Today was my day to hide from the human world and embrace the plant world.
Once I was out of bed and moving I decided that this was the day I was going to get my yard in order. I’d let it fall behind last year and it was really looking unloved.
I ran down to our local garden center and picked out some flats of white and red impatiens, got a few bags of Miracle Gro dirt and purchased some beautiful hanging plants for the front porch.
Everything made the ride home in my pick-up truck without too much damage and I started right in.
First, I had to scrub down the outside walls of the house – they were so icky. What a treat that was! Soapy water running down my arms, underneath my shirt and settling around the waistband of my jeans. Brrrrrrr…the hose water was like ice! Finally finished with that and started cleaning off the front porch, walkway and driveway. Ah yes, another chance to become soaked to the bone. Sneakers squishing with every step and jeans bottoms that weigh a ton. Now I can get onto the good stuff…
All afternoon I planted impatiens, petunias, zinnias and geraniums. I made some beautiful planters with the zinnias and a gorgeous geranium basket. I arranged the impatiens all around my front bushes and the back garden. I even put some in the baskets that sit on the porch railings! Everything is going to be beautiful in a few weeks!
I got so carried away that before I knew it I was trimming the unruly hedges and pruning the crazy pine tree in the front yard. That lead me to the holly bushes –they really needed a haircut—and finally to the fir trees by the fence. Everything got a haircut or a trim. I even decided to mow down the tiger lilys that grow wild in the back yard. Usually I wait til they finish blooming but, not today!
Now I’m sitting here moaning that everything I own hurts. My wrists, knees, shoulders and ankles are telling me that I am not 20 anymore. Funny- but my brain told me all was well and the rest of my body said – “sure, go ahead no problem!”
I’m headed to the tub to attempt to get the dirt out from under my fingernails and the tree pieces out from my hair. Then – onto a good night’s sleep so I can once more go get more dirt and more flowers and have more fun tomorrow. That is...If my knees , ankles, hips and wrists will let me out of bed!!!!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
My friend, Laura, died Tuesday after a long, hard, courageous battle with kidney and pancreatic cancer.
Seven years ago the diagnosis was kidney cancer with metastasis to the breast.She bravely had the kidney and the breast removed and began the cancer recovery journey, rarely missing a day of work while she battled the side effects of the surgery, chemo and radiation. After five years we gleefully and thankfully celebrated passing the big 5 mark.
Two years ago she began having unusual pains in her side. With all test results coming back inconclusive the decision to do exploratory surgery was made. After surgery we were told that nothing could be done and she was told to prepare herself and her family. They expected her life to end in about six months.
She never gave up. Once a week her day was spent hooked to an IV filled with chemo drugs. Her outlook was that the rest of the world had a 7 day week, she had a 6 day week…the trade-off was worth it. By this time she was working two jobs so missing a day’s work was not an option. There were concerts to attend (A Dave Matthews Band concert was never to be missed), plays to see and family events to be a part of. Her days were always filled with life and our days were always filled with her love.
About 2 months ago she and I had a long conversation about just letting nature take its course. She was finally tired of the battle and wanted to lay down her burden. That conversation was one of the most painful and, yet, one of the most rewarding, conversations I’ve ever had with her.
Over the past few weeks her grace and dignity has done more to help us come to terms with her decision than I think we helped her. After a week or so of some very difficult days, God granted her wish to lay down her burden and early Tuesday morning He wrapped her in His arms and took her home. This special, special lady lived life to the fullest, loved and was loved, and touched us all with her warmth. I will miss her dearly.
Seven years ago the diagnosis was kidney cancer with metastasis to the breast.She bravely had the kidney and the breast removed and began the cancer recovery journey, rarely missing a day of work while she battled the side effects of the surgery, chemo and radiation. After five years we gleefully and thankfully celebrated passing the big 5 mark.
Two years ago she began having unusual pains in her side. With all test results coming back inconclusive the decision to do exploratory surgery was made. After surgery we were told that nothing could be done and she was told to prepare herself and her family. They expected her life to end in about six months.
