THIS IS MORE SERIOUS THAN WE THOUGHT

 IT IS GETTING COLDER THE FURTHER WE TRAVEL!

It was ninety one degrees today at Jojo's.  

Our high was in the forties and we will awake to temperatures around 26 degrees in the morning.  We are at an altitude over six thousand feet. 

Our first sign of colder temperatures was that we were wishing that we were not dressed in shorts and tees.  Then, we saw THIS on the horizon!   

Today, we traveled three hundred sixty one miles and are in Gallup, New Mexico.  

The first thing that I noticed was all the billboards littering the landscape.  What a sad site.

It amazes me how each state seems to have it's own personality and beauty.  

Colors change almost as fast as the miles change on the odometer.

God's handiwork.

Leaves me breathless

And very grateful for his creation.

And grateful for the friends we have in blogland who have sent so much encouragement, thoughts and prayers.  

You have opened our eyes to see the wonders of this experience.....The technology that provided us with the continued care by John's cardiologist even though we were twenty four hundred miles apart.

Thank you...each and every one of you.  

God bless each of you and may he enrich each of your lives.   

A GREAT CHRISTMAS EVE

I love Christmas Eve!  It is my birthday and my parents were intent on making it a special day rather than coupling it with the Christmas celebrations.  

I always felt that Jesus and I had a connection that only people with birthdays on Christmas day or eve could enjoy.  I know, it was child's play, but thanks to my mom and dad, my birthday was special.


Candlelight services at our church on Christmas eve was beautiful.  Candles were placed all around the railing of the balcony in the sanctuary as well as on the ends of the pews, across the podium, in windowsills and every flat surface that would be safe with a burning candle on it.  

The lights were dimmed, the pipe organ along with the lit candles greeted us as we entered to the hymn "Oh Come All  Ye Faithful,"  The service was short, telling the story of Joseph, Mary and the birth of the Son of God who willingly left God's side to come to earth and be killed thirty three years later. 

God loved the world (us) so much that he gave his only son (Christ) to die a horribly painful death on the cross and then to defeat death through the resurrection and live again. Whoever believes in Him has everlasting life.  That, my friends is why Christ is the first part of the name Christmas.  

May God bless you abundantly today, tomorrow and forever.

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!

Sometimes, we just have to pay the piper......or something like that.

As I told you earlier, John has been so tired from moving to the new motorhome.  He has not had energy and has been feeling very weak and his left foot and leg has been swelling.

This morning at breakfast we decided that, because he was sooo tired,  I would run the last minute, pre-tomorrow's departure errands and John would putz around the motorhome.  So I left the motorhome around eleven thirty and returned just before four o'clock to find a hubby that was way too tired for just "putzing." He had been working, not putzing.  (What am I going to do with that man?) We decided he would do a breathing treatment and lie down for a bit.

While he was doing his breathing treatment, I called Dr. Lyken's office and talked to Kelvey, his absolutely indispensable secretary/nurse.  All I got was her answering machine.  I explained my observations and asked for advice.

While waiting for Kelvey to return my call, I pushed ahead and called our Internal Medicine physician.  His orders were to take John to the hospital- immediately, if not sooner.  That is exactly what I did.

In addition to his breathing problems, diabetes etc, John has had a history of Atrial Fibrillation for thirteen years.  The A-Fib is what was causing most of his problems tonight.

Atrial Fibrillation, in simple terms,  is an irregular, rapid  heartbeat.  John's heart rate was 148 beats per minute and jumping all over the place.  (72 is normal)  Since his heart was pumping too quickly and not in a steady pace, he was not getting the circulation to reach his extremities, he was feeling tired (gee, I can't imagine why) and feeling weak.

The emergency room physician prescribed a bolus of Cartia (for heartbeat), {a large amount given at one tune} followed by the drug, Cartia in an IV drip.  The goal is bring his heart rate to around 90 beats per minute.

Thus far, all is well.  I felt comfortable enough to come "home" and will return to University (Indiana) first thing in the morning.

It is hard to describe my feelings tonight.  I feel...... peaceful....as if this is just a bump in the road and we will be on our way just two or three days later than expected.  I think the reason for  this is that is just what the physician told us right before I left the hospital.

I ask that you continue to pray for John. And for me.  I need wisdom to spot the warning signs of trouble.  Both of us were willing to ignore them just to get on the road.  THAT is unacceptable.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love and respect my husband.  I have a story to tell you all, but not right now.  It is a story of God's love and the miracles He preforms.  It is too long for tonight and I must be up and at the hospital at an early hour tomorrow.

OH, by the way!  We discovered today that we have not only a furnace powered by LP gas, but we have a heat pump....powered by Camping World!  Gee, we are truly blessed.

I wonder what else I will learn about our new home.  And our new life of full timing with a man with precarious health conditions.   Whatever it is, I KNOW that God has a plan for our lives, a hope and a future.

