A Mix of News Good and Bad

The good news is too good not to share up front, so I'm not even giving you a choice.

DAD GETS OUT THIS FRIDAY!!!

Our requests have finally been answered and at today's staff meeting, all involved agreed that Dad is ready to be released, so Friday will be his last day. This means there is a lot still to do, and I'm going to be stepping up the effort as the week wears on, but the news is excellent indeed. And in talking last night, we decided that the best way to solve the ramp problem I was facing was to keep it flat and jog the platform uphill after the first bend. It's simple and it's perfect...and now it's my job to make it a reality.

The bad news is that Dad has one of his wicked migraines today, so he's down for the count and I won't be stopping in to see the folks until tomorrow, which is just as well because I'm meeting Bronson to inflate the Dodge tires and look inside the truck now that the doors are open. Bronson said he might be able to take her away this Saturday morning, but I'm sure he'll have more info on that this evening.

Sounds too like they are gearing up to provide more skilled care for Mom on Medicare's dime since she has a renewed capacity post-ablation. So it's likely that Mom will be at Maryville another two weeks, which gives us more time to get the house ready for wheelchair access. Dad can get up and into the house via walker, so he won't need the ramp right away.

Now, I'm going to be leaving town on Saturday and we will be gone through Wednesday, so I'm going to need some people to stop by and be readily available. Jenna (and Eydie, though she doesn't quite know it yet) has volunteered to make some hot meals for Dad to eat during his first nights at home, but he'll likely need some assistance getting to and from the store before too long. So if you're available, please keep in touch and call the house to let Dad know.

The View From Up Here

The shot above was taken whilst standing atop the newly-formed (but not yet secured) platform extending off the deck. All is level and sound, and the concrete is nearly completely set...now I'm at a crossroads.


As you can see here, the ramp/platform is going to veer off the current direction at 30 degrees or so...but the question is, keep it flat and extend it until it meets the ground (which will be nice and level but will likely run into the actual driveway), or start a declination of 1 inch per foot where the ramp changes direction (which will make for a looooong incline)?

There's also the potential option of keeping things flat but building a wider platform to the left of the far end, a sort of landing or deck from which one can board or disembark from a car. This option would require more foundation building, groundscaping and materials, and if time is of the essence (as Dad's release may be imminent), it may be moot, but I'll probably decide today how to proceed and continue construction. If you have any ideas either way, HIT ME.

Thanks to Chris Cotton, got the Dodge Pickup opened yesterday, but we still can't find any keys that fit the ignition or the door (and believe me, we've tried probably 437). And thanks to John, the shop is pretty durned clean and the piano is completely unearthed.

Should have a Maryville end date for Mom and Dad after tomorrow's meeting. Steve is supposed to call me so I'll let you know as soon as I have info.

Progress

Just taking a break, but here's where we are at this very moment. Gonna start putting up the 2x6 rails in a bit here and I hope to have all the skeletal bits on the two main sections up in the next few hours.

In other news, we're going to blitzkrieg the staff this week and tell THEM when Dad is getting out, with Mom close behind. Stay tuned as details develop...

Time Flies

Has it been a week already? Sorry to keep anyone in the dark...here's the quick lowdown:

* Mom's visit with Dr. Unger went very well. He dropped her evening course of furosimide and recommended therapy with a walker since she has had increased vitality in the wake of the ablation. He also asked to see her in 6 weeks, which is about the longest stretch requested in a long time.

* With help from Pat yesterday, four more posts are framed up, and two have been poured. We of course did a lot of back and forth on the measurements to make sure everything is square off the deck, but it's looking good going into the weekend. I'm going to pour the other two holes Saturday afternoon and be ready for Sunday.

* Ginger did a great job last night of vacuuming the bedroom floor. I had forgotten what color it was! She also ran the Kirby through the rest of the house and it's looking wonderful inside. Thank you!

* Got all bills paid (again, time seems to fly...)

* No news yet on a release date, but I'm thinking we're at a point where WE are going to tell the staff when Mom and Dad are coming home. I think we'll set that up face to face early next week so there is a target in sight.