She never gave up. Once a week her day was spent hooked to an IV filled with chemo drugs. Her outlook was that the rest of the world had a 7 day week, she had a 6 day week…the trade-off was worth it. By this time she was working two jobs so missing a day’s work was not an option. There were concerts to attend (A Dave Matthews Band concert was never to be missed), plays to see and family events to be a part of. Her days were always filled with life and our days were always filled with her love.
About 2 months ago she and I had a long conversation about just letting nature take its course. She was finally tired of the battle and wanted to lay down her burden. That conversation was one of the most painful and, yet, one of the most rewarding, conversations I’ve ever had with her.
Over the past few weeks her grace and dignity has done more to help us come to terms with her decision than I think we helped her. After a week or so of some very difficult days, God granted her wish to lay down her burden and early Tuesday morning He wrapped her in His arms and took her home. This special, special lady lived life to the fullest, loved and was loved, and touched us all with her warmth. I will miss her dearly.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I read somewhere that the average person spends five years of their life waiting.
Recently I’ve spent a lot of time learning the art of waiting, and in a country that loves numbers, flow charts and power point graphics I wonder if there is a statistic for the average time spent waiting for intangible things.
Oh, I’ve spent hours and hours waiting on the phone or in a line somewhere. And, like my other linemates, I’ve rolled my eyes and sighed, standing quietly, resigned to my fate as a “waiter.” Occasionally I’ve been guilty of exhaling thru puffed out cheeks and grumbling about the wasted time.
I’ve rushed through life -- in a hurry to grow up, to have a career, to accumulate possessions. I didn’t have time to wait. I had to be there now; had to have it now; had to discover it now. Waiting was for those who didn’t have anything better to do or the wherewithal to seemingly bend time to their will. I looked at anyone patiently waiting and somehow felt superior. I had appointments to keep! I had a career! I had a life! I was going places!
Ah, the folly of youth.
Yet, even in middle age I still felt the need to hurry – to not wait. I couldn’t wait for that next promotion, for the kids to get bigger, for parties, vacations, the next new thing to come along.
I am now aware there is a huge difference between waiting and WAITING….
I wait at the deli counter
I ‘WAIT’ for the Doctor to call
I wait in the line that snakes around the corner at DMV
I ‘WAIT’ for my child to come home from his first solo drive in the car
I wait while a disembodied voice tells me “Your call is important to us. Please stay on the line - your call will be answered by the next available representative.”
I ‘WAIT’ for the call that says I’m a grandmother
I wait for my lunch order to arrive
I ‘WAIT’ for test results that may change my life forever.
Wait time is now something I look forward to. Waiting gives me time to stop the world for a moment. It forces me to just breathe; to take a moment to think, to reflect.
I’ve made mental apologies to all of those I had brushed aside or looked down on. I am somewhat ashamed of the ignorance and arrogance of my thoughts and youth. I now know the difference between waiting and WAITING – and I’ve learned to appreciate the wait.
Recently I’ve spent a lot of time learning the art of waiting, and in a country that loves numbers, flow charts and power point graphics I wonder if there is a statistic for the average time spent waiting for intangible things.
Oh, I’ve spent hours and hours waiting on the phone or in a line somewhere. And, like my other linemates, I’ve rolled my eyes and sighed, standing quietly, resigned to my fate as a “waiter.” Occasionally I’ve been guilty of exhaling thru puffed out cheeks and grumbling about the wasted time.
I’ve rushed through life -- in a hurry to grow up, to have a career, to accumulate possessions. I didn’t have time to wait. I had to be there now; had to have it now; had to discover it now. Waiting was for those who didn’t have anything better to do or the wherewithal to seemingly bend time to their will. I looked at anyone patiently waiting and somehow felt superior. I had appointments to keep! I had a career! I had a life! I was going places!
Ah, the folly of youth.
