Frickin' Freezin'

The temps are still dropping- I have my indoor/outdoor thermometer that reads 18 below zero- (Fahrenheit of course). By contrast when I woke this morning it was 13 below..
The "high" (if I can really call it that), is to be 12 below zero. With the wind-chill factor coming in between 30 and 50 below.

So, in my best Charles Emerson Winchester III voice I plead,
"Get me.. the hell.. out.. of.. here!"

XOXO
Me

More Flintville 'Ketchup'. -And a few questions too.

Good Saturday Afternoon Everyone!

I am hoping you are all enjoying this beautiful weather?  At least it is beautiful here, though a bit warm for my tastes as you can tell by the pic... 

My own comfort zone being somewhere around 72.5° to about 76°; (with a nice breeze). 

It has been over 250 days since we have been so warm!

Any warmer- or with any ugly humidity, and I just can't breathe well. This is not from my emphysema, although I am sure that exacerbates the choking feeling- but I have always been like that; even as a small child.

Baling hay was absolutely the most hideous chore I can recall. 
Blowing the chopped hay and/or straw to the haymow was a very close second. 

I did all that all with no mask either. Ignorance was bliss when I was 12. hehehe

Question ...
As I was trolling around the internet the other day I found a few things that puzzle me still.

Why would my blog be referenced and linked in "opencongress.org"? Please click here.

I also 'found' it linked here, which redirects to here (CLICK)
There is also a 'flintville' on this blog, http://infinityrealm.wordpress.com/flintville/ which is written by a kid. I cannot access that part of his blog myself, but just found them all to be very strange.

But alright- I have digressed- how about I get back to Flintville here?  hehehe 
While Casey was out here last week, she cut Punks toenails. 

*I hate that job almost as much as Punk does, (probably even more). 

Punk was, at one time, just fine with having this done to her. Then I made a 'bad' and brought her to Petco for her bath- (Trimming the toenails is included in the price).
When I went back to pick her up, she was walking sort of gingerly. I noticed that her nails were very short.  There were also the telltale styptic pencil 'leave marks' on almost every single one of her toes! I was even more than horrified to think of what this pup had gone through- (She was only about a year and a half old). 

Not that I can blame her, but she now takes it most personally when she has to have her toenails cut.

No kidding, after her trimming, she lays like this for a few days; (especially if I leave the trimmer out where she can see it).   hehehe 

She has been sick- and being that she still has pain, she is still being treated for her ears- (that last dose of antibiotics really threw her system out of whack).  

And STINK!- OMG, those ears are stinky- too smelly by morning if I dare miss a night treatment. PEEEE-You!

Yes, she also gets plain old yogurt- and lots of it, every day. 

Doc Spires once told me that a quarter cup would do her well enough. I begged to differ; and so, she gets about a cup. (Aw heck, it can't hurt).

Come outside with me for a bit?

Aren't they lovely?! 

They always look to be so delicate; but thus far, all of my flowering plants have withstood much wind! 

Then the Orange Blossom- 



... or a white lilac perhaps? 

Who knows?

Oh, we SO need "E-Smell" for some of these pictures! 

On the east side of the house, and Randy's favorite bush to trim---
The double "Snowball Bush"

 ... Still thinking about that "E~Smell".


My lilacs are not yet quite open- 

I shouldn't say "my".   Rather the dark purple, my favorite, came from Mom, (via Ginny Ryan)- and the lighter lavender ones out by my old garden I stole from Kelli and Tim before they built the duplex. hehehe


Y'all remember this pic?

This is what they look like now...



hehehe

 ... A few weeks ago, Punk, Sput, and I were walking around when Punk spied my one and only 'tiger tulip' stand . One had opened to show off it's most beautiful colors...  

Before I could stop her she ran to it, and pulled the blooms right off! (What a sassy dog)!
At hearing my sharp intake of air, she opened her mouth- The petals fell out one by one as she just stood there with her jaw open looking at me.
Nothing I could have done then, so no hard feelings- (Just my shock)! hehehe

Over on the front lawn I have some more of the variegated columbine- A bird, or a mouse, or even Mother Nature, has dropped them in the grass by the front porch, and alongside some of my hostas...

Around to the back again- Randy has finally trimmed my half~dead plum tree.

Looking quite nice if I do say so myself.

Down at its base you can see a pretty bunch of baby trees taking root (and thriving too)- 

These have been growing since late 2010, and I am not yet sure if they are plum, or pear. The leaves of both so closely resemble the other-

Either will be fine by me. 


Speaking of the pear tree- (Was too...)-

I will either have to board it close, or chain it up, this year...

It seems to split a bit more every year- And once the new pears are on it I don't think it will be solid enough to support them without giving in to their weight.

