My visit to the orthopedic surgeon last week was sobering. He tells me shots will not help and I should let him know when I am ready for joint replacement surgery, i.e. let him know when I just can’t take the pain anymore.
My heart is an issue as I have an ascending aortic aneurism which will also eventually require surgery. The good news is that my blood pressure was 106/42 when I saw my GP Friday. It was much higher a few weeks ago. My chemicals are steady, however, he put me back on the statin. He says as I’ve had a stroke, I need it. Yuck. And, I am to continue eating iron rich foods to deal with anemia. Steak today, I think.
***
I finished reading Azar Nafisi’s Republic of Imagination, an excellent book I highly recommend. An Iranian-American and professor of English Literature, she writes from the perspective of one who sees the shortcomings of political extremes in American education. Nafisi taught American literature in Teheran, no small challenge. If you have not read Reading Lolita in Teheran do so.
***
Scary high winds here today. Knocked out electricity in several neighborhoods. We have been fortunate, knock on wood. David and I will do more yard work later this week when the wind subsides. Otherwise the weather is bright and sunny and the bulbs continue to push up.
***
Working on my family tree this week I found more Scots and Irish ancestors on dad’s side. Actually, they are mostly Welsh, but that’s cool and just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day and a visit to our local pub for a great meal.
Village sign dating from the Middle Ages and found in Caston, Norfolk, England. My Welsh grandparents lived here before they migrated to America during the Great Puritan Migration 1620-1650.
Dearest Diane,
You may now be gone but you will not be forgotten. I am filled with sadness at your passing. I have loved reading your blog and your comments on mine. You were one of the most interesting, funny and intelligent bloggers I have known and it has been a great priviledge to know you. Thank you for all of your wise words. Much love.
Condolences to your beloved family. I believe that you must be a great loss. But I am sure that you have left behind many wonderful memories. ❤
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❤ Thank you, and much love and many hugs to you.
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Nothing is Lost
APRIL 19, 2017 ~ LEAVE A COMMENT ~ EDIT
A quote I’d heard before went vaguely round in my mind almost without my noticing, as I couldn’t quite remember it. I felt as if my mother wanted me to hear it and remember it. Last night, I sat down to watch a movie based on a Jane Austen novel, and there at the end of the movie was the quote:
“For whatsoever from one place doth fall
Is with the tide unto another brought:
For there is nothing lost, that may be found if sought.”
– Edmund Spenser
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Thank you.
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David, the dogs, and the birds are all doing as well as can be expected. I must admit I am keeping David rather busy -spending time with him and running errands. We are still straightening things out with finances, etc. Trying to set things up so they are easy for him. I will write more later. ❤
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Thank you for the update. I know David is well looked after!.. Michelle
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Dianne was so accomplished! I enjoyed her take on things and miss her scribblings. I think of you and David often. Take care.
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Very well written obituary. I was surprised that Dianne married the first time at such a young age. She certainly lived a full life, on her own terms. Blessings to all of you.
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Thanks for sharing Dianne’s obituary. Interesting life. Continue to wish you, David and family well.
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http://www.adventfuneral.com/archives/audrey-dianne-schmidley.htm
Above is the link to Mom’s obituary. A much shorter version will run in the Washington Post on April 7, 8 & 9.
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Great obituary! I am impressed with Dianne’s accomplishments.
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Thank you so very much for this. You all are often in my thoughts.
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The picture was taken at the Botanical Gardens in San Diego.
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I have been busy helping David with all that must be done right now. Mom’s burial service at the cemetery will be small and takes place on April 7; however, Brother Dunstan is arranging for a grand, beautiful service at St. Anselm’s Abbey in the District of Columbia at the end of April or beginning of May. I will post date, time, and address this weekend. In remembrance of Mom, I will eventually write on a blog I just started last May and need to continue with called, “Inhaling Breaths.” I will do this when things slow down. I must say my writing is very different from Mom’s. She was unique and cannot be replaced. ❤
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inhalingbreaths.wordpress.com
is the name of the blog, but I think it may take a few weeks before I will find time. How ironic I picked that name last May. Having named it that, I wasn’t sure how I felt about trying to continue with it. I will give it a try. ❤
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Just tell us how you are…that’s what it is good for.
Here you can tell us how David, the digs, and the birds are doing. We really care.
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I’ve been thinking of you as you make your way through this time. It seems unreal and you may think, “can we just get back to ‘normal’?” Take your time. Feel the feelings and let people do things for you. None of us do grief the same. There is no ‘normal.’
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Just had you in my thoughts this morning. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Take your time. No one gets practice for this.
