76 posts tagged “trevor”

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Six more days til Christmas

A good thing I didn't plan to go to the 'Breakfast with Santa' down the street at the Resort hotel with R&L and the kids.  Rich snored so badly last night I had to get up and sit in the lazy boy.  Even with his mask it was hopeless... the mask leaked and sounded like a trumpet.  It wasn't his fault and this doesn't happen all the time, but last night was awful.  So, I didn't get up this AM till 9:30AM....not bad considering I went to sleep at 3:30AM.


Rich jr brought the kids over after the 'Breakfast with Santa'.  Lissa had some Christmas shopping to do.  Brooke set up our Nativity scene, and then put some finishing touches (bows) on our little fibre optic tree.  Trevor showed us some magic tricks and even one he invented himself using a straw and static electricity.  I tried to do a video clip of it, but every time the camera was on...the trick would not work.  After several attempts I told him it must have something to do with the light from the camera and the static electricity.  We don't have it on film, but I did see the trick.

They watched the iMovie I'd made of Trevor, and it was fun to watch their expressions as they saw themselves. They'd forgotten about the little clips I'd taken at basketball games etc.  Even the still shots and especially the sound effects were a hit.  I gave them two copies to keep, and told them to make sure they tell Lissa to watch it.  

I had planned to go to pottery, but the weather was too miserable....high winds and rain.  We're expecting some  snow (maybe a dusting) during the night.  

I talked with cousin Marn in NJ and they already have 10" with more expected.  Cousin Helen called in the AM and I didn't get to talk with her.  She said it was blizzard-like on LBI.  I called her later in the afternoon, but no one answered.  I assume they were talking on the phone, and yet I saw in the AC pressonline that Beach Haven had two power outages.  That would be awful in this cold weather.  Hope they are OK.

Had trouble touching base with Lindsay regarding rescheduling today's lesson.  Her dog ate her laptop cord, so she never got my emails.  I told her I left a phone msg that was forwarded to some voice mail.  She said it didn't show up on her 'missed calls'.  Anyhow, I was glad she was OK.  I will call her in the AM to confirm meeting tomorrow at 2PM.

Cousin Helen called again and they are fine...snowed in big time, but fine.  Also got a nice 'Happy Anniversary' greeting on Geni.com from cousin MaryEllen.  That was a pleasant discovery when I checked geni.  

Made a WW recipe Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker.  It was good, but I expected much more flavor.  I will make some modifications when I make it again.  It called for an onion, mushrooms, garlic and a red pepper sauteed and added to the cooker with a half cup of chicken broth. Add the chicken...2 breasts cut in half lengthwise.  Later you add some flour which has been added to sour cream.  I was really surprised it tasted rather flat...even with S&P and paprika.   It was only 4 points/per serving.  I used low fat sour creme as opposed to their fat free version so I'll add a half point or so when I track it.


Post a comment Tags: recipes, brooke, trevor

Today (12/9) my Dad would be 117....Happy Birthday Daddy.

 If he was 20 when I was born, I'd be approaching my 98th birthday in February.   I was of course his last child. I'm sure glad he didn't marry at 19 which many folks did 'way back then'.  


This year when I hear the Academy Award announcement for 'editing' and 'special effects' I will share in the praise of these folks.  It's a lot of work to edit a film.  I never gave it much attention prior to playing around with MACs iMovie and iDVD applications.  I enjoy it, but I now appreciate what must go into making a professional film.

In between cleaning the bathrooms and vacuuming I worked on my latest DVD...'Trevor'.  I haven't begun to edit yet; I'm still sequencing the many photos and video clips I have.   I think it'll be finished by Christmas and I'll wrap it for him as one of his gifts.  He's probably wondering why I did one for Brooke and not him.  So, this'll be a surprise.

