About an hour after I made the repair appointment the phone rang and was told there was a repairman in the area and could come today! Woohoo! Remember the commercial about the Maytag repairman with nothing to do? Don't believe it!
Okay, so after a comprehensive examination of the white beast it was determined that the compressor had gone out and one had to be ordered. On an emergency order, the delivery and return date is next Tuesday. Six days without a fridge. (We have a small freezer in the garage.)
So much for not eating out!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Big Thaw
Okay, so the stitches have come out and I am on the mend! But, on the mend with limitations. I have been instructed to refrain from using my left arm for such things as cutting, slicing, dicing, moving, pushing, lifting, and keyboarding (to name a few)...for at least the next 3 months.
Therefore, I am having to be very creative when searching for ways to occupy my time. When I returned home today from my daily pilgrimage to my Super Target I entered the kitchen to be greeted by an awful mess that I instantly assumed the dogs had created for me. Upon further investigation, however, I discovered that the freezer on our side-byside refrigerator had gone out and the mess on the floor was from defrosted and melted food items! (Imagine cleaning that up with one hand!)
As I cleaned the floor and emptied the freezer into trash bags, I and said a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the extended warranty we purchased a couple of weeks ago. Then I called for a repair appointment which is 6 days out. The really good news is this: My floor is clean, the animals are still "good dogs," and the warranty will reimburse $250.00 for food loss.
Ray and I have decided to limit our dining out experiences to Friday night dates, Saturday outings and after church breakfasts. Therefore, my new challenge is to locate something in the house that survived the big thaw!
Therefore, I am having to be very creative when searching for ways to occupy my time. When I returned home today from my daily pilgrimage to my Super Target I entered the kitchen to be greeted by an awful mess that I instantly assumed the dogs had created for me. Upon further investigation, however, I discovered that the freezer on our side-byside refrigerator had gone out and the mess on the floor was from defrosted and melted food items! (Imagine cleaning that up with one hand!)
As I cleaned the floor and emptied the freezer into trash bags, I and said a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the extended warranty we purchased a couple of weeks ago. Then I called for a repair appointment which is 6 days out. The really good news is this: My floor is clean, the animals are still "good dogs," and the warranty will reimburse $250.00 for food loss.
Ray and I have decided to limit our dining out experiences to Friday night dates, Saturday outings and after church breakfasts. Therefore, my new challenge is to locate something in the house that survived the big thaw!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Surgery Update
On February 3rd I underwent radial nerve entrapment surgery on my left arm. This is a condition caused by years of keyboarding and is very rare, according to my surgeon who treats a case every 2-3 years. More often, computer use complications rise up in the wrist in the form of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Yesterday at my post op appointment the nurse removed my bandages to reveal what appeared to be a giant seven inch caterpillar snaking its way across my inner arm. Dr. Rice approved the removal of the twenty-five silver clips holding my skin together but sternly restricted my activities for the next three months: No sewing, no scrap booking, no piano playing, no housework or lifting and no keyboarding except for my modified right handed hunt and peck approach.
So, cleared to drive again I went to my favorite store, Super Target, to pick up meds and a few grocery items. It must have been quite amusing to observe my journey down the aisles as I pushed the cart with my right hand and left foot, but I got it done and made it safely home.
Today I got up with Ray and after breakfast and morning prayers he left for work and I began to face the realization that my life was about to become terribly boring and predictable. Thank God for my good right hand which will allow some semblance of normality.
Headlines in the morning paper included a plea for community volunteers to work with the San Bernerdino County Sherif'f's Department in the Citizens On Patrol program. Perhaps my life won’t be boring and predictable after all!
Yesterday at my post op appointment the nurse removed my bandages to reveal what appeared to be a giant seven inch caterpillar snaking its way across my inner arm. Dr. Rice approved the removal of the twenty-five silver clips holding my skin together but sternly restricted my activities for the next three months: No sewing, no scrap booking, no piano playing, no housework or lifting and no keyboarding except for my modified right handed hunt and peck approach.
So, cleared to drive again I went to my favorite store, Super Target, to pick up meds and a few grocery items. It must have been quite amusing to observe my journey down the aisles as I pushed the cart with my right hand and left foot, but I got it done and made it safely home.
