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Sunday, June 22, 2014

STRESS AND A HIATUS


As some of you have noticed, I have taken a short hiatus from blogging.  To be honest, I was exhausted, both emotionally and physically.
Royalty Free Clipart Image of a Woman Pulling Out Her Hair

I have been on guard constantly for the last twenty-six months.  Keeping a watchful eye on John's health, awaking in the night to be sure his is breathing, making sure he is hydrated, that he takes his medicine, uses his emergency inhaler at the appropriate time, checking his blood pressure and oxygen levels, being sure he is completing his INR testing to be sure the comedian level is correct, created unbelievable stress, but as I have learned, it is necessary and I need to adjust. 

Physically the emergency trip from southern California back to Indianapolis was an strain. John's pacemaker "installed" was a minor concern, yet a concern.

As we would hear from well meaning friends, almost always I would hear the admonishment "take care of John!" Suddenly the thought popped into my head, but who takes care of me?  That is when I stopped blogging.   I was on overload and just hit the wall. 

I had to find God's peace within that I felt slipping from my soul.  I needed quiet and space.  

I began walking daily.  First, a mile then worked up to an occasional five miles.  Now, I vary the walk between two and five miles depending on the heat and humidity.  

There is an app called Map my Walk for smart phones. What a blessing it has been.  It keeps me motivated.  As I walk, it tells me the distance, calories burned and the time.  When I walk shorter distances, I try to improve my time.  Here is the link to Map my Walk.

The Map my Walk application led me to another marvelous application called My Fitness Pal.  My Fitness Pal helps me track my weight, food and water intake.  Using both of these apps, I have lost eleven pounds, sleep better and feel better. What more can I ask for.  You can find the link to MFP here
Mothers Complete Ultimate Wax System Kit!!
I have been obsessing over the need washing and waxing our Tiffin Allegro Bus.  I wanted the Mothers three step, polish, buff and wax system.  The least I could find someone to wash the coach and use the three step system was between four and five hundred dollars.   

Being of Scottish descent, I would never pay that much for the job to be done, so I decided to tackle the job myself.  It took seven days, but it is sparkling. Many of the scratches from trees and bushes are gone!   All forty feet of it is nice and shiny and protected.  

Would I do this again?  Yes, in a heartbeat.  But I plan to work smarter and not harder.  I have divided the coach into twelve sections and will do one section each month leaving the upper area until last when we reach our friends in Michigan.  They have scaffolding that makes the upper levels accessible without going up and down a step ladder. 

If interested, you can purchase the kit through the Amazon link in the upper right of the blog.  

In addition to waxing the coach, I finished the socks that I was knitting for John's birthday, last September.  It is about time, don't you think?  Then I knit a winter hat for granddaughter, Lucy and worked on grandson's Ross' blanket.  

Before starting on the waxing task, I totally emptied the basement.  I discarded a few things, vacuumed and put everything back in an orderly fashion. 

Now that we are back in Indianapolis area for the rest of John's medical appointments, we are enduring the heat and humidity.  

We are staying inside as much as possible with the air conditioning keeping us comfortable.  While inside, I made a roman shade for our bathroom window.  

First, I had to purchase a sewing machine.  Off to Amazon once again!  




















The Janome was very inexpensive and performed like any heavy duty sewing machine I have had.  An added bonus is it's weight, five pounds.  

Of course, I had to complicate things just a bit.  I decided I would line the shade with quilting batting then finish it off with fabric backing.  Since Our windows are tinted, I decided to use black for the lining. I was amazed how quickly this job was completed. 

I had so much fun making the roman shades that I have decided to make some for the bedroom. This is the tutorial that I used.   http://www.freshlyhandmade.com/2012/07/roman-shade-tutorial.html

OK, now what?  We still have about a week to ten days of medical checkups and tests. I plan on having a breakfast here and a luncheon there with various friends and family.  

Then comes the decision....where do we go to beat the heat and humidity?  Suggestions?  

Mike McFall suggested back to Arizona.  Not Phoenix or Tuscon and definitely Q, but to a bit of higher elevation.  He says the humidity is between 6 and 12.  That is good.  The temperatures are 80 to 90.  That is so so.  What do those of you that have more experience think?

Many thanks go out to you that have sent me encouraging emails.  Your encouragement and God's comfort has brought me through one rough time.  

And thanks to you who place your Amazon orders through my blog.  It costs you nothing, but Amazon gives us a small reward.  

God Bless each and every one of you and please stay safe.    








36 comments:

  1. I was wondering what was up, and am guilty of not sending an email to check. Glad to hear all is going well, and good for you to tackle the job of shining up your home. Take care.

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    1. All is going much better. The motorhome project gave me tons of exercise. Especially lifting the buffer above my head millions of times. One evening, there was no way I could have lifted that buffer one more time, but the next morning I was good to go.

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  2. PS: lots of permanent residents of our RV Park in Gold Canyon have second homes/RV sites in Sho-Lo or Flagstaff to escape the summer heat. We've never been there, but are probably worth checking out.

