A Weekend Away

We went away - for 2 whole days! It doesn't happen often as I'm the primary "watcher" of my dad. This weekend though, my brother and his family were up from Boston and so, we left.

We met friends in Portland, Maine and stayed at a lovely, delicious B&B. Enjoyed a yummy, yummy dinner in Portland. Walked and walked and window shopped in the port area (I only bought 2 candles and a Christmas gift for my sister). And we bought - a vacuum! Dad's house is rented for the summer by several vacationing families. The old vacuum has just about had it (it's 20+ years old) and so we needed to get a new one. As long as we were in the "big city" we decided to hit Sears and get the vacuum. Buying it in Maine meant we paid sales tax but, buying it in NH meant I'd have to use my day off to drive to Manchester. We decided the sales tax was probably cheaper than the gas. I couldn't find a t-shirt that says, "I went to Maine and bought a vacuum!"

I have a sneaky suspicion that my diet drinks at the restaurant were not diet - bg's were awful on Sunday and finding bathrooms became an obsession. I haven't had that happen before.

I see the endo tomorrow so this evening I've been transferring my numbers from the meter to the computer and all is now printed. They're not great. I had an A1C done last week so guess I'll hear the good or bad news tomorrow. I'm usually nervous but, not so much this time. I think I'm doing pretty good at trying to eat, exercise, etc... I'm sure I can do better but, I like having a life some days. (and a cookie or some pie...)

A sunset last week reminded me of a baby blanket with soft pinks and blues. Somehow, I got a great photo and there's even a bird sitting on a branch.

Four Bloggers In The Park!

Lea, me, Allison, Bernard

Yesterday's NE Picnic was a lot of fun. Lots of pumps, a couple of CGMS's. I'm still new at this, not on insulin and so, the "up close and personal" was an eye opener. Listening to the pumpers talk was fascinating. Just meeting these people was wonderful. My husband, saint that he is, came with me. He doesn't read the blogs, even mine - but enjoyed figuring out who was who.

Bernard chose a great park for our meeting and even sent photo directions. Did I bring those with me, no... So, as we walked into the park, I had no clue where to go. The husband went back to the car to get Bernard's cell number (which I had brought!) but meanwhile, I noticed several tables and a dad with 3 cute kids. The guy looked like Bernard, I wandered over and he approached and said, "You look a little lost." I said, "Well, if you're Bernard, then I'm not too lost." He said he was Bernard and we introduced ourselves with a big hug. How cool is that?

Allison showed up (on her Blogaversary!), all the way from New Jersey! I think she's a remarkable young woman and truly enjoyed meeting her.

Noah - who is truly Mr. Personality, and his parents are just delightful.

Cara is trying to put together a gathering for anyone who lives in Tennessee. GO!

There is no reason for any of us to wander through Diabetes by ourselves. The blogs, forums and chat rooms help each of us to not feel alone. Meeting people is a wonderful experience.

The rest of our D-Picnic included people active at TuDiabetes , Diabetes Daily and the Massachusetts Pumper Group.

Again, many thanks to Bernard for instigating our gathering. I'm looking forward to our 2nd Annual New England Picnic!

NE Picnic Today!

Bernard's Shirt!

The D-Group!

A great time was had by all! The weather was delightful. Our picnic location was perfect, babbling brook, lots of space. Our host/planner, Bernard, did a fantastic job. Thanks Bernard!

Pictures can be seen at Picasa.

New England Picnic Tomorrow!

I am looking forward to meeting other persons with diabetes tomorrow at a picnic organized by Bernard. I'll be the odd one - everyone else is a type 1, everyone else is on a pump and even worse... everyone is younger than me. I'm planning on having a great time!

We actually had to turn on the air conditioning for a few days this week up here in NH. I hate doing that but after spending the day at work in AC, I can't deal with the heat when I get home. It's cooled off now - even had to use a blanket last night.

My dad is improving daily. It's been a long couple of weeks. My brother is here with his family for awhile and is visiting him almost daily. That means I'm getting a break from going to the nursing home and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm enjoying the break. I love spending time with my dad but it's difficult to be "on" for him for every visit. I'm still visiting but not as often and find that we have more to talk about as dad likes telling me about my brother's visits. So, it's good.

IF I remember the camera tomorrow - and some extra batteries - I'll post some picnic photos later this weekend.

I'm too old for this...

The NYT's Jane Gross has written Our Parents, Ourselves, A blog for the millions of us, and the millions more to come, who must care for aging parents. As of this evening, there are over 600 comments, some very heart wrenching. I am fortunate as my dad scrimped and saved, and so has the money to afford the care he needs. It's not easy. I have a close friend whose mom is dying. She considers it a privilege to be with her mom at this time, just wishes her mom's suffering would end soon. We're not at that point with dad, yet.

Dad is actually much better. He's gone from having no clue what he's doing to an 86 year old who know what he wants and you better be able to provide it. I'm happy he's doing so much better. It's been a long month.

Stress usually sends my BG's into the stratosphere but not this month. I'm not sure what's going on but the numbers are not all that bad.

Next weekend I will meet Bernard, Allison and other PWD Bloggers. Bernard is organizing a New England meeting and we plan to go.

Meanwhile, summer is here in NH. The tourists are here - the traffic is awful. My daisies are blooming and life is good.

And - to Donna - while driving to work on Thursday morning, the radio was playing Chicago's Saturday in the Park. I thought about you as I sang along. It was fun!

71 - Visit a Nursing Home?

