Kaye fixed our computers and TV.

Today was not quite as good as some. I didn't feel well this morning, a little dizzy. I didn't pay any attention to it, and had an unfortunate thing after breakfast. I rested until it was time to go meet Karen. We drove down to Tamarack Beach, where Karen was waiting for us with sandwiches. we parked on the lower parking lot and ate the sandwiches and watched the waves and the few surfers who were out. This food stayed where it should, and we had a nice visit. Afterwards Kaye drove us to a grocery store, where we got more Gatorade. At home again, I rested while Chris and Kaye reorganized our computers, to make them easier to use. Tonight we will watch on our living room TV the programs that Race had made. Kaye and Chris have fixed it so we can do that.

We all slept in this morning, and so we were a little late with breakfast. Afterwards Chris fed the potted plants outside. Kaye and I stayed inside, she worked at her computer and I read the paper. Later we all talked bout various things, and then had lunch. Just as we were finishing, Karen came over for a visit. She invited us to sandwiches at the beach tomorrow, and then to dinner at their house Friday night. Later we watched TV and I went to sleep. This new medication is really causing me to sleep a lot. After dinner tonight Kaye and Chris installed a new machine to the TV to make DVDs out of our old video tapes. It doesn't work that way, so we're stopping for tonight and will see about it in the morning.

Kaye arrived.

This morning I didn't get up early, and so I was in the shower when the doctor's office called. They wanted me to get the lab work done again, so I made an appointment for 11:20, and we got it done. It seems I'm low on sodium. At home later we were having lunch, when Karen and Kaye both called, and Kaye had arrived in San Diego. Karen picked her up and they had lunch on the way here. When they got here, we had a good short visit, then Karen left. We had Kaye the rest of the day, and thoroughly enjoyed having her here. She's going now to make up her own bed, because she says she doesn't need help; often she makes up a king-sized bed by herself. We are looking forward to the next few days while she will be with us, just hoping it could be more.

There was a little bit of rain this morning, so we left early to do our things. First, we went to the bank, then down College Ave. to the ocean. We were early for my appointment, so we stopped a few moments to look at the rather angry ocean. We went on the the Kaiser Clinic, and I checked in to see my Doctor. I'm doing well getting over my digestive problems, but the problem with my ankles turns out to be Phlebitis, or interior varicose veins. He gave me new medication for that, plus using hot compresses on the ankles. I went to the Oceanside Clinic to have my lab work done, because it's not so crowded. They fit me in between to appointments, and I was out of there in about 15 minutes. Next time I must make an appointment. Tonight I have done my hot compresses as I watched memorial programs on Gorden B. Hinkley who died last night.

This morning I got ready to go to church, and we drove down to the chapel. We parked and got out and went into the foyer. We met Karen there, and a few other people we know. Then when it came time to go in the chapel itself, I just couldn't bring myself to face all those people! They are my friends, and I love them, but I just couldn't go in. My dear husband took me home again. I guess I'm not quite well again. Maybe my Dr. can help me tomorrow. Karen came over in the afternoon, and bought dinner for us. That's so kind of her, to do that when one of us isn't feeling entirely well. Tonight we watched another episode of Church History that Carla gave us for Christmas. We have a few more to watch, and then we'll loan them to Karen and Terry to see. Kaye comes day after tomorrow, It will be good to have her here, even though it's a short visit.

This morning Chris drove me to my hair appointment, and while I was there, he did a little shopping. We came home, unloaded things, and then went back to Burger King for lunch. It was so good to get out of the house. the air was quite warm, and the clouds hadn't yet started to gather. While Chris went to Stater Brothers for a few more things, I bought some stamps at a small shop near there. We were completely out of them. That's unusual for me to get so behind on supplies. I guess I've been out of it more than I realized. At home I finished the book Karen loaned me, and we watched some Church History CD's that Carla had given us at Christmas time. Tonight we watched our usual British shows, and now it's time for bed again.

