Jacob as a Nerd

Jacob went to the final Cotillion dance tonight and it was costume. He was dressed as a Nerd. Cute Nerd!

What's New?

So what is new in hospital care after 40 some years?  First of all the catheter is totally different--don't even feel it.  I used to hate that thing.  Secondly the elastic white stockings to prevent blood clots are gone.  There are loosely wrapped quilted white cotten pads wrapped around your legs.  They are attached to a motor and you get a mini massage on alternate legs all through the night.  I liked it.

The bed was very comfy also and it was nice not to hear each other's tvs.  Since everyone has a cell phone now, there were no phones ringing.  There are definitely more male nurses, a lot more.  They are so sweet and caring.  Very nice.  I will never forget the one that called me a skinny minny.  All in all I thought the medical care was super.  I was on the 11th floor where they monitor you carefully so there was no shortage of nurses. 

One scary thing happened when my Nurse was talking to me from the bottom end of my bed.  A patient saw her and told her his roommate had just had a seizure.  She hurried from the room but soon came back to calm me.  She said the roommate did not have a seizure but this patient was a little weird and had already gone into one female's room and to call her immediately if he wandered in...

The only problem was since I had no room assigned to me when I went to surgery we couldn't find what they had done with my clothes.  The clothes were sent to the 7th floor locker because it is the cardiac floor.  I wasn't assigned a room until 7 o'clock at night on the 11th.  Everyone claimed to be calling for them from the 11th floor but you know--not your responsibility kind of thing on the 7th floor.  We finally asked my male nurse if Linda could go down to the 7th floor and see if they were in the locker at 10:30 AM.  He appreciated it and she had them immediately. 

It takes a special kind of person to want to work with sick people.  They have to be patient and cheerful and caring.  I was very impressed.  I liked my surgeon from the moment I saw all kinds of pictures like John had of mountains he had climbed on his office wall--very healthy physically and a good sense of humor patient bedside manner.  Hats off to the medical community--doing a great job under probably very trying circumstances.

Do I Look Smarter?

All hooked up and ready to go to surgery.

Seven hours later--still smiling.  More blood to the brain.  Am I smarter?  Look more tired but I actually felt great.

All night long they tested me for stroke.  One of the tests is a smile--can't be crooked, Stick out the tongue--must be straight, etc.  There are a lot of other tests and the nurse takes them periodically all night long.  Good thing I was watching TCM.  We (my bed partner) each had a separate head nurse and the same assistant.  We could ask for anything we wanted.  My partner asked for a Margarita, she settled for Ginger ale with a Tuna Sandwich at 3 A M.  She kept telling him she wanted to stay for a few more days.  It is fun to be catered to once in awhile.

When the Dr came in the next morning he told us why the surgery took so long (3 1/2 hrs) my artery was twisted and he had difficulty untwisting and cleaning and reattaching.  Lucky I had been referred to him.  He evidently is an expert.  One nurse said he was the best.  And he did not do the newer stent surgery from the groin which could have been a problem with a twisted artery I am thinking.  It was 80-90% narrowed (more than they thought) so I should have more energy and be more alert with more blood flow to my brain.  Yea! Rosie, my last nurse, reminded me again and again how fortunate it was Dr. Natali caught it with his little stethoscope and that I ended up with Dr. Hemp as my surgeon.  Feeling very blessed.

Oh, yes, view from the 11th floor with a full moon and colored lights of  Hillcrest was quite lovely.

That Day is Here

This morning I go to surgery--not looking forward to it at all.  One more "Do what you have to do when it has to be done" kind of thing.  Just get through it and move on and hope it accomplishes what it should.

Jean Martin told me that Dow Lewis passed away.  I feel so sad for his wife Judy.  They were having such a wonderful life working in the Temple, his successful car businesses, vacation home in Lake Almanor, great family.  Why does it all have to be cut short too soon.  Judy will miss him terribly and it sounds like he was well loved and respected by the community of Yuba City. 
And then some people live on and on, way too long.  There are so many things that are so unfair in life.  I always remember what Sister Parmley said, "The Lord didn't promise you it would be easy, only that he would be with you always."  My heart goes out to Judy.  She will be so lonely.  He was always such a cheerful, positive guy, I had no knowledge he was ill.  So sad.

