They were married for a number of years. I think she divorce the jerk around 1978. Until then any family get together I had to dodge him staying near people cause he was always chasing me or mouthing 'next time'. It wasn't until the 90s when we moved back to the area where grew up that I was finally able to stop being afraid he would show up at my door. I also had to dodge a pervert uncle who had molested my mom, my older sisters and me. He would grab us when we arrived at their house and make us masturbate him right there in the driveway. Unlike my older sisters and mom, I protected my younger sister by getting between him and her allowing him to make me do it not her - would tell her to get inside. I think because of family history no big deal was made of it when my younger sister told what nearly happened. I showed up at B one day with a high school girl friend. She wasn't home but he was and grabbed us both. Thankfully we got away and I told her about him.
B had no idea - I never told. Her first clue was after I got married and left, he tried on our youngest sister but she managed to get away. She did tell but seems no one believed her or thought it important. I honestly believe my sister B who was married to this pervert was herself raped or forced into sex with this guy while they were dating in high school. I also believe he molested our youngest brother and his own son - both who are in the homosexual lifestyle. My brother when i mentioned it to him (even though he would of been about 2 when he would take off with him on his motorcycle) he did not deny the possibility. A few years ago I finally told my oldest sister (the one that just died). When she told our sister B, she couldn't believe it until her son told her 'mom I believe her, I believe dad did it", so he knew the pervert his dad was. Long term effect besides the smell of mildew, which my uncle's closed smelled like, triggering me, I can't tolerate long tight hugs. My oldest sister told me to get over it and would hug me so tight I couldn't get away. I would go into a panic but she would not give up. She always thought she knew best.
So that is my story. I am sticking to it no matter what others say!!
Curly hair - was it curly before? Was it the same color or different? After my SIL went through chemo and radiation for breast cancer (twice) her hair came back dark except for one gray spot in the back. Unfortunately it didn't take long to turn all gray.
Mim & Charlotte I was saddened to read your posts. I think that you are such wonderful women and I wish that your lives were easier.. I remember a St Jude from my catholic childhood, he was the saint for impossible situations so I am going to light two candles and pray for you both. XX
First, if any of you live in Texas in the way of the storm coming - be safe. They show the water temp it is going over - can't imagine the ocean being that warm. I am use to the Pacific off Oregon/Washington where a couple times it made it to 50 but usually 40s. When we were in Vero Beach and Panama City, Fl I felt the warm ocean water which was nice.
Within 3 hours of hb getting home from day care he was complaining of a stomach ache. By bedtime, well let's just say he was miserable. He has never been one to complain much when sick but now that is so different. He did have a 100.9 temp, but his biggest complaint was his stomach hurting so bad moving, laying, etc. was hurting. I am horrible in that his facial reactions were actually 'entertaining' and sad at the same time. Reminded me a child playing it up. You can tell I am not too sympathetic especially when he ignores all my suggestions. He did fall asleep groaning so I thought it would be a loooooooong night. Thankfully after 1 he finally put his CPAP on was quiet the rest of the night. He woke up still complaining but he is now eating so can't be too bad. I called day care to see if they had a bug going around and she said not that she knows of. I told her well evidently there is now! I told her I would keep him home tomorrow even if he felt better to make sure he was over it.
Got the cortisone shot in my big toe yesterday. Last night it hurt from the shot. Today I went for a walk with Jasmine and it was better - how much better time will tell. The doctor gave options of the shot or surgically shaving the spur off so there is not the irritation but I told him I would take the shot, anything more would have to wait until my husband isn't at home any longer. He said if it helps I can have up to three a year. Now to start reading up to see how Medicare will cover it. I will admit having Medicaid paying nothing was like when we both had insurance through our jobs so if we paid anything it was a small copay.
We are cooled down some - only 90 today forecast.
Again, those in Texas and possibly Louisiana, be safe.
