I was awake before 6 to Missy crying to be let out. I spent the day binging the last of the Ted Lasso series and then Marvelous Mrs Maisel in between cuddles with her. She was pacing all day, barely resting and often just acting separate to get outside. Her wound looks good and I am giving her the meds. She has a good appetite but her peripheral vision with the cone is terrible. She runs into everything. It was a long day as any time I moved she would get up and follow me. I had to go outside and put a board to block her cat door so she would stop trying to get out. At 5 I headed to the Guedes house for a dinner with everyone for the last time before the two homestay students go home. Next weekend is Gene’s birthday, but this one was just family and the food was delicious. Ashlée leant me a child gate to separate my space so I don’t have to panic every time I need to open the door. She also leant me a harness and leash to try. I arrived home and Tracey came over to help me put it on her. We took her out for a bit but she was jerking agains the leash and I was afraid she was going to get hurt. We managed to wrap her in a towel and bring her in and now she is sleeping beside me on the couch. There is thunder going on outside now so I won’t have to water but I hope no fires are started. I am planning to go to bed early as it has been a long, emotional day.
It is amazing that given my life experience, today rates as one of my most traumatic… ever. I had to capture Missy to take her to the vet. She was weeping blood and ooze, crying at her own licking of her sore spot. I picked her up to put her in her carrier but she clawed me in terror and pain. It took over two hours of walking around behind her with a towel, trying to safely get her as she meowed her sorrow at me. I was literally shaking and afraid she would hate me going forward. I finally, out of exasperation threw a fitted sheet over her and swept her up like a fishing net, putting her in a cardboard box,, and off we went. It turned out that her wound was way worse than they thought and there was some pretty serious surgery done. I was to be at the tech/dress rehearsal for Barb so Ashlée kindly took my car and picked her up for me. I brought her home and situated her in the bathroom while I was at Barb’s show and the Drag Show after. It was hard when I let her out in the bathroom as she panicked in the carrier and managed to dislodge her cone. She was still pretty wonky coming out of the anesthesia so I was able to get it back on her. I went to the show, where I was the emcee and it moved me deeply. There was such an honour to introduce a woman who I met at least 30 years ago. We had a reunion here in Cranbrook and her experience with mental illness and society’s response to it really touches me. The show was very well received and it was a joy to have the audience show such love and sing happy birthday to her. After the show I was conflicted as I had been invited to the Drag Show at Shotties. I decided to go and hoped that when I got home I would find.. all well. The show was fun and I had such a good time with Monica and all the super conversations with others. I took my leave during the intermission and came home to find Missy had eaten all her food and drank the water I left for her. I decided to let her out of the bathroom to explore and it is like she is a bit drunk, running into the walls with her cone but she is eating and exploring, so that is good. She meows at me when I say Hi and seems a bit skittish but I am glad I am home tomorrow to be with her. All in all, I am glad this day is done, and although I swore i would never spend that much on an animal, I am glad I was able to throw down the $900 to make her better. I will just have to work more to get it paid off but she is my emotional support and there really was no option. I am happy that she doesn’t seem to hate me but it will be interesting in two weeks to see how I can get her to the vet to get the stitches out!
I was awake at 5:30 stewing about work. Today is the day they were switching over the internet and server at the co-working space from one major provider to another. I needed to get there and get some things done before noon when they would get at it. I went in and then headed to Red Cross to pick up a walker and commode for Mom’s apartment. I arrived to drop them off to find her door unlocked, the bathroom light on and the AC on. I shut it all down and reported it to downstairs. I also asked that housekeeping do a good clean before she comes home. From there I stopped at Arby’s for a chicken sandwich before heading to a clients for 1:30. It is a chill place to work and I love joking with them but I am frustrated that all the work I did only a FW days after Mom ended up in hospital in March was ignored by the accountants and they charged an exorbitant amount to do what I had already done… and better. I had to make my numbers match theirs and them undo anything erroneous. That frustrates me. I plan to have a meeting with them to discuss the situation as the client should not have to pay for both amounts of work done. On the way home after 6, I stopped to see Mom at the hospital. She seems to be doing so much better but is having trouble sleeping all night. She is walking better and dressing herself thought, so that is a major improvement. We had a nice visit and then I came home to make dinner. I found Missy licking at the sore on her back flank to such a degree that she has made two little bumps into an angry would and moans when she is licking at it. There is no doubt it was the big orange cat that hurt her a couple days ago and there are no vets open now. They open again in the morning and I will have to try to get her in her carrier and take her in. I feel so bad for her that she has gotten so bad in one day, even limping. I don’t know how to make her stop worrying at it.
Today was just full of lovely things. I did work, there was that. The joy came in going to The Studio/Stage Door to give director assistance to my friend Barb’s one woman show that goes up on Saturday night. It was a joy to help her find the flow and focus of her show and at the end she left me crying, so that is a good sign.
From there I went to the Pride Celebration at Key City Theatre. I met with a wonderful surprise immediately when I found my friend Gordon there. He is the one who is battling Pancreatic Cancer and it was such a wonderful surprise to see him out. We sat together and my joy was palpable.
