[My] Life in Wisconsin

She Wants OUT! ;-)


Good Morning Everyone;
I know that many of you know most of this already, but I am just copying my todays blog from over at 360.
There is a part that you may not know though. (This, as you near the last 1/3rd of the entry).

Suffice to say that Casey is definitely wanting OUT of the hospital...
And I am definitely wanting OFF this roller coaster.
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roller coaster
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Photo stolen from HERE.
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Good Morning Everyone!
Concerning Yahoo 360, I do not think that I am back.
But I have received emails asking very kindly for an update.
Do not feel the need to comment on my 360, God knows I probably won't be able to even read them.
(That is, IF you can even leave one in the first place).

So here goes your update...
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January 09 1 018
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December 18, 2008 001
Before her surgery
In the wee hours of 12-18-08
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Minnesota 12-21-08 016
All of her lines- afterwards...
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Minnesota 12-23-08 003
Getting a hand massage
12-22-08
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Minnesota 12-21-08 014
To date, she has had 7 units of blood.
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Minnesota 12-23-08 014
Policy in transplant centers:
NO LIVE PLANTS. NO CUT FLOWERS.

She was allowed to keep this one because she had no roommate.
Thank you Beth and Family
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Minnesota 12-21-08 006
She shows off her scar!
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Christmas 2008 014
We celebrated Christmas together.
One week after surgery
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Christmas 2008 035. . . . Christmas 2008 041
Santa was very good to her- ........................ And she LOVES her cards too!
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But a day later, she began to feel ill again...
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My brother John came to visit his "nephew"
(ask Casey about that). hehehe
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Her tummy swelled...

Time to call the surgeons in again...
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Another Surgery 007
Dr. Kasie Banton and Casey
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Another Surgery 001
Things got worse, and she was off to surgery a 2nd time.
12/28/08
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During this surgery, they drained 2+ liters of blood and fluids from her abdomen.
They also removed a blood clot (bigger than a golf ball), from her duodenum.
She came back to her room very 'out of it'.
I then left for a few short hours...

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Surgery #2 003
And when I returned, this is how she was.
A mere 2 hours after!

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PunkVisitsKc 009
I have Punk along, and she was going as crazy as Casey.
So it was high time to bring her for a visit.
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My sister Barbara and Family sent flowers.
(I hid them in the bathroom).
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January 09 1 007
Punk is lonely all over again.
And yes, I brought her up a 2nd time.
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Casey recovered very quickly from her 2nd surgery,
and on Saturday was even released!
(But with an appointment already scheduled for Monday to return).

I could NOT blog about this as she wanted to surprise Greg coming home.
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January 2nd '09 031 .
And it was "bye-bye" Unit 6B
With a smile on her face...
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That night she threw up her dinner.
We thought it because of all the excitement.

Since I have no cooking facilities in the hotel,
I went to Perkins and got her some chicken noodle soup on Sunday Morning.


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Casey hives
After three bites of soup, her whole body looked like this.
Hives.
As we see the tattoo she has gotten-
The Holy Trinity she'd designed; (for her sister, Reianna).

CLICK TO READ ABOUT REIANNA if you are new here.


Casey was "free" for a little over 24 hours.
They readmitted her Sunday night.
She remains hospitalized, as we wait for results on her CDIFF testing.
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Getting her IV changed
Back to the hospital.
Getting her ER IV changed...
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05J09 005
Lynn's daughter Christi (my Goddaughter), went to "Build a Bear"
And this is "Jewel" with Casey!
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Punk, Waiting for Fun.
Needless to say, Punk is sad all over again.
As I am too.
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That is basically all I know for right now... and I await Casey's call this morning.

Love to all

XOXO
Anne


Originally posted to my Y!360, Tuesday January 6, 2009 - 08:48am (CST)





"FRIGORIFIC"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwwodarch.pl?Jan.01.2009
Some words just have it. Others clearly do not.
This one beats all. As anyone from our little corner of the world will agree...


