I think my back is getting a bit better. I saw the chiropractor again today for a session, and asked if water resistance walking would be good for my back muscles; he was very enthusiastic, said it would be excellent, so I have signed up at the YMCA. I want to be fit for my trip home.
I also told him that I was nervous of taking the prescription pain relief, addiction to prescription pain tablets is such a big issue here, but he smiled kindly and said I didn't need to worry.
I'm getting back into things, I went to the meal tonight at Emmanuel, expecting - and I was right - that they'd have Sunday's leftovers of smoked brisket which is so good. Someone had also made shrimp jambalaya. I didn't have any, I knew better, anything out of Louisiana is way too spicy for me but I wondered how some people have such a high tolerance for very hot food. Some people at the table had it, they said it was very spicy but it wasn't bothering them, they were tucking in. I took a fruit jelly, and someone else made an ice cream cake. I think she assembled ice cream sandwiches, then decorated it all. It was very nice.
Now the President's Inauguration is over there is no holding him back - stricter gun control, immigration reform, mandatory health care - he is steaming ahead with his liberal agenda, to the immense chagrin of the Republicans, it seems to have just hit them that their worst nightmares are coming true, and every day their attacks on him are getting nastier. After another four years America as they know it will be forever changed. They will be like us - God Forbid - free health care and all that evil stuff.
My neighbour isn't insured, and it is going to be an immense struggle for her to find the thousands of dollars her hospital stay is going to cost. She has already been billed for the ambulance which took her in, and that alone cost just over $648.
Obama has said that the recent massacre of 20 school children was the worst day of his presidency, which is why he is so bound and determined to change the gun laws, but I am not sure stricter gun laws are going to solve the problem. Nearly 500 people were shot dead in Chicago last year, and they have the strictest gun laws in the country.
Everybody I know in this solidly Republican state of Oklahoma owns a gun, and getting one is like passing the driving test. I wondered how many people in Britain would even know how to use one.
The gun violence here just beggars belief, and schools and colleges seem to be the most dangerous places. A gunman got on a school bus yesterday and demanded a child be handed over to him, the driver refused and was shot dead, the gunman snatched the boy and has taken him to an underground bunker at his home, which is obviously surrounded by SWAT teams and the FBI, and everyone is anxiously waiting for news.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday 28th January
I was wondering where January had gone to but I think I spent a lot of it nursing an aching back.
The weather has been really chilly lately so it was a surprise to step outside this morning and find it in the mid 70s. One just doesn't know what to wear in the mornings.
I went to the hospital this morning for my chaplaincy round. I was told my neighbour had left, and she wasn't on the floor I went round, but when I got home another neighbour across the road told me she was still there. I had forgotten to pick up the flowers from Emmanuel so went back in the afternoon to take them, and visited her.
She has been very ill with double pneumonia, but was expecting to go home tomorrow. I will obviously have to stop persecuting her, just put up with all the cats on my porch, and their muddy footprints over my car.
We had quite a chat. She told me this cat's name is O'Ryan, and it is a she.
Donna said she couldn't find a home for her when she was a kitten because "she is so ugly". Granted, she is not as pretty as Bubbles, but who takes cats based on their looks? What kind of prejudice is that!!
The weather has been really chilly lately so it was a surprise to step outside this morning and find it in the mid 70s. One just doesn't know what to wear in the mornings.
I went to the hospital this morning for my chaplaincy round. I was told my neighbour had left, and she wasn't on the floor I went round, but when I got home another neighbour across the road told me she was still there. I had forgotten to pick up the flowers from Emmanuel so went back in the afternoon to take them, and visited her.
She has been very ill with double pneumonia, but was expecting to go home tomorrow. I will obviously have to stop persecuting her, just put up with all the cats on my porch, and their muddy footprints over my car.
We had quite a chat. She told me this cat's name is O'Ryan, and it is a she.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday 25th January
I went to the chiropractor today. I am not sure if he did any good. I only feel alright when I have had some strong pain relief, and goodness knows what that is doing to my stomach lining. He did say to contact him on Monday if I don't feel better, which I might do.
As I was out and about I had some lunch at a downtown diner. This is called a 'gourmet' hamburger. I don't know what their common-or-garden hamburgers are, it actually it looks just like I'd buy at a drive through, or a WhataBurger, And certainly not as good as Wendys, which are definitely a cut above the others.
I've never heard of cigarettes having to be left at the door. Whatever next.
Before I went to the chiropractor I dropped off the fluffy scarves I'd knitted for bingo prizes at the Senior Centre, and afterwards went on to see how they were getting on.
It was way too serious. Someone was just calling out the numbers, there was no joking or banter like there usually is. Looking at the audience though I'm not sure they'd appreciate LEGS ELEVEN number 11. All the NINEEEEEEEEEEESS 99.
