I decided to stay home today in order to mow this huge overgrown mess of a property, rather than wait until tomorrow. It has rained for about a week now, so it will take awhile, but I like the look, and smell, of fresh mown grass when it's finished. I have chores to do at the, currently vacant, rental property but will finish those tasks tomorrow and attempt to find a good tenant before we leave for Germany. This renatl is looking good with the new bathroom tile, and has been a good property for us. It's the first property we bought (2003), back when Eddie was still able to help with the renovations. We have a lot of tales to tell about that one. Remind us to tell you about replacing the brand new tile (only one tile, but replaced it twice) and the busted toilet story sometime. We had the same tenants living there (six years!) until August, when they moved to Houston.
It's a good thing I stayed home today. Eddie, always striving to stay independent, and excited about watching the OU game on TV, went to the sunroom (to watch the game), tried to open a window and fell. Early on with ALS he fell quite a bit, but doesn't much anymore...maybe once every other month. I think he moves more cautiously now. Fortunately he hasn't been hurt when he's fallen. He still uses his walker to get around, and only consents to the wheelchair when I'm available, and we're going out somewhere.
About the Hoyer lift. If you don't know what it is, check it out online sometime. It is awesome! The last few times he fell... BH (before Hoyer), I had a really difficult time getting him up again. Then in about March or April, he fell and I realized I couldn't do it anymore. I just couldn't get him up off the floor. It was the middle of the night, he and I were both exhausted after numerous attempts, and I decided to call the fire dept. A friend/co-worker of mine whose brother is a fireman recommended it first ... said folks call all the time for help like that and the firemen are very gracious. Another close friend of ours had told me I should call the FD for help, always..rather than risk hurting myself (or him), but I'd never done it before and Eddie and I both hate to ask for help if we can do it ourselves. That night I was going to call...he was very upset at the idea and asked me not to. I was insisting. We were both crying.... it was just an emotional, awful night. He finally came up with a crazy idea that worked, but I was completely worn out afterwards, and not a happy camper.
My, always resourceful, sweet, sister-in-law Rosie had told me months before to check into getting a Hoyer lift. When I asked the doctor, he told me that the lift wouldn't lower far enough to actually get Eddie up, so I dropped the subject. My advice now is...don't always believe the doctors!
A few weeks after that, Eddie's walker broke. One of the springs inside the walker that holds the adjustment "button" in place wouldn't spring back out. So when I walk into the kitchen, I see he has the walker, in pieces...he's going to fix it! He's always been good at repairing things...so good that I rarely bought new things over the years (32 yrs now) because he could fix the old stuff! Remind me to regale you with those stories sometime. (We might hold a record for the lifetime use of a clothes dryer.)
Well, it couldn't be fixed, the spring was broken. I found an old, loaner, walker to get him by and went the next day to replace his favorite model. The local store here is called Mobility Plus, and sells all kinds of things for the disabled. Viola! New walker, his favorite model, purchased in just minutes. While there, I asked to see a Hoyer Lift. And lo and behold, they have a new style lift with a curved support that will lower enough to lift a person (in the sling provided). It's the best assistive device for caregivers, ever! When he falls now, I roll the Hoyer to him, lay him flat enough to manuever the sling under him, loop six straps over six hooks and start cranking. Of course, I seem to get confused about which straps go on which hoops, or get the sling sideways... but he is not timid about correcting me, so it takes both of us to figure it out sometimes. He still has a lot of strength in his hands so can pull himself into position and saves my back a bit too. (I've bonked him on the head a time or two by lowering the brace too far, but didn't hurt him too much.) When the Hoyer comes out, the whole process can usually reduce us both to laughter...and that's a good thing! It's hydraulic, so takes very little effort to raise him gently, but quickly, until he's suspended in mid-air and I can push a chair beneath him, then release the tension. Then in a sitting positon it's easy for him to stand again. The entire process take about 15 minutes, start to finish. I can't tell you what a relief it is, for both of us, to stay independent and keep him at home. Hoyer Lifts are awesome! Thank you, Rosie!!