Dad's doctor called at 8 this morning to say she was sending him back to the nursing home with the hope that being "home" will help lessen his confusion. He's lived there for almost 3 years and I agree that it may help to be back at "home." My dad is a classic example of "sundowning" when he's in a hospital.

Went to work early to get stuff done - left during the morning to make sure his room would be ready - back to work (still had work to do) - home for lunch - and then off to the nursing home to meet dad when he returned. (Gas prices? - well, it's a small town...)

He arrived (via ambulance), I stayed with him for several hours. He's still loopy but at least knows where he is. Staff members kept popping in to welcome him home.

The nurses at the nursing home have assured me they will keep a close eye on him tonight. They even got him up and into his big blue lounge chair to eat his supper. They had planned to help him with his supper but he informed them he could do it himself.

Meanwhile - I guess sitting in a nursing home room for 4+ hours just does wonders for my BG - it's 71. You know, if that works it could start a revolution. Just think of all the nursing home residents who would have constant company - diabetic persons who want to lower their blood sugar. Just kidding, sort of.

Thank you for caring - our circle of friends in this blogosphere is truly a blessing.

And - Happy Birthday to Vivian!

86 - nope, not my meter

The meter readings have been good, actually, quite good. Which is surprising as I feel like I've been to hell and back recently. Diabetes is my secondary concern right now, my dad is the first. Being a LADA, and not on Insulin makes this somewhat easier, sort of...

The 86 is my dad's age. He just had surgery, he has breathing issues and so just getting him off the ventilator was an issue. He is now breathing on his own, with some help from oxygen. Life is not so bad, could be better, but I'm happy with what he's got right now. He spent two nights in ICU and now is back in a special part of our small town hospital called Eldercare. It is truly a remarkable place. There are maybe 10 rooms in this section and you have to be an "elder" to be in there. The nurses are totally wonderful. Most have requested to work in this part of our hospital and their patience with their patients is awesome. Talk about nice people! I am in awe of all nurses but these people are truly remarkable.

My dad still has a lot to accomplish, but with the help and care of the wonderful nurses, I think he's going to do it.

Meanwhile, the man is "out to lunch," making no sense at all, but being carefully cared for by the nurses at the hospital. Nothing seems to bother them, they are wonderful.

So to all of the nurses out there - thank you for taking care of our loved ones. You are appreciated!

Lazy, hazy, crazy...

Summer in NH is NOT usually temps in the 90's and humidity like pea soup. This last week has been simply dreadful. When we moved here, 10 years ago, I thought nothing of the fact that the house was not air conditioned. One summer later, we had air conditioning. We truly almost never use it but it is nice to know it's there. After some big thunder boomers last night, temps (and humidity) are back to normal and I don't feel like a sponge.

A few days ago I clicked on a link (on Amy's page) to get a free One Touch UltraMini Meter. It arrived today and I read the directions (I'm not normally a direction reader but...). Did a test and it was fairly nice - a 90 - whoo hooo! About two hours later I decided to use my old and new meter to test from the same blood sample. How weird is this?? I'll do some more checking but I find this fascinating, sort of. Any advice is appreciated! (If you can't see the photo - one says 106, the other is 77.)

On the dad news - it's not terrible but it's not good either. I don't feel it's fair (or even that interesting) to write the details of his current medical issue but, he needs to have surgery and due to his age (86) and general health, it's going to be difficult. His doctor and the surgeon have discussed all the pros & cons and have decided that doing a planned surgery is better than "wait & see," and having my dad end up in the ER with a chance that I wouldn't be able to reach them for the needed surgery (and then heaven knows who would do the surgery!?). I have known the surgeon for several years and he's very respected around here. Dad's doctor truly cares about him, didn't want to do surgery until she saw the CT scan and ultrasound. I believe they both are trying to do the best possible for him. On Monday I'll take dad to the hospital and hope/pray/wish for a good outcome. Your comments have meant a lot. Thank you!

To add to my fun - how much more can I ask for?? - next week is Bike Week up here and we'll have thousands of bikers adding to our small town traffic. Getting to the hospital each day will be frustrating. Oh well...

I am reading everyone's blogs, just not commenting much due to time.

Diabetes? What Diabetes??

We, my husband and I, have had a rough week with my dad.
Diabetes is on the back burner - I don't have time for it right now. After a couple of weeks of stupid numbers (really, really stupid ((and high)) ), as of this week they (the numbers) are returning to normal. I have no clue why...
My dad needs some major surgery - it's going to be the pits. He may not survive it. Not having the surgery means he may end up with more pain and angst than is needed. Playing "God" is not fun.
He (we) has awesome doctors - and I feel so very fortunate that he has people who care about him. It's still the absolute pits to deal with this.
I'm not having fun. I'm tired and frustrated. This is not much fun at all.
Whine, whine, whine...
End of rant - for now.

My Veteran

Today, my husband and I were able to get dad over to "his" house on "his" lake. He had a wonderful time! Dad has spent the last three years in assisted living and now a nursing home. It's difficult for him and for us. Each year I've been able to bring him to his home on Memorial Day. Today's weather was perfect for sitting on the deck and listening to the birds. Dad spent 30+ years in that home. As a military guy, that's the longest he's ever lived in one house. He bought the property in 1964 and had the house built in the early 70's. He retired after 40 years in the Army and moved into the house (with my mom) in 1974.
Dad is not an "independent walker" any more and there are steps getting into the house and more to get onto the deck. It's not easy but we did it and had a great time sitting together.
It's an awesome privilege to be able to give my dad some happiness and joy at this time of his life.
The house is rented for most of the summer (yay, it pays the property taxes). Family members will be there some of the time and we'll be able to get dad to his house several times during the summer during family stays.