The two Rich's met for lunch and apparently enjoyed the time together.  Neither Rich sr. nor I slept well last night.  We were both feeling some anxiety regarding my discussion yesterday with our Internist about his kidney function tests.  I'd hoped his kidneys would function better following placement of the renal artery stents in July.  I was dismayed to see his two tests...BUN and Creatinine have both gone up.  Plus his B/P is creeping upward.  Dr KF said it may be stabilizing at these levels, but we might have to consult with Nephrology (kidney docs)....and of course worst case scenario....dialysis.  We can't risk his B/P getting elevated too much because he has an inoperable abdominal aneurysm near the one that was repaired in '02.  So, we both were feeling anxious.  We discussed it and actually, there's nothing to do at this point.  His lab work will be rechecked in March.  It might be good for him to get off the Lasix (used for his leg edema).  Lasix is hard on the kidneys for someone with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease).  He's in the process of getting the appliance for assisting him to apply his compression hose.  He says he will wear them.  Now that we want to do all we can to conserve his kidney function, he will.   Our anxiety has abated and  we'll deal with this just like everything else.  I told Rich no one gets out of this life in perfect health.  Heart disease, Stroke, Cancer, Dementia, COPD, Diabetes are the major chronic illnesses facing all of us.  Our bodies wear down and we simply manage the changes.  
I think we're in pretty good shape with the available health care in our area.  Right now, we both feel good and have no outstanding symptoms that impede our lifestyle.  So that's where we are.

I talked with Cousin Helen earlier today and she is getting somewhat anxious with the demands of Christmas.  I suggested they scale down the decorating and use only the ornaments they love. They have a big house and it always looks beautiful, but it's a lot of work.

Got a nice note from nephew Peter that he finally got the e birthday card I'd sent.  Apparently it went to his junk mail.  He said they had a party for baby Colin the other day who is now the big 1.  Pete says he's walking all over the place.  Now, the fun escalates with Colin exploring all the things he couldn't quite get to when he was on all fours.

Weird weather here...right now at 7:45PM it's 73.  I had the windows opened for a good part of the day, but it got windy and I didn't want sand (we live on a sandpile pretty much) blowing in while I was trying to clean. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 52 and then down to the 40s for the rest of the week.  I'm sure glad I don't live in the land of blizzards and wind chills below 0.  You really need your snuggies in that kind of weather.

5 comments Tags: imac, trevor, rjrhealth/meds

More about pottery

'Centering' is difficult.  Three of my cylinders collapsed today because I didn't center them properly.  My final attempt was successful and Lindsay said we'd fire this one.  I realized the reason I was having so much difficulty was because at other times Lindsay was more 'hands on' with me.   Now, she's says it's time for me to fly solo.  She'll still help me when things get wobbly, and she'll help me fine tune my pressure application.  But more and more, I'll be doing it by myself. 


The only way to increase skill is to practice over and over.  I think I need to go to the studio an additional day each week, and Lindsay thinks that is a good idea too.  I'll probably increase my time there after the holidays.  Rich also thinks I need to go more often.  It only makes sense ....once a week is good, but it's too easy to forget how to hold my hands or when to apply more water etc. 

Tonight I worked on creating a DVD about Brooke.  It's easy to do using the MAC iDVD application.  It's just time consuming.  Like pottery throwing, if I don't do it often enough, I forget the steps.  I still need to record my 'stories' with Rich before I can do his DVD....but I'll get there.  

Trevor called to invite us to see his play this Thursday evening.  He was absent the day the 'parts' were given out and the teacher assigned him a short line or two.  He also told us about 'Grandparents Day' which is the day before Thanksgiving and way too early in the AM for me.  I wish they didn't schedule it at 8:30AM....however, the teachers and students will probably have half day classes.  Last year GrandpaBuck went (he's an early riser) and he plans to go this year again.  I'll catch the video.


Post a comment Tags: pottery, trevor

Happy Birthday Cousin Helen

Lindsay called to see if we could switch today's pottery lesson to tomorrow, and that'll work well for me.  I've been reading the book she gave me, and I'm getting a bit confused when I read the instructions for 'throwing' pottery.  Up until now Lindsay told me what to do and then demonstrated the technique, and I was fine. 

