Watcha doing today?

[Littlesister]

Jeepers, hopefully the yard is all that is left, and you can put that for sale sign up real soon. 

I know it has been a long hard year for you. 

 

These grandkids are going to keep me here as long as they are still here. One needs me to babysit and the other needs to get in gear and pass that coast guard test. I pulled out the book and he still hasn't bothered to study. Tomorrow I am going to set my old computer up on kitchen counter and make him study from the computer somehow, some way he has to do it, if not he now knows the alternative. 

 

Got two of the light bulbs replaced in the garage. Just 3 more to go. At least the front and middle of garage isn't so dark now. Will finish that job up tomorrow. Need to move some things out of there to get up there on the ladder. 

 

 

[Jeepers]

My garage here is dark too. I want to get one of those lights that screws in to the bulb socket and has arms that light up. Can't think of the name of them and can't post a link. Anyway, I'm going to need the extra light out there when I start getting it cleared out. They are sort of expensive IMO but I can take it with me and put the regular bulb back in. 

[Littlesister]

Jeepers, hopefully the yard is all that is left, and you can put that for sale sign up real soon. 

I know it has been a long hard year for you. 

 

These grandkids are going to keep me here as long as they are still here. One needs me to babysit and the other needs to get in gear and pass that coast guard test. I pulled out the book and he still hasn't bothered to study. Tomorrow I am going to set my old computer up on kitchen counter and make him study from the computer somehow, some way he has to do it, if not he now knows the alternative. 

 

Got two of the light bulbs replaced in the garage. Just 3 more to go. At least the front and middle of garage isn't so dark now. Will finish that job up tomorrow. Need to move some things out of there to get up there on the ladder. 

 

Jeepers, I have 3 outlets that each take 2 bulbs. All of them burned out but one. I am replacing them with the LED bulbs. 

 

[Mother]

50 minutes ago, Littlesister said:

I pulled out the book and he still hasn't bothered to study.

Little Sister, you mentioned him being diagnosed as ADHD.  Have you considered that he might not be able to study from a book?   A couple of our GSs needed someone to read the material to them during school and they did excellent but faced with a book on their own was overwhelmed.  Perhaps if you sat down with him and showed an interest in not only helping him but learning something about what knowledge he needed. You might even read it to him, ask interested questions if he seems to know the answer, and generally show the enthusiasm that he can’t come to.
 

 It’s only a few weeks and you would feel you really had gone the extra mile with him. I know you are frustrated because you have so much you ant to do but It might be just what he needs.  If not, you are only out a few hours and some extra effort. 

[Littlesister]

Thank you, Mother, for that info. I have already tried to help him and sit down to help him with the math part of it. He just sits there and won't try. His oldest sister tried with him also and still he won't study.  I am getting ready to put the computer on counter and pull up the test. He loves playing games on the computer so hoping that he will study that way. I do have to say some of the questions don't make a lot of since. As it seems there are no right or wrong answer on some of them. I am in process myself of looking at the book to see where I can help him.  His sister and I are trying to get him to talk with his recruiter to see if there is someone that can work with him and study with him. 

Right now, he is also getting disgusted with his job. Can't say I blame him as the person that does the scheduling will have him scheduled but will have everyone else off on the days, they get the big trucks in. They are assigned rows, and he has to do his 3 rows plus the other 3 people that are scheduled off.  I think they need to teach this manager how to schedule people. 

[Necie]

18 hours ago, Mt_Rider said:

 

Oh wow, Necie!  I guess that's the flip-side of having big families.  Someone is always doing someTHING!      for healing and pain relief.  Ribs are not fun.  Have you been told what EXACTLY your grown up son was attempting when this little incident occurred???  Sheesh, "boys" and their toys! 

But with big families, there’s always more hands to help out too. 

And you hit the nail on the head with *attempt*. He’s been *attempting* things since he was little. First time he broke bones, he was 9 and broke 2 of the bones that run up the top of the foot. I said “What the he11 were you TRYING to do?!?” He was trying to do a flip off a little exercise trampoline. Why??? Because it worked the first time and a couple of his buddies bet him that he couldn’t do it again!! He’s had many broken bones since... hand, 2 ribs at different times, arm/wrist- required pins. Have sat in the ER with him MANY times. 

This time... all I know is he was going too fast, turned to the right, and rolled it to the left. At least he’s right handed, so he can still wipe his own butt!! 
And this 4 wheeler that they got.... little zoom-zoom that I’d imagined... NOPE!! This thing is HUGE! Not at all meant for his daredevil antics. Work type vehicle. 
@Littlesister, I’m pretty sure that the collarbone is gonna require surgery. I’ll be amazed if it doesn’t. The ER doc gave them an emergency referral to an orthopedic specialist that they have to call tomorrow morning. I just hope that he doesn’t cause any worse damage before the surgery. He doesn’t sit still well. When he broke his foot when he was 9, his dad took him to the ER. Came home and the doc had wrapped it, said to put on MULTIPLE socks and one of his dad’s size 8 boots and keep him still.  I loaded him right back up, took him back in myself, and INSISTED on a cast. Dumb doc didn’t get it, but thank God I did. Keeping him still would have been like the worst punishment ever and torture to him... and me. 
 

