Daily Diary

Congrats Tweety on your victory tonight. Vietnamese food sounds good. I wish there was a place closer to my house to get some. That is a nice surprise to get get some PTO cashed out. Good for you for setting up an emergency fund. dh and I go round and round about this. He loves to spend and I love to save. Joe, that is completely understandable about stepping back from the election judge role. There will be more elections and your dad may need your time. Herring, ouch, $175 for a pilot light? I suppose that's cheaper than a new hot water heater, but still. Are you getting the Santa Ana winds where you live? I heard a brief bit on the news last night about them. Hi Stars, BC, and Amo, I hope this day is treating you well. I am still waiting for a call from the PT. I got a letter from my PCP today saying they have the approval from my insurance, so perhaps that is the reason for the delay. I will probably need to wait until next week to start, due to my work schedule. Bah. I've been stretching, icing, and NSAID-ing but there is still an annoying burn. I really don't want a steroid injection while being on a blood thinner. Then to top that off, I fell off my bike today and skinned my knee and jarred my chest pretty hard. I need to get the grass cut today while it's dry. Doing Trivia tonight and there will be a costume contest. dd and I are going to tie red bandanas on our heads and wear red lipstick so that we look like Rosie the Riveters. Our team name is Puns n Roses, but tonight we'll be Puns n Rosies. buh bye

Joe - while disappointing, it prob is better for you to relinquish the election responsibilities. You know how to best channel your energies as you have such a 'full plate' now. Sad because you were so enthusiastic. Tweety seemed to be right about something always happening when you're least expecting it. When the time becomes right, you'll prob consider it again, or something else equally as interesting to you.

Morning Very busy day at work. Got a bunch of additional work to do for some people who are currently on leave of absence. Got stressful trying to figure out how to get it all done on time, I think I have it mostly figured out, but it will make things more difficult As a result of the extra work, and dad's situation, I decided to step down as an election judge. I don't really have the time to do it now, and I didn't feel the training was adequate Talked with dad and the case manager, he was transferred to the rehab hospital yesterday. They're going to have a care conference on Thursday and decided what the plan is and what his likely discharge date will be Indoor dining is now not allowed due to Covid, so it may be a few weeks before J and I can get together again. Glad we met Sunday night. After work today have exercise and the Zoom version of our church's monthly dining out. Hoping the new restrictions won't mean the end of in person church, at least not yet. At least the bell choir should be able to keep going, since that's only a half dozen people Weather continues to be in the 30s and 40s, might have some rain. Will be glad when we turn the clocks back this weekend, don't like getting up when it is so dark. Hopefully that will also help my early waking

The guy came and fixed the hot water heater. Some screw came loose on a pipe so outside air put out the pilot. $175.00.

Hi. Nothing going on here. We had freezing rain over night, but it has warmed up to 40 and the wind is calm. It might get up to 60 tomorrow. I went for a short run this morning while it was still chilly, but I actually enjoy it better than when it is warm. Hat, gloves, windbreaker and off I go. Vacuuming and dusting (or un-dusting as Amelia Bedelia would say), washing sheets and towels. I dashed down to the pharmacy to get dh switched over from the grocery store that has too many non maskers to suit me. I wouldn't say I'm afraid of the virus, but I am cautious, just as I've been throughout my nursing career. I worry a little about dh and eldest ds due to their risk factors, so I don't want to expose them. Church without singing just sounds sad, but yeah, very increased rate of transmission. There was a church singing group near here that infected each other and there were 2 deaths as a result. https://www.christianpost.com/news/86-percent-of-choir-members-got-infected-covid-19-church-practice-washington-report.html Joe, maybe your internal clock is resetting early? Hope the water issue is fixed quickly and for a reasonable charge. Peace.