THE ELEPHANT'S HAIRY TAIL & THE INCHWORM KEEPS AMOVIN

Yesterday, I awoke early and was at the hospital by eight fifteen.  The physical therapist was there already giving John a good work out!  He had to hand pedal forward and backward for ten minutes each way.  The backward motion strengthens his back.  With the strength in his back, he will be able to push himself from a chair and get out of bed.  Both activities I would like to see soon and often.  


Don't you just LOVE his hair!  That is called no hair cut  in seven weeks.  His hair was matted in back and was impossible to comb out.  His entire do was just impossible.  He truly had bed head and I gave this boy a hair cut! 

After his hair cut, he remained in his chair and we played a Rummy game called Rummikube.  I have noticed that he has problems with small/fine muscle control in his hands and fingers.  Picking up the tiles, placing them in the tray's slots was hard work for him.  Playing the game also made him reason and plan moves.  


How do you think the elephant likes no hair on his tail?  


We played the game until the pulmonologist came to check on John's progress.  He had encouraging words for John.  The doctor wanted John to go to CPAP  (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for the entire day.  If John passed this trial, he would then move forward to the trachea collar today.  As conservative as the doctor is and today being Friday, I have a feeling that he will change his mind and keep John on CPAP through the weekend.  


After the pulmonologist left, John continued sitting in chair until eleven thirty.  He then napped until one o'clock when the speech therapist came for her "quality time" with him.  The therapist gave him four swallowing exercises to do.  Here is one for you to try:  gently bite your tongue.  Holding you tongue between your teeth, swallow.  Not easy, is it....a little giggle here.  


Then came swallowing tests.  Liquids, pureed food and pudding tests were passed with flying colors.  The thick liquid, he failed, but not so miserably as he failed just a few days ago.  The pass or fail is determined by suctioning him after each test.  If anything returns in the suctioning, failure.  


John is to continue his swallowing exercises in order to pass all tests.  When he passes, he will begin eating people food and the tube will be removed from his nose.  


Later in the afternoon, John had surprise visitors.  I had met grand daughter Meg and great grand Harper at the front door of the hospital and walked in with them.  They had visited their capaw previously.  Meg asked me how was her capaw.  I told her that she should judge for herself.  Meg was so happy she cried!  All Harper wanted to do was pull that thing out of her Capaw's nose.  


By the time they left it was getting later in the day and John began to get squirrely.  He was trying to get out of bed etc.  After fussing at him a few times, I got the nurse to put the sides of the bed up and left.  The last thing I want to do is to fuss at him.  And it has been a long day at the hospital.  


Now, I am rested and ready to head back to the hospital.  Oliver and Olivia just informed me that they are out of food, so I must go purchase some from our local Speck's Pet Supply store, bring it home and feed the fur kids then head to the hospital.


A giant thank you for your prayers.  I feel God's presence in the hands of each specialist that works with John.  With God's presence they get so much more out of John than I could ever imagine.  They also are pleased.  


John has two goals to reach.  One is to be able to go to grandson's birthday party on May 5th.  Now that is a stretch!  That is only two weeks!  It would be considered a miracle!  But God can make it happen if that is in His plan.  If not, Harper's first birthday party is May 22nd. or right around there. That is his forecasted release date - so says insurance company. 


To say thank you all for your prayers in our behalf seems so little.  I wish I could just give each of you a hug and a big smile.  But, right now, it is impossible.  So I will do something better.  I will pray for each and every one of you.  I know some of your needs.  Other's I have no idea, but God does, so I'll let Him handle how he works in your lives. (isn't that big of me.....hehe)


Again, God bless...

TWO INCHES FOR THE INCHWORM AND THE ELEPHANT SAID OUCH!

Most of yesterday was spent working with Cruz and getting the house ready for a showing so I arrived at the hospital around six p.m.  When I arrived, they told me that John was having a bad day.  He had tons of secretions and needed to be suctioned constantly.  


When I walked into his room and looked at the monitors his heart rate was one hundred twenty and his respirations were forty three breaths per minute.  You would think he was running in the Indianapolis Five Hundred Festival Mini Marathon!  To say he was anxious would be an understatement.  His blood pressure was 178.  


The entire time I was there that is where his numbers lingered.  By the time the night shift came in, I did a bit of shaking and moving.  They gave John meds for his anxiety.  Then John insisted that I leave.  


Before I left, I turned on the TV.  Normally, we do not watch much television, but I knew the one show he really enjoys is NCIS, so I turned on that station and left him to the care of his male nurse.  I was not anxious leaving him.


Today, has been a total turn around.  When I walked into his room, he was sleeping peacefully.  I was a bit late due to a hair cut and eye exam.  Living a normal life with normal appointments are hard.  I am always wondering what is happening, but also I know that they have my cell number if anything should arise.