Work party this Sunday, 10 AM. Let me know if you are interested...more fun to be had with the ramp, clearing debris, cleaning the piano in the shop and moving a bed from upstairs down to its new home. I could sure use some help, so let me know if you are able to attend, even for a little bit.

Back to Normal

Mom's appointment was a no-frills affair today, and the report was very positive: her heartrate is down to a steady 72 (though it does dip into the 60s) and, most importantly, is nice and regular: no more arrythmia or flutter. This has led to reduced swelling and increased energy, and it's good to hear that the changes are staying in place.

Got her back to Maryville just in time for dinner, and lined up a Thursday appointment with Dr. Unger to see if we can't reduce the prescribed diuretics since those seem to be keeping her up most of the night (she finds herself getting up 4-6 times a nice on her current dosage). More on that as it develops.

I'll probably also take some of Thursday to continue work on the ramp, so if anyone would like to lend a hand and has the time, please let me know.

Also, if anyone is swinging by a Walgreen's, Mom needs some of those disposable floss holders that look sorta like this:


I was going to grab some but didn't get a chance today, so if you have a moment and can grab a pack, let me know and I'll get you some cash (I'm looking at you, Gary/Bill/Grace). :)

Bravo, Team!

As you can see above, the ramp isn't QUITE done. Plans are plans, but when Paul and I were there in person, it was clear some things weren't completely thought through...something about measurements and angles and I'm sure I was supposed to pay attention in geometry but it just didn't sink in.

Long story short, it took us a long while and much digging before we were even ready to set up the posts properly and pour the concrete. With four setting up and the afternoon well underway, it seemed best to let the ramp be until the concrete completely dried.

While this was going on, a lot of debris and junk was being pulled from around the property and taken to the dump (two loads!), the buffet and dogfoot table were being swapped to make more room in the hallway, Kathryn built a pedestal for Dad's chair, Ginger vacuumed and cleaned their bedroom, and the piano in the shop was unearthed after many years of neglect. There's of course a lot more to do this week, but it's a huge start. I'll be there toward the end of the week to continue the ramp construction, with the (more reasonable aim) of having the skeleton in place by the weekend and the plywood put down before the following week.

Big thanks to all who were there to help out: Kathryn, Herr Sherzinger, Paul and Johnny Huck, Kathleen, Ginger, David and Steve. Couldn't have done it all without you, guys!

This Thing Is Indeed Still On

Contrary to rumor, the work party is STILL ON, rain or shine.

Well, a torrential downpour may derail the efforts...but if that happens, there is still plenty to do inside.

10 AM, Sunday, see you there!

Gangway!

See anything in the big empty space above (aside from Spot the Wonder Cat)? No? GOOD! That's because it's proof positive that the Isuzu is out of the way and the driveway is clear for Dodge removal.

This will also make it easier for the myriad cars to park on Sunday, as I understand at least 8 people will be coming, if not more. The more the merrier for sure, just please let me know if you're coming using the number and/or email on the right side of this page. Got to have enough beer and other provisions on hand, you know?

In other news, stopped by the folks' and gave them the lowdown on the place as well as divulging my concerns about Gizmo's health. They agreed her behavior sounded weird, and I said that if she was in a similar funk, I might take her to the vet. I braced myself for the worst when I drop up to the house, but when I got to the door, she was talkative and active as ever and as soon as I put her food down she started eating. Guess I'll chalk it up to her disliking Friskies' "Salmon Dinner" and preferring turkey instead.

Finally, I have scheduled Mom's ablation followup for Monday at 3 PM. It should be a quick trip but I'm taking the afternoon off to make sure she gets situated and transported smoothly.

So at this time I have for Sunday:
* Tasha
* Mark and Kathleen
* Bev and Jim
* Janet and Ron
* Paul H
* John H
* Paul S
* Ginger B
* Kathryn H
* David P

And among the work to be done:
* build the ramp
* take a number of specific items (water heaters, weed eaters, couche, dead blinds) to the dump
* clean off and free up the piano in the shop for removal
* vacuum and clean a few of the rooms indoors
* swap the dogfoot table and buffet in the main hall
* move the dresser/bureau in the bedroom to another location and scout a suitable replacement with a smaller footprint

I'm going up the day before to do some prep work (pour some concrete footing, etc.), so you're welcome to join me then as well. But anyone else on board?