Had a nice Sunday at the Pulsiphers--Amy and Craig were home and look so good.  I always enjoy their ward and going home to their dinners.  It cheered me so when Kate looked so happy to see me at church.  I was going to have James give me a blessing but he would have had to call someone else to come over so I asked Gary to do it and Mike assisted.  It was a very comforting and complete blessing.  Priesthood blessings have been a very important part of my life for as long as I remember.  I so appreciate being able to call on that power in my life.  It brings the peace I need.  I remember the one time I was called to Texas when I was not feeling very well and I called my home teachers to come.  They wondered if maybe I shouldn't go, my age and all, but they gave me a beautiful blessing and I really was just fine the whole trip.

So onward and upward, hope I get energized with a new zest for life after this is all over and I am finally going home again.  As Dorothy said, "There's no place like home."

Carotid Artery Surgery Tomorrow

Oh, yes, they moved up my surgery to tomorrow.  I hardly ever get phone calls and I get into the movie on Friday afternoon and I suddenly get three phone calls in a row so I decide I better find out what is so important.  I am very nervous about this.  I have trust issues, always have.  Trusting a surgeon to cut into your neck after he has had a long heart surgery or even at all is very difficult for me.  I tend to imagine the worst happening like nipping the wrong thing.  Did he actual tell me all the risks and then say it hadn't happened in years like it actually did at some time?  I am not sure but I didn't want to ask for details.  I have probably watched too many medical shows which makes it worse.  But it does seem that they don't get much time to study the individual patient.  They look at the file for the first time (it appears) when you are sitting there in front of them and then start looking at the screen at all kinds of tests and then make a decision what they are going to do (0h, if you agree, of course).  Very unsettling to me.  They make it appear like it is your choice but after telling you all the risks, is it really your choice? I don't think so.  Anyway if I am still here on Tuesday I will report how the whole thing played out.  I have tried very hard to avoid doctors and hospitals for a long time but the last two years I have seen too many.  Hope this is the last for awhile.

Seven Dwarfs

I didn't whittle my Seven Dwarfs beds but I did make them with a saw, sandpaper, glue and paint plus I hand sewed little mattresses, pillows and covers. I also created a table, stools, a tablecloth, painted some dishes and made pots of flowers. Amazing what you can do with lots of time, Michaels and becoming a child again.

The Anderson Relative's Roost--Silvergate, Montana

This is a picture from fun trip to the Cabin in 2005--you can see the beautiful mountain view in the window reflection.

Below is an old picture from Kristi, Richard, me, Meagan, James and Camber at the Anderson Cabin in Silvergate, Montana.  The area to the right is the proposed area for the renovated bunkhouse as described below.  Richard and I first went to the cabin as a family when John was one year old.  My Dad put a fishpole in John's hands and he loved it and he loved the cabin and came to love fishing.  Not many of our California relatives use the cabin but my descendants are entitled to two weeks a year so it is a trip everyone should plan for at least once or twice in their lifetime and see Yellowstone Park at the same time.

 From my sister Carole:

"It has been over 50 years since any major improvements to the cabin. Fuqua'a have patched the roof on the shed but now there is a serious leakage between the porch roof and cabin. It is a good time to redo the porch roof and enlarge and enclose the porch into a Bunk/Game Room or should we call it a "cousins" room. I asked Randy Smith, certified Montana cabin builder, grandson and heck of a nice guy to take charge and be the contractor. He has accepted and is now checking out prices etc. He hopes we can do this for around $3,000. If every family of the major families could contribute $600 plus or minus as you are able, we could get this project going. Dustan Diede, certified jouneyman, will do the electricity and hopefully the volunteer carpenters and worker bees will show up. We will let you know the designated weekends.