The news I was greeted with was a "joyful noise."  Physical Therapy was in earlier and had John standing and he sat in his chair for an hour.  P.T said they were surprised at the strength John had in his legs.  He had no trouble standing on his own and turning to sit.  


The speech therapist came in for a second session for today.  She deflated the "balloon" on John's air tube and he just started talking away!  She began asking him questions and John would answer.  Then she asked him to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to see if he could talk using long sentences.  He did it and I got goose bumps.  


John's fine motor skills have been literally "gone."  She handed him a clip board and told him to write his name.  Each time he has previously tried to write, it looked like and EKG, but today, he clearly wrote his name.  


Now he is resting.  Sleeping like a baby after an exciting, busy, successful day.  


Thank you all for your best wishes, your prayers and encouragement.  I know that today's progress is a direct result of all
your efforts.  


I know that tomorrow, I may walk in here and he might have a bad day.  But I am not counting on it.  I expect that God is going to bless us with another super day of healing as we look forward to our Journey!  


If you would like to see the results of all John's work, do a Google search on 6340 North 75 West, Whiteland, IN and take a gander.


Again, Thank you, thank you, thank you.


God's blessings to each of you.  

WHILE THE INCHWORM AND ELEPHANT SLEEP

I am sitting here at John's  bedside watching him sleep.  He may have been awake ten minutes in the four hours I have been here.  Once, when he opened his eyes, I told him I thought I'd go home and he looked so stricken.  I then asked "do you want me to stay?"  Yep, he did.  


But, I have decided as he continues to sleep, that I am going home and taking a nap.  He is fine.  He is in good hands.  It's time for me to get some much needed rest.  


Now that was a short report, wasn't it!


If you are not readers of the Where Are the Dixon's Today, I ask you all to pray for Jim.  He has just been diagnosed with lung cancer.  My heart goes out to Sandy and Jim.  Please hold them up in prayer as you have fought for John and I.  


God Bless you all...be safe out there....

THE INCHWORM AND THE ELEPHANT

Possibly, I have become an inchworm with my posting.  I am sorry that I have concerned many of you.  Fatigue has captured me, taken me by the throat and tried to strangle me.  BUT! ! !  The fatigue is a result of no more heavy sedation.  


As John began to come out of the sedation, my work began.  He was so confused.  Was not sure why he was there and had no memory of the past two and a half weeks.  He did not want me out of his sight. 


His eyes were clear and there was someone in there!  Of course, with the trach, he was unable to speak.  He would "talk" (moving his mouth), but we had no comprehension as to what he was saying.  I could and still can just occasionally figure out what he is trying to say.


His sense of humor and gentle personality shines through his confusion.  He cracks everyone up with his shrugs and facial expressions.  But when people are gone there are tears and fear.  


They performed a trach collar trial.  He was able to breathe on his own for a short while then his heart rate went up as well as respirations and blood pressure.  Immediately, he was returned to the ventilator, returned to bed to rest for the rest of the day and through the night only to awake with a temperature of 102.  More antibiotics and rest and by the afternoon his temperature had returned to normal.  


The day following his "awakening" the physical therapist came in and sat him on the side of the bed.  John LOVED  it.  He did not want to get back in bed and sat in his chair for a short time.  


When it came time for me to leave, John grew extremely agitated and let me know, even without words that he did not want me to leave.  Again, I slept in a chair, wrapped in a blanket, head on pillow against the wall and my feet in his bed touching his feet.  He continues to cough white watery secretions that need to constantly be suctioned.  He does not get much sleep.  I get none.  


The next day he sat on the side of the bed, stood with considerable support from the physical therapist, turned and sat in his chair. He was scheduled to be moved to Kindred Hospital, a long term acute care hospital just ten minutes from our home.  But that was not in God's plan book.  John's white cell count sky rocketed, indicating an infection someplace in his body.  The decision was made to remove the pick line from his right arm and to install a central line.  This was accomplished with no complications.  


John also had considerable swelling in his left arm and hand.  Oh, oh.  A blood clot?  An ultrasound was scheduled on his arm and neck.  This was all clear.  


Feeling that John was very stable and I was a walking zombie, I told John that I had to go home to get some sleep.  He again became agitated, but his nurse stepped in and assured John that she would be there for him all night.  She told him that she had only two patients to care for.  One was John and the other was in the next room and very stable, so she could spend quality time with him.  Reluctantly, John said goodnight to me and I stumbled to the parking garage and home.  I walked into the house, took the dogs out to take care of their business, crawled into bed and slept soundly, straight through to seven the next morning. When I awoke I was in a stupor for about three hours.  


After a quick shower, "watering" the dogs, I was off to the hospital, I thought.  First, I could not find my keys, then I remembered to get my wallet, then where were those keys?????  Darn.....  Oh, here they are!  Off to the hospital.  


The move to Kindred was rescheduled.  Now he was to move Wednesday.  Dr. Duncan did not like the events of the day and cancelled the transfer.


