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!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
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!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
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??
TOMORROW AT 10 AM...are YOU ready??
Thursday, July 12, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
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?
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?
Monday, July 9, 2007
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...
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...
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
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!
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!
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