Giving Thanks

It was a week ago today that Nathan came and took Miss Ava home.  Funny - we get so used to having her around, that we keep looking to see where she is, and then realize she's not here! Always thankful, that we get the chance to enjoy her company!

Over the last week or so, the doctor's visits have continued.  Finally was able to get the sonogram of my kidneys done........Continued with the digestive problems.  Gastroenterologist put me on 3 different medications..... which have given me a lot of relief, but still have not solved the problem totally.  Appointment with foot doctor Monday AM, and then with Gastroenterologist Monday PM.

Went with Rich to the Florida Joint and Spine Institute on Monday ( doctor told him he could not drive).  Dr. Sonni gave him steroid shot in his back for the pain.  He is feeling 100% better!  Lifting, cleaning the boat, walking -  not bothering him at all now.  So Thankful.😇





Thursday was Thanksgiving........but we would not having our Holiday Dinner until Friday.........so it was stuffed shells, salad and garlic bread for dinner.



And we did our baking for Friday.
Rich made his three pumpkin pies......(And finished one whole pie before bedtime!!!!  Krystal ( who would be coming for dinner is required to eat "gluten free" which meant no pie...........so I did up a batch of chocolate and peanut butter fudge.

Thanksgiving dinner was planned for 4:00pm on Friday, and Nathan and Krystal, and Buddy and Dianne arrived just after 2:00. ( And even Miss Ava came along)  They brought with them 3 bottles of wine, White Zin, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay...... and we pulled out the eggnog and Cinnamon Whiskey!

Sat, relaxed with a beverage, laughed and caught up on "what's new".  Even the guys were busy in the kitchen.  Rich found a "new" way to carve the Turkey..... while Buddy supervised,  Buddy was topping off the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows for the final bake,  and Nathan was making sure every one's beverages of choice were refilled!

And then we enjoyed a very delicious dinner!  Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sausage stuffing and regular stuffing ( Dianne can't eat pork), sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, carrots, cranberry sauce and warm biscuits. 

The pies and candy for dessert!  Buddy made a delicious Coconut Pie! 

It was after 6:00 when everyone said their goodbye's.  Feeling Blessed and Thankful.

MORE hospital and doctor visits........Ava comes to visit

The problems with my stomach continue, was scheduled for an ultrasound today, but with the current issues......I had to reschedule.  Today is day 15......that's how long ago the stomach thing started.  I finally called the nurses line where we have insurance and she thought I should go to the emergency room.  But - my appointment with the gastroenterologist is tomorrow afternoon......so I'm waiting.

Last Friday Rich went to the Joint and Spine Institute in Sebring about his back. They took x-rays and identified the compression fracture, and then set him up for an MRI in the afternoon, back here in Lake Placid.  He spent 30 minutes in the MRI machine..( and informed me immediately afterward, that I would not last 10 seconds in there!)  having to remain completely still.  Said his hands and arms were starting to get numb, being crunched so close to his chest.  Today he had his follow-up and they have identified problems with both the L-4 and L-5, as well as pinched nerves.  He goes back on Monday for a shot...........which they will not do unless he has someone to drive him home.  Everyone has pretty much warned him that the first shot can be painful.

 In the meantime...................




Remember the house number sign that was on our mailbox that was pretty
destroyed by the hurricane...Well, he did get it repaired, repainted, and new numbers put on.  And since we lost the speckled paint....he added his "fish" accents!  I love it!

On Saturday Nathan dropped off Miss Ava for the week.  He and Krystal will be in Lake Whales for the week doing some training with two of their horses.

We always enjoy having Ava stay with us........and this time is no different.  And it seems that every time she comes..... she brings some cooler weather with her.  These were all taken the first day she arrived.

Haven't had a lot going on.......so she's found all of her favorite places to relax.... including watching out the back sliders.........and keeping Rich company while he works.   Had a lot of rain the first couple of days, and she and I got soaked going for a short walk one night! But she was out looking for her buddies next door, checking out the water, and playing in the yard today. 

A very long week.......

I still am not feeling well.........and  just hope they find out what's going on.  My follow-up is Monday morning. It's been a rough week, the stomach pains have gotten much worse; it's the upper stomach area, just below the ribcage, and above the belly button.......well that's where it's the worst during the day... During the night it the lower abdomen.  The only thing I can drink is water.......not even coffee, although I try to sip about a half cup in the morning.  Same for eating... everything seems to upset my stomach.  The heel is still bothering me, despite the morning heat pad, and wearing the boot in the evening. 

Rich and I both went for an routine eye exam on Tuesday........and  my glaucoma is still in check, with the pressure maintaining.   Rich is good with 20/20 vision, but I am at 20/25 and they recommended glasses for distance..........and they said I could just continue using over the counter for up close. 

Monday we headed into Sebring to meet up with friends, Buddy and Dianne and Nathan and Krystal.........Unfortunately, Krystal was having a bad day......so it was only Nathan who joined the rest of us at the Hibachi Buffet ( I know - we always go here!)  But we sat for quite a while catching up, and made plans for Thanksgiving together at our place.  And Miss Ava should be here in about a week......sure looking forward to spending time with her!

This past week our son Dennis has been pretty busy.  He volunteers at the local Pet Shelter in Davenport, Iowa and now has one more canine buddy at home...... I'll let him tell the story.........It's a sad one. 

"The shortened version story behind Precious Venus (1 yr old Female Boxer Mix, 44 lbs): All should know by now that we volunteer at King's Harvest Pet Rescue, No-Kill Shelter (KHPR).  Over 6 weeks ago KHPR rescued many dogs from shelters in TX after Hurricane Harvey, and Venus was one of them.. A few weeks ago she was at the Vets office and they discovered a stage 5-6 out of 6 heart murmur.  Thru donations we raised enough money to get the best consultant at Iowa State University Vet medical clinic.  On Tuesday, 31, Oct, I took here there and we spent all day getting the best physical.  The results, are the saddest thing expected!  She has 2 heart birth defects.  One has a surgery and the other doesn't.  Bcuz of heart condition, surgery for the one is very high risk and not guaranteed.  That being said, we've been told she has less than a year (2-9 months) life expectancy before heart failure with meds.  I will continue to believe that miracles can happen!  I knda insisted, but KHPR agreed to let us be her hospice home.  I wasn't and couldn't take her back to the shelter.  She is the sweetest and loving little girl and deserves to be a puppy and family member!  We have been and will continue to provide her with Love, companionship, training, happiness, experiencing new things and freedom that she deserves!  Please continue to pray for her.......and you will be seeing her often  I feel blessed with her presence and the opportunity to do this for her and enjoying her her life."

 And of course this weekend was a trip to Iowa City for the Hawkeye's Football Game.  The whole family was there!

Well, tomorrow I'm getting creative and trying a new recipe.  Slow Cooker Jambalaya!  Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, Cajun seasoning, onions, peppers, garlic, fresh thyme,  chicken stock, diced tomatoes,chopped jalapeno and long grain rice!  Never tried making it from scratch before...........and sure hoping it tastes as good as it sounds!

Follow-up with Doctor on Monday..........