Bookshelf+ Makes a Difference in My Life

 So since I have more time in Carlsbad I started a subscription to Bookshelf+ and have really been enjoying a lot of listening to good books.

1-Third book of Saints, which is church history and this one "Boldly, Nobly, and Independently" was my favorite of the 3

2-The Divine Center by Stephen Covey, read it before, love it

3-The Spirit of Revelation by David Bednar, excellent

4-Jesus of Nazareth by Truman Madsen, my college history teacher , so very good

5- His Mighty Miracles by Susan Easton Black, also has miracles mere mortals have had, so good

6-Faith is Not Blind by Bruce and Marie Hafen...learned so much.

7-The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil Anderson...excellentI!

I don't know when I have had such an outpouring of knowledge in such a brief period but I have thoroughly enjoyed and I also color on Happy Color at the same time, very relaxing.

I have am making some changes in my life also which is the best part of all!!!

For instance in this near to death time in my life with lots of time, get as much learning and understanding as you can!!!

From Neal Maxwell, don't waste this precious time on the macros in your life which you can do nothing about but worry such as government, politics, etc spend the time on the micros in your life, family, spirituality, peace, love, gospel truths, joy, light to the family, not a burden

Simplify, Appreciate, Forgive and have Gratitude and Recognition of and for blessings and miracles in my life, others needs I can help with, relationships I need to make better, taking care of myself physically and mentally and not being a problem or burden for others.  Follow well the health rules I know and need in my life...do not forget.  Take the needed time to follow well.

Think correctly, pray often, have peace and joy.  So much.....

 

Kelsi and I

Kelsi sent over this picture taken earlier this month.  Wow, do I look old or what--90 next month and it shows...need that lipstick!

 

Update on Health Care

I was having all these thigh muscle aches and so Dr. Pham suggested an x-ray of the lower back and then physical therapy.

So I went to the first appointment at Coastal Pain and he ordered an MRI.

However, in the meantime my prescription for rosuvastatin was refilled and Dr Pham said to take it at night.  So I started doing that and lo and behold I have not had the pain so on Dec 19 I called into my Doctor's office and told them to cancel it all!! 

I was talking to Jean from Clear Creek Ward and she said they have had her doing physical therapy for pains in her legs and it has not helped at all.  And Stephanie said she was thinking of giving up her physical therapy.

In February 2011 they did the lumbar laminectomy at Scripps because arthritic calcium was pressing on the nerves and causing the thigh aches.  It took a long recovery but really worked but I do not want anymore surgery.+

I think I will just keep walking and start using the jacuzzi and see if it continues not to hurt!!!

I need to up my Calcium, do some weight bearing exercises (have not started yet) and keep walking!  

At Home and at Park City this Week

Linda invited Kelsi and James to dinner the night before they went to Utah and thought it was cute that they were both doing the same thing.

A Few Days Later at Park City, Snowboarding

Sarah and Ethan are with the Pulsiphers at Sweetwater in Park City for the day.

Tanner snowboards and Marissa and Cohen enjoy the snow.

 

Lunch with Johnny and Maria, Christmas 2022

Linda and Gary are in Park City and Maria and Johnny will be at Johnny's work location near Walnut Creek, Ca.  Johnny added these poinsettias to the front porch and Maria put some presents under the tree.  They had invited James and I to lunch and we went to Miguel's by McDonalds and had excellent food and talk.  I had made her and Johnny some raisin bars and cookies.

Had not seen them since I went to Utah in 2021!!!!

  

On Christmas Day we opened the presents Maria had left and I received this lovely cup that Maria sells on a site.  She does the art, etc herself as therapy and is now making a business of her art.  Very nice!

Christmas is Near, 2022

I have been listening to a supposed Christmas station for several days.  There is not one Christmas Carol or any reference to Christ is the music.  Evidently Jesus has been cancelled in America by the media.  So Sad.  I am glad I still have my own Christmas records.

I have just realized something else that once you are a Great Grandma you are last on the list of most family members thoughts.  Easy to understand, everyone has children or grandchildren and that is who Christmas is centered around.

I am just happy to have wonderful memories, in my mind and in my blog and books. 

