Forgive me.........I have forgotten my password so many times.

It is hard to blog..........these days. Bill's recovery is slow but sure.

The best news is still his mental attitude....from the beginning positive. He never complains. He is a excellent patient. His appetite is good. We are happy. We laugh every day. We are getting out more these days.

With the sitters help...we have been to the drivers license office. It is now official we are card caring Texans. The car is registered, inspected and License plates have been issued. We are waiting to get them on the car and we will be legally Texans.

Also, with Greg's help we went to his home for Halloween and to his home again in November for Macy's birthday party.

We enjoyed a very special Thanksgiving Dinner at our home. Best of all I didn't cook Lori prepared the entire dinner with all the trimmings and brought it in ready to eat. Eat we did and then we ate some more. I didn't know Lori was such a good cook she never talks about cooking but let me tell you she can cook...just like her MAMA. Greg & Tina also brought over some of the left overs from their dinner the day before and we ate some more.

Last week the week before Christmas....Bill seemed down and agitated...not himself. So I decided to let him pick where he would like to go out to eat. He picked Mel's Country Cafe in Tomball. I looked them up in the phone book, the sitter and I got Bill into the car and off we went with the help of our great GPS....her name is Honey Pie. I worked with a lady that said that all the time and it makes me giggle .....so since I don't have a pet....I adopted my GPS and named her Honey Pie...it works for me.

Anyway we get to Mel's....it's Friday at about 2:30PM. I thought that since it was not a meal time it would be fast. Well the parking lot was packed...so the handy cap spot was taken that left a shell parking lot. Long story short...I went in and ordered 3 catfish dinners to go and a order of Bill's favorite fried mushrooms. Oh my gosh I had forgotten how much food they give you....with sides, sauces and drinks. I had 3 huge grocery bags to carry so one of the guys helped me to the car. Then I drove around a few minutes while thinking all this will get cold by time I drive the hour home. I was trying to spot a little park. After a few minutes I spotted a policeman in Tomball....he was kind enough to direct us to the perfect small park in the woods. We had a feast in the park in the woods....those ants got lucky that day. We were quiet while we ate in the woods next to a pond with a fishing pier. Wesley the sitter said we should come back one day to fish....Bill said I'm not coming fishing with him...he never shuts up...Wesley drives me crazy and we wouldn't catch any fish because he never shuts up.

So the moral of this story is we enjoyed our meal from Mel's and Bill is back to his old self and giving the sitter a hard time !

Christmas.....we had a wonderful Christmas with our daughter and her family and our son with his family. I cooked a roast this year....it was a bit of a disappointment....too fatty. Greg brought over his new BBQ toy a special kind of convection smoker....he cooked 4 racks of ribs.
He loves to grill ...he cooks too but he is really a grill master. Tina...Greg's wife is getting into the baking...just as I gave it up. Hope I might remember enough to help. She made novelty cupcakes for dessert.

Kids are the magic of Christmas. Bill and I worked on a idea for a kids beauty shop in the niche in the garage for the younger granddaughters. Wesley, Maggie, Bill and I put it together the day before Christmas. I think it was a big hit....I know it was a big surprise !

You never saw so much PINK in your life. Its got a hair dryer chair...a beauty station with mirror and chair. Two black overstuffed arm chairs for the customers to wait their turn. Marley has already claimed one of those. She just curls up in the chair with her feet up and wants to watch Macy and Victoria to go work on each others hair. The whole thing is hot pink and black patent leather. It even has Barbie wallpaper....the name of the shop THE PINK DOLLS. It's really cute if I do say so myself. I hope they will enjoy many hours of make-overs.

We have all been sick except Bill....I think I started it before Libby's wedding. Just like a cold that hangs on forever with that annoying cough. Lori and Greg's families have now had it as well as the therapist. Luckily not Bill.

It was good to be here....but it was different especially for Bill ....it was our fourth Christmas here....since 2005....we have come here to visit every Christmas to be with our children. But this year since we now live here....Bill was home sick for his MOM and his family. There is no Christmas like a MURRAY Christmas....with so many people it is total CHAOS and a huge sprinkling of LOVE and LAUGHTER. That is hard to compete with that here in Texas. Maybe next year when Bill is stronger we will travel back to New Orleans and get some of that CHAOS we missed this year !!

Hope your Christmas was Very Merry....and your New Year will be Happy and Prosperous !
Much Love form Texas.......Ruby the far between blogger !!! Is anyone still reading !!

Well it has been awhile since I felt excitement in Bill's progress. He is getting stronger the last week or so. He's not talking as much....I find myself talking to myself. I told him if he would talk he could control the conversation....but if not he has to hear whatever I want to discuss with myself. So far he chooses to listen to me ramble on all day about nothing.

But that is not the good news...the good news is...starting on Monday the owner of the Rehab company. The head honcho will begin physical therapy with Bill three times a week. We got a real break because his regular lady is moving out of state. I am being told by the OT and the PT that is Bill will ever walk this is the guy to get him up and at it. So we are looking forward to Monday and the future with this guy.

We have had much trouble getting it going here with the insurance approving things that are needed. Well today we had a breakthrough with the same lady I have been having trouble with for 2 months. She made a conference call on our behalf to the state agency that aids seniors and people with disabilities. The state is sending a man out to do an evaluation on Bill's needs and let us know what help is available. The insurance lady is sending us two books with pages marked for agencies and companies that may be able to sell us items to help Bill be more comfortable at home with some home health aids. Since I don't really know what he needs she is now on our team. For now I am optimistic that she is going to help us.

Also, Bill's OT recommended a lady she knows that is a sitter. She came to the house to meet us....we talked for hours. Bill's OK with that I need to get some stuff done. The mesh in my right driver tire is showing so that will be first stop. She will come tomorrow for six hours. I will have my cell phone and Greg will be on standby he is only a half mile from our home.

I'm going to stick around for awhile to see how it goes making my list and getting addresses and phone number for where I need to go. Then after Bill gets comfortable I will hit the road. We made a deal on the days he stays home with the sitter and I go out I will bring home dinner. He is looking forward to that idea.

We shall see.......................

We are taking a new path in our life.



We are going to hire a sitter for 6 hours , two days a week to start. It goes against my original plan. I wanted to be 24/7 for Bill and be able to do it all without outside help. But my to do list is growing. I need a drivers license for Texas, inspection for the car, license plate, registration changed all things that have to be done during work hours for the kids. I don't need to be stopped by a policeman and spend a day in court. I need to go to the post office and mail a few things. I have RX to be picked up on a regular basis. Grocery............flu shots...........bla bla bla



Maybe even a hair cut for me.



I'm not happy nor is Bill about the idea of a complete stranger coming into our home. With him disabled and needing help and me out of the home feels vulnerable to us. But people do it every day and it is time for us to give it a try.

Bill is now getting therapy five times a week. Three times physical and twice occupational. I can see improvement in his legs. It took about six weeks to get the show on the road after we got here. During that time he lost strength in the legs. Now that he is getting professional help in that area it is showing.

He is still not back to walking on the walker with help. He is back to standing with the walker and help from the therapist.
He now has a exercise wheel chair pedal device that sits on the floor in front of the chair and he pedals with minimal help. The therapist said you use the same muscles to pedal as you do to walk.

So that is a huge step in the right direction. We are looking forward to attending one of our nieces wedding in December...I hope he can make up for lost time by then.

I fully expect to be dancing with Bill at that wedding.

Sorry I have not been motivated to blog....

Today I got an email asking for me to update and it motivated me. Thanks Tina for the little nudge...I guess I needed it.

So we are happy to be here. We are very happy to be together after a six month period of Bill living in a hospital environment and with little if any privacy. The house is coming along nicely and the unpacking is done except for Bill's stuff. Since he has so much I saved it for last. I'm not really in a hurry to get to it. I was hoping he would get better sooner and be able to help with the unpacking of his stuff.

The problem with blogging is I don't have much good news. The progress has slowed down a lot.
That is difficult for me to watch, I was hoping that when we got here he would get this sudden boost and be walking in no time. That did not happen. It is still very difficult to get Bill in the car, it is a two person job for sure. Sometimes we try and have to give up and go back in the house.

