Well we went home for a Murray family wedding. Oh my gosh, it so exceeded our expectations. Due to time we had to drive straight there without the usual night over at Isle of Capri in Lake Charles. Bill did great....enjoyed the trip even with rain all the way home. The family was great the rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception we attended it all and Bill had a ball. On Saturday evening we had a family get together at Bill's Mom's home. Shirley brought the left over wedding food. So we just continued the party another day. Sunday we came home nice to get away and nice to get home. I think this was the easiest trip home yet for us. Maybe the seven brothers and sister and spouses all helping us had something to do with it. It was a wonderful Christmas surprise, thanks to all who helped with making it easy and special once again.
Sorry we had the Saints loss....so it was not a perfect trip. Otherwise it was great !
Then on eve of Christmas Eve we got a huge Christmas surprise. Long story short...we are now the proud parents of 2 Bichon Frise dogs. Yes, you heard it right here on the blog...so it must be true. We have not been dog people of many years. I know it is a shock. But for about the last 10 years....I have been thinking about a Bichon. Bonnie & Mike Weibel have one and Bonnie said if we ever got a dog....get a Bichon. At Gulf South Title a lady across the hall from our office had a Bichon ....she also said only get a Bichon. When Bill was in the hospital he enjoyed the therapy dogs coming to visit. After we moved we talked more about it than ever. We are both home all of the time and it will be company for us. So I say a ad in the newspaper for adult Bichons. Maggie age 12 was sleeping over ....she got so excited about the prospect of a dog for us.....So I said to her let's just call and get the information. An hour later the owner said he would deliver them on Christmas Eve from Beaumont Texas since I told him I would have a problem making the 5 hour round trip. He delivered these dogs as puppies. He has been the only owner and loves his (sisters) he calls them. They are nine years old....Yea, I know what you're thinking they are so old....and so are we ! So far it looks like a good thing.
After I talked to the owners and got over the idea of a older dog. I realized it was the puppy thing that always made me back off. He said Bichons live to be at least 16 years. I'm not sure Bill and I will make it that long but if we do we may be over the whole do thing. That would put us and 74-75 years old our selves. Wish us luck as new dogie parents.
The children love it and just had a ball with them. Lori & Vic and their girls slept over Christmas Eve and Dixie one of Lori's dogs is only 1 year, she really gave them a run for the money. I don't think the Bichon's knew what to think but they just joined the party from the get-go. Maggie took them for a walk around the lake on a lease. She said they were so good to walk. It has been too cold since we got them for us to even walk to the mailboxes. We are not sure how they will walk with the wheelchair. Since they have adjusted to everything else we have thrown at them. Seven granddaughters and one grand dog, a new house and new owners but we are all adjusting to our new toys. I think it will be fine. So I guess our Texas family just grew.
Morgan and Tabatha owner just called to check up on his sisters and be reassured his girls are OK. How sweet is that. Happy New Year to all......
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Old friends......................
We got a Christmas surprise about 10 days ago. Don & Darlene Sixkiller came to visit us. Funny how it is with old friends....you may not see them for years...but when you do its like time just waited for you to catch up. We have a mother-in-laws tongue plant that they to us when Greg was born. Now that's old friends.
They enjoyed the many pictures Bill has hanging in the new house. Shhhh....I got him a photo album for one of his Christmas gifts so we can make a book with all the pictures he had hanging in the old house. When people come to visit it will be easy to look at the book. Maurice made Bill a collage of old & new Nobles pictures. Danny Sensebe made him a collage of old Nobles pictures.
Don lost all of his pictures in Katrina. If anybody has extra pictures with Don in them. Call us we will get you guys together.
We had a shrimp boil...just like back home in Nawlins ! The visit was only for a afternoon but it was a nice Christmas Surprise. They will be back for 4 days for Carnival 2010. Yea !
Bill didn't talk much but he was happy to listen to old stories. When they got here Bill said to Don....let's go to Rocky's. That's the same thing he told Don in the hospital. Maybe one day !
They enjoyed the many pictures Bill has hanging in the new house. Shhhh....I got him a photo album for one of his Christmas gifts so we can make a book with all the pictures he had hanging in the old house. When people come to visit it will be easy to look at the book. Maurice made Bill a collage of old & new Nobles pictures. Danny Sensebe made him a collage of old Nobles pictures.
Don lost all of his pictures in Katrina. If anybody has extra pictures with Don in them. Call us we will get you guys together.
We had a shrimp boil...just like back home in Nawlins ! The visit was only for a afternoon but it was a nice Christmas Surprise. They will be back for 4 days for Carnival 2010. Yea !
Bill didn't talk much but he was happy to listen to old stories. When they got here Bill said to Don....let's go to Rocky's. That's the same thing he told Don in the hospital. Maybe one day !
Christmas is coming....and so is a update !
Well it has been awhile since I updated because I have no real update. Therapy did not work out so we are back to me & you kid. It's OK we are hanging in there. Until I get something to say about Bill's condition I will just let you know what's up in Texas. Assume no news is good news.
Sunday we celebrated Christmas with Lori, Vic and the girls at the Towne Lake Lodge. It was simple but sweet. They had Santa and Mrs. Clause which I don't see often. We took lots of pictures...I'll see if I can someone to show me how to add pictures to the blog when I get them.
We ordered Pizza and Pizza rolls and made cookies. They left early for home.
And shortly after leaving they came back. They saw Greg coming down the street so they all came back. It was Lori,Vic,Shelby,Maggie,Vickie,Greg,Tina,Macy,Marley and Maddie.
Bill had just gone to bed I asked do you want to get up again to see them...his answer is Maddie here. I said yes and we got him up....that's why we are in Texas.
I smoked a turkey in our new smoker that Lori & family gave us for Mother & Father's Day. It was now done and cooled Greg carved and we all feasted on turkey sandwiches. They all left and once again it was back to me & you kid.
Next week we have a Murray wedding and will be making a quick trip home. Victoria is in the wedding. Lori, Victoria, Bill and I will leave on Thursday morning and drive straight home. It has to be a quick one this time....so we will be driving straight back on Sunday.
Greg and Tina and their 3 babies will be driving half way on Wednesday and the other half on Thursday to give the girls a break. We are all going to be staying with MawMaw.......look out MawMaw we're coming your way. Just kidding she is already cooking all of Bill's favorites. Another memory in the making.
Sunday we celebrated Christmas with Lori, Vic and the girls at the Towne Lake Lodge. It was simple but sweet. They had Santa and Mrs. Clause which I don't see often. We took lots of pictures...I'll see if I can someone to show me how to add pictures to the blog when I get them.
We ordered Pizza and Pizza rolls and made cookies. They left early for home.
And shortly after leaving they came back. They saw Greg coming down the street so they all came back. It was Lori,Vic,Shelby,Maggie,Vickie,Greg,Tina,Macy,Marley and Maddie.
Bill had just gone to bed I asked do you want to get up again to see them...his answer is Maddie here. I said yes and we got him up....that's why we are in Texas.
I smoked a turkey in our new smoker that Lori & family gave us for Mother & Father's Day. It was now done and cooled Greg carved and we all feasted on turkey sandwiches. They all left and once again it was back to me & you kid.
Next week we have a Murray wedding and will be making a quick trip home. Victoria is in the wedding. Lori, Victoria, Bill and I will leave on Thursday morning and drive straight home. It has to be a quick one this time....so we will be driving straight back on Sunday.
Greg and Tina and their 3 babies will be driving half way on Wednesday and the other half on Thursday to give the girls a break. We are all going to be staying with MawMaw.......look out MawMaw we're coming your way. Just kidding she is already cooking all of Bill's favorites. Another memory in the making.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Rehab at home today was very painful for Bill. His left hip is very stiff and the therapist is trying to get it working but it hurts. Today Bill had physical therapy sitting on the sofa in the den. Lots of reaching for bottles of water on the floor. He had to pick them up and put them on the end table. It was a pretty big stretch and after a few times he told Mike the therapist. How about we just leave them on the floor. He's still got that sense of humor working for him. He has been very quiet for a few days. He didn't say a peep during the whole Saints Game.....I on the other who know nothing about the game.....screamed the whole time. I don't know why I am suddenly this big Saints fan.............I think I am just being a fair weather fan. Babes said back in the summer that he thought this would be the year the Saints go to the Super Bowl......we laughed and now are hoping more than ever that he is right. I want a Drew Brees shirt and a couple of those mouth guards that help them with balance and better flexibility . That may be just what Bill needs to pick that water up off the floor.
Go Saints all the way !!!!!
Go Saints all the way !!!!!
Well it is November second today.
Halloween night We had a great night at Greg's house.....Lori brought the Sno Wizard etc.... She gave away lots of snoballs a first for a lot of Texas kids and parents. Greg had 18 pizzas for the party and gave away 50 lighted swords, 50 lighted small swords, 50 light up rings for the girls, they were all gone in no time. Then we all brought candy and trinkets. Greg's neighbor Alex and his family brought Sangria his mom makes it with fresh fruit. Tina's family gathers there and our family gathers there and a good time is had by all. That's why we are in Texas.....Bill enjoyed himself without Sangria just being with family and friends.