Pics of 4 wheeler before wreck. I saw it today and it’s mostly messed up on the back left. DS says he will fix it right back up. 😒

 

Thank you everyone for the prayers! 🥰

 

 

[Mt_Rider]

I have to say, Necie....that does look like a wonderful tool!  ....ahem, but if you look really hard, it COULD look like a fun TOY too!     

 

Glad you're better Jeepers. 

How is your DH, Miki? 

Mother....I wanna find a house cleaner too!  Good idea, tho expensive. 

 

Well, I ended up in the ER today.  Not anything that bad but again, it was just bad timing.  I woke with definite pain in the Right ear.  I've been having trouble with it - and leaving that hearing aid out and then put it in; then leave it out again.  Sweet oil and Tea Tree mixed kinda worked but not this deep into Eustachian tubes.  This this was pain without the hearing aid in.  So DH was afraid it might be an inner ear infection...which gets nasty fast.  And since he works tomorrow, I got shower/dry hair...and we went in.  The doc and DH talked after I gave the floor to DH.  Dr said it was good to come in.  Both ears are "congested"...?....  But the right tympanic membrane {ear drum} is apparently kinda knarly.  He saw red marks and it's bulged out.  Fluid behind it is doing that.  No infection back there ...yet.  Etc.     Soooo....what?

 

So yeah, good to come in before infection sets in.  He thinks it's all from seasonal allergies.    Hmph!  We're to have 50-60 mph WINDS this week.  And they've already begun at this (late) hour!  Blowing stuff all over.   Right thru gaps in chinking of logs.  AND.....I have a very simple diagnosis for WHAT I respond to for allergy:  All Particulates.  I'm not choosy.  I react to all of them: from dust to pollen  - and the pine trees are about to start.  Oh boy.  And I have to get on a very long plane ride soon.  I have a couple weeks to solve what's causing this. 

 

AND...probably more of what caused this to flare:  I'm stirring up all kinds of DUST as I'm digging into far corners to find stuff for Maui trip.  And sorting/organizing/clearing.     

 

Air travel with inner ear difficulties is challenging/painful.  So....we stopped to get a script for antihistamine.  Took 3 today.  Have a 7 day supply and orders to see my primary doc.  My next yearly wellness appointment in July.  ( I skipped last year due to giving the neurologist all of 2023)  But I'll have to make an appt before we leave...5/20.  I really do not want to be in serious pain on the descent of the planes (2) going to Maui.  But the salt air in the islands is wonderful for my sinus/allergy issues!  I really did wonderfully while living there!    That would be nice.  

 

Well, that's my eventful day.  $$$ to the ER....cuz this landed on the wrong day again.  Can't drive myself and didn't want to wait till .....well, I'm booked all week!    Odd.  Usually I'm at home all the time. 

 

....the anatomy of the inner ear is ...weird!  God made some really complex things when He created us.   I do remember, now that I'm thinking about it, having some seriously painful ear problems as a young kid too.  Sleeping on a hot water bottle.  Something about tiny Eustachian tubes?  Now I'm old, we're doing reruns?  Obviously the right one isn't draining.  Hmph.  

 

MtRider  ....late for bed!  But Maui time - I'll be right on normal schedule!   

[Necie]

@Mt_Rider, nasal spray works wonders for eustachian tubes. DS2 was born with small tubes and esophagus. His pediatrician recommended the spray to help clear his tubes and keep them clear to prevent ear infections. 
 

eta: also doing the “plug your nose, shut your mouth, and BLOW” exercise a few times a day.

Edited May 6 by Necie

[snapshotmiki]

I hope the orthopedic consult goes well for your DS @Necie  

@Jeepers, I'm so glad that your stomach issues are "passing"!  And that you have someone pinned down to take care of your yard!

@mtfarmchick  Whoops!

@Mt_Rider, I am glad that your got to the ER before the ears became a real issue and before your trip!

@Littlesister, I hope that your GS will work on studying with the computer!

 

DH said this morning that he didn't want to jump the gun, but he thinks the antibiotic is already working!  That is really good news!

 

Already walked.
Have to set up DH's pills for the month and do laundry.
Package the figs that I dehydrated.

 

Went and saw Chondra Pierce with my Church ladies last night-Christian comedienne. Very funny!

 

[Littlesister]

Miki, I am glad the antibiotic is finally helping your DH.   for his continued healing from this.

