Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[flyingdumbo127]

Good morning my dear friends with love. It's chilly here right now but as always your kindness and care warms my heart. Thank you all always.

Dear Snowysmom, hugs and I hope you are able to take June off from being at work, too. Dad thanks. I agree about lists and like how you put that.

Dear PollyannaMom, I love your tree pictures. The first one especially that shows light streaming in is just lovely, thank you for sharing. Hooray that you had a candy treat. Dad likes a Pepperidge farm chocolate raspberry cookie and would have enjoyed a piece of your candy bar.

Dear Lynn, such pretty early morning Mickey and Minnie flowers, thank you, my friend. I agree on the landlord. We really just need his okay to hire Empire. Summer brighter days prayers always and the same to you, you know that.

Have a wonderful day everyone. I will come back later.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Waving hi from LA. I hope each of dear you had a good Tuesday

Dad did talk with Sonia this morning. He also spoke with Josh, our Empire contact. Sonia said the owner is requesting a signed statement from Empire indicating that neither he (owner) or the management company are responsible if one of Empire's workers get injured on our job. Josh told dad that as soon as installers are assigned to us, he will get that taken care of.

I'm excited and long term dad is, too about our finally having safe level floors. Horribly the owner refuses to pay a dime. I will ask R for any financial assistance ideas he may have. Dad, I think is truly overwhelmed by all that needs to be done before and after our job is completed. He's going to be looking for a reputable housecleaning service to possibly come both ahead of installation and afterwards.

I will be contacting R in the morning either by email or in person. I am going to ask to stay here for about three more weeks. God willing, I will go home at last on Friday, June 27th.

Dad will need time to put our apartment back together after such major work. He will be hiring a house cleaner for sure who I pray will also assist him with re-organizing our space. I am also going to suggest he try to hire someone to help him prepare for the installation in terms of putting stuff away and clearing furniture surfaces. I feel so badly not being able to physically help with any of that but maybe I can do some Googling of services and calling.

That is my Tuesday evening report. Sweet dreams everyone with love always.

 

[Snowysmom]

@flyingdumbo127 Glad things are moving in the right direction. Having help with cleaning will help your Dad and makes things less stressful for him. I hope R agrees to your time frame for staying. He will most likely have to see what the insurance company says.

Good morning. The sun is out again, 3 days in a row! But tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday it will be rainy. I did get to the lake yesterday. I like seeing chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and hearing the birds chirping. There is always a dog walker with at least 3 huge dogs he wrestles with. One is a Bernese mountain dog who is gorgeous. Kenny finally made his flight res for the Disney trip. He is flying out of Boston now as Manchester only has one flight and if it gets canceled or delayed it would be difficult. He will be in Disney a few hours after me. He is flying back a few hours after me. Jeff and I are flying back together. I like to get back to the condo midafternoon so I can unpack and get settled back in. I could drive back from the airport with Kenny if I took his flight but I have the transportation service set up. And he won't be back in the area until early evening. Plus I get some time with Jeff on the plane. I am also asking my boys if they will take a few hours for us to go to Epcot together, just the 3 of us. GF can stay with the kids while they sleep. I want some time with my guys.

Have a good day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Waving hi from LA. I hope each of dear you had a good Tuesday

Dad did talk with Sonia this morning. He also spoke with Josh, our Empire contact. Sonia said the owner is requesting a signed statement from Empire indicating that neither he (owner) or the management company are responsible if one of Empire's workers get injured on our job. Josh told dad that as soon as installers are assigned to us, he will get that taken care of.

I'm excited and long term dad is, too about our finally having safe level floors. Horribly the owner refuses to pay a dime. I will ask R for any financial assistance ideas he may have. Dad, I think is truly overwhelmed by all that needs to be done before and after our job is completed. He's going to be looking for a reputable housecleaning service to possibly come both ahead of installation and afterwards.

I will be contacting R in the morning either by email or in person. I am going to ask to stay here for about three more weeks. God willing, I will go home at last on Friday, June 27th.

Dad will need time to put our apartment back together after such major work. He will be hiring a house cleaner for sure who I pray will also assist him with re-organizing our space. I am also going to suggest he try to hire someone to help him prepare for the installation in terms of putting stuff away and clearing furniture surfaces. I feel so badly not being able to physically help with any of that but maybe I can do some Googling of services and calling.

That is my Tuesday evening report. Sweet dreams everyone with love always.

