Ups and Downs

It's been a while since I visited this spot, and shared my views. It has been an interesting two weeks that were sort of a reflection of the weather - one moment good, the next moment, not so. That's just the way it is in Indiana and in life.
One moment we have glorious sunshine, and I start digging the summer T-shirts out of the closet. The next moment we have snow showers, and I'm looking for a sweat shirt.

Life has been a bit that way, too. A week ago last Tuesday Don had an out-patient procedure at the surgery center. Actually, he was supposed to have this done next week. But anyone who knows Don, knows that waiting is his most despised agony. So he begged the Dr.'s office to call him if there were any surgery cancellations, so they did. He will be VERY HAPPY next Tuesday, the originally scheduled time, to realize that it is all over and he is fine.

Last Tuesday wasn't actually too bad, except that they were running way behind with their surgeries. Don had had nothing to eat or drink since midnight on Monday. He was supposed to arrive at the S.C. at 2:00, and surgery was at 2:30. Of course, he
arrived at 1:45 Don Time, and his surgery was at 5:30. When the nurse finally came to wheel him back to the operating room she asked if he was allergic to anything. He said, "Waiting."

Smart girl, she said she was allergic to working late. Anyway it was about 8:30 when we finally got back home. Cheryl was so great. She drove us, and stayed with me all day. Don may not have had too much fun, but Cher and I had a great visit.

Don was quite groggy and had no appetite both Tuesday night and most of the day on
Wednesday, leftovers from anesthesia and medicine. He was supposed to have a catheter and bag until the following Monday. You can imagine how delighted he was with that plan. He was so out of it when the recovery room nurse told me how to take care of and change the bag, that he didn't hear any of it. Of course, I was nervous and slow and careful about all of it. Finally, he went off in his pajamas with his bag in hand on Thursday and went over to the Emergency Room where they showed him how to take care of it himself.

I am definitely a better patient than Don is. I have patience to wait on most everything. But, he is definitely a better nurse. He took wonderful care of me throughout my surgery. However, we would both like to avoid both these roles if at all possible. When I got up Friday morning, Don was not home. When he came back, he had visited the Dr.'s office and convinced them that they should take out the catheter. They did, and he is doing just fine. The procedure was certainly a success, and he is feeling so much better.

So that is another way that our lives have been on an up and down path.

Jon is very happy with his new job. He has gotten a promotion all ready. We are all so happy that he could find such a good job so soon after being treated so badly by Marsh. I think everyone knows that Marsh Markets were bought a few years ago by a Florida chain. They have systematically been trying to get rid of all their long time employees, so they could hire cheap help. Jon had been with them for over thirty years, and they let him go the day before Thanksgiving. Talk about a company with no heart. I am happy to report that the courts awarded Jon everything he deserved from this company after he was so mistreated.

Taylor is happy to be working back on the farms, where he worked last year during the growing season. He will finish high school this spring, and seems to love the outdoor work.

Cheryl loves her job, but the schools are cutting back so much to try and balance budgets, that she is not happy with many of the changes. So again, life has its ups and downs.

Rod's rental property was damaged by the heavy ice and snow. He is dealing with the insurance company. Don is trying to help by assisting the repair guy, and going for supplies. We are hoping that they can get everything in good condition, and get both sides of the duplex rented soon. Again, it is a matter of ups and downs.

Lydia had her sweet sixteen birthday this last week. She has turned into such a beautiful young lady. Avery is back to IU after her spring break. I think she has only five weeks left to complete her freshman year. Randy,Elaine, and Lydia plan to
spend some time over this long weekend at a cabin in Brown County state park. I know that they will have fun, and Avery will be happy to have her family close by.
I hope that their spring break will actually feature some spring break weather.

Even though volunteer jobs come with their challenges, I am so thankful to have these jobs that I enjoy. I love being with my good friends. And in spite of occasional differences of opinion, I love them all. Volunteering is so nice, because you can really choose to work as hard as you want. And you can also take guilt free breaks filled with fun conversations.

And, even though we are tied to Anderson by some of our commitments, Don and I do find many activites that we enjoy right here close to home. Today we drove to Muncie to see Mother. Then we had a delicious lunch at Concannon's bakery/cafe, Concannon's is full of treats! Then we came home, enjoyed Price is Right (I know. That is such a Senior citizen thing.) Then we both took a nap. After that, we went to the casino, and had so much fun: slots, first day of sulky races, live music and dancers performing upstairs, supper at Johnny Rockets, such fun! Then home for watching Wheel of fortune and Jeopardy (I know. Another Senior moment.) Then we watch American Idol, which we love this year. Last night's Idol show was so entertaining. Every contestant is so talented this year.

Well that is about as much "Ups and Downs" as I can stand for one writing. I'm experiencing a little motion discomfort. So I shall say good night, and go off to bed.