A cabin is a family history. Ferrell Anderson and 2 carpenters built the cabin in 1960. Stan Thayne put in the fireplace. Ferrell's brother-in-law put in the plumbing. Ethel Anderson, grandma, made them put in the picture window the following year. We still have much talent in the family. Randy is a cabin builder in Montana, has the know how and supplies, tools and will do an excellent job if he has help. We hope to accomplish this in several week-ends and have it available by when the time-frames begin. We will let you know the weekends so you can bring your truck, power tools and happy dispositions.

I know this seems fast but it has to be done and we have been thinking about it for years. We do not want a lodge, we want our cabin as it has been for the last years with only just a little more room. I hope we have all your cooperation and that we can continue to enjoy our little spot of heaven for many, many more years."

We hope everyone contributes.  It is amazing how well the cabin has been kept up and shared with over 100 descendants of the builder, my Dad.  He passed away in 1968 so had a short time of usage in his lifetime but he must be thrilled to know how many have come to love and use his cabin. 

Silvergate has not changed that much since I first went there in the 40's and that is the beauty of it.  The view from the cabin is unbelievable of the Montana mountains and there are so many places to hike and fish in the surrounding area.  Meagan and Matt have come to love it.  I hope others plan to use it someday also.

 

Happiness Box

Thursday Maria and I met at Chevy's and had our favorite Flautas--50% off during Happy Hours 3-7!!!  From there we attended a Women's Night at the Del Mar Ward.  There were two speakers--one a Counselor who spoke on our Happiness Box and the other speaking on Love and Logic.  I love the Love and Logic but my children are raised and I probably did it all wrong so no use fretting over it and hearing how wrong I did it--but the other Happiness is a Box intrigued me. 

The theory is that each of us is to carry our own Happiness Box and not expect someone else to carry it for us.  We are responsible for our own happiness.  It reminded me of the talk I heard at Rick's College years ago when Maria and I visited Linda there.  The speaker emphasized to the girls that it was not up to their husband to make them happy.  My gynecologist used to tell me I wanted to live like a Princess and that I would feel just fine if I was going off on a magical vacation.  Hmm, I must have been expecting Richard to carry my happiness box and he tried to, I believe.  The question is...what makes me happy now?  What do I need to do to be happy?

I have been thinking a lot about that and I know for one thing.  Not feeling well does not make me feel happy at all so first I need to figure out what I need to do to feel 100% physically well.  For one thing I know I do not feel well taking that statin drug they gave me.  I feel so tired I can't get going until it is almost worn off.  My joints ache and I feel weak.  So first thing Monday I am discussing that with my PA at Scripps. 

Secondly I need to walk even more and work through the leg pain.  Yes, the orthotics and new shoes are working but they make the body feel differently and I need to adapt.  Question is will I ever be able to wear my boots or sandals or wedgies or heels again without my foot hurting???  Within the next six months I can order other orthotics for each pair at $200 a pop.  Yeah, sure, I will do that, ha.  So how to be happy walking and getting dressed up if my foot hurts???

Anyway being physically well is most important right now and that is what I will work on and think about more later.  I was impressed with the blog I read of  "Life on the Green Line" by a young couple living in Boston.  Google was touting their blog and it is really good.  Anna was listing all her goals and it was most impressive the way she detailed it.  I have all my goal lists and things I want to do before I die, etc. but I had never detailed them like that.  I may work on that.  Never too late to plan for a happy life.

The Matter of the Heart

This is written for me, because out of sight is out of mind and I must remember everything they told me.

After a month of tests I met with the PA of my cardioligist and my thoracic surgeon.  Good news is that the plaque in my heart and limbs is about what would be expected of a 77 year old woman--not too bad.  Bad news is my right carotid artery is even worse than the doppler test showed so I will have surgery on May 3.  It will take an overnight stay and a revisit on the 18th which means I can't go home till May19!!!  I also need to start taking a statin drug and they want me to monitor my blood pressure and if it is still high after I get back to my normal home environment I will have to treat that as well.  I think a lot of my problem has been that since I have had this metatarsal problem I have not been exercising as normal.  Hopefully I can change that now with my orthotic and great walking shoes.  Must start walking and work through the leg pain.

