Making the move

I am somewhat familiar with blogspot, I have used it before, but I like AOL journals and am very disappointed that it is being shut down.  I hope they transfer this journal over for me, but I guess I will be copying it just in case.  My temporary journal at blogspot is now...
http://adirondackcountrygal.blogspot.com/

Completely shocked and disgusted...

A man from this area has been charged with shaking and slamming his 4 month old, that is right 4 MONTH OLD baby boy so severely that the infant is on life support and is so brain damaged that he will be removed from life support and the organs donated.  From what I understand this is a very large man and there are indications that the infant was not the only victim of abuse in this house...  I cannot even begin to express my horror and disgust at this..If you want to see the article and video click on the blue letters at the beginning of this entry..

Almost a week

What a cute tag from Robyn at My Creative Corner,  she is very talented and one of the artists that I enjoy getting snags and tags from.  She has some awesome Halloween ones out!  You know how I love Halloween! 

Rich has been here for a week now and I have found myself falling into my old pattern of self doubt and insecurity.  He was not feeling good last night and moody and quiet and kept to himself so I automatically felt it was because he didn't care for me anymore and wanted to leave.  I got myself so worked up I got to crying.  Then I had a headache.  Sheesh.  I need to stop doing such self-destructive behavior because that type of insecurity does drive men away! 

Not much else going on.  Rich and Karl both have colds and don't feel good.  Sarah is going off her insulin pump for a while because it has not been working good for her.  I think the majority of the problem is her lack of body fat.  You need a good fatty area to put the inset needle and she has barely any on her.  She is very lean.  We have been using the same areas over and over and it is not good. 

I am due to go back to work Monday.  I am looking forward to seeing my co-workers and residents again but feel that I will have a problem keeping up for a couple days!  I am not ready for an 8 hr day!  The bills also keep rolling in and the money I do have rolls right back out!  I should get a disability check in about a week or so.  I hope so, because I need it.  By the time it comes, I should have a paycheck from Wesley again too.  I did receive a small one Wed. but I promptly used it to pay my house payment! 

I got the pleasure of talking to Dad and Mary yesterday from Dad's Tomato Garden Journal.  Link on right.  He has an outdoor webcam.  I have not had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of him yet.  He is like the elusive Yeti on the webcam!  :)

Birdfeeder action has heated up, but I don't think I will do bird cam like I wanted to.  I have a feeder right outside my kitchen window and I really enjoy watching the birds come and go during the day.  I think they feel fall coming on and are busy storing up fat reserves and hiding food for the upcoming winter.  We may have a frost tonight also!  It is hard to believe that Oct. is only 2 weeks away. 

Well, I have rambled on enough today.  Enjoy fall Y'all!

courtesy of Sugar Shack keepsakes  link on right

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A new pet

THis is not the actual pet, but one that looks similar.  Meet Cookie.  She is a Bufo Americanus.  American Toad.  She was seen hopping across the lawn last night right toward the house.  She is very large for a toad also.  We have her established in a nice aquarium with plenty of dirt and leaves to dig into and a dish of water to sit in.  She seems happy and has already eaten a cricket for dinner! 

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Learning curve

Things have been interesting around here as everyone adjusts to having new people in the house and the new people adjust to living here.  Rich has been great helping me get the house in order.  I had a yard sale yesterday and made $55.  It rained overnight however and everything I had out got soaked.  I am giving away the stuff that I don't want now.  The kids have been having a great time with Rich's son here.  He is at a great age where he is like a little brother to Travis and a playmate for Sarah. 

Money is continuing to trickle in despite the fact that I have not gotten any disability or paycheck in two weeks.  Travis got his last paycheck and I had to commendeer it to pay some bills.  I got $20 to do private duty for an hour and then the yard sale money helps.  Also getting child support still. 

There has been an issue with my kids and lack of structure but I am going to work on that.  They do need more structure.  It has pretty much been a free for all here the last two years.  Also when the house is cleaned up it needs to stay that way!  I can't be a slob anymore, or the kids for that matter! 

Wish us luck! 

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Richard

I've been putting off this entry out of fear of cursing or dooming this relationship.  But I don't think journal entries is the culprit.  Ok I met Richard about two weeks ago.  Well, we have been talking online for a few days prior, even thru my surgery and problems after.  I think I may have met "The One".  I am so afraid however to let my heart go.  He is 5 years younger than me and very good looking.  He is currently living in Albany but may move up here soon.  I know we might be rushing things, but with his situation and mine, it would be ideal.  I need extra income and he needs a place to stay with a safe and good school system for his son.  He is staying with his sister right now after leaving his son's mother.  No he is not married. 