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    1. Thanks fur the suggestions. We will keep those places in mind. At first we were going to do the Badlands, N and S Dakota then westward to Washington then down the coast to southern CA. we might still do that, but just want options. We had planned to spend this summer in the mountains of AZ, NM and CO until the pacemaker trip.

      Just hate to have to make decisions after having plans changed.

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  3. I'm glad you decided to take some time off. However, it sounds like you've been working like crazy . At least you've been doing some of the things you wanted to do. Flagstaff is definitely cooler during the summer and so are the Colorado mountains. We get great weather in the Pacific Northwest and if it gets too warm, we head to the coast.

    I've ordered quite a few things from Amazon on your little link so I sure hope you got credit for them too.

    Take care and be good to yourself.

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    1. Thanks for your Amazon orders. It is nice to get that little paycheck deposited in my account each month.

      Yep, I am working like crazy. That is my speed most of the time....I enjoy being busy and being physical. From what I am reading the PNW and AZ higher altitudes are leading the way....along with Colorado mountains. I am eager to see where we head out to when all John's checkups are completed.

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    2. Keep us posted if you head this way.

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  4. So good to see your blog today. Some times we just need a bit of downtime from blogging. Well understood.

    I have used my fitness pal online. I do not have a smart phone (MY Scottish coming out). Great for you walking and losing. Best exercise there is! I need to listen to myself.

    So - take care of the hubby by taking care of yourself.

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    1. Phyllis, it really felt good to write today. Writing the blog feels like I am talking to my friends face to face.

      Oh NO! You are Scottish too? Aren't we a pair to tight wads! What I want is the bracelet that tracks all my daily activity. It is $99, but I found that Bed Bath and Beyond carries it and I have some 20% off coupons. That beats any other price. That will eliminate the need for carrying my smart phone....and for you, is much less expensive than a smart phone.

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  5. I have missed you, but I had a feeling that you were doing what you were SUPPOSED TO BE DOING. Taking care of the care giver! Worry is exhausting. I watched the blogs that I know would have said something if you weren't well. Great about your walking...I have the Map My Walk on my phone. I got it when I tried mall walking. It would be useful if I could walk! Aside from getting some good exercise, Nan, you are probably releasing stress. Glad all is well. I know the drive back east was taxing for you but so glad John got the pacemaker. Stay well. Good to hear you.

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  6. I sure did take time off. Went to a friends farm in Michigan for three weeks and just worked as I stated in the blog. I walked, laughed with our friends. Not only was looking after John weighing on me, but I had spent eight years caring from his mom in our home. It has been a long ten years.

    Thanks for your orders on Amazon. They are showing up. Every purchase is appreciated. What makes it so nice is that it does not cost the shopper anything.

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  7. Stress can be such a heavy hitter both mentally & physically. I would think the nice forested area around Prescott Arizona might be a nice place to spend the summer. It's always about 10 degrees cooler up there than the Congress area an hour's drive south in the Sonoran Desert. Wishing you & John all the best. Take care..........................

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    1. Thanks for the lead, Al. John and I appreciate your good wishes.

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  8. So glad to hear from you again. You did the right thin to just step back and reflect. Spending time with God is the best way to rest. He always knows what we need!

    Our daughters us Map my Run. They love that app too. Glad you are gettin into great shape and feeling so much better. It is a much happier and exciting time when we feel good.

    Need to post some photos of your sewing skills. I am terrible at that craft, but I do enjoy admiring others' work.

    Take care dear friend. Wishing you and John a wondeful relaxing summer.

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    1. Well, I would not say I am getting into great shape, but I am improving. I want to loose 70 pounds and that is going to take a long time.

      I am not the best seamstress, but I did have fun making the roman shades only because the directions were so clear. If you can weave baskets, you can sew!

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  9. As we would hear from well meaning friends, almost always I would hear the admonishment "take care of John!" Suddenly the thought popped into my head, but who takes care of me? That is when I stopped blogging. I was on overload and just hit the wall.

    My wife had a debilitating stroke on 2006. I've been her 24/7 caregiver for the last eight years. Sometimes, at the end of the day, when she's sleeping, I ask myself " When will it be Ed's turn? When does Ed get a day off?"

    I know where you're coming from. After a little break, we just ordered our forth RV. Traveling is just what we do. No more hiking, biking and kayaking, but traveling nonetheless.

    Enjoy your travels.

    Ed

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    1. Ed, I think you have a harder job than I. Being a 24/7 is very hard and only those that go through the experience understands.

      Good for you ordering your new RV. Enjoy your travels

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  10. Ed, you totally understand where I am coming from. Thank goodness, the walking is helping me. It gets me away from the motorhome, makes me tired, and gets the blood pumping so I feel better all around. Prayer helps most of all.

    So glad you ordered a RV. That should be good for both of you. I sure hope we meet out there on the road someplace.

