Casey. 911. A Long Evening.

Full Moon- with an angel around it.

Good Morning All;
Kelli called, waking me up- or I would still be asleep. (Thank you Miss Kelli).
See. she wanted to know what happened after the rescue squad took Casey away last night...


Still in the yard- Trying to find a vein. (Yeah right). hehehe  Poor guy.

Casey and I had just actually sat down about 5 minutes before.
She was telling me that her arm hurt as she thought maybe she had a blood clot in it.
Remembering how they had measured Randy's leg when he had his stroke, I used a tape measure from my sewing box to measure the blood clot on her left arm.
There was little difference between arms, though I could easily 'feel' what she was talking about. A vertical lump flowing 'up' her arm toward the shoulder.
All the while I'm thinking she has never even had a PICC Line in this arm.

I gave her an aspirin. We agreed that she would go in and see her physician today-
Neither of us having any energy, we settled to watch some silly show about fishing- ?
This had been her choice.
She had said, "Oh I saw this once and it was pretty good."
(Yes, it was a very odd choice, for her, but we watched it anyway)...

Of a sudden, Casey leaned forward in the Lazy-boy and started stammering and mumbling her words.
Punk was just immediately standing in front of her-
Thank God for Punk-  Casey was petting, holding on to her, tight. Had the dog not been there, I do think that Casey would have toppled right off the chair.

What I actually heard while this happened was very little-
What I *knew* was that this was NOT going to wait 'til tomorrow.
She needed to go to the hospital. Now.
No way was I messing with someone who might be having a stroke- getting her out to the car (how?), and driving her in.
I couldn't even have carried her, lest I drop her, with respect to my back...

She was flush- sputtering nonsense, and holding onto the dog (who stood very strong in front of her).
All that had happened in just a matter of a few seconds...

I called 911.

The rescue squad was here within about 4 minutes, though of course it seemed longer.
(I'd been told by the 911 gal to remove Punk from Casey and lock the pup in the bathroom).
I got Casey removed to the couch.

Long story short(er), she is ok.  Casey, not Punk.
(Well, Punk is ok too, having survived being shut in the can). hehehe
I asked the 911 girl, Lisa, to call Randy and tell him what was going on. (He was still on duty)- She said she would do so immediately.

The poor guys in the rescue squad never were able to get that line started-
Once at the hospital, they ordered a bunch of tests- Along with a doppler U/S; some heart tests, and a head CT Scan-
Many blood tests too that won't be back for 72 hours- It will seem like a long wait for those to come back.

Mr. Greg got there as she was taken to the CT Dept. (Thank you "I guess" hehehe).

As I stated earlier, Punk is OK too.
I had called Kelli almost immediately when the squad had left the yard. (And holy crap!, the sheriff dept had even blocked off the road so the ambulance could be on its way).

Kelli had been on her way home- on her cell- and with a bad connection too.  I'd asked Kelli to come over and let Punk out as I was only going to throw her some food and leave. 
So I did.
Feed, and leave.

Kelli told me they had come down here, Punk had played and played- running around full speed ahead as dogs will do at times- (Kelli thought Punk was maybe looking for me).
At one point, Punk had even hid behind the willow tree- peeking out at Kelli- Literally begging a walk/run to the woods-
Kelli had no energy after a long day at work, so that was not going to happen; especially in the dark! hehehe

She came inside then, filling the water dish for the animals.
Then, unbeknownst to me, she gave Punk a little more food- She'd felt so bad for Punk.

When I got back here, Punk was all over me; and running to Casey's side of the car-
(I had tried to tell her that Casey was not in there). It didn't work, so she'd squealed a bit, I opened the car and let her see for herself.
Satisfied that Casey was not there, she ran over by Casey's car-
Then we could come back inside...

Feeling sorry for my little waif, I fed her again, knowing that upset causes hunger- (At least it does for me).
Punk was so happy about this that she actually took her time, savoring each little bite...
Weird that- She is quite the voracious eater. (I would hate to see her flunk that hand test they do on Animal Planet).

And so it was that when Kelli called this morning I learned that the old girl (Punk, not Kelli), had been fed her supper 3 times last night!
No damn wonder she hadn't waken me at 5 to demand her breakfast!  hehehe

So now it is time for my shower- Casey has another appointment at 11:30 and I will be bringing her there.