Funny thing is, I had just told him about the blog earlier today. It wasn't a secret really. I'd mentioned that I was going to try it out, but hadn't pointed out to him that I'd been posting for a while now. He's welcome to read it and input too, or dictate to me what he wants said. Seems Mr. email Snoop had already discovered it on his own....LOL. He'd intercepted an email from our niece commenting on the blog, and found the link. So after his fall today, I told him he'd be reading about that incident on the blog...for sure. He was laughing, and I thought ....hmmmmm, that's how I'm going to keep him in line in Germany. I'm threatening to tell everyone, via blog, if he doesn't behave himself while we're there!
Love to all!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
X-Cell experience, a must-read
If you haven't had time to see the other blog I suggested earlier, then you might find it interesting now.
msajourney.blogspot.com
This is the one Eddie found about a fellow from FL who is currently traveling to the X-Cell clinic. I believe he's at the Dusseldorf clinc, we will be at the Cologne clinic. He and his wife are there now, and he's completed both steps of his procedure and updated the blog with his observations. Though his ailment is not ALS, the stem cell procedure is the same. I read it with a great sigh of relief since he says it is not very painful, and afterwards (so far) he's not had great discomfort. Check it out.
msajourney.blogspot.com
This is the one Eddie found about a fellow from FL who is currently traveling to the X-Cell clinic. I believe he's at the Dusseldorf clinc, we will be at the Cologne clinic. He and his wife are there now, and he's completed both steps of his procedure and updated the blog with his observations. Though his ailment is not ALS, the stem cell procedure is the same. I read it with a great sigh of relief since he says it is not very painful, and afterwards (so far) he's not had great discomfort. Check it out.
Family reunion
We went to the family reunion a couple of weeks ago. Eddies' aunt has faithfully organized these over the years so the family can stay in touch, and so we can get to know all the extended (younger!) family members. One interesting thing at this one though, my niece's husband is a teacher at Broken Arrow schools, and one of the "extended" family members at the reunion, discovered that Michael (neice's husband) is his teacher this year. And family too! I don't know if that's good or bad for the child, being related to your math teacher! What a surprise.
It was so nice to see everyone and Eddie really enjoyed himself.
As you can tell, I've taught myself to upload pictures now. Too bad I talked too much (as usual) so forgot to take many photos.
Woo hoo! Passports have arrived!
We finally received the passports in the mail yesterday! We still had plenty of time before we travel to Cologne, but that's one less thing to stress about and keep track of. They are very attractive with all the fine detailed colored ink, and so official looking... except for the pictures. Eddie's picture isn't bad at all (except one can't smile for these pictures). I look like a felon in mine, but have never been particularly photogenic anyway. Holy Toledo... that makes me wonder .... maybe I really do look that bad to everyone else?! Oh well, I'll never ask that question, I have too many honest family and friends. I'll just keep thinking I'm much better (and younger!) looking than I really am.
Boss suggested that after the procedure is finished, and if Eddie is feeling well, we might arrange a train ride to Belguim or France (which are nearby, via train).... just to get those stamps on our passports. That would be a fun excursion. Eddie says we just might try it.
I have no intentions of ever traveling to Europe again. It was never a dream of mine, like it is for some people. There are so many parts of this country I'd love to see first (New Mexico, New England area)....before I get too old to travel. On the other hand, I have four handsome, healthy Grandboys (Thank you Lord) who, when they get older, might be willing to accompany an old lady for an excursion across the country. Especially if I'm paying, and can maintain my sense of humor! We love those boys and the Princess too. They are young, and curious of the physical changes Eddie has undergone over the past few years...but are very accepting (their parents raised them right).
When the the two older boys come to visit, they like to wheel around the house in Eddie's wheelchair. They even fight over whose turn it is to take a spin. So with that said, I'm going to make my first attempt to upload a picture, so I'll know how to do it when we get to Germany.
