New Dogs & Old Tricks

I’ve been away for some little time. We have a new addition to the family….meet Bear. He is the 8 month old pup my grandson brought home.

Bear – Summer 2018

He is a darling boy. He and Jack have finally made peace with each other. My Jack still has his nose out of joint…he’s been my baby for a long time. lol

Bear is still learning not to jump and maul Granny. I look like an accident victim, arms and hands covered with bruises and scrapes. lol Being on blood thinners means I bleed… a lot. Bear doesn’t mind at all and loves to jump into my bed, on my head. Teaching him some manners isn’t as easy as I’d hoped, but I’ve already fallen in love.

 

He can be extraordinarily calm at times too, but is already showing his breed’s protective instinct. He and Jack already play together ..Bear loping along while Jack chases him around the yard. Those long legs can really move!

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My Muse Drowned….

It has been weeks since I was last proded by my Muse to write. Sadly, I believe she has drowned in my backyard. A replacement is sincerely hoped for and eagerly awaited.

Despite the lake my yard has become, many of my seeds have started to grow. Lucky me, I discovered fabric pots on Amazon, ordered 10, and my results have been good. They drain wonderfully and were fairly easy to move into and out of the garage several times. Yes, after Easter when it is supposedly safe to plant, we’ve had 2 more freezes. My hair is greyer, my nerves are shot, and my back has committed treason… visit to the spine center on Monday. Sigh. They are easy to move, but 10 gallons of wet soil in each pot is heavy! I am awaiting delivery of 2 rose bushes too. Holes have been dug and are now mud puddles that I hope will dry before delivery….please!

Our yard drains out a side trench that had become blocked. I spent several days digging out mud and raking up pine straw to get it unclogged. Almost 2 feet of water drained and the dogs were able to go potty without swimming for high ground. lol More rain tonight and tomorrow…arg!

Since my visit to the hospital and having the stint done, I find that I am still easily tired. Not sure if I did too much upon coming home or if the Lupus has taken another jump forward. I see Cardiologist this month.

Rain, Rain, & More Rain….

My Jackie boy is once again suffering from poopy butt. I can’t imagine trying to shave the area for him since he won’t even let me wipe the poop away….poor little man! He is miserably lying across from me, bemoaning his fate. Once it falls off, life will return to normal. I am hoping for sooner rather than later.

It has rained and rained and rained some more. The sun is trying to show it’s face, but I am not hopeful. I have a yard that desperately needs mowing, beds that must be finished, and pots of seedlings that need to be planted. Saying that I am frustrated is putting it mildly.

It’s amazing the people you meet if you stay open…not an easy thing for me. The sweetest little old lady – older than me – was waiting for her friend to pick her up from her grocery shopping. It turned out that she lived not far from me and in fact, lived in the same area I use to before I moved to Florida. I gave her the number of the company I use to drive me around, who are just wonderful and not too expensive and we chatted for a while. She had no family in the area to help her and like me, was stuck trying to get out of the house unless she could get a friend to drive her. I love being able to call Uber or the company I use, Chris On Call. They have given me back my independence. I know she will love getting her’s back too.

I then met a man with his 2 daughters who had just moved to the area. He was looking for work and I was able to offer him a little – I need help in my yard. Very nice little family. If it ever stops raining!

I am waiting on the cable guy who is coming to make a service call…our internet and cable are acting up. Like the commercial, I am stuck waiting – he either is suppose to be here between 1 and 3 or 3 and 5. arg! I have my phone pasted to my side so I don’t miss the call. lol

G

 

Frustration…

We have been blessed with another rain storm overnight. The new flower bed I finished yesterday is now a moat, as is much of the backyard. We haven’t had any ducks yet, but it is only a matter of time before the dogs get to run a few off as they float happily in the pond that was once my backyard.

A few years ago, we were under drought conditions. No rain in months as we all watched grass turn from lush green to withered brown and we snuck drops of water on flowers that were also wilted and dying. It was a hard summer.

But, praise God, these last few years have been wet. Really wet. I only watered flowers a handful of times during the long summer months. Between the heat and humidity, the flowers grew like weeds and kept blooming until first frosts. The roses didn’t stop until November when I cut the last few to bring inside where they filed the house with scent.

