August 2023

 A few things of interest did happen in the month of July.  The first was the acquisition of a foundling (a cat, that is), who was among many being housed by a friend in preparation of being adopted.  We thought it was perfect for True and me.  So we brought her home.  She was scared of the wheelchair that came rolling towards her, but soon got used to it.  We really enjoy having her here, as it sleeps under True’s bed and is not much trouble at all.  She’s a cute little furry thing.  Gray, with a white face, neck and legs. True gave her the name of “HaiKu.”   And so now, she is a new member of our family.

    Because my stump began stinging from the inside, due to a few nerve ends being aroused again, and kept stinging so much, I was unable to wear the prosthesis for many days until it quieted down.  I hope that doesn’t ever happen again because I need to be up on my leg for at least a few hours every day or I’m never going to get any better.  My doctor (prosthetist) thought I was doing okay, though, and even suggested I might like to try using a walker with four wheels and a seat.  Linda was able to secure one for free for 3 months from a place that loans out all sorts of medical equipment.  We’ve used them before and think it’s great, because it gives you a chance to try something out first, to see if it meets your needs.

I will say, however, that the four-wheeler moves along much easier than the other with its two front wheels and tennis balls attached to the rear legs.  In fact, I thought it would run away from me until I learned to use the hand brakes.  And, of course, we thought how nice it would be to have a seat to use whenever I got tired.  But, I soon found out that wasn’t an advantage after all, when I wasn’t able to get up and out of it!  You see, I need something to push down on in order to push myself up to a standing position, and it has no place to put my hands where I’m sitting, but only to the handles that are above and in front of me, which gives me no power at all with which to get myself up and off the seat.  So, I suppose I’ll never use the seat, except as a place to carry things, which is handy and something the plain walker certainly doesn’t have. But the fact that the four-wheeler is larger, heavier and more cumbersome to handle than the other plain walker, makes it harder for me to get it into and out of a car.  So, I doubt if I would use it away from home.  Thus, I’m wondering. if it is really beneficial for me to keep it at all?   We will see.

I kinda passed by the 4tth of July, but we didn’t do anything to celebrate it, although there was plenty going on in town and at the fairgrounds.  We could hear fireworks going off all around us.  A week or so later, Grants Pass had its “Back to the Fifties” regalia, where vintage cars of that era are brought in from all over to be displayed in a parade and at the fairgrounds.  Saddle oxfords and flared skirts showed up at their “Sock Hop.”  Fiddlers played tunes from back then, and everybody had a good time.  

About a week after that, the Residents Association here at the Riviera had a Ice Cream Social as a sort of Thank You to all the residents here for their help with the yard sale, pot lucks and various projects undertaken by the presidency.  One of the special activities was the purchase and installation of a flag pole outside the clubhouse.  And later, a Memorial Plaque honoring all those from the Park who have sacrificed and served their country at any time, was ordered and placed on a stand beneath the flagpole.  On the day of the social when lots of people were there, the plaque received its formal dedication ceremony.

True’s birthday was on the 20th and I didn’t know what to do for her except give her the cute card I found among my collection that showed a lovely young lady with the inscription “To one who never seems to grow older” because that is the way she always will be – young and beautiful in body and spirit – no matter how many years may come and go.  To celebrate the day, she went with Linda and two other lady friends to “rough it” at the Jackson Hot Springs in Ashland.  They took sleeping bags and spent the night there basking in the soothing warmth of those waters and other activities.  It was very pleasing to her.

Three days later, she left to spend a week in Spokane with Ella during her driving lessons, while Cedar was away.  She also had time to be with her son, Clint, and other grandchildren who live only 30 miles away.  She always enjoys getting away like that every once in a while.  She doesn’t seem to mind driving that long distance, but this time she flew.  I’m glad she knows she’s free to leave any time there is a need, knowing I will be just fine, especially since she prepares things for me to eat during the time she’s away.  I like being on my own once in a while, too.  It seems to be a ritual now. that I scour the drip pans and bottom of the stove burners and oven while she’s gone.  So, I did.  And it was easier this time than before.

I am up on my leg and moving around with my walker every day, but when True is not close at hand, I make sure to wear my Medical Guardian Alert button just in case a mishap should occur.  In fact, I was glad it was available on Thursday, soon after she had left.  Without True to take me to my hair appointment on Friday morning, I needed to call Norma to come pick me up.  She often does when True is not available, but she didn’t know about it this time.  As I lifted the receiver of my landline phone (the only one I have) there was no dial tone and on the tiny screen it read “No Line”.  Oh, no!  What was I to do now?  If I could reach my friend, Iris across the street, then she could call Norma for me.  But how do I reach Iris?  Knowing she usually takes her dog out about 6:00 pm each night and passes by my house in doing so, if I could make a sign and display it somehow outside, she might see it and come in.  So, I made up a sign.

I’ll spare you from all of the intricate sign-making details, which were many, and just say that I did finally manage to get a sign displayed from my front porch.  But it was now well past 6 pm so I knew I was probably too late to catch Iris.  Then it struck me, since she is also my first responder, why not use the button and see if they would call her and tell her I need her?   Explaining the situation, they were happy to help.  But, in calling her number there was no answer, so they left a message. Then I was asked if there was anyone else they could call for me?   Before they got Shirley’s number dialed, in walked Iris!  Everything was okay now, so I thanked them profusely for their help.  They said, “We are here to help. Whatever your need may be.”   And that was good to know.  It seems that Iris was home, but since it was an 801 number calling, she didn’t answer, thinking it to be a telemarketer.  When she saw they left a message, she read it and came over quickly.  She then called Norma, who was glad to receive the call and agreed to pick me up in the morning.  Whew!  All was well now.  Thank goodness.  We couldn’t figure out how come the phone was like that, because it was in good working order the next day.  True said it had something to do with the position of the satellite at the time.  Spectrum does supply our service through a satellite system.

True is always concerned about the safety of her plants and flowers in 90 degree weather, so Linda came over to do some watering, but ended up being soaked and had a cut and scratches from falling in amongst the rose bushes.  With her Mama’s kiss on the wound and a Band Aid, all was soon better, as we shared watermelon before she left for home.  Though not serious, it was too bad that it happened, because she has been dealing with constant pain ever since she pulled or twisted a ligament in her lower back and has been receiving treatments and cortisone shots from a chiropractor.  But, true to her nature, she still fulfills her work assignments, etc. without even a peep out of her.  She’s certainly my little hero!

Speaking of heroes, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate the 24th of July as Pioneer Day, to honor the brave people who struggled and gave their lives while crossing the plains to reach Zion, using wagons, handcarts and on foot.  In Utah, the 24th of July, is a legal State holiday and is widely celebrated with its parades, queens, picnics, speeches, etc.  I honor and am grateful for the pioneer heritage of strength and courage that has come to our family from the stalwart believers who knew and loved the Lord more than life itself.  And I treasure my membership in Christ’s Church and in the DUP,  an organization established by and for Daughters of those faithful Utah Pioneers.  On Sunday the 23rd, I included in our bulletin a match-up puzzle of church names that our bishop seemed to feel was very appropriate for the occasion.  I’ll include a copy of it for you to enjoy, plus a fun gardening quiz for August. 

Now, my dear ones, I will cease my chattering and bid God’s blessings to be with you, along with my love.

Marie