Thursday, October 4, 2018

Bits and Pieces

Bits and pieces.  All that has been accomplished this week is packing and sitting.  I have gotten some knitting done, but my back has NOT been happy this week.  I don't know if it is because of the colder weather, but I have sat with ice on it quite a lot this week.  Which is making me dread the 24 hour drive this weekend.  The only thing that can get me to even contemplate this trip is that Piper, Mandy and family are waiting at the end of it.  I only hope I can move when I get there.  Seriously.  I don't want to be "Debbie Downer" about this, but my life of inactivity is getting very old.
Plus, I spent Sunday morning in the Emergency room with chest pain.  The only thing the doctor could figure out is that it could be related to my back spasms.  Apparently the muscles are all connected and they believe it was causing chest spasms, mimicing the symptoms of a heart attack.  They were sure it was a heart attack until the EKG and blood work showed differently.  As they always tell you, come back if it returns.  Well...I don't think so.  From now on out I'm taking my chances.  I had to give them $200.00 just to be seen for our co-pay, payable immediately.  Then will come the bills...deductibles, out-of-pocket, etc.  Something is seriously wrong with our medical system when you're afraid to go to the ER for a possible heart attack because of the cost.

Okay, I'm done whining.  Just frustrated and tired of being frustrated.  I have been knitting.  This is the Utilitarian Faroese Shawl which is on Ravelry as a paid for pattern.  It will be a Christmas gift for an unnamed recipient, just in case that person sees this, unlikely as it is, I want it to be a surprise.  As the pattern calls for, I'm using Homespun yarn.
 Next is the "Make a Long Story Short Blanket" and is also a Christmas gift.  I have used Caron "Big Cake" yarn.  It's been a super fun and easy knit, although the bigger needles have made my hands ache  a bit.  It is 40 x 68 inches and I am now closing up the end corner.  I'm very pleasde with how it turned out.
  
The leaves have turned and are almost gone from one of the trees in our front yard although the other one is still green.  Many trees in our neighborhood are already bare of leaves.  Very unusual to be gone so early.  I love the fall colors.  It's as though the trees put on a pretty show to encourage us all just before winter's icy blast.
 
These are the berries one one of our neighbors trees that is drooping over our fence.  There is a LOT of weight on this tree and it's hanging very low.  I think there will be plenty of food for the birds this winter.
This past weekend Mandy was wearing the "Wonderful Wallaby" sweater I made her a couple of years ago as it was chilly in Omaha.  Piper's eyes lit up and she ran into her bedroom and came out wearing the matching one that I had made for her at the same time.  Mandy sent me this picture of the two of them.  Dennis says it's one of his very favorite pictures of them.  However, Piper's sweater will NOT fit her very long.  Look how short those sleeves are.  I'm searching for more of this yarn and I'm taking the pattern and needles with me.  Hopefully I can find the yarn and get it done while there, if not I could make a good start anyway.
I hope all is well with all of you.  I met with our new house/pet sitter yesterday.  She's a sweetheart and we've known her for years and years, but none of the animals know her.  Ellen, our friend who normally stays here is having leg and hip issues and can't do our stairs.  We have a split level house with stairs everywhere. 

To top the week off, I had to take both Amelia and Frannie to the vet on Monday.  Mandy thought one of them might have a UTI but didn't know which one.  Since Amelia had one before, we thought it would be her.  Nope.  Back home I came and returned to the vet with Frannie.  So now she is on antibiotics twice a day for 10 days.  She already seems much better and no more accidents, but it's not easy getting her to take her medicine.  I'm hoping that goes well for Sheila.  She has a cat herself, so I think she may be experienced in giving them meds.

Wow!  This wasn't a very upbeat post.  Sorry about that.  It's life right now and I share that with all of you.  I hope I have lots more happy things to report next time I write after spending time with Miss Piper. :-)  That won't be until our return home, but I'll try to keep up with all of your posts while gone.  I hope your fall is a happy one and that your gardens are all harvested and you are enjoying the bounty and fruits of your hard work all summer.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

Blessings,
Betsy


21 comments:

  1. How scary for you! It is a shame that we always have to factor in money before our health here. When my son lived in Japan to teach English he was shocked to find out cheap doctors and dentist were over there and he wasn't even a citizen. I am always so surprised that more seniors don't vote for candidates that want universal care. It just makes sense.
    I had to take one of the cats to the vets to this week for an eye infection. $100. Pets need universal care too!

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  2. Sending you a hug Betsy and know that you are in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear about your health issues and how unsettling the payment issues are. Take care travelling and take plenty of breaks. The photo of Mandy and Piper is a delight.

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  3. I'm sorry you've had some rough times lately, Betsy. I hope you're feeling better today, at least in the chest pain situation. I also hope your back is giving you less trouble when you leave for your trip. Have a wonderful time with Mandy and Piper and safe travels!

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear of your back issues and how it made you worry about your heart. Are you taking pain medications? You should definitely use some on your trip so you'll be able to tolerate it and be okay when you get there. Have a wonderful time with your girls. I know you will. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  5. Well I bet that was a scary ER visit. I am so glad you are okay! You have lots of projects in the works. Your trip will be worth it for the hugs! Hope the drive goes well travel safely:)

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  6. Oh, I hope you’re back feels better! I know how you feel about going to the ER. I’ve gone because of weird symptoms that they think you must go for, and found it was other health issues. Big bite out of the budget.
    How sweet that Piper wanted to match with her mom!
    I love all of your projects!
    I’ll be praying for you!