Good Morning! It's a cozy and quiet 5:41 AM (EST) in this part of the world. Had a busy day, yesterday, which started off with church. We're into our 4th Sunday of having "in-house" church services after nearly 1/2 year of "virtual" church services. Although it is nice seeing the few people who attend church, it does feel quite "unusual". Thankfully, safe "social distancing" is practiced. This is done a number of ways (including wearing masks, and people sitting on every other pew, etc.). What makes it more "unusual", at least for me, is that there is no hymn-singing. None. I was asked to not play any recognizable hymns at all as part of the effort to help people safe. (It seems that singing can "throw" germs out farther than just talking.) (I'm the church's keyboardist and choir director.) Of course, there's no choir, either. We're a hymn-singing church, for the most part. Still, being with fellow church member, even while maintaining safe social distancing, is very nice. This is in sharp contrast to the HOA meeting that was held yesterday afternoon. Yesterday's HOA meeting. . . It was held outside in an effort to maintain some level of social distancing. But that was it. No-one, except for myself and two other people, wore masks. There were hand-shaking, which is nice to see. . . but is potentially - (oh what's a good descriptive word to type????) - DANGEROUS! I was stunned!! It's as if people simply forgot that there's an active pandemic going around! I kept my distance, instinctively, as I have been for the past several months. I guess it's ingrained in me now. (We continue to follow social distancing at work.) Unfortunately, there was little "social distancing" yesterday at the yearly HOA meeting. The meeting, itself, was productive. As property owners and members of the HOA, we have a road to maintain. It seems that plans are in place to actually MAINTAIN the freakin' road. . . better than it has been for the past 15+ years that I've lived on it. Long story short, it seems that most HOA members are accepting the fact that the Town will not be taking over the care of the road (as it once was hoped it would), and, therefore, we have to do it ourselves. For too long, "our" (!!) road has been poorly maintained. This past year was the first time when any amount of significant road repair was made. There's still more repair-work to be done! But the momentum to repair OUR road, and keep it functional and safe, is moving forward in a positive way. After the meeting, I got a phone call from Amy (who attended the meeting, virtually, using Skype). My sister-in-law has been borrowing our 2nd car. (Amy can't drive because of her foot.) It seems that the car's battery system is dying. (I could be wrong, but I think it's the alternator.) So, as THAT system dies, so does the other systems. So the power steering went. This all happened to my sister-in-law while driving to our home. She managed to safely get herself up our driveway. I drove my sister-in-law to where she needed to go. As for the car?!? We're going to get it towed to a repair shop for serious maintenance work knowing that we might need to purchase a new one. (The car is nearly 10 years old.) Today?!? We'll be making phone calls to tow the car for repair, of course. I'm working tonight. Hopefully work will be relatively "Q". Hope all have a safe and uneventful day today. Ted

Our hot water is NOT hot. We just heated enough to do a sponge bath today. Will call the plumber tomorrow. We both showered Friday so will be fine if they can fix it soon. It is cool outside, but nice in the house.

Brrr, its cold! The thermometer says 32, but the northeast wind with blowing. And I'm about to leave to work at a mobile COVID test and flu shot clinic. We are offering free testing and flu shots to farm workers today when they are not working. This has been a demographic that has seen increased infection rates and many don't have insurance, so might not otherwise get a flu shot. Had breaky at the diner this morning, and did a short run. I hope to talk to the PT office tomorrow to get an eval. scheduled. Tweety, your weather sounds lovely. I am sorry you can't visit your parents, but I think you are wise not to take a chance. I am feeling rather blue about Thanksgiving. Your weather sounds nice. Joe, it seems that your dad is recovering steadily. I am glad you are able to help him out while he recuperates. Thank you as always, herring and now Tweety with your musical offerings. I don't know much about music, but I do think we grow when we can enjoy a variety. Good day.

Good morning! Joe, glad to hear your father is doing well. Sorry the pandemic has moved towards your area with a vengeance. Happened here during the summer as you know. Hopefully it will burn through quickly without too much destruction. Herring, I haven't heard Holly Near in a long long time. She was a big name in "women's music" and the lesbian music scene back in the day. I think I have one of her records somewhere in my vast collection. I was a big fan of her onetime partner Meg Christian who was another big name in the genre of lesbian music. I liked her because she was also in a 12-step recovery program. Her song "restless" describes early recover from alcoholism so well. The pandemic really has affected my family as well. I haven't seen my parents this year and was thinking of going up next month but probably won't. I would want to get a covid test first and then there's no guarantee after the test and since I can't social distance from patients, I will probably wait until they are vaccinated. At least my Trump-loving dad doesn't deny covid and believes in vaccinations. Same with my niece. I haven't seen her and her family since February. She has a toddler and tweens and is super careful, so again will have to wait. Nothing much happening today. Have a yoga class booked at 11:00 and might take a walk later. Florida is the warm spot in the country and the weather is beautiful. It's already 79 degrees at 9:40.

