Socializing In This Pandemic

This is what my patio looked like yesterday. After several weeks of some of the most challenging days I have experienced in a long time, I was able to enjoy something I have not been able to do in a few years . Yes, years ! And, that is to socialize with friends .  Remember, all of my friends have passed on .  And , these folks are new friends that I met through a mutual friend .  They wanted to meet me in person following some telephone visits . And that was nice .  They suggested that we spend some time visiting outside to follow the current mandate of social distancing .  Especially , since the gentleman is out of the hospital for only four months following heart attacks and surgery for an aortic aneurysm . A pacemaker is helping him . He is doing great ! But, it has been a very, very rough ride .
So. I suggested that we visit on my patio .  I went about cleaning the patio and tried to make it look inviting !

They brought lemonade and yummy nutbread. They also brought some oranges and lemons from their garden . We talked and took a little stroll around my garden which prompted lots of "garden talk" since they both enjoy gardening .  

My recent severe back problems have kept me from cleaning up the winter garden debris . And, they offered to help me rake leaves and put them in barrels which was a very nice and generous offer . Thankfully , on Wednesday I am anticipating some garden help from a family who all come and work. I have had them once in the past and they were excellent . 

My friends stayed for four hours (can you believe that) and we had the best time just chatting about a little of this and that .  It so happens that he grew up in the exact same area in the Bay Area that I lived in for five years prior to buying my little house and moving up to the mountains .  They live in a beautiful area in the next county over from here . Unfortunately they live 45 minutes drive from here . But, I think we will see a lot of each other in the future .

By the time they left I was in terrible back pain from sitting so long . But, it was so worth it and wonderful for me to have their lovely company . I went in the house and stayed on the sofa the remainder or the day .

 The garden is finally waking up and there is a lot of color along with a lot of white in the White Garden .  The Iris are about four feet tall and are starting to put on a fabulous display.

That is it for this time . I hope to visit again soon with blogging .

Happy days to all of you and Stay Healthy .

Mary

Until Next Time

I am stopping my posting .  But, I may be back , but don't know when . I just feel that it is best for me at this time .  Nothing troubling other than the horrible pandemic . Other than that just more of the same .  Feeling blessed to have food in the house , still able to get around in the house carefully , bills are paid (I don't have many with my simple lifestyle) , have funds for emergencies , have a warm bed/house and my kitty cat by my side!  Church and community checking in with me .  I am a very lucky lady . My little town has put in impressive community aid to look over everyone and provide what the needs may be ! Please take care of yourselves !  All of you .

I'll be reading blogs as I have always enjoyed what each of you have to say .

Mary

Living Very Carefully

These times are certainly challenging to live in .  It sure is a unique adjustment and something that none of us have experienced in the past .  I'm doing quite well and not in need of anything at this time . Fortunately, I had done some extensive grocery shopping about five days prior to the first announcement . Not unreasonable amounts of products but items that I don't regularly purchase like canned soups and microwave dinners .  My kitchen is stocked quite well for the current time . The main items that I will have to get soon is cat food and cat litter .  Having lived alone so much of my life has made the situation easier for me .  Unfortunately , since I am in a high risk category because of age I will have to ask someone else to shop for me .

Because so many (I guess all) of my friends have passed away my life has become quite solitary .  Even though I no longer attend church it will be "very ok" for me to ask them for help . It has always been difficult for me to ask for help because of many past life experiences .

Yes, I live in a neighborhood but don't really have close neighbors .  The houses on each side of me and behind me are secondary homes . It is nice that they come up to recreate often . Nonetheless, there are always people nearby walking their dogs or going to main street where there is always a lot of activity . I still love living here and feel very fortunate to have my house !

Yes, SNOW started falling at 8:30 AM and continued throughout the day . There was a possibility of snow but here at 2000 foot elevation it was not really expected . One day of snow is great but with the current pandemic , I don't really want to be snowed in . That would just be "a little much" !

I have been somewhat surprised with the large number of people that are being mentioned on television this evening that have tested positive for the virus . So sad !!!

Now, a little update about my back .  Not so good . My new shoes with the good arch support came and are helping a lot . 