I have lost quite a few pounds this week while I have been sick, back to what I was when I moved into Treeo and then I gained about 20 or more pounds.  Ate too much there.  Still recuperating and do not have much of an appetite.

Janet, 90 in January, yikes!

Christmas is Coming! 2022

Poinsettias from Costco are the first sign of prep for Christmas.  So very beautiful and so many blooms!

James took the pictures of Kelsi and I at Church which is actually called Poinsettia Ward,  Kelsi had crimped her hair and was second guessing her choice but it looked lovely though she tells me that I am always telling her that her hair needs brushing...it does.  She is a surfer and out in the sun and surfs a lot.  Beautiful girl with strong legs and strong and beautiful body.

I think I look ok in my bathroom but in the light of day my wrinkles and eye bags and double chin are very obvious.  I have on the sterling earrings someone gave me at one time.  Love them.

89 this Christmas! And those eyes look tired.

Kelsi has 3 dimples!  She is a junior and is tired a lot from all her activities and probably not getting enough sleep and protein?

Hate to show this picture but Kelsi is soo cute!!!

 

Too Much Chocolate and Sugar

When watching TV or listening to a book I find I snack less if I chew gum and/or work of my Happy Coloring on my Samsung Tablet.

But I discovered the left over Halloween candy and begin eating the small bars that were old favorites.  One night I had waaaay too many and the next day I spent a lot of time in the bathroom and after I had ridded my body of all that bad stuff in my tummy I looked like this.  Very drained and tired.  I cannot eat much sugar or chocolate anymore!!!!!!

 

My Lovely Living Space in Carlsbad

I sent these pictures to Steve to show Marilyn and Jeanne where I was living now.  This is my daughter Linda and husband Gary's home in Carlsbad, CA.

My living quarters are the lower windows by the front door.

This is the street toward the direction of where the ocean and beach are.

This is looking in on my comfy bedroom den.

I have lots of drawers and shelves for all the clothes not in the large closet.  And my big TV!

Sadie has her own bed which she likes alot except at night she likes to sleep on the bed with me.  My protector.   Notice the curtain separating me from the passers in the hall.

Sidetables for all my 'stuff'' and nice light and heater in case of a cool night or day.

My chair that swivels to look out the window at the park or rocks me and my grandchildren or reclines to watch tv and rest.  And lots of rooms for all my techy stuff.

Lots of cupboard and drawer space for all my makeup and other needs!  And my own bathroom with great light and good water pressure, I love it.

There is a big fan if I ever get too hot.

My desk area is in the room next to my bedroom and bath and plenty of light and room for everything.  And as a bonus my grandson Jimmy and his friends found a wonderful desk chair that just fits me and has wonderful back support so it has replaced this chair.

I love it, very comfy, in a beautiful home with beautiful people.

 

Aortic Stenosis and Health Update

Jeanne and Marilyn are so weird when I try to explain about my health.  I will shut up about it.  Dementia is a very sad thing and you have to accept that they can never reciprocate in any way.  Their life is about themselves.  I just read that Happiness is Good Health and a Bad Memory.  That is them.  Marilyn thinks she is healthy because she golfed all her life.  It probably was more healthy than working 16 hours a day as I often had to do.  Jeanne thinks she is healthy because she did everything right and I suppose that might be true also.  She does eat more than she needs though but except for being chubbier than Marilyn it does not seem to bother her.  She wants to be totally independent and not have me wash and change her sheets or do any washing for her and I guess since I am leaving that is best.  Marilyn is not aware of Jeanne's needs at all.  I guess they will be fine unless they need more attention than they get here but they do have plenty of children to help them and that is really good.  Jeanne still has a sharp mind about some things.  If I cannot think of the word I want she usually comes up with it.  And she can carry on quite a good conversation about many things.  Marilyn has stock comments that she makes all the time to impress that she knows something.  I find my memory is getting worse.  That is a worry.

But I learned something interesting watching two documentaries on You Tube.  If you get aortic stenosis after age 70 it is because of the placque in your arteries.  You will go into about three stages.  In the angina stage you have about 5 years of life remaining.  In the dizziness stage your life is down to 3 yrs.  But the final state could be an heart attack anytime.  Can't remember what that stage is.