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  11. I have been so remiss about checking in on you. I am so sorry. But I'm glad you took time for yourself. Not easy to put the spouse on the back burner for awhile but so necessary. So far our temps have been about perfect but we've had lots of rain which puts the humidity into the 20% range. It may get warm here but we don't have the AZ temps and we also don't have your humidity. It's cooler higher up in the mountains also. Ginny and Mickey spent last summer in Show Lo and really liked it up there. They had to go to Maine this year for family stuff.

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    1. Hi Sandie, we all get busy with our own issues. You are making Montana sound very inviting.

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  12. What an excellent thing you have done. . .I love all of it. . .the fact that you were able to realize you need a break. . .getting into better shape. . .saving money by doing the chore yourself (tough though it was). . .and I love that you've broken it down into manageable pieces for the future. . .what a great plan. I just loved it all. . .great post! Yaa for you. . .

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    1. Janice, what an encourager you are. You know, I really do dread July when I need to begin the cleaning/waxing process again! I will probably do the front end since motorhomes seem to collect bugs on the front. I THINK we have made a decision on our travel plans. Will be in my next blog.

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  13. Care giving one of the most stressful jobs ever...but sure most rewarding. Glad healing and especially you found some outlets. I love those apps!!!

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    1. I love those apps too. Maybe we all who use them should be accountable to one another. For me, being accountable is a super motivator.

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  14. When I was in the Coast Guard, one of our mantra's was to take care of yourself first, then your crew, then your boat so you'd have the strength to help others in need. I'm glad that you took a break to look after yourself, it was much needed and came just when you were almost dangling at the end of your rope.

    Good luck with your new program, glad the results you're seeing already are giving you a fresh filling of much needed energy. :c)

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    1. Thanks so much for the encouragement and affirmation, Paul. There are times I do feel guilty throwing the responsibility back to John....BUT...I also know that is what I should be doing.

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  15. Summers in Flagstaff and surrounding area is lovely! There is a county park in Flagstaff that is nestled in the trees called Ft. Tuthill. It is by the fairgrounds and in a lovely location. Quiet even though occasionally there would be something happening at the fairgrounds. Here is a link: http://www.coconino.az.gov/index.aspx?nid=502
    There is also Lake Mary a bit further south.

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    1. Well, I think that John has expressed his desirable location....In a couple of days after we consider all aspects, I will blog about it.....Are you in suspense????? Hope so..... At least you KNOW where we will be Thanksgiving....by the way, is that a boondocking or a state park time?

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    2. It's a park time. It's just too tough to clean up a deep fried turkey, ham, etc etc., without hook-ups. There are a lot of us there...anywhere from 15-20 of my family and friends...and LOTS of dogs! So we found it's just easier to do it in the park.
      AND...YES...I am in suspense!

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  16. Glad to see you back and even more glad that you have been taking care of you with exercise and projects. As an only child and single mother at the same time, I spent several years balancing the two between Tucson and Sacramento, and know all too well the strain on body and spirit. I was in my 40's and it still kicked my butt! I learned the importance of paying attention to what I needed, both for my own health and for the health of my relationships with my mother and children. I'm happy you are looking forward, planning your next route, asking for ideas.......you're ready to get back on the road and make more great memories. Enjoy and safe travels!

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    1. Oh by, are we ever ready to hit the road. Just give me some more grand kiddo time and I just might be able to say adios to this humidity.

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  17. I am glad you took time to take care of yourself. Caregiving is exhausting work. Smart woman.

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    1. I took care of John's mom in our home for eight years. A year later, all this started with John, so I have had about 9 or 10 years of caregiving. I do feel rested and am ready for whatever God has in store for us.

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  18. Wow Nan you have really been a busy girl. I know the story of who takes care of the caretaker and am glad to hear that you are taking such good care of yourself, getting exercise and spending time doing things you love. Well perhaps not the wash/polish/wax thing but You GO Girl for doing it yourself. I'm in awe of you for that for sure. Thanks so much for the links to the two apps. I can really use them both. I'm not feeling so light anymore and need to do something about it. So glad to hear of your success. I hope they aren't both apps for the iphone since I have a droid. So good to hear from you again and thank you so much for being such a faithful commenter on my blog that gets harder and harder to do.

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  19. Yes Sherry, I have been busy from the time I get up until I fall into bed, but the activity has been healing. God works in mysterious ways. I will tell you one thing....I really felt like the Karate Kid! you know...wax on, wax off times 3.

    The apps are for droid, blackberry and I phones.....

    Reading and commenting on other blogs while I was on hiatus was a joy....Kept me in touch with my RV family.

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  20. You are exactly right - you need to take care of yourself first. "Selfish" is not a dirty word, it's necessary for everybody to take time for themselves. It sounds like you've been REALLY busy, but doing physical things that are good for you and get things done. I envy your rig's shine - boy could mine use one. I've got to get off my butt!. Good for you! I hope the medical appointments are done soon and you guys will be on your way to some fun stuff. :)

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