March 2021

March 2021

Hello Friends!

Dd didn't turn in any progress sheets for March so I will just do a quick monthly post instead of a week-by-week post.  We didn't see Dd much this month.

Acupuncture:

I'm very impressed by how well I am responding to acupuncture (ACU is the short version).  My therapist will only take you on if you agree to five weeks of once-a-week treatment with the cupping, organ massage, and needles.  I agreed to this, but it is way out of my budget, but I can handle it short term.  He charges $75 for ACU and $75 for the massage/cupping, so $150 for one visit out of pocket, no insurance.  I had 9 migraines in March.

I was fortunate to get my Covid 19 vaccine #1 on March 24th!  It was quite a memorable experience going downtown to the convention center and being herded as if we were cattle!  I feel better knowing I have the antibodies from my own infection and the vaccine to top it off!

Besides trying ACU, I also had a bite guard made that could help me possibly reduce my migraines.

Vein Ablation:

I had the results from my vein test, and the results were very unfavorable.  I had a procedure to burn my vein that would seal off that bad vein from being used in the future.  My blood will find new routes to work and stay out of that damaged vein.  Dh took the day off and took me.

Church & Bible Studies:

We continue to watch church online, Dh and I.  I'm loving my two groups for Bible study.  I do Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) online and the church one--"Thrive" has been online and in-person depending on the Covid numbers.  I also have Leadership Training each week before our Bible study.

 Dh:

After his two weeks off, March 1st, Dh went back to work.  He really struggled and wished he had asked for another week off.  He somehow made it through, but it wasn't easy.

 February 2021

Hello Friends!  

Dd didn't turn in any progress sheets for the last three weeks of January and none for February, so I will just do a monthly post instead of a week-by-week post.

Detached Retina for Dh:

Three weeks after getting Covid, Dh was diagnosed with a detached retina.  This time it was his right eye, and last time in 2018 it was his left eye.  I'm sure the inflammation that came with Covid contributed to his eye problem.  We really thought he would be back to keeping his head down for another three months but because he recognized the symptoms faster this time and went right into Dr. Ginzin he was able to get laser treatments faster and two surgeries.  This whole crisis was such a blessing, God really took care of Dh and he was so fortunate.  If he had been born a few years earlier I could be married to a blind man by now.  He fought his pressure being too high in his eye throughout his recovery and we had to do a lot of drops throughout the day for weeks.

While Dh was going through his eye emergency Dd started staying at Hailee's house.  This is the month she really pulled even farther away from us and sleeping here.

Health:

I had a veinous insufficiency test on my left leg.  I had another 15 migraines, compared to the 5 I had in February 2020.  Covid keeps giving and giving.  I decided to try acupuncture to combat this problem.  Not only does my acupuncturist do the needles, but he does also cupping and organ massaging.  I thought the organ massaging, a Japanese treatment, would be weird, but it was actually relaxing.

January 10-31, 2021 Covid 19 and Migraines

 January 10-31, 2021

Hello Friends, 

Guess who got Covid 19? We did!  After feeling like a social pariah wearing my mask at every Bible study group last summer and this fall and winter and following the strictest protocols for keeping protected Dh and I both tested positive.  After all these months of getting looks from people for being ridiculous about wearing our masks, we were the ones to get it.  Isn't that just the worst?!  We live in a rural area where just about everyone is personally offended by masks and will tell you all about their rights being disrespected by just the idea of them.

Like we had predicted, having Covid was absolutely horrible.  The one silver lining was that Dh is in a high-risk group because of his health and was able to get an infusion that helped him recover faster.  The worst part is that I was so busy trying to take care of hubby I took a lot longer to feel better.  Our symptoms were not at all similar.  Dh was coughing constantly, went from profuse sweating to shivering and freezing.  He was miserable.  His fever wasn't too high, which was a blessing.  I felt like I had bone cancer, all my body ached horribly, especially my back and kidneys.  Sleeping was horrible due to the intense pain of just having to lay out on my back, not to mention my kidneys felt like they had been through a battle.  We both had severe fatigue; which fortunately was painless. 

My long-term issue after Covid was an increase in migraines and continued kidney pain.  The back pain and body pain stopped after a week.  Dh and I both have fatigue issues for months afterward.  We both felt depressed during and after Covid, having no energy is really difficult for our well-being.  

