The former Monkee Davy Jones has died of a heart attack at age 66.

I never had a crush on a Beatle, but I adored Davy Jones.

I don't have anything more to say except what I told my roomie:  He waited until the furor surrounding Whitney Houston died down so he wouldn't get lost in the news.

R.I.P. Davy.  Grab that Last Train to Clarksville....

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

I didn't sleep much last night and there was no real reason why not.  I tried, I really did.  I had no pain and didn't have to take a pain pill because the V.A.C. was working great.  I even plugged in the cord for charging and THAT worked great, too.  Well, as long as it wasn't moved.  I showed the HH nurse how crappy the connection was and she said she had heard that from others.  She will be getting an inquiry from the company once my V.A.C. therapy is over and she said she will be making sure to suggest it needs to be redesigned so it fits better and doesn't come out so easily.

Every once in a while, this thing makes the strangest *slurping* sound that sounds like something out of a scifi movie.  Only it doesn't last long...perhaps two seconds.  It's just unnerving when you are trying to sleep or at least nap.  I finally fell asleep around 11am or so and slept until almost 4pm.

I discovered the Beast has been stocking up on frozen foods AND ice cream.  BTW, Blue Bell makes a sugar-free (that's what they say but I believe they use one of the sugar substitutes.  I just haven't read the ingredients yet) vanilla that was actually very decent tasting.  I just tried a couple tablespoons full but found it acceptable.

The poor Beast spent the better part of the day mowing the lawn.  With both lots that we own, it can be an awesome job but the weather was decent while he was doing it.  It got up to 66 here and was bright and sunny.  Soon after he put John away (his John Deere riding mower), the sky clouded over and it started to rain.  The forecast here is for some severe weather rolling in around midnight I think my Weatherbug said and will last through Thursday evening.  It may even include the possibility of a tornado or two.  That means my internet will be *iffy* so don't worry if I can't get anything posted.  I'll make up for it, I promise.

Tomorrow I go for my HBO therapy at 1pm and will see the doctor afterward.  I think he's going to be surprised to see how much that open wound has healed so far.  I told the Beast that any supplies the company sent that we don't use is going back to them when I return the unit.  Why should I keep them here?  At least they might be able to use them for someone else since the packages will still be sealed.  I don't like waste but if they choose not to use them, at least I won't have to see it happen when they throw them out.  **Shudder**

I hate that my town doesn't recycle.  I was a fervent recycler when we lived in Florida.  Hell, I even joined the local recycling group that posted items you wanted to get rid of (free, of course) and that worked fantastic.  I loved it.  I'm sure they have a group here locally or closeby but I haven't tried to get rid of anything since we went here.  But I swear to you, every time I throw a can away or a magazine, newspaper or any plastic, I shudder.  Luckily, I haven't thrown much glass away because we seldom buy anything that's glass.  I found out that the city declined to add recycling due to the additional cost on the contract.  Hell, WE pay the quarterly bill.  It's a source of revenue for the garbage company so how much more could it be? 

Got to get this posted while I have internet.  Love you all and I wish you a fantastic Humpday. 

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

I actually went to my own bed (the potty runs had subsided enough to make me feel secure) around 9:00pm last night.  The Beast turned on the heating blanket to warm the bed for me before I crawled under the covers.  I slept soundly and with  no *accidents*.  I hate those.  I went through about six different pairs of pajamas due to that.  The problem with IBS diarrhea is that there is really NO warning.  Oh, maybe a few seconds but, trust me, it's not enough.

I woke up at 6:15am and made my way to the bathroom.  Good thing.  However, I had one more *accident* before the medication (thank you, Bratsis2) kicked in.  That'll teach me not to stop taking something that has helped me just because I was taking so many pills there for a while.  I'm still taking more than I like but, hey, what can you do?

The HH nurse came around 10:30am and did a tsk, tsk about what had happened with the V.A.C. system.  However, I am happy to report something I noticed and so did she.  The open wound has started to close and isn't weeping all that much.  It just means that I probably won't have to wear this contraption too much longer.

Today, when she reattached it, she took pains to make sure that there were no spaces and, when we turned it on, it didn't hurt.  I guess those little spaces were enough to cause that problem although I have no idea why nor did she. So I am up and running and she even put together what I need to take with me on Wednesday for the doctor to change it for me.  That gives him a chance to see how it's doing (and me, too).

