Turning a Virtual Corner – & – Virtually Coughing Up a Lung

I’ve learned over the years that even with the best health care available we must advocate for ourselves. Sometimes, though, we need the help of a bright physician who’s on his game. This has been one such occasion.

When the awesome Dr. T advised my husband to stop taking a multi-purpose medication his kidneys not only improved but his appetite returned and dizziness went away. He has also been taken off all blood pressure medication that was described decades ago. I thought once you got on meds for high blood pressure you never stopped.

As I type my husband is seeing the kidney doctor again. We agree the specialist will be happy with ongoing improvements. I’ve been driving my husband everywhere for months and his regained confidence behind the wheel is a blessing in more ways than one because I developed a nasty upper respiratory infection, no doubt due to stress.

I cannot recall the last time I fell ill, having learned a long time ago that I must wash my hands after traveling even a short distance and to never touch my face while out and about. It probably looks odd if other drivers notice me scratching the side of my nose through clothing. I don’t care.

Pasts illnesses have been much more painful; my throat isn’t aching and my headache mild. Last night, though, I couldn’t stop coughing up phlegm between around 2am and sunrise. It finally eased up and my man bought me some cough syrup. For a while there I feared coughing so hard that I ended up with a detached retina.

Can you believe my husband thought he was dying just a week ago? And how fortunate are we to have such a great medical team?

-

My Mundane Adventures

My husband spent three days hospitalized for kidney issues. His primary care doctor thought taking him off a certain medication would turn things around but the nephrologist disagreed.

Fortunately, Dr. T was correct while the kidney doctor’s hospitalization order gave me a tiny respite. I remained busy, such as taking one of our two cars in for repairs, yet otherwise enjoyed extra peace and quiet.

Now he is home sleeping as I type this Wednesday evening around 6pm. Fingers crossed, changes made to medications will improve our quality of life. He regained a reasonable appetite following weeks of forcing food down. And I hope his downbeat demeanor improves.

On a funny note, my adventures regarding the auto repair shop proved a bit crazy. We scheduled a tire rotation, oil change, and the impetus for the appointment was having a check engine light investigated. Knowing all this would take some time I asked for their free shuttle service and had the driver take me to a local gourmet market.

I’ve done this once before. The shop encourages folks to linger in two comfortable seating areas. I settled in with a bagel and interesting beverage. They offered a turmeric and ginger spiced chai latte. I enjoyed the interesting warm drink most and anticipated a tasty lunch of perhaps a lamb pie or fresh made sushi.

However, just before noon I received notice that the diesel fueled vehicle needed serious repairs to the tune of over $1000 (USD) and a necessary part wouldn’t arrive until the next day. We decided to make the investment.

All I needed to do now was get a ride home. Upon calling I was told that our home ranged well beyond their complimentary car service area but she’d check with the manager.

I’m happy to report he made the correct choice. After being customers who’ve spent thousands of dollars over the last two decades I planned to raise hell if refused transportation.

What looks like snow is residue from the
failed diesel exhaust residue tank...

When dropped off by the driver I went to dig out my house key. I’m sure you can guess that it was attached to the car key fob left behind.

We are blessed with kind neighbors, one of whom gave me a ride that took forty minutes total round trip plus the time it took recovering my house key. In gratitude, the least we can do is offer him and his wife fuel point savings from grocery shopping, most of which will expire before we can possibly use them all.

Are you a fan of any particular herbs and/or spices? Have you ever found yourself locked out of your home?

 
-

My very Biased Toktoberfest 2024 Family Winner

My husband accused me of faking this... Nope.
How can anyone fake silly Polly's pose?
All I can say to our silly girl is,
"Please don't ever change."

 

It's Tocktoberfest! And here's Terra...

She is Our Sleek Multi-toed Athlete...

It's Tocktoberfest! Dandelion offers our first entry...

