Freezer Buns

I save beef / chicken broth after I've roasted an animal, or part of an animal, for my carnivore husband.  Then I freeze the juice in a Ziplock baggie for future use.  

Recently, I made the mistake of tossing a broth bag in the freezer before it was cool. It wrapped itself around the grid shelf and froze in place.

I had to practically disassemble the freezer to get the thing loose.  

You don't see the problem here...

But, on the flip side...

Good grief.  

All I could think was - a broth bag wearing a thong. 

HA!

And I couldn't get it off.  It was frozen solid to the grid and to itself.  

So I laughed hysterically and took a picture.  It seemed like the thing to do. 

Then my husband suggested I run hot water over it to free it from its misery.

Which I did.  And dinner moved forward. 

But, oh my, what a sight.  :-) 

Just had to share...

(p.s.  I'm still chuckling.) 

Sweet Somethings

It's been just over a month since Mom fell.   

The unhumorous humerus, the anemia, and the bronchitis knocked her for a loop.

Some days, she looked tiny and frail.  Other days, if not for her sling, you wouldn't know she'd been hospitalized, and is now rehabbing.

Some days were filled with uncertainty; some were simply sad.  Such days are part of a fully-lived life. 

Just this past week, however, there were sweet nuggets nestled amidst the upheaval....

1.  A five-day visit from brother and former professional clown, Phil.  (Delightfully, many clown traits remain.)

2.  A salmon / pork roast dinner with family.

3.  A new cookie recipe from a sweetheart niece who lives on the other side of the planet, Washington state.
 

4.  A beautiful card from the former clown, which included a gift card to my favorite fish joint.

  

5.  A personal phone call from Dr. J., Mom's cardiologist.  I have never received a phone call from a physician in my entire life.  (It's always a nurse, a secretary, or a robot.)

6.  A couple facebook chats with our almost-nun daughter in NJ.  Always wonderful.

7.  A beautiful card from the clown's wife, my sweet sister-in-law, who is my soul-mate caretaker, as she is helping her folks the way I'm helping mine. 

8.  My hubby's new (to us) car that he purchased from a woman who lives in the ALF my folks are in.  He suggested I post a picture...

...and a few details: 2007, Buick Lacrosse with 19 thousand miles.  I have no idea what any of that means, other than it's 4 years old.  

9.  My hubby's old car sold on Craig's list in 24 hours.  For our asking price.  Unbelievable.  

10.  Two more mini roses appeared this week...

This rose bush amazes me.  We do nothing with it, walk on it half the time, and still...it blooms. 

11.  Dr. R. spending almost an hour with us on Friday, going over some of Mom's concerns.  God bless that man.  

12.  And - our younger son is driving in for a day visit this coming Wednesday.  Here he is in college, six years ago...

 

Oh, my.  A curly-cue, history major who could be Josh Groban's cousin.

I love old pictures.

Thank you so much, clown brother, nurse Mary, baker-niece, youngins, and doctors for all the kindnesses.  

And thanks be to God for the trouble-free car switcheroos (which never happens), and hearty pink roses that keep popping up.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above..."                                                               James 1:17

 

March Madness (Mom's rehab - part 5)

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...

I'm channeling Mister Rogers because it's gorgeous outside today.  Clear skies, mid-80's, very breezy.  (Enough to flip up your skirt, if you're not careful.) 

So lovely.  March is the best month to live in (or visit) Florida. 

While visiting Mom today (with her friend Patti), we sat outside on the patio to enjoy the March breeze.  

We didn't stay long because Mom was tired. 

We talked about my conversation with Mom's cardiologist this morning.    

He said although Mom doesn't have any major cardiac issues, there are secondary issues that make surgery moderate-high risk for her: the anemia, her weakened condition, and her age.   

He also stated that "quality of life" is the bottom line, and that can only be determined by the patient.  

Not repairing the injury will leave Mom with limited use of her arm, and probably increasing pain.  As I've stated before, the head of the humerus is slipping off its shaft - or as the surgeon described it, "the ice cream is off the cone." 

So, we talked a bit about the risks of doing nothing vs. the risks of surgery.
  
Mom wants the surgery.  So, we will support that. 

We all love her cardiologist, Dr. J., and her primary care physician, Dr. R.  The surgeon, Dr. B., seems equally knowledgeable and kind.  Appears we have a good team.  Once Mom has recovered from the bronchitis, we will schedule a surgery date.  

Whew.  There's been a lot of information to think about this week, this month.  More than once, we thought we were headed in one direction, and events took us in another.  And then another.  Or back again. 

