September 28, 2009

• Hangin' On

  Here I am - well and whole!  I've been on semi bed rest for the past few days. 

  The past two days, I've straightened my desk and filled out a few forms to be mailed back to the county, the hospital, etc.  I am applying for a county assistance program for the heavier chores at home.  I don't know whether I qualify (and I'm not sure what makes one qualified) but the gal that came to the house for an interview, on Friday, said I obviously was currently "disabled" and needed help.  She said she'd do all she could for me.

  The fact she came out so quickly (I had called at the beginning of the week) was a ray of hope for me.  In addition to someone helping clean the major things at my house (tubs, shower stall, mop floors), they also offer medical equipment (walker, etc.) and an additional amount of  prescriptions are covered if your insurance limits them (mine only covers 6 prescriptions a month).  We'll see.  I hope I don't ever need a walker or bars in the bathroom, but it's nice to know receiving them might be possible.  It's also entirely possible my medical insurance would cover those things, anyway.

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  Our new range.  Fancy schmancy, huh???  This is the one that was out on the floor and marked 50% off due to minor scratches or dents somewhere on its body.  I sure don't see anything wrong with it.

    

    
  I like having the 5th burner and the 2 front burners are extra power burners. 

  Saturday, I baked muffins in the oven using the "convection oven" feature and they turned out beautifully.  They were evenly baked, with no overbaked bottoms or sides!  Other than the gas burners and baking or convection baking (both at 350°), I'm lost.  I have no idea what all the controls, bells, and whistles do!!!!

  We haven't had to use the stove much.  Church members have helped (and are going to help) with some meals.  I made Cream of Wheat this morning, the second time I have used the stove (after making muffins the other day), and did just fine!  It's big and very intimidating!

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  Annamarie is sick - a cold.  Jesse thought it was only allergies, because she sneezes all the time.  It sounded mysteriously different from allergies to me and, sure enough, she is now stopped up with a mild sore throat.  She was served Cream of Wheat in bed this morning!!!

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  Luci complained about her stomach yesterday.  I sent her to bed in the guest room (she HAD slept in Rissy's bed after Annamarie's diagnosis!!!) and she has had a miracle cure over night!!!!  Maybe she was faking it??  Luci?  No way!!!!

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  I'm glad for the new dishwasher and the new setting of "extra hot wash/sanitizer" - especially with all of the germs floating around here lately . . .
   
  Again, the control settings are profuse and all of them are a little intimidating.  It's very similar to the our old dishwasher, but just enough different to make me rethink what I'm supposed to do when loading it or starting it.  The fact I'm in the "S-L-O-W lane" these days doesn't help!

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  Saturday afternoon, the laundry room floor was filled with water beneath the new washer.  Jesse was kicking himself thinking he hadn't connected things correctly.  He's not a handyman and never had anyone around to teach him how to do things while he was growing up.  After tightening the hoses, the washer continued to leak on Sunday.  He called our heat/air/plumber friend and it ended up that the faucet connectors or handles, at the wall, were old and needed to be replaced.  It wasn't Jesse's fault after all.  We were grateful Steve was available and could come to our rescue!
   

                         
  This is a front load washer, but stands up like an older style washer is made.  I didn't like the huge box size of the other front loaders.  This works the same way as the new front loaders and also requires that stupid expensive HE detergent.  I bought the largest washer and dryer capacities available (short of commercial appliances) and haven't had a chance to do any laundry by myself, yet.  I'm sure I'll like the set.

   
    Another set of appliances of which I have NO IDEA how to operate!  Jesse has been doing the laundry. 

  I read the books that came with all of our appliances.  Reading in bed and actually operating them are two different countries and two different languages in my brain!!!  I'm sure it isn't all that complicated and I'll get the hang of it, once I resume the laundry chore, again!

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  Rissy woke up today with a frog sound in her throat and a seal bark cough.  I've isolated myself from all three and they aren't allowed to answer the phone or touch things that I might touch.  The people who make those disinfectant wipes are going to have a wealthy year because of my family!  I wash down EVERYTHING in my path!

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  Well, pray for me, dear friends.  This is my first day of starting back to receive radiation treatments.  I still have a deep concern and nervous anticipation about undergoing radiation, again.  Actually, I'm still feeling terror, but try to pray and shove it away when it descends upon me.  I had trouble falling asleep last night because thoughts of the pain and my hospital stay kept returning to my mind.

  I made a bunch of Jell O and pudding yesterday for myself (and Annamarie) and that's the only tangible thing I know to do to prepare myself.  The only thing remaining is to constantly pray to protect me from the harmful "scatter" radiation rays.

  Be Blessed  ~

  • 12:12 pm
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