Have a 'wunnaful' Friday- As always, I shall keep you all posted.
My love to all.

XOXO
Me

Come sing with me for a little while?

Good Afternoon All;
I don't think I have truly blogged for almost a month, (the 'notes' I posted about all of our storms do not count).
My apologies.
I shall try to be a better blogger.

As some of you know, I have 2 brand~spankin' new fractures-
One as a birthday present, the next was last week. Will I make a special appointment for these new ones? No. I do not need to spend money that I do not have, to have another MRI, which I do not need; just so they can tell me something I already know.
 Do I? hehehe 




 ¡ How dare they think that I don't know what a fracture feels like by now!  Good grief.
I need many more tests for, uh, other stuff, and have an appointment tomorrow and Thursday for some of those.

"When clouds appear like rocks and towers/Earth's refreshed by frequent showers."

Needless to say this darn weather hasn't been too nice on my head either...
 ... And damn!, - if I don't forget to pick up the one med that I really need.
(Maybe I will write it on my hand or tie a string around my pinkie for when I go into town). hehehe

Life goes on.

 - in absentia... My thoughts and prayers
 ... I had been terribly upset that a friend I have on here had been 'gone' for 3 weeks. A heartsick thing for me to not know what was happening to my friend. I am happy now to report that all is well. 
So(๏̯͡๏ )oooooO very HapPY!!!   

This morning was a "long" one- I have been up since about 10:30 last night- Just couldn't go back to sleep.  (One of THOSE nights).
I made good use of reading lots more that I could find on Osteoporosis.
I don't 'feel' any effects from not sleeping well- yet.
That said, then I shall try to mow the lawns today when I am done writing this; if they are dry anyway.
(Wish me luck). 
At least the ground under the lawns won't be so dry that every little bump feels like a cannon~ball punch in the back, removing what breath I have in my lungs- (and so startling for me as/when it happens too).
Ooh crap-  just thinking that I might need to go to the gas station for a bit more gasoline before I start.

Punk, Sputty and I were all outside very very early today. I love most Summer mornings...
  ♪ -
And now we all have one song stuck in our heads. Sputty on bass, Me on alto; and Punk at Soprano.

The song is by "Steven Demetre Georgiou"- and I believe we are all familiar with it.

So here goes- A flower for each of you, at least one or two- maybe a whole dozen...

♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫

Morning has broken - like the first morning



Blackbird has spoken - like the first bird





Praise for the singing,
  






Praise for the morning





Praise for them springing,   fresh from the world!

♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫

Sweet the rains new fall, - sunlit from Heaven





Like the first dew~fall - on the first grass




Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden...






Sprung in completeness where His feet pass -

♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫

Mine is the sunlight, - Mine is the morning-




Born of the one light, Eden saw play -





Praise with elation, - Praise every morning!




God's re-Creation of the new day

♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫   ♪  ♫  

Special thanks for all of you who stuck around for me. I hope all is well in your little corner of the world!
For the rest, feel free to go "POOF"  -and just leave me alone.
(If that *STILL* seems impossible for you, just take a deep breath and jump off the face of the Earth)! hehehe

My love to all

XOXO
Me

Morning Has Broken

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dew~fall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

**** History Notes:

Words by English author Eleanor Farjeon
within a traditional Gaelic tune known as "Bunessan"
(Adaptation by Cat Stevens, 1971)
 © Pictures by Flintville Annie

The Dr. The Dentist. The Cops.The "Noise", Kelli, Greg, Casey, and The Furnace

Better grab a cup of coffee- I have gotten a bit longwinded...

Hi All! 
It has, once again, been way too long since I have written a real blog. And if it weren't for my camera, I would probably forget half this stuff.

1.
Know that after 14/16 injections to my back in the past few weeks, I have been unable to sit long enough to blog. In the event that I can sit, it is hard to type as I have my weight braced on my forearms.
But today I even sewed a little (sometimes a different chair, and sometimes I just roll my office chair around). hehehe

So... on to my "ketchup-ing".  Forgive me if I get a bit sloppy at times. hehehe


2.
Casey had an emergency dentist appointment last Wednesday.
Calling on Tuesday, in the late afternoon, Oneida got her in at 7AM on Weds.
(She has 4 teeth in the back that need to be removed).
That day, they decided to remove only the 2 that were driving her past distraction.  -And by 'past distraction' I mean that they were throbbing, intensely, even above and beyond the painkillers she is on for her tummy!

