Four Corners
South Florida to Maine.The last fortune before I left on my 4 corners trip was “You are a traveler at...
2023 A Year in Review
The event which drove much of the chaos occurred on May 9th. It involved a water leak in the dishwasher line in my brand new kitchen. A call to the plumber fixed the water line. The plumber referred me to a restoration company.
History and Truth
Education is about learning how to learn. Exploring new ideas and learning to apply those ideas in new ways in the real world. Ignoring truth is not good education, but indoctrination.
What scares me the most about the conservative agenda right now, is the desire to reshape schools to limit the exploration of ideas. To discuss history as found in our text books, and to band books that will question the validity of those ideas.
My Kitchen Remodel
The question was how to deal with the beam. I floated the idea of lowering the cabinets, that was vetoed by the contractor because the toe gap would be lost. In retrospect that was the correct decision. But the uppers were a problem.
This is where the communication gap became a challenge. Every time I asked what they would do, he would respond no problem. As the uppers went up the cabinets to the left of the stove were about an inch higher then the cabinets to the right of the stove and as I kept asking I always got an answer of “No Problem.”
All the uppers were in place except for where the beam is and still “No Problem.”
Then it hit me. The solution was to buy a shorter cabinet to accommodate the beam. I called the supplier. The cabinets were in stock somewhere in the US and they could have one buy Wednesday. I ordered another cabinet and had the planned cabinet placed to the left of the refrigerator, where it can serve for cleaning and office supplies, but another delay.
Vacation: The Return
Part 1 Family VisitsMy Sister Decided I should not drive by myself.This accomplished two things. I didn’t drive alone and...
Vacation: Lobster Feast
How does a retired person, or at least a semi retired person go on vacation. Isn’t everyday a vacation day. Well, yes and no. Even in retirement life has everyday requirements. Doctors appointments become more numerous as we get older.
Staying in shape now becomes a required activity. And any activity which is part of retirement, now becomes part of a schedule. Time just fills up with all sorts of things to do.
DeeDee
For the First Time.
DeeDee not only joined my on the couch. She came up onto my chest and looked me in the eye as if to say your my human now.
I never considered DeeDee my cat, but myself as her human. It worked better that way.
That day on the couch cemented a bond which last’s to this day. DeeDee helped my through my darkest hours.
My CPAP Machine
I had started noticing that when I first started the machine at night the air was stuffy. While initial recommendations were that I should continue using my machine I decided caution was the best course and stopped.
My first concern was why was the machine recalled? This was not a simple question to answer and took several weeks to put together the following is what I discovered:
- In order to quiet the motor, Phillips had covered the motor with a foam pad.
- Overtime this pad would dry out.
- This drying process was quickened by using an automated cleaning system such as SoClean, which I used daily.
- Eventual small foam particles would enter into the air pathways leading to my mask.
- Hence, I was breathing little foam particles.
A Smother
Forgive this old man for not getting directly to the point. I want to ramble a little bit.
I’m a basketball fan. More specifically a Memphis Grizzlies fan who grew up in New England following the Red Auerbach and Bill Russell Celtics. Bill Russell may have never been the best basketball player who ever lived, but I would suggest he was the best team player who ever lived, including Lebron James and Michael Jordan. He was all about the win and making his teammates better.
I start with this because the concept I am about to discuss comes from Bill Russell.
An Eight Day Detour
I was aware throughout this process of work conditions in Hospitals throughout the country but especially in Palm Beach County Florida. All hospital staff is dedicated to helping patients get well. They are also extremely overworked. As a patient I did not want to increase their burden so I developed my patient credo.
- I would thank everyone who came to assist me. Every time without exception. The staff at the hospital is there to help and should be commended for the work they have done throughout this pandemic.
- When given the opportunity, I would acknowledge the great care they were providing me. While it might seem overdone, it was not false. My episode increased their workload, it was neither there fault nor mine, but it was true.
- There were several times that incidents occurred where the staff might have thought they annoyed me. I tried to immediately point out it was the situation and while an alternative choice might have been possible, there might be times the alternative was incorrect as well. I let them know that I knew their hearts were in the right place and we were okay.
- As I improved, I wanted to find ways to make their lives easier. I had no desire to increase my limits in ways which were unsafe, but I did want to get better. They wanted me to get better as well. An example of this is by Wednesday, still in the ICU and approved through therapy, I was free to move about to the limits of my tethers within in my room. I took most meals in a chair in my room. They were as happy with this arrangement as I was. Because of the work we had done earlier created the trust needed.
This is my true belief right down to my core. I cared for throughout my stay at the hospital by angels (both women and men) of mercy. If there is anyway that I can reduce their burden I would do it gladly.
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