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I was thinking of you all and Dianne. I will look up your blog, but take your time. My Mother died 4 years ago and my Dad just a year ago. It is hard to get used to the fact that they aren’t there. We were getting more involved with our family history and Dad was helping out and he was such a great story teller. You have been thought a lot with the hospitalization and everything. No, you won’t write like your Mom, but as yourself and someone your Mom loved dearly…..Michelle
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I was reading an old post of mine about our small grandchildren, circa 2014, when I saw this reply from your mother: >>I was working when my granddaughters were small, so a visit with them involving a meal meant a restaurant. Not one meal went by without a glass of water in my lap. The staff always sat us in the back, with the other families. I am happy to report my granddaughters are all grown now, and I like it very much. So does their Mom!<<
Thought it would make you chuckle.
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Thank you for sharing this memory. Yes, it does make me chuckle. We have one who as an adult can still accidentally knock the drinks over at a meal. 😁
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Oh no… I’m so very sorry. I can’t believe it. I kept hoping I’d see her posting again. Your mom was such a kind, thoughtful woman with a brilliant mind. I always counted on her perspective of history and politics. She will be greatly missed by everyone. We send you all our love and aloha.
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I definitely will keep in touch. I will let you all know how and where very soon. I am helping David a lot right now with all that comes with this. ❤
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Thank you so very much…G and I are very fond of David.
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I have stayed at the house quite a bit with David, the dogs and birds. We keep each other company in our grief. Several days a week I must go home and watch my grandson and remind my husband he has a wife. 😊 On those days, I call David quite a bit. It helps us both. Brother Dunstan also comes over and visits quite often.
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Thinking of you x
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I only know Dianne and David for the last year through her blog. I loved her sharp mind, keen wit and determination which she maintained to the end. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dianne’s interest in genealogy, left your family with a wealth of knowledge of your ancestry, which she is now a big part of. Such a wonderful legacy!
I hope with time, the good memories will ease the hurt and loss you feel today.
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I am so sorry for your loss. She would have loved seeing Ryan and Trump tanking this afternoon. I’m weeping and will really miss her. What a large space she leaves behind. Hugs to you and David, and your family.
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My beautiful mother died this morning at 3:10 a.m. due to another severe episode of breathing difficulty and atrial fibrillation. I was with her to the end. David said these words to me this morning: “The strife is o’er, The battle won, The victory of life is done.”
Thank you for loving and encouraging my beautiful mother, Audrey Dianne Schmidley.
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I am so, so sorry. She will be missed by many people. I love her blog and her acerbic comments 🙂 and I’m sad for myself.
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I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I was glad I got to meet Dianne and David at our hotel for lunch in Washington in 2013. She will be missed.
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(((((( Hugs and more Hugs)))))
Goodbye to one of life’s more ‘direct speaking’ ladies. She taught us a lot. I’ll certainly miss her ❤️
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We are so very sorry. I’m crying, and I know she would hate that. What a rich soul. What a joy to know her. If you could please let us know how David and the critters fare. Thank you so much….Mage and George
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So sorry to learn of Dianne’s passing. My condolences to you, David and family. Her life offers much to celebrate I’m sure. I knew her only through blogging but thoroughly enjoyed our interaction. I will miss reading her thoughtful views, personal sharing and humor.
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Oh, I am so sorry. She gave it her all, she tried to make it, but the battle too fierce to continue the fight. We are all sad at this loss, but happy for the life she lived and the way she touched so many.
Please convey condolences to David and the rest of your family that we have come to know through your mother’s writing. She shared your lives and we feel like part of a larger family. I know we would all like it if you could keep in touch.
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I definitely will keep in touch. I will let you all know how and where very soon. I am helping David a lot right now with all that comes with this. ❤
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You take good care of him. We all know how much she meant to him. This is going to be so hard for him.
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Oh no, I am so sorry to read this. I felt that I got to know your wonderful Mother and David through her blog. She was so intelligent and well read and just had such a zest for life. She had the wonderfully curious mind that is always learning new things and sharing them with others….a teacher…a friends..I am so sorry for you and David and your whole family…Love to you all….Michelle
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I am so sad to hear of Dianne’s passing. She has been a bright light in my life these last few years. I always felt I learned so much from your dear mother. My deepest condolences to David, to you and all your family.
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Oh my dear I am so very very sorry. My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family and of course to David. We will all miss Dianne and her “Scribblings” so much. (They weren’t ‘scribblings’ at all in spite of her blog’s name. She was a deep and careful writer and she made me think .. I’ll not forget that.
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OK Dianne…Hope you are getting better. I am at last. Get on that high horse and join me. Hugs from the sun.
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Thinking of you every day Dianne. I miss you very much and thank you Connie for all the updates.
