Jim Greene

Wednesday evening Dave's dad, Jim, died at age 97. It is somewhat appropriate that he died on April fools day.  Jim loved a good practical joke, from both sides. He would often sit re-telling each story and laugh. I think we all learned to laugh at ourselves. He will be long remembered. 

Collecting Stories

Well the change in anti depression and anti anxiety medication has helped my desire to be part of this world. The biggest thing is the printing of a book with a collection of stories told via emails from our time on the boat. For a while a friend has been encouraging me to put the emails in a book. Gail had been encouraging, but when she got Rae involved things really took off. Rae had self published books and knew the process well. With the help of several people the biggest book is almost ready to be sent in for the sample printing.  

Proud Mama

On Thursday February 5, PIVOT Architecture held a big party to celebrate the addition of Kari and another woman as partners. We know Dave would have been so very proud. She is off and running, signed her first contract, lead on another project, and lead on their part of a group proposal.  The other important piece is that both new partners are women in a male dominated field.   

Christmas

Christmas was our 3rd sleepover with Kari and Garrett guarding the Christmas tree and stockings.  Todd, Cindy, Walker, Sam, and Miles slept downstairs so we could all be under the same roof waiting for Santa.  For the first time, the grown-ups got up before the kids!  But not by much.  

Following my sock themed birthday success, we all got and gave lots of socks this year.  Sam was even excited about the new underwear in his stocking.  We had a very nice, relaxing day together.  Kari made a short video to document the day.  Take a look at my Facebook page if you haven’t seen it.

I’ve also been watching and enjoying a lot of college football this year.   Go DUCKS!

Catching Up

Barbara, thanks for yours and others concern. Many people have sent emails with concern and news.

Keeping in mind the difference between ordeal and adventure has been difficult.   Kari updated family in October and I will ask her to include blog next time.  October started with ER that moved to hospital stay and surgery for kidney stones.  I was lucky to get the same anesthesiologist as the one I had in June for my breast surgery. Week later needed ten days of catheter. How wonderful it is to pee.

Of course all of this requires blood draw and IVs, after one person tried  for a half hour using a portable  ultrasound he had to go to other patients. The next person spent a hour with full size ultrasound and was able to start an IV.   She said it was the hardest one she had ever done.   Getting blood is not as hard if not much is needed. Still it has been a continuing problem. During all this questions were raised about my blood sugar. One more test. This ended up being drawn from my foot.  Adding to the stress was the loss of my ability to drive my chair even inside. Also started having anxiety and panic attacks.  So that led to gradual changes in those drugs while daily monitoring blood sugar. Just because i had a Birthday doesn't mean my body gets to give up.

Speaking about birthday. A few friends planned to come for tea. This surprised me to become a full party with a “sock-it-to-me” theme.  Everyone who came brought me socks to replace the pairs that had one toe cut off.  Because I cannot move, each person opened their socks and told me why they got them.  There are stripes, dots, santa dogs, fluffy slippers, knee socks, and smart wool.

Computers!?!

Got dynavox back, put it on mount, turned it on. Screen turned on but  not the eye max. Repeat. Repeat. Called tech support. Did a shut down. Let stand for 20 seconds. Started up. No green  blinking lights on eyegaze bar. Repeat. Repeat.  Repeat. Then tech support says send it back. We pay shipping so will email a shipping label. Try one more time. Still nothing. Has to ship to Pittsburg so takes week each way. October before it is back.

Remember Peanuts cartoons when Lucy got frustrated she would say Arghhhhn ARGHHHHHH

Learning

My newest caregiver is Dayne.  She is twenty two and going to school to be a medical assistant. I predict she will be a success.  Why you  ask?  She came bouncing in today saying school was so fun today. They did three kinds of blood draws and put on and cut off a cast. And she got 100 on her test.  I don't know about you but that would not be my idea of a fun day. However I would like her to work for my doctor. I think she has chosen the right field.  She must be a delight to teach.