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  7. I am hoping the drive will be gentle on you , Dear Betsy. I'll pray to the Blessed Mother for you. Seeing sweet Mandy and PIPER is so worth it!

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  8. I just finished the Utilitarian Faroese shawl for my sister. I knit three of them and love the pattern.

    May your heart and back relax and allow you to have a comfortable journey to and from Nebraska.

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  9. Hi There, Well---just think!!!! Soon you will be in the arms of Piper and her parents.... That will make you feel much better.

    I know how frustrating it can be having to change your lifestyle.... I try SO hard to do what I used to be able to do --but just can't! My A-Fib is 'controlled' --but to what cost???? i am TIRED most of the time and just don't have much energy. I did okay on our west trip ---but we certainly didn't do push it too often. We did take one longer hike --which was EXTREMELY hard for me. I guess you saw that on my FB post... It turned out to be almost scary... Anyhow --life goes on and I'll keep putting one foot in front of the other....

    Even with the medicare advantage plan ---I've had to pay A LOT this year for medical stuff... NOT FUN.....

    Well, my friend. Hang in there ---and have a safe trip to Omaha.....

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  10. I'm glad you are ok, Betsy. Scary when there's pain involved. I pray your road trip goes well with like pain. Essentials oils are there to help too. Enjoy your time with Mandy and Piper and love that photo of them. One of these years I'd like a wallaby too..I have the pattern, just not made it yet! Hugs and blessings my friend!

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  11. Hi dear sis, well I’m back from my bug trip overseas... RTW.. and quite weary deary too, praying fir journey mercies for you. A verse that kept me on some torturous and long legs was “the angel of the LORD encampeth about them that fear Him, AND delivereth them”... how precious is that. Read in Daily Light the day I left and it reverberated around in my head when struggling.
    Nothing like the anchor of the word to keep the soul.
    Like the Psalm passage you ended with.. our Fortress indeed!
    Pray all heart matters, all back and General health aspects are mightily blessed of God in all your goings.
    Lovely knitting and pickies.
    We have spring downdunder.
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

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  12. Sometimes our weeks are just challenging and isn't it nice that we have blogging friends that can empathize and tell us to hang in there. Hoping that your next week goes better .... with Piper in it, it's GOT to be a good week. Hugs and safe travels, my friend.

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  13. I am sorry for your pain, but isn't it amazing what we will do when our loved ones are at the goal line. I will continue to pray for you and hope your drive goes well.
    HUGS

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  14. Glad you're feeling better! Hope you have a wonderful (and comfortable) trip and enjoy your time with Piper. I'll be interested to see how your shawl turns out. I love Homespun yarn for shawls, too.

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  15. Hi Betsy, I am so sorry to hear of your back problems again and the trip to the ER. We spent two weeks ago this Sunday in the ER most of the day. My hubby's vertigo lasted so long and got so bad he couldn't walk. My chronic fatigue is my biggest problem. I wish our bodies would just cooperate! Just sent up a little prayer for your trip. Hoping it goes well. Nancy

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  16. So sorry to hear about your continued back problem and the scary chest pain. You should put heat on your back to relax those muscles. Ice would make anyone seize up. I hope you haven't had too much discomfort with your long road trip. I don't understand how it has been allowed for the US medical system to get so expensive. The cost of treatment and medicine is exorbitant when you can go to another country and get it for 1/10th the cost. The insurance schemes are also corrupt. It's no wonder so many people can't make ends meet. The government wants to pretend the economy is doing great and that unemployment is low but there are so many problems that no one is talking about. There's really got to be some major shifts in the near future. Enjoy your visit with Piper and family. The picture with her mom in those sweaters is really sweet. Take care!

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  17. Oh, dear friend, I am so sorry to know you have been suffering so much and had to go to the ER! Praise God, it wasn't a heart attack, and I do trust Jesus to help you make that long trip without pain. I hope you are able to enjoy your time there once we arrive. May every moment with your family be precious and blessed! Praying for you and hoping to hear you are much better and sending much love to you.

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  18. Betsy, I hope you have arrived safely and are finding great joy with your family. So sorry about your back/chest issues. You can talk to us about it all you want, it is good to vent with people who love you. I am wishing you a wonderful trip, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  19. I'm so sorry that you are in such pain and truly hope it doesn't put a damper on your trip. I'm putting you in my prayers. Have a sweet trip and enough your family. I know how much you have been looking so forward to it.
    About my Outhouse and the comment you left: Yes, we'll just see if the conversation is good or bad, LOL.
    I love it and it's going to be a great place to keep my garden tools :)
    Be safe and God bless you.
    Connie :)

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  20. Sorry to hear you've had so many challenges lately. It's easy to become discouraged, I know, during difficult times. I pray God will be especially close to you as you make your way to see Piper and family. LOVE the pic of Mandy and your dear granddaughter! Love the lovely yarn you used-sooo pretty!
    God bless,
    Aimee

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  21. Replying to the comment you left on my blog: Hi Betsy, oh we all like looking at beautifully decorated homes, but if they are without soul and memories they are just boxes holding beautiful furniture. The photos, the mementos, the artwork from our children and grandchildren, little signs that inspire us . . . these are all things that make that box a home. It can also be beautiful, but without these things, in my opinion they can not be a home. Just a place to live.
    Hope you are having a wonderful trip and that your health is better.
    Connie :)

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