 I had 15 migraines in January, last year I had 5 in January. The last week of January was the worst; starting on the 23rd.  By the 26th I was vomiting from the pain and was at the ER by the 29th getting the migraine IV cocktail that somehow helps.  I went on steroids somewhere in there, but a shorter and stronger one than I did last time.  

Dd tested twice for Covid, but she tested negative both times.  She stayed downstairs and in quarantine for over a week and it nearly drove her insane.  She really hated being alone down there.  

Bible Studies:  I was ahead in my studies and was able to do a little here and there and made it through the month.

Braces: After two years, Dd got her braces off.  

January 3-9, 2021

 January 3-9, 2021

Hello Friends!

It’s that time of year again…snow shoveling I shoveled three days this week.  I can always count on hours of shoveling snow here in Michigan!  I had to make sure I could get out for my Bible study, which started back up, for both groups, this week.  I only had ONE day off from migraines and headaches this week; I was pretty miserable.

Insurrection: This day will go down in history---it was so crazy watching what was happening on tv to our Capital building.  Then Heather called and we chatted about it while we each went for a walk.  It was nice to take my mind off it for a little while.  It was just so unreal.

Yoga and Pilates:

I’ve been a fan of yoga and Pilates for years, and when I don’t feel good I rely on it even more; especially stretching and yoga.  I tried yoga four days this week.

Bible Studies:

Both my church’s study and Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) went so well this week.  As each month goes by we have stronger and stronger connections with our fellow students.  We just keep digging into Genesis more and more!

Dd’s Progress:

Dd had her braces removed!  She was SO excited!  It had been over two years!

This is the last entry I received from Dd on her lessons:  All these years of sheets and this is the last one!

German: DuoLingo: 7 sessions = 1:10 years

Biology: Apologia: 4 sessions = 2:00 hours

Physical Education: 5 sessions = 3:45 hours

December 27- January 2, 2021

 December 27- January 2, 2021

Hello Friends!

I’ve been enjoying making new felt owls for our Christmas tree!  I’m on my second one already.  I plan on keeping our tree up for quite a while as I’m enjoying it so much and it’s not hurting anything but adding me joy!

Package:

Giz and Grampy (Dh’s parents) sent a box with a few gifts for each of us that arrived this week.  We waited until Dd and her boyfriend could come over so we could all open our gifts together.  They were just cute little gifts as they had already bought us a small box freezer for us to put in our garage.  We will get it in the spring sometime when the pandemic has improved.  I believe they mailed Dd a Christmas check, so she got her ‘big’ gift already too.  But, it was fun opening the little gifts.  We opened them on New Year’s Eve as part of our celebration.

New Year’s Eve:

The four of us had a little, short celebration this year.  I had my tingle angel candle gizmo, like the one my grandmother used with us each New Year’s.  But, I only had one bottle of sparkling cider this year.  We sit around the chiming, circling angels in the dark, and go in a circle each saying one thing at a time the things they appreciated from this year.  For example, I was thankful for my Bible study groups.  Then whenever we run out of cider we blow out the candles and are done with our event.  We usually have about three bottles, but I hadn’t been able to go back out shopping again like I had hoped.  I’ve been trying to only shop once every three weeks due to the pandemic.  We played card games like Skip-Bo after our cider.

Bible Studies: I continue to enjoy my two Bible study groups!

Dd’s Progress:

Dd has been spending more nights at Hailee’s house.

German: DuoLingo: 7 sessions = 1:10 hours

Biology: Apologia: 2 sessions = 1:30 hours

Physical Education: 5 sessions = 3:30 hours

Reader: he Last Wish by Andrzej Saplowski : Completed

December 20- 26, 2020

 December 20- 26, 2020  

Hello Friends!

Merry Christmas all!  After so many days of migraines, I had three days this week pain-free! 

I was surprised to receive a Christmas gift from my mom in the mail this week; a little box of caramels!  She used to not send things very often, but the last few years she has and I’m embarrassed to say I really appreciate it.  It is such a treat when you feel loved by your parent, and such a blow when you don’t.

Mammogram: I had my mammogram this week.  I had been putting if off during the pandemic, but my doctor insisted I get it done and I had to.  I try so hard to keep any visits down to bare minimum – especially anything I can put off.  My results were good and I appreciated that news. 

Old Treadmill:

I’ve been dismantling our old treadmill as it is just sitting on our deck by our front door and looks a bit disgraceful; definitely not Christmassy either!  I got most of the bolts out on Tuesday.