The Beast has decided to go out and pick up what we need to make either a banana split or a sundae.  I told him he sure doesn't understand diabetes but he said he would pick up some of that sugar-free ice cream for me.  I told him don't get more than a pint because I have no idea if it will be edible or not.  Some of those are just awful.  I'm not really an ice cream fan anyway so having it around doesn't bother me.  Well, except if he gets something like orangecicles (sp).  I do admit to a weakness for those that goes back to when I was a kid.

I made my potato soup today and it's simmering on the stove at the moment.  We will eat it with some fresh Italian bread OR, if the Beast wants it, some of the Texas toast garlic bread in the freezer.  It all depends on how hungry he is when it's done.  I know *I* can hardly wait.  I've wanted some for days.  I took a hint from my brother and added just a bit of garlic to it.  I always loved mine but his had just that little *extra* that grows on you.

It's absolutely beautiful here today.  But all our trees are full of buds and that concerns me a lot.  It could spell disaster for our fruit if we have a freeze.  It would mean another year without fruits.  That would break my heart.

Love you all.  Be good.  Stay safe. 

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

Don't look for me for a day or two more.  I am running a slight fever and my IBS has hit full force.  I am weak and really, really tired.  Be back soon, I hope.

In case you are not aware [aka LIVING IN A FREAKING CAVE] the Oscars are taking place on Sunday.  THIS Sunday.

And you know what's even better?

BILLY CRYSTAL IS THE HOST THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Billy Crystal is like one of the BEST HOSTS EVER and you should watch this show because he is always AWESOME.

And that is why I stopped by.  To let you know.

So you won't accidentally miss it.

And I'll be back next week to let you know how I'm doing.

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TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

The HH nurse didn't show up here until around 3:30pm.  That gave me enough time to grab some lunch and then a nap before I had the V.A.C. system put on me.  She tsk'd over the wound that opened up from all the adhesive tape that I had to put on and remove.  This area was where it was *leaking* so that got tape put on it and removed three times a day sometimes.

She was surprised at how much was leaking as she was trying to clean the area before putting down all the *bits and pieces*.  I told her I was glad they weren't going to leave it to me to change it because I had to lay fully down for her to do it.  No way could I have done it to myself and the Beast wouldn't have the stomach for it.

Basically, the machine part of it goes into this over-the-shoulder bag that I carry with me wherever I go.  When she finally got me fixed up and turned it on, I could feel the suction on the area that was *bandaged*.  After a couple minutes, I told her I could feel it all the way down to my ankle.  She laughed and said she had heard that before from others.  Glad to know I'm not weird! 

After she left, however, I started feeling like it was seriously affecting other areas.  For example:  the area that is bruised from my fall the other day.  OMG!  Suddenly it hurts like hell and I can barely move in any direction without almost screaming.  I finally put on a back brace I have here because it is elastic and goes across that area to hold it tight.  It makes it a little more bearable.

The HH nurse, Brenda, said that they are scheduled for Monday and Friday to change the bandaging.  She put together the supplies I need to bring with me on Wednesday when I see the doctor for him to be able to change it.  Fun, fun, fun.  The adhesive to seal it all off is HUGE and has to be perfect or it can't seal properly.  Brenda is a wonder and managed it the first time (thank goodness!).  She mad a joke about me getting a wax job whether I wanted one or not. 

Okay...my sciatica has kicked up and is burning so I am going to take a pain pill and lay down until that passes.  Love you all.  Be good and be happy. 

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

Over the past two weeks or so, I've mentioned the Beast's obsessing over the laminate floors.  He has bought a buffer (which really is nice and does a good job) along with several different types of coatings.  These are not waxes because they are not recommended to be used on laminate floors.  You are not supposed to even use water on them although a well-squeezed damp mop can be.  He even bought one of those commercial type squeeze buckets to use so that the mop would definitely be wrung out well.  **Sigh**

He would love to know what the floor people use on the floors of big buildings and in shopping malls.  Those floors truly resist foot prints (except for when it rains or snows and is tracked inside).  His aunt, AM, used it on the floors they took care of when they owned their janitorial service and it lasted on heavily trafficked floors for months!  However, she is very old right now and has been sick so we haven't even tried to ask her if she remembers the name of it and if WE could purchase some from a janitorial supply company.