We seem to just "click", I don't know what it is.  I am so afraid he is acting just to get me to fall for him, but if he is acting he is doing a bang up job of it.  He is affectionate, romantic, likes the kids, changed my flat tire etc...  his son and my kids get along great and all are eager to live together.  We will however be adding another dog to the mix!  So things should be interesting in this little house.  He has also mentioned the word "marriage" but not until a while from now.  We just tossed around the idea.  Maybe its all part of his "seduction" plan.  LOL!  Anyhow gonna take it slow and cautious.  He says he feels the same with me, that I seem too good to be true and he is waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Here is his picture... wish us luck!

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Birdfeeder cam

I will occasionally have a webcam set up to view the birdfeeders outside my window.  I do not have a webcam host yet so the only way to be able to view it would be to add me to your buddy list and if you see me online to ask me turn it on! It is also available thru my yahoo IM, geocachelinda.  Send me a buddy request and if you see me online there I can turn it on if its not on already!   Linda

P.S. If anyone knows a free and easy place to host a webcam could you let me know?

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Happy Birthday to Sarah today!  She is 9 today.  She had her party yesterday at her Grandmother's.  I couldn't go because of the pain and the pills but today I am going to really try to do something with her!  I might have a friend come pick us up because I don't want to drive too far.  She enjoyed her party at her Grandmother's and got some nice presents!  Linda

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Maybe its the drugs...

Maybe its the drugs but does anyone here see this resemblance too?  When I first layed eyes on Sarah Palin, the Republican VP pick of Mr. McCain all I could think about was Wonder Woman!  I wonder if she is going to spin around and transform into WW and save the day!

Day from hell

You know that from my previous entry how sick I was.  On Friday at 1:30 AM I awoke with excruating abdominal pain.  I woke up Sarah and barely drove myself to the emergency room.  I almost passed out walking up the stairs and had to lay on them outside.  I sent Sarah in to get someone and lay their panting and sweating and both hands were numb and tingling.  No one came, so I managed to get up and walk into the emergency room clutching my belly and moaning.  Finally someone saw me and got me into a bed.  I couldn't lay down, couldn't stand up etc.. They drew blood, probably to see what kind of drugs I was on!  LOL, then started an IV and gave me morphine.  Didn't touch it, I continued to be in agony and they left me and didn't give me a call bell!  I resorted to yelling and screaming until they came back and gave me Demorol.  Still nothing.  They hit me twice more with more drugs  and antibiotics etc... Finally it started working and they decided at 3 AM to admit me.  I got upstairs by 5 and they gave me more meds because it was still hurting.  I was in such agony, I was sitting on the side of the bed, sweat pouring off me and moaning and panting like I was dying.  All the time in the back of my mind all I could think is people must of thought I sounded like I was either having a baby or having incredible sex!  LOL!  I was sitting on the side of the bed and couldn't move an inch.  Each time I did a bolt of pain would shoot thru me and I would scream.  The poor nurse didn't know what to do.  I told her it felt like a severe muscle spasm.  They called the Dr. and he ordered me some muscle relaxer.  I couldn't even see I was in such pain.  Finally that kicked in and I was able to lay down. 

I was in a daze all day and my roomate was an elderly woman on hospice and her family was in there ALL DAY talking very LOUDLY!  They kept bringing her food and describing different foods to her.  I swear if her daughter said Maypo or Lobster Bisque on more time I was going to fly over the curtain and strangle her ASS!  I drifted in and out for a while but really didn't get to sleep until around 9 PM.  I had the nurses take out my catheter and then my IV because I had to pee every 5 minutes!..  They kept coming in every 4 or 6 hours and hitting me up with more muscle relaxers.  I didn't get to leave the hospital until around 11 AM .  I am hoping deperately that pain does not return.  I am starving and ordered some Italian food and have hogged that down.  Will probably puke it up soon tho. 

I came home to starving animals, garbage strewn all over and pee and poop in the bathroom.  Travis did nothing while I was gone.  I had to feed the animals and clean up poop and pee.  I should of kicked him in the ass and told him to do it!    So I am still very dizzy and out of it.  I am hoping it will go away soon and I can start feeling normal.  I hate being sick and out of sorts like this. 