Yet, even in middle age I still felt the need to hurry – to not wait. I couldn’t wait for that next promotion, for the kids to get bigger, for parties, vacations, the next new thing to come along.
I am now aware there is a huge difference between waiting and WAITING….
I wait at the deli counter
I ‘WAIT’ for the Doctor to call
I wait in the line that snakes around the corner at DMV
I ‘WAIT’ for my child to come home from his first solo drive in the car
I wait while a disembodied voice tells me “Your call is important to us. Please stay on the line - your call will be answered by the next available representative.”
I ‘WAIT’ for the call that says I’m a grandmother
I wait for my lunch order to arrive
I ‘WAIT’ for test results that may change my life forever.
Wait time is now something I look forward to. Waiting gives me time to stop the world for a moment. It forces me to just breathe; to take a moment to think, to reflect.
I’ve made mental apologies to all of those I had brushed aside or looked down on. I am somewhat ashamed of the ignorance and arrogance of my thoughts and youth. I now know the difference between waiting and WAITING – and I’ve learned to appreciate the wait.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Hallelujah
As I sat on my porch this Easter morning, wrapped in the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the day, I said a prayer of thanksgiving.
I thanked the Lord for the beauty that surrounds me, for the joyful sounds of the birds singing their melodious tribute to the day. I thanked Him for the wonderful flowers blooming, their resplendent array of color assuring the cycle of life and the resurgence of spring.
Most of my thankfulness was given to Him for the struggles that George and I have shared these long, hard months. Now, that may seem odd to be thankful for, but these times have brought about such an awakening in us. Something I am not sure we'd have ever been privileged to experience otherwise.
The days have been so very hard. At times the darkness seemed to encompass my soul. The fear, the pain, the unknown, all seemed to overwhelm me, wrap me in a dense fabric of despair from which I sometimes felt there was no escape.
But through it all I was learning. Humility, forgiveness, caring, strength, wisdom. All these things I thought I was already on board with took on new meaning.
I thought my heart was as open to my husband as it ever could be, but facing the fear of losing him and becoming his caregiver has expanded that love more than I could ever, ever have hoped for.
God - in His infinite wisdom - placed challenges in my path that allowed me to see George for the truly precious gift He gave me.
Oh, don't get me wrong - there were times when I could have willfully choked "The Commander" (as his friends and co-workers call him) for his actions and non-actions. There is nothing worse than trying to convince a hard-headed German male that something is good for him when he's already made up his mind against it.
We've faced so much together, entwining the fabric of our beings,strengthening the ties that have made us one and holding fast to the belief that we would get through this together. We are genuinely thankful for this special power we have been given.
It has allowed us both to overcome so much.
Yesterday, that special power, that faith, and that love was rewarded with the best of possible results. George's PET scan was clear - he is cancer free!
So, while the world - and I - celebrate the resurrection, the renewal and the hope, George and I are also celebrating Thanksgiving.
I think I'll have some Turkey with my Ham and green beans today :-)!
I thanked the Lord for the beauty that surrounds me, for the joyful sounds of the birds singing their melodious tribute to the day. I thanked Him for the wonderful flowers blooming, their resplendent array of color assuring the cycle of life and the resurgence of spring.
Most of my thankfulness was given to Him for the struggles that George and I have shared these long, hard months. Now, that may seem odd to be thankful for, but these times have brought about such an awakening in us. Something I am not sure we'd have ever been privileged to experience otherwise.
The days have been so very hard. At times the darkness seemed to encompass my soul. The fear, the pain, the unknown, all seemed to overwhelm me, wrap me in a dense fabric of despair from which I sometimes felt there was no escape.
But through it all I was learning. Humility, forgiveness, caring, strength, wisdom. All these things I thought I was already on board with took on new meaning.
I thought my heart was as open to my husband as it ever could be, but facing the fear of losing him and becoming his caregiver has expanded that love more than I could ever, ever have hoped for.
God - in His infinite wisdom - placed challenges in my path that allowed me to see George for the truly precious gift He gave me.