Bill is very sweet and happy. He dreams almost every night. I can't wait till morning to hear about his dreams. They are always happy dreams. Always have lots of people in them. Most are about crawfish boils in the future. He always has a crowd of people. His whole family and our children and grandchildren are all gathered here for a huge crawfish boil, of course he is the boil master and cook. The details of these dreams go on and on. Every ingredient of the boil is important, every guest at the table is happy, I cannot explain the joy that these dreams bring to Bill. Today he asked his PT if she will be working on Thanksgiving....I knew what was coming. He has invited every nurse, PT, DR, family member, friends when they call or came to the hospitals. This has been going on for months and Bill is just as excited now as the first time he talked about it.

One night he had a dream about going to lunch at Frostop on Nashville, we ate there every day when we went to Fortier High School. It was the same kind of dream very happy....very detailed a lot of our old friends from school.

It is frustrating also, when Bill gets confused. He still has some time when he does not know he cannot walk. He says things like....I feel like eating fried mushrooms form Mel's...you call the order in and I'll go get them. Tonight we went for a walk around the lake in Towne Lake. The breeze was blowing and the moon could not have been fuller. It was just delightful. We were just enjoying the moment when suddenly Bill opens his seat belt half way around the path. I stopped pushing the wheelchair and asked him what are you doing...you are not safe without the belt. His response was I want you to ride and I'll push you. I could have just cried.

He is so sweet and maybe it's better when he doesn't remember because he is so happy. I asked him one day what it feels like inside and he said he knows no aspect of his live will ever be the same. I hope he continues with his dreams and being happy. We need that to get through this rough time. Then we will have the biggest crawfish boil .......the special one from his dreams with everyone here laughing.

We got a huge stoke of LUCK. Ike was good to us...no damage ....electricity restored after only 10 hours of outage. There was a good breeze so we opened the front and back doors and windows and cooled off.

Lori and Greg were not as lucky. Lori has 6 pine trees down in her back yard and 3 down in the front yard. Her husband Vic did a great job of parking the 2 trucks, 1 car, 1 horse trailer and the tractor and they lost none of those. They are staying with us as they do not have power or water. Greg lives only 1/2 mile away and he has no power as of Monday. He and his family are staying with his wife's family but visit daily.

I guess we should have bought a bigger house. Who knew !

Today Bill has an appointment at 1:30 with his first therapist. It is occupational therapy. We are anxsiously awaiting the physical therapist phone call to get that started again. We have some ground to reclaim. The left leg and foot are getting weak.

He had a really good day yesterday. He was up in the wheelchair all day. He transferred three or four times. He sat in a chair in the den for about 2 hours which is a first. He stood by the kitchen sink a couple of times to bear weight on the legs.

One of the therapist from New Orleans had suggested that....I was afraid to try it alone. But it is fairly easy with two people. We roll the wheelchair up...lock it....Bill puts his hands on the sink and comes to standing with one of us on either side to help...it is moderate help at this point. When he is tired he just sits down to take a rest and we start over again.

But we are ready for some walking on the walker type stuff. I can't hold him up for that by myself and think we need the pros for that awhile longer.

I will keep you posted>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Holy Crap....................
Everybody is asleep in the house but the wind is really blowing hard. It is especially loud in our master bathroom due to the vent. I can't say that I have heard any damage. But the winds are now sustained pretty strong and gust are really hard.
So far no rain at all it's 11:30 PM on Friday. Ike is knocking at the door. We are not answering. We still have power at our house. The new reported 315,000 customers are without power as of 10:00PM.
Lori, Maggie, Vickie, Bill and I are riding it out in our new house in Cypress, Texas.
Vic Lori's husband, daughters Abby and Shelby are riding it out in Magnolia as Vic needed to be there for the horses. They live in Magnolia, Texas in a wooded area, they lost power about 9:00PM.
Greg lives in Houston but only 1/2 mile from our house. Greg, wife Tina, daughters Macy & Marley are riding it out at their house. But lost power around 10:30PM.

Bill's blood pressure has been up today. I think the storm coverage has him worried so we have not had it on today for him to watch at all.

Bye for now.....................your hunkered down, holting tight friends in Texas !

Damn I hate roller coasters !!

Well we are home. In our new house getting somewhat settled and mostly unpacked. Bill has a electric hospital bed. He has a new primary care doctor that we have already visited just to meet her. Dr. Amy Foster right here in Cypress about 15 minutes away. She was great and very through. She got him a chest -ray and blood work right in her office. All test are good except his coumadin level needed to be raised slightly.

Bill is feeling well and adjusting well to the change. He says the food here is much better. HaHa
Today he got the Shrimp Dianne he has been asking to have for months. He got it the hard way.........since Ike is probably going to knock out the power. I didn't want shrimp in the freezer. Luckily I have not even plugged the deep freeze in nor have I had time to grocery shop or cook.

I will say it is harder than I originally expected. Bill is max assist most days but we are working well together and I am able to get him out of the bed and into the wheel chair a few times a day. We started this week with a lady to come in to bathe him 3 times a week. But are still waiting to get the physical, occupational, & speech therapy started at home. I guess we are waiting for the new insurance to get up to speed on Bill's needs. They sent a nurse to our home to do an assessment of his medical history and abilities. She said it should not be a problem and he should qualify. We just waiting and all the while Bill's legs are getting weaker. It is hard for me to do weight bearing with him by myself. I also think I am afraid we could get into a dangerous situation without help. So I have elected to wait.....

We are staying home for Ike. Several people have told me that we are in a no flood area. So it is just the wind and tornado we need to fear. Last night Greg came over to help me move boxes to one side of the garage so he put our car inside of the garage. This is the first time in our lives we have ever had a garage we could park a car inside. Tonight Greg is coming back to help me pick up patio and porch furniture and bring those things inside. Tomorrow Lori and her girls are coming over to stay with us until the storm danger has passed just in case we have any problems we won't be here alone. Also, I had not met any of our neighbors but today two couples came over to give us their phone numbers and tell us we will not be here alone as they are staying also. That was very nice and made be feel more at ease with the decision to stay.

Now that we have our Internet hooked up at home I will get the updates more frequent if we don't loose power. Till then ................your friends on the roller coaster continue the ride.

Love Ya Ruby

VERY BIG NEWS TODAY.................

DUE TO THE NEW HURRICANE WARNING......WE ARE LEAVING THURSDAY AM AND BILL WILL BE AT HOME IN CYPRESS, TEXAS TOMORROW NIGHT.

IT HAS BEEN A HURRICANE GETTING IT ALL TOGETHER TO GO...BUT WE ARE REALLY READY TO BE ON WITH OUR JOURNEY. IT WILL BE INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING BUT WE ARE BOTH LOOKING FORWARD TO BILL BEING BACK IN A HOME ENVOIRNMENT.

Good luck to all with the storm more updates from you Texas yat friends as soon as possible.

Bill is doing fine....we are both so......ready to go home.

I am to the point that everything is irritating me at Chateau de Notre Dame. Things that I once found to be fine are now not fine at all and I find myself complaining to anyone who will listen.

Bill on the other hand never complains. He just complains that he is really ready to get out of there.

His walker and bedside commode are ordered and we will be driving them to Texas in his red pick up truck.. We have decided to hold off on bathroom renovations until we get Bill moved into the house and the home health people can assess his needs for themselves.

So we are impatiently waiting !! No real news....these days it's just slow progress.

So sorry for the long delay in updates !1!

I was having several senior moments.....I went to the library several times and to relatives homes to use their computers but could not remember my login password......so sorry.

Bill is doing very well the pace is slower than we would like it to be. Progress is non the less being made. Sunday of this week the left arm kicked in....stronger and in the elbow area ....the link in the arm we were not getting response from....now Bill is able to use the whole left arm and hand to a greater degree now than throughout his therapy. Also, his left hand grip is improving and we need that to help with the walker and wheel chair among other things. Drum Sticks !!

Hey, never say never !!!!!!!!!!

Well we are now on about plan #47 for when and how we are going to Texas !