Quail babies are coming more often. Babies are almost as big as parents now. Some are clearly boys now. For Easterners, California Quail are different that your quail. They don't have the long tail and compketely different coloring. They have about 12 babies. The parents and sometimes some kids from previous year work together to keep everyone together. We have a water dish out back that is low to the ground. Hawks like to bathe there. That's always fun to watch. When the quail babies were tiny it was hilarious watching them stop for a drink. One baby would jump up.and knock two others down. They kept hopping up and down like that for quite some time. This morning they were all on the dish at the same time. They made a complete circle. There were about 18 birds there. Pretty cool. I got stung by a scorpion last night as I was closing up. It was by the front door inside the house. It hurt quite a bit, but no adverse.reaction. I've been in Ca since 1982. This is only the second scorpion I have seen. First sting. When we moved here my Doberman was barking at something. When I got up close there was a scorpion on the walkway. It was pretty much transparent and only about 2-3 inches long but it was staring my Dobie down and ready for battle.
Mim, I was having a bad week and not being a very good caregiver and feeling sorry for myself. Your week was way worse. I am having difficulty imaging how to handle recurrent cancer treatment while caring for Alzheimer spouse. How lonely that would be. I think it is a good thing we found that cottage by the lake. We need to meet there for tea or something soothing OFTEN. Sending you all kinds of positive thoughts and virtual hugs.
Towards the end for my husband, he complained often about stomach aches. We made several trips to the ER where a lot of tests were performed each time. on the last one, the doctor had the nurse bring a plate of food for him, and then watched as my DH ate every bit of it! He said that obviously my DH was only hungry but didn't remember what the hunger pain meant. After that, I made him a sandwich or a snack when he complained, and he was fine. At times, when he complained but dinner or lunch wasn't ready yet, I gave him the candy mints, round pink ones and told him they were medicines for stomach ache. He was okay with that till the food was done. Maybe that is what is happening with your DH. When he complains, see if he is able to eat a sandwich or snack and hold it down without complaining afterwards.
He ate part of his dinner last night and then stopped. He has a jar of hard candy that he is always eating. I had to decide if it was GERDS acting up or a bug. I decided on a bug when his temp was up a little and complaining he had no strength. Today he ate breakfast but has been sleeping all afternoon so no lunch. When I called this morning they told me one person did go home sick with diarrhea and vomiting - thank goodness he didn't have that. I will keep him home tomorrow and call in the afternoon to see if anymore have come down sick. If so, he may skip next week - don't need him repeating. i started back with my echinacea routine last night so hopefully I won't get it.
Mim and Charlotte, when I read your recent posts, I was at a loss for words. Over the days, I wondered what I could possibly say that would have any meaning. Then Cassie posted and she said it so well. I echo it: "Mim & Charlotte I was saddened to read your posts. I think that you are such wonderful women and I wish that your lives were easier.. I remember a St Jude from my catholic childhood, he was the saint for impossible situations so I am going to light two candles and pray for you both. XX.""
Interesting last night he was fine all day until he headed to bed early at 8:30. Then his stomach started hurting. He finally fell asleep I think around 11 then woke up at midnight crying 'I have to get up'. Asked him what was hurting and he said something like 'I don't know I think my shoulders'. Walked around then came back to bed. Around 1 it was his lower back. Told him maybe he should go sleep in his chair since he slept all afternoon in it without a problem. Gave him a blanket and told him to go sit in his chair. Poor guy was so confused and each time he went to put his CPAP on I had to show him how. Gave him a couple tylenol, he went to sleep and is still sleeping. It was the same the night before - as soon as I gave him tylenol, before it even had a chance to work, he was fast asleep. Is it psychological as soon as he takes it he is better? Tonight I will give it to him when he goes to bed the first time and see if it works cause I am tired.
I had a headache last night. Temps finally cooled down enough with a nice breeze to have the door and windows open. Problem: smoke. There are no fires in our area. Weatherman did not know where the smoke was coming from - maybe some fires in the Cascades. I should have shut up and turned the a/c on but it was so nice with the door and windows open. I guess I deserved the sinus headache I got from the smoke!