Today I got up with Ray and after breakfast and morning prayers he left for work and I began to face the realization that my life was about to become terribly boring and predictable. Thank God for my good right hand which will allow some semblance of normality.
Headlines in the morning paper included a plea for community volunteers to work with the San Bernerdino County Sherif'f's Department in the Citizens On Patrol program. Perhaps my life won’t be boring and predictable after all!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Regarding Walton Family
Okay, now that retirement has blessed me with more time than I know what to do with at times; I have decided to enter the World of Blogs! Most blogs seem to have a theme or at least a purpose but because I currently have neither, I am beginning this endeavor with a bit of trepidation.
While contemplating my first entry, I was at a loss for topic until Rocky and Stretch made a suggestion. So, the following entry is dedicated to the two fuzzy noses that greet me eagerly each morning and cuddle by my side at night.
While contemplating my first entry, I was at a loss for topic until Rocky and Stretch made a suggestion. So, the following entry is dedicated to the two fuzzy noses that greet me eagerly each morning and cuddle by my side at night.
Barky Conundrums
"Family" is a term most often defined as a group of people directly related by ancestral bloodlines and lineages. Modern variances have expanded the famillal arms that reach out and encircle through avenues such as sports affiliations, criminal activity, common interests, occupational memberships and religious sects, to name a few.
It can be debated that in the final analysis, one's true family is that person or group of people who are loyal and present during the best of times as well as in the bleakest hour while keeping silent their selfishness, prejudices and harsh opinions. Sadly, few names will come to mind.
Notwithstanding, it has to be noted that these creatures do in fact exist and walk among us. They may be known as Spot, Rover or King but will always be recognized as "Man's Best Friend" and an important member of the family.
The furry chocolate ball with sweet smelling kisses of eagerness or the lop-eared orphan of abandonment who has loved his way into the human heart will never waste time questioning motives, judging appearances or making comparisons. Rather, he is quick to forgive after having been left in the rain, forgotten at supper time or ignored during a crisis and will quickly show his allegiance with the simple brush of a warm muzzle against the palm of a still hand.
Whether a show champion who works tirelessly to train for his master, a carefully purchased prize identified through the pet store window or a fortunate captive rescued from death row at the shelter; God's barky conundrums remain consistent.
It is they who incite a smile by quizzically tilting their head, attempting to understand words of endearment. It is they who ease the lonely suffering of a grieving widow and will protect their charges, often at the cost of their own lives. It is they who lead sightless owners confidently across busy thoroughfares and will walk hundreds of miles to reunite with their people. It is they who find their way to the marble identifying the love of their life and cover the soil with their warmth. And it is they who demonstrate the ease, simplicity and purity of unconditional love and family acceptance.
It is a wise person who fashions his life after the image his dog creates.
It can be debated that in the final analysis, one's true family is that person or group of people who are loyal and present during the best of times as well as in the bleakest hour while keeping silent their selfishness, prejudices and harsh opinions. Sadly, few names will come to mind.
Notwithstanding, it has to be noted that these creatures do in fact exist and walk among us. They may be known as Spot, Rover or King but will always be recognized as "Man's Best Friend" and an important member of the family.
The furry chocolate ball with sweet smelling kisses of eagerness or the lop-eared orphan of abandonment who has loved his way into the human heart will never waste time questioning motives, judging appearances or making comparisons. Rather, he is quick to forgive after having been left in the rain, forgotten at supper time or ignored during a crisis and will quickly show his allegiance with the simple brush of a warm muzzle against the palm of a still hand.
Whether a show champion who works tirelessly to train for his master, a carefully purchased prize identified through the pet store window or a fortunate captive rescued from death row at the shelter; God's barky conundrums remain consistent.
It is they who incite a smile by quizzically tilting their head, attempting to understand words of endearment. It is they who ease the lonely suffering of a grieving widow and will protect their charges, often at the cost of their own lives. It is they who lead sightless owners confidently across busy thoroughfares and will walk hundreds of miles to reunite with their people. It is they who find their way to the marble identifying the love of their life and cover the soil with their warmth. And it is they who demonstrate the ease, simplicity and purity of unconditional love and family acceptance.
It is a wise person who fashions his life after the image his dog creates.
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