Actually my cholesterol is better than it was for years but the damage has been done and they feel it is a genetic problem so it must be treated.  The high HDL is not enough anymore to avoid the drugs, so they say.  They want to check in two months to see if the medication has helped.

It was also reaffirmed I have thoracic outlet syndrome which I was told back in the 70's.  The Dr thought of trying to help it with a stent in my right shoulder but decided against it so I will just go back to what I have not been doing.  Mainly not sleeping on my stomach with hands raised, not doing things like painting that raise my arms above my shoulder and I also found out, stay away from weight lifting or any heavy lifting. 

PA also reaffirmed that sugar is not my problem but if I want to lose weight just gradually cut down (she said not to stop totally as that just increases the craving).  I have already cut out totally or partly dairy, gluten, and red meat which cuts out a lot of fat.  My sleep problems are all stress related.  Hopefully when I get back home my depression and stress will be eliminated???  Maybe I will have to stop watching the news as well?

So prescription for a healthy life--
   Carotid surgery on right side (hope for no complications)
   Statin drug every day (check results in 60 days)
   Continue 81 mg aspirin each day
   Exercise, especially walking (if leg pain increases, call)
   Keep up the healthy diet, cut down on sweet snacks (keep avoiding fats)
   Avoid raising arm and weight lifting activities and no heavy lifting.

Oh, yes, smile and be happy.

Update on the Twins

Seven months old and eating and smiling and sitting up.
 Life is Beautiful.

It's Those Darn Weekends!

"Saturday night is the loneliest night of the week, cuz that's the night when my sweetie and I used to dance cheek to cheek.

I don't mind Sunday night at all, cuz that's when folks all come to call.

And Monday through Friday goes fast, and another week is past.

But Saturday night is the loneliest night of the week, cuz that's the night that my sweetie and I used to dance cheek to cheek."

This was a popular song in WWII with all the guys off to war, but I thought of it this weekend--it is the weekends that are the loneliest as any widow, divorcee, single, etc. will attest to.

With me, it isn't Saturday night so much, as Friday night.  That was date night and we often stopped at the Hilton in Mission Bay for dancing before coming home from the movies.  I miss that.

But I see these older couples with each other who act so bored it is sad.  However, the last time I was taking tests at the hospital, there was another lady taking somewhat the same tests and we kept crossing paths.  Her husband was with her all the way and so attentive.  That was nice to see.

All I know for sure is that nobody gets it all in this life--you need to appreciate and enjoy the moments when they come and not be forever looking for that better day--you may have all ready had your best days.  Enjoy!

Trial at Nuremburg

I just rewatched an amazing movie--"Trial at Nuremburg" filmed in 1961--13 years after the original trial took place and 16 years after World War II ended.  Some of Hollywood's finest starred in the movie for less than their usual salary because they felt it was such an important film to make.  In 2008 it was declared by the American Institute of film #10 best film of all time in Courtroom Drama.

"This trial is about 4 Judges who used their offices to conduct Nazi sterilization and cleansing policies. Retired American Judge, Judge Dan Haywood has a daunting task ahead of him. The Cold War is heating up and no one wants any more trials as Germany, and allied Governments, want to forget the past. But is that the right thing to do is the question that the tribunal must decide."

One of the most important quotes from the film is by Ernst Janning, one of the judges on trial trying to explain why they were willing to go along with Adolf Hitler.