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frigorific • \frig-uh-RIFF-ik\ • adjective

: causing cold : chilling


The chill in "frigorific" comes from "frigus," the Latin word for "frost" or "cold."
("Frigorific" is derived from Latin "frigorificus," the adjective form of "frigus.")

"Frigus" has provided us with other icy words as well.
It is the source of "refrigerate" ("to keep cold"), and also of the combining form "frigo-" ("cold") and the noun "frigorimeter" ("a thermometer designed for low temperatures"), both of which are primarily scientific and somewhat rare.

"Frigus" is also related to the ancestors of "frigid" ("intensely cold").

"Frigorific" is a relatively unusual word and is used considerably less often than its relatives "refrigerate" and "frigid."


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HAHAHA!

Time to ban the usage of those other two words, and to get on with FRIGORIFIC.

XOXO
Me

PICC Line Gone!

"He is a hard man who is only just, and a sad one who is only wise."
Voltaire
Sometimes these little quotes make me stop and think...

Good Afternoon;
Casey is trying to sleep and I have a few moments.
Me. + My camera. + a computer. (At times a downright dangerous combination).
hehehe

It is freezing cold out today. 8 above. A fresh layer of snow (and under that about 1/4 inch of ice). I am more than tired of winter.  Took me the better part of half an hour just to leave the parking lot at the hotel earlier. Scrape and grunt. And FREEZE!
My own fault; as I disremembered about the freezing rain that came down before the snows last night. It is warm and comfy in the room at the hotel, and I have a way of thinking "if it's nice INside..."
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January 09 1 010
Casey sits in the rocker...
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It looks so gorgeous today too. Sun is shining so bright- hardly a cloud anywhere. But the wind leaves a LOT to be desired.
Green Bay (read "Flintville"), got the same darn stuff. I read that some churches had even canceled services because the roads were so treacherous.

I started the car (still thankful for that new Sears DieHard battery), and turned the seat heat on too. When The Punk is with me, she is still not too sure why her backside gets toasty warm. (Funny, that).
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January 2nd '09 002
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Casey's PICC Line is out.
But now she is having a hard time keeping anything solid down. She drinks lots of liquid though. Water. G2. A bit of broth.  They gave her some pills to put under her tongue now to keep the icky~barfies away. (They don't seem to work too well).
But I did find some Vitamin Water for her too.
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January 09 1 004
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Speaking of products...
On one of the sites on Yahoo I had read that there is an increased risk of septic when one is given TPN through a PICC Line. Am wondering if any of you have heard of that?
Here is what one lady had written; 
(She was talking about "Benecalorie", which I still have to check into). But her reference to the septic PICC Line is what I zeroed in on...
Her words...
"I am a Type I diabetic as a result of a TP/ICT. Where it gets its calories from, I have no idea. It's expensive though.
But TPN through a PICC is kinda risky. I went septic a number of times because of the PICC.
Basically, Benecalorie is Boost without all the extra stuff, like the chocolate flavoring, etc compacted to 1.5 ounce. It's not prescription. I recommend it over TPN mainly because of the septic risk"...

Caseys temp is at 99.2. She normally has a body temp of 97.2, so this is a bit high.
(Maybe I should just drag her outside for a little while)? hehehe

Two days ago she was told she could leave the Transplant floor.
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January 09 1 025
Casey, with one of the residents on staff.
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No holding her back from exploring the rest of the hospital then; although that IV Pole is a little hard to maneuver over the cracks where the elevator opens. It didn't take her long to have that down to a science; getting her wheels lined up, and giving it a good shove. Whatever works...
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January 09 1 021
She took this picture down in the lobby..
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And I took this next one...
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January 09 1 030
Blackmail if you ask me!!!
But way too cute!
Hope Greg isn't reading this...
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No PICC Line also means that she can throw on a t-shirt too. (Maybe I should have gotten her matching pants too, but she was happy to have it anyway).
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January 2nd '09 023
We visited another TP/AIT Transplant patient.
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That is Miss Theresa in the background. She has had many surgeries after her initial one- (So I am thinking that perhaps I shouldn't have been so freaked out last Sunday when Casey had to go back in for a 2nd one).
That's her mom (Denise), in the picture, along with her two sisters, (Jamie and Shannon). They all flew out all the way from New Jersey on Christmas. And are leaving today. What a beautiful family she has!
And Theresa is pretty darned beautiful too.
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001
You can tell how pretty they both are, even though they're in pain.
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I'd better close- Oh she is up and SO sick to her tummy...