I don't know what planet these rubbish supermarket tabloid publishers live on.
Tonight, Saturday , there have been goings on in the neighbourhood.
As I was out and about I had some lunch at a downtown diner. This is called a 'gourmet' hamburger. I don't know what their common-or-garden hamburgers are, it actually it looks just like I'd buy at a drive through, or a WhataBurger, And certainly not as good as Wendys, which are definitely a cut above the others.
Before I went to the chiropractor I dropped off the fluffy scarves I'd knitted for bingo prizes at the Senior Centre, and afterwards went on to see how they were getting on.
It was way too serious. Someone was just calling out the numbers, there was no joking or banter like there usually is. Looking at the audience though I'm not sure they'd appreciate LEGS ELEVEN number 11. All the NINEEEEEEEEEEESS 99.
Tonight, Saturday , there have been goings on in the neighbourhood.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday 24th January
I didn't make it to the chiropractor, but have made an appointment for tomorrow morning.
The grey cat which has haunted my porch day and night for the last few days has either given up trying to win me over, or donna next door has corralled it. I think she has corralled all her animals. I was looking out of the window for signs of cat life and saw her, donna, being carried out to an ambulance. There was also a fire engine in attendance. Phyllis rang me a little while after that and said the fire service always comes as well as the ambulance, they are trained medics too, and often times big, muscular firemen are needed to lift the enormously obese patients. That figures, this is Oklahoma after all.
I remember someone in a Kiwani talk telling us once that it costs over $400 to send out an ambulance. That is how much the patient is billed, which is going to be a setback for my neighbour, she is not 65 so not eligible for any kind of free health care, and will have to pay at least quite a bit of that.
The grey cat which has haunted my porch day and night for the last few days has either given up trying to win me over, or donna next door has corralled it. I think she has corralled all her animals. I was looking out of the window for signs of cat life and saw her, donna, being carried out to an ambulance. There was also a fire engine in attendance. Phyllis rang me a little while after that and said the fire service always comes as well as the ambulance, they are trained medics too, and often times big, muscular firemen are needed to lift the enormously obese patients. That figures, this is Oklahoma after all.
I remember someone in a Kiwani talk telling us once that it costs over $400 to send out an ambulance. That is how much the patient is billed, which is going to be a setback for my neighbour, she is not 65 so not eligible for any kind of free health care, and will have to pay at least quite a bit of that.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday
I had considered going to a chiropractor today, but as the day wore on I thought I might be getting a bit better, and would wait another day or two.
This cat has been haunting my porch for the last couple of days, pacing up and down. As soon as I open the front door it rushes up to me. It's bizarre. It jumped up on my wheelie bin this morning and stretched its paw out over my arm, then it was licking my hand, like little kisses. Rosalyn said if it just wanted food it would meow, it wants affection and acceptance.
Rosalyn also said the Universe is talking to me. God wants me to have it, and He will provide the resources for me to provide for it. And am I trying to outlove God. I said that sounded like something from her Course of Miracles (which I am too sceptical to attend, or perhaps it is because I have had a more thorough grounding in theology). I suggested she ask some of her members if God wants one of them to have it. I don't know why she doesn't think God wants her to have it. Actually, I do know and it is all to do with her extreme vegan diet.
I have been watching television today, Hilary Clinton attending the House and Senate hearings, testifying about Benghazi. I have the most tremendous admiration for her. I think she should, and probably will, run for President in 2016.
I was given fluffy wool to knit scarves for bingo prizes at the Senior Centre, I've already photographed one of them. These are two or three more I have just finished while nursing my aching back.
The weather has been quite warm this week, nearly 70 today, unlike some parts of the country where it is brutal.
And there have been bad road accidents. I can't imagine an 86 car pile up.
Bubbles keeping an eye out for any would be interlopers.
Rosalyn also said the Universe is talking to me. God wants me to have it, and He will provide the resources for me to provide for it. And am I trying to outlove God. I said that sounded like something from her Course of Miracles (which I am too sceptical to attend, or perhaps it is because I have had a more thorough grounding in theology). I suggested she ask some of her members if God wants one of them to have it. I don't know why she doesn't think God wants her to have it. Actually, I do know and it is all to do with her extreme vegan diet.
I have been watching television today, Hilary Clinton attending the House and Senate hearings, testifying about Benghazi. I have the most tremendous admiration for her. I think she should, and probably will, run for President in 2016.
I was given fluffy wool to knit scarves for bingo prizes at the Senior Centre, I've already photographed one of them. These are two or three more I have just finished while nursing my aching back.
The weather has been quite warm this week, nearly 70 today, unlike some parts of the country where it is brutal.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Martin Luther King Day
I haven't got shingles.
Woke in a lot of pain though and decided to go back to Leanna - if my back was still twisted she was the one to straighten it out. But having had to take a strong pain relief when I woke up I couldn't drive, so Rosalyn took me there. She then had to take her grandson to Prague, about an hour away, so Bruce picked me up.
