from the porches

goodbye 2011

Good-bye 2011!

 

christmas 2011

In a nutshell, the beginning of our Christmas 2011 was full of tiny surprises: 

First, Truett lost his hearing aide in the middle of the night, and we suspected his favorite green recliner gobbled it up like it has on many things in the past.  I had my friend Gary, come over and we turned the recliner over, only to discover no hearing aide, but two bandanas, seventeen toothpicks, one paperback novel, and popcorn kernels. 

This was not a good way to start Christmas morning when I had so much to do.  Nevertheless, I gave Truett a second hearing aide and told him, "We'll deal with it later."  However, there seemed to be a squealing sound emitting from Truett's crotch; and sure enough, the missing hearing aide was resting between his legs.  I know this seems really minor to most of you; but to me, on Christmas morning, it was just one more crisis I had to deal with.  The good news is, the "lost hearing aide" was cleaned and put in the dehumidifier to rest.

Also, I was thrilled that the Lotto was finally won by some lucky person; even if it wasn't me. Playing a dollar a million has cost me a lot over the past few weeks! 

Truett, once again, wanted to help me cook this Christmas morning.  At last, I gave up and said, "Okay!  You whip the egg whites until they are stiff, and then use this potato masher and smash up that squash!"  The other side of me wanted to scream,  "Get out of my kitchen with that stupid scooter!"  But, hey.  I am thrilled that some part of Truett's brain is aware that there is a life beyond his veiled mind.  Thank you, Jesus!

Meanwhile, Truett suggested we open presents.  What games we play without our children!  I handed Truett a large present and his eyes lit up.  "What is this?" he asked.  And then I felt foolish.  Truett wrapped the darn Super Scrabble Game; yet, he was like a child full of wonderment.  That's when I took deep breaths, and quietly said, "I don't know, honey.  Open it!"  And then I squealed, "A Super Scrabble Game!  Just what I wanted!"

I must let you know that Truett is making progress.  Progress in moments.  Geeze!  How many times can one fall which causes blood on the brain, and NOT be affected?  It's a slow progress; but I see Truett making progress.  Once again . . . "Thank you Jesus!"

Meantime, Mom (aka Ms. Alice) finally woke up around 10:45 and came into the living room.  I gave Mom her presents; and like a child, she took the bow off of the Godiva chocolates and put it in her hair.  Too many emotions rose up in me.  She needed to feel special.  She needed her children.  She needed her husband to celebrate Christmas 2011.  Yet, all she had was a half-broken caregiver . . . ME!   (Sorry, Mom.  I wish it were more.  I wish I could dote on you; but I know you understand.)

Our Christmas 2011 continued at Merry Jennifer's home.  This would be The Merry Gourmet.  Thanks, MJ, for hosting Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year!  Great food! 

I found it very interesting and heart-warming that Merry Jennifer's husband, Sam, questioned his dad about how to cook hams . . . the difference between hams . . . how much time . . . the sauces, etc.  You see, Big Sam, as we refer to him worked at his father's restaurant . . . The Magnolia Restaurant, in Lake City, Florida.  In fact, when I taught at Niblack Elementary School back in 1974-1981, I would go the the Magnolia Restaurant and have coffee with my teacher friends.  Sometimes, I would take Merry Jennifer and she would order cherry cokes.  Little did I know that "young Sam", MJ's husband, was helping in the back of the Mag after school.  I think that Sam is wanting to carry on a cooking tradition passed down from his grandfather to his father.

When Truett and I drove into Town of Tioga around noon today, I mentioned to Truett that there were no children riding "new bikes".  Where were the children with their new toys?  And then it dawned on me that today's city children are not outside riding bikes or four-wheelers.  They are probably inside their homes playing video games.

Parents!  We have to wake up and get these kids back into nature!  Of course, Truett said we didn't see the children because it was noon; but, I disagree.  It has everything to do with technology!

It was a wonderful Christmas Day 2011.

I hope your's was as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

christmas eve 2011

It is Christmas Eve 2011 and probably the most unusual Christmas Eve I've ever spent in my entire life.

Of course, our tree is decorated and presents are wrapped; but what I miss most are the Christmas carols, the Christmas programs, the baking of cookies, and the anticipation of Santa Clause and family. 

But, those joys are left up to my daughter and Sam now, with their children, Madeline and Oliver.

Today I found the perfect place to take Truett . . . but only if a strong male friend can come along to push Truett's wheelchair up the steep hills to the car.  I have no problem pushing him down the ramps . . . only back up.

The North entrance to the Ichetucknee River has a paved walkway all the way to the Ichetucknee River.  I left Truett in the car so I could explore Dampier's Landing.

The woods were so silent.  All I heard were the crunching of my feet on the leaves on the paths.  It made me nervous that someone else might hear me coming  . . . out there all alone in the woods.  So I tried to step over the leaves. . . and then I heard them. . . the Sandhill Cranes!  And my heart was filled with joy.