News Bulletin......we are going to be great grandparents. Yep it is a surprise and we are all shocked still but late January or early February Abby .....Lori oldest and our first granddaughter who is 20 and will be 21 in January will be having a precious baby child.....Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Bill wants a boy....I'm playing it save a hoping for a healthy baby. Lori cannot believe she is going to be a grandmother. I remember that feeling. Now we are shocked that we are going to be great grandparents.........that shit is for old people. How did this happen to two nice young people like us.
Therapy update. The therapist that comes to the house is only working with Bill in the bed. He feels Bill is too stiff to try anything else. He is recommending I get him to a REHAB doctor and have his meds checked. I will work on that ASAP. Also, after checking into TIRR Rehab center. Long story short they do not accept any Medicare Advantage plans. I have a neighbor that is a nurse and helps with such insurance questions with me. She says if we change to straight Medicare. We pick up 20% and thinks it could run in the $100,000's for TIRR. The facility is in the Medical plaza which I have been told is between 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours on Interstate from our house. It is very intense therapy lasting from 1 hour to as much 3 or 4 hours depending how many types of therapy such as speech, occupational, physical etc. It is 5 days a week . I need help to get him in the car at home. They provide help to get him out and back in afterwards. Then I need help at home to get him back in the house. Bill does not travel well in the car. He cannot adjust his position and cannot maintain a comfortable position for very long. So he is a hand full for me in the car alone. Taking all things into consideration and after talking to a few people, I do not think Bill is at a stage that he can endure this schedule even is he got accepted into the program. I have also been advised that I would not be able to handle it. He has now been in physical therapy for the better part of the last twenty months. The ups and downs give my heart hope but in my mind, my eyes tell me it isn't happening. He has no muscles left....they are so weak.
It is so strange. When he works with a therapist or even the doctors we go see both in New Orleans and now here in Texas. They never express any opinion on his physical condition. They have nothing to say to me either. It's like they don't see it and I'm left to try to figure out what to do for him. Bill has very little strength in his legs. My chiropractor who has been with Bill and I for years. Explained it to me like this...when you have a stroke....some things die immediately from the damage. Other things are injured but will die slowly and over a long period of time. He is the only one that helped me know what we are now facing.
When I the QUEEN....I will have a doctors assistant who will work with the care givers and help guide them through the maze. It is quite a burden to have to make all of these decisions without any professional guidance. It is also very frustrating every time someone comes along a you get all excited about something they tell you about only to find out they are ill informed.
The roller coaster rides again. Up and down up and down up and now down again.
Halloween night We had a great night at Greg's house.....Lori brought the Sno Wizard etc.... She gave away lots of snoballs a first for a lot of Texas kids and parents. Greg had 18 pizzas for the party and gave away 50 lighted swords, 50 lighted small swords, 50 light up rings for the girls, they were all gone in no time. Then we all brought candy and trinkets. Greg's neighbor Alex and his family brought Sangria his mom makes it with fresh fruit. Tina's family gathers there and our family gathers there and a good time is had by all. That's why we are in Texas.....Bill enjoyed himself without Sangria just being with family and friends.
News Bulletin......we are going to be great grandparents. Yep it is a surprise and we are all shocked still but late January or early February Abby .....Lori oldest and our first granddaughter who is 20 and will be 21 in January will be having a precious baby child.....Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Bill wants a boy....I'm playing it save a hoping for a healthy baby. Lori cannot believe she is going to be a grandmother. I remember that feeling. Now we are shocked that we are going to be great grandparents.........that shit is for old people. How did this happen to two nice young people like us.
Therapy update. The therapist that comes to the house is only working with Bill in the bed. He feels Bill is too stiff to try anything else. He is recommending I get him to a REHAB doctor and have his meds checked. I will work on that ASAP. Also, after checking into TIRR Rehab center. Long story short they do not accept any Medicare Advantage plans. I have a neighbor that is a nurse and helps with such insurance questions with me. She says if we change to straight Medicare. We pick up 20% and thinks it could run in the $100,000's for TIRR. The facility is in the Medical plaza which I have been told is between 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours on Interstate from our house. It is very intense therapy lasting from 1 hour to as much 3 or 4 hours depending how many types of therapy such as speech, occupational, physical etc. It is 5 days a week . I need help to get him in the car at home. They provide help to get him out and back in afterwards. Then I need help at home to get him back in the house. Bill does not travel well in the car. He cannot adjust his position and cannot maintain a comfortable position for very long. So he is a hand full for me in the car alone. Taking all things into consideration and after talking to a few people, I do not think Bill is at a stage that he can endure this schedule even is he got accepted into the program. I have also been advised that I would not be able to handle it. He has now been in physical therapy for the better part of the last twenty months. The ups and downs give my heart hope but in my mind, my eyes tell me it isn't happening. He has no muscles left....they are so weak.
It is so strange. When he works with a therapist or even the doctors we go see both in New Orleans and now here in Texas. They never express any opinion on his physical condition. They have nothing to say to me either. It's like they don't see it and I'm left to try to figure out what to do for him. Bill has very little strength in his legs. My chiropractor who has been with Bill and I for years. Explained it to me like this...when you have a stroke....some things die immediately from the damage. Other things are injured but will die slowly and over a long period of time. He is the only one that helped me know what we are now facing.
When I the QUEEN....I will have a doctors assistant who will work with the care givers and help guide them through the maze. It is quite a burden to have to make all of these decisions without any professional guidance. It is also very frustrating every time someone comes along a you get all excited about something they tell you about only to find out they are ill informed.
The roller coaster rides again. Up and down up and down up and now down again.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Today was the most spectacular day.....cool temps....blue Sky. So Bill & I hit the streets.
We visited the home on the original lot we had chosen back in December of 2007. We were lucky enough to meet the man & his daughter. Just one man lives there alone. He looks to be about 80. He said he is not ready for the club house yet but is interested in bridge. We are trying to talk everybody into BINGO. We are having difficulty these days even wanting to go. We only have 4 regulars and if anybody can't come on a given day we just cancel. It's just not fun to play BINGO with a small group. We want big pots of money.
The house is smaller than where we are and the lot that looked so inviting on the map....is just OK. The house sits just a little in the wrong direction and water view we were dreaming of is not as good as we envisioned.
So once again....we got a break on being happy with our builder inventory home we bought.
Sunday night we had dinner with Greg and family Bill picked Fuddruckers Hamburgers. His appetite is still very good and we really enjoyed going out. I woofed down my burger first so I got to hold Maddy while Greg and Tina ate. She still has not cried she just squeaks.
Macy and Marley are so good they just either sit at the table or play in the area right by us. They both love their PawPaw and he just aglow when he is getting his hugs and kisses. We now have seven....count them seven granddaughters Lori 4 Greg 3. They are the spark that keeps us going.
Bill is now back in home therapy for another six weeks. The insurance will only approve more if he shows improvement. I don't think he will get it but I am still hopeful. Next Monday we are going back to having a sitter. Four hours on a Monday. I am getting a long list again of things I need to catch up on...mostly car stuff...inspection expires Saturday, Oil change, car wash OMG...I've been hauling garden plants, compost, mulch, pavers all in the car. It is the worst it has ever been. I also think I need to establish with a Toyota dealer here. I am coming up on 30,000 miles and I think that is a big one for maintenance.
Abby still comes to allow me to grocery shop and get stuff for the garden to work on the following week. But there are only so many things I can do in the late afternoon and evening. I also need to get to the doctor no problem. Just a check up in the office. The therapist wants us to see a rehab doctor. He thinks his meds need to be adjusted for spastisity. He is very tight and can't relax. He feels that is a problem in therapy. So we have to start with the primary care physician referral. He also is recommending a place here called Tier. It is a rehab facility for patients like Bill. He thinks if we can get a referral from a Rehab doctor they may provide a van the pick us up and bring us home. If not we will use the sitter for help with transporting. I'll keep you with a follow of all that soon.
We are OK.................
We visited the home on the original lot we had chosen back in December of 2007. We were lucky enough to meet the man & his daughter. Just one man lives there alone. He looks to be about 80. He said he is not ready for the club house yet but is interested in bridge. We are trying to talk everybody into BINGO. We are having difficulty these days even wanting to go. We only have 4 regulars and if anybody can't come on a given day we just cancel. It's just not fun to play BINGO with a small group. We want big pots of money.
The house is smaller than where we are and the lot that looked so inviting on the map....is just OK. The house sits just a little in the wrong direction and water view we were dreaming of is not as good as we envisioned.
So once again....we got a break on being happy with our builder inventory home we bought.
Sunday night we had dinner with Greg and family Bill picked Fuddruckers Hamburgers. His appetite is still very good and we really enjoyed going out. I woofed down my burger first so I got to hold Maddy while Greg and Tina ate. She still has not cried she just squeaks.
Macy and Marley are so good they just either sit at the table or play in the area right by us. They both love their PawPaw and he just aglow when he is getting his hugs and kisses. We now have seven....count them seven granddaughters Lori 4 Greg 3. They are the spark that keeps us going.
Bill is now back in home therapy for another six weeks. The insurance will only approve more if he shows improvement. I don't think he will get it but I am still hopeful. Next Monday we are going back to having a sitter. Four hours on a Monday. I am getting a long list again of things I need to catch up on...mostly car stuff...inspection expires Saturday, Oil change, car wash OMG...I've been hauling garden plants, compost, mulch, pavers all in the car. It is the worst it has ever been. I also think I need to establish with a Toyota dealer here. I am coming up on 30,000 miles and I think that is a big one for maintenance.