So since I was not really having symptoms in 2020 when they were trying to do a TAVR on me I really did not need one.  I am currently having angina from time to time so I guess I am still going to live a little while.  I need to keep my blood pressure down.  I do that with medicine but I also need to stay away from incidents that raise my blood pressure.

I am also not to exert myself too much so I need to monitor how much physical work I do and indeed take take those naps when I need to.  The walking with Sadie is excellent and three times a day would not be too much.

I am still not sure why I sometimes have leg aches and other times I don't but I keep trying to eat healthy and not eat too much sugar.

Lately I have been having too much caffeine.  Better just to rest and watch a slow tv show.  I am finding there are some good oldies on You Tube but the sound is not as good.  At any rate with my roku etc I have plenty of good tv to watch without being on the main channels with commercials.

I am having my smoothies most days for breakfast which really made me feel good.  I put in the protein powder, berry fruit, pineapple, banana, yeast, chia seeds, spinach and sometimes dates or prunes and always have cranberry juice (half water) with it.

The medications I take are a baby aspirin, oxybutynin 5 mg(2), escitalopram 10 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg,  lisinopril 20 mg.  But supplements I take are Biotin, 1200 Citracal, Citrucel tablets, Azo urinary tract health, Multivitamin, allergy pill in am, Benadryl at night.  Also Generic Flonase at night.  I also occasionally have to use nitro pill for angina.  All these medications are up to date and with these medications I can control my bladder, lowered cholesterol, kept aortic stenosis to moderate, lowered blood pressure and been allergy symptom free and do not have stuffed nose at night disrupting my sleep, thus avoiding costly sleep aid machines.  I have had occasional knotting in my legs again, very painful and only at night and the raising of my feet way high takes them away.  Not sure what would happen without my bed but I remember getting one on my way to Guam on the plane and had several people giving me advice on what to do.  I stood in the aisle and what one man told me actually worked. Now I cannot remember what it was.  Dr. Serry did check my legs and nothing too bad there.

 I also have a face wash and cream to keep rosacea and eczema under control.  I seldom eat potatoes or rice, occasional bread and waffle, tangerines, dates, salad, and the above smoothie besides veggies and protein chicken or beef at supper. along with occasional homemade soup.  I remain constipation and diarrhea free and have energy and can walk upright and without aid with Sadie.  I do not have aches and pains except for occasional wrist pain and neck pain from too long at the computer. and occasional leg pain.  I use hearing aids from Costco and love that for listening to books, etc.  I watch our ward sacrament meeting online and can hear everything much better than attending church.  And I have corrective glasses which should be checked this year.  They are special for keeping the double vision away. 

I feel the health care I have received this year has been exceptional as was the health care I received from Arch Health in Rancho Bernardo except I was not impressed with my cardiologist here,.  When I return to Carlsbad I have a Dr. Pham at Scripps Coastal who will be my internist and have not been assigned a cardiologist or dermatologist yet.  So new doctors again, I hope I like them.  I have not been to a neurologist since 2019.  Can't remember who switched me to an aspirin a day but doctors since have wanted to keep it that way.  I am considered to have heart failure as well as other problems which I feel are pretty much under control on the present medications.  Not too much, not too little.  The rest is up to me.  As Dr. Serry said, "Keep doing what you are doing and no TAVR needed yet."  Dr. Jones pretty much said the same thing and he wants to see me one more time before I leave so I leave with the prescriptions etc all filled and no 6 month echo till Nov or Dec needed.

The Leg Knots

Last night before midnight I was sleeping well when I awoke with a painful knot in first one leg and then the other.  I grabbed the bed operator and raised the bed as High as I could and rested my legs around Sadie until the pain subsided.  I don't know what would happen if I could not raise my legs like that.  I saw Miriam once do the same thing and it does work.  You should also eventually walk it off and just the same as I used to do for my back,  I also need to prevent clots by getting up and walking around about every half hour when sitting and doing computer work.

My life saver bed with Sadie sliding down from the back where she often sleeps

Love Notes from Our Children

A mother is always insecure as to whether she is doing all she can for her family.  These are notes I gathered once from cards, messages and letters from my children.  It is good to read them when you are feeling down about yourself.