This year, beds are not being weeded and new ones dug because the ground has not had a chance to dry. You can’t shake mud off roots and wet soil makes digging almost impossible. My back is still screaming from yesterday’s effort. And I am nearly screaming with frustration because this year I have invested in seeds – thousands of seebs. Much cheaper than plants, but more work to get beds ready. I have started many in little peat pots, but the shelves only hold so many and space is limited.

Black Angel Trumpet

Yellow Angel Trumpet

Black Angel Trumpet

 

 

Shrimp Plant

Coneflower – Red

 

Hibiscus

Saffron

Zinnia

Purple climbing rose

Hibiscus

 

Coneflower – Purple

 

Poopy Butt…

Jack has gotten fat. In fact, he is too fat to clean himself properly. Lucky us, he seldom has a problem, but when he does, it is panic time on his part.

Jack is absolutely fearless of BIG dogs, squirrels, birds, and stray cats, etc.. But a piece of poop stick to his butt strikes terror in his little heart. He panics and runs with his tail curled down (not touching his butt of course), from hiding place to hiding place. The entire time he is looking at me, clearly wanting mom to help, but will bite my hand off if I actually try to. He is a fear biter and there is nothing he fears more than something stuck to his butt. He fits right in with the rest of us weirdos.

Jack

Jack usually ends up on the floor by my bed, head tucked under it, between bed and wall. Within the hour, the piece of poop usually looses it’s hold on his fur and drops off (I keep a lookout), and he returns to normaL

Since I have lost approximately 20 lbs since I became ill, I’ve decided to keep up the weight loss by walking everyday. I haven’t told Jack yet, but he is going to join me. There is a new harness for him that will keep him from escaping (tehehe), coming from Chewy in the next couple of days. We are going to begin with just the cove and work our way outward over the next few weeks. Before you know it, we will both be back at our ideal weights!

Glo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too Much…

It has been 3 days since I came home from the hospital. Since I am more than a little OCD, I immediately began my clean up. First up was changing my bed linens, then a hot shower to wash away the horrible hospital smells I brought home with me A rest in the backyard with my furfaces was next. Much kissing ensued along with, “Oh how I missed you’s!”, as I received their licks in response to my kisses.

The next morning, I began cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the bathroom, dusting, doing .laundry, sweeping…did I mention I am OCD? I was nearly delirious with joy at finally being able to do things I had been unable to do for months.

Today was tough. That limited activity instructions I came home with and ignored snuck up and bit me in the butt. Frustrated, I have spent the greater part of the afternoon laying in bed and watching mindless TV. Cranky and too easily tired, I am planning to spend the rest of the evening and tomorrow resting like a good girl.

I do not want to be embarrassed by having to report to the doctor that I have hurt myself because I did not follow instructions. lol

Glo

Signs & Wonders…

Our nation, our world, has gone insane. Many, like myself, have watched in dismay as it continues to get worse and worse. Our world no longer makes sense to us.

Jesus Christ spoke about the Kingdom of God, which will bring an end to wickedness and make the earth a paradise. (Luke 4:43) People wanted to know when the Kingdom would come. In fact, Jesus’ disciples asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) In reply Jesus told them that only God the Father knew exactly when the end of this system of things would come. (Matthew 24:36)  But Jesus did foretell things that would take place on earth just before the Kingdom would bring true peace and security to mankind.

Mat 24:1- 36

As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

 

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

 

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations[fn] will hear it; and then the end will come.

 

“The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!)

“Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat.

How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.

“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.

 

See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

 

“So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.

 

“Immediately after the anguish of those days, 
the sun will be darkened,
the moon will give no light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

 

And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

 

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.

 

I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.  Only the Father knows.

The Bible foretold that the last days would also be marked by a change in human society. The apostle Paul described what people in general would be like. We are told: “In the last days critical  times hard to deal with will be here.” ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5.) Paul said that people would be

• lovers of themselves

• lovers of money

• disobedient to parents

• disloyal

• having no natural affection

• without self-control

• fierce

• lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God

• having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power

“The true knowledge will become abundant,” the book of Daniel foretold. When would that happen? During “the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4)

“The end” means the time when God will get rid of wickedness on earth. To destroy all who willfully oppose Him, God will use Jesus and powerful angels. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) Satan and his demons will no longer mislead the nations. After that, God’s Kingdom will shower blessings on all who submit to its righteous rulership.​—Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3-5.

Jesus foretold that most people would ignore the evidence that we are living in the last days. The destruction of the wicked will come suddenly and unexpectedly. Like a thief in the night, it will catch most people by surprise. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2.) Jesus warned: “As the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating  and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.”​—Matthew 24:37-39.