In the parking garage, I gather my wallet.  Where is that wallet?????
I feel all around the seat, the floor, the console....no wallet.  When trying to find the keys, I laid down the wallet.  When I found the keys, I left for the hospital.  Oh oh....


When exit time came, I was told to explain my plight to the cashier and he/she would give me an envelope to mail my fee.  Not that simple.....nope.....the nasty lady was quite aggravated, told me to go park and she was calling the campus police!  (Indiana University Medical Center and IUPUI).  


I quietly slink over to an empty parking spot, get out my cell phone to text my plight to a friend and I wait, and wait.  I wait until I am totally absorbed in my texting and I suddenly hear through my open window this deep voice behind me.  I scream!  (I am easily startled) I scream like a banshee!  Scare the poor campus policeman and am totally embarrassed.  


He says no problem.  He fills out a couple of papers, taking my license plate number, asking for my drivers license number (who knows their drivers license number?  Not me!  And my license is in my wallet which is someplace at home where I laid it while looking for my "lost" keys.  Do you get the mental status of this sleep deprived basket case?   Ahhhh, he says, no problem.  He takes the written information to the cashier, returns to my car, (I'm watching his movements so I do not repeat the screaming female act again) and tells me to go back to the exit and the cashier will let me through.


grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and reluctantly allows me to leave if I will sign my life away and take an envelope to pay my pitiful parking fee of $5.00.    Oh happy day!


Geezzzz, this is getting long!  


Thursday morning I sleep in to the extremely late hour of 7:30.  Upon awakening, I make the bed, straighten the bedroom, sweep all carpeting, dust all hardwood floors, water the dogs, take my shower, brush my teeth and answer my phone......John is being transferred today!  Whew....I tell them to tell John that I will meet him at Kindred, his new place of residence and recovery.  


I was able to tour Kindred prior to John's arrival, make a quick Starbucks run and return to the hospital in time to station myself at the back of Kindred, at the ambulance entrance to photograph John's arrival.  I felt like a child waiting for Santa's sleigh to come into view!   (I am so sure he is going to treasure my photo journaling his entire experience! eh hem!) 


After he is in his room and we are just adjusting to the new place, John looks at me and says  "what happened to me?"  "Why am I here?"  Oh my, what do I say..??????  He had no memory of two days prior to his respiratory failure..........two days......that is three weeks lost!  I told him the truth....every stinking bit of the truth.  


Then I told him about all the bloggers that were praying for him, the prayers of  his / our family, friends and total strangers all over the world!  God is so good to place you all to intercede for John and for me.  Thank you, thank you from both of us.  


When it was time for me to leave, again, John did not want me to go.  I told him I just had to and finally he was kind of OK with the situation.  


Today, I refreshed the house for "show and sell" and then returned to the hospital.  Wow, a ten minute drive!  That sure beats forty five  minutes!    I was able to return home for lunch! (money saved)  


I took my spinning wheel and was able to spin as John tried to rest.  Tried is the key word.  He is very anxious.  He is unable to sleep, to rest and is totally exhausted.  And this is announcing my prayer request.  Please pray that John sleeps soundly tonight and every night in the future.  Also that he relaxes and is not so apprehensive.


All his physical, speech, occupational, respiratory therapies are a prayer concern.  In order for him to eat real food and get that nasty tube out of his nose, he must pass his speech therapy tests/trials.  He needs to be totally rested in order to have successful physical and occupational sessions on Monday.  And to be able to breathe on his own, the clear secretions must dry up in order that he not cough so much.  Those coughing times sap all of his strength.  


Well, this brings you up to date.  I am sure I have missed events.  If so, and if they are important, I will blog them later.  For now, I will "water" the dogs one more time, then head to bed.  Tomorrow is another day to witness God's power in John life and health!  To God be the glory for all He has done.


God bless you and keep you.  May he put a hedge of his love around you and give each of you peace and strength.  


We love you all!  

I TRIED TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT.............

By trying to post about gas prices.  I am a failure....a total flop.  But so are the prices of gas and O - Bummers leadership.  You can see for yourself why gas prices differ.  Maybe we should plan our trips through states with the best (for us) gasoline taxes.  




Today was a total bummer.  It did not start out that way.  I was able to sleep until eight o'clock and when I awoke, I "thought" I felt rested.  


I dressed and took Oliver and Olivia outside to do their business.  Suddenly, I was one total grouch!  Fussing at the dogs.....come on girlie!  But that's just what I did and I'm not proud of myself.


I ran the vacuum, dusted the hardwood floors and spiffed up the house for the scheduled showing.  


I arrived at the hospital to find that the young lady in the room next to John had passed away.  She and John were the two longest residents of the ICU.  It broke my heart for this young woman's family.  What a way to start a day.  


Then I learned that John had been running a temperature of one hundred two degrees.  He had been scheduled for the insertion of a central line instead of his existing pic line.  And he was again heavily sedated.  