It's times like these, I say to God:

1.  I'm so glad nothing surprises You (like it does us.)

2.  Thank You for knowledgeable and personable doctors.

3.  I'm so glad You're God, and I'm not.

Our daughter, who's in formation to become a Catholic, Salesian Sister, emailed me some stunning photos this week of recent weather in New Jersey.

The Salesian co-founder is St. John Bosco, and here is a picture of his statue sprinkled with fresh snow. 

So beautiful. 

I like to think he's praying for all of us...and especially, at this time, for Mom. 

It's a Bug (Mom's Rehab - part 4)

My, oh my, the surprises that greet us every day. 

Mom's hoarseness/cough/phlegm is bronchitis.  And conjunctivitis.  

Therefore, the wonderful Dr. R. said that humerus surgery will have to wait.  

Which is probably OK at this point, because Mom is pooped.  Another week or two to rest and rehab her legs should do her good.  

We still need cardio clearance as well, which will not happen for another week or two, as Mom's cardiologist is booked until then.  

So, we're on to Plan B.  Or maybe it's Plan C at this point.  Anyhoo...it's good to be flexible. 

Which is probably one of the best lessons I've learned from my parents.  We're so flexible now, we look like pretzels. 

              

I know these cookies aren't pretzels.  

In fact, they don't have anything to do with this post.  

I made them last week (new recipe from a niece), and I thought they turned out great.  I don't have any exciting pictures from the last two days because we've been falling asleep in doctor's offices.  

So, a plate of cookies works for me. 

Hopefully, Mom will have a few quiet days without any new rabbit trails.  

Keep the love and prayers coming...

Disappointing News (Mom's Rehab - part 3)

Another week of ups and downs.

Early in the week, the tulips in Mom's room opened beautifully...

Brother Phil brought some new enthusiasm into the ballpark and Mom's rehab facility.  

He and Dad completed several errands that had been postponed and attended some activities that Dad is committed to: the Lenten Fish Fry, and Bingo.  From the stories I've heard, fun was had by all.  

Mom's rehabilitation steadily progressed.  Her hemobligin Hgb is 10.5, a tad down from Friday, but not enough to concern anyone.  

She is now battling a hoarse voice, for some unclear reason.  Several theories abound: she's overdoing her throat exercises (for her swallowing issues), or she's developed an allergy, or there's a bug going around.  We pray it's not a bug.  

Today, we visited the orthopedist and got some disappointing news.  He told us (and showed us on the x-ray) that the head of the humerus is beginning to roll off its shaft.  The main break in the bone is just under the head, and without surgery, the shoulder will not heal correctly. 

I am talking to the wonderful Dr. R. tomorrow morning about this new development, as he and Mom's cardiologist must clear her for surgery, which might be as early as Friday.  

We are praying for wisdom and clarity about what is the best course for Mom.  She wants to proceed with surgery, as her arm will not be very functional without it, and will likely become more painful with time. 

We will know more tomorrow.

Until then, another snapshot of the tulips and their shadow in the sinking sunlight.

A gentle reminder that beauty is around us, even on difficult days.  

Mom's Rehab (part 2)

Exciting things are happening at Life Care Center rehab. 

Mom is up every morning, getting dressed and getting wheeled to breakfast.  

Then to the "gym" for PT and OT.  She's also learning to write with her left hand.

Yesterday, we experienced the "shampoo cap" for the first time. 

It's a quirky little hat filled with soapy lotion that you rub into your head.  When you pull the hat off, your hair is wet, but not soapy.  

You look like a wet rat, which Dad thought was a hoot, and worth recording.  

You towel your head dry, and there you go.  Clean, beautiful hair.

Mom said it felt wonderful.  Here's her finished "do."  

Oh well.  Maybe we'll get the hang of it. 

Mom's Hgb continues to hang in the high 9's, which is good, considering what she's been through.  

And brother Phil has arrived! 

He always adds new life to any situation/chaos/party, and we're all glad to see him.  I pray his sweet wife, who is tending to her ailing father, will have an uneventful week while Phil is gone.

The wonderful Dr. R. will be in to see Mom on Friday and I hope to get a detailed progress report then.  

Thanks to all who prayed and sent good wishes the past two weeks.  It was quite nutty/draining/worrisome there for a while.  

(Thank you, dear hubby, for your compassionate and generous heart.) 
 

Mom's Rehab (part 1)

Mom is now at Life Care Center rehabilitation facility.

Here she is arriving in her pumpkin coach with her prince waiting to greet her... 

Her gown is white cotton by Blanket de Hospital.

Here she is in gown #2 (same designer) in her new Life Care Center room...