Jesus told his listeners: “Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing [with approval] before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

In closing, this is what the Bible teaches:

• The last days are marked by wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and pestilences.​—Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11.

• In the last days, many love themselves, money, and pleasures but do not love God.​—2 Timothy 3:1-5.

• During these last days, the good news of the Kingdom is being preached worldwide.​—Matthew 24:14.

Glo

Wet Paws & Grace…

Yesterday was clear and crisp with a sky that was blue perfection, Not a cloud to shadow the sun as I basked; watching my furfacees sniff out squirrel trails. Fresh air without a hint of antiseptic hospital smells….wonderful! I felt well and strong again as I lounged in complete bliss.

The spell was broken by my daughter-in-law who told me to enjoy while I could…rain was on the way…

So, enjoy I did, until the sky began to darken and cool turned to cold. Jack and Sookie joined me in front of the TV and we settled in. Sookie stretched out for a nap as Jack curled at my feet on the bed for his own snooze.

Sometimes I take all this for granted. Sometimes I forget just how blessed I am. Sometimes I forget about all the lost souls who are not blessed with the riches I have. A warm bed to sleep in, a belly that doesn’t know hunger, and more than enough. God has been good to me. Despite my sin, despite being undeserving of His great mercy, eternity is mine because Jesus Christ loved me so much he died in my place.

Despite today’s rain, despite wet paws, muddy floors, and despite wet dog smells, this has been another wonderful day and I thank my God for  it all.

Glo

Home Sweet Home…

It has been just about 24 hours since I returned home from the hospital. Going in, I honestly thought I would not be coming back. Never have I been so ill and helpless. For nearly a month before my hospital stay, I had become sicker and sicker, and was completely unable to care for myself. I had been unable to eat for nearly 3 weeks.

After 2 visits to the ER, I was first diagnosed with bronchitis, then the flu and sent home with a z-pack and an inhaler. A week later, still no better, I went to my PC’s office. I was a walk-in and saw a FNP who diagnosed me with pneumonia. She sent me home with more antibiotics and steroids. Being as sick as I was and not in my right mind, I took the medication. Big mistake as I am diabetic and can not take steroids. But, her mistake saved my life.

Two days later, while attempting to let the dogs out, I passed out. I woke on the kitchen floor and lucky for me, my grandson was home. I was unable to breath and 911 was called. Upon arriving at the ER, I had a glucose of 800. For 3 days, I was in and out, mostly out, of consciousness while they struggled to get my sugar under control because of the steroids.

After 5 days of CT scans, sonograms, and x-rays, my cardiologist set up tests for my heart. Friday, the last tests were done on my heart and a blockage was found. Tuesday, I had a heart cath and a stent was put in place. On Wednesday, I was able to return home, feeling better than I had in months. No trouble breathing, energy restored although still weak and ordered to restrict activity for several weeks.

My view of life has been profoundly changed by my experience.

While in the hospital, I was across the hall from a poor man who clearly was out of his mind. He screamed often and tried repeatedly to escape from his room. How I pitied him and his situation! Not once was he visited by family or friends. He was alone, helpless, and clearly frightened to death; unable to understand where he was or why he was there. On the last day I was there, a nurse was stationed outside his door to keep him from escaping and hurting himself. The nurses on our ward were extremely good and caring, being as tender as possible with him. St. Francis of Bartlett is a great hospital and the nurses on the Step Down Unit exemplary among the great nurses there.

Who of us ever thinks we might one day end up just like him? Alone, afraid, and unable to understand what is happening to us. With no one but kind nurses (if we are lucky), to care for us. I can think of nothing more frightening or humbling. 

Dr. Ali

My admitting doctor, Dr. M. Ali, spent time talking with me after the procedure. He encouraged me to live my life to the fullest, to not waste a single day. I fully intent to follow his advice. Being given this second chance, life restored to me, I am going to live!

Glo

 

Missing In Action…

Nothing makes us more human than being forced to face our weaknesess. Admitting that we are no longer in control of every situation and are, in fact, sometimes quite helpless. It isn’t someting I have ever faced before and it has left me feeling undone in more eays than I care to examine…but must. I feel helpless, weak. My body and mind no longer my haven. What do you have if not yourself? Questions I am slowly having to face and answer as I await my release from this hospital bed to a home that no longer holds safety.

Glo