It looks like Labor Day...Monday September 1...................

Good news Bill will not be going to another facility....he will be going home. Home will be Cypress Texas. He will have used his 100 days of skilled nursing up by Labor Day.

Our new home is in a senior citizens development so it already has 36" door ways and lower lights switches, wheelchair accessibility to all rooms and very spacious for wheelchair or walker. All we need is to have the bathrooms worked out....showers and toilets.

Medicare will send home health and therapist to the house to help us. Bill is very excited to be going home to his new house in Texas by the Krewe......... He even had a dream that the 6 granddaughters were chasing him, while laughing and he was running from them. Sounds like a good plan Paw Paw !

Bill's appetite is good and his strength is improving. He is very much looking forward to getting home and with his family on a regular basis. I think it will give him an even greater incentive to work hard as always.

Thanks to all for your faithful visits to cheer his spirits......much appreciation to friends, neighbors and family.

Dean made Bill a really cool model car to take to Texas !

Maurice Trosclair and Danny Sensebe both made Bill a collage of old band pictures. They are both framed in a black frame.

These three items will make a nice addition to Bill's new office......or man cave !!!

I promise to update more frequently ....if I can remember my new password ??????????????

Hi from the West Napoleon Library.....once again sorry for the lack of updates.

Bill is still making daily progress. Especially since going back to Chateau de Notre Dame. His appetite is very good and he is much stronger now for the first time since the stroke. I think those two factors are contributing greatly to the success he is having in physical therapy.

His walking with assistance on the walker is much improved. He is kicking the left leg on his own now.....it is still weak...but he is also shifting his weight from the left to the right leg to make forward progress. The arm is still weak so he cannot support his weight on his own with the walker so he does require assistance. But it is coming along surprisingly well.

His spirits are back to being Bill...except for the urgency that he wants to get to the Krewe in Texas.

We did find a facility in Tomball Texas and are impatiently awaiting Bill acceptance the facility here has to get the facility there all of Bill's records and then they decide if it is the best choice for his needs.

Then I'm not sure how, yet. ....but then we will be on our way. I find it a little scary which is weird because I've been wanting to go since Katrina and Bill wasn't ready.....Now he is ready and I find it scary.....HUM no explanation for that !

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank all of our children, family members, neighbors and friends who have made this move possible....without you we could not have done it ! Thanks again for being there for us.

Note: to our musician friends.........

Harry Ravain is very sick....he has lung Cancer....please offer your support for he & his wife Mona at this difficult time. Harry will begin Kimotheapy and radiation next week.

Don Sixkiller's mother Lorainne Sixkiller passed away....it is in today's newspaper....pass the word and also offer your support for Don and Darlene in their time of sorrow.

Love Ya.......

Hello from the Kenner library.....

Sorry it's been awhile since I have had access to a computer.

Bill has gained ten pounds .....that is the good news.

He is still BLUE...even more so. I had a meeting with the staff yesterday and everyone agrees the emotions are interfering with the progress of the physical therapy. So the doctors will prescribe a mild anti depressant to hopefully help Bill get thru this difficult time.

When I ask what he is thinking of or what the problem is that is upsetting to him the responses are varied. He misses the KREWE....he misses the kids....he is ready to go to Texas now.....he is afraid I am going to Texas to be with our kids and leaving him here in the home.

So I am working even harder now to get there sooner rather than later.

I am staying with Bill's dear sweet mother for now. No problems there I love her she is very sweet and understanding. But I don't have a computer. So still for now...no news is good news...I will keep you posted just not as often.

I will assure you Bill is getting better....I hope I can find a facility in Texas as nice as Chateau De Notre Dame. Our new address will be 9319 Caddo Springs Court, Cypress, Texas 77433. But we don't have the mailbox and key set up yet. They do not deliver mail house to house. They have big units of boxes set up at street corners. I will let you know as things develope.

Cox Internet will be disconnected on July 20, ....so I will be getting less updates out .....I'm not sure how yet. But I will keep you posted......as for now assume no news is good news.

Until then. Love Ya Ruby & Bill

Today we left Chateau de Notre Dame in the wheelchair van.....no your not reading yesterday blog....we had another appointment with Dr. Vitter to check the fit for Bill's new denture. It fits so well he slept with it in last night for the first time ever. He made some slight adjustments and we go back next Tuesday.

I rode back with Bill and had to leave....tomorrow we are buying our new home in Cypress, Texas. So I had a lot of documents again for Bill and I to sign. Went to the bank ....wire not in yet ....will go back in the AM. Then we close tomorrow by mail. It has been such a whirl wind four months we have not even had time to get excited. It does feel good to be getting some big issues off of my plate and for us to finally beginning to see the light on the move to Texas and finally close to the children & grandchildren.

Bill is even more excited about the move than I am at this time. He has been BLUE lately and whenever I ask what are you thinking about....the answer is always THE KREWE. I miss the KREWE.

Tomorrow we will be loading the UHaul with all of the boxed items that managed to get boxed. Lori, Vic and the girls are driving in tonight and loading tomorrow, when we get it loaded they are driving back. Greg is lining up a crew to help off load on the other end on Sunday I think. Then on Sunday I move in with my sweet mother-in-law who is taking her homeless daughter-in-law in until I can get things in order for Bill's big move. I love her dearly and am looking forward to some quality time. Maybe even some BINGO. Maybe even a CASINO run. I could really go for a little down time after the big things are out of the way. Then I will be fresh to start on the last leg of the journey.

Monday the real MOVERS come with a moving van to take the heavy big stuff. They cannot tell me yet what the delivery day will be but I do need to have my body there that day. I'll keep you posted in hopes I get the quality of coverage I got the day I flew over to find us a house. Bill said he had so much fun I should go out of town more often. He still has that great sense of humor.

Today Bill left Chateau De Notre Dame for the dentist office in the wheelchair van. It went well and the teeth work really well. Bill ate lunch with them in the EJ cafeteria. Dinner with them at Chateau de Notre Dame. Bill is still BLUE...I'm not sure why? His answer is always the same when I ask what are you thinking about.....the Krewe ! (Texas Krewe)

Bill had a very strong day in physical therapy today....he is really working hard ! I saw him walk with help today....on the rail in the hall. It is the best I have ever seen him walk. Although he had the therapist on one side supporting his left side ....he was doing alot of the work. He's also eating and drinking much better. Keep up the good work Bill !

Tomorrow Bill goes back to the dentist for checking for red spots and soreness. Another wheelchair van ride across town because EJ lost his teeth. So we will have another day out to lunch at EJ cafeteria.

I have not been able to do any packing since the weekend....I'm now getting behind.

So I'll write tomorrow and pack now !!

Today Bill is very BLUE....when I asked him what are you thinking about...his response the kids. He also mentioned he is worried that he might not ever get to come home. I tried to console him the best I could....but I must say...I think he is well within his rights to have such concerns. I have trouble with just giving him wrong answers but I did tell him that it has only been four months and that if he works hard for another four months....I believe he will be able to come home. I assured him that the kids and grand kids will be popping in to see him in Houston even if he can't come home yet. That seemed to console him for the time being.

Today we SOLD our home of 29 years....maybe he was thinking about all the memories we have shared in our home and of our children growing up. I would also think that's OK as I know I have been having those thoughts. This is a big step to our getting to Texas and our kids !

Tomorrow at 9:15AM...we will go by wheelchair van from Chateau de Notre Dame back to the dentist office next to EJ. His appointment is for 10:50AM but you know Murphy's Law. I would rather be early than to miss his appointment. Then we can go to the cafeteria at EJ and try out those new teeth for lunch. Visit a bit and call them to bring us back in the afternoon.

We are now homeless !!!!! Ha Ha !!! Just kidding we are fine...Bill is staying there for awhile until I can make arrangements for a facility, hospital, doctor and Humana insurance on the other end. Then we can work out our travel arrangements...and be on our way. For the next week I will be renting the house from the new owners. Then I will move in with Bill's mother for awhile until such time as Bill is ready to travel and all arrangements are completed. Still lots of unknowns.