Bank:

About a year or just over ago I opened a bank account with Dd so she would have a place to deposit her pizza shop paychecks and to build on her college fund that Dh and I had been saving for since her birth.  I had put all that college money in the account and told her not to touch that money and never thought to check on the money in all this time. She has dipped into our part and I will have to think about when would be a good time to remove what's left and how to proceed with this difficult situation. 

Christmas: Dh made Agadashi Tofu and Egg rolls for our Christmas lunch!  We had chicken nuggets, rice, broccoli, and wonderful fish sauce for dipping! Yum!  Our presents were humble as always, but we did get Dd a large screen laptop for ‘her studies.’  She seemed pleased with the gift.  This was the first year it really didn’t have that child at home, special magic, cookies for Santa type of feeling.  It was sad, to be honest.  She always had made cookies and put them on a plate in the living room for Santa and was excited with us.  This year we went to bed with her still out and then had to wait hours in the morning for her to wake up; such a change from the girl who used to start unwrapping at 3 am!!!  We invited her boyfriend to spend the morning with us and then they left after lunch to spend the rest of the day and night with his family.  From what I hear, they have a lot of fun and stay up late into the night; plus more siblings are present.

Felt Owls: On Saturday I started making felt owls to add to our collection of felted feathered friends on our Christmas tree….what fun!

Dd’s Progress: German: DuoLingo: 7 sessions = 1:10 hours

Biology: Apologia: 2 sessions: 1:00 hour

Physical Education: 5 sessions: 3: 15 hours

Reader: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

December 13-19, 2020

 

December 13-19, 2020

Hello Friends!

I had four migraines last week and five this week.  Fortunately, I can sometimes drink enough water and hold my tongue just right and be able to go about my day fairly normally as sometimes the mornings are the hardest and the pain and symptoms can decrease as the hours go by.  I know I was a little bit stressed waiting for the Electoral College to vote on the elections this week and that was so chaotic hanging over my head.  On Thursday night I was woken up at 2 am with so much pain in my head that I was unable to sleep.  That migraine took five days to pass!  My doctor prescribed progesterone and I wonder if that is why the increase in problems?

Felt Birds:

I had fun sitting and working on some felt birds this week.  It is always appreciated when I can find a legitimate reason for sitting down and seemingly doing nothing by having my little birds to sew!  I can sit and use my creativity without the guilt of working on a big project; especially when I’m run over by migraine problems.

Treadmill:

Two-three weeks ago, my treadmill had stopped working, and I had taken it apart and somehow got it working.  Then it stopped again and I was unable to fix it.  Dh and I spent the whole weekend looking up prices and places where we could get a new treadmill for me at a good price.  I’ve had this treadmill over twenty years, longer than our stationary bike.  I use the treadmill in bits and spurts year-round.  I do like to run with Henry on the leash in the woods, but he enjoys getting in front of me and suddenly stopping; especially when we are going up and down hills, so I save my real running for the treadmill when I don’t have to be so timid and cautious.  This week our new treadmill arrived and Dd and I put it together.  It was so nice to see her again and be able to spend some time with her, it has become so rare to see her.  She comes in after we are in bed and when she wakes up she heads straight out.  She doesn’t even eat here except for our pizza nights.

Work from Home:  Dh continues to occasionally work from home; this week he was here on Tuesday!  A treat!

Bible Studies:  are on Christmas break, but I am trying to get a little ahead with this time off.

Dd’s Progress:

German: DuoLingo:  7 sessions = 1:10 hours

Biology: Apologia: 5 sessions = 2:30 hours

Physical Education: 5 sessions = 3:00 hours

Reader 1: The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien = 6:00 Completed

Reader 2: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

December 6-12, 2020

 

December 6-12, 2020

Hello Friends!

This week was a lot of Christmas prep!  I worked a little each day on getting my Christmas cards written out and finally mailed them out on Saturday.  I also worked on wrapping my Christmas presents and putting them under the tree to add a little more excitement for our holiday.  I look for little gifts at our local thrift store and hid them away throughout the year.  Dd wanted a laptop for her studies as her gift this year, which was quite expensive, so she didn’t get as many gifts as usual.  I do want to help her be able to learn and grow.

Bible Studies: I’m really loving my studies!