Love to all

XOXO
Me
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Everything is alright

Hi All;
Sorry to have been so MIA.

Casey has a bit of a blood clot in her arm by her PICC Line.
(Marked by the ultrasound dept by the lines on her arm)
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January 2nd '09 003
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They removed the old PICC Line yesterday to be on the safe side.

I promise to blog later...
Just tired for now.

XOXO
Me

UPDATE ~Casey~ Yesterday and Today *Comparison Photos

Hi all.

I had hoped never to post another sad blog about Casey being sick.

Caseys temp is up 2 degrees.

Her b/p seems to be normal.

As of yesterday (12-31-08) she was doing so good that they have now turned the dilaudid drip down-
(A mere 30% of what she was getting for pain).


Yesterday she was given a full menu. YAY! And even got to eat supper!

Her blood sugar (in her blood draw) was down to 46 this morning... then shot up to 168 within 20 minutes. (Without her having eaten anything).

Today she could not eat without falling to sleep- not so much the pain.

She is turning a golden color once more. (I see that anyway).

She is mighty incoherent.
I had the nurse put a call in for the doctor within 5 minutes of me being there.

It is a Holiday. Where in the hell are the doctors???

I am worried all over again...
This is just like last Friday...




Yesterday
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12-31-09

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Today

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Yesterday...

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Today


01-01-09
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As you can see, her legs and feet are also quite swollen. (They have given her diuretics twice in 2 days for this already).
WTF?


She also needed more blood yesterday- (One unit). But her counts were good this morning.
(I have already asked for a new blood draw, and new results).

Now if the nurse could actually GET permission from the damned doctors, they might even be able to get that done.

I do not think I am over-reacting.  (Maybe just a little scared)...

I took her pain button away. She has not pushed it all morning, nor has she asked for it back.
If there is a problem with the meds in that vial, they would leave her this way, (I think with respect to the incoherence anyway).

Please, if you will, a few more of those wonderful prayers?

I gotta go raise hell.

XOXO
Me




Crayons and Prayers Please... See comment section

Merry 2009 All;
I know that I have the bestest friends of any blogsite, anywhere; shown most recently through your own prayers and support for what Casey has gone through.
I am asking that if you have any of these items in your home to please send them on.

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne

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My entire blog today is stolen from here. Please CLICK.

Written by Baby Mariahs mother, Micki

"
I’m asking something of each of you…

I’m doing a project this year to benefit the patients at St Vincent’s Pediatric Floor.
When Mariah was ever in the hospital we would always bring her own crayons, coloring books and puzzles because she enjoyed doing those things.
I want to collect enough new coloring books, crayons and puzzles to be able to give each new patient something to be able to do in the hospital and to take home with them in memory of Mariah.

I’m naming this project Riah’s Rainbow.
I want to continue this throughout the year, not just for Christmas. I want it to be an ongoing contribution to the hospital.

(Won't) you help out?

I think this project will really reflect all that Mariah was about. She loved to color and to draw.

This project will definitely keep her memory alive in all of our hearts."

Our House:
The Kleins
3181 Trenton Lane
Green Bay, WI 54313
United States
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Riah's Rainbow
This is the Riah's Rainbow logo we chose...
we will be putting a sticker on each item we donate.

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Daddy please don't look so sad,
Momma please don't cry,
Cause I am in the arms of Jesus and
He sings me lullabies.

Please try not to question God,
Don't think he is unkind.
Don't think He sent me to you,
and then He changed his mind.

You see, I am a special child,
and I am needed up above,
I'm the special gift you gave Him,
The product of your love.