I slept in a while this morning, so I was behind schedule all day. Karen came over and picked up a piece of fruitcake from what Carla gave us, to give to one of our women we visit. I didn't feel up to going with her. This lady had given us herb tea and a slice of fruitcake last year. Not everyone likes fruitcake, but Chris and I certainly do. Our Wedding cake was fruitcake made by his mother. I read a while in the book Karen had loaned me, and it's still good. Chris went back to Home Depot and got two grab bars for the front bathroom, and a man to install them. He did a good job; the tile isn't cracked anywhere. I'm glad it 's done, we don't need to worry anymore about maybe slipping getting in and out of the tub or shower. We ate the rest of the Quiche Lorraine that Karen made, for lunch, and baked fish and potatoes for dinner. All were very good.

I finished taking my last set of antibiotics today. It's a relief to get it over with. Now I will just have to take my usual prescriptions and vitamins and minerals. Karen had jury duty today, so we didn't see her until late in the day. She didn't get chosen today, but she has to go back again tomorrow. I'm glad I'm out of that now. I did serve on two different juries when we lived in Fallbrook, but I haven't had to since we moved to Oceanside. It has rained off and on all day, so I didn't go out. Chris did go to Home Depot and buy a hand bar to mount in the front bathroom shower. That will make it easier to use. He is in touch with a workman to put it in. Our computers aren't working just right, so he asked John Diaz to come over to help us. He teaches computers at Palomar College.

It rained a little during the night, then the sun came out for a while. It never did get warm, so I stayed in the house. We went over our receipts in preparation for income tax. After lunch I did my best to stay awake, but it didn't work. I missed a call from Kaye and one from Charles and Mabel. I called both of them back later. Charles is still singing with the Southern Calif. Mormon Choir, but fortunately he has rides to the rehearsals and doesn't have to drive those freeways at night. Kaye got our birthday gift for Kyle, a book he wants, so that's taken care of. This evening I plan to read in a book Karen loaned me, "The Vineyard" by Barbara Delinsky. That reminds me, Kaye told me that her friend Patricia Briggs is again on the New York Times Best Seller list, this time as No. 1!

This has been a good day. I am feeling better, even though I read all afternoon instead of sleeping. We had gone out to lunch with Karen at Carl's Jr., and I had a soft drink with caffeine in it. That prevented sleeping. I finished reading "Sarah" by Orson Scott Card. He did a good job, I think, in imagining what went on, and he had evidently done his homework on researching what facts are extant. I'll be interested in reading his next book, "Rebekah". We are looking forward to Kaye's visit next week, to help us with our bookkeeping as well as helping in other ways We are so lucky to have all three daughters come to see us, and especially Karen, for what she does when either of us is sick. Carla and her daughters are also great help when they come.

Bianca did call, but it was quite late. I hope she didn't have an early class to go to this morning. We talked to Carla briefly this morning, but she was busy, so we didn't say much. Roy came to clean, and I spent the morning keeping out of his way. Russ did the washing, although I tried to talk him out of it. He did a good job. Carla had washed the guest room sheets before she left, and that helped. After lunch I had a short nap, my 2 p.m medication, and I went to sleep again. I'm certainly sleeping a lot. I guess that's a good way to get better. I missed talking to Kaye, but I will call her tonight. Several friends at church asked the family about me. These people are one reason I don't want to move again to another ward. It's hard to get acquainted with new people all over again, as we get older.

This morning Carla,Bianca and Russ went to the first meeting of Church. They met Karen there. When they got back we had lunch, and then Carla went to pick up Rex. when they got back we visited a while, and Karen came over, and we saw more pictures of Logan's wedding that Carla and Bianca had on their computers. Then Karen left, and Carla and Rex had to leave to catch their plane back to Oregon. Rex had left his suitcase at Travis Westermeyer's house, so they had to go pick up that up first. Bianca stayed a while longer, and then she left with a friend from Oregon, who had come to San Diego to visit an old school friend from high school, who had joined the navy, married, and had two children. I hope Bianca gets safely back to her school in Pamona. I forgot to ask her to call. .