Abby still comes to allow me to grocery shop and get stuff for the garden to work on the following week. But there are only so many things I can do in the late afternoon and evening. I also need to get to the doctor no problem. Just a check up in the office. The therapist wants us to see a rehab doctor. He thinks his meds need to be adjusted for spastisity. He is very tight and can't relax. He feels that is a problem in therapy. So we have to start with the primary care physician referral. He also is recommending a place here called Tier. It is a rehab facility for patients like Bill. He thinks if we can get a referral from a Rehab doctor they may provide a van the pick us up and bring us home. If not we will use the sitter for help with transporting. I'll keep you with a follow of all that soon.
We are OK.................
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Once again sorry....I forget my password
Bill & I had a great weekend.......Lori planned for us to go see her girls horse race on Saturday evening early. Lori came to our house to pick up Bill, Maggie, Vickie and I. Then it was her night to work the concession, so she traded half of her time with another lady so she was able to be with Bill and I.
It was a cool fall night and the country air felt very refreshing. Shelby, Maggie and Victoria are all in first place within their age groups. First place wins a saddle....Lori said this would be a first for the riding club if the same family won three age groups. The season goes to December.......that's a long time away.
We had not been to see them ride since Mardi Gras 2008. Wow....they have improved so much. Maggie is a wild woman on that horse....she goes wide open she's got the need for speed and scares us to death.
Shelby is more into form than speed and is beautiful to watch while still winning for speed and accuracy.
Victoria is amazing to see that little bittie thing control that huge horse so effortlessly. Vic gets very little free time as he is busy helping the girls between races and rounding them up for their competions. We were only there from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. It was getting cold and Greg was waiting at his house to come over and get Bill into bed for the night.
We even got to eat out. The club moms and dads do the cooking and the food is really very good. We enjoyed chili, fries and hamburgers. I was a real treat.
When we got home Greg said he and Tina were going to come over on Sunday for a visit. Yea....a double header. So I boiled 5 pounds of shrimp with potatoes, brussel sprouts, corn, mushroom and celery and enjoyed dinner with Greg, Tina, Macy, Marley and Maddie. Greg got a motor boat for his birthday and took Bill and the girls over to the lake in Townelake where they enjoyed the beautiful weather. Tina and I got the shrimp boil and drinks ready for when they got home.
Maddie is a very good baby and just squeaks ...I've not heard her cry. Macy is the perfect little lady always so sweet. She is always very attentive to her Kutzie and PawPaw. When the kisses are given out the first goes to Bill whether he is in bed or the wheelchair, she manages to get him his kiss. Marley on the other hand...is the comedian in the group. She never fails to keep us laughing. But you have to catch her to get a kiss.
Can you tell Bill and I really enjoyed our weekend ! Indulge a proud grandma for a minute......Thanks Ruby
It was a cool fall night and the country air felt very refreshing. Shelby, Maggie and Victoria are all in first place within their age groups. First place wins a saddle....Lori said this would be a first for the riding club if the same family won three age groups. The season goes to December.......that's a long time away.
We had not been to see them ride since Mardi Gras 2008. Wow....they have improved so much. Maggie is a wild woman on that horse....she goes wide open she's got the need for speed and scares us to death.
Shelby is more into form than speed and is beautiful to watch while still winning for speed and accuracy.
Victoria is amazing to see that little bittie thing control that huge horse so effortlessly. Vic gets very little free time as he is busy helping the girls between races and rounding them up for their competions. We were only there from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. It was getting cold and Greg was waiting at his house to come over and get Bill into bed for the night.
We even got to eat out. The club moms and dads do the cooking and the food is really very good. We enjoyed chili, fries and hamburgers. I was a real treat.
When we got home Greg said he and Tina were going to come over on Sunday for a visit. Yea....a double header. So I boiled 5 pounds of shrimp with potatoes, brussel sprouts, corn, mushroom and celery and enjoyed dinner with Greg, Tina, Macy, Marley and Maddie. Greg got a motor boat for his birthday and took Bill and the girls over to the lake in Townelake where they enjoyed the beautiful weather. Tina and I got the shrimp boil and drinks ready for when they got home.
Maddie is a very good baby and just squeaks ...I've not heard her cry. Macy is the perfect little lady always so sweet. She is always very attentive to her Kutzie and PawPaw. When the kisses are given out the first goes to Bill whether he is in bed or the wheelchair, she manages to get him his kiss. Marley on the other hand...is the comedian in the group. She never fails to keep us laughing. But you have to catch her to get a kiss.
Can you tell Bill and I really enjoyed our weekend ! Indulge a proud grandma for a minute......Thanks Ruby
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Last week Bill had his therapy assessment. This week he will meet a new physical therapist and a new occupational therapist. Wish us luck with that...know what the difference is...I didn't. OT is above the waist ...PT is below the waist. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I'm not looking forward to it...It's very hard to watch...but it is the only chance to improve his recovery......we have to try again. If I can just get him to help enough to get in and out of the car....wow what a difference it would make.
Hey, Bryan gut the cable wire again this week. Last time it was our neighbors. This time it was ours. We were without phone, computer and TV for 3 days and 2 nights. It was like being on a camping trip. We played you say a line of a song and I'll say the next line. Bill was great....I think he won. Yea, well that's how we fell asleep the first night.........after that it got harder. By Sunday afternoon we were really in withdrawal....big time.
Now we have all our stuff working and it feels very warm & fuzzy again.
Hey, Bryan gut the cable wire again this week. Last time it was our neighbors. This time it was ours. We were without phone, computer and TV for 3 days and 2 nights. It was like being on a camping trip. We played you say a line of a song and I'll say the next line. Bill was great....I think he won. Yea, well that's how we fell asleep the first night.........after that it got harder. By Sunday afternoon we were really in withdrawal....big time.
Now we have all our stuff working and it feels very warm & fuzzy again.
Monday, October 5, 2009
OMG......Bill got the biggest surprise in the mail a few days ago. It was put together by a real man among men. The box had 2 Nobles hats, 3 Nobles shirts, can coolers, promo flyers, a pin from the birthday bash The Nobles had at the House of Blues but best of all a very special....DVD of highlights of the U S history of the past 50 years and including The Nobles Band history through pictures of the past 50 years. I can only imagine the hours that went into preparing this DVD. Maurice thanks for the memories.
It moved us in every way possible. First we laughed at all the hair everybody had 50 years ago and how much weight we have all found in 50 years, we sang along to songs we had not heard in 50 years but somehow knew all the words, we had some very sad memories of friends we lost along the way, but the most special thing in the DVD were the very oldie but goodie memories from the good old days growing up and old with The Nobles Band for the past 50 years.
I cried, Bill was very quiet. He sat there with the biggest smile on his face as we viewed the amazing DVD that Maurice Trosclair put together for him in honor of his Lifetime Achievement Award. THE NOBLES band has now been together for 50 years. For 48 years Bill lived for that band and all of it's member that passed through it.
All gave something to the band.....some in coming others in going. Some stayed for many years others were just passing through on their journey elsewhere.
I met Bill in September 1961 at Fortier High School. I knew from the time I met him....he had another love in his life that I would have to be willing to share him with.......The Nobles Band. I know Nancy and all of the other band wives will know what I'm talking about it's a mixed curse and blessing.
We worked that out and I stayed out of his band business. It worked well for us for 46 years. Now we are retired from that part of our life. He is finally all mine and I no longer have competition. The torch has been passed to another worthy man.
But I took it for granite that his band friends were also our friends. Now we both get great comfort from calls, cards, email, blogs and visits from our band family. Many of you have stuck with Bill and I in good times and now still are with us in sad times.
Thanks to you all for being you.......Especially you Maurice you are the best friend ever.
It moved us in every way possible. First we laughed at all the hair everybody had 50 years ago and how much weight we have all found in 50 years, we sang along to songs we had not heard in 50 years but somehow knew all the words, we had some very sad memories of friends we lost along the way, but the most special thing in the DVD were the very oldie but goodie memories from the good old days growing up and old with The Nobles Band for the past 50 years.
I cried, Bill was very quiet. He sat there with the biggest smile on his face as we viewed the amazing DVD that Maurice Trosclair put together for him in honor of his Lifetime Achievement Award. THE NOBLES band has now been together for 50 years. For 48 years Bill lived for that band and all of it's member that passed through it.
All gave something to the band.....some in coming others in going. Some stayed for many years others were just passing through on their journey elsewhere.
I met Bill in September 1961 at Fortier High School. I knew from the time I met him....he had another love in his life that I would have to be willing to share him with.......The Nobles Band. I know Nancy and all of the other band wives will know what I'm talking about it's a mixed curse and blessing.
We worked that out and I stayed out of his band business. It worked well for us for 46 years. Now we are retired from that part of our life. He is finally all mine and I no longer have competition. The torch has been passed to another worthy man.
But I took it for granite that his band friends were also our friends. Now we both get great comfort from calls, cards, email, blogs and visits from our band family. Many of you have stuck with Bill and I in good times and now still are with us in sad times.