I think I felt better, in a bit less pain, when she finished working on me, so I think she must have corrected whatever it was that was pulled. When I took my cheque book out she said she wasn't going to charge me for this morning's session, so maybe she thinks she pulled something too hard on Thursday.
Bruce invited me to lunch but I wasn't up to sitting in a restaurant, I asked him to take me to the Golden Corrall so I could pick up a takeaway.
When I wasn't out I was watching the Inauguration. The President's term of office actually finished yesterday, but they can't have a public inauguration ceremony on a Sunday, so there was a quiet one yesterday in a small room in the White House.
And there was another big do today with all the pomp and ceremony. I expect you've seen lots of pictures of it. This one is when they were in the viewing room watching the parade go by.
The daughters have just been given their smart phones but will not be allowed to use them during the week. I'd love to know who the President was tweeting, or texting.
The daughters looked very pretty in smart outfits. Unlike the young members of our Royal family who turn out on formal occasions in the silliest hats.
Woke in a lot of pain though and decided to go back to Leanna - if my back was still twisted she was the one to straighten it out. But having had to take a strong pain relief when I woke up I couldn't drive, so Rosalyn took me there. She then had to take her grandson to Prague, about an hour away, so Bruce picked me up.
I think I felt better, in a bit less pain, when she finished working on me, so I think she must have corrected whatever it was that was pulled. When I took my cheque book out she said she wasn't going to charge me for this morning's session, so maybe she thinks she pulled something too hard on Thursday.
Bruce invited me to lunch but I wasn't up to sitting in a restaurant, I asked him to take me to the Golden Corrall so I could pick up a takeaway.
When I wasn't out I was watching the Inauguration. The President's term of office actually finished yesterday, but they can't have a public inauguration ceremony on a Sunday, so there was a quiet one yesterday in a small room in the White House.
And there was another big do today with all the pomp and ceremony. I expect you've seen lots of pictures of it. This one is when they were in the viewing room watching the parade go by.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday
Yesterday, Friday, my back pain was so severe I knew I had to see a doctor for some pain relief, but couldn't face the thought of waiting ages in the chaotic waiting room of my usual doctor. I talked to Leanna, the therapist, and she recommended someone who has just opened a clinic downtown, and is looking for patients, especially cash ones like me.
"Proper" doctors with MDs are thin on the ground anyway, and I haven't grasped the credentials of all the others, but in my current situation I am being less fussy. I think Kendra, who has just opened the downtown clinic, is what they call a 'licensed practitioner'. Anyway, she can hand out prescriptions so that was good enough for me. She was very nice, she doesn't seem to think I have got shingles, she did go off and called Leanna to discuss it, so I am quite glad to have two medical professionals on the case. If I haven't got shingles then Leanna pulled a back muscle when she was re-aligning my spine.
The downtown clinic is situated at the back of a pharmacy, so they filled out the prescription instead of the one I am registered with. Addiction to prescription medicines is a major problem here, and people are getting them by 'shopping around' different doctors and pharmacies, so I hope I am not doing anything that will be investigated. I think though that in the circumstances it will be alright, and I will stay with this doctor/clinic and this pharmacy.
The pain relief I got is very strong, I had to show some ID when I handed over the prescription, but it is helping, although I still feel unwell.
I was cheered up by some visitors. Fr Bill came at my request, he asked if I needed anything and I did need someone to open the senior proof pill containers. I usually ask them in the pharmacy, but I forgot.
Phyllis called to see how I was, bringing gifts of tea and marmite. I like marmite, but I don't have it very often, so the little jars she gives me from time to time are beginning to back up. I think I had better have it more often.
Rosalyn came with her favourite brand of spring water, because it is critically important apparently that I drink lots and lots of water. She and Leanna have always got a bottle of water in their hands, or not far away. She also brought the juice of four freshly squeezed oranges, and a selection of left over cooked vegetables in ziplock bags to make some soups. This evening I combined half a potato with some collard greens and milk in a blender, with some fried croutons. It was nice. I took a photo and sent it to her, I wanted her to see I was putting her little gifts to good use.
And like Phyllis she also brought me some packets of herbal teas. I am going to have to try some of these.
So in spite of feeling unwell and in pain, I have also felt blessed by these kind friends and their gifts.
"Proper" doctors with MDs are thin on the ground anyway, and I haven't grasped the credentials of all the others, but in my current situation I am being less fussy. I think Kendra, who has just opened the downtown clinic, is what they call a 'licensed practitioner'. Anyway, she can hand out prescriptions so that was good enough for me. She was very nice, she doesn't seem to think I have got shingles, she did go off and called Leanna to discuss it, so I am quite glad to have two medical professionals on the case. If I haven't got shingles then Leanna pulled a back muscle when she was re-aligning my spine.