What you cannot see from this angle is the baby pear tree that has taken root right next to it. It is about 4' tall now- about 4 years old.

So when the old one finally goes to the great nursery in the great beyond, a new pear tree should be ready to take its place!

Question # 2 now-
I have never heard of a fruit tree blooming twice in one year, have you?

Because my D'Anjou pear did just that this year! 

The 1st time was just after that hot spell we had in March- (about a week afterward).  Those blossoms were so sparse- few, and far between, I was saddened, thinking what a measly year it would be for my pears. 

Then it blossomed again, (showing off many many BIG and PLENTIFUL blossoms)!!! 

I couldn't believe my eyes! My mouth waters even as I write!



What does Sputnik do while we are all out walking?

Usually he will keep up, but there is a whole new batch of rabbits in the windbreak this year; and he lives most days just to keep an eye on the branch encampments we have built for them. 

I have 3 BIG piles of old wood, branches and sticks and some leaves too; (taken as we prune the trees). 

The 'wabbits' think we put that there just for them.  We do!

Mostly though, Sputty keeps his distance because he does not wish to tangle with Mama Rabbit! hehehe



After wandering- (I try to get a decent amount of walking in each day), I do still mow the lawns. 




I always leave the tailgate of the Buick open while I mow, using it to hold the phone and to have a place to rest my weary buns and back when I have to take a break..  The open tailgate seems to be Punk's personal invitation to recline in the front seat. Too funny she is!
And yes, Sputty had been right there with her as I drove up on the mower, stretched out on the dashboard; but he left before I could take the picture. 


Those of us that live in Wisconsin had to vote on the 8th- A primary election for governor. (Know that IMHO, our Scott Walker is an ass).

I made a special effort to vote early in the afternoon so I would miss the rush hours at the poll. In our little community- (⅓ of Suamico), I was already voter # 1119. I don't think I have ever seen such a high number on my slip. So that was very good to see!

Anyway, I vote about 3 or 4 miles up on County M- 

As luck would have it, "M" was under construction...

Before I tried to drive all the way there, I pulled over to ask one of the road crew if I could even get to Calavera Springs. 

He said 'yes, but take 'er slow, and with caution'.
I opted just to take the old Swamp Road, and then cut back to "M". (A longer route by a mile or two, but it would keep my car a bit cleaner). 

Finally getting to the park, there is a big old sign on the gate. "Voting has moved to Town Hall."
Grrrrrr............. 

I am not sure if this move is permanent, or if it was only like this because "M" was gettig a facelift. 

I hope it is permanent- Easier to get to; especially in November when an early season snowstorm could make getting to the park almost impossible.

I'd better close for now- Am going to go scrounge up some lunch- my tummy is angry now and is letting me know it too! (Better late than never). 

I hope everyone has a "wunnaful" weekend!


XOXO
Me

Today is National Nude Day!

Use your imagination if you have to,
but just look at how many places can be broken on one little vertebra!!!
Trust me it sucks.

You'd better grab a cup of coffee. I seem to have gotten a bit longwinded here! 
Sorry 'bout that.

Good Afternoon All;
I have been totally remiss in writing. My apologies. Polly even called from Wyoming to find out what was up. (She knows when I'm not feeling the greatest by when I write).
The thing is there is nothing, (most days), beside pain to write about.
Yes, I have 2 more fractures.
I am now up to close to 2 dozen, if not more... (I don't ask, and it doesn't really matter to mu Dx.).
Check out the picture above and you can see that there are many sides and extensions to one vertebra.
I can easily break one little vertebra any number of times. What a cool trick! j/k

My back is directly related now to my teeth. And here I thought the ankle bone was connected to...).
I had a dental appointment yesterday.
My last 'plan' of attack with the DDS office was to have certain teeth gone, then to have a bridge made. That can no longer be done, and now I have to sit through a few (2) root canals.
Say "crap".
Then he referred me elsewhere as he doesn't even want to look in my mouth because I had taken the Reclast, (zoledronic acid), for my osteoporosis.
Once you take Reclast, you can have nothing done that might affect your jaw in any way.
guilty as charged. I dragged my heels long enough regarding the necessary work to my mouth.
Still, in all fairness to me, I could not have work done with going to Minnesota all the time. (By the way, that is NOT a complaint. It simply is the way it is).

I found a very good article on Osteoporosis here.
Do that click. I will have to reread it a few times so everything sinks in.
(I swear that I look like the lady in the picture)! hehehe  OK, maybe not that bad.
A few sentences:
" Some 44 million people in the United States are at risk for this potentially debilitating disease, which is responsible for 1.5 million fractures (broken bones) annually. These fractures, which are often the first sign of the disease, can affect any bone, but the most common locations are the hip, spine, and wrist. Breaks in the hip and spine are of special concern because they almost always require hospitalization and major surgery, and may lead to other serious consequences, including permanent disability and even death."
- end quoted text

* I am also thinking on starting an osteoporosis page, somewhere, that would chronicle my own trip through this debilitating disease.

