Walking Funny and Ferris Wheels

 

Wow has this been a crazy weekend!

We started out by wanting to attend a barbecue at a local park to celebrate those volunteers at the Veteran's Administration. These sweet souls volunteer their time to do all sorts of tasks for veterans. Terry is in charge of arranging rides for vets to go to their appointments. All the drivers travel from Roseburg to surrounding areas, including the busy city of Portland to ensure the vets arrive safely at their destination. All the volunteers, not just drivers were meant to be celebrated at the barbecue. 

I had been feeling a bit "off" last week, a couple of days before the event. Wednesday, I went through a bout of dizziness, making it difficult to walk from one end of the house to the other. This was rather annoying, I must say. Having an appointment at the DMV to change my name on my license had to be cancelled. I literally had to pull over into a parking lot for about an hour to get control of my senses long enough to drive back home. Thursday was no exception. The world was spinning, and I wasn't quite sure how to stop the merry-go-round ride. 

My ears have been an issue for me most of my life. I tend to collect a good amount of ear wax, and this tends to throw off the equilibrium. I was assuming this was the problem. Terry drove us to the park where we saw the group we were supposed to meet. By the time we arrived at the park, not only was the green of the grass spinning, but I felt almost weak. Anxiety built up in my system and I knew there was no way I could safely walk to the tables under the pavilion. 

Unsure of the underlying cause of my anxiety and upside-down view of the world, I grew more frightened. Was I having something else besides wax in the ears? Terry said he was taking me in. This terrified me even more as I wasn't sure of the outcome of this health problem. The day was perfect for sitting at the park, eating barbecued food, and chatting, and we would miss it all. 

We arrived at the urgent care center within moments. I was getting worse, and this really topped off the "Oh, my God" scale for anxiety. Shaking followed the fear. Then the nausea hit. While checking in they gave me the "barf bag" that is passed along to those not feeling well. We were rushed back into a room where a group of young nurses, both male and female helped me on the bed and began the process of finding out the cause of the discomfort. Well, discomfort is putting it mildly. I was mentally and physically spinning out of control. It felt as though I was going to fall off the bed. Terry held onto me, assuring me that would not happen. He put the rails up after some of the nurses were called to other rooms. What would I do without this man? 

Terry continually talked to me while holding onto my hand and body. It made me feel more secure. Then in came the "vampire" and wiped out that thought. They wanted to put an IV into my arm in case I was having a stroke or heart attack or another serious malfunction. After the IV was put in, the staff calmed down a bit. I kept telling them I thought it was the ears, but who knows, really? Although it did win me a dose of Ativan to calm me. Ativan is my friend. I had a dose when I was going to go through an MRI, and it was so nice. Not a "high," but a calming, soothing medication. At least in my book. I am one who will not take Advil if I don't have to. I just wish the medication came in six packs. 

Another nurse came in, squirted my ears with Debrox (wax removal oil), and then we wait. My hubby and I were waiting for it to loosen the ear wax for a good irrigation procedure, when the Doctor came in and asked me some questions. Now to really look like a fool. 😒😁😛

The questions are simple. Ones that everyone should be able to give a correct reply to. But when you are lying on a bed, surrounded by nurses, IV in your arm, talk of what it could be, and a doctor in your face, it can be a bit uncomfortable. Uncomfortable enough to make you forget some of the answers. Such as, "Who is the president?" Lying there with an expression of a deer caught in headlights was not the way to be. I finally came to my senses and replied. But I had to giggle and tell him Bush was the first name that came to mind. Then the inconceivable happened. 

Before I continue, I need to let you all in on a little secret. Terry is always raising and lowering his eyebrows. I tried to reply with the same motions, but I was at a loss. For some reason I could not seem to get my eyebrows to lift and lower in a quick movement. We laugh about it all the time. I try time and time again. There is just no way I can do it on demand. It's like my brain freezes when he does it and I make an attempt to reciprocate. I can, however, respond properly when I'm not concentrating. I know, weird, but it's me. 

Now, with that being said, the doctor raised his eyebrows in quick motion. I stared at him and began to laugh. Turning my head toward Terry to share the laughter, he did giggle with me, but found a way to explain it to the doctor that it simply wasn't in my DNA. We all giggled and moved forward. He asked a couple more questions and we let it go. I was finally out of the hot seat. My fear was that I wouldn't be able to think clear enough to get through it and have them want to keep me overnight to observe me. I wasn't having that. 

