A Bit of Catching Up

Most of my online friends know that I have not quite been myself for a long time now. I am still rather sad from Lexi's passing. Whenever I am on the computer, I see her beautiful brown eyes looking at me. I do not have the heart to take down her photos - she was too much a part of our lives for 14 years. So I just don't look around the room too much.

My mother is having a difficult recovery from the stroke and hip surgery. My husband and I will be visiting her very shortly. Mom has kindly said we can bring Spencer along and I was a little surprised, but grateful. I was dreading boarding him for the very first time alone, without Lexi. Given his nervous nature, I think they would place Spencer in their "cat room" as long as they were not boarding any cats at the time. It's much quieter in there.

Anyway, I'm getting back into tagging more. I have always loved making tags. It often takes me much longer now because I need to take a lot of breaks while making one. I haven't decided how/where I might display them again. You see, it is using the mouse that causes trouble with my hands (and long periods of typing). I don't know if it's quicker to use Blog or Facebook.

I do not write tutorials but I do like showing tags I have made from them, and sometimes on my own.



What is up w/Blog and/or Photobucket?  Image should be transparent PNG.

Time to see for myself

I'll be away for a bit; going to stay with my Mom and see for myself how she's coming along.

When I spoke with her the other day, she told me that she had two "mini strokes" ... like little temporary "blips". For example, one of them happened while on the phone with my sister. Mom felt her tongue go numb and she slurred a few words. It was so quick that my sister did not notice.

During this conversation my Mom also told me how her husband was "mean" to her. OMG that pissed me off! He was upset that she didn't tell him right away about the mini strokes; I could understand him being upset with her. However, Mom needed his help physically and he did not help her. WTH! is up with that. She still uses a walker and does need help and he wouldn't come when she called omg. That just does not sound like him at all. I know he loves my mother. The "silent treatment" is one thing - not helping her is quite another.

Mother's Stroke and Recovery

I have been able to have a short conversation with Mom and she was in very good spirits. I am still worried about her, of course, but I do feel better having heard her voice. She is beginning therapy; they are sending the technician(s) to their home, which is a great help. My niece visits when she is able - probably a few more times a week than she normally does.

I need to keep an eye on the weather conditions and work around my husband's schedule. Also there are our two dogs to consider. If I leave them home, Lexi is kenned outside but with her cancer diagnosis, I don't think either one of us wants to have her outside for that length of time. A short trip to the market, or a movie .. that is different. We have a second dog-kenneling option; they have "doggie daycare". Like I said, hubby and I will need to discuss our options. Our second dog is all of 5 pounds - he is easy to manage; he will miss me and drive hubby a little nuts but that's it.

As with most people these days, my work schedule seems to be much less. On the one hand, I have more time available but on the other hand, we do not have the "extra" funds. I'm certain my mother would want me to stay a length of time but it's not quite manageable. Oh yeah ... then the other day I discovered my car needs new tires. There is a dreadful amound of cracking; the tread is okay so I suppose I'm alright for short trips around town ... but anything can happen at any time. Definitely can NOT make a 400+ mile drive through mountains.

My Mother Has Had Another Stroke

I just received the heart-breaking call from my sister ... our Mother has had another Stroke. This one is worse than prior strokes; she is not stable on her feet; her vision is blurred; the left side of her face is paralyzed ... and gosh knows what else.

Thank goodness my Niece lives in the same town and can check on her. Our step-dad has not been telling my sister the truth when she phoned. Neither one of my parents want to use assisted living - I understand the fears associated, however, he can not care for my Mother in this condition, and mom is in no condition to decide for herself. My sister told me they both said "no" when it was offered ... we are just HOPING that within a day or two, the more logical part of his thinking will realize that he has no other choice but to get assistance - either away or at home.

My parents live in another state and my husband and I visit them at least once a year - but not during the winter months. This is really difficult for me right now because of weather conditions; the addition of our Beagle having cancer; not being able to take time off work; not being able to afford to be away for a length of time. Keep in mind that I only received this news literally ten minutes ago. All sorts of things are running through my head.

omg