Variety is the spice of life

Our morning started with light snow, just enough to leave white film on some surfaces. Then rain,snow and clear all took turns. At lunch snow showed up again, with big fluffy flakes that stuck. As I was getting excited looking out the back door I noticed blue sky through the big pine tree in our neighbours yard. Sure enough we were soon in bright sunshine.

Quincy is back

It is sooo nice to have Quincy feeling great. How can we tell how he feels? First he started to pay attention when someone went to the kitchen, then he actually ate his food and was interested in going for a walk. Tuesday was a red letter day. We could say Quincy squirrel and he would run to the kitchen and have to make a hard right turn that sent him slipping and sliding down the ramp. At the bottom of the ramp this is repeated as he has to make a hard left turn to go through his dog door. We had not said anything because of his back. On Tuesday he spotted a squirrel and went slipping and sliding out. We were excited to see his interest but a little worried he would hurt his back. No need to worry he was fine and went running after a cat next. Since he looked recovered we made an appointment with the groomer. He had not had a haircut since mid-November and his were almost covered. After his hair cut he really looked cute. And we could see his big brown eyes. All this was good, but the final way we knew he was fine happened this morning. As soon as caregiver Cindy came in the house Quincy ran to get a toy and wanted to play. That was our Quincy, thinking the caregivers were here for him.

Hey Look at Me

Many of you have not seen me in a while or last saw me with the bipap mask on. The mixed blessing of not having the bipap mask is now I have to comb my hair. Poor Dave has another job that he is really not comfortable with! (At least I go out to get my nails done.) The only morning we don't have a caregiver is Sunday so he has to comb my hair before church.

If any of you have an iPhone or iPad and want to take a stab at reading my lips, you can call Dave's cell and use "facetime" to talk to me. That is sure to drive Dave crazy. Sounds fun doesn't it!

Busy Feet

Now that my arms are not working so good, my feet are doing double-time. These pictues can give you a good idea of how I can communicate and drive. My right foot controls the mouse for my computer while my left leg does double duty. It is responsible for the click for the computer and driving. Driving is the new job. The foot pedal controls forward and backward motion and is the steering mechanism.

Along with my new driver I also got a new display to indicate seat adjustment and speed. The most exciting new displays are the speedomoter and odometer. I had asked for these before but had been told they were not available. It would really be interesting to know how many miles are on this chair. I am on my third set of tires and second set of batteries!

Not a big deal

Well, I survived the trac change. Since this was the first one I did decide to take the offer of a little sleepy stuff. That involved the use of IV which is very hard, plus they wanted some blood for several tests. Dave and Yuki said the change went very smooth and looked easy so maybe next month I will be brave. Everyone is very interested in the outcome of the two thyroid panales as I am always hot. Half the time I am barefoot and I am wearing short sleeve shirts and everyone else is freezing. Apparently a possible side effect of ALS can be hot flashes,but I tend to be warm all the time with an occasionl hot flash. Any one need a warm vest?

another good day

Today was our monthly ALS support group. Last month it was the day after I had the gall bladder surgery and before the tracheotomy. There are always some new people but also plenty of regulars. It was really good to see everyone and I had lots of great welcomes. These are people who really know best what the hard choices are. Now it is time for my next adventure. Tomorrow I will have my first trach change. I must admit that I am a little bit nervous. The doctor wants to do the first one at the hospital. This is done on a monthly basis. They say in 6 months Dave will be able to do it at home. Now on a happy note. Quincy is doing much better.He even ate some dog food. Had a little bribe to get him started but he did eat. He is still on some meds so is pretty mellow. At least he is walking a bit and his tail is up. Dave gets to take him to the veterinarian tomorrow. With all this medical stuff it is no wonder Dave gets tired.

did you see the rose bowl

The day started out good with Quincy a little more active and interested in what was going on the kitchen. He still didn't eat his food so Dave scrambled an egg for him. Now that was worth eating. Meanwhile I watched the Rose Parade. It was a beautiful day, the kind of day that makes people wonder why they do not live there. A text from Daves sister Mary saying she was at the parade wearing a tank top. Oh yes we remember those kind of days sitting on the parade route, but usually we did have to start with a jacket. Then the talk at the Rose Bowl started out with speculation on the effect of the heat on the players. I still like living here even if it rains a lot. That is why everything is green. We had a fun time watching the game with Todd and Cindys clan. They all enjoy football with Miles, the youngest, the most interested. Everyone enjoyed this game.