Morning Yesterday was productive. Did cooking and prepared a shopping list for this coming week. Exercised and got out birdwatching Talked to dad, PT is having him practice stair climbing, he can do about 1 flight with assistance. A good sign, as he has stairs in his current place. It'll be a day or two before he goes to rehab, they want to make sure his BP remains stable Have church today, and coffee hour via Zoom later Have to stop at dad's and pick up newspapers and water plants and make sure the garbage is out. Paid the rent too, as he's currently not really able to sign checks After all that will try to find time to exercise and then have an early dinner with J, assuming he's feeling better. We'll be meeting near me since where we normally meet indoor dining is currently closed. It'll be a restaurant we haven't been to in quite some time, J likes the spacious layout, which might be safer pandemic-wise. I suspect in a week or two indoor dining will be closed near me too. Should otherwise be a fairly quiet day for me. Temps in the 30s and 40s lately

I did forget. Last night he had Mighty Joe Young. Started slow but turned out pretty decent. This was the original not the remake

Hi. It's cool and windy here, about 40 degrees. I attended a Zoom nursing conference this morning sponsored by the regional nurses association. They had a wonderful speaker, Gladys Campbell, who spoke about nursing leadership at a personal and professional leader. She was quite inspiring, and I plan to explore some of her suggested resources. There was also a mindfulness coach that I found quite good, and a speaker about overcoming inequity, which is such a challenge. Afterwards I took Angus for a walk. Then I moved some tender plants into the greenhouse, as it is forecasted to freeze. I'm in kind of a funk too. Usually the sun perks me up, not so much this week.

There's something special about JUST singing!

Early afternoon all - Dianah - OOPS! I misinterpreted your comment re October & practice. I said I just focused on the'10/23' date. Bad memories. BC - my sister had a way to 'party' with family this past July 4th. She had her cookout at home, but then she just made up BIG platters of food and dropped them off. Elderly aunt & cousins with babies, so she would drive over, phone from the car and leave platters in boxes on the porch & watch family come out. Appreciated. It took couple years for my sisters & me to address my Dad's place. Wasn't a big hurry, just a shame that taxes & insurance & maint had to continue. But it was a houseful of 40 some years of 'stuff'. We all worked, but I wasn't close local and did NOCs, so that was a monkey-wrench. I was kind of detached from all the emotionality. Tweety - so sad for folk in your area who care. Where is law enforcement? (Prob in the party crowds themselves!) That makes me angry re the lack of enforcement. Enjoy your time off.

Morning, all- Still on the warm side here. It will hit 70. We're going to take a drive north to NSIME's old hometown for lobster rolls and a beach walk. I grew up near that area, too, and it's always nice to spend some time there. I will stop at my mother's house on the way back to check on things. I haven't been there in about a month. I'm dreading it, as I know it will bring up a lot of emotions. We're still not emotionally ready to do anything in or with the house. DS is still interested in buying it, but he won't be ready until the spring. We need to get it appraised and inspected at some point. Joe-I'm happy to hear your father is doing well. I hope he continues to progress. Sorry Covid is interfering with seeing J. It's too bad you two can't make your own "bubble" and stay in the same place. Covid cases have really jumped here, too. It stinks. I won't be doing a big family Thanksgiving this year, unless by some miracle it will be warm out and we can do it outdoors. Bleh! Tweety-That's a nice treat to sleep in late. Enjoy your 4 days off. Hope all have a good day.

Morning Work was fairly light yesterday, got out early with no problem Got the stuff from my dad's and met my sister at the hospital. Dad seems to be doing well, speech is almost completely normal, and he can ambulate with a walker with some assistance. While we were there he was transferred to a step down unit, and was seen by the rehab doctor who is going to OK his trasfer to rehab. He feels dad will be independent again but will need both acute rehab and outpatient rehab after that. Was there longer than I had anticipated, was fairly tired when I got home. Today the usual birdwatching and getting coffee and such. Will likely do the cooking today too. Might meet J for lunch today, or maybe early dinner. J isn't sure about meeting right now, with our rising Covid rates and the weather getting too cold for outdoor dining. I have a feeling my area too will have a ban on indoor dining in the near future. Quite cold this morning, in the 30s, will be in the 40s today. Weather looks like it will be between 30 and 50 for the next week or so

Hullo. Just a quick note before another online Trivia game. Tonight is a fundraiser for a local non-profit that helps folks with housing. It is going to have an Octoberfest theme. Joe, I am glad you are able to see your dad. The brain is amazingly plastic and the things that rehab can do are wonderful. Hi Tweety, Supernurse! Dianah, that is good news to get your echo so quickly. I hope you get good news and that it's not too uncomfortable. I know sometimes they press pretty hard with the wand or whatever its called. Ted, you are such a good coworker to jump in. It would sure make scheduling easier if your co-worker was off. Will we see the video, lol? Oh herring, I pictured you on the beach with a happy dog! Amo, I am now waiting for a call from PT to schedule an eval. I did go out for a short jog today, in the rain. Brrr, my hands got really cold. The weather has gotten noticably colder, and a frost is predicted for this weekend. I have great appreciation for my ability to be active. I hope you were able to retrieve that darn sock. Time for me to go, mañana, mis amigos.