Greg did the walk thru with the builders lady today at noon. They are working on the list of things to be touched up....etc. So the planets are beginning to line up all around. Thanks to Greg and Lori for being there for us at this difficult time.

Today was a tough day !

In July 2006, I was driving my car, Lori and Abby were passengers. We were hit in the side of the car on Clearview by a flat bed truck that ran the red light. Well that was 2 years ago, today Lori and I had to go for depositions at the lawyers office.

Today Greg went to EJ to be with Bill as he was discharge and transported in a wheelchair van back to Chateau De Notre Dame. But not before his roommate at EJ Coded twice at EJ while Bill's transport was waiting.

We ran late at the lawyers office, Bill doctor ran late signing the paperwork for the discharge, the roommate made the transport run late. Greg had a plane to catch and they caused him to be running late, so he could not ride with his Dad, which was the orignianl plan since it was Bill's first van ride. We couldn't get back to EJ in time. None the less Bill did make it back in the van with Greg following in the red pick up truck and Lori and I were there waiting to help Greg with the loading of Bill's belonging. Bill did fine in the back of the van and was glad to see us.

The good byes were sad. Bill so enjoyed the visit from our kids. I also enjoyed the visit as I got some much needed packing help and lots of decision were made about what goes and what does not make the trip to Houston.

Bill ate his dinner at Chateau de Notre Dame. Got settled in bed watching his TV with his DVD player playing on his chest and I said good night.

Tomorrow we sell our home of 29 years....the next step on our journey !

Bill is now in room 417....he has a talking roommate this time....that should help with speech therapy. I hope he will be up to physical therapy tomorrow !

Lori, Greg and I packed again all day today. We are getting it done. The whole house is a mess with boxes stacked everywhere....and we have the walk thru tomorrow for the act of sale on Tuesday. I hope the buyer will understand and still want the house after seeing like it is.....if not I guess we will start unpacking.

Last I heard on Friday Bill will be moving back to Chateau De Notre Dame on Monday....time and room number not known as yet. I will keep you posted tomorrow with further info. Greg will be with Bill tomorrow for the transfer. Greg saved the day with a new battery for Bill's red pick up truck today. What luck that it died in the driveway at home and not at EJ or somewhere else. Thanks Greg and Lil red truck !

Bill called today to tell me that the little "Busting Loose Event" that Lori staged will give him a boost that will last him the next three months. Lori, Greg, Phillip and our neighbor Joseph took Bill for a ride to visit a friend (Harry). The plan was also to visit Dean but he was not home. Thanks Lori for making it a special memory for Dad. I'm relieved that it turned out OK.

The two of them helped me a great deal with the packing. I don't think I will ever hear the end of the 13 jars of pickles I had in the pantry. Some expired in 2005, 2006, 2007 the kids said I really don't like to eat pickles...I just like to collect them. Oh well I guess we can get a smaller truck for the miscellaneous items since we won't be taking the pickles to Texas.

I have a wooden work bench that is looking for a new home....if anyone is interested call me and come check it out. Free to good home.

Bill has been eating and drinking better and as a result feeling much stronger and alert most of the day. Fewer naps and more up in the wheelchair time. He is making slow but steady progress. I think he has more good days now than bad or tired days. He still loves his visitors and always ready for a good time.

Bill had a great day today...Lori is in town and was with Bill all day. They had a good time and Lori played therapist and Bill played Bill.

Greg flew in tonight and we went up for a late night visit. Bill was surprised but we only stayed about 1 hour. We told him we would come back in the morning....he said come early ...1:00pm is not morning.

He sounds good ....feeling strong.....good spirits. I hope he continues in the direction he is heading now. Keep eating Bill and working on whatever you can work.

I would guess I'm about 60% packed ....small stuff we can pack and take in the Uhaul.

Lori came in today to help pack ....her friend Lori #2 also came to pack. Luckily Bill's sister Shirley came over tonight with more packing paper as we were out of it. Thanks to Lori, Lori and Shirley we kicked butt on the packing again tonight.

I did go to Sam's today....they sell 250' rolls of bubble wrap in big boxes. I bought 3 boxes and we worked all night and only used a little more than one. I also hit it right at Sams's for a car load of boxes. I'm not done packing yet but I think I may have enought boxes. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel with the packing. Now I need the planets to line up a little more for the sale and move to Texas. As soon as I can get the act of sale date. I can let the movers know. We can make the reservation for the UHaul and get the big show on the road.

We do go to sale on Erlanger on Tuesday at 4:00PM.

Monday Bill will be moved back to Chateau De Notre Dame....room number not sure at this time if it will be the same room or not.

Bill....looks alert and strong today. He worked so well in ReHab this morning he went back in the afternoon for another session working in the wheelchair...propelling himself with his right leg. He has not done this since leaving EJ...but he is back in the grove with Beth. She is working with him on moving on the bed and on the mat. Coming to standing with minimal assistance on a more dependable basis. Since his transfers from the bed to the chair and from the chair to bed and mat are requiring a little less assistance he is getting to go in the shower again. That a real treat ! He seems very rested and happy today. His appetite is back in a big way. Lori brought him a big treat boiled shrimp. He really enjoyed them and ate well. He also called me to ask for 2 peaches and a knife because a lady of TV ate on in front of him and it made him want one. He did eat one whole fresh peach and some fish for dinner after eating all the shrimp this afternoon.

He is looking forward to the move and gets a big kick out of showing people the pictures of the new house and he tells everyone he is looking forward to seeing the girls in Texas.

Today was a better day....thank goodness !

First I faxed United Van Line the proposal ....now it is official we have a mover.

Next I went to the bank and got the cashiers check for the earnest money for the new home.

Dean the arch angel came over to bring us boxes lots of boxes. Thanks Dean for being a special friend in deed.

Dean and brother Frank are also going to be selling Bill's snare drum collection....if anybody knows anyone interested in vintage snare drums. I am so happy Bill decided to part with a lot of his band equipment. Some he gave away ....now he is selling some.

A guy I made contact with thru an ad in the TP, who has been buying stuff from us since before Bill had the stroke, came back again today. This trip he bought some tools, a battery charger and some record albums that neither Bill or I wanted. He may buy the work bench in the garage for $20...I really need it out so we can get other things out....

Then I brought the new house package of documents up to Bill at EJ to sign. I'm not kidding the stack was about a half inch thick. Bill was working on therapy with Beth when I got there. He did very well on moving on the bed. Then Beth took him down to more therapy...I was pleased. When they came back Bill stayed in his chair with the desk top on it and signed all of the documents for the offer on the new house. Now I am a little excited about the move.

Our son Greg, who lives in Houston, went over to the new house to do the walk thru inspection today. Also, to measure to see if our refrigerator fits in the whole in the new house. Thanks to Greg for the help on the other end.

Our daughter Lori, checked into a Uhaul rental, that seems to be the way to move a lot of small stuff and breakable stuff that the movers want to charge for special boxes and insurance. I think it will save us enough to worth the work. Thanks to Lori also for help on that end.

I Fed Ex ed the documents to Cypress, Texas. Next we go to sale on Erlanger on Tuesday. We are still waiting on a date for the sale date in Cypress and then the moving can begin. Yea !
Some big things are getting off my plate.

Next placement for Bill now that I know the new zip code....doctors....hospital....insurance, etc.

We are both making progress but it seems so slow.

Today was not a good day. I am feeling overwhelmed for the first time in awhile. So many things going on I can't seem to think them thru to a resolution before I find myself off to something else. I can't wait to get to Houston in hopes that the pace slows down.

Bill was in bed when I got to EJ....the therapist didn't like his wheelchair...so she send it back to be adjusted. Bill & I loved the new wheelchair.

Bill seemed indifferent today and said he was just tired. But I will say he knew I was not having a good day. I told him how much I needed boxes and stuff to back our stuff. He picked up the phone and called Ray Fransen at the Drum store and Ray fixed me up with boxes. I saw where the boxes are put out in back of the store and will check back in a couple of days. Thanks to Ray for the boxes.

Maurice Trosclair came by to pick up lots of photos of The Nobles to scan for his collection. He read the blog and got up in his attic and he also brought us lots of boxes. Thanks Maurice for the boxes.