Speaking of root canals and dentists, they seem to be contagious somehow. Casey will be going in tomorrow. (Paying Midwest dental a TON of money a few short years ago, she has just learned that many of those fillings have cavities UNDER the filling itself). Mad to hear that, I would have her just go back and demand correction, but they closed down- out of business- a year ago.
One of her root canals just fell apart in her mouth last night while she was flossing. What an awful thing to have happen!
Greg's dad is a dentist, but he is not her dentist- as he practices 90 miles away.

I had my monthly pain management appointment last week. My b.p. was 162/108! This is comparable to the highest it has ever been for me. I have a call in to get a refill on the Micardis-80. It will help with my migraines too. Am battling a migraine as I type- It began about 10:30 or so, complete with the aura, and the barfies. (And yes, I took my meds for it). I hate when they don't work as well as they should! I took my blood pressure just to check and it was 147/97.
Keep in mind that we all, (my daughters and I) have always had borderline LOW blood pressure.
(Normal" for me is about 90/58).
Must make note to pick up that RX tomorrow.
I also ate one of Polly's chocolates for my head. Thank you Polly! These seem to help it too. Now if only I had a Mountain Dew laying around. (Yes, what sets off migraines also has a tendency to cure them).

According to the Bizarre Holidays section on my top page, it is National Nude Day.
(I am glad they made this 'day' in the midst of Summer- Whew. Things could get a little nippy)! hehehe

Speaking of naked...  hehehe
Did I hear correctly on my news this morning?
Ted Danson is going to be heading up CSI- where Lawrence Fishburne left off? Should be interesting. (CSI is one of the shows that I record). And I haven't even finished watching the last 4 shows from this past season. Too bad that now i know how it will end. ;-(
Oh well.

The results from our first round of voting tells me that the real Democrats in Wisconsin have easily beat their "Fake" counterparts.
What is a "fake Democrat" you ask? It is but a Republican who puts his name on the Democrats ballot.
So happy I am that people were paying attention- AND intelligent enough to vote as they did!
Happy too that our infamous governor Walker was disrespected at Gateway Technical College. The protesters drowned him out! Click here for that story.


What else have I missed?
Oh yeah- Casey Anthony. As I had commented on several other blogs:
"I am at a loss for words here kids-
Am I the only person who was nauseated by those parents?
There is something horribly wrong with that entire family.
Brother is in love with his sister- Mama lies under oath (or maybe not)
Papa also lies on the stand.
Murder One? And all on Casey's shoulders? I don't think so.
Daughter hasn't ever been made to accept responsibility for anything.  I sincerely believe Mommy and Daddy know one hell of a lot more than they are telling.  I think they hold a certain culpability with this baby's death also. BUT DAMNED IF I KNOW WHAT IT IS
Methinks the jurors must have known what "innocent until proven guilty" means.
There was no proof of anything; save for the lies."
end
* Now can we please get on with our lives and stop the BS?


Stumbled on this cute little saying from The Old Farmers Almanac.
"Hoarfrost and gypsies never stay nine days in a place."
Maybe I shall become a gypsy now? Methinks it really would be a LOT of fun!

I like the weather forecast for today. High to be only in the upper 70's,, and almost none of that nasty humidity. Nice! So I suppose I should cut lawn today.
Tomorrow, and forward we are to be heading back up to the 80's, (and the 90's by Sunday), AND that godforsaken humidity will return too. Say "UGH."
Since I don't want to be mowing hay again I will try to get that done. ("Try" being the definitive word).

Interesting fact about the USA's weather from here. "There were close to 700 tornadoes in April, shattering that month's previous record by at least 400, and breaking the previous record for any month by more than 100. The approximately 1,400 tornadoes through the first half of the year are more than the US had in all of 2010!"
Another weather notation here claims,
"In 2011, there have already been eight U.S. weather-related disasters causing at least a billion dollars in damage, by far the most ever for the first half of a calendar year."


They just said we may get rain this afternoon, so outside I go!

My love to all. Stay happy and cool!

XOXO
Me -aka- "The worlds first gypsy who owns a Cub Cadet!" hehehe

vertebra picture from here

Germany decides to abandon nuclear power by 2022 - Yahoo! News

http://beta.news.yahoo.com/germany-decides-abandon-nuclear-power-2022-070631980.html

Hats off, Berlin.