Around here, the high school kids have to do a certain number of community service hours to graduate. If it's the same where you are, maybe he could get some to help move items out of the way for the floor installation?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good morning everyone It's a little early but I did enjoy the blessing of a good night sleep. I'm resting now. It feels good to be under the covers. It is supposed to warm up by Friday to the mid to upper 80's.

That was strange! I am typing these words at 5:42am. A man just came in to take my wheelchair to be cleaned and disinfected. At the front of this facility is nurse's station 1. There is a sign that says every Wednesday afternoon, I believe, is wheelchair cleaning day. My wheelchair has never been cleaned except by me before now!

Big hug dear Snowysmom. I love that God has placed differerent friendly critters and I pray people, too, to brighten your walks with extra peace and joy. That would be wonderful for you snd your boys to get to spend some special Mickey time together just the three of you. I agree on R. I understand that it's not completely his call. I have appreciated that he wants me to be safe at home and stay home once I am there. He will do his best to give me this extension. I will update later.

Dear PollyannaMom, that is a great idea. There is a high school less than five minutes away from us. Empire will do the actual furniture moving and putting back. I am guessing surfaces of tables or tops of bookcases will have to be cleared off. Dad will be finding that out. Thank you for your wonderful suggestion.

Have a wonderful Wednesday dear Quacker family with love always.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Started raining around noontime yesterday and is still coming down. Supposed to last most of the day. We don't need anymore right now, Mother Nature needs to save it for June and July

It's gray and dreary, temp will only get to 56 today. Clearing and warming tomorrow, then more rain on Friday.

Unless it stops raining around noontime, I'll wait until tomorrow to do grocery shopping and errands, I don't really want to drive in the pouring rain, and for some reason our Aldi's isn't opening until 2 today anyhow.

Have a good day

 

[flyingdumbo127]

What an adorable umbrella Mickey has dear Lynn. Please stay home until the rain stops. I'm not a fan of driving in a downpour either. Be safe my friend!

Over an hour later, and my wheelchair has not returned. Did they run it to a car wash? The morning charge nurse just came in and verified my wheelchair is being cleaned. She said she will see what's going on and try to find me a wheelchair to borrow. There are always empty chairs around here so that shouldn't be too hard. I hope.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Mona, what about any of the churches nearby? They might have some kindly volunteers who could help. There is also something called Next Door where you could ask for help. I see a lot of ads like that. People enjoy helping for a worthy cause. Just explain the situation. I’m glad you’re getting your floors done and not surprised they won’t help with the cost. Hate to tell them but that that note about getting hurt won’t hold up in court if something did happen, but if it makes the guy feel better, and allows the job to happen, then hey.

The day we were putting things away after finishing our floors I was having a medical issue, I think I might’ve mentioned it here. I’d eaten some salty microwave popcorn and it shot up my BP. Chemo can do that too so I was debating calling my oncology team. DS’s girlfriend was working in the ER so I checked in w her to see how the crowds were and she told me to just sit (which is all I would do there). So I tried but it was hard watching DD and DH do all the work and I wanted to help, I found it more relaxing that sitting around looking at all the boxes. We were cleaning things as we were putting them away and I enjoyed that too. So that’s what I did. And it all worked out.

I had my last chemo yesterday. I didn’t get to ring the bell as they don’t do that anymore cause people complained. But it’s nice to be done with that. Hair should start growing back within a month or so. I’ve managed to preserve about 50% of it, I’d say, especially in the back. So with a thick headband it looks ok. Had a rough night last night during the night but took some anti-emetics and they knocked me out till this morning. Thank God for those. Still on the steroids now and those make me feel awful, and have to get the neulasta shot tomorrow that causes a lot of pain for five to eight days, but then that’s over. My labs were really down so that explains why I’ve been so fatigued. But will be coming out of that in about a month, also, so glad for that. Starting my surgical consults now, and will have to decide which surgery I want to have. But think I already know. Then will have radiation and they’ll be starting me on three different medications that keep the cancer away. One causes diarrhea so praying that doesn’t happen to me too badly (again). I know I’m already really run down, then surgery will run me down more, and radiation does too. Last time I had third degree burns with it. So still on this roller coaster but hanging in. I have a lot of support from family and friends and it’s been a blessing.

Glad to read about everyone here. Love the pictures. Happy good weather is here, finally.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just so very much love and prayer dear Pea. We are all cheering you on that's for sure. Please be kind to yourself and take care. I will PM you in a bit. I have thought of churches, that is a great idea. Dad needs to get clarification on what prep he needs to have done. No surprise horribly at all on our landlord. You put his requested note perfectly. I just realized what is really sad and wrong is apparently he's not concerned whether dad or I get hurt on the current floors. He just wants to be sure the money we are investing to improve his property only impacts him positively. We are just grateful to be able to go forward.