A Tiring Day

Carla went to visit Uncle Al this morning, and I had my hair set. We had lunch, and then spent the afternoon looking at VDV's. Carla went to see Bianca at her medical school, and she got to see most of the school, and also Bianca's apartment. We called to see if Carla would be here for dinner, but she had it with Bianca and a friend. We had ours, and then later in the evening Carla came back, bringing Rex with her to spend the night here. It was nice to have a visit with him. He'll go back in the morning to play golf with his brothers in Janul.

This morning Carla drove Rex back to his brothers, and he will stay the night with them. Carla drove us down look at the ocean, and we had lunch there. This afternoon we all went to Karen and Terry's and had a nice visit and had dinner. Terry is feeling better, and spent the time with us, too. He is using a cane finally, and I think it's a good thing.

We have had a good day. We slept in, and Carla woke up when we did, and we had breakfast together. I can eat most cooked things now, although not in as large quantities as I did before my illness. After lunch Carla drove us down to Tamarack beach and we sat and watched the waves and listened to 1940 music on her music system in the rental car, that identified each song as it was played and sung. It was interesting. There were songs we hadn't heard for all these years since then. This afternoon we watched a DVD of the writing of the Constitution. It was interesting, with appropriate people playing the various delegates. Carla had brought it with her, along with some others that look interesting.

We got to bed at our usual time last night, but instead of going to sleep we watched a movie until 1 am. That was a mistake. I managed to wake up for my 7 o'clock tablet, but I went back to sleep until almost 10! Chris cooked breakfast for me, ham and egg on toast. It was great, and held me until it was time to take another tablet. These I take with food, so there was my lunch. Moths got into my favorite sweater, so I mended that, and asked Chris to cut me some more branches from the Bay tree. That has kept moths out of our clothes for over 10 years. Maybe it wasn't a moth that made those holes in the sweater; it could be some other insect around here. Carla called from San Francisco, and she will be here later tonight. It will be nice to have her here.

Today I enjoyed eating real food again, and it was good, both mentally and physically. The bland stuff just didn't satisfy my needs. Chris talked about making drawers to fit the pantry, but I don't know if he will do it, or not. He's still waffling about it. Personally, I don't feel that it will be worth the time and effort to do it, but it is his decision. He did go shopping at Home Depot for the runners and for plants to replace some roses that aren't making it But he will wait for me to help him pick out the plants. I'm getting my strength back, albeit slowly. It doesn't help me to stay up so late watching the History channel, but it was an interesting program. It's a good sign that I didn't go to sleep watching. Going to sleep during a program has been a problem while I've been recovering. I've missed some interesting stuff.

Today is even better than yesterday. I called Kaiser to get the results of my tests last Friday, but instead of Dr. Dale replying to my questions, Dr. Donahoe's nurse came on and reported to me. The diagnosis was the same, but Dr. Donahoe had taken over, and I had a new prescription. After lunch Chris and I drove over to the Oceanside Kaiser, only about 2 miles way, to pick it up and another that I needed. The Pharmacy was closed until 2, so we waited. I called Karen in the meantime, and she came over and brought our dinner for tonight. We visited until the prescriptions were ready, and then came home. It was 3 p.m. when I took my first new 1/2 tablet, and this time it's 3 a day instead of 2. My stomach has behaved ever since I took it, and I even had two helpings of the dinner Karen gave us. I'm saving the rest to take the next 1/2 tablet just before I go to bed.

Today has been even better than yesterday, except for one episode about 2 a.m. I have done well since. Karen came over after Stake Conference and brought me some more bland foods, which I have eaten, all except some refined oatmeal I'll wait until for tomorrow for. And she will bring macaroni tomorrow, if all this settles OK. She said the Conference was for all Southern California, but mostly on a giant TV screen from the General Authorities. She felt it was well worthwhile for them to do, and gives new emphasis to all members here. I'm sorry we couldn't go. Karen also went to last night's session and it was good, too. I'm looking forward to being all well by the time Carla gets here on the 17th.