 When an aging spine has deteriorated discs it is so important to maintain good posture and the 1 1/2 inch heel is really helping the spinal cord from having as much pressure and pain .  Standing straight is so important !  The most pain that I am having is at the base of the lumbar spine .  And that pain has been a little scary for me . Because if that disc ruptured it can be an emergency because it can affect the bladder and bowel . 

When the back brace comes in a day or so that should help some more .

This is certainly NOT a good time to need a doctor .

I am staying very quiet and spending a lot of time on the sofa .  My activity is very minimal .  Needless to say , this is adding a lot of stress to my already challenging life with the invasive virus .

Blessings and Good Health To All .

Mary

The Good, Bad And The Ugly

It's about time that I catch up with you about all the things that have kept me so very busy . I probably would have gotten this posted sooner if I had not misplaced or lost my cable used to transfer the photos from my camera to the laptop . Looked EVERYWHERE!  I had to order a replacement .  Is this another sign that the years are zooming past me ?

Let's start with the GOOD .  I am so happy to tell you that the change in my medication for Seasonal Affective Disorder has helped me immensely !  It took about three weeks before I started to notice how different I was feeling !  It has been so wonderful to get up in the morning and feel "right with the day" whether it is sunny and bright or NOT !  What a wonderful difference . I am so happy that I persisted with the doctor until I was able to get the help I have needed in such a very long time !!!

It is always the right time to celebrate with a little ice cream in the sunshine .  Even though I am still having difficulty with lack of appetite I have no problem with my desire for ice cream whatever the time is ! It may sound a little corny but I really feel like sunshine most of the time .

Don't want to forget to mention that finally the generator that I purchased about six months ago has been installed . It's nice to know that if the power goes out for any prolonged time , I will not be cold and - - I can have hot coffee . Oh, the creature comforts of home that we so easily can take for granted !

Tomorrow it will be two years since Miss Ivy came to live with me .  I guess I should say, since I chose her to live with me .  And, it has been pure joy .  She now spends her time snuggled close to me whenever I am am sitting or laying down which has been quite a lot lately .  I really did not think that she would ever become that comfortable , trusting and attached to me .

The weather has been quite remarkably nice lately .  However , I must not overlook the reality of how serious it will become if we don't get some much needed RAIN . The plants , trees and gardens have started to show the first baby steps into spring with their little busts of green growth and sprinkles of little bits of color .  The beautiful tree across the street looks like this , entirely covered in blossoms .  Fabulous !

And, now - a little of the BAD .  Look at this mess in my outdoors .  I have not been able to work in my garden let alone clean up in preparation for a colorful spring and summer garden because of unusual very severe back pain . The kind that has "stopped me in my tracts".  It makes me very sad .

For the past month or so , I have been experiencing increased pain level in my back and left hip .  BOO-HOO .  A very BIG BOO-HOO !  It has been terrible . It so closely resembles the Severe Pain when I first herniated my L4/L5 disk in my low back many years ago in September 1992 and subsequently had to have surgery to decompress (reduce pressure) the nerves as well as assist in recovery of left foot drop whereby I had no control of my foot because of nerve impingement .

Working as a Nurse for years certainly did not help my small body maintain optimal skeletal health.  It was hard work especially considering that we did not have the help of orderlies (as they called them later) and transfer equipment to assist us with moving patients with heavy plaster casts or turning heavy patients who were not to turn without help following cataract eye surgery which required to be bedridden for a week following surgery .  Oh, those were the days .  Sounds as bad as being a child walking in the snow to school, doesn't it ? Oh, how did I get This Old ?

The fact that I have always been physically active doing one thing or another can be a "double edged sword" .  My body still has a lot of mobility because I don't spend a lot of time just sitting around but my back vertebrae are simply old and worn out !!!

And now , for a little Ugly ! Just look at my spine MRI (taken in 2017) and it's messed up curvature and poor quality of vertebrae/discs along with a worsening scoliosis (sideways curvature) .  And, maybe (most likely) worse now in 2020 .  It really amazes me that I have been able to be as physical as I have been .  Probably the fact that I try to pace myself and limit my time working in the garden to three hours maximum has helped .

The dictated report notes that all of my lumbar disks (that would be L1 through L5) are either moderately or severely bulging . Just exactly, what does that mean .