Tonight Shirley, Bill's sister, came over to help me pack. She is a buyer in the Touro gift shop and she brought bags of packing paper, and some more boxes. We packed and packed some more. Rick, Bill's brother that manages the SteinMart in Kenner had brought over boxes and a styro strip type of packing material. I would guess we used about half the boxes just tonight. We really did some glass packing, some books, lots of little breakable things that take time. Thanks Shirley for the power packing assistance.

Last but not least....one of our guardian angels....came by dropped off a box and a bag of six rolls of packing tape with the tear off guide. Thanks to you, too, guardian angel !

The night was much better than the day ! We got a lot done and I don't feel nearly as behind the eight ball. I think we almost have a Uhaul of stuff ready to go all we need now is a house to deliver it to. We are working toward that ASAP.

Good Night All................

The ride is not over yet....today Bill slept thru therapy to the point that the physical therapist Beth, brought him back to his room and put him in the bed to sleep for the day. Bill was upset that he made her mad but didn't seem upset that he wouldn't work for her. I found Bill very quiet today and not much of an appetite or thirst. His potassium is down and they are loading him up on that maybe that's the problem.....

Tomorrow is another day !

Beth did mention to me that Bill will probably only be there until Monday...so we will see !

I had two wonderful helpers tonight. Two of our nephews, Phillip and his brother David came over to get everything down from the attic. I could have never done it by myself. Big thanks to both of you and lots of love and appreciation from us to you. Oh, my gosh I didn't think there was much up there. I'm sure I can reduce it by a lot before moving time. Lots of it has just been up there for years. I guess if we haven't used for this long we really don't need it !

Deal fell thru with the movers ....I just wasn't comfortable and called the BBB....so I have decided on doing most of the packing myself. I'm OK with that but I really need boxes ....I don't have the time to go looking for them. If anybody has a source please let me know....I will go pick them up. Not real small or real large ....medium to large so I can handle them after I pack them. Thanks in advance for your help.....again.

I had a guy come out tonight and 2 more estimates tomorrow for moving companies. Again if anybody had a reference that you may have used or know someone in the business. Let me know I'll check them out, too. Does anybody know if the fireman move out of state ? I know they do local moves but not sure about long moves ?

Lori is coming back on Friday thru Monday to help with packing....Shirley is coming tomorrow night...so I'm getting help ....I just am running out of boxes and packing materials. I hate to buy them but that is always a last resort.

We go to sale on our home of 29 years next Tuesday ! I'm not really looking forward to that...I think if Bill could be there it would be fun but it just seems weird and sad without him. But it is the next step to getting closer to the kids and hopefully that will be a boost for Bill ! Also, some much needed breaks for me.

Bill had another SUPER day.....I got there around 10:00AM he was already working down in Rehab. Lighter side story......Bill was working on a raised table with a wedge plastic thing under his head and shoulders. The therapist asked him to roll over to his left side. He has not done this exercise in a month. When he rolled over he pushed so hard and with the wedge only under his middle...he rolled off the wedge and landed face down on the mat. She said great work...I'm impressed. Bill said why I almost killed myself ! Maybe you had to be there but it was a pretty funny thing for him to say. We all had a good laugh.

He looks great....sounds great.....used the toilet successfully again...(first time in about 6 weeks)...got a shower in the shower chair at EJ (for the first time at EJ). He stayed up until about 4:30PM in his wheelchair today. We visited the dentist office just to take the ride. We visited guest services for the computers....Bill got to see his blog for the first time. We forgot his glasses so I had to read it to him. He was way more interested in the comments than the stuff about him....I guess he already knew all of that stuff. But he did enjoy the comments after we have our home computer disconnect in about a week I will be updating from EJ computer. Keep those comments coming so Bill can read them with me.

He is a new man this week compared to the Bill just about 10 days ago. The roller coaster continues. The up are great but the downs are the pitts. For today it's great to be UP !!
You go Bill....keep up the good work !

Note: I found a special phone at EJ and connected to Bill's wire for his bed phone. It has a loud volume and very large numbers. I will keep it in reach if you would like to call the number is 504-454-4916. That is direct to his bedside table...if you don't get an answer please try later.

I hope this is the answer as the cell phone is a disaster with operation, hearing him and him hearing you. We shall see !

This weekend has been awesome. Bill had a lot of company and is in good spirits. Lori and her girls were in town and helped me a lot with cleaning out stuff. We worked in the attic and in the garage.

Phillip one of our nephews came over for the whole day on Sunday and helped me sort through Bill's office stuff one more time and the garage stuff one more time. Phillip is an electician and knew what a lot of tools and miscellaneous stuff was and whether it was trash or treasure. He was a very big help and he really helped get the piles down in the garage. He is also coming back Tuesday night with his two brothers and we are going to get the rest of the attic stuff down. I will go over that stuff and reduce it down also.

Then Dean one of our Nobles friends and a drummer himself came over to pack up both sets of Bill's drums and sort through some of the other miscellaneous stuff that only a fellow musician could do. He brought Bill's practice set to his Mother's house as Bill gave it to Ross, Babes son. Then Dean brought his professional set from his mom's house to here. When we move it will go to Houston as per Bill's request. Along with a collection of several snare drums and a couple of speakers.....etc....etc.....etc.

The garbage man with hate us but we did it to it big time. It looks like we are moving or something. Yes, I think we are really getting close to the moving day. It finally is beginning to look like the inventory is really being reduced. I thought for awhile there we might have to rent a storage unit. I have been going through closets and drawers and cabinets since Katrina getting ready for this move. You can only imagine how much stuff....two people can accumulate in 29 years in the same house.

I am sorry Vic....I didn't give Lori any stuff but she managed to find a few things.

I am home now waiting for Jason the nephew that has taken care of the swimming pool for the last four months and won't take any money. So we are splitting our patio furniture with him. He has a new house and we have a smaller patio in Houston.

This is the second day I have not gone up to see Bill since March 12, but I am exhausted. The last time I flew to Houston to find a house. Bill knows how close the sale date is and I think he understands.

Lori and the girls went to visit today on their way out. Also, his Mom and sister Shirley and brother Danny came to visit today.

I will sleep good tonight and make it up to Bill tomorrow.

Much thanks to all for much appreciated help !

Bill looks great.....he is getting stronger by the day. I would say he is back to before the small bowl set back. He is eating and for the first time that I know of...he asked yesterday and again today to get out of bed and into his new wheelchair.

The new chair fits him well....Bill looks like he is over the pushing issues. Looks like he has found his center and his trunk muscle control is much better. He does not open his seat belt...he doesn't push his butt over the end of the seat and have to be pulled up in the chair. So it seems to me that he will get more out of Rehab since all of those issues have been resolved.

It was a quiet afternoon until around 5:00PM ....then the Murray's came !!!! Lori, Shelby,Kyle, Jeff, Phil and Julie all came at the same time to visit. Bill showed off his new found muscle strength. Phil shared his phone...that works like a computer and Bill listened to music after searching for his favorites. He enjoyed the company very much and even got more good wishes added to his COOLEST UNCLE POSTER.

Dean came to visit about 8:30Pm. Bill asked him to bring paper and pen. They will be working out a drum plan for what goes to Houston and what stays. Lori helped me get down cases from the attic today and Dean will be coming to help pack and let me know what Bill really wants to bring with us to Texas. I hope he cuts down a lot....he could fill his own moving van !

Thanks again Dean for being there for us !

Today Lori & I went to Chateau De Notre Dame to pick up all of Bill's stuff from his room there. Lori delivered Bill his very tricked out Red & Black very fast wheel chair to room 916 in the East Jefferson General Hospital Rehab Unit. Yea !! I'm not really sure how but Bill is getting a second chance at really good rehab....I think he is getting stronger now and is not having all of the pushing issues he was having on the last go round. He also, stays very well in the wheelchair so safety is not an issue an longer.

I think he realizes how lucky he is to be back in REHAB.

I am going to work with him over the weekend....we'll see what he's got on Monday !!

Wish us luck....so he can stay here a little longer and get more out of the second round than the first.