This has been a much better day. All my meds. have stayed down, and I've rested almost all day. I appreciate all the care Chris has given me, in spite of his nose bleed. He needs to be babied as much as I do. Karen came over and brought some gatorade for me, and she insisted on washing our white clothes that we need. The rest can wait until Monday. I think I will be all well by then and can handle the rest of them by myself. We have watched some TV and slept through more. We tried the History channel, and it got quite boring after while. And they were always stopping for commercials. The CDs our family have sent are a lot more interesting. And we tend to stay awake through them. I look forward to another quiet day, and I feel quite sure it will be.

I had to change my mind today, and I went to see a Dr. Dale, a lady I had been to see once before. She ordered a bunch of tests, and when I got back to see her, she wrote a prescription of a drug to control the clostridium bacterial infection I have. Then I came home and prepared another sample to be tested in the lab, and took it to the one in Oceanside. I hadn't understood the instructions just right, so I had to do it over. But I did get the new prescription. When I took the prescription, it stayed down about 15 or 20 minutes. Since then Chris was able to talk to a nurse, who explained it, and said it probably did work in that time. I have rested since and have drunk only liquids "I could see through" and nothing solid. It worked!. I'll to to bed now.

Kaye called to say she was postponing her trip down to see us, since she had to get something cleared up about her MS medication. I hope she's soon better and can come a little later. I didn't make an appointment with the new Dr. in Oceanside, because I was feeling better. Now I'm just tired, no other problems. I put the Christmas decorations away, except for those on the Christmas tree; we will keep that as is until after Carla's visit and then Kaye's. I never did get the wreaths and swags up, so there was no problem there. I'm also throwing away a lot of little stuff that doesn't have any sentimental value. Karen stopped in for a short visit. She said she thinks Terry is getting a little better.

This morning was a usual one for us. There was only only thing I had to do; after talking to Kaye last night. She suggested the Alpha Chis wouldn't be too pleased with me if I went to the meeting, served everyone cake, and then went home because I didn't want to give them my germs. So I called two different members that I know have to come near here on their way to the meeting, but I couldn't get either one. Time was going by, I couldn't reach Linda, the hostess, so I called Karen, and she agreed to take the cake over there for me. Well, she went and Linda wasn't home, so she left the cake on the front porch. I called Linda once more, and she got the cake, so all was well. Kaye said she may come down on Monday, so I will go see the new doctor that Dr. Donahoe recommended tomorrow, to make sure I will be OK by then.

This morning everything seem to go well. I took one Tylenol and codeine tablet, and the rest of the day went OK. I went with Chris to the San Marcos Kaiser center, where he had a pacemaker check. He doesn't much care for the test; they turn the pacemaker off for a little while. But they said it was good for another four years, maybe five. But they'll still check it out twice a year, and call once a month to have him report it. We stopped on the way home for me to buy a cake to take to the Alpha Chi Alumnae Club at Linda Sheldon's house in Carlsbad tomorrow. But when I was talking to Kaye about going there and cutting and serving the cake, the other women might not be pleased, since I intended to go right home after that. So, After talking to Kaye, I called Karen and asked her to take it over there. And she will.

This morning Chris had an appointment with Dr. Donahoe, a last checkup after the pneumonia. He told him he still has some congestion, and had him get x-rays, and wanted other tests made, but it was so crowded in that lab, that we decided to wait and see if he can get them later in Oceanside. Dr. Donahoe also gave me the name of doctor in Oceanside Kaiser, that I'm to go to if I have more trouble later in this week. (Donahoe is busy for two weeks.) I had lost my morning tablet, and so Chris gave me an Tylenol-codeine tablet to settle me down. It worked, and I had a little lunch and spent the afternoon without any more trouble. After our dinner we watched some more TV and then I read in Patricia Briggs' book a while. Karen called, and Terry had stent put in, and he can come home tomorrow.