The downtown clinic is situated at the back of a pharmacy, so they filled out the prescription instead of the one I am registered with. Addiction to prescription medicines is a major problem here, and people are getting them by 'shopping around' different doctors and pharmacies, so I hope I am not doing anything that will be investigated. I think though that in the circumstances it will be alright, and I will stay with this doctor/clinic and this pharmacy.
The pain relief I got is very strong, I had to show some ID when I handed over the prescription, but it is helping, although I still feel unwell.
I was cheered up by some visitors. Fr Bill came at my request, he asked if I needed anything and I did need someone to open the senior proof pill containers. I usually ask them in the pharmacy, but I forgot.
Phyllis called to see how I was, bringing gifts of tea and marmite. I like marmite, but I don't have it very often, so the little jars she gives me from time to time are beginning to back up. I think I had better have it more often.
Rosalyn came with her favourite brand of spring water, because it is critically important apparently that I drink lots and lots of water. She and Leanna have always got a bottle of water in their hands, or not far away. She also brought the juice of four freshly squeezed oranges, and a selection of left over cooked vegetables in ziplock bags to make some soups. This evening I combined half a potato with some collard greens and milk in a blender, with some fried croutons. It was nice. I took a photo and sent it to her, I wanted her to see I was putting her little gifts to good use.
And like Phyllis she also brought me some packets of herbal teas. I am going to have to try some of these.
So in spite of feeling unwell and in pain, I have also felt blessed by these kind friends and their gifts.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Latest bulletin on back
I just got back from Leanna; she unlocked all the muscles that went into spasm when I clambered over the transmission, and to some extent it feels a little better. However she noticed some red blotches round my middle which might be the beginning of shingles, that's an extremely painful disorder which affects the nerve endings.
Anyway, I am going back to see her on Monday, she will be able to tell by then if it is shingles. I do feel quite unwell, I'm just going to go and lie down now, so you may not hear from me in a little while.
Anyway, I am going back to see her on Monday, she will be able to tell by then if it is shingles. I do feel quite unwell, I'm just going to go and lie down now, so you may not hear from me in a little while.
Update on Back
My back I hurt on Sunday is now a great deal worse. I did do my voluntary stint at the Senior Centre on Tuesday afternoon, it wasn't so bad then.
I tried to get an appointment yesterday, Wednesday, with Leanna, whom I usually see in these situations, but am going this morning. I am not sure if she is a masseur, or a chiropractor, or someone between the two, but she is also a highly qualified registered nurse, so would know what the problem is, and she has been effective in the past.
If she is not effective this time I will try a chiropractor. I know in England I would go and see a GP, but here it makes more sense to pay to have something done, rather than just get an opinion. So I need to start getting ready, it takes me a long time just to get out of the house.
I tried to get an appointment yesterday, Wednesday, with Leanna, whom I usually see in these situations, but am going this morning. I am not sure if she is a masseur, or a chiropractor, or someone between the two, but she is also a highly qualified registered nurse, so would know what the problem is, and she has been effective in the past.
If she is not effective this time I will try a chiropractor. I know in England I would go and see a GP, but here it makes more sense to pay to have something done, rather than just get an opinion. So I need to start getting ready, it takes me a long time just to get out of the house.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tuesday 15th January
On Sunday morning, when I went out for the donuts, I couldn't open the driver's door of the car and had to climb over the transmission, which did not do my back any favours, and I spent a good part of Monday lying against a hot water bottle.
A while ago Kate, at the Senior Centre, handed me a bag of fluffy balls of yarn and asked me to knit scarves as bingo prizes (which puzzled me, she must know better than most, that I have plenty of projects of my own I'm getting on with) but I smiled - like I do - and took the bag. This is the first of the scarves which I finished while languishing against a hot water bottle.
I said I was going to come along to bingo, I'd like to win this myself, it feels incredibly soft. It was knitted with three balls of yarn, the rest are all single balls, so they will be short, skinny scarves.
It is Tuesday morning as I type this and I am not sure if I am going to make it to the Senior Centre this afternoon, I might go along and show willing, but leave if my back gets too bad.
A while ago Kate, at the Senior Centre, handed me a bag of fluffy balls of yarn and asked me to knit scarves as bingo prizes (which puzzled me, she must know better than most, that I have plenty of projects of my own I'm getting on with) but I smiled - like I do - and took the bag. This is the first of the scarves which I finished while languishing against a hot water bottle.
It is Tuesday morning as I type this and I am not sure if I am going to make it to the Senior Centre this afternoon, I might go along and show willing, but leave if my back gets too bad.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday 13th January
Out early this morning, alarm woke me at 6.30, to get the donuts for Emmanuel, then I stayed for the 8 o'clock service so I didn't attend the baptisms and confirmations.