One Down...

The Isuzu is GONE! Seems the wheel attachment worked like a charm and everything was in order...that or bandits came and took 'er away in the night. Either way, the driveway is free and clear and the Dodge has a path to freedom.

I'm getting worried about little Gizmo...she has been getting skinnier and skinnier it seems every day, and tonight I had to call her and find her whereas she has been waiting at the door for me every other day. And she just stood in front of her food tonight, seemingly disinterested. Going to see if some high-calorie food does the trick, but she was so social and animated last night I really wonder what might have happened.

Talked to Mom and Dad and realized that we need to get Mom in for her checkup with the heart doc, so I'm going to set that up for Monday or Tuesday of next week.

So far I have 3 people in for Sunday. Anyone else?

A Clear Path for a New Day

Thanks to a surprisingly large number of friends and coworkers who dropped by to assist last night (and some wee ones who cheered us on), we made short work of the delivered lumber and Isuzu wheel. As of about 7:30 last night, the Isuzu was prepped for towing and the ramp lumber was moved to higher ground out of the way of the tow truck...and the crew even moved the scrap lumber to a better more organized location to boot.

All who attended seemed to marvel (as one would expect) at the homestead's character and charm, and even raspy little Gizmo entertained in her own weird way. The car will be towed sometime today between 8 AM and 6 PM, so there should be a clear path to remove the Dodge when Bronson is ready to take 'er away.

Many thanks to Seth, Ericka, Jonathan, Brian, Pat and Spirit for dropping by to help. And special thanks to little Jenna and Ember for cheering us on!

Partial Success

The plan above is what I'm using as a construction schematic for the ramp. As of yesterday evening, the 10 postholes are dug and ready, and the line of the ramp has been lined out so we know for sure that it will clear both the lower deck railing and the trees up the hill. I had to cut back some of the mock orange to make it work, but at a reduction of less than 10%, it could be much worse.

Most of the morning was taken up with clearning and cleaning the ramp landing on the upper deck and lining up the materials for pacing out the ramp itself. The sun cooperated for the most part and Mr. Bill Burt dropped by to lend a hand with measurements, clearing dirt and hacking away underbrush (thanks Bill!). There's lots to do still and I'll be going up with some friends on Tusday night to put on the Isuzu wheel and move the lumber, which I realized on Sunday is now in the way of the tow truck that will be coming on Wednesday.

Dad found the keys to the Dodge pickup (we think) so I'll test those tonight and if they are indeed the ones, then all I need is final word from Bronson the buyer and that baby will be on its way next week or thereabouts.

This coming Sunday will be another work party, and cousins and aunts will be in to build, clean, and organize. A specific set of tasks is still to come, but if you're interested in helping out, be at the Homestead on SUNDAY, JULY 22 at 10 AM. There will be plenty to do.

More on the ramp progress (including pictures) later this week!

A New Day

Mom hasn't been resting as much as she should (which is a lot given her recent adventures), but her swelling is getting much better and her energy is already higher since the operation. It's terrific to see her so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and it can only help her physical therapy and overall recovery.

TOMORROW AT 10 AM...are YOU ready??

I Hear the Jury's Still Out on Science

Medicine prevails! The ablation procedure was a complete success and as I type this, Mom is resting in her room on the 6th floor at St. Vincent's hospital. The day was off to a rocky start (I managed to get to Maryville too late to catch the speedy transport driver and had to meet them at St. Vincent's), but all in all, things went fairly smoothly.

Spoke to the Doc after her procedure was done and before they moved her upstairs, and her heartrate is down to around 60 now, whereas it was in the mid-90s when we brought her in today (and it's been even higher in the past). Apparently her upper chamber was beating at nearly 200 bpm, but the ablation has cleared a lot of the debris and eliminated the flutter, making her circulation more efficient and hopefully her energy much higher.

Of course, in typical fashion, Mom was moved upstairs post-procedure while I was in the waiting room and no one told me...I just sort of got a gut feeling that things were taking longer than they should, so I went upstairs to the room where we checked her in and sure enough, she was fast asleep. Not big on communication, these medical professionals...but as long as they get the job done, I'm okay with that.

