This Morning Karen came over and drove us to San Marcos Kaiser Clinic, where Chris had his pacemaker checked. They told him it should last 3 1\2 years. Then they said to come back in 6 months! That doesn't make much sense to me. We stopped at a store on the way home, and tried to get Karen a birthday present, but she didn't want it. Later she called and said she would like a sander. She intends to redo her kitchen cabinets. Roy was here while we were gone, and he finished working about the time we got back. He left his coffee cup here, so I went out to give it to him, he works next door after doing our house. I talked to Bonnie, who was there to see her father. Later Chris watered the plants, and I picked flowers and went for a walk. We watched 2 movies.

A quiet Sunday.

We decided to go to Church this morning, but we weren't sure how long we'd stay. I read the S.S. lesson just in case we stayed, but we didn't. We went to Sacrament meeting, and it was a missionary day. The speeches were good, and the children were not very noisy. It was after 11 a.m. so they were tired already, I guess. Baby twin boys were in front of us, tiny and cute. We drove home after that, and on the way we admired all the flowers and green grass along the way. The rains we had really brightened everything up. There was a cold wind coming off the ocean, and some clouds; but it didn't rain today. At home we rested a while, had some lunch, and sat down to watch "High Society" with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly and some more famous people of some years ago. We had our dinner and then watched a British mystery. I talked on the phone to Harriette Long, Kendra Gillian and to Kaye and Brittany.

We are still improving. I had my hair done this morning, and when it was finished, we went to Rite Aid and bought a few things, and then came home. Karen called; she was feeling better, too, and suggested we go somewhere to have lunch together. We decided on Wendy's, and met there at noon. We had a nice lunch and a talk, and went home again after a while. This afternoon we watched "The Chronicles of Narnia", and I had forgotten the story completely. Later we saw news, and then Rick Steve in Bulgaria. That was interesting as usual. Then after dinner we saw one of our usual Saturday Brit shows, but the other two have been replaced by other shows. We didn't watch those. We have so many DVDs, with all those Kaye sent me, that we really don't need the regular TV for recreation.

More Birthday good wishes.

My birthday is continuing. I am still eating birthday cake, and an email came from Race, with more birthday good wishes and some pictures of his lab at the U. of Wash. where he is studying for his doctorate. I also talked to friends who wished me happy birthday, and the Wielands sent pictures of their new grandson, posed with his parents and brother. We spent our usual day, with small chores mixed with rests in between and even a nap while we were listening to TV this afternoon. Chris is feeling better, but he still has to slowly add solids to his food for a few more days. My leg is doing well, but I still have to get the strength back into my body. I guess this business doesn't really end soon. We are hoping that Karen soon gets over her illness, too. She did phone and tell us she is feeling better today.

Another birthday celebration.

We didn't hurry to get up this morning, but we had a good breakfast to start the day. Chris is still coughing; he thinks it's because he had oxygen in the hospital Sunday night. He could be right, he has had that trouble before. The mail came, and I had several cards and two presents. That made another birthday celebration for me, after the one on Easter Sunday. To celebrate more today, we went down to the harbor and had fish tacos for lunch. It was so nice and warm, I didn't need the extra jacket I brought to wear over my pink exercise suit I wore. As we ate, two men were cleaning a boat just opposite us; we were at an outdoor table and they were anchored in the harbor. They had on only short pants, no shirts. We came home and napped a while, after our long walk to and from the car. We had dinner, and now we will watch one of the movies Kaye sent.

Better news today.

I didn't write it down yesterday, but I had a diarrhea that l lasted until the middle of the night. This morning I called around, and the Dr. I saw at the endocrinology clinic has left the company, and didn't leave any message for me. The nurse there told me to get another blood and urine test, and then go to see Dr. Donahoe. I couldn't get an appointment until April 8, so I just went with Chris when he went in this afternoon. Chris brought his report from the hospital, and Dr. Donahoe looked it over, and said the EKG was all wrong, because they didn't take into account his pacemaker. So, he had another one. Dr. Donahoe told me the lab tests I took wouldn't be any good, because I had a diarrhea yesterday. I guess I'll have to have another when I go to see him in April. He said the Imodium A.D. was OK to use when my diarrhea came back. Dr. Donahoe said we both were going to be OK. so, we came home and had a nap.