The local band, Mile High Club played, people danced, including me and my friend Monica, good times were had.
My jeep is doing something weird with the brake pedal. I think I will need to take it to someone local to check as my mechanic just experienced the loss of his Dad. I will go to the funeral in Fernie on the 16th. I have been their bookkeeper for years and it will support Lance. Thankfully it is mid afternoon so I will make a plan to be there as it is only an hour or so away.
I had so many phone calls this morning, I couldn’t even jump in the shower until 10! Dr, client, Physio, etc. All the things which make me feel like I am falling behind but really take care of so much. It looks like Mom will be out soon with home support so that is a bonus. I worked until it was time to go to the Chamber of Commerce Patio Take-over at HotShots. I had a great time there chatting up lots of people from local businesses and even managed to hit up some for opportunities to support an event coming up in September and our Summer sounds program. It was the first time they introduced me as a new member and many were fascinated by my business name. Printed Matters Services… PMS since 1994, that’s me. there were many chuckles.
Next stop was Encore for rib night. Rae and Will came down to hang out and then Sean and Aiden showed up. It was so good to hang out with them and we made a pact to have a crib night soon. Jonas caught a ride back with me in the Willys and he was blown away by the experience. That is exactly how I hope everyone feels when they get a ride.
List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?
Interesting question. As it happens, I started my day by sitting down to read. Usually I have the TV or radio on but this morning I was eager to get back to the next section of A Widow For A Year by John Irving. It has been hard to get enrapt by but I can’t leave it go. A Prayer for Owen Meany was one of my favourite books ever by the same author. His ability to make a character jump off the page is incredible. I want to finish the book and yet, I don’t as it will be over.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is one of my favourites of all time. I read it walking back and forth to work and was lost in the story and the character that made me root for him and feel his pain. It also taught me the power of one, that I could make a difference, no matter what.
The Stand by Stephen King regularly runs through my brain as a complete explanation of society at its best and its worst. I need to reread it to be reminded of my gratitude for coming through the pandemic relatively unscathed.
Books are my jam, the problem is that I don’t always listen. I am distracted by work and family and volunteering. The ability to travel to different places and mindsets all begins in the printed word. I am a convert, I will follow.
I awoke to the sound of Mom’s ringtone this morning. She was on the hunt for her toothbrush. I promised I would bring it to her at day’s end. She sounds good and I had much to do. I actually had a lovely day of just taking one thing at a time and getting much done. Both payroll that I had to do involved, raises and bonuses and a great deal of concentration. I feel good about what I got done and even made time to do my volunteer work. I managed to stay relaxed and felt good when I left. It was a perfect evening and temperature to be driving the jeep. I stopped at Mom’s apartment to get her toiletry bag and then went and had a nice visit with her. Under my supervision but no actual aid, she got out of bed and using the walker, got herself to the washroom and back. It was such a relief to see her moving so well. The nurses on this evening were just lovely and caring as well. Her blood pressure is back up into normal range again and she said she feels so much better. I had to leave her to get home to make some dinner as it was nearly 8. I made a meal to split into two but will have it tomorrow as I had nummy chicken, fries, gravy and coleslaw to have tonight. I don’t want to waste anything. I was invited with friends to go to the Drag Show on Saturday night for Pride month. I am glad to be included and look forward to it. I started a puzzle last night and finished it tonight. It was tall and reminds me of Jackie as it is her favourite movie.
This morning I watered my garden and enjoyed the blooming of my favourite irises. They are so gorgeous and abundant this year
Today was mine to just chill. I had a plan to sleep, binge and chore as necessary. I accomplished all of the list. Slept too long as now I am having trouble getting to sleep. Binged all of Barry, which I highly recommend. Got my laundry done, cleaned out all of the VIMF binders and cleaned them and relabeled for July. I had thought to transplant my raspberries and mow the lawn but at 7 pm it was 31 degrees centigrade… not yard work temperature. I am so grateful I have to make payments as they are for my furnace and AC. I would not have survived in my place today without the AC. I finished a puzzle last night and started a new one this evening. It is a Christmas one but it was the only one I have that I hadn’t done so far. Within an hour of the birth, I received pictures from Danika of the baby. My 3rd granddaughter (2nd bonus one) was born this evening at nearly 10 pounds! Theodora, such joy to see she made it here so strong and ready to take on the world. I t was good to take a break today, and to hear from Mom, who is doing well. She is doing her physio and I hope she will be out soon.
I had a good long and necessary sleep before sitting and puzzling and giving Mom a call. She sounded a thousand percent better. What a relief. I told her that I didn’t like the puzzle of putting her back together again but was glad to hear her. Once I was ready to go, I stopped at her apartment and got mor of her necessities, gave Leslie a hug to let her know it would be ok and then headed to the hospital. Donna arrived as I did and we had a good visit with Mom. After that I went to my office and got a payroll and some payments done as well as took care of any email from yesterday. I then came home and made a delicious dinner before heading to my poker night. It was only 10 of us there so we played at one table and three of the top players were out before me at least. I enjoyed the evening and am sad there is only one more night and then the finals. It was a beautiful evening to be driving the jeep. All things that were good for my soul.