Thanks to you all for being you.......Especially you Maurice you are the best friend ever.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hey Bonnie...I'm not sure why but I couldn't reply. So I'll do it here. We also are surprised to have so many grandchildren. But it is the joy of our lives to see those precious babies. Abby is the oldest she is now 20. Thank goodness for Abby she comes over on Wednesday after work to stay with her Paw Paw. That gives me the opportunity to go to the grocery, Sam's, or Walmart. The last few weeks I have only been going to the Houston garden center. I have hauled 142 plants in the back seat and trunk of our car. Also eight bags of compost. This week she is coming tonight to sleep over. I will go get 8 bags of mulch. I need 8 more plants that I am not able to find. I have a Mexican guy helping us to find them. Then next week I will start hauling pavers to outline the garden edge to keep the grass out. It is dirty work but I enjoy it and it helps me pass the time. It's also my therapy.
I hope we will see you guys also, it would be fun. We have a guest room for ya'll any time. Just call we'll leave the light on for you.
Bill has just this week made some progress in the left elbow area. He had slight movement in the shoulder and the hand but nothing in the elbow. So 19 months out he is still making improvements. He has a very long way to go but we never give up. We are hoping to get home in December for a family wedding.
I hope we will see you guys also, it would be fun. We have a guest room for ya'll any time. Just call we'll leave the light on for you.
Bill has just this week made some progress in the left elbow area. He had slight movement in the shoulder and the hand but nothing in the elbow. So 19 months out he is still making improvements. He has a very long way to go but we never give up. We are hoping to get home in December for a family wedding.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
I don't know what the odds would be on this in Vegas but on Thursday we got our seventh granddaughter. That means our daughter has four girls no boys and our son now has three girls no boys.
All seven are healthy and wonderful and we are very blessed to have them. Her name is Madeline and she will be called Mattie. She weighed 6 lbs 7 ozs. She is 20 inches long with black hair, blue eyes and dimples. We will get to see her either Sunday or Monday. Bill asks alot of questions about her like details of who she looks like.
Otherwise same old, same old from Houston. We have dropped out of the activities at the club for a week or so Abby our 20 years old granddaughter and her boyfriend Bryan have been working on planting the back gardens for us. The same family that did the hard scape was supposed to do it but they said they had a emergency and I never heard back from them. Bryan did a very professional job. Everything looks so small but now we can just sit back and watch the garden grow. Yesterday Bill was watering the plants.....so he has a new job and he enjoys it. Till....................
All seven are healthy and wonderful and we are very blessed to have them. Her name is Madeline and she will be called Mattie. She weighed 6 lbs 7 ozs. She is 20 inches long with black hair, blue eyes and dimples. We will get to see her either Sunday or Monday. Bill asks alot of questions about her like details of who she looks like.
Otherwise same old, same old from Houston. We have dropped out of the activities at the club for a week or so Abby our 20 years old granddaughter and her boyfriend Bryan have been working on planting the back gardens for us. The same family that did the hard scape was supposed to do it but they said they had a emergency and I never heard back from them. Bryan did a very professional job. Everything looks so small but now we can just sit back and watch the garden grow. Yesterday Bill was watering the plants.....so he has a new job and he enjoys it. Till....................
Saturday, September 19, 2009
OMG......
Bill's good luck continued tonight. We had dinner for lunch and a late lunch of pizza. I left Bill in the bed to go cook the frozen pizza for 25 minutes. I sliced the pizza and poured him a cup of ice tea. When I got to the bedroom.....Bill was on the floor on his knees. He was holding on to the nightstand with his right hand and luckily the medium size trash can was holding his chest up. His left side was still leaning on the bed. I called Greg to get him up and back into the bed.
Good news he was not hurt nor did he fall........he said he just slid out onto the floor on his way to the bathroom. I didn't know he could roll over without the bar to pull on....I wish I could have seen how he did it but now I know I can't leave him with the rail off on the left side anymore.
Who knows maybe it's a good thing..............maybe he is getting stronger. Just another dip on the roller coaster to keep me on my toes.
Bill's good luck continued tonight. We had dinner for lunch and a late lunch of pizza. I left Bill in the bed to go cook the frozen pizza for 25 minutes. I sliced the pizza and poured him a cup of ice tea. When I got to the bedroom.....Bill was on the floor on his knees. He was holding on to the nightstand with his right hand and luckily the medium size trash can was holding his chest up. His left side was still leaning on the bed. I called Greg to get him up and back into the bed.
Good news he was not hurt nor did he fall........he said he just slid out onto the floor on his way to the bathroom. I didn't know he could roll over without the bar to pull on....I wish I could have seen how he did it but now I know I can't leave him with the rail off on the left side anymore.
Who knows maybe it's a good thing..............maybe he is getting stronger. Just another dip on the roller coaster to keep me on my toes.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tonight we attended game night at Towne Lake for the first time in a long time. It was a lot of fun to see all of our old neighbors and to meet some new ones. Bill won 8 games at BINGO and I won 2 it was so much fun. Bill said he really enjoyed all the kidding about his being always lucky.
Shirley picked out 2 lucky cards when they played last week maybe she was right we may just keep those cards on the side for awhile longer.
The water was very cold this morning. I will be losing water aerobics on October 1, then we will be doing something called chair aerobics. I'll give it a chance but I don't think it could be nearly as invigorating as the water class. We are doing well with the renewed commitment to get out of the house as much as possible.
We have 2 neighbors that had surgery....I am baking cookies and should be finished tomorrow and we will go out to make a few visits on Caddo Springs.
Shirley picked out 2 lucky cards when they played last week maybe she was right we may just keep those cards on the side for awhile longer.
The water was very cold this morning. I will be losing water aerobics on October 1, then we will be doing something called chair aerobics. I'll give it a chance but I don't think it could be nearly as invigorating as the water class. We are doing well with the renewed commitment to get out of the house as much as possible.
We have 2 neighbors that had surgery....I am baking cookies and should be finished tomorrow and we will go out to make a few visits on Caddo Springs.
Monday, September 14, 2009
OMG......where do I begin. I thought that Bill's physical condition was really tanking. However my medical training has once again misled my diagnosis.
Bill's MOM..his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Johnny came to visit us from Thursday till Sunday. Bill didn't know they were coming it was a surprise for him. Well the surprise was on me.
He perked up so much I couldn't believe it. He hardly slept during the day and stayed up for long hours after meals. He came out with some really funny things to say and really showed us he enjoyed himself.
Friday at bingo Bill played about half the games and was getting bored. Johnny had the idea for Bill to call. He called the numbers not only correctly but in a voice that we had not heard in a very long time. His voice was both strong and clear. He has been sand bagging. We now think he is depressed again. So I will ask the doctor what she recommends. Stronger dose or to try a new drug.
I have been doing just what he didn't need. Letting him sleep a lot and stay home. Assuming he needed the additional down time since he was so much weaker. Now I need to go in the opposite direction. We are hoping to get him going well enough for a trip home in December for Erin and Jock's wedding.
Thanks for coming Shirley, Johnny and especially Mom. You were just what we needed to get us going in the right direction again. Thanks for being here for us. Love Ya Lots
Bill's MOM..his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Johnny came to visit us from Thursday till Sunday. Bill didn't know they were coming it was a surprise for him. Well the surprise was on me.
He perked up so much I couldn't believe it. He hardly slept during the day and stayed up for long hours after meals. He came out with some really funny things to say and really showed us he enjoyed himself.
Friday at bingo Bill played about half the games and was getting bored. Johnny had the idea for Bill to call. He called the numbers not only correctly but in a voice that we had not heard in a very long time. His voice was both strong and clear. He has been sand bagging. We now think he is depressed again. So I will ask the doctor what she recommends. Stronger dose or to try a new drug.
I have been doing just what he didn't need. Letting him sleep a lot and stay home. Assuming he needed the additional down time since he was so much weaker. Now I need to go in the opposite direction. We are hoping to get him going well enough for a trip home in December for Erin and Jock's wedding.
Thanks for coming Shirley, Johnny and especially Mom. You were just what we needed to get us going in the right direction again. Thanks for being here for us. Love Ya Lots
Thursday, September 3, 2009
We played BINGO on Tuesday morning....Bill had two cards and did very well on marking. He enjoyed the outing and we are going to push to attend more events at the club house. I also rejoined water aerobics class Tuesday and am going to push to attend for the month of September. I really enjoy the class and seeing our neighbors is also refreshing. Bob our next door neighbor stays with Bill & his wife also goes to the class.
Sunday Sandra & Paul came to visit. We enjoyed seeing them. Guess what....you guessed it. Another Murray coming to Houston. Paul came in to get a job here and register for trade school. He did both. Sandra will bring him back on Friday...he will stay with her sister in Katy about 30 minutes from here. Sounds like a few card games in our future. This week they are bringing Blue Plate Mayo, Community Coffee and of course Bunny Plantation bread. I need to call her last night Bill said he would also like some Hubig apple pies.
Abby stays with Bill on Wednesday evening for me to errands. Last night I bought the last curtain rod. The last drapes are ordered and in the mail. This will be the last time I call the installer....he is beginning to think he's family. I also bought more plants for our New Orleans Courtyard that is under construction in the back yard. We are very excited to get that finished also. I really enjoyed working on that project....it has filled a lot of my time and Bill even has had some input. The hard scape is finished and we already sit out there and listen to the water from the fountain. So far the only birds that come are the doves. We are hoping when the plants go in...we will get some more colorful birds.