Oh, don't get me wrong - there were times when I could have willfully choked "The Commander" (as his friends and co-workers call him) for his actions and non-actions. There is nothing worse than trying to convince a hard-headed German male that something is good for him when he's already made up his mind against it.
We've faced so much together, entwining the fabric of our beings,strengthening the ties that have made us one and holding fast to the belief that we would get through this together. We are genuinely thankful for this special power we have been given.
It has allowed us both to overcome so much.
Yesterday, that special power, that faith, and that love was rewarded with the best of possible results. George's PET scan was clear - he is cancer free!
So, while the world - and I - celebrate the resurrection, the renewal and the hope, George and I are also celebrating Thanksgiving.
I think I'll have some Turkey with my Ham and green beans today :-)!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring has sprung in George's world!!!
After I don’t know how many months of driving him back and forth to hospitals, doctors offices and other appointments, he got up yesterday, got himself dressed, grabbed his car keys (gasp!!) and took himself to get his bloodwork done! Whoo Hoo – HooRay---Yippee!!!!!
Even better, after he left the lab he decided to go to the local auto parts store, the bank and then he went to his favorite grocery store!
He picked up some odds and ends we needed at the house and wandered up and down the aisles, making a point of going to the office to see the owners (he used to always see these folks before he got sick) and speak with them. This is the first time he has actively sought out people he knows and the first time he's tried speaking to anyone outside of family and the medical community. He’s always avoided going where people who knew him before the surgery would be. What a big step he has taken. I am soooo proud of him and so very, very happy for him.
After I don’t know how many months of driving him back and forth to hospitals, doctors offices and other appointments, he got up yesterday, got himself dressed, grabbed his car keys (gasp!!) and took himself to get his bloodwork done! Whoo Hoo – HooRay---Yippee!!!!!
Even better, after he left the lab he decided to go to the local auto parts store, the bank and then he went to his favorite grocery store!
He picked up some odds and ends we needed at the house and wandered up and down the aisles, making a point of going to the office to see the owners (he used to always see these folks before he got sick) and speak with them. This is the first time he has actively sought out people he knows and the first time he's tried speaking to anyone outside of family and the medical community. He’s always avoided going where people who knew him before the surgery would be. What a big step he has taken. I am soooo proud of him and so very, very happy for him.
Monday, March 15, 2010
I need to apologize to all of you who have stopped by to check on us. I didn’t realize that it had been so long since my last post. It seems such a short moment since radiation stopped and recovery truly began.
In that time span some of the following things have popped up:
I was rooting through the sample bag the speech therapist sent home with George. In there were round and oval stickeys with a hole in the center and little plastic and foam buttons that snap into them (now I know they are called baseplates!). Ah…this is what the speech therapist was explaining. She said they just peel and stick. Ok- I peeled the backing off, stuck it on his neck, put the little button in…and watched as he tried to talk and blew the whole contraption clear across the room! Seems there is a liquid adhesive that goes on first to help the stickey stuff stick!!! An ah-ha moment if ever I’ve had one.
Somewhere in the back of my brain I thought that once the radiation burns went away and the IV fluids stopped that all would be well. Ummm Hummmm……did I really believe THAT?!?!?!?!?!?
Fighting – and pleading, and begging, and crying – with the insurance company is becoming a way of life. If they aren’t denying a claim (it’s still a NO for the teeth replacements) they are only agreeing to cover partial payments on the medication. Their opinion was that George only needed to take a certain medication every other day. I won that argument – and boy, was I proud of myself. I did it all without one curse word … not a hell or a damn or anything else that was on the tip of my tongue!
Our 15 year-old grandson decided to try longboarding (a form of skateboard) down an ice-covered street, got caught up on a chunk of ice, fell, slid across about 30’ of roadway, ripped the skin off his arm and wrist and tore the ligaments in his knee. He and his friends were filming it … something only a bunch of 15 year-olds would do…and once he was released from the ER he had to email me the footage. I think I liked it more when I couldn’t see what they were doing!