Nice cool weather finally. I plan to take a looooooong walk with Pearlie Girl dog. Husband plans to go to the pier with a friend and then have lunch in an outside restaurant.

Joe, I'm sure your dad will appreciate 1. seeing you and your sister, and 2. getting some of his personal things. 🙂 It's good news his speech is improving. And yes, come October, our band starts working on Christmas music! Have a good day, all!

Morning Leaving work early today to go with my sister and visit dad, and bring him some things from his apartment. His speech has improved a lot, though he needs to work on strengthening his right side. The rehab center is going to evaluate him today prior to his admission Work has been good, was able to get enough stuff done or rescheduled so that I won't get behind despite leaving early today. Have a 2 hour meeting today, not going to enjoy that.... Had more people at bell choir last night, 6 people. Still need a lot of practice, but we're going to start working on something for Christmas next week Sleep is better but still getting up an hour or two early. Probably just stress related, will improve once things calm down Will be rainy and up to 70 today, but it should cool down quite a bit, into 30s and 40s, by tomorrow

Kudos to you, Tweety, for sticking up for yourself, your patients, and your staff. Really. We all need to be more "witch-vocates." 😉 nurseJ22, I hope the Xrays help diagnose and guide treatment for you -- PT or otherwise. Good you can still ride bikes and yah, walk. I know you are disappointed you can't jog but -- guess two out of three is better than none?? Wishing for the best for you. I worked case mgmt today, went well and we got through our spreadsheet of cases referred for cardiac surgery/procedures. I left early to get an echocardiogram done. Turns out the tech is one of our echo students who just graduated in Sept! We recognized each other and it was comfortable for me, hope it was for him too. It was good to see him and know he is doing well. And, we'll see what the study shows. I have had some increasing DOE so thought I should mention it in an email to my CArdiologist. That was last night and BOOM today I get a phone call to schedule the echo! They happened to have a cancellation so I got the slot and it's DONE! Home now, will have a relaxing evening after dinner and a few household chores. Hope you are all well. Have a good evening.

You're not a witch, Tweety. You are a fierce advocate for your patients and your staff, including yourself. I know it doesn't feel good to speak up, but somebody's got to and I'm sure your coworkers appreciate it.

Best wishes to your dad, Joe. This must be a shock for him and you. Rehab can do some pretty amazing things for folks. Perhaps when he is up to it you can at least do a video call. I had my tele-visit with my doc this morning. He thinks I have trochanter bursitis, which in doing my research, is also called greater trochanter pain syndrome. It's pretty tough to eval. joint pain via a web cam, lol. So I will get an X-ray and a referral to PT. He also mentioned that they have a sports medicine doc in the practice, and possibly a steroid shot. I hesitate to get the shot because i'm on an anticoagulant. The pain is not excruciating, but I miss my jogs, and walking is a little uncomfortable. Yes, Tweety, I saw the story about the fellow who exposed himself on a Zoom call. Yikes! On a lighter note, I saw one about a teacher doing a video from home and didn't realize his wife's bra was hanging in the background, lol. I'll admit, I've taking to checking my background and making sure the lighting doesn't make me look like "death warmed over." And I don't usually wear lip color, but I think it makes me not look so washed out on camera. Ted, I hope your shift was steady busy and all your patients spent a recuperative night. Herring, that was good that the city cleaned up your leaves. When we lived in Idaho the town had huge cottonwood trees lining the streets. On designated days people would rake their leaves into the street and the city drove a giant vacuum truck around and just sucked them all up. I am filling my yard waste tote with branches from a bush I am cutting up and removing. Plus, all the needles and twigs that fall out of the neighbors big spruce trees. Tweety, a seven mile walk sounds nice. I did one mile this morning and I'm a little sore. I plan to go for a 10 mile bike ride as that doesn't seem to aggravate my hip. Hi amo, stars, bc, and Dianah. I hope this day treats everyone well.

Prayers for your dad, Joe, hope he can come out of this with little residual.

Morning Slept a little better last night, though a thunderstorm woke me up in the middle of the night Work was pretty good, not too busy. Glad what could have been a difficult week has not been that bad Talked to dad, tomorrow he's going to a regular floor tomorrow and shortly thereafter will go to a well know rehab center in the area. He says his speech is improving but still has right sided weakness. He doesn't want any visitors right now. Not sure he'll be allowed visitors at the rehab center, guess we'll see. Glad there is a plan and that it's moving forward Did my usual grocery shopping and exercise after work Tonight have bell choir practice. Might do laundry as well Think it will be up to the 70s, with more storms expected. Has been rather rainy recently, after a month or two of very dry conditions