Well, here we are at the Rotary House. We will walk the underground tunnel in the morning. My life has been in so many hands lately. We only got turned around once from Kim and Kathy’s place on our way to Barrie. Martha (the GPS) couldn’t read the new roads; they call them cherries or something like that. I had been spoiled the last couple of days, been waited on hand and foot. A great couple of days of eating, laughing, playing cards, cribbage, and Tiki. Kirby came over last night for supper, he won one of the Tiki games Sherry tiki’d eight of our 10 games for a score of 10 points, I think.
We met two nice ladies tonight in the kitchen area when we had our supper. Tina and Diane, both singing the praises of my oncologist so that is reassuring. We only stopped at Parry Sound (only place there was snow on the road too) and Elmvale where we let “Joan Wood” out. Her daughter Theresa was to meet her there so I was glad to stretch out) and get the warm greeting) at K and K’s.
I opened five cards from the mail, which I had picked up on the way down and read the notes. I just (10 pm) got my pocket cross from Pauline, my cross from Mum, my “Jesus” carving from Dick and Eunice and I’m going to read a couple of inspirational pages.
“A woman’s prayers from the heart.” Got that from sis Susan for my birthday.
Can’t remember if I told you last column that I’d gotten a phone call from Derek, who had started back to work in February after the broken rib break (double break). I have to admit that tonight I have the quivers. I am a mite nervous?
Sherry’s been on the computer and has family music, photos, and stories in the background, Kim’s memories of home from my 75th plus more, and Susan’s and Pauline’s speeches! (Maybe they really do love me?) Hey, a whole lot more cards and letters to read when I get home. Thanks everyone.
Look what we found for you, Mum: Sherry and Kathy came in through the hospital room door, with two therapy dogs and their keepers. They have a program where owners and pets help patients at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. Spike, a beautiful golden retriever, eight-years-old, so gentle, kind eyes, and I think he could have stayed with me. Boomer, a nine-year-old giant wrinkle dog plus their mistress. They work one day a week. They are only allowed to stay an hour and a half (in the hospital) but they said their time often runs over. The Knights of Columbus the ladies sponsor this. (Nack at K and Ks). It’s four in the morning, looks like the snowstorm is over I was pretty tense (and I wasn’t driving as we were following Kathy home). Kim had a most delicious quiche and salad made on Tuesday. They both spent the time around the hospital with Sherry then they brought me a fresh homemade bun which I ate sparingly. I was on light diet. Surprised Mum with a call tonight. She had gone to Sudbury with Susan on Wednesday (10th) for needles in the eye again.
My doctor (Dr. Jutzi) said it was looking pretty good so far. The tests will tell the tale.
What a wonderful hospital and staff and volunteers, just great. I keep saying “excuse me” lots and lots for I have an over-accumulation of gassy burps, etc. Too bad one couldn’t bottle it! My legs are really swollen but I have them elevated. They didn’t appreciate the car ride! It’s a lot further home! Anyway, I have shelter from the storm, I’m all-comfy in my jammies and there seems to be a lot of love about. Thanks for all the messages too! Can you believe they ship you out one day after surgery!
I’m sitting lounging in a chair. I’ve just had a delicious fresh baked cookie. Kathy was busy while I/we were resting. I’m watching through glass doors at their many birds at the feeders fighting today’s snowstorm! Their house is built in an L, so from the room they gave up for me I can watch the birds from there as well. (Same kind of doors on to the patio area). They have a beautiful home. They built all their furniture, trim, etc. in the house themselves.
A while ago they stood me on pillows, shoved my head under the warm running water and now my hair is clean. I cut about four to five inches off it. It feels fabulous. We were up the late shift playing cards. Kim went out through the stormy night to play music in Thornbury with his friends. Sounded like it was only the musicians at the pub?
David (Kathy’s brother) and Aline came for a visit on Saturday morning. It’s still storming. I think they live less than a mile from K and K’s.
Saturday morning we headed out through the blizzard about 11 am. Sherry fought her way through, white knuckled. Once we got past Wasaga Beach we were glad to see some sunlight through the fog and finally found blue skies. Better roads home. I’m writing this part at 2:30 am Sunday. We popped in at Mum’s for a minute to find I had won a “dog” at the tea. Thanks to my sister Susan who put my name in a draw. At least it’s one I won’t have to feed! My windows are frosted to the top. Must be chilly out there. Lori was cheering on her curling team. She’s sidelined with a cyst on the back of her leg. Just heard of Bill Heinen’s death. Sympathy to the family and his friends.
Woke up Sunday morning. No, I’m not starting a Johnny Cash song, but my legs are paralyzed. I’ve got two cats sleeping on them (normally, Ginger and Marble wouldn’t be quite that close together.)
Sunday evening we went to Carol’s and Earl’s. Shared table space with Gib and Florence. Pauline in on Mondays, Susan Tuesdays. I started around to the birthday party at the hall. Kathy Size turned around and saved me a few steps. After the birthday party I went to Mum’s, beat her four games of crib. “Wow”. We drank coffee, ate a donut that Susan brought from Espanola. Susan came in Tuesday evening with this huge bouquet of flowers from our Amish friends. Each flower had a special note of inspiration and name. How thoughtful. Today squash soup, beans, mushrooms, box oranges. Wow! Thanks! (Oh I forgot my banty egg, still in Susan’s pocket!)
We had new musicians at the hall today. Roy Robertson and his fun music and band: Keyboard, accordion, harmonica, drums. Thanks!
A chocolate cake – Lois and Betty Jean blew out the candles. Good lunch.
Darlene (Young), love the calendar cross-stitch bookmark. Four new members of our Seniors’ Triangle Club.
Four and a half tables for cribbage today (Wednesday). Thanks for the lunch! High hand, Marg (C), 20; first place, Graham and Sheila, 962 (they won all their games with two sit outs at 118; second, Marg and Joy, 948; third, Gib and Florence, 929; low, Dorothy and Eugene, 866; door prize, Joy and Lyla.
Friday phone call. Bev is coming out and she’s bringing coffee. Good too, and muffins and a gift. A most beautiful prayer shawl that I wet with tears. How blessed am I? A lovely visit. It got me up and moving. I could just sit in my chair and open my mouth, like a baby birdie. Last evening Sis Susan brought a spaghetti supper in. She knows me well. She brought a big garbage bag for a bib which I needed! Laurene was in earlier in the day for a visit as well as Margaret. Tara fed the birds. I have hundreds in my backyard. I worried about them when I was away but the neighbours took care of them, and my cats inside! Thanks!
Perhaps I could have got my column in last week as I saw lots of Family Day coverage.
Derek and Jodi’s 40th Wedding Anniversary is on the 28th. How can that be when I am only “plenty nine”?
Lyle popped in for a sec to check on me. Golly! Monday so busy. I wake to the weirdest thoughts? Ross and Susan were away to Robert’s funeral. Sympathy to Dorothy Lewis and the family. (Mary and Sharon worked the store.)
The cardiology lesson probably didn’t go quite as planned? But I had fun any way. And my partner was smiling. We had a most pleasant evening with Margaret and Brian. A delicious beef dinner and cherry pie dessert. Oh yeah, the gals won. Did you notice the clouds? Like upside down ocean rollers. A beautiful night sky! (Sunday)
Wayne just braved my icy path with a lovely plant from them. Thanks Pam and Wayne!
Hey! This Sunday, February 28 is Winter Fun in Tehkummah. Pancake breakfast, euchre, bingo, kids fun, log sawing, roll and bowl, supper, book and bake sale, and more.