Bhv - didn't see a lot of quail babies this year. I did earlier and a couple evenings ago I saw them walking down the road - about half grown. So many people are feeding the birds now they are 'fat and sassy'! About a month ago this family moved in across from us. They have two adorable little kids - a boy almost 2, daughter 4 that love Art. The boy is cute cause he doesn't like to wear clothes so runs around naked a lot. Doesn't bother me cause my siblings did it when we were little and so did my kids. The boy has such a personality and big smile - he reminds me of my grandson Noah when he was younger. Anyone, the dad likes to go quail hunting. He was telling his wife how fat the quail were around here and good they would taste. She told him if they want to continue living here he best get that out of his mind!!!
Here in Western Mass, we have had a week of clear, sparkling days and they say we'll have another week of the same. It's a welcome relief from the heat and humidity we usually see at this time. Today I saw the first sign of Fall - a sumac with some orange leaves - and realized that we usually see signs of Fall color much earlier than this. For some reason, the beauty of this late summer weather makes me sad. I guess I feel I should not be alone in contemplating its beauty. It makes me miss my husband, who loved being outdoors.
Meanwhile, a violent storm is over Texas, a world away from here in more ways than one. Even though we get a good amount of rain here, I can't imagine the devastation that 30" of rain in a few days would create.
Myrtle, a minor question, but how did your garden grow this summer? Did you sit in your shed and contemplate the ripening tomatoes outside the door? And what are you reading these days?
Through email and phone calls, some of my family and friends are reminding me that today, Aug.27, is Dear Helen's birthday. Helen and I never really celebrated our birthdays because we had a celebration every day ..... Birthday or no birthday...........
Now, of course I'm thinking about her ..... But I think about her every day ...... I can't quit thinking of her and the great life we shared. She would be 91 today, if she was still around. She left this world eight days after her 86-th birthday and I'll never forget her passing or the amazing way she did it.
After 9 months of visiting her for several hours every day while she was in the nursing home, I had a problem of my own and spent three days in the hospital. When they let me go home, they told me that I needed complete rest for one week. I could not visit Helen because it was too much walking. I phoned the nurse's station every day to check on her and they were telling me that the end was near.
Then on the afternoon of Sept. 4, they called me and said that the end was very close. I wasted no time in getting myself down there. When I hobbled into her room. I found my daughter at her bedside holding her hand and several nurses and staff just standing by. They gave me a chair at Helen's side and I held her as best I could. There was no conversation and after about five minutes, one nurse said, "She's taking her last breath right now". She then checked for a heartbeat and said, ...."Helen has passed".
I'm not getting into the details of all this. I just want to make clear the amazing fact that after not seeing me for almost a week, she waited until I was by her side before she left this world
Hi George, These anniversaries bring back so many hard memories. I sometimes am comforted by what Queen Elizabeth II said about the deaths on 9/11: "Grief is the price we pay for love."
Hi Mary, My garden is growing great. The flower garden and back yard are beautiful, although as always, I abandoned weeding in the hot humid weather and everything went wild. But this weekend, everything got a good cleaning out and it all looks good. I bought some heirloom tomato plants (Beefsteak) this spring at the local vocational school sale and they are bursting with fruit. Some have ripened but most are still green. The shed is still a great haven.
As far as reading, I kind of stopped reading late last year, when my husband went into Hospice care. Since then, I've been reading magazines (a friend gave me a subscription to the New Yorker) and the backs of cereal boxes. However, as it happens, I found in a pile of papers (put aside during the events of last December) the book, "Salmonberry Wine," which I had ordered but never read. So I look forward to cracking that spine.
Speaking of bones, I'm in the process of lining up knee replacement surgery. I put it off for a long time so I could be with my husband, but now it's time. Will keep you informed. Hope your own health issues will be resolved without too much more pain or bad puns on the part of Wolf.