Her dentist at Oneida wanted nothing to do with extracting these 2 lower teeth given that he knows everything she has gone through for the past 6 years.
hehehe
He referred her to an oral surgeon.

And that, my friends, was when all the silly stuff began to happen...

As you know, Casey is fortunate enough to live on the reservation, so all of her referrals are covered.
But, in order to have her referred to an oral surgeon, they had to verify her address since it hadn't been updated since December '10 ?- (that made NO sense to either of us), but off we went to her apartment to get a more recent envelope that had her name and address on it... Good grief, like she'd moved since? Having had surgery again in January, I highly doubt she could have moved...

Anyway...
3.
On the way back to the clinic with her Federal Social Security letter, Casey begins to laugh hysterically- She then grabbed the camera and began taking pictures.
Of the car in front of us.
Up til then, I'd seen nothing as I was watching the road.
hehehe

        

This car had a mirror on the passenger side that kept flopping up and down- depending upon the speed of the car- One moment it hung straight down, then with speed it would begin to look like a someone's shoe sticking out of the window...
Up and down-Up and down- Just flopping in the windchill. Casey also had taken a video- TOO funny! (My apologies that I cannot post vids on here). OH!, we were laughing so hard...

Back to the clinic and finally the referral appointment was made- for 3 that same afternoon. They further assured us that in case anything opened up sooner that she would be first to be called. (Cool).

4.
We stopped over at Randy's after all that just to chat a bit about getting our duplex- I kind of need his help as there are a few things that I might not see as we look at them. He agreed to go with us...

He has a crab apple tree in his front yard; with a few crab apples left hanging on to feed the squirrels throughout winter.
Casey took this picture as we were leaving-


Noisy and obnoxious- But they make a yummy meal too. Taste like chicken.
hehehe


5.
By this time, it was near to noon; and since we hadn't eaten (or shot that squirrel), a stop for some fast food was in order.  We grabbed some sandwiches in Suamico and were heading home. Casey was just counting the minutes she had left to fill her tummy, before getting those antagonizing teeth pulled.

On the way home from Suamico we saw a County deputy on the side of the road- (obviously trying to issue a few speed tickets). 
I pulled over to talk to him... I offered either of my driveways to him to park in- (The speed of the cars past my home being quite ridiculous)! 
We chatted a while longer- nice young cop. By ordinance, they are not allowed to park on private property without the owners consent. He not only has my consent, he has my blessings-
He thanked me profusely- and Casey and I were once again on our way home to eat a bite...

As we pulled into my driveway, her cell phone rang. As luck would have it, it was Dr. Zent's office, and could Casey come in ASAP to have her extractions?
I said I could be there in 20 minutes. (Only if I was speeding that is).
Casey said 'to heck with not brushing her teeth after lunch', she wanted those offending OUT. hehehe
So off we were once more.
Karma confirming that had we not stopped to chat with the cop we would have already been inside my house-
Under my tin roof Casey has very little reception and does not get (m)any of her calls or messages.
As she hung up, I immediately backed out of my driveway, turned around and took off down the road...
We were traveling a little over 50mph (in a 45mph zone)... Oops.
But hopefully no biggie either, the cops are generally pretty decent about a few MPHs over the limit...

Somewhere in Flintville a vehicle had pulled out behind me; and rode my backside- trying to get me to go faster? (That never works for me). 
Through Flintville there is a double~yellow line. He was unable to pass me. 

About half a mile onward, he decided to pass me anyway. Bad choice on his part. He gunned his engine and literally 'flew' by us. & RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE FRIENDLY DEPUTY!

Seeing those flashing lights go on, I slowed down so that our new friend could pull out in front of me. hehehe



Aw... "too bad, so sad."
And HAHAHA  too.
 
Casey and I hadn't laughed so hard since the broken mirror that morning-


6.
On Thursday I had an appointment with my pain management doctor- This, for refills, and to check up on whether those last 2 injections had worked. They had- but only for a week or so. It had been a gentler week.
By the time I had this appointment though, my pain score was, at best, an 8.