My wheelchair was returned just after 9am about 3 1/2 hours after it was taken away. It is shinier.

I recieved a very nice email response from R. He said he has seen my progress and determination. I can definitely stay until June 27th.

I left the yellow smiley face card on his desk (he was out of his office) in reply. I used Amazon birthday money to get a 60 pack of these assorted little cards. In stores, they are often found by wrapping paper. I thought they would be a fun way to spread extra faith and cheer both in person and by mail. They are Fantasyon Lunch Box Notes. I gave about half of these to H who works in activities here. I thought residents could decorate/write their own cards or use the images some other crafty way. The rest I am enjoying handing/mailing out. PM me if any of dear you would like one.

Have a great afternoon all!

 

[tazdev3225]

Just a quick hello.

It is raining here again! We have had so much lately that I had to bail out my plants. Thankfully they survived, except the pansy that drowned.

The renovations are coming along and the walls are painted. Carpeting is going on the steps as we speak since the floors were sealed over the weekend. The floors and bathroom fixtures are going in this weekend and one last dumpster next weekend for all the debris and the one bedroom I am cleaning out. After that is done they are building me custom shelves in the storage area and we are doing the bedrooms. They mostly need some minor drywall repairs, fresh paint and carpets. I am trying to decide what kind of beds I want in the spare rooms as it takes me forever to make up my mind.

The floors for the basement are laminate I guess. They have built in padding and will go down over the concrete but they have a built in microbial protection and are scratch resistant and water resistant. We went with a lighter color since the basement can get dark. The walls are the same grays I used in the first floor and the bathroom has a green accent wall. Jim is thrilled as it is Eagles colors. I rejected the idea of one wall of red, green, blue and orange. Even if it is a bathroom that is a bit much. They are the colors he wanted for the Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and Penn State.

Hopefully I can post some pictures next week.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Big hug dear Taz. I'm so grateful to read about some positives going on for you. I definitely would enjoy seeing pictures. God willing when I get home I will (or I will ask dad to) take a picture or two of our new rooms. Good call on the light color. Dad and I are also hoping a light floor will brighten up our dark apartment. to Jim. I'm thankful it sounds likehe's feeling better. I pray so and your dad, too.

And your dad, dear PollyannaMom, how is he doing? I apologize for not asking for a while. Prayers indeed, my friend.

It's chilly in here! I would love if it is really in the 80's on Friday. I hope all of you are warm and cozy. I wish we could enjoy some hot chocolate together right now. God willing, one day, at our Disneyland meet, we will. Have a good evening, friends.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Dear Pea and dear Carol, my roommate M really needs you both right now. I have felt horrible for her. Paramedics are on the way to take M to the hospital, I believe for a kidney issue. Anyway T, the nursing supervisor on duty now tried for almost 20 minutes to start an IV for M. He kept admonishing her (and once called her by the wrong name) to not move and cursing (S and D words) in frustration. I told J the charge nurse I felt so badly for M and asked if anyone else could do her IV. Only T is licensed. Please keep M in your prayers.

I'm sure awake at only a few minutes after 5am. I know this is minor. It's quiet in here now so I will try to rest. The policy of this place is to hold someone's bed for seven days should a hospital visit be needed. I hope no one else is put in here until M comes back. She is guaranteed a room not necessarily this room. Although there are supposedly no open female rooms so hopefully they will hold this one.

No rest for me yet. A male CNA just came in to change her. He is being kind to her. He just turrned off her light and left.

A positive is hopefully the paramedics still aren't here because M's condition isn't a true emergency.

Stay far away from here my dear Quacker family! There are some lovely people here. How this facility is run sure needs to be overhauled!

Thursday love to all. I will check back in later.

 

[PollyannaMom]

And your dad, dear PollyannaMom, how is he doing? I apologize for not asking for a while. Prayers indeed, my friend.

Thank you for thinking of him. He's progressing more slowly than we'd hoped, but at least his place is nice. (I wish yours was too!!) DS and I are going to pop down for a quick visit soon, so I'm looking forward to that.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Big hug dear PollyannaMom. You and your son will be loving healing balm to your dad. Continued prayers.