Bill's insurance is going to start sending a nurse to the house to do his blood work and check ups. It has become too difficult for me to get him in and out of the car. It is not safe for either of us. So I am relieved that we have that luxury.
Sunday Sandra & Paul came to visit. We enjoyed seeing them. Guess what....you guessed it. Another Murray coming to Houston. Paul came in to get a job here and register for trade school. He did both. Sandra will bring him back on Friday...he will stay with her sister in Katy about 30 minutes from here. Sounds like a few card games in our future. This week they are bringing Blue Plate Mayo, Community Coffee and of course Bunny Plantation bread. I need to call her last night Bill said he would also like some Hubig apple pies.
Abby stays with Bill on Wednesday evening for me to errands. Last night I bought the last curtain rod. The last drapes are ordered and in the mail. This will be the last time I call the installer....he is beginning to think he's family. I also bought more plants for our New Orleans Courtyard that is under construction in the back yard. We are very excited to get that finished also. I really enjoyed working on that project....it has filled a lot of my time and Bill even has had some input. The hard scape is finished and we already sit out there and listen to the water from the fountain. So far the only birds that come are the doves. We are hoping when the plants go in...we will get some more colorful birds.
Bill's insurance is going to start sending a nurse to the house to do his blood work and check ups. It has become too difficult for me to get him in and out of the car. It is not safe for either of us. So I am relieved that we have that luxury.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
We have now been in Texas for 1 year. It has now been 18 months since Bill had his third stroke.
Bill is now only awake for about 7 to 10 hours of the day. I can only keep him out of the bed for a couple of hours at a time. He seldom wants to go out of the house ....ie the mailbox or the club. He still likes to go out in the car. However Thursday one of our neighbors came to help me get him into the car and go get a SnoBall in Tomball about a 40 minute ride. It was a beautiful day. The ride is rural and wooded for the most part...but still we were out of the house. We got our treat and Bill was ready to come home. When we got home I was getting him out of the car. His knees just buckled under him...I could not hold him. I tried to get him back into the car seat....he was sliding down between the top of the seat and the door frame. I asked the neighbor to go get a male neighbor to help. We were able between the three of us to lay him down on the garage floor and to get a pillow under his head. We called 911 for the 4th or 5th time....they came to the rescue.
I am putting this on the blog because I am always trying to give you good news. It is getting harder to find the good news these days. The prospect of therapy is out of the question since he has no strength left in his legs. He is loosing his muscle mass both in his arms and legs. He is able to roll slightly to his right side and pull up with his right arm to the top of the bed and raise his legs in the bed and that is it. He still does not have trunk control which is why he cannot get his balance . No balance prevents him from even being able to sit on side of the bed or straighten himself in the wheelchair.
He never complains....we're OK. I'm just feeling the need to keep it real tonight.
Bill is now only awake for about 7 to 10 hours of the day. I can only keep him out of the bed for a couple of hours at a time. He seldom wants to go out of the house ....ie the mailbox or the club. He still likes to go out in the car. However Thursday one of our neighbors came to help me get him into the car and go get a SnoBall in Tomball about a 40 minute ride. It was a beautiful day. The ride is rural and wooded for the most part...but still we were out of the house. We got our treat and Bill was ready to come home. When we got home I was getting him out of the car. His knees just buckled under him...I could not hold him. I tried to get him back into the car seat....he was sliding down between the top of the seat and the door frame. I asked the neighbor to go get a male neighbor to help. We were able between the three of us to lay him down on the garage floor and to get a pillow under his head. We called 911 for the 4th or 5th time....they came to the rescue.
I am putting this on the blog because I am always trying to give you good news. It is getting harder to find the good news these days. The prospect of therapy is out of the question since he has no strength left in his legs. He is loosing his muscle mass both in his arms and legs. He is able to roll slightly to his right side and pull up with his right arm to the top of the bed and raise his legs in the bed and that is it. He still does not have trunk control which is why he cannot get his balance . No balance prevents him from even being able to sit on side of the bed or straighten himself in the wheelchair.
He never complains....we're OK. I'm just feeling the need to keep it real tonight.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Last weeks activity seemed to really perk Bill up. We attended Bingo for the first time in weeks. We enjoyed seeing all of the neighbors and everyone missed us. I think that will motivate both of us to get into our routine. The visit to the Baylor doctor really took the wind out of both of our sails. Now it is time to move on.
Bonnie, Rick and Eric came for a very nice visit. They were here to move Eric back home from his summer internship here with a large accounting firm. He has been offered a permanent job with the company and has accepted. He complete his master degree in accounting in December. Then he will move to Houston. Yea!
Also his brother Kyle's girlfriend Darlene has taken a job with Haliburton in Houston already. So after Kyle graduates he also will be looking for a job and a move to Houston. Yea!
More Murray's in Texas......that's a good thing. Since we get homesick and the visits....give us a good taste of family.
They also stopped by the Main Street Sno Ball stand to check it out...........good report Lori. Keep up the good work.
Bill did not want them to leave even though it was late ...........he was loving it.
Ya'll keep on coming..........we'll leave the light on. Love ya.............Ruby & Bill
Bonnie, Rick and Eric came for a very nice visit. They were here to move Eric back home from his summer internship here with a large accounting firm. He has been offered a permanent job with the company and has accepted. He complete his master degree in accounting in December. Then he will move to Houston. Yea!
Also his brother Kyle's girlfriend Darlene has taken a job with Haliburton in Houston already. So after Kyle graduates he also will be looking for a job and a move to Houston. Yea!
More Murray's in Texas......that's a good thing. Since we get homesick and the visits....give us a good taste of family.
They also stopped by the Main Street Sno Ball stand to check it out...........good report Lori. Keep up the good work.
Bill did not want them to leave even though it was late ...........he was loving it.
Ya'll keep on coming..........we'll leave the light on. Love ya.............Ruby & Bill
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday...........was a good night at the Main Street Sno Ball stand in Tomball.
It was Tomball night and the hot, sweating crowd wanted to cool off !
Bill got the royal treatment....Vic & Greg picked up the wheelchair and put Bill inside....they took lots of pictures....wait till you see that....he loved it.
Saturday...........was a sad day.........Bill's long time friend Harry Ravain passed away Thursday night at 6:15PM.
Harry was Greg's Godfather .............Greg took Bill on Saturday to say good-bye to Harry.
Saturday night Bill wanted to go back to the Sno Ball stand. I told him he has to get stronger so I can transfer him in and out of the car by myself before we can go alone. That may be a really good incentive. He said when he is stronger he wants to go every night. Look out Lori you better get lots of Strawberry syrup.
It was Tomball night and the hot, sweating crowd wanted to cool off !
Bill got the royal treatment....Vic & Greg picked up the wheelchair and put Bill inside....they took lots of pictures....wait till you see that....he loved it.
Saturday...........was a sad day.........Bill's long time friend Harry Ravain passed away Thursday night at 6:15PM.
Harry was Greg's Godfather .............Greg took Bill on Saturday to say good-bye to Harry.
Saturday night Bill wanted to go back to the Sno Ball stand. I told him he has to get stronger so I can transfer him in and out of the car by myself before we can go alone. That may be a really good incentive. He said when he is stronger he wants to go every night. Look out Lori you better get lots of Strawberry syrup.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Good Day
Today will be a good day..............Greg will be coming with his family to help get Bill in & out of the car. We are all going to the friend & family night at the..........Grand Opening of Lori's SNOBALL stand tonight.
Lori & Bill have tossed this idea around for several years. Bill even bought Lori a Sno Wizard machine at a pawn shop about 10 years ago. She stored it for awhile in her laundry room then gave up on the dream and sold it.
I just laughed because I thought it was like so many other ideas........ie. drive in theatre, wall paper store, blind store, drapery workshop or the band getting some big job ie. Las Vegas, cruise boat or Europe. Then there was the Murray family Mardi Gras truck or the Murray Halloween Haunted House we were always going to have...
but NO tonight one of Bill's dreams becomes a reality. The dream he and Lori shared together for years .
Vic has even gotten on board...he said Lori will do what she wants anyway...I might as well help her succeed.
Lori & Vic have attended Sno Wizard sno ball school. Eaten lots of sno balls on trips home and here in Texas....all in the name of research. Lori has put in many hours on the inter net , many miles of leg work and hours of phone time.
Vic, Lori and friends have been busy with building out the inside and outside of the building. Vic making tables for outside, painting, buying and hauling a mountain of equipment and supplies. Greg build them a huge SnoBall out of wood...I think that is a outside building decoration. I'll know more when I see it.
They have fliers, plastic cups, lots of flavors & stuff, even soft serve ice cream. Tonight is the big night. Tomorrow is Tomball night....tonight is a small dress rehearsal....tomorrow night is a big festival. Hopefully a money making night.
Wish them lots of luck, fun and success in their dream come true.
Lori & Bill have tossed this idea around for several years. Bill even bought Lori a Sno Wizard machine at a pawn shop about 10 years ago. She stored it for awhile in her laundry room then gave up on the dream and sold it.
I just laughed because I thought it was like so many other ideas........ie. drive in theatre, wall paper store, blind store, drapery workshop or the band getting some big job ie. Las Vegas, cruise boat or Europe. Then there was the Murray family Mardi Gras truck or the Murray Halloween Haunted House we were always going to have...
but NO tonight one of Bill's dreams becomes a reality. The dream he and Lori shared together for years .