I was grateful that Rae picked me up and brought me to my car so that I was at Safeway by 8:30 to get Mom’s prescriptions in anticipation of taking her home to her apartment by 10. First negative was that the pharmacy didn’t open until 9 so I wandered and picked up some items for the day, salad, fruit etc. And a Gatorade as I was feeling the scotch effect of the night before. Second negative was that when the pharmacy opened at 9, her prescriptions weren’t ready yet so I went and bought a coffee and a scratch ticket and sat with the gambling guys in the corner They were pretty funny to hang with, a bunch of old men Keno players who were pleased that ‘the young lady’ had joined them. I finally got the drugs and headed to Green Home to pick up Mom. Her cousin Donna and Brother Lawrence were to meet us at Joseph Creek, her independent living home. As soon as I walked in the woman at the door asked me if Barb was still there as she hadn’t come down for breakfast. This worried me and then I went to her room and saw her. She was fragile, pale almost ashen, and had the lost look in her eyes back. I told the nurse that I wasn’t convinced she should be leaving but apparently she had to as she had been released. I also found out she had fallen last night bending to do up her shoe and hurt her elbow. I watched her struggle to stand and move forward with her walker. Everything in me was afraid. She could barely get herself in my car when she had practically hopped in when I took her to her appointment on May 18th. On the drive to her place I tried to find out what was going on but she just said she hadn’t been sleeping the last four nights and woke up at 4 this morning. I knew in my gut that wasn’t the whole story. Her cognitive skills were off and she lacked sparkle and wit. We got to Joseph Creek and I dropped her and all her stuff at the door and went to park the car while Donna and Lawrence escorted her in. When I entered the building she was laying on the tile floor and the admin lady had a horrified look on her face. It seems she had approached Mom and given her a hug but when she let go, didn’t ensure Mom as steady and she fell backwards. Donna tried to catch her but couldn’t. I nearly lost my shit but stayed calm, told them to call an ambulance and insisted she go to the hospital for X-Rays. I them walked out to the sidewalk and tried to call Greg and Rae-Anne. Neither of them answered and I just stood there and cried for a bit. Ultimately, the ambulance came and Donna and I met them at the hospital. The paramedics were so kind and calm and cheerful. I was very grateful to them. The entire day was spent testing and testing and testing. This time her crack is around the peg that goes into the femur. Still no surgery necessary but she is in some pain. The bigger worry was the cognitive disconnect and weakness that is causing her to fall twice in 12 hours. Turned out to be a stupid UTI again. I watched her blood pressure drop consistently all day and that is a sure indicator as well as the lack of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness and thought issues. When we finally got her up to a room just before 7 pm, she asked me where in Surrey she was, a place she moved away from last October. She is now staying in hospital again until this passes and she is safe to go home. Hopefully she will be safe to go home as she can’t even be in assisted living unless she can get herself out of her apartment quickly in the event of an emergency as they only have one staff member on at night, I was told. The option would be long term care, either in the building attached to hers or back at Green Home. My heart hurts at the thought of that for her but my heart and mind and soul feel a lot drained dealing with all of her things for the last 2.5 months. I did have a wee breakdown in the arms of her friend Morline at Joseph Creek. It was like the best Grandma hug ever. I stayed at the hospital until 8 when I was able to talk to her night nurse that had just come on shift and ensure that I am to be called if anything comes up or she is stressed. Once home I had the leftovers that I stopped at the office to pick up and just started watching Barry.. something mindless and distracting. I did have a lovely gift in my mail, those UK Besties really are so thoughtful. I am sure I am the only one around who has such a special souvenir.
When Greg was able to call me back he was at the airport making his way to Kodiak, Alaska as Weston Fields had died last week. He was a good friend to my Dad. I was blessed to have met him and enjoyed great conversations with him. He also was a person of great academic stature who got down on the carpet and gave horsey rides to my two young kids at the time. He has left a great mark and deep hole in the world. I wish I had found out other than by accident but I guess Greg may not have thought past his own sadness and was busy making plans to get there to be a pall bearer. He will be out of reach until he is back on Sunday.
Much happened today but the bottom line is that I took care of all the Mom things in anticipation of her returning home tomorrow except the toilet bars as I couldn’t for love or trying, get the seat nuts undone to install the bars so hope they have a handyman that can do it tomorrow.
I stopped at the liquor store and as soon as I walked in a label caught my eye and my micro-brew clients have their beer there! I love the Maple Porter,
I picked up a curious bottle of scotch to have drinks with Roger as it would have been his Dad, Ryon’s 71st today. We celebrate our Dad,s with a dram or three
It was a time of good conversation and memories. I was thrilled when Lukas came home looking sharp in his cadet uniform. He looks so much older than his 13 years
Rae kindly drove me home and promises to pick me up in the morning to recover my car. And now, I shall drink water, take a Tylenol and head to bed. Scotched out, it was a great evening. (Probably should have eaten sooner)
triumphgal 