I made Truett happy today by driving him around our area for two hours; and he made me happy today. 

He cut up squash and onions for my squash souffle and he wrapped a couple of presents.  All of his own doing! 

So, I suppose you could say, progress is being made. . . one small step at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

channeling Nana

One week ago I cried my eyes out to a psychologist about my pitiful life.  At the end of our session, I sputtered, "I've offered to keep my grandchildren for three nights; but, I don't know if I can.  I might fall apart!" 

 The psychologist suggested I hold off because of the pressures I was under.  And I left her office believing that's what I would do.

However . . . however . . . Nana . . . NANA, the best grandmother ever, was channeled and came through strong and clear and said, "I MUST see my grandchildren!" 

What a joy the past four days have been! I haven't been this happy in almost a year!

Madeline and Oliver spent at least two hours a day sifting sand.  They dug in the sand and built moats using limestone rocks.  Maddie is so inquisitive.  "Nana, if it's called limestone, why isn't it green?" 

I, of course, got flustered and gave her my answer, but have no clue whether it is right or not. I told her about limestone rocks and shells.  Then I told her to research it on her own!  (Yea! Nana!)

It wasn't a 'perfect' four days.  There was some whining after a couple of hours of watching cartoons!

But, it didn't take Nana long.  Just a couple of seconds to shout, "OUT!  OUTSIDE . . . BOTH OF YOU!  NOW!"

And the digging began!

I'm happy Nana came through strong and clear. 

Channeling Nana helped Merry appreciate LIFE again! 

 

wild side

Day one.

What a difference six months makes! 

We picked up Madeline and Oliver, our grandchildren, on Sunday for a three-night sleep-over.  Part of me said, "Will it be too much for me to handle . . . just another responsibility I have to deal with."

But, guess what! 

It's been the best thing that has happened in 2011. 

Oh, we kept the grandchildren  back in the summer; but they were different.  Oliver is now five years old and Madeline is eight!  Their conversational skills flat out amaze me.

Maddie told me she knew what the word confirm meant.  She further explained that you look over your answers and confirm that they are correct.  Do you think we let that fly?  Not on your life! 

"Maddie, I suppose you verified your answer!"  Of course, Maddie said, "Nana, I don't know that word 'verify'.  I think it's too big of a word for me."

But, it wasn't after we discussed how the two words are related while we drove home.

This is the very first time my grandchildren have not been "needy".  They are exhibiting their "wild side."

They wanted to explore . . . so I let them.  My twin sister, Sherry, told me to make Earth journals and have scavenger hunts; but quite frankly, my grandchildren had other plans.

Maddie and Oliver are "city kids", you know.  Their typical words, in the past, when visiting us have been, "Eeew!  A spider!"

But, not this time! 

Day two: 

I had to get a flat tire changed in Lake City, Florida today. We had lunch and then spent about an hour at Tire Mart.  Oliver and Madeline were great; but I knew we needed to get these grandchildren home and back in the woods to burn off some pent-up energy.

Our grandchildren sat in the sandy driveway for almost two hours, digging in the sand.

"You are ruining your shoes," I told Maddie. 

Her response, "Well, Nana.  You should have told me to put on my sneakers!"

"Oliver!  Look at YOUR feet!  Now we have to take another bath tonight!"

At which point, Maddie said, "Nana, I think you have us confused with Granddaddy and Great Grandmother.  You give them baths, but you give us showers!"

It's been a great two days with my grandchildren. . .  wait!  It's been fourteen hours, non-stop with my grandchildren, and I am exhausted!

What about Truett?  What about Mom?  What about the puppies and the cats?

I think they are fending for themselves! 

The fact that my grandchildren feel comfortable out here in Fort White, Florida exhibiting a "wild side" is enough for me!
 

 

peaceful driving

I have been driving to Gainesville daily for almost a year now, to and from hospitals or rehabilatation hospitals. 

Every day I drive.

But, as I drive, I take different routes because I despise the interstate.

I drive routes that wind through the country side.

I see farmers harvesting hay.

Yet, today, I noticed all the cattle are in the fields; and the hay is stored in barns or is being driven somewhere else.

I didn't take photographs of the cows today because I was driving.

But, I must do that . . . soon.

Driving the countryside instead of the interstate is peaceful driving to me.

topsy-turvey world

Talking with a psychologist today felt good. 

I apologized over and over for using almost her whole box of tissues; but after the session, I knew we had built a rapport.  She was complimentary on so many levels about the burdens I'm carrying, my coping abilities up to this point, my strategies for future coping mechanisms.

At one point I thought I saw the psychologist tear up.  I wanted to say,  "Don't do that.  It's not your problem."  But, I didn't.

My multiple layers of stress . . . Truett's healing and the uncertainty of his recovery, taking care of Mom adequately, the puppies, the cats, Clay, Advent Glass Works,Inc., the breaking of our well pump, light bulbs that have blown out that are way too up high for me to reach.  Heck!  Not being able to see our grandchildren on a regular basis. . . and many more issues!  (By the way, I think the psychologist needs to go to a psychologist after listening to me today.)

