This one begins on Thursday July 23rd with an update on both of us ---- we're both feeling much better!!!! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!! We've been doing domestic stuff the last few days. Lee cannot get hot and sweaty because of his incision. The yard needed mowing so I got out early to get it done before the heat arrived. I'm definitely getting better!! I mowed the entire yard and took only 2 breaks ---- and I did NOT have the breathing problems I've been having.
Our kitchen table sits by 3 big windows looking out to our back yard. The birds usually entertain us when we're having dinner, but after they left 3 deer appeared. Once they wondered off the neighborhood fox appeared. Never a dull moment around here when it comes to critters. On Tuesday the 28th the doctor's office called. Lee got a good report!!! All surrounding areas clear from his basal cell surgery. Prayers answered for sure!! On Thursday we delivered lunch meals for the church to some of our shut ins. That afternoon I made a homemade peach cobbler from our fresh peaches we had frozen. Yum yum yum!!!
Today is the day (August 1st) Lee gets his stitches out. No doctor's appointment needed....I did it. His incision is healing nicely!! Busy day for us doing domestic chores. I can do so much more --- but I know not to overdo it. The Texas heat has arrived so we don't do much at all outside. Made a Walmart run on Wednesday morning and made homemade ice cream that afternoon. Saturday the 8th was exciting. An frantic knock at the front door for us to call 911 -- the hill at the end of our street was on fire (we're only 2 houses away from this area). Can't prove it -- but suspect a cigarette thrown out of a passing vehicle. Spread quickly, became major but our response teams were great getting it under control. Our critter for the evening ---- a skunk!!! Have to close the doggy door because Allie would attack thinking it's a toy.
On Sunday the 9th we met Michael, Debi and Chad at Steiner Ranch for brunch. This is where Austin works, so we were able to see him for a few. We were also there to celebrate Michael getting his certification (computer). Very proud to say the least. On Wednesday the 12th we got MUCH needed rain. Have had very little since the monsoon we had in May. Need more because it is so dry around here. We have had several more fires in the area.
On Monday the 17th it was Lee's turn to see an Ortho doctor to have his right elbow and neck checked out. The elbow -- arthritis plus a tendon issue. May do shots later. Neck -- degenerative disc issue. The doctor suggested a different type of pillow and concentrate on holding head up when checking things on his phone and computer. Naturally some of these issues has a lot to do with age. Both of us are not growing old gracefully!!!! Stopped in at Cracker Barrel for lunch on the way home. Then home for a much needed nap (LOL)!!
Wednesday was a senior moment day for sure!!! We needed to do some grocery shopping. Decided to check out the Omaha Steak place we saw in one of our outlets. Great place!! We had a "big" coupon so we purchased several items. Made a quick stop at Sams and also stopped at the grocery store. Now --- we stopped at 3 places for food. Come dinner time -- we realized we did not leave anything (frozen) out for dinner!!! We certainly had a good laugh!!! Thank goodness we had a salad. That's as bad as going grocery shopping and then go out for dinner.......which many of us have done. On Monday the 26th we took Allie for a pedicure. Took her to PetSmart for her favorite treat. They had finally put the Spurs cheerleader outfit on sale --- got it!!!
On Saturday the 29th we went to Debi's to take Bill's boat. She had a buyer for it! Had a great lunch/visit with her and Michael and Austin On Thursday September 3rd we delivered meals for the church. That evening Allie, Lee and I went outside to checkout a bunch of deer ---- and immediately did about face. There were FOUR skunks in our yard....mom and babies. OMG!!! Got to get a game plan for these stinky little critters. I have been sprayed by a baby ---- and believe me they can spray just as bad as mom and dad.
We got to play in the yard for a while on Friday (4th). Some bushes needed to be trimmed. Didn't finish up because of the heat. The heat index had been over 100 for several days. Will get back to it when it's a bit cooler. Saturday we went to check out a bake sale our church was having. Lots of really great items -- all homemade. Back home for a few domestic chores, watch the race and a lot of football. On Sunday the 6th Debi and Chad came down for a visit after church. After dinner Chad headed home and Debi spent the night. I don't need to tell most of you where Debi and I went on Monday....yep.....Bealls. Tuesday was a busy day for Lee. He went to a church men's breakfast and an HOA meeting later that day.
