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.