Vic has even gotten on board...he said Lori will do what she wants anyway...I might as well help her succeed.
Lori & Vic have attended Sno Wizard sno ball school. Eaten lots of sno balls on trips home and here in Texas....all in the name of research. Lori has put in many hours on the inter net , many miles of leg work and hours of phone time.
Vic, Lori and friends have been busy with building out the inside and outside of the building. Vic making tables for outside, painting, buying and hauling a mountain of equipment and supplies. Greg build them a huge SnoBall out of wood...I think that is a outside building decoration. I'll know more when I see it.
They have fliers, plastic cups, lots of flavors & stuff, even soft serve ice cream. Tonight is the big night. Tomorrow is Tomball night....tonight is a small dress rehearsal....tomorrow night is a big festival. Hopefully a money making night.
Wish them lots of luck, fun and success in their dream come true.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bill seems more distance these days. I also see a drop in his appetite. The Neurologist wanted me to stop giving him the sleeping pills. I did. Now he is back to awake all night and sleeps from about 4:00AM till 2:00PM. I can't take it....we are staying inside day and night...since we are missing BINGO. So I am going to set the alarm clock and we will both be up by 10:00AM and in bed by 12:00 midnight. If I need the sleeping pills to give us both a better quality of life....so be it.
He also doesn't want to attend the Friday night social and BINGO at the clubhouse. I have requested stronger anti-depressant RX .....Bill requested help in that area for the first time since the stroke.
I can not even imagine what it must be like.........to go to sleep one night........only to wake up the next day......with a extreme handicap like he has...........mental confusion.........not able to play music.........I moved us to Texas away from his friends and family.
The highlight of our week is when the children and grandchildren visit. He still likes to go out to eat and to the malls for awhile..........I have got to get him and us back on a positive track.
He also doesn't want to attend the Friday night social and BINGO at the clubhouse. I have requested stronger anti-depressant RX .....Bill requested help in that area for the first time since the stroke.
I can not even imagine what it must be like.........to go to sleep one night........only to wake up the next day......with a extreme handicap like he has...........mental confusion.........not able to play music.........I moved us to Texas away from his friends and family.
The highlight of our week is when the children and grandchildren visit. He still likes to go out to eat and to the malls for awhile..........I have got to get him and us back on a positive track.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Note: Special thanks to Maurice Trosclair and The Nobles Band for the impressive award presented to Bill for his service and commitment to the band for a life time.
I no longer enjoy blogging.........it has become a job that is not fun and does not come easy any longer.
When last I wrote we were full of hope for a appointment with a Baylor school of Neurology in the Houston Medical center. That turned out to be a very big disappointment. I was really counting on the doctor studying the several pages I faxed over from EJ. Doing a new evaluation..........a year and four months out now. I really wanted him to take Bill off of some on the RX he is on and to tell us that was holding his progress back.
Lori and Greg helped me bring Bill to his appointment..............long story short. The only change in the RX is to try not to give him the one half sleeping pill and night. That is working fine so far. However no change in his overall strength. His legs are just not working.
Bill and I have talked about the visit and agree it was a very big disappointment. The kids also agree. I think we are just really in a tight spot and just need to except it. Just because we want something to be a certain way does not mean it will happen the way we want it to turn out.
I still hate roller coasters. Especially the downs.................. Ruby
I no longer enjoy blogging.........it has become a job that is not fun and does not come easy any longer.
When last I wrote we were full of hope for a appointment with a Baylor school of Neurology in the Houston Medical center. That turned out to be a very big disappointment. I was really counting on the doctor studying the several pages I faxed over from EJ. Doing a new evaluation..........a year and four months out now. I really wanted him to take Bill off of some on the RX he is on and to tell us that was holding his progress back.
Lori and Greg helped me bring Bill to his appointment..............long story short. The only change in the RX is to try not to give him the one half sleeping pill and night. That is working fine so far. However no change in his overall strength. His legs are just not working.
Bill and I have talked about the visit and agree it was a very big disappointment. The kids also agree. I think we are just really in a tight spot and just need to except it. Just because we want something to be a certain way does not mean it will happen the way we want it to turn out.
I still hate roller coasters. Especially the downs.................. Ruby
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Three months later....................
Three months since the last post. I have good news to report. Bill is showing new progress in both his left arm and his left leg. Lots on improvement in range of motion of the arm.......he can raise his left arm up to about his shoulder. He is also working on the left leg. In the bed he is now able to raise the leg stiff legged up and down 10 times several times a day. I have no idea what brought this improvement on......he had been very tired for awhile and was sleeping way to much........until one day last week. Bill told Greg it started when I told him that when he and I can consistently transfer to and from the car without help.........we can go home for a month. Who knew that would be such a motivator. It is very exciting....I hope we are able to keep it going.
Bill's primary physician has already faxed over the referral to.....Baylor University neurological Clinic. We had contact with a specialist there thru one of our neighbors in Towne Lake. We want to go for an assessment and to check up on his medications since we have only seen the primary care physician since we got here.
Bill is very healthy........it's just a check up with some specialist........in hopes they may have some new ideas.
We got this far with what we left East Jefferson with I think it may be time for a tune up. He may also suggest he get back into physical therapy since his strength seems to have increased considerably. I can only imagine what he might be able to achieve if we can get some professional help again.
Many thanks to all..........who visit ........and call. Y'all help Bill keep his spirits up. We never have a bad day....just some days are better than others. We are doing OK..............
Till then..........................Ruby
Bill's primary physician has already faxed over the referral to.....Baylor University neurological Clinic. We had contact with a specialist there thru one of our neighbors in Towne Lake. We want to go for an assessment and to check up on his medications since we have only seen the primary care physician since we got here.
Bill is very healthy........it's just a check up with some specialist........in hopes they may have some new ideas.
We got this far with what we left East Jefferson with I think it may be time for a tune up. He may also suggest he get back into physical therapy since his strength seems to have increased considerably. I can only imagine what he might be able to achieve if we can get some professional help again.
Many thanks to all..........who visit ........and call. Y'all help Bill keep his spirits up. We never have a bad day....just some days are better than others. We are doing OK..............
Till then..........................Ruby
Sunday, March 8, 2009
EUREKA...............We got a break today. Greg called and came over to get Bill in the car...we went to their house to visit. It was fun just getting ready to go somewhere..........it was also fun to be out of the house for awhile. The car I'm sure enjoyed it.......since it has only been out once this month and then to the doctors office and home.
We had a nice visit with Greg, Tina and the girls. Bill suggested we have Chipole for dinner.........we enjoyed that too. They went yesterday to pick fresh strawberries and we brought a bowl home. Bill enjoyed the outing but didn't have much to say. I enjoyed the break.....Greg took care of his Dad and gave me a much needed break today.
We had a nice visit with Greg, Tina and the girls. Bill suggested we have Chipole for dinner.........we enjoyed that too. They went yesterday to pick fresh strawberries and we brought a bowl home. Bill enjoyed the outing but didn't have much to say. I enjoyed the break.....Greg took care of his Dad and gave me a much needed break today.
Bill is feeling much better....I would say back to before the trip. Today he motioned with his left hand and arm that he wanted to go to the bedroom. He still has his very quiet days and today was one of those....so without thinking he just used the arm and hand to motion and point in that direction. This is a first ! It's been awhile since we had any forward progress. Lori and I were so excited....we jumped up got his regular walker....put that hand on it and walked him all the way into the bedroom from his chair in the den ....since the left hand was working we took advantage. Bill said his wrist hurt.....but it's a start.
Tony Bill's physical therapist quit last week. He said he is not able to make any progress so he is recommending his company try a different therapist that may come at it from another direction. I agree we were at a stand still if not loosing ground. Bill liked Tony because he never talked either. Bill understands it is about the progress in therapy and is looking forward to a new start.
Two weeks ago Bill was not marking his Bingo cards....he was missing so many numbers and since I am the caller it was wrong for me to keep helping....I just opted to let it pass and just put him up and let him play his way. To say the least he didn't win. This week he was marking much better and did win a game with minimal help marking. About 2/3 thru the game he announced to everyone he was ready to go home and that he felt nervous. I stopped took him over to the front desk and asked him to sit with the receptionist. He did for about 10 minutes....she pushed him back and he resumed playing Bingo. Whatever ! I guess he just needed a little intermission.
We let the sitter go Feb 10 and I find it is catching up with me. I feel tired and depressed. I really could use a week at Hollywood Casino and shopping at Hudson in Gulf Port. I would settle for 3 hours. Lori comes every Friday to sleep over but don't want to do paperwork, housework or grocery.....I want to stay home with them. I have the same problem when Greg and the babies come to visit....I can't bring myself to leave. I asked Greg if he could give me 3 hours a week for a break.
Tony Bill's physical therapist quit last week. He said he is not able to make any progress so he is recommending his company try a different therapist that may come at it from another direction. I agree we were at a stand still if not loosing ground. Bill liked Tony because he never talked either. Bill understands it is about the progress in therapy and is looking forward to a new start.