What else could go wrong?  Oh God, I need your peace and assurance!


It has been a long, long day.  John has been heavily sedated all day.  Not once did he open his eyes (even if they were vacant) and look into mine.  Not once did he squeeze my hand.  Not once did he nod yes or move his head to say no.  They say this is a minor setback.  But it makes me so sad.  


I have not heard his voice in two weeks.  Oh how I long to hear him speak just one word.  Any word.  


We are supposed to be in Anza Borrego with our daughter and friends, not in an intensive care unit.  


I know there are many who are much worse off than John.  But I miss him.  I miss his tenderness, his soft blue eyes, his ever kind words and thoughtfulness.  


Tonight, my heart aches.  


BUT, I know that God is in control,  God Reigns!  And I trust Him with my life and John's.  


Yes, my heart aches to talk to John, to look into eyes that there is "someone in there." But God reigns.


It is amazing that all this happens during a Christian's Holy Week.  This is what it is all about.  


Christ came as a miracle.


He lived a life pure....to be an example...


He died for each of us.....the paid the penalty for our sins - large or small


He arose - defeated death - so that we can live forever - have eternal life.  


It is so simple that some do not understand that all we have to do is say thank you Jesus....come into my life...take over.


He will do just that.


And then when the time come for life here on earth....we go to be with Him.....and guess what.....each of us will meet and recognize each other....


Now that is a miracle....


That is love.....


That is living "happily ever after"  


I hope that when my time comes, that I will meet YOU....face to face at the feet of our Christ Jesus....


God bless YOU!  And your travels.  

SO MUCH HAPPENING AT ONE TIME

I was up at the ungodly hour of five this morning.  Since I keep missing the doctors, I felt that I needed to shower and be at the hospital by seven o'clock.  And I was right.  


I drove through a thundershower accompanied with fog and an unbelievable lack of visibility.  Choosing to forgo  Interstate 65 into Indy, I took a much less, but much darker route this morning.  It was a bit nerve racking, but I made it.  And I beat the doc!


Being a resident, she did not have much to say, but I just felt better knowing that she was on top of the situation.  The "big doc" was in later.  


They turned off the ventilator, but left John intubated.  For a while, John was breathing normally, but just like last time, the longer he went, the harder it was for him to breathe.  They finally turned the vent back on, sedated him again and said they will try again tomorrow.


On a positive note,  when John is not so heavily sedated he can purposefully respond to commands and questions.  For that, I am very thankful.  


I did ask him if he was ready to leave for Joshua Tree Nation Park and he nodded an emphatic YES!  


The other event of the day ....... when I drove down the road to our place, there was a for sale sign in the front yard!  Oh my, it all is happening at one time!  Wouldn't it be super if John came home from the hospital to a SOLD sign!  Now that is a dream!  


Tomorrow, I'm up again at that ungodly hour of five and heading to the hospital.  We will see what God has in store for us then.  


Thanks so much for all your encouraging words, good wishes and especially your prayers.  


I still can say that God is Good.  His timing is perfect.  


May He bless each and every one of you during this Holy Week.  


N                        

UPDATE - OUR JOURNEY'S DETOUR

 First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and kind wishes. The prayers of our friends,  neighbors on our country road, our family and on John's behalf and for my strength have aided in John's beings able to allow the ventilator breathe for him. Therefore allowing the healing of John's lungs and body begin.  
 

It is a shame that we, mainly I did not see how tired and stressed John's body was.  I have been so intent on beginning our new journey that I was blinded and in total denial.  Please don't tell me not to feel badly.  I know that I cannot change things and I am not beating myself over the head for this.  It is a lesson learned. 


God allows us to make mistakes and it is up to us to learn and make a choice.  Will I learn from the mistakes in my life?  Or will I continue to repeat those mistakes?  Well, I now REALLY know the warning signs of John's fatigue and stress level and I will not continue with the pressure.  


John's condition was exacerbated by his Spring allergies, dust created in the house, etc., etc.  Over those things, we have no control.  I'll just take care of my part of the work and let God do his part.  


John chose to smoke two packs of Marlboro every day from college days till he was about fifty years old.  He is now paying the price for that choice.  So am I.  


I ask for you prayers that John will continue to rest and heal.  We definitely are not out of the woods yet.  Maybe, just maybe they will try to take him off the ventilator tomorrow.  If he can breathe on his own and maintain his oxygen levels and get that nasty carbon dioxide out of his lungs, we will be off our detour and back on the road of our journey.  


I have a family member coming to finish the three or four things that John needed to finish.  I still have Cruz our waiter from our favorite Mexican restaurant coming  to spread the ten yards or whatever it's called.  Our lawn tractor will be returned from the repair shop tomorrow or Tuesday and I will be able to mow a little each day before going to the hospital.  


I will sign the listing contract tomorrow and the photographer will be here the end of the week to photograph the interior and exterior of the house and barns and the grounds.  This paves the way for having the house on the market April 1.  