That very night I had woken at midnight, barely able to move, even using both of my canes...
After I had gone about 25 feet on my way to the bathroom, I suddenly heard and felt that all too familiar noise and pain. Those of still another crushed vertebrae.
A very sharp painful & sickening feeling- My pain level was off the charts!
It has remained thus since.
Once more Casey has been out to take care of me, and to make sure I could get showered too. 
I have thanked God, many times, that at least I have one daughter (of 4) that gives a decent damn about their own mother.


7.
I also thank God for Kelli!
Kelli has also been there for me- Even bringing the dogs so Punk can get outside and play a bit.



































Kelli also came today- Asking if I needed anything before the storm came? She had to go into town- and did bring me a few things-
Between herself, Casey and Greg, I should be set until we get dug out- Maybe Monday? Maybe Tuesday? We already have upwards of a foot of new snow.


8.
I'd had Punk to the vet earlier this week because i thought she had an ear infection- It was stinky even after I had cleaned it out and used Similsan in it.
Vet says no more infection! Yay!  just to keep doing what I have been doing.
Similsan Earache Relief™ homeopathic ear drops are intended for humans-
Similsan has Chamomilla 10X: calmative, pain reliever--Mercurius solubilis 15X: pain reliever -- Sulphur 12X: pain reliever, anti-itch
Other information: Active ingredients are manufactured according to homeopathic principles and are therefore non-toxic and have no known side effects.
Inactive ingredient: Vegetable glycerin

Dr. Spires did say that Punk has gained 8+ pounds-  My backs fault!  Needless to say I am thrilled when Kelli does bring the dogs over!
Happily I must also add that I have lost those same 8+ pounds! hehehe


9.
I'd taken a shower before Casey left yesterday afternoon- A friend of Greg's was in town and had wanted to have dinner with them- I'd asked Casey to turn the heat up a wee bit so I wouldn't get so chilly in the shower, like I usually do.
 ... I never heard it go on- Silly kid forgot.
I also had "silly kid" bring the socks/underwear basket from the laundry room to the living room so I could sort them all later on.

So later, while I am dry and dressed in my warm and cozy jammies, -and am sorting this basket, I realize I am half freezing to death. 
Hmm... (remember that "silly kid")? hehehe

I grab both my canes and hobble on over to check the thermostat-
Casey had turned it up to 72°- That's surely warm enough. (Silly me now). hehehe

But wait a dang minute! I am still freezing? Leaning over, I turn it up a little more.
Still, it does nothing.
Checking the temp in the house, it was barely near 60°-
Grabbing those same darn canes, I manage to get down to the basement- There is a fuse on the furnace that goes out every now and then- and I haven't had to replace that in years and years. (And damn, Isure hope I have one)!
I remove it so I can get a good look at it.
The fuse is good.

There is only one more possibility -check the oil drum.
It was so empty that I couldn't even see the float to measure it!

Knowing this snowstorm is coming, I had no choice but to get oil on a Saturday night- and to beg the furnace-man to come out, bleed the lines, and fire it up. 
Before i called him, I texted Casey at the restaurant, and heard nothing back.
I hunkered down on the couch with 2 of my quilts and fell asleep. I woke at 9:30. Dog barking... Casey and Greg are here.
In the meantime, she had called Olsons- After they ate, her and Greg had picked up 10 gallons of oil- and brought it along
They'd called Alan Olson then, and he led Greg through the whole bleed and fire thing.
Suffice to say that I was never so happy to hear that furnace kick in!
Thank you Casey, Greg, (and Alan too)! Olsons will be here tomorrow to fill my tank up.

Yet, there is a reason that this all happened too...
When Casey and Greg got here, I had so much pain that I simply could not get off the couch. Had the house burned down I would have gone with it. It was that bad- even Greg tried to help me up. Casey finally got me up. I still do not know how. I only remember the pain.

As mentioned earlier,  have not slept decent in over 2 and a half weeks.
I just cannot get comfortable enough...
However, today, I sat in the recliner and slept ALL afternoon long!
That helps- Just that I am not tired now- Oh well.

I have been up and down about 17 times since I started writing this. I actually began this yesterday morning, at 6:20 AM -Will have to copy/paste it when I am done, which won't be long now...
Not sitting, sleeping, standing (anything) for too long still is one of the downfalls of my back.
*Not that there are ANY positives that I can think of right now either)...