She told me there are several ways to 'wedge' and several ways to 'center' a lump of clay, but I think I'll stick with what she has had me do thus far.

My assignment is to read up on making 'cylinders'.  Cylinders are the intermediate step before the final shape.  This will involve 'pulling' the clay.  I've been doing all of this, but reading about it somehow makes it seem difficult.  The book is an excellent resource.  The history of pottery making is quite interesting along with explanations about the different kinds of clay etc.  I am enjoying the background material, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's lesson so I can apply what I've been reading.

The gift cards for global giving came in the mail, and I am pleased with them.  Click Here
After I give Trevor his Global Giving card for him to select the charity of his choice (with parental supervision, of course), I'll give him Apple gift cards so he can order his own APPs for his IPod shuffle or whatever it's called.   I know he'll like the Apple cards a million times more than the Global Giving card, but this is one way to introduce him to the fact that Christmas can mean so much more to so many less fortunate folks.  I'll be giving global giving cards to Rich, Lissa and Brooke as well.  These kids want for nothing and I have some guilt about contributing to the materialistic approach to Christmas.  I am caught up in the 'buying' craze like everyone else, but I thought this little effort might assuage my guilt and plant a little seed in the kids at the same time.  

Methodist Hospital (Philadelphia) long time friend Sue called today to check on us.  Sue and I shared an office back in the 70s, and have remained close friends.  We talked for over an hour today.  She's one of those people where conversation flows evenly back and forth.   Her kids are both in college now and she currently works as a School Nurse Practitioner in W. Phila.  I've known her longer than I've known Rich.  In fact, she used to listen to me talk about him when I'd met him at the 'O' club.  Rich is very fond of her and we were thrilled when she stopped overnight to visit 3 summers ago.  

Today is cousin Helen's big birthday and if you see this Helen....Happy Birthday from Richard and me.  I've talked to her several times this week, and I figured her kids would be calling today, so I wished her birthday wishes each day we spoke.

Post a comment Tags: pottery, trevor

Halloween

Got to the eye doc for an eye exam so I could get more contacts.  They wouldn't re order them when I called the other day because it was more than a year since my last exam.  I've had other eye exams, but not for contacts since '07.  I'm tellin' ya they have more ways to make money.  I was there on time for my 2:45PM and didn't get seen till 3:45PM.  I was afraid I wouldn't get back home in time to meet Rich so we could go over to Norfolk to see the kids in their costumes.


I called Rich and he said we could meet at Rich and Lissa's rather than me backtracking by coming home first.
He got there about 10 minutes before I did.  Lots of activity in that house.  They'd been out partying all afternoon at Waterside and the party goes on.  After Trick or Treating they go to a civic league party...Lissa's the President of their little civic league so she has to make an appearance.  The whole family will go.  Here's a video of preparations before a night of begging.
Preparing for Trick or Treating
And here's a shot of me with Trevor and Brooke.
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
It was fun to see all the excitement.  Halloween was always a fun time for me when I was  kid.  Here's Trevor with his mask.
Brooke&Trevor in costume
Brooke&Trevor in costume

Post a comment Tags: lissa, brooke, trevor

Monday

Never heard back from the 'Product Specialist' at Apple.  Not a good sign.  Guess I'll have to call tomorrow.


Spent too much time on the phone trying to get the billing office at our primary care office to explain to me why we were billed for the 'shingles' shots we got in August.  Apparently Medicare does not cover the 'shingles' shot and we must pay.  I could not decipher the billing statement from the office and the billing person persisted on telling me I had to pay.  She could not explain why and referred me to Medicare.  Calling Medicare is like calling a giant box in the sky.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they have made inroads into their robot answering machines.