This morning I got dressed to go to church, even with a necklace and earrings, But when it was time to go, I just couldn't do it. So we both stayed home. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Karen called, and Terry is still in the hospital, and now they think he has a kidney involvement as well as a heart attack. She called later today, and she's asking their home teacher to come over there and give him a blessing. We haven't heard yet tonight. We talked to Brittany and Bianca, and Bianca had the same problem I have, but she threw up in addition to the diarrhea. I guess I'm lucky not to have. Kaye sent us the original year of the Miss Marple mysteries, and we are watching them one at a time. We like them better than the new ones that come on TV now.

It kind of dribbled rain all day, so we didn't do much. I did get my hair done, so I'll look OK to go to Church in the morning , if I feel like it. It isn't until 11 a.m., so by then I should feel up to it. Today I've rested a lot, and I got advice from a Kaiser nurse, so I should be better by tomorrow. We just talked to Bianca, and she got home OK. Now we just have to hear from Carla and Kaye and Kyle. They are driving over the passes to Seattle and back, taking Race back to the U. of W. And Carla was driving home from Portland where she put Bianca and Logan and Maret on planes. Terry is still in the hospital, and they think he has had a heart attack. I hope it isn't a bad one, and he gets home soon. We haven't been to see him, don't want to spread our germs to him.

I'm feeling better today. In fact, I drove with Chris to Carlsbad where we transferred some money to the bank account that we have with Carla. She takes care of our Eugene duplexes for us. She is so involved with so many things, I hate to burden her with this one more thing, but she's willing to do it. If it were a better housing market, we would sell them. While we were in Carlsbad we drove down to look at the ocean. It was cloudy and low tide, so it wasn't much to see. But we did go for a little walk. It was refreshing. Next time it will be a little longer. While we were walking a man from Boston and his daughter who lives here, came by, and he was so exuberant to be here, he even wanted to take our picture with his daughter. His wife will arrive today. It was fun to talk to him. We received our Christmas package from Kaye and Kyle. It was delayed, because the Amazon Co. she ordered from, waited for Patticia Briggs' new book to be published.

I slept in again this morning. This time it was because I didn't feel like getting up. Things just got a little worse, and I had half a piece of toast for breakfast, and that was all. I rested a while, until lunch time, and this time I had toast with cheese and avocado - the best avocado I have had since we moved from Fallbrook, where we had our own tree. Chris went to the store and bought a few things, and I didn't do anything. I feel a bit better tonight, after cooking macaroni for dinner and eating it. We watched the movie "Sabrina" and it ran longer than we thought. So I'm late with my blog, and it's past bedtime. Goodnight!

It took me a while to get going this morning. Chris (Russ) went out and picked the tiny orchids and brought them into the house. They make a delicate bouquet, with their leaves filling in the empty spaces. He watered other plants, too. I called the Oceanside Kaiser Pharmacy, and my prescription is ready. So, we drove over there, I got that, and Chris had a blood test. From there we went to Smart and Final, and got Karen a Christmas present, an iron skillet she wanted. Then we met her at Carl's Jr. and gave it to her. She liked it, thank goodness. At home again, we watched some TV, had our dinner, and watched some more, until it got too dull. That was our day.

We slept in late, because we stayed up last night to watch the old year out. So, we finally did get up, and Chris (Russ) had another bloody nose in the early morning hours, and slept in his recliner after 6 o'clock until he got up about 9:30. After our breakfast Karen called, and she invited us to lunch at the beach. She provided the food, the best tamales I've tasted since 1980, (and we were in Visalia where Chris was the contractor for Karen's house.) We were parked right on the edge of the sand, with nothing between us and the sand and the ocean. It was a lovely spot for lunch and a little walk. This was in North Ponto. At home again we watched some TV shows, but the best was the Vienna Symphony Orchestra playing in the beautiful Vienna Opera House. I'm sorry I never made it to Austria, there's a lot I missed in Europe, but I guess it's too late to go now. Anybody who can, should go, as soon as the Euro isn't so expensive.