10.
Waking earlier I had a message from Casey in my email.
"...This Blizzard is HORRIBLE! :(    I hope you're staying warm and dry. It's absolutely awful outside.  Greg went to Wal-mart at around 3pm. He'd been planning on stopping at KwikTrip too, but texted & said he was just going to the store because even at that time he said the roads were awful. He only got a few things and when he came back out to his car he said a layer of ice had formed on all his windows! In less than ten minutes! I am heading to bed now. I got an hour or so earlier but didn't want to sleep too late, and not sleep tonight. Seems to have worked because I'm super tired. I'll make sure Greg texts me when he gets to work tomorrow & I'll let you know that he made it. Call if you need anything. Love you MUCH MUCH!

Time for that copy/paste.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world.
My love to all

XOXO
Me

PS
If there could be a #11, it would HAVE TO BE about our "Dictator" guvna Walker; and all of what that damned idiot is trying to do to my friends, and to our beautiful state of Wisconsin.
Sorry but #11 will wait 'til later...

The Shot at XLV, --- and the "Shot"-

KELLI-BABY!
picture taken in Summer

Hi Everyone;
As you all {must} know by now, it is Super Bowl Sunday, and my beloved PACK is playing!
Say "YAY". hehehe

What a LONG day this will be... As we wait for the game to begin.
I have tried to stay away from all the news stories this morning, but have been unable to not peek at a few of them.

Like this story, from GREEN BAY, Wis.
(AP)—
Here’s how the NFL’s smallest city gets ready for the Super Bowl.


This one too- ARLINGTON, Texas — In the longest season in Green Bay Packers history, this is the longest day. Hyped-out, stocked up and emotionally all in, Packers World must now wait until the sun sets to find out if the Packers' first-ever February game will be a keeper. The Super Bowl, christened after the 1966 season and dominated by the Packers for its first two showings, is upon us.

Kickoff for the XLV matchup is 5:30 p.m., preceded by the interminable analysis and all the other fluff that is packaged with this sporting event, which has dwarfed all others in media and public obsession.

But, to steal a word from New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, this game, to Green Bay, is indeed "personal."
Read more HERE

Then there's the story that prints the fact that Green Bay Packers fans live worldwide.

"Green Bay Packers fandom travels around globe - and back"

Australian Packers fan returns for big game as Wisconsin native roots for team Down Under

Read more from the worldwide fans HERE


I have also stayed away from calling Miss Kelli- I know her emotions of this all must be killing her, and it would be hard on us both to jinx this game in any way.

The "wait" since we won on the 23rd has almost been unbearable...
"There was one Monster of the Midway in the NFC championship game and his name was Aaron Rodgers(notes).
He wasn’t even at his best and, still, he was better than the first, the second and the third quarterback used in vain by the Chicago Bears against their bitter rivals. "  CLICK HERE to read more.


This one- from Flintville WI...

The local TV stations all contributing greatly to the hype surrounding this game. The hype that builds and builds and...
(Adding to the fact that my nerves are completely shot). hehehe

Wait- "Shot"?
Did I say "shot"???
Damn fine thing I had to have those shots in my back.
Yes, plural.   Sure took my mind off this game for a while...



Epidural shot to my back.

Rumor has it that I might have run off at the mouth after they gave me the versed injection, and as soon as the doctor came in to see me...
Um... "hehehe"?
Ruh-roh-  (It is kind of funny to listen to Casey relate the story)...
Just that I will be kinda embarrassed to show my face there at my next appointment. (Think 'drunk' but kind- and unable to quite get the words out right).
Methinks "floobering" might be a good word. (No tears).
Oh well.
Did the shot work? I am happy to say that it did. Though the effect seems to be weakening a bit-
But I am so much better, pain-wise, than I was even 10 short days ago.

I will also be getting a Forteo infusion on the 22nd. I have heard both good and bad things about this-
Does anyone have anything to add, negative or positive of this annual therapy?

Gosh I had better close for now. I must vacuum before Greg gets here or he might sneeze during the game- Poor guy is allergic to the cat...
Casey has offered to cook for today, and I do not know what her menu might be- I will be making a few side things.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world!!!!