Victoria, Maggie, Shelby and Lori visited today to Bill's delight. Lori stayed most of the day and night. I got a break and didn't go up until around seven....Harry & Mona were there visiting also. Harry is not feeling well and is going to have some more test done to see what he has going on with him. Sure hope he is OK he is a big help to us.

Today was the strangest day......I lost it today when I got to the hospital. Bill had not been cleaned, his bed tray was jammed into his left knee to the point that tonight when I left he still had the intentation. Some other issues I won't go into.

But this afternoon the case manager came in to tell me instead of Bill going back to Chateau de Notre Dame that he is going to the ninth floor.....EJ Rehab unit. I'm not at all sure how...but something to do with a new admission so his insurance will allow him to go back. Whatever we are both happy to be there and Bill says this time he appreciates the second chance and will work harder. So when I find out how long he will be there I guess I will go to get all of his clothes and wheelchair etc.

Bill is in very good spirits....He talked to Terry Fonseca today for the first time in years. Harry was able to locate them in Bossier. Also, a old friend from the past Fred Reitchel came in town to visit today. Lori and the girls are driving in tomorrow so I know he will have a good day tomorrow, too.

Wish Bill luck in the rehab evaluation tomorrow.

Today Bill had another good day !!!

He ate all of his lunch my himself and drank his ice tea. He seemed stronger today. Physical therapy started again today. They stood him up bedside and sat him down and stood up again. That was it but it was enough to poop him out. He is very weak again. But he has started over many times.

Bill had a surprise visitor today....Pat & Danny Sensebe. The trombone player from the Nobles back in the day. It was good to see them and Bill enjoyed the visit very much. Harry Ravain called Terry Fonseca and Terry called Danny. Funny just how small the world really is...as the word spreads guys have come to visit that we have not seen or heard from in years. Many a good memory has been shared by friends from near and far. Thanks to all for being there for us now and always.

Thursday is set as Bill's discharge day from EJ and his return to Chateau de Notre Dame. Call first you know everything is subject to change on a moments notice.

Bill had a very good appetite today. He doesn't seem interested in feeding himself for some reason right now. Maybe I have spoiled him...but I will work on that after he is feeling stronger. When I got to the hospital the nurse said his appetite is a problem. So I fed him lunch and dinner....I called her to show her, he ate everything on both his lunch and dinner tray.

He still is pink and handsome as ever. Since he has been back in the bed now for two weeks he is weak. However tonight about 7:30PM he asked if he could just stand next to the bed. That is the first time he has mentioned getting out of the bed in a while. So tomorrow I am going to get someone to get him into a wheel chair and bring him down to the cafeteria and maybe up to visit the staff on the Rehab unit for awhile.

Bill enjoyed looking at the pictures of the new house again today. Much Thanks to Bonnie, Lori & Vic and Tina & Greg for all the help and support in the next phase of our journey.....the big move to Houston.

Bill in going back to Chateau de Notre Dame soon....he is just in EJ until the Doctors get his Coumadin levels where they want to keep them to prevent further blood clots.

Sorry loyal bloggers.....I have been a little busy. I flew to Houston this weekend with my sister, Bonnie, to make a offer on a house for Bill & I to live near our children. We found a subdivision in December that we wanted to buy in so it was a fairly easy task. I couldn't get the exact house on the exact lot we had picked but I got one as close as possible to what we had planned for our future. I hope this will be a big incentive for Bill....to make a speedy recovery.

Friday....Bill was quiet and not much appetite. He knew I was going to get us a new house near the kids and he was happy about it.

Saturday.....Bill had a Murray card party in his room. Shirley & Johnny, Steve & Sandra, Babes & Beth and the kids, Bill's mother, Rick & Bonnie & Eric. I heard Bill ate a Wendy's chicken sandwich and chocolate chip cookies and had a blast. I told him I should go out of town more often his response.....please do !

Sunday.....I'm home.....visited Bill around 5:00PM to 7:00PM...he ate lasagna, peas and cheese cake...good appetite tonight. He looks good & rested.

We may be moving tomorrow back to Chateau De Notre Dame....so call before you come.

Thanks to all the Murray's for covering for me !

PS. I need good boxes for packing....small enough for me to be able to lift. Thanks Ruby

Today we went back to the dentist....2 weeks Bill picks up his new teeth.

Bill has been very tired...no appetite .....naseua....diahrra...slight fever even tonight.

Dean, Babes, Shirley, Johnny and Bill's Mom came to visit tonight.

Talked to 3 different doctors today....3 different ideas on his progress. So I guess it still to soon to tell....how this whole thing will play out. We will continue our journey....hoping for the best.

As of tonight Bill will be at EJ until Monday...room 267. Get Well Soon Bill !!!!!!!!!!

Today we went to the EJ dentist for the next step in the replacement denture. I certainly hope it is as good of a nose scratcher as the old one.

I must say I found Bill out of sorts today. I guess because he has been in the bed since Thursday and today not only did he get up but went to the dentist. I stayed in the room with him this week....I hope that was not a mistake ! Today I had to do some things. Some packing and other errands. I was home for about 4 hours and Bill called about as many times. Ain't love grand he misses me.

He didn't eat when I was not there and when I returned he seemed like he was having more difficulty with his independence. I hope he can make the transition back to Chateau and Rehab unit easily and regain his confidence and strength.

Tomorrow we have another appointment with the dentist for 9:00AM.

After a battery of testing on lungs, heart, stomach, intestines and legs....the results are in now.

Bill had a small bowel blockage or kink in the small bowel. Which ever we may never know but the good news is....the problem has resolved itself with treatment. Bill doesn't need surgery !
He really needed a break and he got it....thanks to everybody for many prayers. They are being answered.

Lungs Bill had fluid around the lungs and his breathing was labored and crackly. Verdict it was fluid overload from the number of drips he had in the hospital. Solution fluid pills...this too has been corrected. No further treatment needed.

Heart doctor gives him a good to go. They will change some of his meds for blood pressure as soon as they all agree on which road to take.

Legs.....he had ultra sound on both legs yesterday. Bill had a blood clot awhile back and the doctors put in a Greenfield filter at that time. The same filter will protect Bill's vital organs from the new blood clot in his right calf. This will be treated with meds and they are considering blood thinners to prevent further clots. The risks will be weighed against the benefits and a decision made before his release on Wednesday or Thursday.

Tomorrow at 8:30AM Bill will go from EJ to the dentist office for the next stage of fitting for the long ago lost denture. Another side issue being taken care of with multi tasking at EJ.

Today Bill sleep very soundly to the point that it worried me.....But this afternoon he woke up very pink and cheerful so I guess he was just worn out.

Barbara ...Vic's mother dropped off Maggie to spend some time at the hospital with her Kutzie and Paw Paw...that was really special Thanks Maggie for coming from Texas to Mississippi to Louisiana to visit. We love and miss all six of our girls very much.

Thanks to Bill's brother Mike for his visit tonight and for having a last resort plan for a house full of stuff (29 years accumulation) should we get in a bind. I think we can make it ! But it sure feels good to have a back up plan just in case.

Today is Sunday at 2:45PM the time on the blog is always wrong.

Bill is about the same....still has small bowel blockage. Tube in nose threw throat into stomach to rest the colon and intestines. Nothing but a few ice chips every couple of hours. I V drips and meds. Meds to make his bowels move in hopes the blockage is stool and will resolve itself. Meds for fluid to help him pass all the I V fluids. Bed rest. Visitors allowed anytime. He sleeps a lot and fidgets a lot. Difficult to talk at this time due to the tube. We are hanging in there....his spirits are good. I will update the blog whenever I get home every couple of days.

Bulletin:

I am sorry to report that tonight at approx. 7:30PM Bill had to be taken to East Jefferson Hospital by ambulance to the emergency room. He was admitted to Cardiology Room 267 phone# 454-4267.