However, the Beast found a site the other day that outlined the problems he's had with everything we've used (dog footprints, scuffs, my sock prints, etc.).  They have a product line that looks like it's just what he's been trying to find.  Expensive, of course, but....it IS guaranteed so, if it doesn't work like they say, he can (and will) return it all for a refund.  The downside is he had to buy a product to remove all the crap he's put on it.  It has to be cleaned down to the laminate before he can apply it.  It is also supposed to seal the seams, which are not finished nor water-proofed.  HE is going to be doing all the work so all I will have to do is dog sit while he's doing that.  Baron seems to always want to be underfoot and walk all over the wet floor or the freshly applied coatings.  No waxes are supposed to be used on laminate due to the water in them.  The wax gets down into the seams and can cause swelling, which will eventually create severe problems down the line.  (Rolls eyes here...*We'll be dead by the time THAT happens!  ).

He has his eye doctor appointment tomorrow at 10:15 to check his progress so he will drop me off at the Wound Center, head for the eye doctor and then pick me up when I am done.  The HH nurse will be coming to install that wound vac on me sometime after 12:30.  Once she is gone, the Beast intends to work on stripping the floors because we won't have Chewlee.

Chewlee went to Bible Study with the Beast tonight and started introducing herself as *Rosie*.  That tickled the Beast who had no idea where that came from but that was what she insisted on being called while they were there.  Several other parents there said their kids did that, too, but weren't brave enough to insist on that *out in public.  This kid is going to be trouble when she gets older....LOL

Love you all.  Be good.  Take care. 

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

  The Wound Vac arrived today.  Far from it being some small appliance like the doctor led me to believe, it arrived in this HUGE box!  I knew they sent supplies with it also but......even so!  When I opened the main box, it contained a black plastic box (with a handle) that I knew had to carry the *vac* itself.  The other five boxes, of varying sizes, had to contain the supplies for it.  I opened those up and immediately knew why the HH nurse had to take care of me and it.  I haven't a damn clue what the hell most of this stuff is! 

There's even a box of what looks like clear plastic containers that might ALSO have to be worn.  They look ominous to me, anyway.  The unit itself has a very heavy battery that it connects to (and I have a cord for recharging IT) that I think I might actually have to wear.  **Sigh**  I probably won't know until tomorrow, which is the day the supervisor at Home Health told me they had me scheduled for.  Then I will be seeing the nurse on Monday, Wednesday and Friday until I no longer need it.

It came in a box and there were papers that warned I was not to throw the box away because it had to be used to return the unit when I was done.  There are also other things, like a return UPS label, box sealing tape, a special bag the unit case has to be put into when I return it and other instructions.  They make sure they will get their equipment back. 

I will let you know what is what with all this stuff tomorrow AFTER the nurse comes and sets me up with it.  Love you all.  Have a great day. 

TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

There are more indications that I am getting better.  So, of course, what do I do but fall, HARD, onto my desk getting out of my computer chair.  I sent things flying and even knocked over my PC which is located next to the desk.  I have a line that is very painful that goes from my left side around to my back.  I don't think I broke anything but it sure is sore.

The Beast came running in when he heard the ruckus and wanted to know what happened.  I said, *I fell down.*  Duh!  He gave me a disgusted look and then said, *I figured that out by myself.  What made you fall?*  It was actually that my leg was *dead* and didn't want to respond.  It only took about two minutes of me standing and it was fine again but I did bring that up to the doctor.  He thinks I probably pinched a nerve when I was sitting at the computer.  I was uncomfortable for some reason and my sciatica kicked up on me so I was in pain from that, too.  But there were no more problems the rest of the day.

I had to give Chewlee a talking to because she told me to turn down my TV when I could barely hear it.  She said she couldn't hear her movie that was in my computer.  When I told her that was funny because I could hear HER movie but not mine.  She had the nerve to turn to me and say, *Turn it down or I am going to kick your ass!*  I have no idea where she has heard THAT from....her mother or Johnnycakes....or even her Florida grandfather.  One never knows.  I NEVER say things like that and that's not a joke.  I just don't think it's appropriate.  It's kind of *low class* speech as far as I am concerned.

She wasn't trying to eat us out of house and home today either.  She just had some salami, some peaches, I snacked on baby carrots dipped in ranch dressing, Chewlee had some carrots to go with her ranch dressing.    She loves ranch dressing.

My bandages on both heel and former toe area have been reduced to a special and very thin covering that stays on for a week.  It's almost the final step to healing.  My heel is much, much less sensitive and, if it weren't for the damn sciatica acting up, walking would be much less of a problem than it is.  I'm doing more walking, regardless.  I'm also taking only one pain pill a day in order to ensure that I sleep well.