I am fully aware that many times, God has a far better idea.  It is often said that if you want to make God laugh, just tell Him how you have planned your life.  Let's see what happens from now until April first.  It would have to be April Fool's Day, doesn't it!  


My prayer is that at least one of you reading this will find something in your life that you are doing, that just maybe, you need to change in order not to have to "pay the piper" as we did.  For every action, there is a reaction. If you smoke, please consider seeking help to stop.  If you will not do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.


I'm smiling, I hope you are too.  God bless!  

AND THE BEAT GOES ON & FRIDAY'S TORNADO IN INDIANA

Another day on our journey to full timing has passed.  We did not accomplish much today.


  A good old migraine has plagued me for the last day and a half.  I am planning on being in good condition tomorrow morning.  You know how exciting Monday mornings are? Don't you?


Oh wait, Monday mornings are just another day to all of us, aren't they.....well .....most of us.  It just dawned on me that every morning is now Saturday morning!  How's that for retirement.... not too bad.


On another note, we have not had a television set in our home for fifteen months.  Seldom do I miss it, but Friday, with the tornadoes, it made us think.  Maybe we need at least a weather radio here in the house.  We need one for the motorhome anyway, so I think that this week, sometime, we will make the purchase.  

The need to purchase a weather radio brings to light the question what kind of weather radio?"  I have no idea.  We have not researched them at all.  We have no clue what to look for when it comes to bells and whistles.  


Speaking of weather radios, tornadoes etc. I have learned that friends of our lost a llama in the tornado.  Their barn was destroyed as well as vast damage to their house.  


 I do have a report on the two year old that was found in a field after the tornado.  She has been identified.  Both her parents, her three year old brother and a seven week old sister we all killed.   She was the only survivor in her immediate family and has been removed from life support and has died.


Her name, was Angel.  

God is good. He did not cause this event, but  He does not promise us that we will live a life without heartache and tragedy and sometimes death.  But He does promise us a way through every life experience.  I know.  I've been there.  I've done that.  


Suddenly, I don't feel like blogging more this evening.  It is time for reflection.  If I were to die tonight, I am confident that through Christ Jesus, I would live forever with Him.  Only He can offer that blessed assurance.


My prayer for each of you tonight, is that you, personally know Christ Jesus as your savior and that whether it be out motorhoming, on the beach, in the desert, city or in heaven we will greet each other with smiles and hugs. 


God bless...............

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY?

Earlier, when we would begin our trips, I could hardly wait to arrive at our destination - so we could enjoy our vacation.  We would drive "straight through" for sixteen or twenty hours - in order to be there sooner and start our vacation.  We would arrive totally exhausted, but we were there, it was time to enjoy!  (After we rested for a day.)


Then I learned that the journey was part of the vacation and that I needed to be thankful, slow down and appreciate the drive.  


Why am I talking about this now?  Because I have learned another lesson in "enjoying the trip,"  the journey.  


John and I have talked about selling the house and full timing for over a year.  It was a dream in the distant future, something to chat about, to read information and blogs, to investigate.  


As the last eighteen months have progressed, the talks were more frequent. We talked about traveling to the art and fiber shows as part of our full timing.  We would just make our journey fit the show schedule.


Selling our house became part of those wishful discussions.  We sure didn't want to full time and have a house back in Indiana.  So we interviewed Realtors and set the plan in motion.  


We decided, before listing the house, we wanted to do some work to increase the value and decrease the waiting time for the sale.  The cherry hardwood floors were already down.  That was one thing we had in our plan book from the day we moved in fourteen years ago. 


We made a list of all the other things we wanted to do prior to the day of listing. We also set a goal, an unrealistic goal of January first. Now keep in mind that this goal was set the second  week of November.  


Today is January eighth and we are still working!  Gee, what a surprise.  Our second goal of January fifteenth is fast approaching. We will not meet that goal either.


Let me digress about ten days.  John's health is not the best.  He has emphysema.  He is on three inhalers and oral medications.  He has to stop and catch his breath often.  To add to that, he has always been a slow worker / mover.  It is just his nature.  I have tried to challenge him to walk faster, work faster, think faster, drive faster.  But that just isn't John.  Finally, I have accepted it and am thankful for what he does in his own speed.  


With his emphysema and my arthritis, setting up our sales booth has become a greater challenge at every show. We drive to the city where the show is located, unload, set up the booth, greet customers for two or three days.  But we are exhausted.  


When the show is over we are back to packing up, transporting merchandise back to the motorhome and reloading the basement with the shelves, displays and merchandise. All the time, I'm grouchy because I hurt all over and John is just trying to breathe.  Now does any of this make sense to you?  Not me, not John.  I have had two huge meltdowns in the last few days.  How ridiculous. 


We have decided that we do not NEED this extra work.  The money is not worth it.  The work is hard on us physically and hurts our relationship.  You just can't put a dollar amount on health and relationships.