Medicare referred me to Tricare4U.  I told that person I was looking at an EOB that said on the bottom that our balance was $0.00.  She then said it was a computer glitch and we did have to pay. I called the primary office's billing person back to tell her she indeed was right.  There was a glitch in Tricare's computer.

I was ticked that no one in the doctor's office told me Medicare did not cover the shingles shot.  Maybe the doctor did....but I don't remember it.....and I think I would remember $194.00 for a shot of vaccine and then $31.00 for the LPN or Medical Assistant to give me the shot.  Now that is a major rip off.  I realize we always sign a financial statement when we sign in, but it's part of several papers we must sign.  I think someone should tell the patient...'Medicare will not cover this and it cost $225'.  They should have you sign another form so it would ring a bell..'hey I'm going to have to pay this'. 

I noted on the caller ID Ken and Rosie called yesterday. I called today and enjoyed talking with my former Pensacola neighbor now living in Illinois.  She said they had a dusting of snow yesterday ...oh boy.  Winter is on it's way for them.

We went over to Rich and Lissa's with our gourmet cupcakes for everybody to sing Happy Birthday to Rich sr, Rich jr and Lissa...all of whom have birthdays in October.  Brooke insisted on giving GrandpaBuck(Rich) some little animal figurines.  He didn't want any gifts, but she persisted.  GrandpaBuck made a big fuss over the cards she designed and made for him.  She told us she made all the cards and shopped for the gifts and cards.  I told her Trevor will have her doing that from here on in.  

The kids were delightful.  Trevor told us about his campaign for Treasurer.  Here he gives a glimpse into his 'schtick'.  
Trevor's campaign poster
Some of the letters on the above poster aren't visible--the V in his first name and the E in the last name are missing.  I thought the fake money on the poster looked like real money.   He lost by one vote.  He said he broke up with his girlfriend because he found out she didn't vote for him...What?  She told him she did, but one of his friends saw her vote and said she voted for 'Charley'.  Hmmm.  They talk about 'going out' with so and so, but Lissa said they don't go anywhere...they just use the language.  I thought 10 year old 5th grade boys thought girls were yucky.  I guess I'm getting too old to understand these modern times.  

The cupcakes were super good and a big hit.  It was different than a cake.  Choice of flavors made it special too.  

When we got home Brooke called to tell me she forgot to give me a gift she made especially for me.  She wouldn't tell me what it was.  She suggested I come to her soccer game Saturday and she'll give it to me then.  She knows I don't get up til late, but she thought 11AM should be OK for me.  I'm supposed to be at WHRO to help with the October phone-in fund raiser, but I'm sure I can change my day.  We'll see.

Post a comment Tags: imac, brooke, trevor, things that irritate me

Nice day for Buck's birthday

Neighbor Jean and Rich
Neighbor Jean and Rich
Neighbor Jean came over early with a bottle of Merlot for Rich.  She's been an octogenarian for almost two years....not everyone makes it to that club.  She's a good soul and has been a good neighbor to us, and we to her for the past 10 years. 
Jean took our picture....aren't we cute?  She told us to kiss.....ever see a septuagenarian and an octogenarian kiss?  Check these next pics.

Ah...we are cute, aren't we?Happy Birthday kiss for Sug
Much difficulty getting iDVD to work.  Made several calls to Apple Care ...sure am glad I paid for the 3 year 'call anytime program' for help.   By the third call the tech said we should uninstall and reinstall the software.  I knew that would take a long time and we wanted to go to the movie, so I told the tech to give me a ticket # so I could call tomorrow and have someone walk me through the process.

We did see the movie about the young poet John Keats 'Bright Star' and then stopped at Baker's crust.  I knowingly ate some point waster foods.  First time in 4 months that I 'threw caution to the winds' and it wasn't worth it.  The cornbeef sandwich I had was tasteless.  The French onion soup was pretty good. The only really good tasting thing was the bread.  Oh well.  Not to worry Patricia.  You still have weekly points left.

