It is difficult to keep track of time and which day it is. The celebrations for the 4Fourth of July have started and practically everyday something special is going on in the park. Since I am not able to attend many (maybe not even any) of those, this should not affect me. And yet it does. Many things I don’t remember, yet I know for sure I have to get this column out today.
Last week I think I mentioned I have to check if surgery would now be possible for me. The first surgeon, who was strongly recommended, happened not to be in our network and would be too expensive for my pocketbook if I would go in as private-pay patient.
So now we have been looking and may have found somebody else. I was notified that the information was being sent by mail. Well, yes, I got a five-page questionnaire to fill out. (So the information really has to come from me, not them.) They are asking for data, when I had seen a doctor for my back or neck for the first time. I am no historian and I even don’t remember names of different doctors or who said what. I have to get records of that and also bring X-rays and MRI records with me. Thank goodness one of my sons is trying to get things filled out and obtain the requested documents. This goes back about 30 years.
Several neighbors have offered their help in case I have an emergency. Last week I had one at night, but did not have the heart to call any of them. It had been a hot and humid day and the dogs had been panting a lot. Their thick coats don’t help them in the heat. Without any warning, Rusty threw up on the carpet next to my chair. Even in my younger and more active days, I had a problem dealing with this kind of stuff.
Now I really cannot bend down that far and if I would try, there is a good chance I would fall with my face right into that mess. Even the heavy fumes of it made me sick to my stomach. So I moved to my bedroom. My son would not be home from work for at least six hours. He would be tired and, of course, there was a possibility he would step in it and slide and fall. My conscience would not allow that. So half an hour later I was back in the living room, staring at the stinky mess. It still did not look or smell any better. It had by then penetrated through the carpet.
I got out my long handled dustpan and found some cardboard. I sprayed the heap with Pine Sol, a smell I like, and that made me feel a little stronger for the upcoming task. I was able to move most of it into the dustpan, which I then put outside. The rest of the night I spent in my chair, with the lights on to warn my son when he came home. I kept my window open.
My son did the actual scrubbing of the carpet, and I must say it looks good.
It still amazes me how many predicaments one can get into when left alone, unable to do many tasks. It did not bother Rusty at all. He could not stand the smell either, so he slept in the dining room. The dogs can be a problem at times, yet I still like their company.
The baby hummingbirds frequent the feeder. The baby wrens must have matured too. The nest is empty, and I have not seen them return to their homestead in front of my window.
The family of squirrels behind our walls are lively and are in no hurry to leave our house yet. There has even been a new invasion of mice. It might have been too hot for them outside. I cannot blame them and hope they don’t blame me either for catching them in traps.
Commentary
Related Photos
Reader comments
Don't put your dust in my dustpan
- Commentary
-
-
Dear GOP: It's time to stop
Indiana Congressman Mike Pence bragged Friday that Republicans in Congress will slam their heads against the Capitol Building’s pillars until they bleed.
In a manner of hyperbole, of course.
-
Pence jumps into the harbor
Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, who some believe is interested in a run at the presidency in 2012, has drunk the tea.
-
Ramping up for spring
In many parts of the U.S., ramps, also known as wild leeks, are the very first edible vegetation to spring forth from the ground. A member of the garlic/onion family, they look like a scallion but have broader flat leaves. Like their cousins they add a pungent, but delicious layer to such dishes as soups and casseroles.
-
Spring: A wonder to behold
The woods have suddenly come to life. Thousands of daffodils, some hyacinths and many wild flowers. Today the magnolia trees started to bloom. The forsythias have never bloomed so well.
-
High tech wreck
-
Spending Easter in Panama
After mom died, I went to her house to gather some photos for the funeral. She had six dozen eggs in the refrigerator, ready to color with the grandkids. Yes, the past 12 Easters have been somewhat bittersweet.
-
A breezy suggestion for WeBo’s revenue problems
Back in March 2009, the Western Boone school board decided it would not participate in industrial wind farms.
They may want to rethink that decision.
-
Remember the meaning of the day
I know this because I am celebrating Easter, and I know that God is not a God that is out there in outer space. No, He is a personal God; He cares what happens to us today, tomorrow and all our tomorrows. So, all our instances are God-filled.
-
City pig, country pig this Easter
For many families, the culinary centerpiece of the upcoming Easter holiday will be a ham; and, the typical grocery-store variety found on many tables won’t be much more interesting than Letterman’s canned hams. With a little extra effort, however, you could offer your loved ones a delicious and distinctive ham.
-
Easter and spring are here
I hope all the activities don't obscure the meaning of Easter.
- More Commentary Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