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YES Dianne – that’s what we want to see – for you to do it your way! (Big high five inserted here lol). There’ll be no holding you now – Fiesty behaviour – Determination – Temper tantrums – Frustration – call it what you want – it’s all allowed as you make your way back. One day at a time!
Oh and we had ‘another’ tv special the other day about the health benefits of red wine and dark chocolate, so send someone – anyone – doesnt matter who, – down the road quick smart to pick up a bottle of cab sav and a very large block of Cadbury’s Old Gold for you. On second thoughts forget the wine (‘cose I know you wont drink it) but don’t skimp on the chocolate – we all know what hospital food is like lol
Take care
Cathy
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Feisty sounds good to both George and I. Please keep being feisty Dear Dianne. You will be back reading those weighty tomes soon if you do. Youu know we love David too, so please give the old Piker our love. (Thanks so much, Bella.)
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And lastly for today, Mom wanted water and wouldn’t let me or the nurse put the sponge in her mouth. So the nurse let mom try, and with a little guidance, Mom got it in her mouth by herself. 😊
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Sounds like a, “Let me do it myself!” reaction — very determined to be independent — not about to give up — “We’ll do it my way!” She may be interested in what she’s seeing on TV, or she could be trying to make sense of it. For some people viewing a screen that has the same picture a little longer can be easier to follow than a lot of rapid changing ones. Tell her — am looking forward to her getting stronger. Thanks for keeping us up to date — know you must have lots to do otherwise.
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Her receptive language is intact although it’s been hard to assess how much because of pneumonia, etc wearing her down in the past few weeks. I had the close captioning on too, so not sure if she was paying more attention to the auditory or reading the words. When I asked about each one, she shook her head “yes” that she was paying attention to both.
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Further evidence that Dianne has returned – and with spirit: I’ve been watching PBS with her for a couple of hours now, and she told me three times to be quiet when I tried to talk to her. She told me with her facial expression, a hand gesture, and a noise. At one point I tried to change the channel to Jeopardy, and she took the remote control away from me. It’s the first time she has been herself in five weeks. It is lovely!
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Oh, thank you for all these updates. We out here in blogland really appreciate these communications.
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Oh, we love hearing this. Tell her: fight, fight, fight. Let them all know that you are in there and you have a fighting spirit to live.
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Well I for one am not convinced this doctor is right. Mom’s temp is way down, and she is feeling A LOT better. The following story is not one that is reflective of a dying person: Mom hates to have her mouth cleaned by the nurse and she bit the sponge off yesterday and clamped her mouth shut and would not open it so we could get the sponge back out. It took a while before it was retrieved. Today Mom grabbed the cleaning tool/sponge away from the nurse and wouldn’t give it back. Then she threw her stuffed animal across the bed. She has been responsive today, interacting nonverbally, and watching T.V. I think she is trying to tell us all something. This IS Dianne we are talking about, and she is quite fiesty. ❤
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Oh, I hope so! That sounds more like your Mom!
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I didn’t read the earlier update till now so I am heartened to hear that her personality shown through. I can picture Dianne doing those things and the picture of you trying to retrieve the sponge made me smile. I hope this turn around will change the prognosis. I send healing hugs to all of you.. Michelle
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Dearest Rose, just read your update. I am so sorry. Dianne is one of the bright lights in our world. Hoping and praying you all. I can’t help but hope the prognosis is wrong. Love to your Mom, you, David and your family.
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The doc may be very wrong. Mom is fiesty today. ❤
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Oh hooray! Feisty is great. Watching the tube is great. Doing it herself, love that too. Go Dianne.
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Sending caring hugs and good wishes to Dianne, husband, you and family. I’ve been missing bantering back and forth with her sharp wit.
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She does have a sharp wit!
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❤
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She is actually very fiesty today. She may prove the doc wrong.
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I am sorry to report that over the weekend Mom took a turn for the worse due to her breathing. She was running a temperature, her white blood cell count shot up, and she is struggling with breathing. She is coming in and out of consciousness. The doctors do not expect her to live much longer. I am spending time by her side, holding her hand, and loving her for as long as I can. We are transitioning to comfort care. David is having a very hard time with this reality, as am I; however, I seem to evade some of my feelings right now by focusing on others. I promise I will continue to read your messages to her. Lots of love and hugs to all of you! I will also continue to update you here for now too.
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I am so sorry to read this. Sending love to all of you. X
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❤
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We know your heart is breaking. When I had not read any new posts over the weekend, I had a sinking feeling.
Please tell Dianne how much she is loved. How much she will be missed. My days will be less bright without her writing, both on her own site, and at mine, too. She has been a dear blogging friend. We are still pulling for her.
As for David, my heart breaks. I know how much she means to him. Please take good care of him, the dogs, the birds. I know Dianne would want you to.