I'll always be there with you,
and watch the sky at night.
Find the brightest star that's gleaming,
That's my halo's brilliant light.

You'll see me in the morning frost,
That mists your windowpane.
That's me, in the summer showers,
I'll be dancing in the rain.

When you feel a gentle breeze,
From a gentle wind that blows,
That's me, in the summer showers,
I'll be dancing in the rain.

When you see a child playing,
and your heart feels a little tug,
that's me, I'll be there,
Planting a kiss on your nose.

So, daddy, please don't look so sad,
Mommy don't you cry.
I'm in the arms of Jesus,
and He sings me lullabies.

- Author unknown



Where Do YOUR Kids Go To School? Air Quality and Cancer...

http://content.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/smokestack/index
Use the link above to learn how bad off the air in/around your childrens schools are.
NOTE: The HIGHER the ranking, the SAFER the air quality is

*PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK.

USA TODAY Special Report – The Smokestack Effect – Toxic Air and America’s Schools



Then please take a moment to see what happened in Ohio. (Video is below).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/school-air-hitchens.htm


XOXO
Me

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Concerned yet?
I think we ALL should be.
What is closest to these schools, but homes... Maybe even your own.

Please click below and learn even more.
(Much to learn at top link "Stories in the Series").

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/school-air1.htm

~

The Perfect Way of Love...


Good Morning Everyone!
Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands.
...Er, "paws"...

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PunkVisitsKc 013
The peaceful look of pure love...
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PunkVisitsKc 014
A gentle kiss...
or ten...
or twenty...

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PunkVisitsKc 009
Happiness Found!
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PunkVisitsKc 008
A song without words...
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PunkVisitsKc 016
The love we two share...

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Happy New Years Eve!
Wishing you ALL THIS, and more.

Be safe.
Be loved.

Need I say more?

XOXO
Anne



There's something about a Marley-like Lab... ;-)

http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/pettalk/2008-12-30-gabriel-retriever_N.htm?csp=34
I am laughing out loud in the hotel room!
(I think I can relate to this story somehow)...

And have never wanted to see a film as much as I want to see "Marley". Has anyone seen it yet?

XOXO
Me
_________________

"There's something about a Marley-like Lab"
by Sharon L. Peters

Just before Christmas, Ed and Teri Capparucci got a call that was troubling, but not, truth be told, all that surprising.
Their sweet-natured young Gabriel had slipped out and, in some strange fit of passion, had ripped down a neighbor woman's outdoor Christmas lights and scattered them about the yard.

And then, in a second act of apparent bah-humbug-ism, he ravaged her two (very expensive) electric penguins. Obviously quite proud of his renovations, he stood waiting for said homeowner, hoping to engage her in his next project.

Gabriel — it will come as no great shock to those who have shared their homes, and hearts, with one — is a Labrador retriever.

For decades, one of Dogdom's best-kept secrets was that sweet-natured Labradors have the capacity to lapse into moments (or hours) of staggering craziness. Indeed, until John Grogan spilled the beans in Marley & Me — the book and then the movie — about the exasperating energy and exuberance that simmers in many Labs, much of the world (mostly those who had never had a Lab) remained blissfully ignorant of the breed's yin (unparalleled lovability) and yang (stunning ability to upend all routine and plunder all things).
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Georgia | Christmas | CDs | United Parcel Service | Jeep | Marietta | Aussies | Maltese | Gabriel | Film | Labradors | John Grogan | Waldo | Labs | Airedale

Even now, there are most certainly people who believe the tale was exaggerated to sell books and tickets.

The Capparuccis would be happy to introduce those skeptics to Gabriel.

"He's like an out-of-control teenager," Ed says, laughing.

"He's a menace," says Teri of the yellow Lab she describes in the next breath as "unbelievably sweet, lovable and affectionate."