At lunch at Chateau DE Notre Dame today Bill complained of nausea something he seldom gets. The nurse gave him some liquid Maalox that seemed to give him relief. I left at 2:35PM. Bill's mother, brother Rich and his wife Bonnie came to visit. Bill's speech therapist came in to work with him so they cut the visit short. Later Dean, Bill's friend came by to visit. Dean called to say Bill wanted me to know he had thrown up. I can count on one hand the times he has thrown up in 43 years. So I called the nurses desk and told them how odd this was and asked that they keep an eye on him.

Dean called back around 7:00PM to say Bill had thrown up again. Only a true friend would stay with you when you are throwing up. I left at that time to investigate. When I was about half the way there the cell phone rang. It was Chateau calling to say Bill was sick and the doctor wanted him to go to the emergency room.

I called Lori, Greg, Shirley....Lori called Rick. Shirley was out of town but Rick meet us at the emergency room. Long story short.....many test have been done. Gall Bladder or intestinal blockage is suspected at this time. 5:30AM. Bill is in a telemetry room so I am home to get some sleep.....some clothes for both of us and get more info to you as I get the test results.

Thanks for being there Dean and Rick !!!

Assessment was a bit disturbing to me. Physical therapy reported Bill at 25% Bill and 75% assist. So I was right in my assessment of his progress. That was about the only meat from the short meeting. Everyone was very supportive and says he is cooperating and is getting better.

Good news for the day. Bill did get his wheelchair....many revisions and I think this time it may work. It is Candy Apple Red and Black just as Bill ordered. He said it is very comfortable. So now I am going to make it my business to keep him out of the bed and in that chair for as long as I can every day. I think it builds his strength just being out of the bed. However he was so uncomfortable that he would squirm until his butt was over the edge of the chair and heading for the floor in each of the 3 other chairs we tried. I couldn't push him to stay in an unsafe chair that caused him pain. So now I'm going to see what he can do !

Harry came by to visit today at lunch and brought Bill some drum catalogs which he really enjoyed. Bonnie, Mike and Ryan came by this afternoon to visit....Bill enjoyed the Canoli and I enjoyed my eclair. Thanks !

Today Bill was in the bed when I got there and stayed there all afternoon and evening. I am going early tomorrow to observe his physical therapy. Also, I have a 1:45PM meeting for his first assessment. I am hoping to see progress in the PT department because I do not see his energy level where it was at EJ. He is very content to lay in bed and watch TV or listen to CD's in bed. Also, his appetite is down again. If the energy is all going to PT....I'm OK if not I will need some ideas on the plan to get him up and going again. Of course we are still having wheelchair issues that to may be resolved tomorrow as his real wheelchair is now scheduled to be delivered. It could also be meds. I hope for answers tomorrow.

Sunday .....Shirley, Johnny, Erin and Josh came to visit Bill and wish him a Happy Father's Day. Lori, Greg, Abby and Ryan called to wish him a Happy Father's Day. Kind of a quiet day for Bill.


Monday.....Harry came to visit and then Maurice stopped by to see Bill. An oldie but goodie friend that was in the Nobles years ago (Scott Hastings) mailed Bill a surprise today...The Uptown Saturday Night CD Series he has been talking about for awhile. So after therapy and the visits from his friends he spent the balance of the day....singing and swaying from the bed to the music he loves. Thanks Scott we will get you some copies burned for your long drives from Dallas to Arkansas.

Harry, Bill and I visited another patients room today....the guy looked a hundred years old laying in bed...not a tooth in his head....but strumming on his guitar. Harry named the tune he was playing was Way down yonder in New Orleans. His name is Frank Federico...the nurses say he was the guitar player for Louie Prima for 50 years. It really was something to see this guy playing his guitar in his bed just for his personal pleasure...quite a site to see. Simple Pleasures !

Bill was not as tired today. He got dressed and in the wheelchair for about 11:00AM. We went down to the dining room for lunch for a change. He did not like the people or the food today. He is very aware that he is the baby in the whole place. He doesn't even want to talk to anyone. That is not like him but I think he is in a huge period of adjustment.

After lunch we played dominoes and read magazines in the dining room for awhile. Then we visited the lobby area and Bill made his food selections for the week and read some more. When we went back up to his room.....he used the toilet in the bathroom for the first time in three months. Sorry if that is too much information but I see it as a leap in the right direction.

We stayed in the room all afternoon...Bill shaved....I trimmed his hair....his nails...etc. He even worked from the wheelchair on arm therapy with me for a good while. He ate his dinner very well... roast beef and mashed potatoes, mushroom soup, mandarin slices, all of his favorites.

Today was a very busy day for me.

I got to Bill late around 4:00PM. I found him to be very quiet and deep in thought tonight. I asked him what is on your mind? He simply said I'm old ! He went on to say that when they brought him back from therapy around 1:00PM they left him in the wheelchair. He got tired of waiting for them to come back to help him into bed and decided he could do it alone. Well needless to say he fell. The only mark I found on him is on his left calf a scrape mark about 4 inches long...no blood.

It is hard for me to understand that he thinks he can walk ! But everyone has told me that is very common and temporary.

We did get a offer on our home today....which we accepted. We now have a 10 day inspection period and then a sale late in July if everything goes well.

The roller coaster ups and downs are still going strong. We have a ton of stuff !!!!

When I told Bill about the house....Lori asked him.....well what do you think ? His reply I told your mother I'll clean my office. Ah...I love my man of simple needs !!!

Yesterday I spoke to Bill's Physical therapist.....She is working more with him on his feet. They have all of the same things in their PT that EJ had just a small scale. At EJ Bill was working on the mat to strengthen his arms and legs. At Chateau de Notre Dame the PT feels he can advance further at this time with gaining the confidence needed that he can walk on the left leg.

I have not attended a PT class yet, they have asked me not to attend for fear Bill will be distracted and not work as hard. At EJ I was encourage to attend. Maybe as time goes on...I would like to see the progress as he is making it....but maybe it is better for me to see it later and be surprised.

I do have a assessment meeting scheduled for next Wednesday at 1:45Pm to discuss Bill's progress. It is a new patient thing they do for everybody within the first two weeks after admission. I will keep you posted as progress continues.

Dean the long lost mystery man appeared yesterday. He is in fact well and doing fine contrary to rumors of his alien abduction. He visited Bill yesterday...he lost his cell phone and was out of town as Maurice had told me. Glad to see him back in town.

Not as much to say these days....things are getting so much better since Bill is well and out of danger. I will just give a update of the physical therapy.

I spoke to Anna his therapist this afternoon...I asked if Bill worked on the mat...like he was at East Jefferson as a part of his daily routine. She said no...I was disappointed. She said he will get more out of just walking with her than he can get on a mat.

I don't know how these little ...tiny ladies are able to walk with Bill. I cannot understand how they can bear his weight. But I am glad they are working him !!!

Remember Bill said the food is better....he has gained 2 pounds in just six days.

Rick came by tonight to visit with Bill but I had already headed for home. Rick called to say he thinks Bill looks really good. Babes visited on Tuesday and called to say the same. Both also commented on the facility and how nice it looks.

I guess we are on the right track after all.

When the roller coaster goes over the top it's a good thing !

Today Bill finally got his much requested poached egg.....
He met the physical therapist and likes them......
They walked him in the hall today for his assessment....
He starts Rehab again tomorrow !!!
They loaned us a wedge cushion that helps keep him in the chair.....
He got a real....shower with water and all....first one since March 12
Talked about how good the food is at Chateau de Notre Dame.......
Went for a wheelchair tour of the facility......
Said I was right it is a nice rehab place !!!! Yea !!!!!

Good day already .................BONUS

Tonight at 7:00PM ....they had a jazz band on the calendar !!!

NORD DIXIELAND & RAGTIME BAND................

some oldie but goodie friends from the past....names some of you might recognize.......

12 members.......big horn section.........you know Bill always did like that sound !

Ed Peneguy
John Davenhauer
Johnny Sugar

to name a few......I didn't know most of them but they were a welcome sight.....
they made a special dedication and mention of how special of a guest Bill was and gave credit to him for all of the years he had The Nobles Band !

That was the best therapy of the day. Bill had fun seeing all those guys again.