I got to the church at 7.30, at the same time as the bishop and his wife, Debbie, goodness knows what time they were up this morning. Debbie is a very pleasant, friendly person and we were chatting over our donuts. She was telling me about a visit to England with other US bishops and their wives, she seemed particualarly impressed with Sissinghurst.
The car had a very thick layer of ice on it, I couldn't understand it because there wasn't any on the windows, I've been trying to figure it out all day. I couldn't open the driver's door so had to get in the passenger side and climb over the transmission, which has done something to my back. When I was leaving Emmanuel after the 8 o'clock I was telling someone in the parking lot and she managed to wrench the door open, which was a relief.
These are my contributions to the lunch, the lentil salad and the fruit cake. The cake tin was too big (one day I'll get it right) and it came out too flat, so I cut it into slices, like pie, and put them on a platter. It tastes very nice.
My plate. The church provided smoked brisket and bbq'd rib, people brought salads, different vegetable casseroles and desserts.
And there is always a cake.
Bishop Ed and his wife.
My friend Stephanie took this photo, she is a professional photographer, and I took it off the Facebook page. I think it is lovely.
I was talking on Skype this afternoon to Jeremy and Tim. Jeremy has booked my flight to England for a visit at the end of April, so I am very happy about that, and looking forward to seeing everyone.
I got to the church at 7.30, at the same time as the bishop and his wife, Debbie, goodness knows what time they were up this morning. Debbie is a very pleasant, friendly person and we were chatting over our donuts. She was telling me about a visit to England with other US bishops and their wives, she seemed particualarly impressed with Sissinghurst.
The car had a very thick layer of ice on it, I couldn't understand it because there wasn't any on the windows, I've been trying to figure it out all day. I couldn't open the driver's door so had to get in the passenger side and climb over the transmission, which has done something to my back. When I was leaving Emmanuel after the 8 o'clock I was telling someone in the parking lot and she managed to wrench the door open, which was a relief.
I was talking on Skype this afternoon to Jeremy and Tim. Jeremy has booked my flight to England for a visit at the end of April, so I am very happy about that, and looking forward to seeing everyone.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Saturday 12 January
You know how kids watch Saturday morning television - well my Saturday morning television is the Food Network and a couple of handicraft programmes. In this morning's programme I discovered that some serious handicraft persons have "studios", and they looked WONDERFUL.
Thinks "I want a studio", I could keep all my crocheting, knitting and cross stitching neat and organised, and displayed, and it will look as if I am actually doing something serious. Maybe I will move the computer into the small third bedroom, and convert the computer room into a studio. I am pondering it.
The weather has been bitterly cold today, and very wet this afternoon. Considering the drought conditions of Oklahoma, which almost always exist, people are surprised that it is so green. I think the rain, when it comes, keeps everything green.
My highlight of the day was lunch at the Red Lobster, due to the kind gift card donor. The current deal at the moment is 35 shrimp for $11.95, and there is a choice of two preparations of shrimp out of five, I think it is. I had 15 garlic butter shrimp and 15 parmesan crusted, and their lovely - very light - cheddar bay biscuits, with salad. I don't know why I didn't take a photograph of it, like I usually do. Maybe I was in too much of a hurry to get into it.
It was lovely, but I couldn't eat it all so brought the parmesan crusted shrimp and some cheddar bay biscuits home for supper.
Tomorrow is a big day at Emmanuel. The bishop is coming (AGAIN), there is a baptism and he is confirming 15 people. It will be followed by a reception; the church is providing the smoked brisket, and the congregation are bringing desserts and side dishes. I am, as I type, in the process of making the moist fruit cake I did for the bake sale, but I will do it in one large tin. And a lentil salad for the health freaks. I don't usually cater to the health freaks but I'm feeling charitable.
Thinks "I want a studio", I could keep all my crocheting, knitting and cross stitching neat and organised, and displayed, and it will look as if I am actually doing something serious. Maybe I will move the computer into the small third bedroom, and convert the computer room into a studio. I am pondering it.
The weather has been bitterly cold today, and very wet this afternoon. Considering the drought conditions of Oklahoma, which almost always exist, people are surprised that it is so green. I think the rain, when it comes, keeps everything green.
My highlight of the day was lunch at the Red Lobster, due to the kind gift card donor. The current deal at the moment is 35 shrimp for $11.95, and there is a choice of two preparations of shrimp out of five, I think it is. I had 15 garlic butter shrimp and 15 parmesan crusted, and their lovely - very light - cheddar bay biscuits, with salad. I don't know why I didn't take a photograph of it, like I usually do. Maybe I was in too much of a hurry to get into it.
It was lovely, but I couldn't eat it all so brought the parmesan crusted shrimp and some cheddar bay biscuits home for supper.