Great Quote from the article:
"The cold hard reality is that no matter how much we all beat our chests about how great America is...we live in a pretty backward thinking country. Beyond the fact that we're #32 on the global IQ scale, we reward greed and penalize those who just want a decent life. I mean, you can make ends meet...if you're willing to work 60 hours a week. The kids can just entertain themselves until you get home."

________________________________________

Germany decides to abandon nuclear power by 2022

By JUERGEN BAETZ - Associated Press | AP – Mon, May 30, 2011

BERLIN (AP) — Europe's economic powerhouse, Germany, announced plans Monday to abandon nuclear energy over the next 11 years, outlining an ambitious strategy in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster to replace atomic power with renewable energy sources.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said she hopes the transformation to more solar, wind and hydroelectric power serves as a roadmap for other countries.

"We believe that we can show those countries who decide to abandon nuclear power — or not to start using it — how it is possible to achieve growth, creating jobs and economic prosperity while shifting the energy supply toward renewable energies," Merkel said.

Merkel's government said it will shut down all 17 nuclear power plants in Germany — the world's fourth-largest economy and Europe's biggest — by 2022. The government had no immediate estimate of the transition's overall cost.

The plan sets Germany apart from most of the other major industrialized nations. Among the other Group of Eight countries, only Italy has abandoned nuclear power, which was voted down in a referendum after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

The decision represents a remarkable about-face for Merkel's center-right government, which only late last year pushed through a plan to extend the life span of the country's reactors, with the last scheduled to go offline around 2036. But Merkel, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, said industrialized, technologically advanced Japan's "helplessness" in the face of the Fukushima disaster made her rethink the technology's risks.

Phasing out nuclear power within a decade will be a challenge, but it will be feasible and ultimately give Germany a competitive advantage in the renewable energy era, Merkel said.

"As the first big industrialized nation, we can achieve such a transformation toward efficient and renewable energies, with all the opportunities that brings for exports, developing new technologies and jobs," Merkel told reporters.

The government said the renewable energy sector already employs about 370,000 people.

Germany's seven oldest reactors, already taken off the grid pending safety inspections following the March catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, will remain offline permanently, Merkel said. The plants accounted for about 40 percent of the country's nuclear power capacity.

At the time of the Japanese disaster, Germany got just under a quarter of its electricity from nuclear power, about the same share as in the U.S.

While Germany already was set to abandon nuclear energy eventually, the decision — which still requires parliamentary approval — dramatically speeds up that process. Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said there are no provisions that would allow a later policy reverse.

"We don't only want to renounce nuclear energy by 2022, we also want to reduce our CO2 emissions by 40 percent and double our share of renewable energies, from about 17 percent today to then 35 percent," the chancellor said.

Merkel said the cornerstones of Germany's energy policy will also include a safe and steady power supply that doesn't rely on imports, and affordable prices for industry and consumers. The plan calls for more investment in natural gas plants as a backup to prevent blackouts, the chancellor said.

Germany's initiative received a skeptical reception abroad.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, whose country relies on nuclear power to produce 80 percent of its electricity supply, insisted "there's no way" for the European Union to meet its emission-cutting targets without at least some nuclear power.

"We respect this decision, but it doesn't cause us to change our policy," Fillon said. France operates more than one-third of the nuclear reactors in the EU.

Sweden's Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren also criticized the German decision, telling The Associated Press that the focus on an end date was unfortunate and could drive up electricity prices across Europe.

Germany, usually a net energy exporter, has at times had to import energy since March, with the seven old reactors shut and others temporarily off the grid for regular maintenance. Still, the agency overseeing its electricity grid, DENA, said Friday that the country remains self-sufficient and that its renewable energy production capacity this spring peaked at 28 gigawatts — or about the equivalent of 28 nuclear reactors.

Many Germans have vehemently opposed nuclear power since Chernobyl sent radioactivity over the country. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets after Fukushima to urge the government to shut all reactors quickly.

A decade ago, a center-left government drew up a plan to abandon the technology for good by 2021 because of its risks. But Merkel's government last year amended it to extend the plants' lifetime by an average 12 years — a political liability after Fukushima was hit by Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Environmental groups welcomed Berlin's decision.

"The country is throwing its weight behind clean renewable energy to power its manufacturing base and other countries like Britain should take note," said Robin Oakley, Greenpeace UK's campaigns director.

German industry said the government must not allow the policy changes to lead to an unstable power supply or rising electricity prices.

Hans-Peter Keitel, the president of the Federation of German Industries, urged the government not to set the exit date of 2022 in stone but to be flexible if problems arise.

Switzerland, where nuclear power produces 40 percent of electricity, also announced last week that it plans to shut down its reactors gradually once they reach their average life span of 50 years — which would mean taking the last plant off the grid in 2034.