Sick as a dog

The last couple of days I have been not feeling very well, the pain is getting a little better but I have been having a feeling of not being able to "catch" my breath and still very swollen.  Now I feel sick to my stomach and dizzy.  I tried driving today and I was so carsick.  I was going by the surgeons office, so I stopped in and told them I wasn't feeling well.  They didn't even have a THERMOMETER in that office to take my temp!  They paged my surgeon and he was going to have them call in an antibiotic for me!  I told the lady, no I cannot drive over to the pharmacy and sit there for an hour and that I was going home.  I told them I would call them if I didn't feel better tomorrow.  I am wondering if I am having complications such as perhaps an infection or bile leak somewhere. 

Sarah has been a monster lately too and being demanding and rude.  She still expects me to wait on her hand and foot and gets mad if I can't do what she wants.  I try to rest and every couple minutes she barges in the room saying she is "bored".  I called her grandmother and she even seemed reluctant to watch her for a while.  She did take her for a couple hours but then said "I'll see you sunday" for her party.  She never said if you need something call.  I was so mad after leaving that Dr.s office that I have NO ONE to rely on and help me.  Now I know that isn't completely true.  My Dad called today and offered to take me to the Dr. tomorrow and to the pharmacy.  I feel like such a loser.  Here I am 42 years old with no friends or family willing or able to help me except for Dad.  I know my Mom would in a heartbeat but she is so far away.  She has felt terrible and worries so much about me.  I LOVE YOU MOM!

Ok enough whining! 

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Surgery went well!

A quick note to let everyone that surgery yesterday went well. I am still in some discomfort but will make it.  Buzzy is happy keeping me company.  Here is a dog similar to Buzzy.

Isn't that cute as all get out?  :)   Love that little doggie!  Travis had a birthday Sunday and is now 17!  Can't believe it!  One more year of school.  I know he is very immature still because his school Army recruiter called yesterday and I was trying to hand Travis the phone and he was yelling, I don't want to talk to him, I don't want to go in the Army!  So I'm sure that guy doesn't want him in the Army either!  Here is my surgery wounds don't scroll down if you get grossed out easy...

 

 

The large purple blob is my bellybutton!  You can see one insertion site on the left.  I have two others like that..  Linda

 

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Happy Birthday to ME!

Thanks to all who previously wished me a Happy Birthday!  I'm 42 today!  No, I don't really feel old.  I just feel like me.  Age is just a number.  Here is my gift to myself...

This little doggy needed a home.  I know I just found a home for my other dog.  Daisy is quite happy in her new home and we went and visited the other day and she is doing great.  This dog is older, slower and quiet!  He mostly plays, lays around and chews his ball.  He is a Cairn terrier.  Like Toto.  His name is officially Buster Brown but they called him Buzzy.  I don't really care for that myself.  The cats really aren't all that upset about him because he pretty much ignores them.  I think Buster is a better choice for us.  He is however very obese and is going on a diet!  His last owner fed him pretty much what he wanted, probably table scraps and on Sundays a double cheeseburger from McDonald's!  I think today at work we are ordering out.  Linda

A crazy, busy week

This past week has pretty much been spent preparing for my gallbladder surgery on Monday the 25th.  I am so tired and worn out I'm actually looking forward to a break!  Financially it won't be easy but Travis said that I can have his last check to help out.  That is nice of him, even though I pretty much told him we need it.  His birthday is Sunday.  He will be 17!  Mine is tomorrow, 42 for me!  And dear Sarah will be Sept. 1st and she will be 9! 

The Washington Co. fair started yesterday.  I look forward to going because of the tractor pulls.  I may go Saturday night to watch them.  I don't know if any of you remember the lady Joy that I take care of.  Her daughter called and asked for help again.  I went over last night and helped get her ready for bed.  I only worked 45 minutes and she paid me $20.  I sure can use the extra cash.  That will give me gas for 2 days..  Sad isn't it?  $20 used to go so far.  Anyhow she has me booked for tonight and tomorrow also.  Friday we are having Travis birthday party out at this Dads.  That will be a late night because it doesn't start until 7.  I want to try to leave by 9 because I have to work the next day.  I am so darn tired of working.  My back has been killing me lately.  Then next Sunday is Sarah's party and I need to start planning and getting supplies for that.  She is having 8 guests.  I may go to the craft store and get some T-shirts and fabric paint so they can make their own commemorative T-shirts for the Fear Factor party.  At the very least it will give them something to do for 1/2 hr!  :)

Ok off to get ready for work.. once again...

One of my geocaches is on Youtube!

Watch as this girl goes out and finds my Geocache Throw Daddy from the Train!