"There was a fever over the land. A fever of disgrace, of indignity, of hunger. We had a democracy, yes, but it was torn by elements within. Above all, there was fear. Fear of today, fear of tomorrow, fear of our neighbors, and fear of ourselves. Only when you understand that - can you understand what Hitler meant to us. Because he said to us: 'Lift your heads! Be proud to be German! There are devils among us. Communists, Liberals, Jews, Gypsies! Once these devils will be destroyed, your misery will be destroyed.' It was the old, old story of the sacrifical lamb. What about those of us who knew better? We who knew the words were lies and worse than lies? Why did we sit silent? Why did we take part? Because we loved our country! What difference does it make if a few political extremists lose their rights? What difference does it make if a few racial minorities lose their rights? It is only a passing phase. It is only a stage we are going through. It will be discarded sooner or later. Hitler himself will be discarded... sooner or later. The country is in danger. We will march out of the shadows. We will go forward. Forward is the great password. And history tells how well we succeeded, your honor. We succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. The very elements of hate and power about Hitler that mesmerized Germany, mesmerized the world! We found ourselves with sudden powerful allies. Things that had been denied to us as a democracy were open to us now. The world said 'go ahead, take it, take it! Take Sudetenland, take the Rhineland - remilitarize it - take all of Austria, take it! And then one day we looked around and found that we were in an even more terrible danger. The ritual began in this courtoom swept over the land like a raging, roaring disease. What was going to be a passing phase had become the way of life...Once more it was being done for love of country. It is not easy to tell the truth; but if there is to be any salvation for Germany, we who know our guilt must admit it... whatever the pain and humiliation."

It was interesting that they brought out that if these men are guilty you must also place guilt upon Russia, Britain, United States, the Vatican etc. because they had heard Adolf Hitler speak, he had already written "Mien Kampf" -- they knew what he was about and supported him in the 1930s. 

If you have never seen this film, it is a must see in your lifetime, and the message is very timely of what ordinary, decent men will do in extraordinary times.

My Sister Marilyn

I am sorry to say I missed my sister's birthday this week.  Marilyn is the one in yellow on the right.  Her birthday is April 5th but because that date now has another significance (John's  death) I tend to forget about it.

Marilyn is two years older than me and we are quite different.  For one thing she was always the classy dresser.  No matter what, whatever her circumstance, she always has stylish clothes to wear.  I tried to borrow her clothes when we were in high school and college but because we are built so differently I always looked silly in her clothes.  She is athletically built with long slim legs and I, well, you know how I am built.

Marilyn and Dave are the talkers in the family.  In most any group family situation they are the ones that will be doing most of the talking along with Mary, Dick's wife.

Marilyn is the golfer amongst us girls.  I took it in college and tried a little before marriage but it just never 'got' me like it did my Mom, Dad, Dave and Marilyn.

Marilyn has also been a director in church music and choirs most of her life.  We both took the class in college--it clicked with her, not me.

Marilyn also is the friendly one--on any trips or gatherings, she is the one making all the friends and talking to all the people.  She has always had lots of friends.

Marilyn was also the terrific sales lady at the store.  I would always work in the office, as the cashier and bill payer and avoid the floor where I had to talk to people and try to sell them dresses.  One time when I visited her in Golden and she was clerking at a ladies store I came home with a marvelous wardrobe.  She has a knack for finding what looks good on you.

Marilyn is the only one besides me in my family who has lost a child.  And now she has had two daughters pass away.  She has handled it as she handles everything, very classy, humbled and accepting.  Marilyn is the only one of us girls working regularly in a Temple right now.  She is a born leader and good at directing others.

I have been very fortunate to have three sisters and best friends in my life.  Each of us is very unique and different from each other with very different talents and attributes but we always enjoy talking, sharing and spending time together.  As a family growing up we had a very peaceful home with no jealousy or animosity as far as I could tell.  Family is good and sisters are wonderful.

Fish Tacos and Other Yummy Things

When I am in San Diego and out shopping or running errands and it is lunch time I look for a fish taco place.  My favorite place was always on the corner

of Genesee and ? right next to Mervyns (which is gone now).  The last time I was there it was still good even though the place has been remodeled and possibly changed hands.

When at Linda's and using the wonderful El Cajon library  I liked the Rubios on the way home from the library but two days ago I had a fish taco at Rubios at the Grossmont Center and it didn't hold a candle to the fish taco I had at El Rey? (not sure of the name) at the first little mini shops as you come into Pacific Beach on Balboa/Garnet on the right side. 

And yesterday I had another wonderful fish taco at the New Selections Restaurant in Macy's Women on El Camino Real in Carlsbad.  They even had red cabbage and lots of crisp tomatoes plus a pink sauce instead of the traditional white sauce.  Excellent.