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❤
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Mom let us know today she is not going to listen to the doc. She was fiesty and very much alive.
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You go, Dianne.
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I am so sorry. We will miss her blogging.
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❤
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I don’t think she is going to comply with the doc’s assessment. She was quite fiesty today.
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Sending much love to our dear Dianne, to you Connie as well as all the family, not forgetting the love of her life David. One thing we know is that Dianne will be surrounded by love wherever she might be.
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❤
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I posted today about a very fiesty Dianne who I don’t think is not going to listen to the doc’s assessment.
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Meant I don’t think she is going to listen to the doc
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I’m on the mend from my awful cold, and I so hope you ccan see a beginning to your healing. I send you love and pigheadedness.
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I’ve been thinking about your mom and hoping that things were getting better and better. Thank you for keeping readers updated. Please send her our aloha and tell her everyone is pulling for her to get better soon.
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Catching up. Hope all is well.
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day Dianne. Hope you were better than the day before and continue on that way. Keep at it. Think of you daily. Winter is hanging on here but rain not snow. Some silly little flowers poking their heads up.
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Hi Diane…and Bella…I so hope your white cells have themselves in order again, and they have you marching around a little. I hope someone is reading to you. Hugs from foggy San San Diego.
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That’s a biggie when breathing tube can be removed — plus pneumonia gone. Good P.T. having her beginning to sit up. Tell her to keep on keepin’ on!
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I think about all of you every day. It is good to hear that Diane can sit up now. Progress. Slow and steady…
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Mom is free of pneumonia. Her white blood cell count is still up, so doctors are trying to figure out why. She has needed some oxygen but has NOT needed reintubation, thankfully. The physical therapists came yesterday and today and had Mom sitting up. David said Mom especially liked that. I am grateful to see her more alert. Both eyes are open wide, and today she blew me kisses and waved goodbye, as I headed out to drive home before the big snowstorm. ❤
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That’s great news!
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Thanks so much for the updates…(I hang on your every word.) Diane…so glad you are able to blow kisses and wave goodbye. I’m cheering for you. Bella Rose, please take care in this latest giant storm.
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Great news. Keep it up, Dianne. You are strong and mighty and can do this. You have a whole crew pulling for you out here.
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That’s good to hear.! Both about the pneumonia and the movement in the bed. Dianne, it’s so much better to look life right in the eye than lying down – keep it up and it’ll be others waving good bye to you as you ‘walk’ out the door.
Sending you some of our sunshine- going to be 30c/ 86f here today. It’s been hot for so long I’m wondering if it will ever cool down.
Cathy xx
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So relieved to see Dianne’s improving, came late to the post about her pneumonia, scary stuff. Wish I could help her. Give a hug for me when you can. Sending love.
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Dear Dianne, you can’t get out of new parts by being so sick now. We love ya and will harrass you all the way to wellness and new parts.
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I hope today brings more improvement. Thinking of Diane, David and you Bella Rose! Take care.
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Mom was indeed better today! She was much more alert and interactive than she has been for the last several days. She even smiled. She was stable today and may be moved back to a normal room tomorrow. This is such a roller coaster ride, and you all are so right: it is two steps forward and one step back. Thank you for your continued encouragement, prayers, and well wishes!
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That’s great news!
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We are here cheering the whole family on. Please tell her we care.
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Glad I came in at this point rather than first seeing yesterday’s post. This one gives an optimistic outlook. Glad to know David is doing well and staying upbeat.
Dianne, you must work hard to beat back this attack. Wish we could do some of the hard work for you, but it is up to you and those doctors. We are thinking good thoughts of you. I awoke in the middle of the night, thinking of you, and praying for comfort, peace, and healing.
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Oh I am so glad that Dianne is doing better. A smile is great and we are sending healing hugs and love to all of you…Michelle
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Sorry to hear she’s having a bit of a set back — as another blogger notes, the road to recovery is often one step forward and two steps back — very frustrating for all, but part of the process often. Will be thinking of her and family as she copes with these latest upsets.
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One step forward – two back. Sounds like Dianne’s been eating some of life’s hard centred chocolates.
Seriously, I’m hoping Dianne is in better shape today. Thinging of you all at her bedside providing her with love and encouragement on this road to recovery. We had a beautiful sunrise here this Friday morning and have been promised a warm and sunny day so I’m sending some warm and sunny thoughts to you all
Cathy
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Mom was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia over the weekend but remained on the stroke unit. Her breathing became labored quickly and she sqeezed my hand quite a bit. The primary focus for the doctors became the pneumonia and the PEG was quickly done. Last night Mom was moved back to ICU. She appears to be in a lot of pain and her breathing is very labored. The doctors said Mom is not subconsciously swallowing when asleep and aspirating will continue. This morning her heart went into A Fib with a sustained heart rate between 160-170 for three hours. It took several doses of medicine to get it down. She has been unresponsive since except to squeeze my hand a few times. The doctors are cautiously waiting but are suddenly not so optimistic. To say my heart is breaking would be an understatement. David is coping with extreme optimism. I am so sorry to have to write this post.