Bill was kind of agitated today. No Rehab on the weekend takes a tole on him .....he has to stay in the bed. Plus since he is the new guy...he has not met anyone yet. Monday the physical therapist will come in and do her assessment of his abilities and hopefully things will get started then for him to be back in Rehab.

Julie, Bill's baby sister, came by this afternoon to visit. His mood improved after that visit. Thanks for visiting Julie.

The food is better for sure. He has a room mate but the man seems to be out of it. I have only heard in 3 days him say his name and curse out the aids. Otherwise he sleeps. That is not help for Bill in the speech department.

I can only hope the Rehab is very good and we can him the hell out of there.

No Rehab on the weekends at Chateau DE Notre Dame either ! So since Bill transferred on Friday he has been back in the bed since approximately 1:30PM on Friday. On Monday the physical therapist will come asses his physical abilities and then begin Rehab. It is very frustrating to see how much time is lost and the momentum is derailed on a regular basis.

The good news is Bill said today the food is slightly better here. That is good because his appetite has been bad. He is down to 195 lbs. from pre stroke weight of 237 lbs.

Today he had gumbo...one of his favorites !

Shirley and Johnny came by for a visit. I gave them a short tour and they like the place. I am waiting until Wednesday to see how I like the Rehab unit and therapist before I make up my mind. Yesterday and today I have not been impressed.

Bill overall seems content for the moment. That's what is important !

Note: Forget about the old cell phone request. I got one Alltel said they no longer work on the newer equipment. I don't believe it but it is what it is. Back to the drawing board for Bill's phone at Chateau de Notre Dame.

Today started off great. The expert came in and brought SAS shoes for Bill to try on for size and style. We all agreed on a velcro closure shoe in black they will be in on Wednesday.

Therapy went well...good byes were easier than I expected. The staff at East Jefferson now feels like family. We know who and where everything is.....who to go to for each question.

Since Bill is still not in a wheelchair that we can keep him from sliding out of the front....the insurance OK'd him to transport by ambulance. I followed in the car.

Then it gets hairy....When we toured they showed us the second floor of rooms that had been renovated after the storm but remain unoccupied at that time.

When we arrived today Bill is in room 419......the halls are full of old people in wheel chairs. I don't think Bill saw them as he was on the stretcher looking up. His only real comment about the place to me was....I don't want to stay here very long. I hope we don't have to......

I did meet the physical therapist Anna...she said stroke patients are her specialty. He will start Monday in therapy. I guess we will get a better feel at that time. I wish I had better choices but it is just not a pretty situation. I hope Bill is right and we get through it in a hurry.

Tomorrow is the next loop in the giant roller coaster.....the move to Chateau De Notre Dame.

Today was a busy one for Bill. The shoe lady came to check out his needs...they will be back tomorrow to measure and fit. Bill was hard to fit before but since the blood clot in the left leg he still has swelling and it is impossible to fit him off the rack.

His wheel chair is in and will be delivered next week to Chateau de Notre Dame. I hope that will end the wheelchair issues. Scott the tech from Southern came up with the idea to use gravity...to help keep Bill in the chair and prevent the scooting out the seat issue. Also some other modifications that are super ideas. I hope this is the answer !

Tomorrow afternoon Bill will be transferred by ambulance to his new Rehab unit for a couple of months of more rest and Rehab....then hopefully either home here or better yet home in Houston with our children.

I will post the room number tomorrow night.

Does anyone have a old cell phone and charger one that is not a flip phone.... the style that is about six inches long and easy big numbers?

Today's challenge was the wheelchair.

Southern made a special loaner chair for Bill approx 6 weeks ago. We couldn't keep him comfortably in that chair. So I brought the chair we used for my MOM but Bill also gets into danger in that chair. So they came back to EJ today to talk with Bill's physical therapist and myself as to our observations of the problems.

Southern will be back tomorrow with an improved loaner special designed for Bill's needs. I hope they can resolve his chair issues and make him both comfortable and also safe in the new chair.

Uneventful day !

Today was another roller coaster ride. Yesterday we were told Bill would be moving today. Upon arrival at East Jefferson the nurse said the doctor was not ready for Bill to be moved as he is trying him on a muscle relaxer to help him get better muscle tone. So now it's looking like Friday....stay tuned for roller coaster thrills.

But by midday the day was greatly improved. Physical therapy went very well ! Bill is getting much stronger. He is now able to push his wheel chair up and down the hall of the Rehab unit using just his right leg. Go Bill ! He was in a great mood and full of fun again today.

Tonight it got kicked up another notch in room 905.

Bill got a surprise visit from Benny Grunch...! He had a private autograph session for Bill to give out gifts to his nurses and therapist tomorrow. Bill's friend Frank (another patient got his surprise tonight and was very surprised to meet Benny. Thanks Benny for making it a very special surprise for Bill and the crew in East Jefferson Rehab Unit.

I also had a very special visit from my old friend Mary Edwards. Years ago we had three couples that each had an older daughter and a younger son. We had great times together...when we went out to dinner we would sit the three boys at one table. The three girls at another table. Then the six adults got to sit together. It worked for everybody. Thanks for being there tonight Mary it was good to see you.

Slight delay ...

There's been a hold-up on getting Bill moved out of the hospital. As far as we know, the doctors haven't signed the release papers. That's all we know at the moment. But, if you were planning on visiting, Bill is still in the hospital. We'll keep you posted and let you know when he's moved and where you can find him.

Also, please let us know if you're out there and keeping up with things. Drop us some comments or use the comments to leave a note for Bill!

This morning Bill was very tired after speech therapy. But in the afternoon at 1:00PM he really turned on and did very well in his workout with Beth. He also had a minimal assisted transfer from the wheelchair to the bed with a new nurse by herself. He said his goodbyes to Beth today. He really seems at peace with the move to Skilled Nursing Rehab.

Tomorrow Bill is scheduled to transfer to Chateau da Notre Dame on Burdette St. off of Earhart and Carrolton. Past the seminary to Walmsley near Dominican turn on Burdette St. I don't have the room number yet. If you are thinking of visiting please call cell 884-2253 everything these days is subject to change.

Bill was quiet today....Sunday in Rehab usually means bed rest...which I don't like. Then on Monday the patients are worn out from two days in bed. When I am the Queen...Rehab will be a seven day a week job.

Appetite still poor....but better than yesterday. He is on new muscle relaxers that seem to be affecting his mood and appetite. Hopefully tomorrow when he gets up and moving around he will be able to shake it.

Bill's sister Shirley and her husband Johnny came by to visit today. Bill enjoyed that and joked around with them...mostly how bad the hospital food taste.

No date yet for his release...I will update the blog with that as soon as I get it. It seems he was doing very well last week and they were thinking he may be able to stay a little longer but now with the muscle relaxers....who knows.

I too hate roller coasters !

Today Bill was a little out the box....the doctor has him on a new medicine for muscle tightness in the left leg. I hope that is what is causing him to be out there.

We will really make a great first impression at the new Rehab center.

He was in good spirits today...spoke to Bobby Bigler on the cell phone today. He enjoyed that very much. Thanks for calling Bobby.

He ate a Egg McMuffin and hash brown potatoes this morning and enjoyed it. So I came back with a burrito from Taco Bell later thinking his appetite is OK just not for hospital food. He ate a couple of bites and didn't want it.

I am going to be pushing the exercises in the bed at every opportunity. Weekends are slow even on the Rehab unit. I can't stand him being in the bed for two days without any exercise it sets him back for Monday. So, we worked pretty hard today in the bed on the legs. I will continue until Bill or the doctors say STOP.

Bulletin::::: Today Bill was excepted to Chateau de Notre Dame Skilled Nursing Rehab. Thank goodness I was really beginning to worry. It is located on Burdette St. behind the Seminary and down the block from Dominican on Walmsey St. I will give more info as I get it. I do not have a different date yet for the transfer either.

I am worried that the move may put a damper on his spirits. So please spread the word when he gets moved to encourage visitors.

Also, he doesn't have much of an appetite....so feel free to eat in front of him. Or talk about the food at Rocky's or College Inn. Or maybe you have better idea....maybe I need to get one of those cinnamon air fresheners. Flavored chap stick ?????????????