My apologies to all that live in a cold climate but I have realized that I never, ever, want to live in Alaska, Maine or anywhere else that has true snowfall. Sitting around a warm, cozy fire while snow fell outside and blanketed the world in soft white down was always a fantasy of mine. Now that I have experienced 40+ inches of snow in less than 3 weeks I can honestly say the fantasy is over! I live near the ocean for pete’s sake – not North Dakota!!!! I’ve also noticed I am way toooo old to shovel snow!
Caregiving and snowstorms do not make for smooth sailing…unless, of course, one considers sliding across the bridge from one state to another to visit the surgeon sailing!
There we were, a man that can’t speak and sooo wants to, and a woman saying things that probably shouldn’t be said by anyone, sliding sideways over the bridge and through the snow; 4-wheel drive be damned, a death grip on the wheel, and a husband trying to mime how to handle the slide. Yep- I am not moving farther north…never……ever!!!!!
George is on the road to recovery. I think he is recovering faster physically than he is mentally. He is so very, very tired, still in a lot of pain and still learning how to adjust to all of this. Sometimes he wants to give up and then he has times where he can see better times ahead. The one-day-at-a-time approach is the only thing I know to help him through.
Thank you, all of my wonderful blog friends, for all your continued support for both of us. I have thought of all of you often and you are always in my prayers. I go about my day and think “Ah, I’ll have a chance to catch up tonight,” and then I get caught up in the minutiae of the day and before I know it days and days have flown by.
Now, I am going to post this and go visit your bloggie homes and say HI!
In that time span some of the following things have popped up:
I was rooting through the sample bag the speech therapist sent home with George. In there were round and oval stickeys with a hole in the center and little plastic and foam buttons that snap into them (now I know they are called baseplates!). Ah…this is what the speech therapist was explaining. She said they just peel and stick. Ok- I peeled the backing off, stuck it on his neck, put the little button in…and watched as he tried to talk and blew the whole contraption clear across the room! Seems there is a liquid adhesive that goes on first to help the stickey stuff stick!!! An ah-ha moment if ever I’ve had one.
Somewhere in the back of my brain I thought that once the radiation burns went away and the IV fluids stopped that all would be well. Ummm Hummmm……did I really believe THAT?!?!?!?!?!?
Fighting – and pleading, and begging, and crying – with the insurance company is becoming a way of life. If they aren’t denying a claim (it’s still a NO for the teeth replacements) they are only agreeing to cover partial payments on the medication. Their opinion was that George only needed to take a certain medication every other day. I won that argument – and boy, was I proud of myself. I did it all without one curse word … not a hell or a damn or anything else that was on the tip of my tongue!
Our 15 year-old grandson decided to try longboarding (a form of skateboard) down an ice-covered street, got caught up on a chunk of ice, fell, slid across about 30’ of roadway, ripped the skin off his arm and wrist and tore the ligaments in his knee. He and his friends were filming it … something only a bunch of 15 year-olds would do…and once he was released from the ER he had to email me the footage. I think I liked it more when I couldn’t see what they were doing!
My apologies to all that live in a cold climate but I have realized that I never, ever, want to live in Alaska, Maine or anywhere else that has true snowfall. Sitting around a warm, cozy fire while snow fell outside and blanketed the world in soft white down was always a fantasy of mine. Now that I have experienced 40+ inches of snow in less than 3 weeks I can honestly say the fantasy is over! I live near the ocean for pete’s sake – not North Dakota!!!! I’ve also noticed I am way toooo old to shovel snow!
Caregiving and snowstorms do not make for smooth sailing…unless, of course, one considers sliding across the bridge from one state to another to visit the surgeon sailing!
There we were, a man that can’t speak and sooo wants to, and a woman saying things that probably shouldn’t be said by anyone, sliding sideways over the bridge and through the snow; 4-wheel drive be damned, a death grip on the wheel, and a husband trying to mime how to handle the slide. Yep- I am not moving farther north…never……ever!!!!!