The Marietta, Ga., couple and their son adopted Gabriel — one of two young pups that had been left tethered to a tree — just before Christmas 2007. The now-70-pounder knocks over or slams into all in his path when the energy demons overtake him. He consumes or destroys $50 worth of items a week, Ed reckons, including shoes, socks, the welcome mat, pillows and, recently, a box of CDs and books the UPS guy left at the door. "We're in lockdown mode now," says Teri. "Anything he can grab and chew isn't left at his level."

They've gone through one round of training with him, they make sure he gets the massive doses of exercise he requires, and they're counting the months until maturity overtakes him (in some Labs, that occurs at 3 or 4 years old).

In fairness, it must be said that some Labs are born placid and stay that way. I've met some. But my own life with a Lab was more Marley-like. My late, great Buck was a chocolate Lab of the most potent and irrepressible sort. His puppyhood was excruciating (for me; he thought it was quite wonderful). He hurled himself at anything he saw and gnawed on whatever fell during the inevitable takedown, and he invented hundreds of torturous (to humans) habits, pursuits and games.

One morning I was on the phone, not monitoring Buck's activities. The cleaning woman let herself in, glanced into the living room, gasped and raced out onto the sidewalk shrieking about a break-in. Police arrived. I had to explain to doubting officers that criminal mayhem had not occurred in our home, that in just five unsupervised minutes, 1-year-old Buck had hauled all the pillows (including seat cushions) off the sofa, shoved everything from the coffee table onto the floor, yanked books from the shelves, grabbed three corners of the carpet and pulled them inward, and even, apparently, leapt against the wall, knocking the prints akimbo. That was the moment when I finally understood he needed far more stimulation and exercise than any dog I'd ever known.

Buck eventually — by age 4 — became very well-behaved (three trainers; several hundred dollars helped), but his essence remained rock-solidly Buckful. He merrily launched himself at any high-fly ball or impossible mountain trail even in his dotage; he demanded that dinner (his) be served promptly at 6; and he had an intractable sense of right and wrong (when we rode around in the Jeep he'd erupt into frantic barking upon spotting any dog trotting down the road off leash, but a leashed dog elicited no reaction at all)).

"A character," "very enthusiastic" is how veterinarians described him on their new-patient sheets whenever we moved and introduced a new care provider to the Buckness of Buck. Until the day he died — an old dog — he could still make anyone, dog lover or not, laugh out loud. And even now, five years later, his picture makes me cry.

Every dog is special in some unique way. Some people become attached to a particular breed — poodle or Airedale or Maltese — and stick with it forever. And yet, at the risk of offending the millions of dog lovers who are besotted by their Aussies or bloodhounds, there may be truth to what my friend Deb has said more than once: There's just something about a Lab. Her yellow Lab, Waldo, died three years ago, and she now loves a beagle. But each time she sees a Lab or hears a story about a Lab, her heart melts.

The Capparuccis can relate. Gabriel is more trouble and expense than they ever expected, and they're seasoned dog owners. But they inevitably add at the end of any telling of his most recent outrageous act: "He is sooooo worth it."


BARK AT US
Sharon L. Peters is an award-winning pet journalist who lives in Colorado. She has two dogs, Rufus and Jasper, and a cat named Gus.
E-mail her at pets@usatoday.com.

"Condometric" HAHAHA!


http://weirdnews.about.com/od/suggestedreading/ig/Weird-News-Photo-Extravaganza/Condom-With-Tape-Measure.-1t9.htm
- a condom from Spain, with a measuring stick down the side - - allows men (and their sex partners) to see how they measure up.

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Condometric
~

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

XOXO
Me

Canada Really IS Mean!

Good Morning Everyone:

I hope you have read last nights blog with the update on Casey's 2nd surgery.
If not, please click here.

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Another Surgery 017
She has quite a thick binder already...
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Now in to my title.
This is ever so nasty of Canada-
(Please remember that Canada hates me). Click on those words if you do not recall...
I spoke too soon in last nights blog entry- Showing the all clear weather icon.

Here's the update:
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Notice how the band of snow goes from Minneapolis straight through to Green Bay- With heavier bands coming straight at BOTH cities... (Just in case Canada misses me in one place).
hehehe


Now that just stinks.