Boss suggested that after the procedure is finished, and if Eddie is feeling well, we might arrange a train ride to Belguim or France (which are nearby, via train).... just to get those stamps on our passports. That would be a fun excursion. Eddie says we just might try it.
I have no intentions of ever traveling to Europe again. It was never a dream of mine, like it is for some people. There are so many parts of this country I'd love to see first (New Mexico, New England area)....before I get too old to travel. On the other hand, I have four handsome, healthy Grandboys (Thank you Lord) who, when they get older, might be willing to accompany an old lady for an excursion across the country. Especially if I'm paying, and can maintain my sense of humor! We love those boys and the Princess too. They are young, and curious of the physical changes Eddie has undergone over the past few years...but are very accepting (their parents raised them right).
When the the two older boys come to visit, they like to wheel around the house in Eddie's wheelchair. They even fight over whose turn it is to take a spin. So with that said, I'm going to make my first attempt to upload a picture, so I'll know how to do it when we get to Germany.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Culture
There is so much to learn when traveling to a new area. There are many different cultures in this good ole U.S. of A. alone....ethnic, religious, geographic, without having to travel to a completely different continent. I'm naturally curious about people and respectful of different cultures. I try not to poke fun of ways that seem strange to me (unless it's just too ridicuous to ignore, and I can't keep a straight face).
I learned I'm not your average tourist when Eddie and I traveled to Cancun...and I asked lots of questions. Like, where does their sewage go? (looks like I'm the strange one, huh?) Cancun's just a little piece of lowland that sticks out into the ocean, with a lagoon on the backside, right? They certainly don't dump it in the ocean! It turns out they pump it back the other way, inland. Eddie said, who the hell asks questions like that when on vacation? Me!
He always has me "translate" for him .. funny given that I took Spanish in the 9th grade, and I really didn't care for teacher, Senorita Bell at the time. But a little bit of high school Spanish, some pantomine, and a big smile ( a few pesos?) goes a long way. I've heard that folks from other countries appreciate Americans trying to speak some of the native tongue. In Mexico I learned to say 'como se dice en Espanol _________', meaning 'how do you say, in Spanish ________ '. That way I picked up some new words... once they understood that I was asking for their help to learn the language. I also figured out that one needs to know and remember how to read a few signs.... like restroom, specifically Ladies restroom, or all the questions in the world won't help...and it could get pretty embarassing too!
So... I'm going to learn a few German phrases/questions (like... where's the restroom, does anyone speak english here, how much does that cost, and help!) , write them on notecards to carry with me, along with my phrase books.
Back to the culture part. I've been reading some interesting things about Germany, and asked my boss (who's traveled there a bit). Most he agreed with.
Did you know that in German cafes/pubs/restaurants (all but the upscale places) one is supposed to find their own seats/table, not wait to be seated? And you might have other people show up and sit at the table with you. They aren't being friendly, just practical. Like why stand around looking for a seat when there are only two people sitting at that big table. Most times they will just ignore you, and you them. That's like being in a crowded elevator here, and nobody speaks or makes eye contact.. you must admit, that's rather strange too.
Also, if they place a basket of rolls/bread on the table, it's not free. They count them and will charge you for each roll you take. Tap water is called "still" water, because they drink mostly mineral water, that's carbonated, or sparkly. They know you're a tourist if you order still water... because it's free. Apparently, they drink tap water at home, and want something with flavor when dining out.. like beer, wine, etc.
Germans don't use telephones for entertainment and chatting the way we do. Mainly because there is a charge for phone calls, even local ones. They answer the phone with their last name, then identify themselves. "Doe, Mr. Doe speaking". That way the person calling knows they have connected to the proper place, and they know who's speaking. So, if one were at Obama's house in Germany, they'd answer the phone "Obama, Mrs. Doe speaking" (in German, of course). Interesting!