Now...  Who are YOU rootin' for????

My love to all.

XOXO
Me

Ferrlecit Reaction- (part two)?

Sputty. (With "cattitude")...

Good Afternoon!
As you know from yesterdays blog, Casey had a very bad reaction to her infusion on Wednesday evening.
It's pretty damned bad when suddenly your own body no longer fits in your own skin!
She was so very swollen, and had so much pain everywhere. The swelling in her joints being almost as bad as the hives and the other swollen parts.
Unfortunately, she can only have benedryl as the rest of the stuff is steroids. As Robin was good enough to point out after Casey had tried the Infed infusion, Casey cannot have those treatments because steroids ultimately kill off her precious islet cells.

It happened again last night. The same thing! This, 24+ hours after her infusion was stopped. Again, she took the 50 mgs benedryl and her pain meds as prescribed. Finally, about 4AM the swelling began to go down. She is sleeping for now- I will wake her about 3 or so to make sure that we don't have a repeat of last nights insomnia. I would fall asleep a bit, then awaken; and she was still up. Even after another 50mgs of the benedryl...
The only difference this time is that now we are home. The Minneapolis forecast called for flurries yesterday. No big deal that, as flurries are almost a way of life in Winter.
But the forecast was wrong.
The weather turned a 4 and a half hour drive into almost 8 hours. Kelli remarked that we must have brought it with us because it didn't start snowing in Flintville until 20 minutes before we got home. hehehe
We followed that weather all the darn way home!!! Saw one lone snowplow spreading salt, and just west of Wausau, WI; otherwise the roads were not treated in our direction. (I must add that we counted 8 or 9 plows heading west, plowing and salting).  We saw a few crashes along the way- only one that the car had passed me previously. Being a fan of "late", (in the choice of 'late' or 'never'), I just took my time; stopping every now and then for a potty break. (And medically necessary to unwind my knuckles for a short time).
No stopping in Ringle for Punks potty break either. 
I did stop every now and then for gas- Not needed, save for a few extra pounds added to the car.

As I wrote to my KelliBaby this morning, Mr Sputnik couldn't make up his mind whether to sleep upstairs or down last night. ('Course neither could Casey, so she was awake all night long).
Grrr... One might be tempted to think that 2 days post surgery that one would want to sleep. Not so with herself...  hehehe
I wonder now, if it was pre-hives, the allergy, that kept her awake, the trip, the surgery, or a combination of everything?  Probably that combination.

I still have dishes to do- Left over from before we left, my back not being accommodating enough at that point to stand and scrub. (How's that for an excuse)?! hehehe 
Will get to those after I go in search of a few fresh groceries. The darned dishes will keep a few more hours, and are soaking in bleach water for now.

I would put off the shopping until after the dishes if we weren't to be expecting about 4" of new snow today. I drove far enough in the darn weather yesterday and don't wish to be driving any more than I have to today.
The sun was out earlier, but it is cloudy now. Imagine the snow will start soon.

That said, I had better close.  I hope everyone is safe and warm. And I thank you ALL for your letters, notes, and gifts, for Casey. What grand family and friends we have! Thank you! Thank You!! THANK YOU!!!

My love to all.

XOXO
Me

PS

If you are newer here, {since Casey's TP/AIT (transplant)}, please read here
http://flintville.multiply.com/calendar/item/10011
or here
http://flintville.multiply.com/journal/item/721

Or...
Just start here
http://flintville.multiply.com/journal/item/712
& keep reading forward by hitting 'next' at the bottom of each blog...
Pictures in most. <--- (You have been warned). hehehe 

Windy-

Good W~I~N~D~Y Afternoon;

Casey called before I left this morning to tell me she had rescheduled her Ferrlecit appointment for Thursday. She mentioned that after all this wait that 2 days would not make a difference. She did this for me, and if those 2 days do make a difference I won't be forgiving myself for not going into town.
It is nasty outside- With gusts over 50mph -to 64mph, we are under a 'warning' for these winds-

The barometric pressure has dropped to the 2nd lowest low for October, ever. So it was no great surprise to me when my vision started flashing this morning. I still have a bit of that headache even though I napped for a few hours when that happened.