I think I'm caught up now, and this is Tuesday. I expected the Angels Care lady to come, but she was sick. Another lady will come tomorrow. I did one load of washing, and quit. She can do the rest tomorrow. But I did get it sorted and ready. We didn't do much, except Chris watered the orchids and roses, and I just picked up around the house. Then Uncle Al came over about noon. He doesn't eat lunch, so we didn't either, until after he left. He's gained a little more weight since we last saw him. I hope he watches what he eats. After Al left we had lunch, and Chris had just the liquids and some yogurt and toast. Tomorrow he can have cooked fruits and vegetables, and I think some more things. After that we watched a movie, and napped a little, then watched the TV newscasts. Dinner was a quiet affair, and now we are both writing. We talked to Carla and Kaye, and Bianca had just called her Mother.

This is for Monday. Karen came over after taking Danya to the train, and her Dad was asleep. He was better, and woke up about 11:30. The Hospital had sent home instructions for meals for the first three days, just mostly clear liquids at first, then a few things added. He was good to follow instructions, and didn't get sick again. He slept again in the afternoon. Karen came again, with soup, but he can't have it until tomorrow. Just more liquids, but some yogurt and dry toast, and he has kept everything down. Charles called, and wanted to come down on my birthday, but of course we had to postpone it. Later I'll ask Karen to take us up. She offered before Chris got sick. Bianca went to meet a man she had met at the beach, and had a soft drink with him, and then went to visit Uncle Al. When she got back she soon left for Pomona. She is going to Disneyland tomorrow with a friend. She is on spring break, but she must spend part of it studying.

This is supposed to be for Sunday, because I haven't written the blog for three days now. On Sunday we went to Church, Bianca, Chris and I, and we met Karen and Danya and all sat together. We stayed for only one meeting then came home. We had a little lunch, with some Easter candy, and then went down to the beach for a while, before going on to Karen's for dinner, which turned out to be an Easter dinner and also a birthday dinner and cake for me. Chris had thrown up at the beach, so he spent the time lying on the sofa. We went right home after dinner, and Chris continued to throw up, a total of 10 times. Karen called the Bishop, and he came over and gave him a blessing. About 10p.m Chris's fever was 102, and someone called 911. The paramedics examined him, then took him to the hospital, where he got good Treatment. Bianca and I were there. she and I came home, and they called us about 4:30 and we went back and got him.

My day was more active than usual.

This morning I had my hair done, and when we got back home we called Bianca to see when she would be coming down. She said she would have dinner at Travis' house and then be here about 8:30 tonight. We had our lunch and then a rest. We also watched "Edward Scissorhands", and it was quite good. I had seen it once before, but I couldn't remember how it ended. That part wasn't so good. Chris cleaned out the freezer in the garage and I catalogued it. I didn't get to the freezer and refrigerator. We had our showers early, so we wouldn't have to later tonight. I fixed dinner, but the meat course was already prepared, so it wasn't very hard. I had strawberries from the the freezer and made biscuits from a mix I had made a couple of months ago, to make a strawberry shortcake..

A good day doing things for other people.

This morning we went down to Wall-Mart to get some things. Chris insisted I ride one of their electric carts to pick up a new bath mat and a new rack for the kitchen sink. so it would be level on the bottom. Well, I got them OK, but not before I had run into a couple of stacks of merchandise! Fortunately only one of them fell to the floor, and I was able to pick the things up before anyone stumbled on them. We got home in time for lunch. Afterwards we went to see 2 of the women Chris home teaches, and gave each a chocolate bunny for Easter. One lady wanted a blessing, to help her strained back recover, and we went home and Chris called around until he found Bro. Cooper at home. Then we drove to the lady's house, where the men gave her the blessing for healing. It was a good experience. We had a fish sandwich for dinner and then watched a movie on the TV. It was quite good.

The weather forecast was for a little warmer weather, so I put away some of my wool clothes, but left out some, just in case it got cooler again. Chris had to get some prescriptions filled, so we went to the Kaiser Oceanside Pharmacy, and they filled them right away. I didn't even have time to read the paper while he was in in there. After lunch we decided to rest a while, but it didn't work out that way. Chris worked at the computer and I put heat on my leg and finished looking at the paper. Then we drove to the Kaiser Clinic in Vista, where I saw Dr. Schannon, He listened to my recitation of my recent illnesses of the last three months, and then he gave me a refill for my meds. Karen, Danya and I visited Loraine Pepper, one of our ladies to visit teach. Karen and Danya will come over again tomorrow to visit us. Danya is looking well, and seems to like teaching.