Now the real work begins.

Mom will have PT and OT at least once a day, maybe twice, depending on her energy. 

We have a family meeting with her medical team tomorrow to learn more.

In the meantime, Mom has settled in.  

Fresh linen, snacks, and water are available in every hallway, so family can grab whatever their patient needs at any time.  

This is a great idea, as it limits our need to pester the nurses unless someone falls out of bed. 

Unfortunately, Mom can't hear any better on her Life Care phone than she could the hospital phone.  Cards and letters might still be the best way to send your love.

Off to the races rehab! 

FREE AT LAST!

Mom is moving to rehab today! 

We thought it would be yesterday, but in hospitals, things run slower than cold molasses, so it's today.  

Her legs are clot-free and her hemoglibin Hgb is steady.  (Thank you, dear nurse-sister-in-law, who informed me of the correct acronym.)

I'm hoping my next post will contain a few pictures of Mom in her new environment. 

Yesterday afternoon, the wonderful Dr. R. stopped in to sign Mom's release papers and bid her adieu.  He will see her once a week at Life Care Center.   

Here he is, hovering beside his grateful patient.

We can't say enough about this sweet, thorough doctor. 

He is the primary care physician for both Mom and Dad, but also makes time for me, when I have questions about their care.   

I'm going to bake him some cookies.  

Thank you to all who have prayed, sent cards, called, and sent love Mom's way.  

Hopefully, at the rehab center, there will be a better phone system, and Mom will be able to converse with loved ones by phone whenever she wants to. 

I'm so grateful we are moving to the next phase of Mom's recovery.  

Since Mom has been hospitalized, the brother of a friend, and a cousin's son have passed away.  My sister-in-law's father has been seriously ill.  Japan has suffered a devastating earthquake/tsunami.  

This life is but a brief snapshot of time.  I need to remember this, and give hugs and smooches to those I love every day.  

Consider yourself hugged and smooched. :-) 

FROM ASHES to REHAB (part 2)

Two weeks ago tomorrow, Mom fell and ended up in the ER.

The weekend before that, she was also in the ER, for an infected finger.   

We're getting to feel pretty much at home in the hospital.  

I finally know where all the vending machines and restrooms are.  

And, yesterday, a nurse let me take a picture of her face because she had a perfect ash cross (Lent) on her forehead.  I'd post it, but I can't get it out of my phone.  

Anyhoo...a good day for Mom.  Her hemogoblin HG is 9.9, which is the best it's been since she was admitted.  Good news, indeed.

The GI doc stopped in and told us he's not sure Mom is losing red blood cells, so much as not producing them.  A colonoscopy is still needed, but after Mom is better.  Rehab will facilitate healing, and the wonderful Dr. R. will probably determine when "better" is.  

One more test was to be done today -  an ultrasound on Mom's legs (which are a bit swollen) - to rule out blood clots.  If that is clear, and most people think it will be, Mom will get her marching orders to rehab. 

We'll probably celebrate with several Milky Way bars. 

Here's Mom getting pumped up for the work ahead...

Here she is with her favorite sidekick...

He brought her a piece of cake today, which she wasn't interested in.  

If it's still there tomorrow, Dad and I might have to scarf it up.  We wouldn't want to have to carry that to rehab.  

Love to all who are following Mom's adventure.

Toodeloo for now... 

FROM ASHES to REHAB

Today, in the Christian faith, Lent began. 

40 days of reflection and preparation for the risen Lord. 

Dad and I went to Mass today to reflect and acknowledge our flawed, human selves.  

We also prayed for Mom, for healing, for peace.  For a blessed, miraculous Lent. 

A beautiful, new banner was hanging in the church.  A woman in the parish made it.  It is vivid and stunning... 

With the ashes-on-the-head-thing, I am always reminded of how temporary we are.  How small, really. 

With mom's hospitalization, it is particularly close to our family how fragile we are. 

Then, I always move to how big God is.  Big enough to form humankind out of dirt.  Holy dirt, but still...dirt.  

No wonder we always need cleaning up.  Healing from the filth of life.   

I think that's what the water's for....

After Mass, Dad, Patti (a friend of Mom's) and I went to visit our favorite patient. 

She was sitting up in the big chair, having just completed PT.  Her eyes lit up to see her friend.  

I took a couple pictures on my phone (I'd left my camera at home), but can't figure out how to download them, so there's no visual of the girls chatting, or of the blob of ashes on Mom's head.  

Nothing new with Mom today.  We stayed for an hour and left.
 
Then...a little miracle.  