This ambulance must be snail powered. M is still here. Thank God she seems okay. I did catch about a half hour rest so that was a blessing, too.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Clouds are giving way to sun, supposed to be 80 today, which will be an improvement over the 50 we've had the last few days. I don't know if the grass will dry out enough to mow, and we're getting more rain tomorrow. Weekend shows as clear so far.

I ended up going to Walmart and Aldi around noon. I got to Aldi's just before they opened at 2. They did a remodel overnight, everything is relocated and it's going to take awhile to figure it all out.

Mona, as far as I know, at least here, the same person can only try twice to put an iv in without success, then they have to get someone else. I'm not buying that T is the only person there licensed to do it. That's awful

Off to put laundry in. Have a good day everyone

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Neither am I dear Lynn. Although at this place...sadly anything is possible. We do know an ambulance has yet to be called. Or if it was, the driver either got very lost or decided that even he didn't want anything to do with this place. I wonder if paramedics will show up sometime soon after the morning shift starts at 7am. The whole thing has been so mismanaged

I Googled: California nursing home law does not specify a maximum number of attempts for starting an IV, but emphasizes the importance of proper training and competency. While there's no explicit limit on attempts, repeated unsuccessful attempts could be considered neglect if they result in harm to the resident. (M was definitely being harmed and horribly treated). T didn't even tell her his name. I am not someone who angers easily but to see an elderly and vision impaired lady who isn't very verbal treated as she was...awful!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You do have to be certified (not ‘licensed’) to put in IVs. Not everyone is. And you can get in big trouble for doing it without certification. DD and I just took a class last fall to learn how. Where we work we have nurses that only do IVs (an ‘IV Team’) so other nurses don’t have to do them and you can get a relatively quick and expert response. They are truly amazing and use advanced equipment like ultrasound to find tricky veins. I shadowed with one of the teams earlier this year and went all over the hospital to see what they do. Not my thing, but they are very good at it. There was a job I was considering that required putting in IVs, but that wasn’t for me, either. It is generally accepted that after three tries, someone else has to do it. But if there is nobody else and it’s an emergency, well then what? Sometimes you know on the second one it’s not going to work and you have to look at other options (like central lines in the neck or PICC lines, etc., which require specialization.)

Right now, and for the past several years, there has been a crisis in ambulance availability. We feel it too. Everywhere does. It is very difficult to get one. They’re very backed up for many reasons and it’s affecting the whole system.

Just one quick article. There are many, as examples, if you Google:
https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2024/08/16/ambulance-service-staff-shortage-081624

Every time I read your stories, Mona, I can relate to what’s happening, even though I work in a hospital. (As I’ve said I started out in long term care for many years growing up.) There’s a lot you may not understand from the ‘other side’. Not that it’s ever ok to mistreat a patient or become harsh with people, but the conditions that some of these people are working under are horrific, too, and they don’t always last long there. That’s frustrating for everyone. A supervisor having to stop to try to get an IV in when he may not do it that often and in the middle of the morning rush before change of shift is hard to do, as he no doubt already has lots to do to set up for safe staffing for day shift and overseeing patient care that he’s responsible for globally. It’s too bad his emotions were on his sleeve, those are things we try to keep to ourselves usually but it happens to all of us regularly.

Saying prayers for M and hoping she gets off to the hospital soon. Sounds like she was a lower priority since it wasn’t a true emergency like a heart attack or someone passed out, etc. Not sure they’ll be able to ‘save’ her bed in your room for a week if there are no female beds available. They may have to make the decision to put someone else in there who is in need of placement now. M could very well be in the hospital for longer than a week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi friends! We had a lot of rain yesterday, today it’s just cloudy. @Pea-n-Me , I am happy to know that your treatment is in the next phase, and I continue to pray that it’s going well.

Today as I was checking my plants, I noticed my yellow orchid is sending up a new flower stem! I have been looking for it, and it’s always a wonderful surprise to see one develop!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Paramedics are here to take M to the hospital. Praying for her indeed.

Thank you dear Pea for your kindness always. Dear Bobbi, beautiful flower!

Prayers we all get in some extra rest and relaxation today, too.

 

[Snowysmom]

Pea I am thinking of you. It is nice that you are heading into the next steps of your treatment. Chemo is behind you and now onto surgery. Hoping all goes well.

Mona Your roommate M sounds like she needs more care. I am glad she is going to the hospital so they can help her. As Pea said from experience, nursing homes are difficult for residents and staff. There are no easy answers to resolve the issues so there can be better staffing and more timely care.

Back from the office and very tired today. I am going to have a cup of tea and watch Reba.

Have a good day.