instruction on how to get into our blog. You would be surprised at the e-mails I get asking how?

Our second winter in Minnesota is going well. we are enjoying the winter and all the questions on how come we are still here and not in Arizona. Every thing has its time and the time for the RV and Arizona has had its day. This is especialy true as It would not have been comfortable in AZ considering Doris' cancer. 

We Minnesotans have finally finished counting ballots for U.S Senator. It seems that the Republican lost and the comedian won!  Not quite final as yet, but getting close. 

Law suits will follow. 

These guys must aquire a lot of perks to figfht this hard for those jobs!!

Tune in again. We will have news concerning Doris'surgery and recovery. 

I have been gathering a list of probable companions. during Doris' absence.  

It is not going well. 

The sign up sheet is still blank.

Thanks for listening.

Jim and Doris

keep in touch!