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I’m so sorry to hear about the pneumonia. Sending love and prayers x
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Oh, I hope her health improves. Are her children and grandkids visiting her? Maybe, you should call them to come.
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Yes, they are all visiting her. She is stable today. We remain hopeful she might beat the pneumonia and move on to rehab. I know she must be getting worn down from all the ordeals she has encountered. We can all still send up prayers and healing thoughts for her, thankfully.
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I am so very sorry, but I am very glad you could be there with her. Please tell her I love her and give david a hug from both of us. She’s top of my thoughts.
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Morning…and it is a bright and shining day here. Hope the PT is starting well and despite your frustrations you are feeling better.
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Hi Dianne, just missing you and thinking about you today (and everyday). Good to hear they have you sitting up. Sending healing love and hugs.
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I was outside and thinking of you Dianne. A birdy choir of spring. The regulars are making territorial calls like the chickadees and titmice. I heard the first robins keep me company at dusk. The boisterous red-wings are flashing red. Everyone is gearing up and the long silence of winter is over. Maybe someone can play you some spring bird and toad calls. … Michelle
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morning you three….hope you are much better today. I’ve got three fingers to wiggle at you at last. a hug too.
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Diane, I am happy you are making progress. One day at a time, my friend. You and David are often in my thoughts. Take care.
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Thank you for the update Connie and I am so glad it is a good one. Thinking of you Dianne and know that you’ll do well with your therapists and the new treatments. You are a fighter and that matters a lot. Take care, keep at it. Know that we care. Sallie.
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Hello Dianne (via Connie). It’s Cathy here – from warm and sunny Melbourne Down Under. Have been offline for various reasons since the New Year so have just seen your news. What a bummer, good to hear things are on the up now – take care sunshine and remember the old saying ‘ the slower I go the faster I get there’. Just concentrate on getting better, the weeds can wait!
Oh and guess what – I’ve joined your club – I am now a fully fledged member of The Brand New Great Grandma Club 🙂
Love to you and your family
Cathy
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lots of love and healing thoughts coming your way. you will laugh at me, but i finally made it shopping yesterday. more than frozen foods in the house at last.
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Sounds like you’re on track toward recovery. PEG sounds like a good move so you’ll get adequate nourishment and hydration which you need to sharpen your brain — also to increase your strength as Physical Therapy gets those muscles going again. Just take it day by day — up, down and all around — some days better than others. Thinkin’ of you!
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Mom is finally out of ICU and is on the Acute Stroke Unit. She has been breathing on her own for six days! The doctors are giving her body time to heal and are then going to insert a temporary PEG at the opportune time until Mom can swallow well enough to eat independently. The physical therapist has had Mom sitting up on the side of the bed several times! After the PEG is in place, Mom will be going to a rehab for the different therapies she needs. I will continue to read your comments to her. She loves to hear them! Thank you again for your continuing prayers, well wishes, and healing thoughts. Love and Light, Connie
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So happy to read of Dianne’s improvements. Thank you for the news, Connie.
Slow and steady is the way to go, Dianne. Keep it up, one hour at a time. Those rehab people will push you to do better so don’t get upset with them.
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Diane I have been thinking about you so much!!!! I am so glad to read that things are starting to improve!!! All my love to you and your family! I wish you strength for your recovery. ❤
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Great news Diane….I am so happy to be able to keep track and to cheer you on!..Love Michelle
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please tell her that i’m expecting to have lunch together with her next year.
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Just checking in to say that you are not forgotten and wondering how you are. Ginnie
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Great news. Good thoughts going out for you and David!
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This is really good news! I can picture what S.T. is doing, as I’ve done the same so many times with so many people. Continuing to send positive vibes to your Mom — and take good care of yourself.
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Mom is still OFF the ventilator. She is alert and moving her left side as well as her right foot. Both of her eyes are open. She sees the physical therapist today. Yesterday, she was able to swallow some ice with the speech therapist, and we discovered that she can still read words! She may be moved to the Acute Stroke Unit today if a bed is available. They will decide on rounds if they are moving her there today. 😁👍❤
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wonderful news.
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Such great news about the ventilator. I think of you and David every day, Diane. One day at a time.