Anyway, I had an ear irrigation done. One side cleaned out quickly and the other side was fairly clean but had to have a long set of tweezers inserted down to the ear drum to remove a gigantic piece of something that lay along the ear drum wall. No wonder I was off balance! All taken care of. They came in once again, removed the IV and we were headed home. But this time I could walk upright without heading south each time I took a step. Awful feeling! So, the entire issue was over plugged ears. It's amazing how the ears can cripple you for two days. I literally could not walk without bumping into walls. Terry supported me through it all. He is a champ, that's for sure. I love him more with each passing day, for varying reasons. 

For being such a "good patient," Terry took me to Jack-in-the-Box for lunch. We laughed over the recent experience and having to raise eyebrows. What a horrible task that is! We both consumed some breakfast sandwiches since we had not eaten, and it was 2:30 PM. It was nice though, as it meant they could get a fasting blood test done for me. I was scheduled to go in for my six-month blood work and it was done through the IV. Blood work? Check. 

Nothing better than cherry flavored vitamin water over ice! I was hungry and thirsty after the visit to urgent care. Terry even got a shake to go. Arriving home, we took care of the pet duties. Terry went out to smoke his cigar a while after we returned. We spent the rest of the evening watching a movie and chatting, laughing, and eating dinner. 

Friday, July 21, 2023

Friday rolled around and we really didn't do a whole lot. Spending a quiet day at home was pretty awesome. Terry and I did make it to the store and even that is fun when we are together. In terms of activities, not much happened. 

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Saturday is here and it's Lane County Fair time! We picked up Mallory and Hayden and headed toward Eugene. My granddaughter, Jess and her hubby, Brandon were supposed to meet us there too. But man, was it ever hot! 

We arrived and the "fun" began. Workers met us at the gate and checked our bags, purses, and all other enclosed carry-all items out. My backpack was a black Oregon Ducks pack, filled with my flip flops (you never know when you want to change shoes if the heat is unbearable), sunscreen, hairbrush, wallet, phone, eyeglasses, Advil, and various items you carry when you're going to be in the heat of the day, all day. They took my bag from me. 

There is an issue with carrying in bags that are not clear. Bags that may be able to carry guns or weapons of any type of eliminated. While I do understand why they have to inspect them, but Terry made a good point. If they do inspect them, removing all items and feeling the lining, then why do they not allow them? If the gun has been searched for and it is clear you are not carrying one, then why not let people keep their bags? Maybe I'm missing something. After removing my needed items, I handed them off to my granddaughter for safekeeping in her diaper bag, which is not see through. Not tattling, but just sayin'. 

Two years ago, there was a shooting at the fairgrounds. Friday night there was another shooting outside the fair, in the parking lot. I do completely understand checking bags to keep people safe. Terry walked the bag back out to the car which was quite a walk from where we were. 

Inside the gate, we met up with Jess, Brandon, and my great granddaughter, Zyrah. The hot 97-degree sun was already melting me. Ugh. This is one of the reasons why I don't attend the fairs or at least haven't for years. I love looking at the booths and searching for awesome items in the air-cooled buildings, but outside? Yuck. 

After a few photos were taken, we all headed into the game and ride area. The games and rides looked about the same to me as they usually do. Real fun gut wrenching, throw up good time is what those rides are. Yee haw! 

Jess and her husband Brandon, working on the wagon for Zyrah. 

Terry, Mallory, and Hayden finding cooler ground to stand in while we were all getting ready to bake in the afternoon sun. 

Great granddaughter, Zyrah saying "hello" to all of us. 

Zyrah is spacing out, but still saying hello to everyone. 

The fair looked fun! We were waiting for Mallory and Hayden to get their tickets for rides. 

Terry, Mallory, and Hayden pose for a picture. I am hanging family photos throughout the house. They are humoring me. Mom is relentless on the picture taking!

 Mallory and Hayden took off by themselves to use up their tickets. Mallory had purchased quite a few and we all knew it would take them a while to use them up. Terry and I hung out with Brandon and Jess. We decided to stop and let Zyrah ride on one of the few rides she could because of her height. 

Waiting on the ride. This is Zyrah's first fair ride. Of course, it means parents are anxious, cameras are snapping photos as quickly as they can, and waiting to see how Z will react to being on the ride by herself. 

She isn't really sure but is handling it like a boss. 

Keeping a close eye on mom and dad. 

As she is waiting for the ride to start, she begins to ask for mom and hold her hand out toward her mother. 

The ride begins. Z turns into a natural born race car driver!

After the ride, Jess, Brandon, Zyrah, Terry and I walked through the air-conditioned building with the booths. It felt so good inside! The problem was this was where everyone was heading to escape the scorching of skin in the summer heat. We were walking through the main entrance to the sections of booths when I heard, "Vicki!" I looked over and there was a woman I had not seen since high school. 