George is on the road to recovery. I think he is recovering faster physically than he is mentally. He is so very, very tired, still in a lot of pain and still learning how to adjust to all of this. Sometimes he wants to give up and then he has times where he can see better times ahead. The one-day-at-a-time approach is the only thing I know to help him through.
Thank you, all of my wonderful blog friends, for all your continued support for both of us. I have thought of all of you often and you are always in my prayers. I go about my day and think “Ah, I’ll have a chance to catch up tonight,” and then I get caught up in the minutiae of the day and before I know it days and days have flown by.
Now, I am going to post this and go visit your bloggie homes and say HI!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Wandering off the healthcare path...
Normally I write about my experiences with caring for my husband and the things I am learning as we journey through this disease. Today I am wandering from that path to share a slice of my day with you.
I was welcomed to my bathroom this morning by a very cold, very wet, very soggy, rug. One of the nuts holding the tank to the toilet bowl had broken off from the bolt and the water from the tank had drained onto the floor. Off went the water, the rug went into the tub and I cleaned up the flood. Ok- I’ll just throw on some clothes, pop into the local hardware store for parts, fix the darn thing and go about the rest of my day. Easy, right?
Well, after 3 trips to the store (how was I to know that toilet bolts aren’t one size fits all) I have the correct size and can replace both bolts. I go to my shed, get all the tools I need and I’m ready to go. But, first, I have to get hubby ready for the day and all settled in. And I have to get my morning coffee that I haven’t gotten to yet!!!
Coffee pot (single cup) is on and I’m helping hubby with his suction machine. Hmmmmm- it’s not suctioning right… hmph-let’s see what’s wrong… machine pressure is ok, tubes are clear, wand is clean…what the heck? Ahhhh- the canister has a hairline crack and there’s no vacuum. Off with the bad one, on with the new and all is well. Back for the coffee……yeck- it’s lukewarm….better start a new cup. In the meantime, back to the bathroom.
Agggh- got one bolt off but the other is being stubborn. There’s always one, isn’t there?
Got to get my coffee. I pull the cup out and instead of nice, fresh great looking coffee I see what looks like swamp water. Duh- I forgot to put in the coffee. OK- let’s do this one more time…..water..check, coffee…CHECK….cup…check. While I’m in the kitchen I make a quick lunch for hubby…..yes, it’s now lunch time. I’ve been to the store 3 times, gotten hubby dressed, fixed the suction machine, am working on the toilet and still have NOT had my coffee!!!!!!!!!
Back out to the shed for better pliers and back to the bathroom. I…cannot…get…this…thing…off!!! I’m now on my back, on the floor, under the toilet tank…ewww… I really need to clean back here a little better…and beginning to sound like a sailor. No luck. The darn thing is not budging. I WANT MY COFFEE!
Before I get to the kitchen hubby is asking for some help. No problem….I need a break anyway.
An hour later he’s all taken care of, settled back in his chair and I’m on my way back to the kitchen to make another attempt at some caffeine!!!! I dump the cold stuff into the sink and start ANOTHER cup.
Now armed with a can of WD-40 I enter the bathroom to continue the war with the toilet tank bolt. One spray onto the bolt and…damn, the phone is ringing. “Hello....no, honey, I’m not busy…of course I’ll pick you up from school. I’m on my way.” Time-out to rescue a grandson who has missed the last bus from school.
Ninety minutes later I’m on my way back to continue the war with the bolt. The WD-40 should have really soaked in by now. Ooops- forgot to give hubby the afternoon medications, now I have to make a special mixture to tube feed them into him. That WD-40 will really be soaked in!
Pliers, screwdriver, drill driver, wrenches,WD-40, bolts, nuts, washers, towels and a bucket all give my bathroom the appearance of a hardware store. And I still cannot loosen this bolt. One more time and then that’s it….I give up! Wait...Wait...can it be...is it really...yes, yes, it’s moving!!!! The nut is moving…..HOORAY- it’s OFF!!!!!!