I will continue my art work. I love my art work.  It is part of me.   I will sell on line ..... if and when I choose!  I do need to work on an excellent website and establish an Etsy and Ebay outlet for my work.  


Okay, back to the subject of enjoying the journey.  Now that we have decided to withdraw from the shows, we do not have to be in Tennessee mid March!  That means we do not have to "break our necks" to get the house ready to sell so fast in order to get out to southern California and back to Tennessee!  Whew, what a relief.  


Yesterday, we both worked outdoors. John installed new outdoor lighting.  I mowed part of the pasture that needed some TLC.  While mowing, it was so nice to look over the ground, at the trees, to watch the wild life even if it was voles and rabbits running from the tractor.  I began to enjoy the journey to full timing.  


We burned downed trees, branches, brush.  I cleaned the chicken pen and around one of the barns.  I enjoyed the journey a bit more.


Today, is a day of rest for us.  We will enjoy this journey too.  We are going to the motorhome to watch the New York Giants play Atlanta in their wild card game.  We must support at least one Manning since our poor Colts did so miserably this season.  


I have two more beams and the fireplace brick in the family room to paint.  John has four columns to finish and to put baseboard down where we installed the new hardwood floors. (kitchen, front, family, dining rooms and the entry.)  Now THAT was a journey!  Oh yes, I must paint the columns and baseboard.  Oops, there are windows to wash and cabinets and wood trim to polish.  Oh oh, there is one closet left to empty.  And my studio!  Eeeek! We both know that there will be more tasks to raise their ugly heads, don't we.


Tomorrow, we continue the journey to clean the barns.  Can anyone say dumpster?  We continue to work outside as the weather allows.  I am amazed that we are outdoors working in January.  I am thankful for the Journey.


One thing we have continually asked ourselves during this journey is why didn't we do these tasks earlier for ourselves?  Why didn't we get the new appliances so we could enjoy them?  Why didn't we do .........Why?  


Maybe the reason is to teach us to enjoy the journey.  Every journey that God blesses us with.  

Living With Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder.  Plain and simple.  It follows me all my life.  I am a self diagnosed dyslexic (is that a word?).  I was able to put a name on my "problem" when I started teaching first grade and had a student that was making some of the same mistakes I had been making since I was in first grade.    


I described the "problem" that the student was having to another teacher and said that I wanted to have my student tested in order to have a diagnosis and to be able to help her succeed. The results came back .... dyslexia.  I then learned how to help her and in turn, without realizing it, I was helping myself. 

Then I had a family.  I became a stay at home mom.  Then my girls began entering school. L and behold, one of my girls was showing the same symptoms at home.  I asked the teacher to have her tested and she accused me of being a "hovering mother".  She said testing was unnecessary.  

I insisted, I spoke with the principal and finally, the teacher had to give in.   My daughter was tested and diagnosed with dyslexia.  The reason for sharing all this?  It's in the genes!  

Life with dyslexia is different with each individual.  I transpose numbers.  I worked part time in a bank and proofed checks.  My total of the pile of checks HAD to equal the total the teller put with the checks at the end of her day.  Time after time I did not balance.  

How embarrassing!   

My supervisor was so patient.  I tried to slow down entering the amounts, I tried to say the numbers out loud as I was entering them, etc, etc, nothing worked. I felt like a total failure.  

The super kind supervisor asked me if I wanted to transfer to a different department.  I quickly responded Y. E. S.!!!!  And off I went to the bond department.  I did not enjoy it there.


I talked to John and we decided that I needed to return to college to pursue a degree in elementary education.


Guess what class I had the hardest time with..... Of course it was  math....geesh, was this ever going to end???  (not in my lifetime, I have now discovered).


This made me a quiet, insecure person inside who tried to compensate by pushing myself to be outgoing.  I still fight this to this day.  


Dyslexia has a firm grip on me in other ways.  The most annoying is that when I am talking I am thinking about what I am saying and often times the totally opposite word comes out of my mouth.  


John tells me that I will sometimes say a sentence in reverse!  Oh, that leads me to want to talk alot!  NOT!


Of course there is the right, left thing, but it seems a lot of people do that, so no biggie.  But to say things the opposite I really mean to?  How rediculous!  


The dyslexia seems to be getting worse as I age....Hum.  It is the root of some disagreements that John and I have.  Like John: "you said so and so".... Nan: "I did not!",   John:  "oh, yes you did!"  I think you get the picture.  


But I persevere.  I write this blog.  I check it, but when proofing my own (I just typed won for own and caught it) writing, I am sure I have put some doozys out there.  Oh well, I hope you all can figure it out.  

Here is some detailed information.  They speak of children here, but it can be applied to adults, as well.  