Germany's decision broadly follows the conclusions of a government-mandated commission on the ethics of nuclear power, which on Saturday delivered recommendations on how to abolish the technology.

"Fukushima was a dramatic experience, seeing there that a high-technology nation can't cope with such a catastrophe," Matthias Kleiner, the commission's co-chairman, said Monday. "Nuclear power is a technology with too many inherent risks to inflict it on us or our children."

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin, Malin Rising in Stockholm, Colleen Barry in Milan, Jamey Keaten in Paris and Cassandra Vinograd in London contributed reporting.

________________________________________

I think we all know how good German engineering is.
Not to mention the fact that they are being very proactive; unlike the Japanese, who now find themselves having to be reactive to protect not only themselves, but the rest of us as well.

America needs this. The world needs this.
We need to stop raping Mother Earth and start using what is given to us on a daily basis.

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 

From the Completely Frozen Tundra

G-g-g-g-g-good M-m-m-m-m-morning All;
Flintville Wisconsin comes a bit chilly today...
The kind of morning that makes you want some hot chili for breakfast.

So far, so good; knock on wood. We have power, and we have heat, and we have running water. Not too much else matters in this weather.
I took the above picture about an hour or so ago.
The weatherman says it is now 16 below.
The weatherman also says that we have to go back to January 2009 to have a morning this cold. Almost 2 years.
At least it is to warm up to the teens today. (That would be on the plus side of zero). Tonight promises not to be so bad

Whatever. Nasty is nasty.

Ask Casey about "nasty"... Her car is in the shop. Front end probably frozen; with an possible additional tie rod problem.  She has my car for the duration.
Life goes on.
 ~ Sorry Punk, I am not walking anywhere in this.
Casey and Greg were here last night and brought my dumpsters down the driveway for garbage today. Had it not been for them, they would not get taken away today either.

Time for to find a nice warm blanket.

XOXO
Me

Snow Today, Blow Tomorrow...

Good Morning All;
We got an inch or three of snow on Thursday- Casey came out and helped me shovel yesterday. Then we were off to buy a few necessities for the weekend.

Soon, our clouds will open and cover our little corner of the world. We have already gotten about an inch this morning.

From my weather email:
WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST SUNDAY. (Crap, that's a long time for any storm).
* SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAY...AND MAY BE MIXED WITH SLEET AT TIMES DURING THE MORNING.
THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

Now they are saying that we might be upgraded to blizzard status by tomorrow morning. Our winds are to be N at 25 to 35 mph... Gusts much higher-
Apparently too we are at the warmest we will be for the next week or so too. Temps tomorrow will be nasty cold, and go down from there- (Wind chills will be dangerous at best).

If I am not on or around, it is only because I will be watching the storm. OK, that is not going to happen; (that's akin to watching the grass grow as far as I am concerned).
Or may be it will be that mouse has turned to 'Igloo' status. I then will be frozen solid wherever I stood last. hehehe 
Hmmm   Do sewing machines freeze?
Yes, I am still sewing patches for most of every day.

Casey had an infusion on Thursday morning. As soon as it was up and running, her blood pressure was OK, and she was in the least amount of pain, I was up and running too.  I had a few stops I needed to make before it snowed.
Casey asked that I return by noon, as Nick goes to lunch and she would be left with Lori- (who is a raunchy nurse and does everything in her power to cross Casey).
This infusion was set to run for 4 hours. Casey has had such terrible reactions to these infusions, and the pharmacist and her doctor thought the reactions would be lessened if it ran much slower- Her skin breaks out from just the pokes- As always, her veins shut down and refuse to cooperate.  And once placed, the IV runs like razor blades up her arm. Her blood pressures generally go way down.
All was as well as it could be, so I left.

I returned 5 minutes late. Oops.   Casey met me at the door -as she'd waited.
As soon as I'd left, her arm pained something fierce, the IV infiltrated, and, and, and.
Long story short, she'd been waiting since 10:30. I generally take her cell phone with me- (We both forgot that, that day. It won't happen again).  At least she knows everyone there- from the pharmacy to admit, to front desk, (not to mention she is on a first name basis with the nurses and doctors as well).
Not like she was abandoned, or that any of them would allow her to be, for long!
hehehe


I do have a few pictures, and will add them to the comments below, when I can. I still have to send them from the camera to the machine... Slow that way lately.
My back is doing as poorly as it has been for the last few weeks, so it bugs me to sit here overlong-
At least when I am sewing I am up and down between the machine, the table, the ironing board, and the cutting board.
Not sure if that is good or bad for it.   It is the way it is though.

I have to shovel out the doorway every now and then so Miss Punk can get out and get her business done. Neither herself nor the cat have much energy today- I do think this coming storm affects them so. (Is that odd? Or have I just been slow to notice)?