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The ventilator is out and off. It’s been close to six hours and all is well. Many are praying that she will continue to breathe on her own. It is her ticket out of ICU. Thank you for your encouraging, wonderful comments here as well as cards that have come in the mail. We are headed over to see her again this evening, and I will read your comments and the cards to her. One day at a time. 😊 ❤Love and Light,
Connie
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Thank you so much for the update. I keep coming back to check and am keeping you and your Mom in my thoughts. I hope that your Mom can keep off the ventilator and start the next step in her recovery.I was just reading about eagles and thought of your Mom and hope that she will be able to recover and get back to enjoying the outdoors. I am sending healing hugs and support to all of you as I know this is difficult. Keep fighting Diane!.. Love…Michelle
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wonderful news. you are way ahead of me. im cheering you on wth great hurrahs.
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I can see Diane’s words on her blog, ” One Day at a time.” So appropriate in the current circumstances.
I think about you every day, Diane. I hope you will feel stronger every day as you tackle this new challenge. My best wishes to David as well. Thinking of you both…
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Glad to hear your Mom breathing more on her own and will soon head back to acute stroke unit and rehab. Thanks for keeping us posted on her recovery status. Can be an up and down process sometimes — not always the straight upward climb we want. Don’t get discouraged — can’t stress enough patience is important. Tell her am adding my strong healing wishes to the many thoughts and prayers being sent her way.
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thanks for keeping us updated. i’m a one finger typist still, but i read enthusiastically. please tell her i’m loose in the world again tho one fingeredly.
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Connie, thank you for keeping us informed. Dianne, I am so sorry you are going through this. I would have made you a special tie dyed hospital gown if you had told me in time! My thoughts are with you and my days will be boring without your book reports and history lessons. David, our thoughts are with you also.
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I read the most recent comments on here to Mom Wednesday evening. She was anxious to hear them, and I know she’d like to be blogging. They are going to try to take the ventilator off today as Mom is breathing on her own and the ventilator is on the lowest setting. Mom is very alert now. Hopefully all this means she will move back to the Acute Stroke Unit and begin therapies. They have done therapy assessments in ICU. Prayers and healing thoughts for Mom’s progress to continue. My brother Rich is flying in this evening. Love and light, Connie
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I was out running errands this morning. It is cold here in California. I thought of Dianne, clear across the country, lying there in that ICU and probably wanting to be out doing her yard work. Tell her that we all hope she will be doing those therapies very soon so she can get strong enough to do her yard work.
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Please tell your Mom that we miss her voice here in blogland. I was out in the yard and thinking of your Mom and how much she loves to be out enjoying nature. You have to get better Diane and I know you are tough. I saw a red- winged blackbird today. Spring is on its way. Sending healing hugs your way.. Michelle from Ramblingwoods…
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Glad to know your brother is there. I’m sure Dianne will appreciate that, too.
Continuing to think of all you and praying for increased strength and healing.
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Mom is the most alert today that I have seen her. Both eyes are open and she gave me a smile. She is determined to fight on and get better and has communicated that to me beyond the shadow of a doubt. David is doing well and is very devoted to Mom. His kids as well as the rest of us are making sure he gets the support he needs. ❤
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That’s good news! Thank you for keeping us updated.
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Mom is still in ICU. They have put her on a ventilator due to more labored breathing, and they will be doing an MRI for further assessment. The catscan was negative for any new problems. Mom was sedated when I saw her last night, but my sister-in-law has informed me that Mom is again alert this morning – moving fingers, toes, etc on left side when asked.The therapists will be coming in to do limited assessments while Mom remains in ICU; however they do hope to move her back to the Acute Stroke Unit as soon as possible. Knowing Mom is a strong lady as well as prayers and healing thoughts give me hope right now despite this roller coaster ride. I will return to see her this evening. Today marks a week since her stroke, so I hope things will begin to take a turn for the better.
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Blessings on all of you. Especially for David. I know how much he depends on Dianne. I hope he is doing okay. I’m sure your mother is getting the best care possible and that all is being done that can be. Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us informed. We know these are very hard times for you.
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Hello Connie. Thoughts are still with all of you.. I thought you might like to know that this appeared in ” Time Goes By” today — it is a well-known blog for seniors:
“SOME SAD NEWS
A TGB reader emailed a few days ago to tell me that Diane Schmidley of Schmidleysscribbling blog suffered a stroke, as her daughter explained on Diane’s blog.
(here she quotes the paragraph from your comment with your address)
“
Diane’s name has often turned up here in the comments for many years. Of course, she is on our minds with prayers for a fast recovery.”
I thought you’d like to see this example of how the whole blogging world valued your mother’s thoughts and contributions.
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I’m a friend of mageb from prosebox. I just want to let you know I am keeping you in my prayers.