Thus far this afternoon, my electricity has flickered about 3 times- Once, following a 'crack' I heard outside.
Almost afraid to look at any of my trees, I did go out to get my mail, (for the 1st time in a month or so)- hehehe
Greg and Casey fixed my mailbox this past Sunday, before that awesome Packers win over Minnesota!

The trees seemed OK yet; although there is one leaning precariously over the barn-grade that I hope will miss my power poles if it does go down.
Nor did I ever realize that the wires are very near to over my mailbox- Of course I didn't think I could scuttle so fast under the wires that feed from my poles to my house either.

That all said, I am seeing reports of significant damage on this side of Wisconsin.
Illinois and Missouri have winds at +70mph.
North Dakota is to be getting 8" of snow. A blizzard warning has been issued-
Our own wind and rain pale by comparison.

I can't recall if I posted any of this earlier and am not going to go in search of- I found it in my "unfinished blogs"- 
(Usually I delete after I post them, but with me, hey ya never know). hehehe

Casey and I went to check out the new Festival Foods in Suamico a while back- Pretty decor they had-



Wonder if it will still be that pretty when this wind storm is over?

I did a bunch of cooking after getting plenty on $ale-
But in Fall one must keep everything covered while cooking/baking etc so one of these guys won't fall in.



I hate Japanese Beetles!!!


Are you hungry?
We got some good roast on sale- I cut it, using half for 2 stews- (one pkg frozen for later).


Mmmm....

And then using all my $ale things for the roast too-



Now are you hungry?  hehehe


When we had gone to Suamico we saw an awesome sunset-
Save for 2, these shots were taken a few miles apart-














A sunset that looks like fire over the bank!  So beautiful!


Speaking of beauty, here are some real beauties!
I can't recall if I have posted this picture earlier or not either? Even if I did, it is so cute, it bears another peek... hehehe



Behold the  beauty!!!
And praise for these gals at DHPI- (Our Miss KelliBaby being 2nd from right).
Their department, 'purchasing', won for breast cancer awareness month!
Congratulation Ladies!
I do not know what they won- Recognition would be enough!

I have now heard 3 separate sirens go screaming past.  I hope everyone is safe and this is just power lines down somewhere.
News will be on soon-

That said, I'd better close this blog before I lose it to this "windpocalypse".
Hope everyone is safe, sound, and warm.

My love to all.

XOXO
Me

Seeing Nothing- In the Dark-

The only light in my life-
After around 4:45 this morning...


Good Evening All;
I was  up around 2:30 today- Unable to  sleep, I came on here. I had many windows on the computer open- many tabs too, and was happily reading the news, and a few blogs-
I was so 'into' what I was reading too. Just one of those days.

Miss Punk lay asleep on the floor by me.

Of a sudden the power went out- Punk growled, not loud- Just enough to let me know she was up -and "something" had happened.
(It had. The power had flashed).

Flashed.
Came on.
Flickered.
Then flashed a few more times- (for good measure); finally deciding to come on, and remain on.
I looked from window to window, in case something had happened near here. Nothing.

So I fired the computer back on. And came back online. By now, everyone in the world must know I have dialup. And since I'd had all those pages up and running, I knew it would take til Tuesday to reload these so I began the new session option.

Deciding to blog, I went to Flickr and opened up my pictures, clicking on the ones I'd wanted to share with you.
Since this takes a while, and since it was 5AM, I thought to feed these beasties of mine their breakfast. (Especially after Punk had growled a second time, a bit more, and even added 2 warning "bruuf"'s -as she was trying to watch the bunny wabbits on the front lawn).

They got their food and water- And by the time I had run my dishwater and come back here, all of the pics were loaded! (YAY)!

As I went to click on the last html in the pics, the power went out.

And stayed off.

After a moment or two of wait, I went in search of a few matches to light my candles.  (A "few", heck, the piano and the book cupboard looked like mini~altars)! hehehe

Thinking of Kelli, I rechecked the windows for any smoke that could have been billowing down the road. Nothing.
...Or across the ravines to the south in the woods- Nothing.

ok-
So to settle in until I was restored.
Those many candles offered much soft light- And enjoying the quiet, I cut many pieces for my quilts- (A wee bit smug too that I had thought to turn the heat on back at 2:30 when I'd gotten up too; usually I wait)...