Tomorrow is a big day at Emmanuel. The bishop is coming (AGAIN), there is a baptism and he is confirming 15 people. It will be followed by a reception; the church is providing the smoked brisket, and the congregation are bringing desserts and side dishes. I am, as I type, in the process of making the moist fruit cake I did for the bake sale, but I will do it in one large tin. And a lentil salad for the health freaks. I don't usually cater to the health freaks but I'm feeling charitable.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday 11th January
The rain stopped today, it was quite bright this afternoon, and nearly 70.
I went to the hospital, I've been off for a while with my cough and cold and sneezing. When I got there a young mother had just had a stillborn baby so I went to the Obstetrics Unit first, then round a floor. I think I should have done another floor, it didn't look as if anyone else was coming on to do it, but I had an appointment with an optician this afternoon.
A lot of patients had pneumonia, both floors were full. There is a serious outbreak here of flu, it was announced today that it was officially an epidemic affecting 47 states, only California, Hawaii and Mississippi haven't got it.
The optician's appointment went well, a common condition of my age is glaucoma, which is why I go for check ups, but I haven't got it yet.
I went to the hospital, I've been off for a while with my cough and cold and sneezing. When I got there a young mother had just had a stillborn baby so I went to the Obstetrics Unit first, then round a floor. I think I should have done another floor, it didn't look as if anyone else was coming on to do it, but I had an appointment with an optician this afternoon.
A lot of patients had pneumonia, both floors were full. There is a serious outbreak here of flu, it was announced today that it was officially an epidemic affecting 47 states, only California, Hawaii and Mississippi haven't got it.
The optician's appointment went well, a common condition of my age is glaucoma, which is why I go for check ups, but I haven't got it yet.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday/Thursday
I am getting very behind with this, I think it is the weather, it is making me very lethargic.
It has been raining steadily for the last few days, but no one in Oklahoma ever complains about the rain, they're just glad to get what comes.
Yesterday, Wednesday morning, was the monthly meeting of the Shawnee Peace Fellowship, held at Emmanuel. A lot of people were away though, so it wasn't a very big turnout and we couldn't really proceed with our mission statement and objectives, but we recapped on where we are so far.
One thing we have achieved as a group, and it was reported in today's local paper, is providing bicycle helmets for children, which are much needed here, and will be an ongoing cause. One of the members who lost her husband in September wanted to do something in his memory, and this was a good idea. Two other members, Barbara and Larry, run the local bicycle shop and provided the helmets at cost.
We did have a speaker, a monk from St Gregory's. He didn't look terribly monk-like, he wore jeans and had a New York, or Long Island, accent. He did have a top on, which looked like half a habit.
He had recently been to Rome - he didn't want to go, he doesn't like going anywhere - but it was rather imposed upon him, and he was with his Abbot and a group of other monks. They were attending the canonisation of an American Indian woman, she was born about 1650 so her sainthood was a long time coming. The Benedictine monks at St Gregory's have always had a mission among the American Indians.
He was a very lively and interesting speaker and obviously enjoyed it all when he got there. He went to other cities as well, Venice, Florence, Padua.
Before I left Emmanuel I set out the cakes for Wednesday's meal, so I didn't need to worry about getting back in time in the evening, which was as well as I was talking to Jeremy for an hour and a half on Skype, and when I got back at supper time they had just finished clearing up - the young people were all off on their activities and there was about a dozen adults hanging out. There was some nice soup left so I put some out for myself, and hung out with them.
This morning, Thursday, was Kiwanis. Kate the Senior Centre's director, talked about the different programmes the Centre has for seniors. I like Kate and her mother very much, they are Canadian, from Kirkland Lake where my auntie Norah lived.
Later in the morning I went to Communion, then six of us had lunch at Paul's Place, an American restaurant, and that was very nice. Apart from a trip to Walmart I have just been a couch potato the rest of the day.
It has been raining steadily for the last few days, but no one in Oklahoma ever complains about the rain, they're just glad to get what comes.
Yesterday, Wednesday morning, was the monthly meeting of the Shawnee Peace Fellowship, held at Emmanuel. A lot of people were away though, so it wasn't a very big turnout and we couldn't really proceed with our mission statement and objectives, but we recapped on where we are so far.
One thing we have achieved as a group, and it was reported in today's local paper, is providing bicycle helmets for children, which are much needed here, and will be an ongoing cause. One of the members who lost her husband in September wanted to do something in his memory, and this was a good idea. Two other members, Barbara and Larry, run the local bicycle shop and provided the helmets at cost.
We did have a speaker, a monk from St Gregory's. He didn't look terribly monk-like, he wore jeans and had a New York, or Long Island, accent. He did have a top on, which looked like half a habit.
He had recently been to Rome - he didn't want to go, he doesn't like going anywhere - but it was rather imposed upon him, and he was with his Abbot and a group of other monks. They were attending the canonisation of an American Indian woman, she was born about 1650 so her sainthood was a long time coming. The Benedictine monks at St Gregory's have always had a mission among the American Indians.