Well , it is better than I had remembered when I read the report in the past........

Basically, it states that I have Spondylosis , also known as DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) which is a condition that usually occurs due to aging. It is progressive deterioration of the discs between the vertebral bodies . The discs lose moisture and shrink , losing their cushioning effect between the spinal bones , the ligaments become weaker or thicken , and the bones can develop bony growths or spurs . My report shows that I also have spurs . Spondylosis can cause pressure on nerve roots causing subsequent pain or tingling in the legs . A primary difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc is that bulging discs are "contained" . There is no rupture or tear present inside the disc's outer layer . Herniated discs may start out as bulging discs , but they create so much pressure on the discs outer wall , it causes a rupture .

Because it has been a long time since I was familiar with the many terms used to describe the numerous spinal abnormalities I thought I would post this information . It may be helpful for some of you .

Spondylolysis is a fracture in the vertebrae . As we age the bones weaken and a stress fracture may occur . This type of fracture is simply a crack in part of the vertebra and may cause no problem at all. However, sometimes the cracked vertebrae slips forward over the vertebrae below it. This is known as Spondylolisthesis .

Spondylitis affects the spinal column . It can cause inflammation and stiffness between your vertebrae - - -  the bones of your neck, spine and lower back and pelvis. Spondylitis can attack ligaments that connect muscle to bones and other connective tissue. 

The back/spine is so much more complex than this little snippet of information . Treatment is based on pain level, patient interview and diagnostic imaging .

I certainly do not see surgery in my future even though it has been recommended for at least the last five years or more .  I think the risk factor is to great and I could end up in a worse situation .  I have already had a multitude of procedures with minimal noticeable benefit . I am thankful for a pretty high pain threshold ! Especially , since "real pain pills" no longer are available . I started taking Aleve .  Helping ? I really don't know . Sadly, no gardening .

I have ordered a new back brace that is a little different than I have had in the past . And, also some new shoes with a substantial arch support .

Have you heard of Tonal Chiropractic approach ? Maybe next time I'll say something about it . This is certainly more than enough this time .

Another , but horrific subject , next time . But Please - - -

Good Wishes to All of You and I Hope You stay healthy.

Mary

It Was A Week Ago

That my dearest friend departed this world to join her dearest husband who passed at the age of 79 a little over a year ago on January 7, 2019.  She was 80 years old.

This beautiful photo was taken on December 28, 2019 prior to her attending the event of her son's sixtieth birthday and (would you believe) wedding. How nice of the family in sharing this photo that shows me the beauty of her soul.  She told me that she had a wonderful day - that her lady friends at the Care Facility had done her make-up (what a nice gesture) and she was very thankful for her power wheelchair that facilitated her getting around to enjoy all the activities .  It was a thrill for her to enjoy her son's wedding and all of its celebratory niceties .

During the past few years her physical challenges have been huge and I marvelled at her continued ability to rally following many serious events (including kidney failure , lower extremity neuropathy,  infections and a foot amputation to name a few) that easily could have been her last beautiful presence on this earth. Her heart and soul was filled with so much love and kindness for others.  Her joy was recognized by many if not all of the personnel who cared for her in whatever medical facility she was in .  Her need for personal care was extensive .  She was no longer able to get out of bed alone nor was she able to walk .  Her time was spent in bed or in her wheelchair .  But , she continued to participate in the planned activities of the Care Facilities . Impressive !

Her one and only son and family members were so very caring and supportive in this journey .  Her son went way beyond "the call of duty" in providing all necessary and more, provisions for his mother and father as they traveled their sunset years.

A few years ago I received a phone call from her son prior to my friends approaching birthday . He wanted to know if I could come to New York (I live in California) at his expense to celebrate her Birthday with her . What a thoughtful idea ! Unfortunately , I had reached the position of being a little fearful at my age of traveling alone in this current world with all the aspects of stress with navigating Air travel .

At one point her son had a chair lift installed in the two story home where they were living with him at the time .  Truly , lovely people !

Sending healing thoughts for the grief of the present time and beautiful memories to be celebrated and enjoyed throughout the coming lifetime for the family .

Mary

Very Sad Days

Written Friday - - -  Day by day my Dear Friend in New York who I met in High School is slipping away .