Still need to make arrangements around Mom's discharge and return to Maryville tomorrow, but I'll call in the morning about that to get an idea since the nurses tonight had no information.

Checked in with Dad after getting Mom squared away and went over the schematic for the ramp. He had a few mods and comments but gave it the greenlight thumbsup and we made a list of materials that we swiftly called into the lumber yard. Everything should be delivered tomorrow for assembly on Sunday, so we are good to go in that department.

Then I met a potential Dodge buyer at the Homestead and after a quick inspection, he's thrilled. Sounds like he's going to take it at full price but won't be able to remove it until week after next...but that should be fine since it's not in our way for ramp construction and the Mazda needs to move first anyway (which as of this afternoon is scheduled for removal next Wednesday between 8 AM and 6 PM).

Whew!

After all that, I officially need a beer, so until my next post, adieu.

PS: Anyone interested in building a ramp, cleaning a house or just hanging out, I'll see you at 10 AM on Sunday.

An End in Sight?

Word has it from Stephen's lips that Dad will be set for release in 2-3 weeks, based on his current performance in physical therapy sessions and his ability to assist with the care of Mom while at home.

This was of course dismaying news to the pair, and to complicate matters, Mom's Medicare coverage will cease this Friday. We decided that it makes most sense to have her stay at Maryville on private pay, and she can then come home when Dad does. This buys more time for the completion of the driveway and ramp renovations, and for the cars to be removed.

Speaking of: meeting someone to look at the Dodge on Thursday night and hope to have it moved by the weekend. Also working on having the Isuzu removed by the weekend as well, but I need to get up there and attach a wheel before they will tow it. Any volunteers?

Work will be on Sunday this week, and it will start early-ish. Who's in?

Is This Thing On?

Had a good time camping at the beach and relaxing, but now it's back to work! Gotta get cars moved and a ramp built since it sounds like the parents' arrival back at the homestead may be imminent (though the story varies depending on who you talk to).

Here is what we know:
* Mom's ablation is set for Thursday.
* I have made all transportation and scheduling arrangements.
* Doctors do not talk to eachother, even when they work on the same patient or when they work in the same building.
* Mom's ablation is an overnight procedure, so she will return to Maryville on Friday to rest and will likely be there through the weekend.
* Stephen the social worker is allegedly coordinating all efforts on Mom's and Dad's behalf, but I have yet to see results or get a set date on when they may be released. Gonna have to hassle him about that.
* Mom's sprained ankle from her fall last week (well, the week before, now) is apparently OK under the x-ray, but still swollen and sore, which keeps her from effective physical therapy. This is obviously a troubling setback that the nurses are watching closely
* If you visit, you may notice Mom's fashionable, Avril-esque arm bandages. These were put on because her skin is very delicate and when she lets her arm drop, it sometimes gets nicked by the wheelchair, creating a small cut that won't stop bleeding. So far, the bandages are helping that tremendously...plus they look cool.
* I have tons of nibbles on the Dodge Pickup, one on the Polara, but no one wants the Ford pickup. Anyone know any Ford-heads? I'd hate to see it just get hauled away for scrap...
* Gizmo misses her parents and is getting very very skinny
* Dad is spry but there is still no word on when he gets out. Hopefully, we'll know more this Tuesday when Stephen and the Maryville crew have their weekly meeting. If not, heads will roll...or something.

Look for details on work to come this weekend...

Out of Step

Sorry for the brevity, but we're heading out of town for the 4th of July and will be back on Saturday with more news and excitement.

Highlights!

* Mom and Dad are doing well but aren't getting out this week for sure
* Venka still doesn't have the notes for us as they were more extensive than she had planned
* The Dodge Truck is getting a lot of interest but so far only one email has come in about the Polara and nothing about the Ford. I'm going to show the cars to folks this coming weekend, and hopefully on Sunday we can get some work done.

Our neighbor Chris Cotton is going to take care of Gizmo whilst I'm away, so all should be well. Bring my parents lots of decaf mochas and give them all the love I can't while I'm away!