He was a very lively and interesting speaker and obviously enjoyed it all when he got there. He went to other cities as well, Venice, Florence, Padua.
Before I left Emmanuel I set out the cakes for Wednesday's meal, so I didn't need to worry about getting back in time in the evening, which was as well as I was talking to Jeremy for an hour and a half on Skype, and when I got back at supper time they had just finished clearing up - the young people were all off on their activities and there was about a dozen adults hanging out. There was some nice soup left so I put some out for myself, and hung out with them.
This morning, Thursday, was Kiwanis. Kate the Senior Centre's director, talked about the different programmes the Centre has for seniors. I like Kate and her mother very much, they are Canadian, from Kirkland Lake where my auntie Norah lived.
Later in the morning I went to Communion, then six of us had lunch at Paul's Place, an American restaurant, and that was very nice. Apart from a trip to Walmart I have just been a couch potato the rest of the day.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Monday
Picked up the flowers from Emmanuel today to take to the hospital chapel. I found the chapel completely re-ordered in accordance with the hospital's new ownership by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.
There is now an altar, a tabernacle, candles, a whacking great crucifix on the wall. I am not sure if the flowers will be staying there, if they are allowed to be there. Someone from St Gregory's will be coming to celebrate Mass for any Catholic employees who might want it.
I also took some prayer pups which the ladies of the Outreach committee make at Emmanuel. We give them out to children on the floor. This is one I have put on my computer room wall.
It is the bake sale tomorrow, and for a change I made a few cakes. Louise said my cakes always arouse interest.
Everything sells for $1, which is why I don't often make anything, I don't think it is economically viable, but Louise says we are providing a service as well as raising funds for Kiwanis. So I will put two cakes in a ziplock bag for $1.
When I worked at the Nuffield Hospital someone in the office made a wonderful fruit cake, which is very moist because it contains crushed pineapple, and is extremely simple to make. With grand daughters in mind, this is the recipe.
I also took some prayer pups which the ladies of the Outreach committee make at Emmanuel. We give them out to children on the floor. This is one I have put on my computer room wall.
It is the bake sale tomorrow, and for a change I made a few cakes. Louise said my cakes always arouse interest.
When I worked at the Nuffield Hospital someone in the office made a wonderful fruit cake, which is very moist because it contains crushed pineapple, and is extremely simple to make. With grand daughters in mind, this is the recipe.
Moist Fruit Cake
12oz dried fruit
- 4oz butter – 4oz sugar – 13oz
tin crushed pineapple (with juice)
Boil and simmer for 3 mins.
Leave to cool.
Stir in 8oz plain flour - 1 tspn spice – 1tspn bi-carb – 2 eggs.
Cook slow oven 1 ¼ -
1 ½ hours in an 8” cake tin. Or whatever.
Sunday - Epiphany
Later in the day Bruce and Rosalyn invited me to join them for the musical 'Les Miserables'. I have never been a fan of even English literature, far less French, so unlike Rosalyn who had read the book
I didn't really know what was happening. And it was the longest film I have ever attended, I think it was about three hours. But I appreciated their inviting me, and it was good to spend time with them.
Before the movie we had dinner at the China Buffet.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Friday 4th January
I stepped back into circulation yesterday, Thursday, when I went to Kiwanis, the speaker wasn't terribly interesting, but she was nice and it was good to be among friends.
Although I feel better I am still coughing so I went to the doctor on Thursday, I'd arranged to go to the movies with Pattisue and I wanted to be sure I was past the infectious stage.
The waiting room was crowded and I was waved to a seat. After ten minutes I got up and asked if I was waiting to be seen, or waiting for an appointment, I was waved through a door to an unattended reception desk, and after several minutes I decide to go home and telephone for an appointment. The hospitality aide who cruises round the waiting room placating the patients with coffee gave me a sympathetic smile as he leaped to open the door for me. He's my friend, he senses my frustration, he knows frustration is what I get when I go there.
I'm bewildered too, at the fact that I get far better attention from my NHS GP in Seaford, where the staff are organised and the patients know what is happening. Here, because I am paying $70 for a consultation, I expect a far superior service from what I get. In view of the cost I wouldn't have gone just for the cough, but I knew that I would need another migraine treatment prescription in the not too distant future, and wouldn't get it without another visit.
So, I went back at the appointed time and saw a licensed nurse practitioner. It wasn't urgent enough, and I didn't have the energy to demand a proper doctor with an MD.
You wouldn't think would you, that our NHS would give us such high expectations.
Pattisue wanted to see 'Lincoln', I didn't like it but I was pleased she enjoyed it very much. There wasn't enough action in it for me, it was all dialogue, all the way through. Also she had a much better grasp, being American, of what was going on. I hadn't even realised at the end that Robert E Lee was surrendering to Lincoln, until she told me afterwards.