The movie was well done. Rich enjoyed it much more than I.  I couldn't see what 'Fanny' saw in that wimpy looking Keats.  She was a much stronger personality than he, and it was she who pursued him.  Of course I have no idea how closely the movie followed his real life.  Keats died at the age of 25 accomplishing so much and yet he perceived himself a failure.  This kind of poetry is lost on me.....I just don't relate to it.  Rosemary, you've got to see it.  At the end of the film several of his poems are read.  Here's the poem from which the movie got its name.
                  BRIGHT STAR
Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art,
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever--or else swoon to death.

When we got home there were cards under the door. Lissa and Brooke were in the area and wanted GrandpaBuck to have his hand made cards on his actual birthday.  Today Trevor ran for school treasurer....i.e. lower school - grades K-5.  He didn't win, but it was close between him and the winner.  His good friend Michael ran for President, but didn't win either.  Lissa said the good thing is..."they were outside riding their bikes when they got home from school".  I believe this has been a lesson learned..life goes on...and there is success in the process as well as the ending.

Rich called H&J to thank them for their cards.  He had phone singing from Pat and Frank and a phone visit with the widow of his old Navy Buddy....John Shannon.  It was a nice day...no big hoop dee do.  Monday we'll have cake and ice cream with Rich, Lissa and the kids and next week we'll go out for dinner when Janice is in town.  


3 comments Tags: movie, imac, trevor, rjr

My new calling....nurse, potter, photographer and sometime tap dancer

Either I am losing it or getting ready for a new career path.  I'm sure National Geographic will want me as one of their photographers.


Hoptoad from our deck
Actual size
When I got up this AM I opened the door to the deck for some beautiful fresh air.  Immediately the little guy on the left hopped into our living room.  I was startled and tried to kick him back outside, but he hopped faster than I could kick with my flip flop.  He setted just under the TV table/stand and pretended to be dead.  I think he was petrified.  

Click on the picture to get a better look at him.  I was prepared to put a bowl over him 'til Rich got back from his doctor appointment and would be first assistant to me and assume the role of frog catcher.  You didn't think I would pick it up did you?  Mercy me.

I considered calling Trevor and telling him to call his father to come get him at school, and bring Trevor to our house to get this frog.  Trevor has some kind of affinity for frogs and knows all about them. 

Then my first assistant showed up and was able to get the froggie to come out from his shelter and I directed him to the door.  I then went out with my little fuji digital camera and got some footage for National Geographic.  
DSCF0455
By now, no doubt you are quite sure I've lost it, right?  Oh well, maybe so.

While eating breakfast brother Jim called.  He has been reading up on the effects of his radiation and read that for some patients their loss of taste never returns.  Scary.  I told him that may be true, but many people do get it back.  I hope and pray he does.  His skin on his neck is now burned.  Mouth still dry and so far the best thing for the dry mouth is rinsing with salt/water and baking soda.  He has this week and next week for treatments and then the long haul back to his new normal.  He was going to attend a support group at the U of P headed by the father of Jim's Dermatologist who also had a head and neck cancer.  I think this is a good move for Jim.  I checked their website Click Here. Many good tips can be picked up by hearing how others have dealt with the same situation.

Had a good phone conversation with my good friend M...I'm going to finish a DVD on JustFaith tonight and take it over to her house tomorrow after my MRI.

Sent the above pictures and frog video to Trevor and he told me my frog is a tree frog.  Whatever that is. 


2 comments Tags: trevor

What a difference a day makes

Add a little dash of healthy denial and the world looks not all that bad.

Nothing has changed as far as what my PET/CT scan means, but I've done all I can to get answers and now, I'll just luxuriate in denial.  All will be OK.  And maybe it will.  At least the oncologist didn't confirm the findings.  MRI still not scheduled, but that's OK, I'm in no hurry to learn any bad news.....good news always welcome.  Any news from here on will be good.  Tuesday was the worst so it can only be better.