The most unusual to me... they keep business and personal matters completely seperate. Now that's not so strange in itself. But, supposedly, you could work with someone in Germany every day for 15 years and not know if they have children, where they went to school, what part of town they live in, or anything personal. And they don't call each other by their first names at work. It's Mr. Brown, or just Brown. Very professional, but very different. Supposedly, Germans in the tourist industry will take your cue and call you by your first name... but that's just being considerate of our culture. As a rule, they are only on first-name basis with family members and close personal friends.
Enough of my rambiling for now.
I learned I'm not your average tourist when Eddie and I traveled to Cancun...and I asked lots of questions. Like, where does their sewage go? (looks like I'm the strange one, huh?) Cancun's just a little piece of lowland that sticks out into the ocean, with a lagoon on the backside, right? They certainly don't dump it in the ocean! It turns out they pump it back the other way, inland. Eddie said, who the hell asks questions like that when on vacation? Me!
He always has me "translate" for him .. funny given that I took Spanish in the 9th grade, and I really didn't care for teacher, Senorita Bell at the time. But a little bit of high school Spanish, some pantomine, and a big smile ( a few pesos?) goes a long way. I've heard that folks from other countries appreciate Americans trying to speak some of the native tongue. In Mexico I learned to say 'como se dice en Espanol _________', meaning 'how do you say, in Spanish ________ '. That way I picked up some new words... once they understood that I was asking for their help to learn the language. I also figured out that one needs to know and remember how to read a few signs.... like restroom, specifically Ladies restroom, or all the questions in the world won't help...and it could get pretty embarassing too!
So... I'm going to learn a few German phrases/questions (like... where's the restroom, does anyone speak english here, how much does that cost, and help!) , write them on notecards to carry with me, along with my phrase books.
Back to the culture part. I've been reading some interesting things about Germany, and asked my boss (who's traveled there a bit). Most he agreed with.
Did you know that in German cafes/pubs/restaurants (all but the upscale places) one is supposed to find their own seats/table, not wait to be seated? And you might have other people show up and sit at the table with you. They aren't being friendly, just practical. Like why stand around looking for a seat when there are only two people sitting at that big table. Most times they will just ignore you, and you them. That's like being in a crowded elevator here, and nobody speaks or makes eye contact.. you must admit, that's rather strange too.
Also, if they place a basket of rolls/bread on the table, it's not free. They count them and will charge you for each roll you take. Tap water is called "still" water, because they drink mostly mineral water, that's carbonated, or sparkly. They know you're a tourist if you order still water... because it's free. Apparently, they drink tap water at home, and want something with flavor when dining out.. like beer, wine, etc.
Germans don't use telephones for entertainment and chatting the way we do. Mainly because there is a charge for phone calls, even local ones. They answer the phone with their last name, then identify themselves. "Doe, Mr. Doe speaking". That way the person calling knows they have connected to the proper place, and they know who's speaking. So, if one were at Obama's house in Germany, they'd answer the phone "Obama, Mrs. Doe speaking" (in German, of course). Interesting!
The most unusual to me... they keep business and personal matters completely seperate. Now that's not so strange in itself. But, supposedly, you could work with someone in Germany every day for 15 years and not know if they have children, where they went to school, what part of town they live in, or anything personal. And they don't call each other by their first names at work. It's Mr. Brown, or just Brown. Very professional, but very different. Supposedly, Germans in the tourist industry will take your cue and call you by your first name... but that's just being considerate of our culture. As a rule, they are only on first-name basis with family members and close personal friends.
Enough of my rambiling for now.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hotel
We've just finalized our hotel accomodations in Germany. We will be staying the Eruo Gardens Cologne City. Nadine, at Travelpoint (in Cologne), recommeded it after we told her our requirements. Mid-priced, free breakfast, coffee maker and hairdryer in room, close to the Cathedral area (for touristy things and shops, restaurants), and WiFi. Apparently the coffeemaker thing is not so common for Europeans...but important to us. The hotel also has a restaurant and pub in the lobby, so Eddie will get to try the local beer....and my boss tells me it's wonderful.