 

Necie, hope all goes well for your son. Was hoping he wouldn't need surgery.  for a fast recovery and that he is able to get full range of motion from that shoulder. 

 

GS picked up his book and opened it to the math part of it. Seems that is his weakest area. He bookmarked it and then put the book down. Well at least he opened it. Can't get him settled on the computer yet. 

 

GS and I went to Lowe's to pick up topsoil. Got 10 bags which hopefully will be enough to do what I needed it for. We filled in where the truck of wood sank into the ground and then added more dirt where the 2 pine trees were taken down. So hopefully that will take care of that. There are some other places I need to add to but will do that tomorrow. 

[Necie]

Called DDIL this morning at 9 (didn’t want to wake DS up in case he was sleeping). She didn’t answer... DS called me back on his phone. He said she was on the phone with the specialist and they had to be there at 11. He had also called the feed store and ordered pig feed for me to pick up for him— would be ready at 2:00. 
When I got there they still weren’t home, so I unloaded the feed and put it in the barrels. The older I get, the heavier those feed bags get. 

They got home. Instead of the 4 broken ribs that the ER doc saw, the orthopedic surgeon saw 5 broken ribs— 3 through 7, starting at mid chest (3) and going down and back towards the spine (7). She said that’s why he hurts front and back. The collarbone has “multiple” fractures— 2 main ones with pieces that splintered off. Surgery set for Wednesday and DDIL said that she called her work and took the rest of the week off. I told them that I’d either show up at the hospital or their house Wednesday after market and if they needed anything before then to let me know. 
OH— and I also got the *real* story... He was riding on the road (dirt), doing 40-45, and... doing fishtails.  One time when it swung to the left, the rear wheel *caught* the road instead of sliding and it flipped. Dumb@ss!! You’d think being almost 40 that he’d outgrow this crap!

I did crochet this morning and planted 2 rows of carrots/radishes in the garden after I got home. Container potatoes are popping up too. Flea market tomorrow.

 

pic of DS’s X-ray and one that shows the difference in his shoulders 

 

 

[Jeepers]

@snapshotmiki So glad your husband is seeing improvement. I understand about not speaking too soon. I'm the same way.

 

@Necie  Hope your son is doing much better.

 

@Mt_Rider. Necie is right. The doctor gave me nasal sprays for my burst eardrum. One was Flonase. I don't remember the other one. I THINK it started with an 'A'. Both OTC. They help to dry up the fluid in the inner ear.

 

 

Ugh, Necie and I were typing at the same time. I just saw the x-ray. OUCH!

 

That's going to set him back physically. Hope he learned something. But I know how that goes. 

[Becca_Anne]

Necie ouch  Hopefully he learns this time to be sensible that will take awhile to heal and hopefully he won't puncture a lung with all those broken ribs. 

 

MtRider I 2nd the nasal spray. I have bad allergies and used to get ear infections from them due to tree pollen. Since I've used Nasonex or Flonase I haven't had any. I think you can get both over the counter but please check with your Dr and pharmacist to make sure they are safe for you if you decide to try it. Flying with fluid in your ears is so incredibly painful so I hope you can get it to resolve in time.

Littlesister I hope your GS can learn what he needs to. It's hard watching the struggle.

Jeepers hope the yard comes together soon. Good idea getting a light you can take with you to make the garage easier to see.

Miki you're making me want to go buy some figs 

Today was work, my mammogram which came back clear (can't believe how fast they got me the results!) and then book group which was fun. Tomatoes and Peppers and other plants ready to go into the garden but have to let the soil dry out a bit more so probably will be Friday since more rain in the forcast.

 

 

[Littlesister]

Necie, as much as I was hoping for no surgery, that X-ray looks like he will have pins to hold it together. Though I could be wrong. I  for all to go well with the surgery and he will come out of this learning a huge lesson. But then boys never grow up and out of the toys. Those toys just get bigger. His wife needs to put him on restriction and take away his boy toys. 

 

Mt. Rider, I hope and pray your ears clear up fast. You need to behave yourself for that trip to Hawaii. No time for illness now. 

 

We have been having thunderstorms and heavy rain now for the past 2 hours. Storm is over but still a light rain. This might cut into my plans for working outside tomorrow. Flower beds will be to wet to get into them.

[Mt_Rider]

Wow....I'm breathing more clearly than normal.  Side affects include dry mouth, etc.  Might not notice here in arid country....  or  ...it could be worse.     So far, 5 antihistamine pills taken, I haven't noticed.  My R Eustachian tube area still is sore.   I'm supposed to do that nasal fire-hose thing.  But if I do saline flood nasal passages, it doesn't come out right away.  Waits and floods for the next 5 hrs EVERY time I bend over.  Might try it once but I have appointments T and B/S Wed and...  well THAT just wouldn't be pretty!   