Wednesday was NOT a good day for Lee. He had an horrible episode of vertigo. Took his medication and headed back to bed. Was a bit better that evening. On Thursday we got a much needed shower. HOPING for more -- but not like we had in May. On Friday we got a "huge by large" thunderstorm. That will help a little bit with the drought and our dead grass. Dinner evening critter -- the local fox. We think he came from the neighbor's yard checking out their chickens. On Tuesday the 22nd we met Austin and Debi in Gruene for a birthday lunch at the Gristmill for Austin. He will be 20 tomorrow the 23rd. Where have the years gone?!?!?!?
Got an appointment with an ENT for Lee on Wednesday. Has sinus and ear infection issues, plus he has Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The doctor wants him to take sinus meds daily and come back in 2 weeks. The doctor will decide at that time what further treatment is needed. He had 3 episodes in less than a week. No vertigo episode in the last 5 days - thank goodness. They really make him sick and it takes a couple days to recuperate. On Thursday we were able to do some yard work. Lee spread some moth balls around different areas. We were told this helps in keeping the skunks away. Putting stuff up and I'm moving a wind up water hose reel (on wheels). It hits my leg. Long story short - ended up in Urgent Care with 6 stitches. OUCH!!! Because of the medication I've been on my skin in tissue thin. It takes very little to cause a boo-boo. But OMG - this did a number on me....and yes....it happened on the leg I broke. We can't seem to get a break lately, but we do try to keep a sense of humor.
On Saturday October 3rd we all met at Debi's, caravan to storage, filled up 2 trucks and a Tahoe to move Michael and Austin into their new place. Really neat condo. So happy they found a place and can get out of the RV. Lee was having major ear problems (hurt and swelling) so we had to head home earlier than we wanted. He has a follow up appointment on Wednesday, but we're going to try and get him in earlier. By this evening his ear and face were swollen. We were able to get in with the doctor on Tuesday. Major infection affecting inner and outer ear, plus the side of his face. The doctor inserted 3 devices (they looked like minature tampons) in the ear to keep the canal open. Got a prescription for drops and antibiotics and wants to see him again Friday. Drops were made of gold since they were $95.00 for .7 ml. He has been so sick with this -- now he's on the road to recovery. With all these issues with us both -- I have a huge rant. You would not believe how much we have had to pay out of pocket for medical and prescriptions. We would have better coverage if we still worked. If you retire --- DON'T GET SICK!! Back to the doctor on Friday the 9th. The doctor took out the plugs. He still had some infection, but it's better. He is to stay on the drops and antibiotics and come back for a follow up next Friday.
Saturday the 10th was a very sad day for me. I had to give up my bird feeders --- and clean up the seeds on the ground. Long story short - the BIG problem with the skunks - they love the bird seeds. They would come out at night for dinner and turn in for the night under our house or "barn". NOT good especially if they decide to "spray". It's unreal how that stink get in the house. So far so good! Felt better on Monday the 12th. Lee got up and made homemade biscuits for breakfast. His first try and even though they were small they were great. It was my birthday and Lee took me to Bealls (got me a sweater cape I've been wanting) and out to dinner at one of my favorite places. Big surprise when we got there!! Debi was there with her friend Joe. On Saturday the 17th we headed back to Cedar Park to help Michael and Austin get more stuff out of storage. We were going to have a birthday lunch (Michael's birthday was on the 16th) but Michael wasn't feeling good. We just had a quick lunch with Debi and headed back home.
On Tuesday the 20th Lee and I both had a follow up appointment with our dermatologist. She froze 3 more spots on Lee's face, otherwise he's a-ok and doesn't go back for 6 months. She has cut back or more of my medication (still feeling good). If no issues for 2 weeks, one of my medications will be cut back more!!!!! And - I don't have to go back for 2 months! It must be getting ready for fall as the morning temps are in the 50.s and the afternoon temps are in the 80's. Allie like us to turn on the electric fireplace for her in the morning.
On Thursday we had dinner with some friends (Michael & Kelly) we had met in Rockport, at the Alpine Haus in New Braunfels. Fun fun fun!!!! A lot of "catching up" to do! Glad the restaurant wasn't busy.....we left after 3 hours!
It's been a long hard road for both of us over the last 2 years.....but we are doing much better. My blood work is where is should be under the circumstances and the infusions "killed" my antibodies, so there's nothing to attack my organs. If I continue to not have any issues, the infusions scheduled for December will be cancelled. Please continue to keep us on your prayer lists.
Take care. Until next time-----