And here's the icons I should have used...
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snow... snow ... snow... snow ... snow... snow ... snow
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I spoke to Randy's mom the day of Casey's 2nd surgery. She too is more than ready for Spring to come. Knowing that "Winter" only began a scant 9 days ago is not anything to write home about.

Green Bay is to get 5+ additional inches of snow- Already December in Green Bay and surrounding areas (which includes Flintville by the way) has set a record for December snowfall.

And this little alert came out just an hour or so ago.

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Severe Weather Alert
456 AM CST TUE DEC 30 2008 ...


/O.NEW.KGRB.WS.W.0010.081230T1200Z-081231T0300Z/
OUTAGAMIE-BROWN-KEWAUNEE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...APPLETON...GREEN BAY...ALGOMA

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREEN BAY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW. SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD OVER CENTRAL WISCONSIN THIS MORNING AND WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES. ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 5 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED BY THIS EVENING...
HOWEVER, RADAR INDICATES A LOCALLY HIGHER NARROW BAND OF SNOW IS DEVELOPING WHICH COULD PRODUCE SNOW AMOUNTS OF 6 TO 7 INCHES.
INCREASING NORTHEAST WINDS TO 15 TO 25 MPH WILL PRODUCE SOME BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF THE SNOW.
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS.
IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...USE EXTREME CAUTION...OR WAIT UNTIL THE STORM HAS ENDED.
(Stolen from HERE)

___________________

Current conditions as of 4:53 am CST

Cloudy 16°

Barometer: 30.1 in and falling
Humidity: 55%
Visibility: 10 mi
Dewpoint: 5°


Tonight    Tomorrow     Thu        Fri                  Sat 6-10 Day
Snow
Partly Cloudy
Snow
Snow Showers
Few Snow Showers

High: 20°
Low: 4°
High: 12°
Low: 1°
High: 23°
Low: 12°
High: 16°
Low: 8°
High: 23°
Low: 17°
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___________________

Prayers go out to all of my family and friends that will be traveling to/from work in this garbage for the umpteenth time this year.

Know that as I type, there is snow falling here- Fresh tracks in the driveway below tell me we have barely gotten an inch at this point. Just enough to grease up the roads...

Every now and then I chance to actually see a snowplow here in Minneapolis. Seeing them though, clearing the roads of the heavy wet snows, it never fails to amaze me that those plows shoot off some pretty decent fireworks as they screech down the road. Even in all the wet snow.
Cool to see all the sparks.

Still nicer back home where the plows go through on a regular basis, salting and sanding to keep us safe(r) than here.

Punk went back to sleep as soon as it became apparent to her that she wasn't getting outside anytime soon this morning. I have been fighting with my head for a couple of days, and finally took a Maxalt last night.
That keeps me very close to the toidy due to the effect it has on my innards.

Somehow this dog of mine always seems to understand...
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I am so thankful that I have her.
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Besides, she really is kind of cute!
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.Day after 2nd surgery 011
hehehe
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My own anxiety attacks have been at an all time high. I take my little stuff, (which is supposed to help), and wonder how bad it would all be without those meds?
Nope. On 2nd thought, I really don't want to go there...

Yet, I think I am lucky- Things could always be much worse on so very many levels, so I shall try not to complain (too loudly).

My love to all.

XOXO
Anne

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In closing...
These words have always been close to my heart.
........I only wish the whole world was thus.

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Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all people.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to all, even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive people, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others you will become vain and bitter;
there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let not this blind you to the virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself; especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it
is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have the right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

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Originally posted to my Y! 360, Tuesday December 30, 2008 - 07:05am (CST)

Beware of # 4... (Thank you Mr. Darwin).