Two weeks ago Bill was not marking his Bingo cards....he was missing so many numbers and since I am the caller it was wrong for me to keep helping....I just opted to let it pass and just put him up and let him play his way. To say the least he didn't win. This week he was marking much better and did win a game with minimal help marking. About 2/3 thru the game he announced to everyone he was ready to go home and that he felt nervous. I stopped took him over to the front desk and asked him to sit with the receptionist. He did for about 10 minutes....she pushed him back and he resumed playing Bingo. Whatever ! I guess he just needed a little intermission.
We let the sitter go Feb 10 and I find it is catching up with me. I feel tired and depressed. I really could use a week at Hollywood Casino and shopping at Hudson in Gulf Port. I would settle for 3 hours. Lori comes every Friday to sleep over but don't want to do paperwork, housework or grocery.....I want to stay home with them. I have the same problem when Greg and the babies come to visit....I can't bring myself to leave. I asked Greg if he could give me 3 hours a week for a break.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Finally..........Bill looks like he getting well. His appetite is coming back....the doctor called yesterday to say after the lab reports on the urine came back she is changing his antibiotic. He did have blood in the urine also. The color and volume are also improving already. He is still weak and not doing well in therapy yet. He did ask to go to the mail boxes yesterday. He loved going around the lake and has not even felt up to that since we got home. His color is good again and his sense of humor is back. We see a specialist next week since this is the 3rd urinary track infection he has had in 6 months to see what is going on there.
He also has a recurring pain in the right side that she wants a GI doctor to check out. I'll keep you posted as those results come back. For now I see improvement for the first time in 2 weeks.
He also has a recurring pain in the right side that she wants a GI doctor to check out. I'll keep you posted as those results come back. For now I see improvement for the first time in 2 weeks.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Not a good week............
It is now Thursday evening..........Bill is still not feeling well. No more fever....no more throwing up. It is really weird. We came home from the trip and he was fine..........transferred well at the airport and into the house.
The next morning he was just so weak. I thought he was just really tired. As the week has progressed I found out he is really sick not tired.
Today we went to his primary physician for a scheduled follow up visit. She found he has a slight sinus infection....fluid in the ears.....and urinary track infection. They sent a specimen to the lab for test and started antibiotics for 2 weeks. March 11 is the soonest we can see the urologist for a follow up to be sure it is just a infection and nothing more. Bill has been having pain in the right side ....in the gall bladder area on and off since about November. So she also wants a G I doctor to check him out....to be sure it just muscular and nothing more. I don't have that appointment yet.
Bill's appetite is a little better but not much. He has not even wanted to go around the pond all week.
Also, today the therapist said if Bill does not make any progress next week. He will have to turn him over to someone else to try a different approach for Bill's walking. He was doing so well before the trip and now he is just so weak and feels nauseous as soon as they start to walk him....so he has to cut it short and just exercise him in the wheelchair.
I hope tomorrow will be better.....he started the antibiotic today. We do have BINGO from 12-2 tomorrow. Then a pot luck supper with BINGO tomorrow night. He really likes that...........we will see.
Greg & Tina are in Mexico.....the Nanny is bringing the two girls by to visit us tomorrow. Lori will be sleeping over with her 3 girls Friday night and staying Saturday until the afternoon. Hopefully a weekend of the children and BINGO will pick him up.
I asked him today if you knew you would be so tired from the trip would you have gone.............YES, in a minute....I would do it again right now...was his response.
I asked at the clubhouse if the two employees there knew anyone that might be interested in sitting...since the other guy didn't work out...
Our subdivision has formed a care group ............they have 15 people who have volunteered........but nobody had as yet asked for any help. We are the first everyone wants to do something to help us. One lady wants to bring music over to play for Bill since she heard he is a musician. Today one of our neighbors Dianne is a nurse came over to stay with Bill while I went to the grocery and CVS to pick up RX. They hit it off very well....he talked to her........she read to him. She said he has lots of good stories and is funny. I glad they hit it off.
She asked to come back on Tuesday and have me show her our routine and how we work together. She plans to come back from time to time and feels with her experience she will be able to take him outside on the porch or for a ride around the pond in the not too distant future.
We will see how that progresses....but it was good to know he was in good hands while I went to the grocery. It was a really good start.
The next morning he was just so weak. I thought he was just really tired. As the week has progressed I found out he is really sick not tired.
Today we went to his primary physician for a scheduled follow up visit. She found he has a slight sinus infection....fluid in the ears.....and urinary track infection. They sent a specimen to the lab for test and started antibiotics for 2 weeks. March 11 is the soonest we can see the urologist for a follow up to be sure it is just a infection and nothing more. Bill has been having pain in the right side ....in the gall bladder area on and off since about November. So she also wants a G I doctor to check him out....to be sure it just muscular and nothing more. I don't have that appointment yet.
Bill's appetite is a little better but not much. He has not even wanted to go around the pond all week.
Also, today the therapist said if Bill does not make any progress next week. He will have to turn him over to someone else to try a different approach for Bill's walking. He was doing so well before the trip and now he is just so weak and feels nauseous as soon as they start to walk him....so he has to cut it short and just exercise him in the wheelchair.
I hope tomorrow will be better.....he started the antibiotic today. We do have BINGO from 12-2 tomorrow. Then a pot luck supper with BINGO tomorrow night. He really likes that...........we will see.
Greg & Tina are in Mexico.....the Nanny is bringing the two girls by to visit us tomorrow. Lori will be sleeping over with her 3 girls Friday night and staying Saturday until the afternoon. Hopefully a weekend of the children and BINGO will pick him up.
I asked him today if you knew you would be so tired from the trip would you have gone.............YES, in a minute....I would do it again right now...was his response.
I asked at the clubhouse if the two employees there knew anyone that might be interested in sitting...since the other guy didn't work out...
Our subdivision has formed a care group ............they have 15 people who have volunteered........but nobody had as yet asked for any help. We are the first everyone wants to do something to help us. One lady wants to bring music over to play for Bill since she heard he is a musician. Today one of our neighbors Dianne is a nurse came over to stay with Bill while I went to the grocery and CVS to pick up RX. They hit it off very well....he talked to her........she read to him. She said he has lots of good stories and is funny. I glad they hit it off.
She asked to come back on Tuesday and have me show her our routine and how we work together. She plans to come back from time to time and feels with her experience she will be able to take him outside on the porch or for a ride around the pond in the not too distant future.
We will see how that progresses....but it was good to know he was in good hands while I went to the grocery. It was a really good start.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Roller Coaster rides again..............
Bill has still not recovered from the trip home. He is weaker and not able to respond to cues as before. He says he gets stuck............he hears the cue ....wants to move....but feels he is unable.
A few other areas are not as before either............I hope as has happened many times ............that he will come back stronger and be back on the track to recovery.
We still talk everyday about how happy we are to have been able to go home to visit.
Bill has still not recovered from the trip home. He is weaker and not able to respond to cues as before. He says he gets stuck............he hears the cue ....wants to move....but feels he is unable.
A few other areas are not as before either............I hope as has happened many times ............that he will come back stronger and be back on the track to recovery.
We still talk everyday about how happy we are to have been able to go home to visit.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Home Coming # 1 Feb 12-16th 2009
Bill is doing so well....working hard in physical therapy 3 times a week. The new therapist has new ideas and Bill is motivated. I think he also is feeling stronger since the little event he had about 2 weeks ago.
Well he got his wish for his birthday .....we went home for a visit.
It was better than we even dreamed it could be......
much thanks to family and friends for making our visit very special.
Bill was able to see each of his brothers and sisters and their families at least once........ a few twice and most several times.
We laughed at nothing until our sides hurt and our heads ached. It brought back so many memories of years gone by but memories that will never be forgotten.
The love given by Bill's mother & father....has passed down to the children.....and those of us lucky enough to have married a Murray....got grandfathered into a wonderful family.....full of love and lots of laughter.
Bill and I will be married 44 years on March 12 and in that time I can truly say. I have never had a disagreement with any family member nor has any family member ever been anything but supportive of all others.
I think that is pretty rare.
We love you all and I know how much we are loved by each and everyone of you. Bill, Lori and I could have not made this trip without all of your help ..........from Steve at the airport for our arrival and Babes at Mom's house to help us load Bill up for the return trip home and everyone in between.
Special thanks to all of the strong young wonderful nephews that helped Uncle Bill on this trip......thanks for being there.
Special thanks to Mom for putting up with us all and all of the home cooking....Stew...fish....soup....meatballs .....all of our favorites.
Thanks to Shirley & Johnny for the king cakes and the wedding we missed on video and wedding cake........
Thanks to Mike & Gaye also for more king cakes from Baton Rouge.........
Thanks to Maurice Trosclair for the visit...........
Thanks to Donald Boue for the special requested lunch at Rocky's.........
Thanks to Mona & Harry Ravain for the surprise visit........
Thanks to Eddie Roth for the visit.........
Special thanks to our sister in law Sandra for above and beyond help when we really needed it.......thanks for being there for us !
Thanks to our son Greg for watching things in Texas while we were gone...
Most of all thanks to our daughter Lori without whom we could not have made these happy memories. Thanks for being there for us every step of the journey and taking care of us from reservations, picking us up, rent-a-car, park-n-fly, driving by the old house, bringing us snacks, etc,etc.
It is nice to get away and nice to get home again. We filled our suitcases with love that will last until we see ya'll soon.
Well he got his wish for his birthday .....we went home for a visit.
It was better than we even dreamed it could be......
much thanks to family and friends for making our visit very special.