The first week of September was not the best of times for either of us, George, in 2014 and 2012. Larry on Sept. 2, and Helen on Sept. 4. It's too bad the four of us never had a chance to get together for dinner or something. I think we all would have got along and it would have been a hoot. I can just "see" it. Of course, being on opposite ends of the country could have been a slight barrier. : D
didn't take him long - last night he broke the nose piece off his only remaining pair of glasses. He kept going for his glasses this morning and had to keep telling him he had to go without because he broke them. Told him 'you would not stop playing with them last night and broke the nose piece off'. For the first time in a long time he asked said 'I don't know why I can't remember anything'. I told him because he has a brain disease that is killing your brain just like your dad, sister, your dad's sister and brother and his mom. I know I probably should not have been so blunt but I was. I did call day care to let them know he did not have any glasses today so if he looks for them they can tell him he didn't wear any. I have a call into the VA. If they have the frames in stock then we will drive to Walla Walla tomorrow. Maybe since it is only a couple weeks when he is eligible for a new pair they will order them since they can take up to 3 months to get here.
Myrtle, my tomato plants did not do well. The local farmers did not either. There are very few at the farmers market or fresh produce stands. The almost 2 months of 100+ temps every day took it toll on them. Mine just kind of sat there. Now that the weather is cooler (except this week is upper 90s, low 100s) they have started to grow. I cut off the top blossoms yesterday hoping the energy will go to the rest and hopefully get some. My cherry tomato did a little better. They say the heat burned the blossoms.
will enjoy my time alone today. I do have an appointment this afternoon to give blood. I use to give regularly when living on the west side - close to 4 gallons total I think. My blood is in demand (O-) so they love me!! I am one of those that feel better after giving blood. I guess I get too much and getting rid of some helps overall! Like loosing weight - just wish the scales showed it!
An eventful last 24 hours. Last night while I was standing talking to the neighbors Jas heard dogs in the dog pen right next door. She went over to see and one of the three dogs in there stuck its nose through and bit Jas right on the eye. Looks like it only tore the lower eyelid and did not damage her eye. She has a 3:30 vet appointment to make sure it didn't. It doesn't look pretty but doesn't seem to bother her much. Right now she is being entertained. Took Art to Walla Walla to get new frames and picked up a kitten too. It was listed on Craigslist. She is a cutee - b/w just like Jas. Jas is trying to figure her out. The kitten goes where Jas can't fit which drives Jas crazy!! I hope they become good friends and maybe Jas will finally play.
Charlotte, no one can say your life is dull! I can't wait to hear your stories about Jasmine and the kitte. BTW, what name are you giving to the kitten?
They put two stitches in her lower eyelid. She was still out when we brought her home. So hard to see her so out of it. When we were eating she got up to lick our plates but couldn't get her mouth to work too good. They said she will probably sleep through the night. I do have a cone to put on her if she starts to scratch at her eye cause it wouldn't take much to rip those stitches.
I was happy when we got home from the vet to see the kitten had used the litter box. She was hungry and evidently couldn't remember where her food was - watched her try to tear the bag of food open. I put her up by her food and she just found her way up there on her own. Smart kitty. The only place to put it so Jas can't get it is on the little frig.
Name I have not decided. I am debating whether to stick with the last cats name - CC which stood for clepto-cat but she would be CeCe since Art will probably end up calling her that anyway. I am trying to think of another fragrant flower to go with Jasmine but none that I like except for Sage.
Will add - when CC adopted us she was abandoned and about one. It took her over a year to start purring and a lot longer to really purr. This kitten is purring already. yahoo!!
CeCe is a nice name. It's often a nickname for Cecelia. I looked up lists of scented flowers and (in addition to Jasmine, which was at the top), came up with the following: rose, Lily, petunia, Daisy, violet, Daphne, hazel.
Congrats with the kitten. I recommend playing with her paws a lot and cutting her claws. If you do this as a kitten she might not resist having her claws cut as an adult. Not that I had any luck with this approach.
Great. As she grows she should do less biting and the canines won't be as sharp.
You might want to try playing fetch with her, like with a small ball made from foil. If she does fetch (she will or she won't, nothing to teach her) keep it up and she will play it as an adult. however, with a dog in the house it might be hard to play this game with her.