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I hope Dianne improves to the point that she can speak again. Please tell her that my husband and I are rooting for her. By the way, my younger daughter, Lisa, is a physical therapist in Nevada and her field of expertise is Neurology. She enjoys working with stroke patients.
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Connie, I am so sorry to hear your mom had a stroke, but glad to hear she is getting such good care. I had just realized I hadn’t seen any new posts from here for a while — I’m so glad I came by to make sure. Your mother is a brilliant blogger and good Netizen….she’s taught me so much and inspired me to try to think more (and read smarter). I hope the health news continues to get better. I read all the comments and I will send a snail mail card to the address you posted. Whenever it is appropriate to do so, give Dianne a hug and tell her thanks and that we miss her and send best wishes for full and speedy recovery. Thank you for posting this (and take care of yourself too).
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I’ve been off the net for a brief time, and just saw the news. Dianne, our church has a tradition of a moment of silence during each service when we can meditate, pray, or send good thoughts in other ways. My next Sunday moment will be just for you.
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I read all your posts to Mom yesterday at the hospital. Although she cannot speak yet, I saw a tear coming from the corner of her eye. This morning she was put back in ICU for atrial fibrillation of her heart, which may have also caused the stroke. She is stabilized and will be moved back to the Acute Stroke Unit. I reminded her that many people are praying for her, and she squeezed my hand tightly. The stroke affected the part of her brain that controls alertness as well as sleep cycles, so we are waiting for her brain to heal enough so that she is more alert and can begin therapies. It is slow progress, but hopefully there will be some changes in this next week. I will keep checking back here and posting. Love to you all -Connie (Dianne’s daughter)
P.S. I am trying to post these so it notifies you all of a new comment.
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Thank you for keeping us updated, Connie. I can’t begin to tell you how much we all appreciate your thinking of us. We are keeping her in our hearts and wishing for an even faster recovery. Your mom is one of the smartest bloggers in cyber space and I count on her knowledge. Please let her know how much we are all thinking about her.
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Thanks so much Connie. I will be out of action for about a month, but I will keep her in my thoughts until my fingers work again. George can type her notes from me too.
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Thanks for the update. Tell your Mom I’ll continue sending healing thoughts her way across the continent — just focus on getting better!
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Thank you for the update, Connie. I know these take extra effort on your part, and I’m sure you are spending much time and emotional energy with your mother. Please continue to tell her how much her blog land friends care for her and are pulling for her. I’m praying daily for all of you.
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So many of us, all over blog land, writing and thinking about your mom. Please let her know that we are pulling for her to get better. Please let us know how things are going. We are hopeful that no news is good news.
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I read all your posts to Mom yesterday at the hospital. Although she cannot speak yet, I saw a tear coming from the corner of her eye. This morning she was put back in ICU for atrial fibrillation of her heart, which may have also caused the stroke. She is stabilized and will be moved back to the Acute Stroke Unit. I reminded her that many people are praying for her, and she squeezed my hand tightly. The stroke affected the part of her brain that controls alertness as well as sleep cycles, so we are waiting for her brain to heal enough so that she is more alert and can begin therapies. It is slow progress, but hopefully there will be some changes in this next week. I will keep checking back here and posting. Love to you all -Connie (Dianne’s daughter)
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Connie, please convey to your mom my very best wishes for a full and rapid recovery. She’ll be in my thoughts.
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Diane, I am so sorry to hear of your medical problems but glad to see that you are responding and yes, taking it one day at a time. I have always loved getting your insightful and informative thoughts on my blog entries and look forward to many more in the future. Keep on the upswing and be sure to let us all know how you are progressing. I am sending good vibes and hugs, Ginnie
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I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s stroke. Please let her know that Gregg and I send our love and prayers to her, and to David also. My thoughts are with you all.
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I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s stroke. Sending much love and prayers for her, David, and family. Praying for healing and good recovery. Hug them for me.
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I learned of your stroke from Mage. Thinking of both you and David at this time, Diane. Speedy recovery!
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Oh no… I’m so sorry. I thought things were going better. Please let her know that all her blogger friends are keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. I did just find out from Mage about your mom. Thank you for letting us all know.
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Thanks for letting us know, and please tell her she is in our hearts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Best to you and your family.
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This is Diane’s daughter. Mom has had a stroke and is in ICU at the hospital. If anyone reads this, please get the word out and keep her in your prayers. Thank you.
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Oh dear! I certainly will be keeping her in my thoughts and hope for the best.
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I’m quoting your comment on my blog post for Fril., 2/17. Positive thoughts and prayers for her and family.
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She is at George Washington University Hospital in the District of Columbia if anyone is wanting to send flowers, and I can take cards to her. My postal address is: Connie Nystrom, P.O. Box 368, Rixeyville, VA 22737
She is in a room now on the Acute Stroke Unit.