Over the past year, Eddie has taken to drinking Chai tea with rice milk each morning, so we'll be traveling with his supply of tea (not the milk, of course... he'll just have to deal with that), and I'll bring my own coffee (though they say online that there is a Starbucks in the nearby rail station!). The clinic offers transportation, but at appx $225 round-trip (about 10-15 mins each way) ...two trips at $450, Eddie said no way! I'll arrange for a taxi to the clinic... one big enough to store his wheelchair onboard. I figure to pay the driver extra since it takes so long to get him loaded up, so hopefully there won't be any grumbling. I understand the Germans to be quite straight forward, and not afraid to speak their minds... just factual, not meaning offense.
I've also learned that tipping is not requried in restaurants and such. Rounding up to the nearest Euro is acceptable, but not the 15-20% that is expected here. That is a good thing. I'm more than willing to pay for help with our bags and such. I'm pretty able-bodied, but not stupid. And I don't care to imitate Superwoman. So, I figure I'm physically in charge of the wheelchair, and someone else can do the packing of luggage.
And for all of you who witnessed me dumping him on his face at the restaurant a while back and are concerned .... I'm much better, and extremely cautious, at manuvering the wheelchair where those little pivoting wheels in the front won't get stuck again. That was one of the most upsetting and embarassing moments of my life. And it had to happen in a busy parking lot, in full view of family and the entire restaurant population!
Also, one of my co-workers suggested I carry a (locked) backpack rather than a purse or carry-on, so my hands are free to push the wheelchair. Great idea (Robin), and though I'm really not the backpack kind of gal, I considered it. My young cube-mate co-worker, told me I might loop each strap of the backpack over a wheelchair handle and save my back. Excellent idea, Ms. Steph! So, I bought a backpack this week. I think it will be excellent for all the things I need to carry with us.
I'm carrying our Rx drugs (in original labeled containers). Since the radio and TV offered may be in German only, I'm taking a small, battery operated CD player (with CDs), Eddie's personal DVD player (with DVDs), our camera, and playing cards, books, and such to keep us entertained. Ms. Steph and my boss also recommended sound-cancelling headsets for the plane trip. The airlines offers a lot of movie choices onboard, but they tell me the plane noise is so loud it's difficult to hear with regular headsets. So I'll be off to Radio Shack this week for headsets. I'm also going to carry a laptop, or netbook, since I'll spend some time online...though Eddie and I are at odds about getting a new one vs his (very) old, heavy laptop. Wish me luck on winning that one.
Love to all....
Over the past year, Eddie has taken to drinking Chai tea with rice milk each morning, so we'll be traveling with his supply of tea (not the milk, of course... he'll just have to deal with that), and I'll bring my own coffee (though they say online that there is a Starbucks in the nearby rail station!). The clinic offers transportation, but at appx $225 round-trip (about 10-15 mins each way) ...two trips at $450, Eddie said no way! I'll arrange for a taxi to the clinic... one big enough to store his wheelchair onboard. I figure to pay the driver extra since it takes so long to get him loaded up, so hopefully there won't be any grumbling. I understand the Germans to be quite straight forward, and not afraid to speak their minds... just factual, not meaning offense.
I've also learned that tipping is not requried in restaurants and such. Rounding up to the nearest Euro is acceptable, but not the 15-20% that is expected here. That is a good thing. I'm more than willing to pay for help with our bags and such. I'm pretty able-bodied, but not stupid. And I don't care to imitate Superwoman. So, I figure I'm physically in charge of the wheelchair, and someone else can do the packing of luggage.
And for all of you who witnessed me dumping him on his face at the restaurant a while back and are concerned .... I'm much better, and extremely cautious, at manuvering the wheelchair where those little pivoting wheels in the front won't get stuck again. That was one of the most upsetting and embarassing moments of my life. And it had to happen in a busy parking lot, in full view of family and the entire restaurant population!