She had joined my live jewelry shows when I was doing those, but I had not physically seen her since high school. We hugged and giggled. I introduced Terry to her, and shortly after went our separate ways to catch up with people who were with us. I love seeing people after so many years. That was fun!

Terry and I spotted a shade tree with some picnic tables set up underneath the branches. Perfect place to get away from the scorching sun. We had already walked around quite a distance and were getting too hot and a bit tired of walking. Sitting here, I noticed the three Disney princesses entertaining children. 

Even though it was very hot, people seemed to be enjoying themselves. The fair was a hit. 

We sat for a while to cool down somewhat, although the wind was hot as well. It seemed there was nowhere to cool off completely. Maybe the animal barns? Off we went, but along the way, we noticed this nice car. 

Jessee joined us to go through the barns. Brandon had walked to the entrance to grab my other granddaughter, Kylee. Kylee is Jessee's younger sister, and she had been dropped off to hang out with all of us. So, until Ky got there, we walked toward the barns.

Inside the barn were a couple of Highland cows. Zyrah stretched out of her wagon to get a good look. 

Goat pens were up next. Cute yet obnoxious goats. I want one. Why? Just to complicate my life I guess. I have always loved goats. 

This guy wanted to take over his owner's seat. If the owner wasn't using it, why not? 

Can't help it. Goats are my thing. Maybe it's because I'm a triple Capricorn? So, goat by nature? ♑

Terry stopped to check out the sheep. 

Next up, pigs. This one must have been having some great dreams. He had a smile on his face the whole time I was standing there. 

I busted this cow trying to scratch an itch and she busted me trying to take a photo. 

And of course, who can have a county fair without rabbits? 

There were chickens and roosters galore. This one was strutting across his cage. 

This poor girl was panting it was so hot. 

But my favorite animal viewing of all are the horses. 

Some were begging for pats on the head or for someone to scratch that itch on the muzzle or between the ears. Others really wanted to be left alone due to the heat. 

This gorgeous baby is a Norwegian Fjord. They are in the smaller draft horse category but have some features of the larger draft horses. 

A couple of stalls down from the Norwegian Fjord, there was this guy. There was a sign on the stall, warning viewers to keep their distance as he likes to bite. But he sure tried hard to entice people to pet him. Terry took a couple of funny photos of this one!

By twisting and turning and making faces, this guy garnered a lot of laughs. 

Little filly named Bella. Beautiful, but ornery from what the owner told me. 

After running into my grandson's dad and saying hello, we walked out to a shady area again where we sat to eat a $12 paper thin pizza and drink to rehydrate. Shortly after, my granddaughters were leaving the pizza place and met up with us. Brandon joined us too, and then Mallory and Hayden arrived. We were not bored during the wait time though. Zyrah kept us entertained with her giggles. 

We all chatted for a bit and ate together. Terry and I announced we were going to go to Valley River Center, which is a large mall in Eugene. Mallory and Hayden were staying for a while longer to use up the rest of their tickets. Terry and I loaded up, walked to the air-conditioned car and drove to the mall. 

The air could not have felt better! My face was beet red, as were Mallory's shoulders and Jessee's arms. It was far too hot to stick around. I was happy we made the choice to leave for a while and come back to pick up Mallory and her son. 

My sweet man and I went into the food court at the mall to sit and relax. Panda Express was there, so that's where we chose to eat something. We each grabbed a bowl, a drink, and sat down. Our meal completed, we drank up our iced drinks and left. Terry wanted an ice cream cone. It sounded good so off we went to the ice cream stand next to Panda Express. Terry got a cookies and cream cone. I had a cherry cone. 

We sat for a bit and Mallory sent a text notifying us they were done. We drove back to the fair to pick them up. By the time we arrived home again, it was around 9:00 PM. We were all exhausted. The heat and the walking did us all in. Terry, Mallory, and I were sore that night and the following day. I still have soreness in my calves. Terry was sore yesterday as well. 

It was a fun time had by all. We were a bit burned and sore from the experience, but one more memory with family. It's all good. Tomorrow is Sunday and we have nothing planned. I am thankful for that. 

Next up? Next weekend Mr. "I can make it through adventures if you can" and I are heading to the beach with Mallory. Terry and I are looking forward to seeing the Old Town area and the beach for the first time since the honeymoon. All is good in the Macrae house. A little exhausted, but good. What is life without a little adventure, even if it means pain? Bring it on.