Bill was able to see each of his brothers and sisters and their families at least once........ a few twice and most several times.
We laughed at nothing until our sides hurt and our heads ached. It brought back so many memories of years gone by but memories that will never be forgotten.
The love given by Bill's mother & father....has passed down to the children.....and those of us lucky enough to have married a Murray....got grandfathered into a wonderful family.....full of love and lots of laughter.
Bill and I will be married 44 years on March 12 and in that time I can truly say. I have never had a disagreement with any family member nor has any family member ever been anything but supportive of all others.
I think that is pretty rare.
We love you all and I know how much we are loved by each and everyone of you. Bill, Lori and I could have not made this trip without all of your help ..........from Steve at the airport for our arrival and Babes at Mom's house to help us load Bill up for the return trip home and everyone in between.
Special thanks to all of the strong young wonderful nephews that helped Uncle Bill on this trip......thanks for being there.
Special thanks to Mom for putting up with us all and all of the home cooking....Stew...fish....soup....meatballs .....all of our favorites.
Thanks to Shirley & Johnny for the king cakes and the wedding we missed on video and wedding cake........
Thanks to Mike & Gaye also for more king cakes from Baton Rouge.........
Thanks to Maurice Trosclair for the visit...........
Thanks to Donald Boue for the special requested lunch at Rocky's.........
Thanks to Mona & Harry Ravain for the surprise visit........
Thanks to Eddie Roth for the visit.........
Special thanks to our sister in law Sandra for above and beyond help when we really needed it.......thanks for being there for us !
Thanks to our son Greg for watching things in Texas while we were gone...
Most of all thanks to our daughter Lori without whom we could not have made these happy memories. Thanks for being there for us every step of the journey and taking care of us from reservations, picking us up, rent-a-car, park-n-fly, driving by the old house, bringing us snacks, etc,etc.
It is nice to get away and nice to get home again. We filled our suitcases with love that will last until we see ya'll soon.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday was the Bingo.........the crowd was small to say the least. Including Bill & I we were a grand total of seven players. We hope everyone tells neighbors and it will grow rapidly. It was fun and a good way to get to know your neighbors in a small group for a couple of hours a week.
The roller coaster ride is back on track..........remember last week during therapy Bill had this small event and had to stop therapy. Well this week he is so.........strong and really taking steps with the therapist and the walker. He walked from the kitchen table across the den carpet and to the front door twice. The improvement in the left foot is remarkable. Bill is also complaining of pain in the toes and foot for the first time. If he is now feeling pain.............at least he is getting feeling back. Keep your fingers crossed.
We really need him to be strong tomorrow for the trip home. He has 9 transfers just to get from home to his Mom's house. Wish us luck.....I keep you posted when we get back next week.
Love Ya Ruby
The roller coaster ride is back on track..........remember last week during therapy Bill had this small event and had to stop therapy. Well this week he is so.........strong and really taking steps with the therapist and the walker. He walked from the kitchen table across the den carpet and to the front door twice. The improvement in the left foot is remarkable. Bill is also complaining of pain in the toes and foot for the first time. If he is now feeling pain.............at least he is getting feeling back. Keep your fingers crossed.
We really need him to be strong tomorrow for the trip home. He has 9 transfers just to get from home to his Mom's house. Wish us luck.....I keep you posted when we get back next week.
Love Ya Ruby
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Where do I begin this has been a very exciting week. Last Friday I had to call 911 to help me get Bill up off of the bathroom floor. They did he is OK it was the worst yet but neither of us got hurt except Bill scraped his cheekbone on the texture on the wall on the way down. I didn't drop him I just had to let him down gently. Once he gets his weight so low I can't pick him back up with just my arms.
Saturday and Sunday Lori and Vic and the girls slept over. Vic did some Honey do's for us. Thanks Vic & Lori
Sunday Super Bowl..........Bill won two squares on the pool at the Club house and I won one. $75 total. YEA....it's not penny slots but it's as close as we can get right now.
Monday Bill's new therapist started.........slow start just evaluation today.
Monday a really nice couple we meet a couple of years ago ....Joy & Ted....came to visit us from Minnesota. Ted caught Walleyes in Canada froze them and Joy cooked us up a Yankee fish fry. It was delicious she used egg to dip first, then seasoned flour, and potatoe flakes.....ie instant mash potatoes....it added a little extra crunch and makes the fish a lighter color after frying. It was good to see them, good friends and good food. You can't beat that !
Tuesday Tony therapist came back to see Bill ......he had him up walking but Bill had a sort of weak spell and had to stop early.
Wednesday........Maurice was in town for work.....called.........took a taxi over from his hotel to visit. He brought Bill a Hu Dat Hubig Pie T-shirt and a bag of pies. What a sweet surprise. Again good friend and good food.
Thursday...........Bill had therapy and walked better today. It was such a pretty warm sunny day. The sitter & I got him in the car. He got much needed haircut. Went in the grocery but didn't care for that waited in the car for me with Wesley. They went with me to do some returns. We had a lunch from Popeyes and stopped at a dead in street cut off to eat......we sat in the car and threw the bones out of the window.
Friday ..........we have our first BINGO at the club. We are hoping for a big turn out. We have lots of BINGO practice since my mother and my mother-in-law both like it. I'll let you know how that goes .
Saturday and Sunday Lori and Vic and the girls slept over. Vic did some Honey do's for us. Thanks Vic & Lori
Sunday Super Bowl..........Bill won two squares on the pool at the Club house and I won one. $75 total. YEA....it's not penny slots but it's as close as we can get right now.
Monday Bill's new therapist started.........slow start just evaluation today.
Monday a really nice couple we meet a couple of years ago ....Joy & Ted....came to visit us from Minnesota. Ted caught Walleyes in Canada froze them and Joy cooked us up a Yankee fish fry. It was delicious she used egg to dip first, then seasoned flour, and potatoe flakes.....ie instant mash potatoes....it added a little extra crunch and makes the fish a lighter color after frying. It was good to see them, good friends and good food. You can't beat that !
Tuesday Tony therapist came back to see Bill ......he had him up walking but Bill had a sort of weak spell and had to stop early.
Wednesday........Maurice was in town for work.....called.........took a taxi over from his hotel to visit. He brought Bill a Hu Dat Hubig Pie T-shirt and a bag of pies. What a sweet surprise. Again good friend and good food.
Thursday...........Bill had therapy and walked better today. It was such a pretty warm sunny day. The sitter & I got him in the car. He got much needed haircut. Went in the grocery but didn't care for that waited in the car for me with Wesley. They went with me to do some returns. We had a lunch from Popeyes and stopped at a dead in street cut off to eat......we sat in the car and threw the bones out of the window.
Friday ..........we have our first BINGO at the club. We are hoping for a big turn out. We have lots of BINGO practice since my mother and my mother-in-law both like it. I'll let you know how that goes .
Friday, January 30, 2009
Well...here we go again. I decided to change Bill's health insurance provider during open enrollment which went into effect Jan. 1. Then I found out how many things including his bed and home health care provider would have to be changed. The plan we have with Evercare seems to be good insurance but the customer service department is a nightmare. Long story long I was advised that I had cancelled a better insurance than I was going to.......so on Jan 5 I started working on the reinstatement of Evercare.....I think I finally have successfully navigated the system. But as a result Bill has not had the professional therapist here since end of Dec.
Bill and I agree that his progress with the therapist was not progressing. So since I had already caused this nightmare maybe some good will come of it......we are getting a new home health agency and a new physical therapist.....the nurse has been out to evaluate Bill. He passed everything with flying colors even his heart rate has increased from the mid 40's to high 50's or low 60's which is a 1/3 improvement since his being in the hospital back in November I think it was. The new guy is 6'1" the nurse said he is very strong. We are hoping that he will bring new ideas and attack from a different angle and maybe we get Bill some more use in the leg and foot.
I'll keep you updated.
The response to our coming home for a visit Feb 12-16 is wonderful. Just know if we don't get to see everyone........we do miss you and hopefully in the future will be making more trips in the future.
Love Ya Ruby
Bill and I agree that his progress with the therapist was not progressing. So since I had already caused this nightmare maybe some good will come of it......we are getting a new home health agency and a new physical therapist.....the nurse has been out to evaluate Bill. He passed everything with flying colors even his heart rate has increased from the mid 40's to high 50's or low 60's which is a 1/3 improvement since his being in the hospital back in November I think it was. The new guy is 6'1" the nurse said he is very strong. We are hoping that he will bring new ideas and attack from a different angle and maybe we get Bill some more use in the leg and foot.
I'll keep you updated.
The response to our coming home for a visit Feb 12-16 is wonderful. Just know if we don't get to see everyone........we do miss you and hopefully in the future will be making more trips in the future.
Love Ya Ruby
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wake the town and tell the people...................
Bill has been homesick since Christmas as many of you already know..............
We will be traveling to New Orleans on February 12 and returning on February 16th with Lori by plane. Please help me spread the word to family and friends. Hope to see ya'll then.
We will be staying with Bill's mother....I hope it works well.....I'll let ya know !
Bill has been homesick since Christmas as many of you already know..............
We will be traveling to New Orleans on February 12 and returning on February 16th with Lori by plane. Please help me spread the word to family and friends. Hope to see ya'll then.
We will be staying with Bill's mother....I hope it works well.....I'll let ya know !
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