Finally, a Fan of the Tunnel

A True Classic & Old Memories

In the eighties, my father purchased numerous decaying Chevrolet Corvettes. I remember returning from high school and getting to work sanding refurbished fiberglass chassis parts. We called one that he resold the “Roach Coach” because years in a farm field took their toll.

My parents joined a ‘Vette club that hosted car shows and other social events. And yes, I also helped detail cars for competitive events. Believe it or not, old toothbrushes proved great for polishing tiny crevices.

Mom drove a 1984 model (bought used yet pristine) while Dad’s lipstick red ’69 Stingray with shiny chrome accents was my favorite. We used to laugh about that car being my age. My folks even raced these vehicles a few times. Picturing my mother wearing a racecar helmet and ear to ear smile still brings me joy.

Those experiences stayed with me; I not only purchased bank checks featuring various models but can still give a rough estimate of when a certain body style came out. Stumbling across a mid 1950’s model this week, I had to take a photo.

What a beauty...

If the driver had been present you can bet a short conversation would have ensued. In fact, I will shout out to those driving any vintage automobile, exchanging pleasantries if parked or even stopped at a traffic signal. I don’t despair upon seeing cars in rough shape, either, quite certain they’ll get deserved renovations.

My husband and I prefer more practical rides. Yet I consider my appreciation akin to my married self ogling an attractive person, aside from polite discretion, of course.

Do you remember when merchants more readily accepted paper checks over credit cards? Is your community a car culture or more vested in public transport?

-

Old Timers Moving On – & – an Apology

First, I want to let our blogger friend Strayer know that her tireless work is much appreciated. I’m sorry that no web browser I’ve tried will let me comment today. ~rolls eyes~ Be that way, Google…

So, anyway, my husband and I moved into our home in 1994. We bought a flat screen television that year, an expensive investment. Years ago we planned on buying a high definition unit when the old Sony died. But it’s hung on all these decades (!) and weighs more than we can now lift together.

Together deciding we would finally replace it, my husband did excellent research. He discovered a unit that fit our living space and even the old stand (!), whose own heavy components I assembled.

Before this new Samsung arrived we needed to clear space and contacted 1-800-JUNK. These crews don’t just haul things to a garbage dump, they donate/recycle everything possible; I’ve seen their work on shows about hoarders.

This super kind and competent duo gave a fair estimate, we agreed, and they quickly loaded up a broken treadmill, miscellaneous outdated electronic devices, plus the dinosaur television. This all happened a day earlier than expected, mere hours after our new TV was delivered.

Impressed by their service, my husband added a tip to the reasonable fee. And I made sure to leave a good review. Even our cat Dandelion was happy because the guys doted on her while the twins hid.

The way things worked out is awesome,
and "Titan AE" looks amazing...

Can you believe our receiver has since died? How lucky are we that the television has decent sound?

-

Keeping Busy – & – Keeping it Local

I wish my husband wasn’t so adamant about following current events. He considers it his duty to track the status of human conflict. I have no idea why.

Sometimes I try blocking out whatever bad news he’s hearing by lying on the bed with my fan on high for white noise, often with a cat or two (or even all three). He doesn’t understand the level of my futile empathy, though, evidenced by later regurgitating stuff I didn’t need or want to know.

My defenses against pointless anxiety and depression are, as stated first, keeping busy. My summer gardening provided much relief, as do cooking and baking. To his credit, he praises all my efforts.

What he also misunderstands is how, an equal introvert by nature, I’ll speak to strangers hoping to spread a little joy. I’ll compliment a person’s appearance, comment on trivial matters, or simply smile at their children. My favorite tactic is spreading laughter.

Oftentimes I say, “Excuse me” after bumping into a person or obstructing his or her path.

The most common friendly response these days is, “You’re okay.”

To that I gravely reply, “No, I’m not.”

It never fails to elicit at least a small chuckle. And some amused folks agree with my comedic sentiment.

Are folks around you mostly polite or more on the rude side? When others apologize by saying, “I’m sorry,” should I look them from head to toe and reply, “Yes, you are.”

-