Time for me to get in the shower and then shovel a wee bit.

My love to all!  Have a 'wunnaful' weekend.

XOXO
Me

My Saved Locations

• Green Bay, WI   22...34 °F
• Sault Ste. Marie, MI   15...23 °F
• Fort Myers, FL   53...76 °F
• Temple, TX     34...69 °F
• Lomita, CA 52...76 °F
• Minneapolis, MN   -7...22 °FYes, the Minneapolis *low* is BELOW zero.
• Philadelphia, PA   37...45 °F
  
  
• Prattville, AL     38...60 °F
  

 

Close

 

Where are YOU? 
Maybe the better question for those of us in Wisconsin, is "where would you like to be?"
For myself, I pick Alabama or Texas to see a few of my grandbabies- warm as they are...

Hopefully you are somewhere safe and warm.
(And if not, please get there and batten the hatches).

Methinks too, that Detroit is darn lucky that the Packers will play *there* tomorrow. They are to get snow, but not like what we are forecast to receive.

From here:  *Aiden could be one of the biggest December snowstorms on record in Northeast Wisconsin. Blizzard Allison, of December 2009, was the biggest dropping 14.7 inches of snow."

Gut Feelings

Good Afternoon All;
Once again, it has been way too long-
Blame me. Blame my computersaurus.
Either way, I have not posted any blogs, nor have I kept up as I should with your own blogs...
I even have an entry to post that still has somewhat decent weather in the pictures.
Will get to that as time allows. hehehe


We were to be in Minneapolis yesterday afternoon.
Life did not hand us that option.


I should start with Tuesday...  Casey had texted earlier in the day. She was feeling just awful. Her stomach paining her something fierce, and she was running a low grade fever from a UTI that she has been treating, (twice now, and for over a week with 2 separate Rx's).
Already that day, Casey had reset her Pain Management appointment.  Since it was not a good thing that she be getting her infusion that day either, she had canceled that appointment as well. She also had a migraine- sick to her stomach, and pained from that as well.
She had written that she was going back to sleep. I don't blame her. Poor kid.

But I still had to bring Punk in for her bath- I had not wanted her to smell like a dog when we checked into the hotel. Quarters are close in our reserved little hotel room, and truth be told I did not want her on my bed smelling like a dog either... hehehe
I brought her in.  Driving there I realize it is darn windy as soon as I pull out of the driveway. I hadn't been outside, save for much earlier in the morning to play with Punk and try to wear her out a bit. It wasn't THAT windy then... I checked the flag at one of the neighbors- Wind from out of the south. I make adjustment in my driving to accommodate that.
As we arrived at Waggin' Tails, Punk realized she was not just there to pick up Mr Miller and Ms CocoBeans, so she decided it was time to leave. She went to the door, sat, while those eyes absolutely pleaded with me to please go back home.
Sorry my sweet puppy.  Didn't work.
Coming home to realize how very windy it really was. My car actually veered into the oncoming traffic lane! My Rendezvous weighs over 2 ton, and it is rare that the winds affect it so.  I checked the wind from one of the many flags along my road. Still out of the south.
Wait. The wind must have changed direction as the oncoming lane is on the south side of the road... I just grabbed the steering wheel a bit tighter. Heck, it's only 5 miles home from Suamico for cryin' out loud.

They called a few hours later- Punk was ready to be picked up.
She was dry, oh so sweet smelling, and with pretty trimmed nails too!
I threw my coat on to go get her. As I enter the garage to notice that my front driver's tire was flat. Damn, it's cold and windy- Good thing I parked in the garage.
Wait! It wasn't the darn wind that had me white-knuckling the drive home.
OK. Whatever. I would fill it up, grab Punk, and stop at Jerry's ("aka Suamico Garage"), and simply get it fixed. (A good plan I thought, as I plugged in my compressor).
I didn't count on the fact that the tire would not hold air.
I came back in, thinking to call Miss Kelli and ask her to please pick Punk up on her way home. But I hadn't paid for the bath... WT's are a small place, and I don't know if they take credit cards in the 1st place. (Not sure who would pay for a dog bath on a credit card anyway)?  hehehe
I called and woke Casey.  She said 'no problem', she was feeling a little better and would pick her up. She brought home the softest, most wonderfully smelling dog I have ever seen!
Before she left here, I tried to air up the tire again. It held. I drove back to the Suamico Garage.
Patches are good, but Jerry does things right. My tire was repaired from the inside out-
I was happy too, that Casey got to see how this is done. I spent lots of my young time with my dad when I was a kid and got to learn lots. Pa died 3 years before Casey was born so she never had that, She never got to spend time in a real working garage. I love the sounds and smells of that all... Weird, I know.