Last night I crashed and when I got up today I was very relaxed.  Rich left to do some shopping and meet Rich jr for lunch.  I thoroughly enjoyed the time alone.  No music, tv or radio.  I had the door and windows open.  It was only in the mid 70s...a bit humid, but not bad.  All around me was calm.  I looked out back at what looks like a jungle to me ...so much greenery beyond our fence and I love it.  So I just chilled. 

I emailed my primary to tell her about yesterday's visit with the Oncologist and she emailed me back saying "I, too, am hopeful that all of this is benign. Glad he could see you so quickly. He will follow you appropriately and conscientiously."

Most of the hospitals in this area are owned by Sentara. They have been putting Electronic Medical Records (EMR) into all their hospitals and medical owned practices. Patients can sign up and access their own medical record....viewing recent test results, emailing their doctor with a question/concern and even make appointments. It's not perfect, but so far I like it. You can never (or rarely) get to talk directly on the phone with your doctor, but this way you can email and get a quick response.

Brother Jim called...he's in the middle of week 4 of his 6 weeks of radiation. Taste is totally gone. I hope when the therapy is complete he'll get a quick return of this...how awful not to taste anything. Keep him in your prayers also.

Cousin Helen called...she's doing well and looking forward to two of her sons and their families visiting over the weekend.

Trevor called tonight and was so animated to tell us all about his activities at school. I'd been emailing him and asking about his duties as a member of the safety patrol. He emailed back and said it would be easier to tell me on the phone. Well talk he did. This child usually gives one word answers. But get him talking about something he likes...ask pertinent questions and he is something else. I learned tonight he plans to run for President or Treasurer of the school...that's the lower school...he's in the top grade there...which is 5th grade. He's scoping out his chances of winning each office and he'll run for the one where he thinks he can get the most votes. We talked about soliciting votes and he's on top of it. He's First Trumpet in the school band this year and he's going to continue with piano and soccer.

When his mom (Lissa) got on the phone she said she didn't even know all this about him. Usually if you ask him how is school he'll say "good". Well tonight she got an earful overhearing him telling us. He loves to 'chat' on the computer with his friends...boys and girls. Lissa said she walks by every now and then to catch what they 'chat' about...just to be aware...good idea, me thinks. 5th grade is still pretty innocent.

Lissa plans to run/walk in the big Rock and Roll half marathon at the oceanfront this weekend. She's participated for the last few years and will go again. Good for you girl.

Rich and I plan to take in 'Julia and Julie' tomorrow. Everyone I've talked to has given it a good rating. Then we'll stop at Azalea Gardens for a bite to eat.

I called WHRO and told the coordinator I'd read this Sunday from 3-5PM. I took a break, but I'm ready to give it another go.

5 comments Tags: health, trevor

Saturday

Yesterday (Friday) I cleaned so today I played.  I went to the commissary and Navy Exchange.  I had to get a birthday gift for Brooke's birthday in September.  While there I picked up a few Christmas presents for her.  I couldn't find anything for Trevor...but I'm sure I have enough time before Christmas, don't I?


It's getting to be so difficult to find appropriate gifts for the kids.  They have so much already and anything I see, I'm sure they already have.  They still like to open packages so money isn't the answer, and you know how you felt about clothes as Christmas gifts.  

I noted in today's paper Target was selling a 'slushie maker' which makes one serving.  The paper rated it 5 stars so I set out to get one.  They had them in the Navy Exchange and I got the last one.    I could do them in the blender, but this is so easy.  Fruit, ice, juice, whatever and spin.  I'll try it tomorrow. 

I wish I had a photo to post of Brooke standing on her surf board riding a wave.  She and Trevor have been taking lessons at the oceanfront all week.  I guess it's not that difficult for someone short to balance themselves....I'd fall off immediately.  Anyhow, I think it's impressive that a 6 year old can do it, and she loves it.  Trevor looks like he's been surfing for a long time.  His Dad said the time Trevor spent on his skimmer board made this transition much easier.  


Post a comment Tags: brooke, trevor