Also, one of my co-workers suggested I carry a (locked) backpack rather than a purse or carry-on, so my hands are free to push the wheelchair. Great idea (Robin), and though I'm really not the backpack kind of gal, I considered it. My young cube-mate co-worker, told me I might loop each strap of the backpack over a wheelchair handle and save my back. Excellent idea, Ms. Steph! So, I bought a backpack this week. I think it will be excellent for all the things I need to carry with us.
I'm carrying our Rx drugs (in original labeled containers). Since the radio and TV offered may be in German only, I'm taking a small, battery operated CD player (with CDs), Eddie's personal DVD player (with DVDs), our camera, and playing cards, books, and such to keep us entertained. Ms. Steph and my boss also recommended sound-cancelling headsets for the plane trip. The airlines offers a lot of movie choices onboard, but they tell me the plane noise is so loud it's difficult to hear with regular headsets. So I'll be off to Radio Shack this week for headsets. I'm also going to carry a laptop, or netbook, since I'll spend some time online...though Eddie and I are at odds about getting a new one vs his (very) old, heavy laptop. Wish me luck on winning that one.
Love to all....
Family and Friends - a blessing.
I must admit that when Eddie was accepted to the German clinic, and this trip became a reality, I didn't handle it well... at all! I never dreamed he would be accepted for stem cell therapy, so it was quite a shock to me. He had almost a week to think about it before he told me (he waited until all the activities of our daughter's wedding were over). He is excited about going, and has not waivered in his decision (though I've given him numerous chances to change his mind). I fretted and cried and worried for days after getting the news. Really boo hooed and cried on my sweet sister-in-law's shoulder... wallowing in self pity, and uncertainty. Thank you, R.... for being so level headed, and calm for me! She suggested I take someone with us to help.... and we went through a list of people who might be able to do just that. I thought about it for two weeks before pulling myself together and decided that I can do this on my own. It's not much different than what I do now. And with carefully planning the travel arrangements, I think I can. I'm pretty certain of it now.
Recently, I received three offers from precious family members to go with us...and hints from others. What a wonderful network of family we are blessed with! Sweet daughter, who has the responsibility of a new marriage, and two, sometimes four kids, and a new home to care for.... in addition to full time student. Great son, who has a full time job and a family with three small children to care for, would be using up his vacation time for us. And Eddie's favorite uncle, too. We are so grateful for the offers. However, the way I've planned the trip is probably more drawn out than it needs be .... to allow for his comfort and rest, and any possible contingency. That much time away from home, with limited contact, would be a hardship for anyone ... and definitely not a vacation.
I realized that if I were asked to go, as caregiver for someone else, I would be up to the challenge. I just have to turn off the emotions, and concentrate on my duties...to get him there and back safely. I've been blessed with good health so far, and a stong back. The good Lord must have offered this challenge for a reason, so we'll just get it done.
Thanks to all you sweet people who offered. And after I have this behind me, I'll be experienced, so you can ask me to return the favor ... anytime!
Recently, I received three offers from precious family members to go with us...and hints from others. What a wonderful network of family we are blessed with! Sweet daughter, who has the responsibility of a new marriage, and two, sometimes four kids, and a new home to care for.... in addition to full time student. Great son, who has a full time job and a family with three small children to care for, would be using up his vacation time for us. And Eddie's favorite uncle, too. We are so grateful for the offers. However, the way I've planned the trip is probably more drawn out than it needs be .... to allow for his comfort and rest, and any possible contingency. That much time away from home, with limited contact, would be a hardship for anyone ... and definitely not a vacation.
I realized that if I were asked to go, as caregiver for someone else, I would be up to the challenge. I just have to turn off the emotions, and concentrate on my duties...to get him there and back safely. I've been blessed with good health so far, and a stong back. The good Lord must have offered this challenge for a reason, so we'll just get it done.
Thanks to all you sweet people who offered. And after I have this behind me, I'll be experienced, so you can ask me to return the favor ... anytime!
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