But... back to my blog.
Yesterday, we finally got snow that stayed.
We knew it would come this year, just not when. The weatherman had called for a dusting. No big deal, except that it would be the first snowfall of the year. For some reason, people 'forget' from one year to the next how to drive on snow and ice. (The latter being impossible of course- but they still try to do so -at 70mph I might add). hehehe

I called Casey at 9:00AM to make sure we would have plenty of time to get to Minnesota without having to drive in the dark. Knowing the forecast here, I called Kelli too; just to find out if Tim had run to Minnesota that day- It's nice to know how the roads are in advance; (rumor had it that MN had gotten buried in snow the day before). As luck would have it, Tim had stayed in town. Oh well.

By 11, worried, I called Casey again. She was just leaving town and would be here shortly- She had only fallen back to sleep, thank God, and was not in the ditch somewhere along the line. Lucky her. hehehe
She had stopped for gas and was at the store- She said roads were icy- lots of traffic on 54 makes the town roads icy in a hurry- She promised she would take her time.
She got here in normal time. The highway was just fine.
By noon, my car was packed, warmed up, and we were off. The county plows had gone through twice already to salt the roads, and I was happy for that.
By the time we got to Pulaski, we decided to turn around.

Not sure exactly why- Just odd that both of our gut instincts were telling us to reschedule the whole thing. Happy we didn't go further before chatting about how we felt too.

So, we did what any normal people do instead of taking a road trip. We ordered a Hot Stuff Pizza. While we waited for that, Casey called Trent at the hotel...
I get a real kick out of Casey calling Trent. She starts off the conversation with "Hi Trent, this is 'Punks Family' calling."  Punk still smells sweet. She was confused with the shortened road trip, but was happy to get a few bites of pizza too.

Casey contacted Dr. Sutherlands nurse too. They will reset the test for Green Bay if that is OK with him. Given the fact that her insides are so not normal at this point in time, he may want everything to be done there. When she talked to Louise this morning, she found out that Dr Sutherland is in surgery all day today so we will know by tomorrow morning if that is a viable option, or if he prefers to have the test there. His call. He would do any further surgeries anyway since he is the only surgeon that knows her insides.

I'd best get over to my sewing machine. Darn thing.
Once more it is in pieces, and I must put it back together again. Clearly I am getting too attached to the innard workings of my machine!
I feel terrible that my 'presents' probably won't be done in time for Christmas; but I know there are worse things than that.  ... After all, kids do have "Santa" too.
*sigh*

My love to all.

XOXO
Me

Gales of Novem~Brrr?

   Casey. At her last infusion.

Good Morning All;
I must keep this short this morning- Casey has her infusion scheduled early, and it is a day to bring out the winter jackets.
Yesterday was an odd day- with tornadoes south of us, and thunderstorms that rumbled on and off overhead as I went about my day.
When Punk and I were outside for her last potty break last night it was nice out there, (stockinged feet). The rains were done, and it was probably in the mid 40's or so- and calmer too.
Quite a different story this morning- as the windchill hovers around +10°F. Sustained winds are in the mid to upper 20mph, and my air exchange cover over the stove rattles occasionally.
There is even a draft in the house; (more specifically on me), and I am trying to psyche myself up to get in the shower.
We have no snow as yet- which makes the wind and temps seem that much worse for some reason. (I am not complaining about the lack of shoveling either). hehehe

If you can stand it, I am complaining about my back. Not sure what 'new' thing I did, but it got so bad last week that Casey threatened to bring me to the hospital. I finally caved, and at least made that phone call on Thursday- Returning my call by 7:30 on Friday, they had set up an early appointment for Monday.
Long story short, yesterday the doctor spoke of cement for my back? Hmmm...
I also needed another panel of xrays to determine *if* I have something new going on, or if it is an old and exacerbated thing.
The tech in the radiation dept tried to kill me! I swear he did. I also kept repeating to myself that the end is supposed to justify the means. The back~bend position was the worst; although laying on my side on a hard cold table wasn't much to my liking either. I drove that disc back across town as soon as I had it too. Must now make an appointment for her to discuss her findings. (Crap).
Since I am mobile, albeit in a snail way, I'd best not complain about glowing in the dark either.

I'd better close- Must get an earlier start as we have to stop over to Randy's before we go to Casey's infusion.

Good Lord, can I shower somehow without removing my nice warm pj's?!?

Love to all.
Be safe and warm.