Whew…
Fifteen minutes later both new bolts and all the washers and nuts are in, tightened down and the toilet tank is filled with water. The toilet works, there’s no flood on the floor and now it’s time for dinner. I’m going into the kitchen to prepare dinner and Get My Coffee!!!
The day probably would have gone so much easier if I had just gotten my coffee FIRST!!!!
I was welcomed to my bathroom this morning by a very cold, very wet, very soggy, rug. One of the nuts holding the tank to the toilet bowl had broken off from the bolt and the water from the tank had drained onto the floor. Off went the water, the rug went into the tub and I cleaned up the flood. Ok- I’ll just throw on some clothes, pop into the local hardware store for parts, fix the darn thing and go about the rest of my day. Easy, right?
Well, after 3 trips to the store (how was I to know that toilet bolts aren’t one size fits all) I have the correct size and can replace both bolts. I go to my shed, get all the tools I need and I’m ready to go. But, first, I have to get hubby ready for the day and all settled in. And I have to get my morning coffee that I haven’t gotten to yet!!!
Coffee pot (single cup) is on and I’m helping hubby with his suction machine. Hmmmmm- it’s not suctioning right… hmph-let’s see what’s wrong… machine pressure is ok, tubes are clear, wand is clean…what the heck? Ahhhh- the canister has a hairline crack and there’s no vacuum. Off with the bad one, on with the new and all is well. Back for the coffee……yeck- it’s lukewarm….better start a new cup. In the meantime, back to the bathroom.
Agggh- got one bolt off but the other is being stubborn. There’s always one, isn’t there?
Got to get my coffee. I pull the cup out and instead of nice, fresh great looking coffee I see what looks like swamp water. Duh- I forgot to put in the coffee. OK- let’s do this one more time…..water..check, coffee…CHECK….cup…check. While I’m in the kitchen I make a quick lunch for hubby…..yes, it’s now lunch time. I’ve been to the store 3 times, gotten hubby dressed, fixed the suction machine, am working on the toilet and still have NOT had my coffee!!!!!!!!!
Back out to the shed for better pliers and back to the bathroom. I…cannot…get…this…thing…off!!! I’m now on my back, on the floor, under the toilet tank…ewww… I really need to clean back here a little better…and beginning to sound like a sailor. No luck. The darn thing is not budging. I WANT MY COFFEE!
Before I get to the kitchen hubby is asking for some help. No problem….I need a break anyway.
An hour later he’s all taken care of, settled back in his chair and I’m on my way back to the kitchen to make another attempt at some caffeine!!!! I dump the cold stuff into the sink and start ANOTHER cup.
Now armed with a can of WD-40 I enter the bathroom to continue the war with the toilet tank bolt. One spray onto the bolt and…damn, the phone is ringing. “Hello....no, honey, I’m not busy…of course I’ll pick you up from school. I’m on my way.” Time-out to rescue a grandson who has missed the last bus from school.
Ninety minutes later I’m on my way back to continue the war with the bolt. The WD-40 should have really soaked in by now. Ooops- forgot to give hubby the afternoon medications, now I have to make a special mixture to tube feed them into him. That WD-40 will really be soaked in!
Pliers, screwdriver, drill driver, wrenches,WD-40, bolts, nuts, washers, towels and a bucket all give my bathroom the appearance of a hardware store. And I still cannot loosen this bolt. One more time and then that’s it….I give up! Wait...Wait...can it be...is it really...yes, yes, it’s moving!!!! The nut is moving…..HOORAY- it’s OFF!!!!!!
Whew…
Fifteen minutes later both new bolts and all the washers and nuts are in, tightened down and the toilet tank is filled with water. The toilet works, there’s no flood on the floor and now it’s time for dinner. I’m going into the kitchen to prepare dinner and Get My Coffee!!!
The day probably would have gone so much easier if I had just gotten my coffee FIRST!!!!
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