Peeking out the window a while later, I could see a bit of light to the east- A few headlights heading east had illuminated a portable "road closed" sign.
What?!?

I got dressed, and brushed my hair -and little toofers. Loading dog, and camera, into car.

Pushing the garage door button--- nothing happens. A llittle voice on my left shoulder exclaims, "No shit Sherlock, you don't have power."
Duh... hehehe
A bit more light on the horizon as we pull out of the driveway...


I have added "light" to these pics- so you can see what I saw...




Sure enough- "Road closed!"  So this is what Punk had growled at then...
I really DO have to pay more attention to her, even when I am 'into' something else.

Moseying down to Flintville, I pull over as I see the squad car right in front of Kelli and Tims!
(I further remember that the bedroom phone, corded, had probably been unplugged when Casey had slept up there yesterday).
A sickening feeling, that...


That is NOT good...


I park the car, leave the dog- and realize I have forgotten my darn cane at home. Too bad-
... I now absolutely need to know if Kelli is OK-
I walk-


Hmmm "Accident ahead"   ~Ya think?!



The driver had hit the power pole, leaving some wires snapped- and other barely making the connection. (That is what made it flash and flicker here).

After a few minutes, the transformer had blown.
It was that explosion that had killed any remaining hope of power that we might have had.

Already the tow truck was there-

I quickly asked Deputy Meissner if Kelli and Tim were ok?
He assured me they were, and asked if I would have one of them come out so he could speak with them.



Kelli had already repaired most of the fence that the horses had taken out as the transformer had exploded, scaring the beejeezus out of them...



Slowly but surely they calmed down-
Alfalfa has such a good and calming effect-



Kelli and Deputy Meissner- As he explained that although the rest of us would be restored, they would be without power for the better part of today. (This since the pole had to be replaced).
Kelli's reply? "The PACKER Game is on tomorrow, and I better have it restored by then!"
Yes, she was serious.



Dan Drewery and Deputy M.
Dan, and my old boss Judy Wouters, have been together forever-
Dan works for the county highway department, and responds to any accident that involves closing the road, no matter the time, the weather, or the location in the county.


Everyone so very busy-



Kelli even had to run to Suamico to get her coffee! hehehe

Slowly but surely to have the broken wires brought back together... (This was just a bandaid so the rest of us could have power).



A rude awakening for more than the horses...

After waking around 3 himself, Tim had fallen back to sleep on the couch- Soon as the accident happened, he was wide awake-
As was Kelli-
As was Tim's mom (Mary) in the other half of the duplex.
She said she heard the 'thunder', knowing it was supposed to rain, but thought it the strangest thunder too. (Add to that, the fact that it wasn't even raining yet)-

Soon had come a knock at the door- The lady who had been driving was very shaken up-  Yes she had walked away without a scratch!  These Buicks are solid. Hers had given its life to save hers- (Not to mention the deers life that she had swerved to miss). There goes the insurance claim... sad that-

As I knew all was well, I left Kelli with an invitation to come get water for the horses- (I have water whether I have power or not).
Punk and I headed back here.

Pulling back in the garage, it was just beginning to rain- About 43°  - - It is a cold and chilling dampness.

But the workers were already in the fields- Still harvesting those many wagonloads of cabbage!


Happy to see that-
Cold or not, freakin' hot or not, they are there, working hard.

Punk went potty, and we headed in the house-
Barely the door closed and the power came back on-
Back to the real world then.  And to my little quilting squares.

As I type it is still raining-
Good. We have been very dry this whole month, and quite behind with the precipitation-
(As long as it stays rain, I won't complain)! hehehe

Hope you are having a great weekend-
My love to all.

XOXO
Me

PS
A major problem with a blown transformer is collateral damage.
Any power lines previously connected to the transformer are now live,exposed wires that could still be carrying thousands of volts.
During a storm, these wires could cause major arcing and electrical shock should they be submerged in large puddles of water.
Electrical arcs from blown transformers could also potentially set telephone poles and nearby trees on fire, especially during dry seasons.
Read more: What Happens When a Transformer Blows? | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/about_4900128_what-happens-transformer-blows.html#ixzz13EgfMqyI

*
The above included, just to show you how very lucky everyone was this morning!
Chilled. Damp. And inconvenienced.
But oh, so very lucky!