Just after 10 p.m., Mom called me, saying the wonderful Dr. R. had just paid her a visit with the news that her hemoblobin  HG was steady.  She has one final test tomorrow, and then he is releasing her to rehab! 

Mom told me to bring some clothes and her shoes.  Be sure to bring her shoes.  Maybe she's walking to rehab.  

How lovely that on the first day of Lent, there is a new vision for Mom.  A picture of rising again...from the bed, from the hospital, from the injuries, from weakness.  There is work to be done, but healing to be had in a new place. 

Lent is like that too.  If we embrace it, there is spiritual work to be done, but healing and wholeness to be realized by the time Easter arrives. 

Mom was certainly in some ashes the first week she fell.  And now, she's on her way to rehab.  

I guess for Lent, she's giving up that lovely hospital gown. 

THE Hemoglobin GOBLIN

Hemoblobin Hemoglobin is a word I've heard an awfully lot this week. 

Mom's hemoblogin hemoglobin has been up and down for ten days.  It's been as problematic as it is to type.  I'm dubbing it HG from here on.  

Mom's HG was down again over the weekend - 8.1.  After a transfusion yesterday, it was up to 9.6.  This is great, and we're hoping this number will hold.  If it does, Mom can move to rehab.  

The problem is...the effect of the transfusions, so far, has been temporary.  The initial effect is positive, but within a few days, the number drops again.

The wonderful Dr. R. explained to mom tonight that he suspects there is some bleeding in the colon.   A colonoscopy is not possible at this time, due to the fractures Mom has sustained, but as soon as she has healed enough, they will do one. 

Mom is being given iron (which will take a few months to build up) and Dr. R. is consulting with the hematologist to see what other options are available.  She may periodically need a transfusion.  We are hoping this will not keep her from moving to rehab.

We need to wait another day or two to see if the 9.6 holds (insert prayers here.)

In the meantime, Mom is getting PT in her room.  She's getting OT as well, with exercises and working the pink sponge...

Look at the determination on that face. 

Mom also got to talk to grandchild Sara today.  Which is kind of a miracle, because:

1. Normally the phone is out of Mom's reach, so she can't answer it; today, I was there when the call came in. 

2. While I was greeting Sara, Mom had time to take her hearing aid out.  "I have to take it out, so I can hear," she said.  Which I don't understand, but I don't ask.

3.  The connection was pretty good, which, in the hospital, is not always the case with long-distance.  

4.  I think Mom heard most of the conversation.  Sara reported to me later that she asked Mom if she had a transfusion today.  Mom replied, "Yes, they bring me communion every day."

                    

5.  Sara got to talk to Dad as well, who was munching a brownie.  

 
Some things never change.

Off to bed.

Love,

    


 

An Unhumorous Humerus (part 7)

Mom has been in the hospital for ten days.  

She has a broken humerus and a small crack in her pelvis.   She is also anemic, which has delayed her transfer to rehab, because her doc wants her hemoglibin hemoglobin higher before he releases her.

The humerus bone is stabilized and the pelvic crack won't keep her from walking (although it's painful); it's the hemaglobin (or hemo goblin, I call it, because it's giving us trouble) that is slowing her progress.  

Still, some positive steps today.  

PT Mike got Mom up today and "walked" her to the big chair to sit up for a while.  She took about six steps with a unique side-walker that will help her ambulate.  Here she is with her lunch.  

She's very excited about the food, as you can tell.  

She loved the fresh strawberries I brought her today from the county Strawberry Festival. 

The blood doctor stopped in to inform us that Mom would receive another transfusion today.  Mom felt much better after the first two, so she might feel like dancing tomorrow.   

Mom is going to have an ultrasound on her arm today, as there is a blood clot forming that they want to take a look at.  Seems not unusual with her type of injury; if deemed necessary, the doc will prescribe Cumadin to break it up.  Nobody seems worried about it.  

Mom has some simple exercises she's been instructed to do while in bed, so we circled our ankles together, and rotated our wrists.   

She has a pink, memory foam square to squeeze that's fun to play with.  I'll get a snapshot tomorrow, as I know you're eager to see it.  Taking pictures keeps us busy while we wait for doctors to show up.  

Today, I checked Mom's once infected finger that landed us in the ER two weeks ago.  We've practically forgotten about the poor thing.  

It's looking better, but puffy again due to the broken bones in the same arm.  Can you tell which finger it is?

Good job!

OK, more tomorrow.
   
We all continue to appreciate prayers and good wishes that are sent our way. 

Some days are better than others, but we try to laugh every day.   


Love, 

 

An Unhumorous Humerus (part 6)

Day 7...