XOXO
Me

Varmints. Infusions. And Cheerios

    Punk- Bothered by the wind last week-


Good Morning All
Please vote today? Even if you think it won't matter, do it anyway. It's way too important not to. Personally I am happy that it is finally sinking into peoples heads that their votes can change the world in which we live. Your vote DOES count, no matter what you believe right now.
Undecided? Take the image of Casey to the polls with you, and vote according to your conscience. Know that a Republican vote has the potential to kill many people that wear her shoes, and fight her fight against a chronic, debilitating disease.

Lots going on today for us- Casey has another infusion, and I have a bit more shopping to do while I am in town- Happy I do not have to vote today. Those lines- around here anyway, promise to be long...


With November comes the advent of snow- Wish it were not so, but there is always the possibility of it- and lots of it. Of course no one knows how each season will differ from the last, but many are getting ready. I have seen many plows attached to trucks already, and many sights like this at area shops-


I still have to get mine out.

Casey brought me in yesterday for my darn head. My head feels better, but I still feel nasty- Could not fall back to sleep, worried that I would not wake in time to bring her in for that infusion. hehehe Talk about a vicious cycle.

These guys seem to cycle too-



A little mole thinking he might have liked some of that peanut butter.

These varmints are not in the house-
Thanks to an ever vigilant Sputnik, and Punk too. (Well, she tries). hehehe

In Spring and In Fall I always catch a bunch out in the attached garage. And every now and then, Sput does get one on the inside.
And it all has to do with the weather-


As does this... from last weeks windstorm.




The weathermen have told us that the mb's pressure from that storm was comparable to a Category 3 hurricane. Happy I am that I do not live down south, my headache had begun with that drop in pressure...

Punk would go outside, and within seconds was completely bothered by the fact that she could smell something, and not be able to figure out which way it was coming from. She would walk across the yard with her head swinging back and forth- Casey said she looked like she was at a tennis match! hehehe

Punk would gather up her toys, in whatever room she was, and just wait.




And wait...


Yes. Sponge-Bob now has a tail. Had to sew him up twice already. hehehe
So finally I just combined the two toys- Punk watches my every stitch...


Sputty?



He could care less ~as long as he gets fed.



After all that wind, Punk now chooses my old jacket to grab and go lie on.




She has also taken to lying under my little table... Cute




Sputty- Cleaning up after dinner. hehehe



Casey had moved her infusion from Tues to Thurs last week because of that wind.




Nick taking Casey's blood pressure- 105/58





I brought along some Cheerios for her to munch on.
She was still hungry so I ran to Tony Roma's to get her a sandwich!




I think she liked it! (I got the Claussen)! Mmmmm


I'd better close if I am to get in the shower before I leave- Perhaps even to turn the heat on before I do that...  It's about 30° outside as I type, and about 64° inside.

My love to all.

XOXO
Me

Outage Map (WPS in NE Wisconsin) Storm Safety

http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/outagesummary/view/outagegrid.aspx
Current Electric Outages (Wisconsin Public Service)

Just a link for those of us who are watching how warm our neighbors are, so that maybe we can help?

The link will bring up a map- Please check on your neighbors and loved ones.

****

Storm Safety

* Outages and Service Problems

Severe weather can strike quickly, creating a variety of dangerous situations. Use the following information to keep your family safe during and after a storm.


Preparing for a Storm

* Keep a portable radio or TV handy to hear local weather forecasts and other important news bulletins for your area.
* Have a plan to move yourself and your family — especially those with special needs — to another location in case you experience an extended power outage or must evacuate.
* Keep an adequate supply of water and non-perishable food items on hand.
* Ensure first aid supplies and medicines are readily available.
* Make sure flashlights are working and readily available. Always keep a supply of extra batteries on hand.
* Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage.
* Consider the need for specialty items, such as prescription medication, baby food, warm clothing and a safe alternate heat source.
* If you have an emergency heat or power source, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions so you know how to use it properly.



During a Storm

* Monitor TV and radio for important weather updates and news bulletins.
* If you experience a power outage, call WPS at 800-450-7240.
* If you anticipate an extended outage, consider moving yourself and your family — especially those with special needs — to an alternate location.
* Check on others who may benefit from your assistance.
* Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Stay away from them and report the problem to WPS.
* Don't open freezers and refrigerators more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
* Turn off as many appliances, electronics and light switches as possible. This will reduce the potential for damage or fire. After the power is restored, wait 5 to 10 minutes before turning them back on.



After a Storm

* Don't try to cut or remove downed trees or branches unless you are absolutely certain power lines are not involved.
* Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food items in preparation for future storms.
* Have a licensed electrician disconnect your generator unless the generator has an automatic disconnection device.



Downed Power Lines

* Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near them (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
* Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
* If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire, or other immediate danger, jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
* Report all power line hazards to WPS or your local emergency services agency.

*****

Once again, I am fortunate.

XOXO
Me

image from tampaone.com