I am enjoying watching Chewlee and the Beast interact these days.  He bought her a book of Bible stories and was reading one to her today.  Afterward, she came back in my room, in my lap and started asking questions that told me she had really paid attention.  However, her string of *why?* questions is enough to drive you nutty.  Her totally complete sentences that all make perfect sense is amazing.  Even her questions make sense and are surprisingly adult.  I just adore this kid.  She fills my life with so much...well, life!

She wanted to help me fold clothes and I gave her some rags, dishtowels and wash cloths.  That kept her busy while I did underwear, tshirts and socks.  She actually pulled out a pair of the Beast's underwear, looked inside it, said, *EWWW!* and then asked me if he pooped in his pants.  I'm sorry but that was funny because I knew she was talking about the *racing stripe* all men seem to inflict on their underwear.  I told her *no* but it took me a while to stop laughing.

She told me about a dream she had.  She said she was in this *icky house* and she was all alone because the Beast, Baron and I left her there while we went off to someplace far away.  I hugged her and told her we would never do that to her and she said, loudly, *No, Grandma, this was a DREAM*.  Like I didn't understand that part.  I told her if she ever had that dream again, that *I* would make sure she came with us.    She just nodded her head yes and that seemed to satisfy her.

I have to close because my sciatica is driving me nuts and I need to massage it until the pain pill kicks in.  Love you all.  See you here tomorrow. 

My Home Health Care Nurse came for the 2nd time today.  I really like her.  She's a kick ass kind of gal.  When she was here last week she said she would get a social worker to contact us; when she got here today and found out the woman had not contacted us she was NOT a happy camper.  Suffice to say that in a couple short hours the woman HAD contacted us and we made an appt. for her to come over here to help us.

While Heather was here today I asked her if she would conduct an experiment for me.  But let me back up a bit and tell you some strange things.

One of the doctors on call that happened to get me was the doctor that had the privilege to snake a tube up The Boy's dangle down.  I recognized his name as soon as I heard it.  The thing is, when he sees blood in pee he is filled with glee because he sees "CANCER!"  I kid you not.  And my pee bag was filled with bloody looking urine and he was delighted.

The bastard.  Because of him I thought I was dying.

Anyway, at one point he came into my room and announced that he wanted me walking down the hallway.  All I could think of was, WTF is HE thinking?  The nurses thought the same thing.  So, Dr. Evil leaves, and the nurses get the idea that they should check my O2 levels.  They put the little oxygen thing on my finger and take the cannoli out of my noses and then they watch the numbers.  In no time at all my O2 levels fall under 90 [which is NOT a good thing] and Dr. Evil's plan to kill me is no longer happening.  I am safe in my bed with my O2.

But over the last weekend I speak to The Boy and tell him that I think we should ask Heather to check my O2 level without the cannoli in my noses since I think I'm doing better.  He thinks it's a fine idea.

So does Heather when she gets here.

And guess what?

Heather says she thinks I am good to go without O2 as long as I'm at my puter, but she thinks I should have it on when I'm doing 'stuff' or when I'm sleeping.

I sat here talking with Heather and The Boy for a while and my O2 never went under 94.  Considering how quickly it went to 88 in the hospital, I'm doing great!  The Boy is, of course, elated.  [My BP is great, too!]

The bad thing is that Heather forgot to bring something for my 'sharps'.  Right now I'm shoving them in an empty tea bottle.  It works for the time being.

So, it's been about 3 weeks since I've smoked and I can see a big difference already in my life.  I can't say I don't miss it--because I do--but it's either smoke or breathe.  Gotta make a choice!  I just am not hacking and coughing and choking like I did.  In fact, I'm not hacking and coughing and choking AT ALL.

The Boy told Heather that he knew when I was waking up before [when I was smoking] because he would hear me hacking and coughing.  He says now he has to check up on me because he's not used to not hearing me at all.... LOL.

So, The Boy turned off the O2 for a while today.  I think he has to unplug it from the wall to 'turn it off' or it beeps and beeps and beeps.  Must be some kind of battery back up in that sucker.  Anyway, I'm doing good--doing real good I guess.  The Boy is very happy.

I have an appt with my 'new' primary care doctor next Tuesday.  He saw me when I was in the hosp but I sure don't know who the hell he is.  Let's just hope he has my best interests at heart.

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