Chris had a nose bleed in the night and got up and spent the rest of the night in his recliner. When I found out where he was about 5 , I sat by him the rest of the night. I slept off and on, as did he. I thought it would be comforting for me to be with him, but he felt bad that I didn't rest in bed. But I will still do what I want to, next time that it happens! Later in the day we activated our debit cards at the new bank. We also stopped at AAA to get new road maps and check on why our bill for car insurance is $200 more. It was because of going through a red light on a right turn. So, we'll be more careful in the future. Karen came over and brought us some lemons a neighbor had given her. They are about 3 times bigger than the ones from our little tree. That's what good watering will do, and our little tree doesn't get much moisture unless it rains. Danya is coming down tonight, on the train, to stay over Easter.

Taxes paid.

Today we finally got the income taxes done. It was after lunch, so we drove to the post office and he used the new automatic system (with help) to get them mailed. That is a real relief for Chris. He has worked so hard to get them done. He also got some new stamps, that are good even if the rates are increased again. On the way home we got some milk, and thought about going for a walk. but we went home instead and had a rest. Then we walked around the neighborhood. We started at our house, went south past 3 other houses, and turned into the college walkway. We went until the cement gave out, and I was amazed at the bright greenery on the hill leading down. I took a few steps on the dirt path, but I knew it was too much for me now. So, we crossed back to Johnson Dr. and came home again. Tonight we are going to watch a King Arthur movie; I think I've seen it before, but we will again.

The real Monday.

Roy came to clean today, so we were up and through breakfast when he got here. While he worked Chris watered the special plants, and found that the irrigation systems are shot. That means having they all done over, or just putting on sprinkler heads and watering a section at a time. That would be another problem to living here. But we don't like the idea of moving again. Karen came over for a while, and told us more about their recent trip there. We invited her to go to the beach and have lunch with us, but she feels she's coming down with a cold and shouldn't go. We went to Burger King for a hamburger and then down to the beach. I walked with the big walker, and I managed to go as far as the middle stairway at Tamarack Beach, with two rests in each direction. It's time for our Family Home Evening, so I will close here.

This is a day late; the computer was busy ,

We spent a quiet day. First, we went to Church for Sacrament Meeting. It was Ward Conference, and the choir furnished most of the music, and the Bishop spoke, and also the Stake President. It was a good meeting, and I was glad to be there. The only problem was the children who screamed. I was sorry about that; there were visitors from Utah there, and it wasn't a good perception of our Calif. churches in general. I was a little sorry to leave after this one meeting, but it was a good thing. We did go from there to visit Juanita Jensen, since she wasn't at the meeting. She is still having lots of back problems, and is hunched over quite a bit. Part of her family have left, but they left the living room full of things. I think if I were Juanita, I would give all the stuff to the welfare if they don't come back right away for it. At home we spent our usual Sunday afternoon, with the newspaper and computer.

After I had my hair done we came back home. I was a little late getting out of the shop, so it wasn't long before we decided to have lunch. I got a pizza out of the freezer and heated the oven. When I opened the box, I found the pizza was about an inch smaller than it was formerly for the same price we have paid before. More inflation! After lunch we watched the DVD of "The Sound of Music" that Chris had made. It was spotty, and there was skipping on the sound, too. But we decided to keep it, just in case we can't get another. We both like the show. We had our dinner, and we expected to see our usual Brit shows on the Public Broadcasting station. They are begging for money still. It's been over a week. So, we tried to find something else to watch, and the other shows were all vulgar. No more TV tonight. I did a little mending and Chris worked again on the income tax.

A successful visit with Dr. Kye.

Karen's car needed work, so we picked her up and she drove us to the San Diego Kaiser. The traffic was lighter than we expected, so we got there early. We stopped across the street for a soft drink before going in. Then we had to wait about 3o minutes to see the doctor. He reassured me that my condition isn't life threatening, and I can walk when I want to, but I must still put on a hot pad when I have my leg up, resting on something. He also said I should use ibuprofen when I had pain. When we drove home, the sun was coming out, and it was a great drive. We stopped at Burger King and had fish sandwiches for lunch. When we got home, we watched two movies Chris had put on DVDs, "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The Wizard of Oz". That took the rest of the day. It's after dinner, and I'm ready to get to bed tonight, and have a long rest.

This morning we were late getting up, but that was OK; we didn't have anything great to do. Chris made an appointment for a blood test at the Kaiser Clinic here in Oceanside, and he had that, and I picked up a medication. The price had jumped from $35 to $90. The girl told me I was taking Fosomax, so I came home and looked up all my records. I haven't taken it since 2002. We had lunch, and watched Perry Mason, and another little thing. While I was still looking up the med. records, Chris worked again on the Income Tax. We both got tired, and rested a while, but didn't sleep. We both got dinner ready and ate it. Then we watched the news and then watched an Inspector Morse movie. We both expected it to be an old episode, but it was a new whole movie. Karen will drive us to Kaiser Clinic in San Diego tomorrow for my doctor appointment.