"Suspect a language-learning disability if your child has difficulty in several of these areas over time:
Preschool

• Learning numbers or the alphabet
• Rhyming words
• Remembering colors

Elementary

• Sounding out words
• Persistent reading or spelling errors
• Reversing numbers or letters
• Remembering facts (including math facts)
• Misunderstanding arithmetic signs

Middle School

• Reading comprehension
• Written expression or spelling
• Understanding word problems
• Organizing, planning or managing time
• Completing or handing in assignments
• Concentrating or paying attention

High School

• Reading fluency and comprehension
• Organizing and expanding ideas in written expression
• Remembering and retrieving detailed information
• Comprehending more complex information

© Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities®, Inc., Westport, Connecticut, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
Web design by Flyte
“SMART KIDS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES” is a registered trademark of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc."

"Strengths Dyslexia is frequently accompanied by significant strengths in reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as visual-spatial and motor skills necessary to excel in the fine arts, performing arts and athletics, engineering and science."

Ah, ha!  There are good things about being dyslexic!  I am an artist, an organizer, I have good problem-solving skills.  

My daughter was / is a super athlete, has great problem-solving skills  (she's a shrink with her own practice).  She is a gifted photographer!

So, living with dyslexia can be a pain in the tush, but it has gifted me with my artistic abilities,  it makes me thing of solutions to problems when John believes "all is lost and hopeless".  

Would I trade it to be a "normal person?" Heck no!  I like the way God created me.  He created me for a purpose.  He created me to find a struggling first grader and to help my precious daughter.  

If you don't like something about yourself, my suggestion is look at the bright side!  There is good in all situations.  And with that, I sign off telling you 

God Bless you today!  
 

Darndest Dreams, Stubborn Silkworms, Growing Grass and Rude Renters

How many of you have dreams?  Do you dream every night?  Do you remember your dreams?  Can you get the dreams out of your mind? 

Not a night goes by that I do not dream.  Some are silly, but most are with me in some position of danger or overcoming an obstacle.  Some leave me with a feeling that I cannot shake during the day.  All are in color and often I awake in the middle of a sentence...actually talking.  Eeeeeegads....what's up? 

Last night's dream had me in a situation where I was "fixing" things....things as in a situation.  All I remember is that I needed to "fix"  something.  I remember that we were driving on a curvy road and came upon a deer that had been hit.  It was long enough that the deer wad in rigor and lying in the middle of the road with all four feet up in the air.  A motorhome full of travelers had hit it and was pulled to the side of the road.  No one was hurt or terribly upset.  They were just delayed by the incident and were fixing a meal....go figure! 

It's like this every night.  A problem, often coupled with a solution that I must work out..  I think we need to go on a trip, don't you?  If only the new floor was down.  Soon.....maybe soon, if the heat and humidity lets up. 

We are now down to the last silkworm!  One of the holdouts finally began spinning the cocoon today! 

We mowed and trimmed again this evening.  The orchard and the pond areas are now done.  The mosquitoes really tried to eat me alive, but I prevailed! 

The renter of the condo that we own skipped out on us. He left us with bags of  stuff.  I don't even want to touch the bags.  I have no idea what is in them, but we would like a "good fairy" to come take everything out of the condo.

I am sure that the hasty exit is due to my showing up and asking when he was going to pay the rent. He gave me a story about cashing in his 401K and would be sending the money right away.....NOT..... The next thing we know is that there is a message on our answering machine from a "friend" of his saying that he has moved out and has gone to Canada. 

Now we checked this person out.  We had a credit report run etc.  But we got a dud. 

What we would like is to have a good renter that would stay in the condo for years and years.  Any suggestions?  We are open to hear all.....

Despite that...all is good.  God is in control.  Have a great Wednesday....God Bless....

Stubborn Silkworms and Frantic Fireworks

We still have two silkworm holdouts.  The third decided to start his / her cocoon last night, but we have two who totally enjoy munching on the Mulberry leaves.  I have learned to not just bring leaves to them, but I retrieve branches with leaves and remain fresh for a longer time. 

Now that most of the silkworms have made their cocoons, the next event to be on the alert for is the appearance of the silkworm moth.  These moths have lost the ability to fly since they have lived in captivity for hundreds of years....so say the scientists.  I just keep wondering if God created them without the ability of flight and the scientists are just assuming that they flew at one time. 

People take what scientists have to say as the truth.  I believe that in addition to science, there is another way than a "big bang", voila, all the species are here theory.  When I view the photos of fellow RVers and see the diversity and uniqueness of the birds, flowers, terrain etc., I know there is a Great Creator. 

Fireworks have been exploding for the past week.  Tomorrow night is the grand finale, thank goodness.  Oliver was fine when we took him with us to our local fireworks.  But here at home, he is quite apprehensive.  Tonight, as we watched a movie and the neighbors lit huge, bright, loud fireworks, Oliver sat under John's chair seeking security.  He would not even eat popcorn with us during the movie.  Poor thing.  I think that tomorrow night we should put him in the car or truck and just go somewhere so he will not feel threatened here at home.