Mom got a new room today.  She moved down the hall to the not-needing-so-much-attention section.  This is both good and bad.

The positive is that Mom has stabilized, meaning no new issues have been discovered in the past 48 hours.  

The negative is that she's really sliding sideways in the bed, or her saline drip is empty before a nurse pops in.  Nothing life-threatening, just patience-building.  

God bless nurses everywhere.  I don't know how they do it.

Dr. R. (Mom's wonderful primary care physician) told us today that her iron level has dropped a bit again.  It's back in the 8's, which is not what he wants to see.  It needs to register in the 9's before she can be released to rehab.  

Dr. R. said they would prefer to wait until her pelvis crack is healed before doing a colonoscopy, but if the iron number does not climb, they will have to do one anyway.  They need to determine the cause of the chronic anemia.  (A slow bleed in the colon is likely the cause.)

My husband said she needs a couple of bacon burgers every day.  With a side of spinach.  

The hospital prefers an iron capsule.  OK, but she won't get Popeye muscles that way.  

So...we wait another day.  Dr. R. will be back tomorrow.  God bless that man.  I wonder if he ever sees his children.  

Mom was still fairly cheery today.   She's had a couple roommates come and go, and always prefers her own injuries/issues over theirs.  

These earth suits we walk around in are so fragile. 

Mom had a visitor today that she made her day.

After 48 hours apart, they were tickled to see each other...

And that's just about as sweet as it gets. 

Until next time...

                                

An Unhumorous Humerus (part 5)

One week since Mom's fall, and we're finally getting a glimpse of what's to come.

First, some good news (and we're ready for some): the break in Mom's pelvis is a small one that will not need surgery, just gentle usage.  :-)  The physical therapists will know how to work with Mom to best facilitate healing. 

Secondly, Mom's blood count is coming up.  :-)

Third, the GI doc decided Mom could not endure a colonoscopy at this time, due to the pelvis break, but he did perform an upper GI endoscopy today, which was normal.  :-) 

Mom will stay in the hospital through the weekend, so they can keep an eye on her blood levels.  If they are still good on Monday, she will move to rehab.  

Here's the happy (but getting restless) patient after hearing the good reports.

Mom was up to sorting out some paperwork and rearranging her purse today.  I brought to her copies of recent emails with good wishes (thank you!)

She corrected two typos in my previous post (!), so I know the brain is humming along.  She seems 75 again.

We laughed a lot today.  

Mom dropped her toothpick in the sheets, and we chuckled about looking for a needle in a haystack, or a toothpick in the bed clothes.

We fiddled with the pillows, still trying to get Mom situated to where her neck is straight and her arm is bent, but she still ends up catawampus by the time I return from getting my M&Ms.  

I think the bed has a mind of its own. 

Across town, at hospital #2, Dad was released today.  He is now safely ensconced at Southland, snoozing away.  He's eager to visit his sweetheart tomorrow.  

It was a hectic, but very good day.  

There was one brief blip, when I went to the ground floor of hospital #2 to grab a snack.  I was stunned to find the cafe gone.   

After blinking a few times, I realized I was in hospital #1. 

Time for a nap.   

Lots of love,

 

An Unhumorous Humerus (part 4)

What I learned today...

1.  At 6 a.m. you can get a right-outside-the-door parking spot at the hospital.  

2. The hospital corridors are bright, but quiet.  

3.  The pre-op ward is where all the action is.  (Here's one of my favorite patients waiting for minor surgery.)

4.  Hospitals offer colors of footwear...

DAD's FEET

MOM's FEET

5.  Dad's procedure went well.  Barring any complications, he should be back at Southland tomorrow. 

6.  X-rays revealed that Mom has a break in her pelvis.  :-(    This explains why she has trouble walking.  (I won't have any more details about this - size or location of break - until I catch a doctor.  I'm on the look-out.) 

7.  Mom had OT for her arm this afternoon.  She did well, but was sore after just a few minutes.  The therapist was gentle and sweet.  This made both the patient and her daughter feel better.  

8.  Mom has chosen a rehab center called Life Care Centers.  I pray she can get there soon.  

9.  No news yet on the cause of the anemia.  I pray we make some progress on that tomorrow, before the weekend, when nothing much happens.  

10.  As a family, we're acquiring too many hospital mug shots.  And we're confused about which way they go, and who wears what. 

I had a new picture taken today, because the old one looked like a sonogram.

 

And besides, I want Mom to see two smiling faces when I enter her room. 

Love to all who are reading and praying.  Mom's spirits are still pretty good.  

On my next visit to see her, I'm taking some Puffs and her gum stimulator.  She's excited to get those.  :-)