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Thank you for the update. I’m so sorry to hear of this setback for your mom. She seemed to be doing so well and in good spirits. When you see her, tell her that her blogging community loves her, misses her, and sending messages of healing and well being. Also, how is David doing? Please console him for us also. We know how much these two mean to one another.
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David is doing the best he can. He said he feels much better knowing we’re there for him and Mom. Brother Dunstan is visiting quite a bit too. He took David out for coffee yesterday.
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I’m so, so sorry to hear about Diane’s stroke. Please give her all my love and tell her I am thinking about her and rooting for a speedy and successful recovery. Much love to the whole family at this stressful time. Your mum is a totally awesome person. One of my absolutely favourite bloggers. ❤
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I’d like to send her a card… my e-mail is tehachap yahoo.com Carol Westover, aka Tehachap on WordPress.com
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She is at George Washington University Hospital in the District of Columbia if anyone is wanting to send flowers, and I can take cards to her. My postal address is: Connie Nystrom, P.O. Box 368, Rixeyville, VA 22737
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She has a room now on the Acute Stroke Unit. So she is no longer in ICU.
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That’s wonderful news!!! She must be very strong. I feel for you and your family, though having the new grandbaby is sure to give you much joy and comfort right now. Thankful for that…
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How is Diane doing??
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She is at George Washington University Hospital in the District of Columbia if anyone is wanting to send flowers, and I can take cards to her. My postal address is: Connie Nystrom, P.O. Box 368, Rixeyville, VA 22737
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She has a room now. She has been moved to the Acute Stroke Unit.
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I’ve been meaning to get to Reading Lolita in Teheran for a while now. Now I’m promising myself to turn to it as soon as I get home. Meanwhile, 106/42 … for real? I thought I was good at 126/76. I’ve never heard of one that low.
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Dear wimp…but you are going to love the end results. 🙂
Happy Valentines day to both of you.
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Mage,
This is Connie – Diane’s daughter. Mom had a stroke and is in ICU at the hospital. Are you able to let her online friends know? I asked Gigi too. My email is hearttugsandsoulmusings@yahoo.com
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Thanks Connie….I will post something right away.
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I am so sorry to hear this. Please let her know we are all thinking of her.
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There was some good news — your BP numbers. Can appreciate how health care decisions get complicated as with your issues. Genealogy info cont to be interesting, especially village sign.
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I have always been able to enjoy a good St Pat’s feast without any excuse, but finding we have Irish ancestry makes it that much more fun! I am sorry to hear you will need surgery. Many of my friends have had very good results, but they were not necessarily dealing with an aneurism at the same time. That will complicate things, but you have good medical care so I have confidence. I have ‘Reading Lolita…” on my Kindle but have not yet read it. I’ll bring it to the top of the non-fiction queue.
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I think you will love the book. Yes I have good doctors. My issue the recovery periods afterwards. I’m a wimp.
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i found Reading Lolita in Teheran hugely informative and very sad – a memorable book. Long may you manage without the surgery.
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Thank you Freda. Sad, yes, but very important.
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One day at a time, great attitude! Thanks for the book recommend. Sounds like a fascinating read. We lost our electricity for a while. Glad those winds have gone. We found Welsh in my ancestry, I am enjoying Gregg’s genealogy journey as much as he is. Loved your header and sign photos.
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I got to get to Wales.
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I often think of the old adage: Growing old is not for sissies.
Hope you’re doing okay x
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Thanks Linda. I’m fine. It is what it is.
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Hard to be cheerful when you have doctors giving you so much bad news. Well, at least you are not homeless and hungry.
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So true. My life is great. I’m not in Syria.
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Gigi, this is Diane’s daughter. Mom has had a stroke and is in ICU. Are you able to let any of her online friends know?
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OK, I will do so. I am sorry to hear this terrible news. I hope she recovers and is able to blog again.
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Thank you, Gigi. Me too. ❤
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You get on with life, SS, rather than giving up. Good for you. I admire your spirit!
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One day at a time around here.
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The original *Lolita* is a favourite of mine. I will look for *Reading Lolita in Teheran.*
Forgive my ignorance regarding statin – I could Google it, but will ask you instead – I assume the side effects are the reason for the “yuck?”
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Statins have side affects. I don’t need more of those. I take Atorvastatin, a generic for Lipator. Annoys me because I don’t have a cholesterol issue. However, my GP remembers my stroke and heart attack and docs give you this med…just in case?
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PS you will love Nafisi’s Lolita. I never liked Nabokov’s Lolita, but she shows the reader why it is so important.
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We are at the age when we confront multiple health problems. But we keep going!
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One day at a time.
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