😂😊

Never have made it through school without your support

Set a very good example for us

Always doing just the right things in life

You know so much about the Savior's Plan for us

You face life challenges with courage and grace and do it so well

Such an example of work ethic, spirituality, wisdom and beauty

Always been there for us 

I attribute all of the great qualities in Jimmy and your kids to the life you provided for them 

You were always there for me when I needed help

We hope we can be the support for you that you have been for us

Your love and friendship fulfills and enriches our lives

We grow and learn so much from you

Never too troubled with your own problems (no matter how great) always there for us with time, 

           money, or talk, or whatever we need

Patience and unconditional love and understanding that you had with us

Hope I can find a wife who will be as great a mother as you

Raised our family well

Thanks for allowing me the freedom to choose my own destiny

Learned a lot from you and Dad about honest hard work, I hope I'll be able to follow your example

            in omy own pursuits of excellence and success

Spiritual and emotional strength

Tackle life's challenges with finesse

Had and felt love in our home

Help and support--always being there for us

Go extra mile

Time, effort and thought in all you do

Good role model

Wisdom and strength

Faith and Humor

Wise and understanding

Unconditional love and non-judgmental

Loved your children so much

Taught them well

Love and attention

Thanks for always being there--soon it will be my time to be there for you

Always accepting and loving

Given me the confidence to succeed or at least try--I've never been afraid to fail because I know you would love me just the same--You try so hard to keep everyone happy

You raised me well--I won't fail you in the end

Supportive of us, emotionally, spiritually, monetarily--your support has been a blessing in our life

Respect and admiration for you 

You have wonderful children, they reflect your character and love

I notice there is nothing about a clean house, clothes, food, toys, nothing material at all!!!

Sadie, Sadie, Shady Lady

I finally had the mobile pet grooming come and do Sadie and I love the way she looks.  Someone recommended the schnauzer cut but I like the puppy cut.  Cameron took 2 1/2 hrs with her.  He said the older dogs he goes slower with and lets them rest.  She was very happy but tired.  He mentioned four different breeds he could see in her.  I think it took him longer because he was parked in front and others  asked him about his service and really liked what they saw with Sadie.  So, it was good for his business parking in front!!!  It is expensive though but a much better experience for her than sitting in a cage at the salons most of the day.  The Petco moved out of their Center St location which necessitated this.  And he said yes, she is getting grey!!!!  She is such a happy dog, she is a pleasure and she does not bark but knows how to let me know what she needs.  I think it is funny that people always call her puppy and want to pet her.

 

Updating My Dresser

The person who bought my dresser and bedside tables is a refinisher, restorer and sell for profit gal.  Lovely person and she loved my 60's pecan wood furniture but wanted to update it to light for these modern times.

This is what she did and she has the three pieces for sale at $1400.  I hope she gets it.  That is a lot of work!!!  I like the way the dresser looks a lot better than the original.  Very classy!

 

Bye, bye to All My Furniture, etc.

Niece Jenny's family has been helping with the selling, etc of my furniture.  I am only taking what can fit in my bedroom and a desk.  Hoping I can hang some coats and jackets in the front closet and can take my bed.  Norma and Brian may be driving me at the end of October and they have a truck and a trailer.

No home for table and six chairs yet.

The shelves are going to Norma and Brian.

Jenna took couch and mirror.

The bear lamps are went to the cabin.  The bedside tables went to a local refinisher and so did the dresser and mirror.  Headboard went to a lady in a senior home.

These 3 pictures went to the cabin and they were wrapped in two cuddle blankets.

These will probably go to Norma and Brians.

 The bear lamps went to the cabin.

Molly Thayne took the desk.

My three live plants went to Nalani, Jenny's daughter.

No home for my fake plants yet or end tables.

Clock will probably end up at Savers, it is broken so just a reminder of what time Richard died.

And a lot of things have already gone to Savers and a whole lot more will go.  I have separated all my clothes and bedroom things that are going and which are going to Savers, etc so boxes are full and it looks like I will have plenty of time to work on digitizing the rest of my life.

Jenny took my outdoor swing.

Most all the kitchen items will go except for my Gluten Free stuff.

It is actually kind of freeing to get rid of possessions!!!