Another Surgery 025

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about...
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Good Evening Everyone!
Kind of a rough day yesterday, with respect to spirit and health. Once again to thank you all for your prayers and kindnesses. (Not too sure what I would do without your friendship, and the upbeat thoughts)...
And so, "sanity" prevails. (As close to 'nermal' as possible anyway)!
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Another Surgery 003
Casey getting her belly checked...
Pre-Surgery # 2

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Another Surgery 007
Kasey and Casey,   hehehe
pre-surgery # 2
Dr. Banton is one of Dr. Sutherlands most capable doctors.
She is the surgeon that operated on Casey yesterday.

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Another Surgery 010
Casey.
Heading down to the OR about 9:15.

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Another Surgery 014
Free Ride!
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So my morning was spent pacing the halls and climbing the walls; until Dr. Bantons assistant finally came out just before noon to tell me what they had done, and that Casey was well.
That little belly had held a full 2+ liters of blood and fluids.
(Sadly, in comparison, mine would have held LOTS more before anyone had ever paid attention).

And they'd removed a blood clot ~a bit bigger than a golf ball, like a lemon!
They'd found that in her duodenum, (between her stomach and her small intestine).
He also told me it would be at least 2 hours before I could see her; telling me to wait. UGH, I really DO hate that "wait" word.

I came back here...
Loved Punk a bit.
And couldn't wait to see Casey.

Back to the hospital- and they wheeled her back to her room at 2 on a gurney.
The lady tells me to step out. (I politely decline).
As I am thinking...
Nope.
Not this mom.
Not gonna happen.

She tells me again.
(Hmm... Didn't she hear me the 1st time)?
Sheesh. I politely decline again.
I'm not leaving.
Good grief! I am not going to faint or holler or scream, (even if Casey does) as they transfer her from the gurney to her bed.
Yet in all fairness, the lady doesn't know that I have had the privileges of seeing all my grandbabies come into this world, of having been in the little OR for Marys breast cancer surgery as well; of caring for Randy after his stroke---


And so I stay right where I am.
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Surgery #2 001
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They get her back to her bed. (Neither of us freaking out by the way).
With another NG Tube.
Staples this time, (in case she has to go back for another surgery).
And back to being catheterized as well.

And she slept as her heart rate came down from the mid 140's, slowly but surely- She was in and out of it. I waited for it to be down in the 1~teens, I kissed her on the head, telling her I would be back around 5.

I picked up Punk, and we went for a ride. Stopped at CVS, and got Casey some lancets for her One Touch 2 to check her own blood sugar.
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One_Touch_Ultra2_M_Combo_100_100
Santa Claus brought her that gift.
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Santa heard that the testing is not as reliable as what they offer in the hospital, so he wanted her to check with HER machine at the exact time that they checked her with theirs.  (I shall have to write to Santa and let him know that they are pretty damn close, and that he chose a great gift).

Back to the hospital at 5.

And THIS is what I walk in on...
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Surgery #2 003

The little snotball out of bed... !!!
hehehe
I just had to laugh out loud.

Thinking "NOBODY but Casey"
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Dr. Sutherland and Dr. Banton were in this morning...
He told Casey she was quite unique! hehehe (Didn't we all know that)?
 
He ordered her NG tube and her catheter removed, as well as the extra IV they had placed in her left hand during surgery- it was backing up anyway, so it was time for it to go.

She is up and about. And feeling quite proud of herself.
As I am so proud of her too!

And even though I am afraid to jinx it, Dr. S also said that she might be released within a week or two if all goes as well for her as it has.

Holy CARP!
hehehe

Love to all.

I truly hope your Monday was as good as ours!

XOXO
Anne

Oh and PS;
Beware... I found this picture online while reading.
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darwin_xray
Survival of the Fittest
This frame inspired by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

It occurs to me that Miss Casey is in position # 3 right now.
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Methinks we'd ALL better watch out for # 4.
hehehe
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UPDATE IN COMMENTS! ~More Surgery... More Prayers...

A thirty~second blog here...

The doctor, (Dr. Melena Bellin) has just informed us that Casey will be needing surgery ASAP to check the bleeding into her abdomen that was brought on by the heparin.
This surgery should only take about 45 minutes. Will keep you all posted.

More prayers please?

XOXO
Me