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Love is the answer

I heard this song yesterday and remembered how much I loved it.  Even as a child I loved it and it wasn't until I was an adult that I really knew what it meant!  I looked over the videos available but settled on this one. 

 

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A little better...

Here we are at Monday again.. I have tomorrow off so Monday isn't too bad for me this week.  I really need to start school shopping.  The weather continues to be rainy and stormy.  I'm not complaining however, its better than scorching heat and humidity. 

Sarah and I have been thinking about a type of party for her and we came up with a Fear Factor party.  The guests perform different tasks like getting handcuffed and then having to retrieve a key out of a bucket of worms and bugs etc..  Making gross shakes out of different ingrediants and then switching them with something that isn't really made out of those things, out of their view of course!  Also the "dirty diaper" where they have to just use their mouths to fish bubble gum out of a diaper filled with yellow food coloring and chocolate pudding.  The first one to blow a bubble wins.  I think it will be fun with a bunch of squeally little girls! 

I'm excited the Washington County Fair will be starting soon.  I love the tractor pulls and hope to get some pictures from this year on here.  My camera is broken pretty good now.  It takes pictures but won't turn off and upload to the computer.  I think its time for a new one. 

Almost time to get ready for work.  I hope everyone has a good day!  Linda

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Pain, pain, pain

Gotta love that!  You can tell who the boss is in that cage!  Anyhow I am very uncomfortable this morning and that doesn't bode well for the rest of the day.  It could just be the way I'm sitting in this hard-ass kitchen chair.  I need a regular computer chair.  Maybe I'll see if my work is throwing any out.  They change office equipment like its underwear. 

A fellow journaler asked me about my hernia.  This is the hopefully easy to understand explanation of my type of hernia. 

I have either an inguinal or femoral hernia.  They develop in the groin area.  My last two hernias were on the left side.  My first was an inguinal and my second a femoral.  The pain feels like menstrual cramps to stabbing pains that radiate down my leg.  They are repaired under local and general anesthisia where I am given something by IV which knocks me out.  The incision is around 3-4 inches long and they repair the muscle tear with a mesh.  It is considered a day surgery and they send you home shortly after.  I do not do well after these surgeries.  I vomit and have intense pain which is barely relieved by the medication they give me.  Recovery time is about 6 weeks for someone in my line of work.  Probably less for someone who has a desk job.  Up and moving around after a couple days and can drive.  It hurts.  They told me "mild discomfort", but my ceserians were easier than these!  Probably because I was in the hospital hooked up to the magic button machine!  So I am a little cranky today and no I don't have a PMS.  LOL

There was a big storm that rolled through Saratoga yesterday with so much rain and hail that the streets flooded and part of the dirt track at the racecourse had washed out.  They actually closed the track for the rest of the day.  They did hand out vouchers for patrons to come another day, but I think they probably would of prefered to wait the hour it took for the track to be fixed and watch the races they came to see. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!   Linda

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Happy 08/08/08

Good Morning!  Is everyone going to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony tonight?  I plan on it. 

I haven't had a good week.  I may have yet another hernia.  This time on the right side.  I had one two years ago and one 10 years before that both on the left.  If this one is a hernia, I'm going to have the surgeon patch up the whole area!  I am going to see the same surgeon for the hernia that I'm seeing for the gallbladder.  Maybe they can fix them both at the same time. 

I am tired of hurting and feeling sick all the time.  I have no energy and no desire to do anything. 

We have been having alot of rain and thunderstorms.  Travis rode his bike to work yesterday and ended up getting soaked and pelted with hail on his way home yesterday!  Now he doesn't want to ride to work anymore!  Can't say I blame him!   He only has 3 weeks left to work.  Not much else going on.  Everyone have a lucky day!

Wild baby bunny

This morning I was treated to the show of Tiger chasing down and tackling a baby cottontail rabbit!

This is not the actual rabbit, but one that looks similar.  In the excitement I forgot to take pictures.  I ran outside and yelled at him and he dropped it.  I went over and saw it was still alive and apparently uninjured except for a patch of missing fur.  I picked it up and brought it inside for Sarah to see.  We considered keeping it for a pet, but after some research online I realized this was not a good choice as it would most likely die in captivity.  We released it in a small field close to the woods and it bounded right away!  I am hoping Tiger will stop bringing down rabbits!  The landlord has said that people have seen fox right in the park here too.  I am worried because Tarzan is gone again and has been since yesterday afternoon.  I hope he comes back. 

 

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