She has been in and out of the hospital with one very serious issue after another .  I so wish I could be with her .  Two days ago was the last time she was able to talk on the phone and I more or less was able to say goodby in the event I can't in the future . She says she is not in any pain but extremely weak and coughing continuously from the current issue of aspiration pneumonia and weak from other serious conditions that have been increasing in severity .  It really broke my heart when she said "I do not want to leave you " .  We have developed a bond like I have never experienced in my life, knowing each other inside and out with never a restriction on talking about absolutely anything .  Quite Remarkable .  And, since her husband passed a little more than a year ago and having known her from a young age has given this friendship/love an expansive dynamic !

Her son has been out of the country on a business trip and is due home on Monday .  I am certain that will be a comfort for her .

Written Tuesday - - - We were able to talk on the phone during the last two evenings which we both were very grateful . She was very alert with all of her cognitive faculties .

Tonight I received the call from my friend's son to tell me that she is moving to Palliative Care for further care .  The tears are running down my face !

Mary

WOW      Powerful Winds Have Been Wreaking Havoc

(newspaper source)

Across California .  And, in some places as strong as 125 miles per hour .  Here , the wind has been blowing fiercely throughout the day.  My power is still on but over 100 PG&E customers are already without power due to power lines down from the strong winds .

(newspaper source)

I hope and pray that people will be safe and there will not be serious results from injury .

Mary

Precious Friends From High School Days

It is over 10 years now that a friend from high school succeeded in looking me up and found me through the Internet . As many of you know , my high school days were not the most enjoyable for me because of the severe restrictions and control by my parents . I was not allowed to attend school dances , could not curl my hair - - - -  and the list goes on and on of all the many activities I was not allowed to participate in .  The activities were mostly associated with fun and social activities that aided in developing maturity . It really is not funny but I have been known to say "I never had the opportunity to learn how to play well with others ".  But , eventually I did !!!  Thank goodness those were the days when human beings treated each other with kindness and not bullying or life threats .  I guess it could be said that we were in a blissful state of peaceful coexistence with one another - for the most part - compared with today .  My situation was one of just feeling terribly alone and perhaps feeling unloved and confused!

But, there was one student who sat next to me in Physiology class that became a friend .  We were the same age by a few months . She too was not involved in many school activities but it was by choice, not because of harsh parental control .  Our friendship flourished to the  point that when we were young marrieds we would socialize and following becoming parents we were known to have dinner at one of another's home and after "putting the kids down" and "cleaning up the kitchen" we would play cards .  Those were the simpler days !

Let's move forward .  About the time that my friend found me in about 2010, I had started to see a new widower friend that I had met at church .  I had been divorced since 1969 and certainly not interested in a marriage .  Just a friendship, PLEASE !  In the photo below , I am on the right side and he is behind me . My friend who had been having many medical issues for a long time is on the left with her husband of almost sixty years  behind her . 

They lived in New York and I was in Michigan with my gentleman friend at a family reunion of his. It was so delightful that we were able to arrange to meet midway and spend a wonderful weekend together in Canada on our way home to California .  Yes and they drove back to New York .  Photo taken in hotel lobby .

Her husband passed away (cancer) in 2018 at the age of 79 .  

And, my Special Friend passed away (cancer) in 2014 at the age of 86 . Yes , he was a young looking man for his age !

My friend and I have become so close that we feel like sisters and talk on the phone every day !  It is a real blessing !!! Sadly , she has many , many medical issues and been near death many times .  But, she has been exhibiting a lot of spunk and determination in staying around longer !!!

She is now living in a Care Facility that is exceptionally nice .  And, she has one son (age 60) who has always been a loving protective gentleman of both of his parents .

My friend enjoying Mothers Day this past year . 

And , the photo on the right is a few months later showing off her new motorized wheelchair that I was able to purchase for her .  That was such a happy day for me , that I could share some of my God given resources of late .  The wheel chair has given her so much more ability to get around independently . And, I understand that she is a pretty good driver with only one speeding ticket !!! 🔆

And , here she is showing her Great Grandson the controls on her wheelchair while at a special holiday event this past December.

Now, we are both 8o years old !             Doesn't she look lovely ?

Mary