I didn't get to go to AXO today.

This morning I got ready to go to the Alpha Chi Alumnae meeting at 11 in Rancho Bernardo. Linda Sheldon was to pick me up. But her little girl was sick, and Linda couldn't find anyone to stay with her. So, she called about 11:30 to say she couldn't come. We both stayed home, the only members out of the 6 that live on the coast here, that belong, who were going. We had lunch at noon and watched an old Perry Mason mystery on T.V. After that we watched part of "Oliver," and then fixed our dinner. After dinner we finished "Oliver" and watched "Caveman". Karen said she would drive us to San Diego on Friday to see a doctor, and we also talked to Kaye. She is going to have lunch tomorrow with Stellan's girlfriend and her mother. I guess it's time they got really acquainted, since he is serious about this girl.

Karen's back. And the Angel's Care girl also Karen

Our Angel's Care girl came this morning. I put her to work changing the bed and doing the laundry. While the batches were washing and drying, she straightened out the the pantry in the kitchen and put labels in the shelves, so that anyone using the pantry could find things again. Just as she was finishing that, Karen came over, bringing us things from Boney's. She told us about their trip to Hawaii. They went all around the Big Island on a tour bus, and then they went back in a rental car to have a better look at the things that interested them. They were just a day behind Kaye's friend, Ann, on her trip. There was an eruption the last day, but they were too tired to drive back the 40 miles to see it. They had already seen the two volcanos. After the two Karens had left we had our lunch and then drove to Albertson's for a few more groceries. After all this, we had a nap, and then spent the rest of the day doing income tax and related things. I'm really no help on that, though.

A colt is born.

We still aren't used to Daylight Saving, and we didn't get up until 8 a.m. After breakfast Chris watered the plants that need the filtered water. We are thinking vaguely of giving them away when they bloom this year; they are such a bother. I just straightened up around the house. After lunch we watched a Church CD, a gift, and it was a comforting one; it helps to fend off the not-so-nice comments about our religion. I went to sleep near the end, so we had to play it over again. Afterwards I had another nap; I can't believe I really need all this sleep! It's Family Home Evening tonight, so we will watch or read more things, like the S.S. lessons that we have been missing, or perhaps read ahead. Kaye sent us an email of the colt that was born next door to their house today. It looks like a big horse, but of course it really isn't. Life does go on, in spite of the mess the world is in.

We moved our clocks ahead last night, and this morning we were able to get up at the usual time. We went to Sacrament Meeting and I sat in one folding chair and put my foot on a cushion on another. I hope I was discrete! I wondered when two different deacons smiled at me. At home again we had a bite of lunch, and then read the newspaper. It's a job if you look at everything that comes on a Sunday. And of course we had a little nap. We cooked dinner together and it turned out well, as did the dessert with ice cream, chocolate syrup and a couple of cookies apiece. Kendra Gillian called, and it's the first time I have talked to her for a while. Their phone was out for a while, too. The family are all well, and they are expecting a flood after all the snow that has fallen in New York. I hope it doesn't happen.

Quite relaxed.

I had my hair done, and I didn't take a walker and got along fine. Chris did some grocery shopping, so we are ready for another week of food. As for lunch, though, we went to Taco Bell and had their fish tacos. They were small and not as good as those we have had other places. I did have a coke with it, and that was 20 oz. of my daily 52 oz. I'll be glad when Dr. Donahoe says I may have more fluids. This afternoon I watched "Mansfield Park", and it very loosely followed the book. These Netflix CDs don't give you much of a review before you order them. Karen sent us an email from Hawaii, and they are having a good time. I also talked to Kaye.

A working day.

Today is our day to refill our pill boxes, so we did that before we even had breakfast. After the nice breakfast Chris made, we started doing our separate things. I did a little mending, and Chris started our income tax. I couldn't be much help, so I stayed out of the way. After lunch I separated out the shoes I can't wear anymore, and unpacked a box of clothes I had stored. Some of them went to the pack to Bro. Benno's and so did the shoes. I stored away the silk blouses, and I made up a bag of wool sweaters to go to the cleaners. My closet looks a lot better now. I made an appointment for Mar. 14 at Kaiser Hospital to see a surgeon about my leg, but it's so much better I don't believe he will find anything wrong with it. At least, that's how I feel about it. I won't have any surgery, I feel sure. I'm too old for just cosmetic surgery. Support stockings cover the veins, anyway.