 

We had noteworthy WIND today. 

 

Oye, Necie!  He could have broken his neck!  Yeah...some adulting while riding the toy!  He's gonna give you a heart attack!     for good results in surgery and good behavior during recovery.   

 

Little Sister... "opened book and closed it."  30 days...29...28...  He's got a real block there.  Is it from non-success in high school?   

 

Miki .... for your dh to continue to improve.  Finally?

 

I'm kinda wiped out.....might even {gasp}  go to bed early.  Feel like sleeping right now and it's only 8pm.  Are antihistamine pills also sleepy/drowsy pills?

Flonase?  Hmm...  That's just a spray - not a flood, right?   Maybe I'll have DH pick some up tomorrow...during yet another/different appt. 

 

MtRider 

[Jeepers]

@Becca_Anne Good news concerning getting the girls picture taken!  

[Littlesister]

Mt. Rider, some antihistamines will make you sleepy. Sleep well my friend. 

And yes, very much non succuss in high school.  They really didn't teach well, and he fell through the cracks. He had a helper that came into the classroom to help him along with the teacher, but I guess he is not teachable. When I said he hated school. I wasn't joking. He would skip school all together or just skip classes he didn't like. Though he did love history. Which now they won't teach that. Makes me wonder how he graduated. 

[Becca_Anne]

Mt Rider yes it's a spray, that acts locally in the nasal passages and reduces swelling in both the sinuses and Eustachian tubes up to your ears.. That allows the fluid to drain normally, and based on what you're describing with the nasal rinse you have a lot of swelling in there too that is trapping liquid. 

[Jeepers]

My nasal spray was not a flood. Just two squirts up the nose. Actually more like puffs. Hold your head upright insert nozzle in your nose (not far) and either squeeze the bottle or press down on the plunger, depending which med you have. Nothing to it. 

[Necie]

@Littlesister, they said plate and pins and something that I can’t remember. He had pins when he broke his arm years ago and hated it, so he’s not thrilled about that. 
 

We are supposed to have more rain tomorrow. Three rounds. Morning, afternoon and possibly overnight. Biggest risk is afternoon (3-6pm). 
 

Everyone is teachable. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding the right method for them and using the right techniques. It can be a struggle with a lot of experimentation until you find success. Praying for guidance. 🧎 

[Jeepers]

Forgot to add. Dr. showed me how to massage the eustachian tubes. Not as gross as it sounds. Just rub the side of your neck/throat area from the little hollow behind your ear (behind your earlobe) in a downward motion toward your collar bone.  Either gently rub it use a tapping motion. What it is supposed to do is help drain extra fluid from your ear. 

[Mt_Rider]

18 minutes ago, Becca_Anne said:

what you're describing with the nasal rinse you have a lot of swelling in there too that is trapping liquid. 

Actually, I haven't gotten near the nasal rinse procedure for years.  Cuz that's what happened every time.  One cannot function with a bucket under the nose for drizzle every single time I bent over.  Bah!  I'll try the nasal spray instead. 

 

However, what you're describing makes sense as to WHY the rinse in not coming out all at once as it is expected to. Probably a chronic state for me?  Except where the Hawaiian ocean salt air dries them up.  But first I have to go UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN on 2 planes to get there.  Don't wanna be screeching like the babies with their bitty painful ears.    

 

BTW , Jeepers....How DID The Case of the Gouged Ear Drum turn out?  Did it repair itself...can you hear now?  Does scar tissue occur?  My ear drum is red and bulged out.  Air bubbles too - somewhere.    Don't think he said where the bubbles come from.  He drew pictures to illustrate with a magic marker on the exam table cover.  LOL 

 

MtRider  ...thankful we still have advanced medical care... 

[Mt_Rider]

Posting at the same time....Jeepers. 

 

But yeah, I've done that a lot when my ears feel ...? ...uncomfortable.  Just feels right.  R one has been a bit sore today. 

Thanks

MtRider  ...I just need to  and get everything back in place!! 

[Jeepers]

My eardrum did heal by itself. Thank you God! The last check up showed a crease all the way down it that is probably a scar. I go back to the audiologist on July 23rd for a final look. My hearing is about the same. But no worse. 

[Littlesister]

Mt. Rider I have always heard that if you chew gum while on the plane it will help your ears to pop. Pack you some gum for just in case. It hopefully will help if needed. 

 

We are going to have off and on rain and thunderstorms all week according to the weather man. So, no working in yard this week. GS did get the topsoil down where the holes filled in where the truck from the wood being unloaded sank into the ground. So, after all this rain, I will see if anymore topsoil is needed to fill in. 

 

Going to work in the house and garage all week. Not much I can do outside if it's too wet.

 

Jeepers, I am glad your eardrum healed up on its own. I had not heard how that was doing so glad you posted that.