 I was disappointed at the fish taco at Wahoo in the Ralph's shopping center off Camino Del Norte and Dove Canyon--too dry.  But the fish tacos I had at Croces downtown were excellent also.  They even had pineapple mixed in with the cabbage and salsa.   And a lot piled on, almost like a salad.

There is another little hole in the wall place as you are leaving North County Fair and headed back up to the Dios highway.  It has all those adobe orangy buildings on the right and a little taco shop that had an incredible fish taco, too and very cheap. 

I read a couple recipes for the white sauce--both called for equal portions of plain yogurt and mayonaisse with lime juice but one added chipotle sauce and the other had various spices.  Also one had the fish fried in a beer batter rather than a plain flour batter.  Maybe someday when I am home and away from fish taco country I will try to learn to make them but here I will just keep trying to find the best or run in for the Flautas appetizer with jalapeno sauce at Chili's Mex at Flower Hill or the Fuji Apple Chicken salad at Paneros Bread.  No In and Out burgers or Jack in the Box tacos for me while in San Diego--too many other good options down here.

More Books I Like

I am always happy to add a new author to my Authors I Like List and I add two more.  I read Nora Ephron's  "I Feel Bad About My Neck" and actually laughed out loud a few times.  That is always a good sign it is a fun book and I see she has others I will look for.  She is the one who is the playwright and producer of some of my favorite movies like "Holiday" and "It's Complicated".  I think she understands women and can write humorously and tenderly about their situations in life.

The other author is Harlan Coben.  I am just finishing "Long Lost" and what an intriguing mystery--about people who appear to be just like you who get caught up in a whirlwind of exciting and scary stuff.  Nothing like a good murder mystery to take you away from the monotony of laundry and grocery shopping.

Easter at the Pulsiphers 2010

I spent Easter afternoon and evening at the Pulsiphers and

I did not get many pictures but...

I love these pix showing the enchanting backyard Kate and Ryan have to play in--they love it.   And

Sarah is so beautifully grown up--hard to believe she is almost 12!

Easter Eggs

Kate and Ryan show the serious art of gathering Easter Eggs!

                                       Is that enough, Mom?

                               I never get tired of this, Mom!

At last, each has a bucketful--again!

Johnny

When John was little, he was always known as Johnny. We miss him--this was one of my favorite ages for Johnny. He was always so curious and creative in his playtime. Six years today without John in our earthly life.

Melissa is 21!

Beautiful Melissa turns 21 and celebrates with brunch at Croces in Gaslamp and I get invited--They go for eggs and french toast and I havea fish taco.  Good food, nice place.

.

After brunch there was crepes and gelato in Hillcrest at Chocolat.  What a neat place.   Melissa had her favorite Nutella plus marzipan? and strawberries on her crepe.  Delicious!

Nice to have an older brother to celebrate your introduction to adulthood, right Melissa?

Seattle, Ferry Boats and Victoria

Linda, Maria and I set out for another adventure--destination Victoria, British Columbia.  I was there 54 years ago so do not remember much.

Marjorie and her daughter Karen met us at the Seattle airport and took us to Pike Market--such gorgeous flowers, vegetables, fruit and fish.

 What a neat place.  We had a lot of fun just catching up also.  Sunshine in Seattle!

We caught the ferry the next morning and still lots of sunshine.

There was a breeze in Victoria but still lots of sunshine so we went directly to Buchart gardens in case we had rain the following days.

Butchart gardens were glorious with lots of bulbs in bloom--no roses, too early.

As it turned out, we only had rain one day so we took the boat cruise and saw all the charming house boats worth lots of money. 

 What a way to live.

 Then we caught the museum.
 While the girls took high tea one day

I caught the miniatures.  Inspired me to finish my Seven Dwarfs house--maybe this summer.

I love this picture of Maria and Linda showing their difference in straight and curly hair. My hair was never as straight as Linda's or as curly as Maria's...

The cherry blossom trees were magnificent in front of the hotel. 

And what a great hotel Maria arranged for us--it is wonderful traveling with Maria and Linda because I don't have to think at all, just enjoy. 

 Thanks, daughters, for another great trip.