A day well spent.

This morning we got ready and drove to Mission Bay Kaiser facility, for my appointment with an Endocrinologist about my not being able to keep enough sodium in my system. Before making a firm interpretation of it all, he wants to see results of my lab tests in the years we have been in the Kaiser plan. He will call us in a few days. On the way home we stopped for lunch at the usual Carl's Jr. and then again at Tamarack Beach. We walked a little way, even into the sand, but we were both tired, so we just sat in the car for a while, then drove on home. After a rest, I went to my closet and got out a bunch of clothes I want to give to Brother Benno's Thrift Shop, where Karen sometimes has volunteered. Chris put in four shirts and two pair of pants that are now too big for him. I haven't lost enough weight to make a difference, I just got tired of a lot of old things.

Things are going well.

We woke up to a high overcast this morning, and it didn't clear up until almost noon. I hope it's clear for our trip to Mission Bay Kaiser tomorrow. My walk today was short, around the yard while Chris was burying a pipe holding an electric cord and then around the house to find where the plants in the green garbage can came from. It turned out they were just over the back fence, where they were blocking our view of the valley below. Fortunately the same gardeners that we have also work for the neighbors below us. At first, the men working for us wouldn't touch those plants, but now they can and do. This afternoon we watched another Jane Austin movie, and then tonight we have watched news; I also shortened a blouse that I have worried about for a long time. We haven't heard from Karen again, but I guess they're OK. Kaye is feeling better with the new shoot she had today.

A quieter day.

This morning I slept until 9:15! I guess that's because yesterdayI did so much more than I have been doing for a long time. Somehow I missed the alarm going off, and I bet Chris turned it off because I was still sleeping. Today has been quieter. My walk outside was limited to going to the mailbox and back, and then to the beginning of the house on the south side of us. That a was enough It seemed odd to miss putting the hot pad on my ankle, but I was glad I didn't have to do it. The cover of the pad has been hanging in the kitchen all day, to get the moisture from the teakettle, to provide the moisture for the hot pad. I'll go and put it on my leg as soon as I'm done with this. Karen called from Honolulu, they have a layover of several hours there, before flying on to the big island. She said she won't call us from there, because it will be so late. I'm hoping to hear from Kaye, too. It's her shot day, though, so she may not feel like calling.

I'm getting better all the time!

Roy came to clean the house this morning. We were up and ready for him; this time he didn't have to wait to start in the kitchen. Our breakfast was done. Chris watered and fed the plants, and the gardenia bush has little blossoms coming out! I picked one and put it on a vase between the recliners, and it has been wafting perfume around all day. I called Dr Donahoe's nurse, as Bianca suggested, and I now have only one hot treatment a day, and I can go for a walk. I did, and took the walker, and Chris, and walked past three more houses on the street and back, around our house and back, and I was tired. I'll go a little farther tomorrow. Karen came over and then we went to Wendy's for lunch. At home again we said goodbye; she and Terry are leaving for Hawaii early tomorrow morning.

We have stayed up late.

This morning we decided to go to one meeting at church. We did, and we met Karen there. We sat together, and it was a good testimony meeting. We left right afterwards and went straight home. I sat down to rest and of course went to sleep. These recliners are very conducive to that. While I was sleeping, Chris had prepared dinner, chicken and rice in the slow cooker and broccoli. Then I watched the first part of "Pride and Prejudice" and that took up the whole evening. However, we did take time afterwards to have a dish of ice cream. Also, we talked to Brittany and also Bianca, who gave me good advice on taking care of my leg. We also talked to Kaye, and she and Kyle were able to get a plane from Seattle to Pasco, much earlier than their planned flight. They got home in time to have lunch with Stellan, instead of arriving at 9 p.m.

Success with the DVDs

Chris took me to my hair appointment and then went shopping. When my hair was done, I called him and he picked me up. Then we went to a grocery store and then home. That was my outing for the day. While I was using the hot pad on my knee I started reading "Boom!" by Tom Brokaw. It's about the Sixties. It helps me remember all of that time. We were in San Bernardino then, and lot of things happened in our lives. In the afternoon I watched "Oliver" and then "Caveman", to prove that Chris had finally got the movies transferred, with Karen's help, to the DVDs. We talked to Carla and she was at the beach in Bandon enjoying the big waves. Kaye was still in San Francisco, and they will be going home tomorrow.