It's funny.  Near the end, I said, "Okay.  We can stop now."

But, she wasn't finished.  The psychologist needed to wrap up our session on her terms.  (Do you think that's the "teacher" coming out in me that I have to be in charge by telling her we were done?  Probably.)  

However,  I was also thinking about Truett, who had been sitting in the car for an hour and a half.  This morning he asked, "Can I come to?"

Now, you tell me.  How in the world do I respond to that? 

"Of course you can.  But you have to sit in the car the whole time . . . and you cannot try to get out and walk!"  So,Truett agreed. 

I don't think he understands why I need to see a psychologist; however, today my husband was a kinder, gentler, more soft-spoken man than he has been since being released from the hospital.  I know he worried that I was "telling secrets"; but I wasn't. 

I was only learning how to cope with our topsy-turvey world so I don't break down in Winn*Dixie everytime someone asks, "How's Truett?"

But, hey!  I felt great all day long since that appointment, and I'm looking forward to next week's session with my psychologist! 

Yea, me!

 

took off walking

Life is such a comedy of errors. 

Yesterday one of Advent Glass Works, Inc.'s employees and Truett and I rode over to the oldest historic Lutheran Church in Florida, near Ellisville, Florida. 

AGW has been restoring the Church's stained glass windows, and we were finally signing off on the job.  

Truett was excited to be out and about and feeling somewhat normal. 

In fact, in Truett's exuberance, once the car was stopped, Truett grabbed his file folder, opened the car door, planted his feet on the ground and took off walking! 

Well, guess what You Know Who was doing in the back seat of the Acadia while her husband was leaving the car.

Checking Facebook!

I looked up and screamed, "NOOOOO!  YOU CAN'T WALK!"

But, in actuality, Truett took four steps, wove around like a drunk, and then fell flat on the ground on his right shoulder!  (He likes to say he learned to fall because of football and boxing),

Truett didn't hit his head . . . I don't think, because there are no severe headaches or throwing up.

Do you think my lecture to Truett later meant anything?

NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

"I forgot I could not walk,"  Truett told me.

Luckily, all involved put Truett back in his wheelchair and he finished the assessment of a finished stained glass job.

Luckily, nothing seems to be broken or bleeding.

 

 

altered moments

I would invite you to spend a day with me and Truett; but I must warn you.  Any plans I make for us just might be altered a tad.

Today was one of those altered moments.  Around 11:30 a.m., I told Truett I wanted to go to CVS drugstore in High Springs.  Of course, he wanted to go, so we packed him in the Acadia and left. 

"Bye, Mom.  We're going to High Springs to the drug store and we'll be back soon!"

"Don't worry about me  The puppies and I will be fine,"  Mom answered.

Well, Truett and I didn't even hit the only stop light in Fort White, when Truett suggested we go to the only Florida State Park we have not visited in our forty years of living in Florida.

"What the heck!" I thought.   "There's got to be a CVS along the way!" 

Ha! 

After snaking along winding roads on Hwy. 137, we finally ended up at the Suwanee River State Park, after almost an hour's drive. 

I don't know why I thought the Suwanee River near Live Oak, Florida would have more water in it than it does fifteen miles away at Branford, Florida.  I was so disappointed.  It was a State Park; but the view was not State Park worthy.  (It had nothing to do with the park . . . only the low levels of the Suwanee River.)

In the meantime,I noticed a sign to Falmouth Springs near Suwanee State Park.  So on the way home, I whipped in the parking lot and explored the spring via my camera.  (Truett kept watch for wildlife in and around the parking lot from the car).

I winded my way down a narrow wooden boardwalk to see one of the Florida Springs I hadn't seen before.

 And there it was: Falmouth Springs.

I was a little disappointed that the springs was not emitting clear, crystal blue water like the Ichetucknee Springs.  However, I can now say I have visited Falmouth Springs. 

Then I ascended my way back up the boardwalk.

I can now check off Falmouth Springs on my list of Florida Springs.

So, today was one of those "altered moments".

CVS will have to wait until tomorrow!

 

flight of the sandhill cranes

This afternoon Mom, and Truett and I were sitting on the front porch in seventy degree weather, (which is about to change drastically over the weekend I might add. Boo hoo!) 

We watched Molly, our yard cat, dance along the screens.  We watched Roger follow her every move as they both meowed at each other.

However, it didn't take but one familiar sound for me to leap out of my rocking chair and shout, "They're here!"

And with that, I grabbed my camera, rushed out the front porch door, and looked to the sky.

There's nothing that stops my heart like the sounds of the Sandhill Cranes as they migrate South for the winter. 

I can't make the sound.  I don't know how to download the sound. 

But, I do know how to link you to the sounds of the Sandhill Cranes. 

Enjoy their beautiful music!