Felt Birds:

Each year I sew felt birds and add them to my Christmas tree for a colorful decoration.  I also like to give some of them away to family or close friends.  I made one for Dd’s boyfriend this year.  I brought out all my felt and materials and got started this week!  So fun!  I sew the year with embroidery thread somewhere on the bird—on its belly or under or on a wing… this year was “2020.”

Dh & Woodshop:

Dh has been doing a good job making things in his workshop this fall.  He has made quite a few things already, this week he made a frame that holds his drills.  It is his therapy and refills his cup!

Hiking:

My dog Henry and I are back to hiking in our woods again each day instead of just the front roads.  I love our daily hikes together!

Dd’s Progress:

German: DuoLingo: 7 sessions = 1:10 hours

Biology: Apologia: 4 sessions = 2:30 hours

Physical Education: 6 sessions = 3:30 hours

Reader: Return of the King by J.R. R Tolkien – 3:00 hours

December 6-12, 2020

 

December 6-12, 2020

Hello Friends!

This week was a lot of Christmas prep!  I worked a little each day on getting my Christmas cards written out and finally mailed them out on Saturday.  I also worked on wrapping my Christmas presents and putting them under the tree to add a little more excitement for our holiday.  I look for little gifts at our local thrift store and hid them away throughout the year.  Dd wanted a laptop for her studies as her gift this year, which was quite expensive, so she didn’t get as many gifts as usual.  I do want to help her be able to learn and grow.

Bible Studies: I’m really loving my studies!

Felt Birds:

Each year I sew felt birds and add them to my Christmas tree for a colorful decoration.  I also like to give some of them away to family or close friends.  I made one for Dd’s boyfriend this year.  I brought out all my felt and materials and got started this week!  So fun!  I sew the year with embroidery thread somewhere on the bird—on its belly or under or on a wing… this year was “2020.”

Dh & Woodshop:

Dh has been doing a good job making things in his workshop this fall.  He has made quite a few things already, this week he made a frame that holds his drills.  It is his therapy and refills his cup!

Hiking:

My dog Henry and I are back to hiking in our woods again each day instead of just the front roads.  I love our daily hikes together!

Dd’s Progress:

German: DuoLingo: 7 sessions = 1:10 hours

Biology: Apologia: 4 sessions = 2:30 hours

Physical Education: 6 sessions = 3:30 hours

Reader: Return of the King by J.R. R Tolkien – 3:00 hours

November 29- December 5, 2020

 

November 29- December 5, 2020 Christmas Tree Up!

Hello Friends!

The pandemic is still in full force so we continue to watch church online.  We have a cord that puts the computer’s image upon our tv screen.  The positive is that prior to the pandemic I was attending church alone, after we left our old church Dh wasn’t up to trying new churches all over again and Dd was going with her boyfriend on Saturday nights.  Now that I am watching the sermons at home Dh is watching with me and getting to see the two pastors that divide the preaching with me.  Dh is liking the sermons.  Who knows, maybe Dh will be up to returning to church with me when / if things get back to where we can attend in person again.

Tigger:

Last month Dd’s boyfriend adopted a kitty from a rescue shelter and they brought the kitty, Tigger, over for a visit this week.  I had a female stray in college that I named Tigger, so I am already predisposed to liking this kitty---they even share the same coloring!  My kitty was a girl and this one is a boy.

Health:

I’ve been going to an alternative medical facility this fall and they tested all sorts of things and have found some findings---adrenal fatigue for one.  I also have a new list of foods they found I am sensitive to.  I seem to have trouble absorbing minerals; probably due to my gallbladder removal.  I had only one migraine this week, after last week when I had two.  Dd has been getting migraines the past few weeks.

Christmas Prep:

Dd helped me put up the Christmas decorations this week!  It looks so great having our cozy tree and felt birds decorating the branches!  I just love our birds and nature theme.  It was very unexpected and nice that Dd actually helped me put up the decorations.  It was a nice treat.

Pizza and Mandalorian with Dd:

Now that Dd’s quarantine is over she was able to spend time with us again this week so we had pizza together on Friday night, with her boyfriend, and watched the weekly episode of The Mandalorian together.

Chickens:

I was a little late giving the chickens new “Flock Blocks” for their Thanksgiving treats, but they received them this week!  They are happy now!

Dd’s Progress:

German: DuoLingo: 3 sessions = 30 minutes

Reader: The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien: 6 hours