Today, Friday, I have just been out and about. I tried to make a call to England and was told all international calls were blocked. Shock. Horror. Panic. My free international calls are the best part of my deal with the cable company, I couldn't get down there quickly enough. But it was sorted out. I took the car to Terry for an oil change.
Although I feel better I am still coughing so I went to the doctor on Thursday, I'd arranged to go to the movies with Pattisue and I wanted to be sure I was past the infectious stage.
The waiting room was crowded and I was waved to a seat. After ten minutes I got up and asked if I was waiting to be seen, or waiting for an appointment, I was waved through a door to an unattended reception desk, and after several minutes I decide to go home and telephone for an appointment. The hospitality aide who cruises round the waiting room placating the patients with coffee gave me a sympathetic smile as he leaped to open the door for me. He's my friend, he senses my frustration, he knows frustration is what I get when I go there.
I'm bewildered too, at the fact that I get far better attention from my NHS GP in Seaford, where the staff are organised and the patients know what is happening. Here, because I am paying $70 for a consultation, I expect a far superior service from what I get. In view of the cost I wouldn't have gone just for the cough, but I knew that I would need another migraine treatment prescription in the not too distant future, and wouldn't get it without another visit.
So, I went back at the appointed time and saw a licensed nurse practitioner. It wasn't urgent enough, and I didn't have the energy to demand a proper doctor with an MD.
You wouldn't think would you, that our NHS would give us such high expectations.
Pattisue wanted to see 'Lincoln', I didn't like it but I was pleased she enjoyed it very much. There wasn't enough action in it for me, it was all dialogue, all the way through. Also she had a much better grasp, being American, of what was going on. I hadn't even realised at the end that Robert E Lee was surrendering to Lincoln, until she told me afterwards.
Today, Friday, I have just been out and about. I tried to make a call to England and was told all international calls were blocked. Shock. Horror. Panic. My free international calls are the best part of my deal with the cable company, I couldn't get down there quickly enough. But it was sorted out. I took the car to Terry for an oil change.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Tuesday 1 Jan
I think I am a little better today, at least I think I'll live, unlike the other day when I was convinced I was going to die of pneumonia. At this time of year every other tv commercial is for a cold or flu treatment, so I had plenty to look out for as I browsed the aisles of the pharmacy. I picked up some Ny Quick, I don't know if you have heard of it, it tastes vile because it is flavoured with cherry - why do drug companies do that, a medication taste is much better than something trying to cover it up. I had more faith in it after I rang Larry to say I wouldn't be at the hospital on Monday, and he told me to take a couple of fingers of Ny Quick, that would put me right.
It surprises me that in this country anyone with pneumonia is routinely admitted to hospital. In the case of a child, or someone very elderly, it might be necessary, but I think that most of the time it is a question of being ripped off by insurance companies. We don't admit everyone with pneumonia to hospital, do we??
So the last couple of days I have just been languishing on my sick bed, watching tv, having frequent cuddles from Bubbles.
I think the Senior Centre is closed until tomorrow, and no one rang to ask where I was this afternoon.
There isn't a meal at Emmanuel tomorrow night, so I think I might be back in circulation on Thursday for Kiwanis.
On tv I have been watching the debacle of the fiscal cliff, thinking "thank God I am not a US taxpayer". Someone (and not a wealthy person) told me their income would go down $200 a month from January if it was not resolved.
I have come to the conclusion that they have far too much democracy here. They seem to have to vote on everything. I am sure our way is better, the Chancellor leaves No 11 holding up his red box, cameras flash, the Budget is announced to a hushed and attentive nation, and even if we don't like it we suck it up, and vote in the other guys at next election.
It surprises me that in this country anyone with pneumonia is routinely admitted to hospital. In the case of a child, or someone very elderly, it might be necessary, but I think that most of the time it is a question of being ripped off by insurance companies. We don't admit everyone with pneumonia to hospital, do we??
So the last couple of days I have just been languishing on my sick bed, watching tv, having frequent cuddles from Bubbles.
I think the Senior Centre is closed until tomorrow, and no one rang to ask where I was this afternoon.
There isn't a meal at Emmanuel tomorrow night, so I think I might be back in circulation on Thursday for Kiwanis.
On tv I have been watching the debacle of the fiscal cliff, thinking "thank God I am not a US taxpayer". Someone (and not a wealthy person) told me their income would go down $200 a month from January if it was not resolved.
I have come to the conclusion that they have far too much democracy here. They seem to have to vote on everything. I am sure our way is better, the Chancellor leaves No 11 holding up his red box, cameras flash, the Budget is announced to a hushed and attentive nation, and even if we don't like it we suck it up, and vote in the other guys at next election.
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