Holding On By a String and a Puppet

 

Ever have a day where nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing is happening? Those rare days that create a feeling of boredom because you're so relaxed. I have washed a couple of things, walked my little guy, Jasper. Writing a blog post and taking on a file or two is what's left, I guess. Lucky you. 

Terry is watching a show called Thunderbirds, a cult classic from back in the day. I watched one episode with him and found it to be rather interesting. The show uses string puppets and it is done quite well considering the time frame of 1965 and 1966. Fun to watch. 

In between the lines I'm writing for this post, I enjoy peering over the laptop to see what's going on in the show as Terry watches. It does keep my attention. Who says we can't multitask? 

The plot is always fun in this show, keeping the viewer's focus. It's not a newer program, filled with explosions, relationship drama, blood and gore, murder, or any of the things in shows of today. The drama is there, in all of the episodes or else we wouldn't have a program to watch. 

It is a fun show to watch, without today's incredible animated features and CGI. When you look at shows back in the day, their development of good TV programming relies on the storyline and creation of the scenes without all of the fancy-schmancy magic illustrated through the latest technology. 

Terry and I spent some time together last night, as we typically do during our evenings when the day is coming to an end. We chose to listen to two CDs from back in the day. While some of our favorite songs wafted through the room, we were whisked away to our childhood love of music and the simpler lives we led back then.

 Each song has its place in time, reminding me of when I first listened to the piece, who I was with, and the feelings brought about from the lyrics. Today those emotions still reside in my heart. 

But listening tonight, sitting by my husband, brought about a new set of emotions. This time, each song, every word, every note was imprinted in our minds, creating a new sensation. Listening with someone else, in this instance my hubby of eight months, the memory intertwines into my mind and heart, giving me new memories relating to the notes being played, the words being sung. This memory is a good one, one of love, holding hands, and the calmness in our home. Good times.    

I am also a fan of Pogo, the game site. One of my favorite games is Canasta. Canasta and Boggle, the word game, are the two I typically play. Playing cards kills time while Terry is outside smoking a cigar or two. It's my way of relaxing and his way of doing what he likes to do. An important thing to do with your time off. Plus, when you're stuck in a situation where activity is pretty much impossible, the game slips in to help me have something to concentrate on, keeping the mind happy. 

Even Togo was super relaxed (or bored out of his mind) last night. He took up his position on the couch, snuggled his gorgeous face into his paws and curled up tail, and took his three hour "power nap," as one might call it. 

I have noticed our boy has gained some weight. His lard butt doesn't even fit in his harness any longer. I had to order him a new one. When we chose to get a husky, I was told that was not the breed we should have because of all the energy they expend. I think our husky is broken. 

He wants to go outside once in a while to use the bathroom, but other than that, he is content just lying on the couch. He sleeps, wakes and keeps an eye on us, then falls asleep again. I guess this can be a good thing. But his body is becoming a bit larger due to his lack of movement. Of course, whose body isn't growing into the size of Texas? While Hubby Mac is losing weight, eating healthier foods without sugar, and looking good I might add, I'm gaining a gut. I think he's pushing his weight onto me.  That is a line crossed when it comes to sharing. 

Since I'm wheelchair bound, I can't move as much, hence the weight gain. Yes, hence. I have to blame something. I can't blame it all on Cheetos or on sugar free candy, chips, popcorn, or whatever else is in the kitchen because I'm bored. I need to blame it on the fact that I cannot move out of the chair. My brain is like oatmeal. I have stared at every wall in the house. I can tell you the shape of textures used in the them. 

Speaking of being numb-butted and sitting in a chair or couch all day, Thursday (2 days from now) is my next orthopedic surgeon visit. Now, if all is well, this can mean another cast with a heel to be able to balance myself. The addition will hopefully add some extra stability. Right now, I am so afraid of falling again that I am more unbalanced while using a walker or transferring to other pieces of furniture. It's all so odd. 

Word from "home," is that my mom was just released from the rehab facility after she had a series of strokes and fell. My brother Mark took her in where they soon figured out she had the strokes and couldn't speak 100%. She was moved into the rehab facility shortly after the hospital visit, hoping for an early recovery and then placing her back home. 

The family out here, on the West Coast were all very concerned over her health. We began to plan a trip to Tennessee so we could visit her, cheer her up, and help out with whatever she may need. But alas, mom is a stubborn woman (now I know where I get it), and she wanted to get to the bathroom on her own. Without a call for help, she went into the restroom where she slipped and fell, smacking her face on the tub. 

Mom was rushed into the hospital again at that point, this time to receive stitches. Mark reported she was doing okay, but he was on the lookout for a better facility. He was upset with those in the last rehab place due to them not keeping an eye on her. Without her calling them for help to the toilet, I'm not sure what else they could have done to make her stay safer, however. I mean, we have to face it, it is just mom. She does things on her own and cannot stand asking anyone for help. She is 93 now and needs to understand she may have to ask for a little help at this stage in her life. 

The day I came home to Roseburg from my healing at my daughter's house in Lowell, we found out mom had gotten better and was also returning home. She was sent back to the house on the same day I returned, making us all feel better. Mom is still receiving home health care, including speech therapists and physical therapy. This is making her much better. 

We did cancel our trip to Tennessee as a family after my fall. The girls knew I couldn't go at that time, not with a cast and wheelchair and walker in tow. But mom is pulling through like the champ she is, so the trip can be postponed at this time at least. 

The friend I wrote about in another blog post who had lost her daughter out of the blue ... She apparently lost her son only six weeks after her daughter passed. It's inconceivable how much pain and suffering, mourning and loss that woman is going through, and has gone through in the past. It has been a few weeks now since her loss, but I still cannot imagine how she is surviving. 

A loss of one child is horrible enough, but to lose two children within six weeks is so out of my mind's understanding. Bless her heart. Years ago, she had lost the children's father from the horrible disease, born from the muscular dystrophy line of disease known as Lou Gehrig's. 

A few years later, she married a man who she loved very much. They were getting along great. One day her new husband chose to go fishing, but never returned. They had not found the body by the boat left floating on the lake surface. Now she has lost her two children on top of the first two deaths she dealt with. Unthinkable. I would love to be able to hug the pain out of her, helping her to feel normal again. She has been through way too much. More than should be given. 

So, that is our week. We have got to be one of the most, if not the most, boring couples you've ever read about. At this point, our lives depend on wheelchairs, our furry babies, our series Castle, and each other. I cannot wait to get back on my feet to get our outside adventure possibilities going again! While the designs in the textured walls are fun to see, it's been far too long since I have been out and about.  This adventure has really opened my heart to those who are disabled and in a chair permanently. Bless their hearts. 

Be kind to one another. Enjoy your week. Don't let life's little problems blind you to the good things in life. We are built to be happy, loving, and aware of our blessings. Hugs to all of you. Please take a moment out this week to share your light with others. Peace be with you.