azrabbit

Looks like you were successfull in your presentation, I was reading a post from a new member tonight that thanked you for telling him/her about the Strokenet. Way to go Bill! If you take you photos to Walgreens, they can put them on a disk for you so you can post them. Do you have Walgreens in CANADA?

Denny has such a great sense of humor and is genuinely proud when he accomplishes a new skill. I replied to one of Jean's posts about Denny's response to anyone telling him what a great job he did - he grins and says, "Pat me back" while patting himself on the back. I love when he recognizes how hard he is working. Tonight, he recognized how hard I was working. The past few weeks have been crazy at our house. I have had landscapers in to help me clean up the yard that hasn't been attended to for over a year due to Denny's stroke. Now those that don't live in the desert might not believe you can let a "yard" go that long, but here in AZ we have gravel yards and we can ignore a lot. However, the AZ Strokenet group is coming to visit on Saturday and I just HAD TO HAVE THE YARD CLEAN! So I hired a company to come and to a clean up and haul away all the things that Denny had collected during his "Sanford and Son" years. They finished the back yard today. Denny was out tonight with a friend for a movie so I took advantage of the great weather to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine by the pool with the outdoor fireplace lit and the waterfall flowing as I admired all the work that was done. AHHHH - I was so relaxed. Clean yard, clean pool, kind of clean house and a good glass of wine. When Denny got home, he joined me pool side. "AHHHH," he says. "Satisfaction." I asked him what he meant. In his apahsic way, he listed one word at a time, the things I did to make our lives good. I wish I could quote him verbatim. Here is the gist of what he said - one word at a time, followed by a pause and accented with gestures - a HUGE accomplishment for Denny: You Nice Yard Nice Typing Talking (holding his hand to his ear like a phone) Computer Smart Money Nice Mother, GOOD Mother Stan (my Dad who I care for as well) Daughter, GOOD! Girlfriend, no, wife Love you Good Satisfaction As far as I am concerned, I just got a big "pat me back" for my role in our lives as caretaker, housekeeper, breadwinner, mother, daughter and wife. It just doesn't get any better than this!

I am so happy for Ray and for you. Give each other hugs from Denny and I!

That is great news Betty Jean. How are the tomatoes coming along? Hopefully you can convince Jim to come to the St. Patrick's Party for the AZ gang. And when you do come, I need you to help me figure out where to put tomatoes in my yard!

Good job Bill! On a different note - when are you going to post a photo of your new car!!!

Why not just post the link here for all of us!

Great news Kimmie! Can't wait to see the new brace. Denny's is blue snakeskin!

Sue - I am so sad for you and Ray. It is so hard to be separated and know that he would be calmer without all the changes. My dad has dementia and his physchiatrist said every time we change his living enviornment, he will have a set back. That is because it is so hard for them to deal with something new. I am sure I am preaching to the choir here, but want you to know I feel sad for you. I'm sending you lots of e-hugs! And I am hoping that the doctors make quick work of finding out what is causing the problems.

Yep - got the tissue out on this one! Can you take a picture of the painting and post it in the gallery? Sounds like Mr. Higgins is one very loved dog and you are a special person for recognizing his needs over yours.....

Weddings are such a fun time! It is good that you have something positive to look forward too after such ahard couple fo weeks. Be sure to take a LOT of pictures and bring them to the AZ St. Patricks Day party so we can all share in your joy! He sounds like a fine young man and he has made a great career choice! As for the appeal, do what you feel is best in your heart. Attorney's wouldn't file an appeal unless they think they have a chance...at least I hope they wouldn't! I hope this is a better week for you Kimmie.

Reminds me of that old country song "If she wants a man that takes a ring off of his hand and then turns around and says that she'll be true...she deserves you!" Good job for you for not letting her bait you and get into the situation. My mom used to say when you are kind to your enemies it is like heaping hot coals upon their heads....a slow burn!

You bet you are a "proud grandma!" Tell Bill we are all so proud of him for spreading the word about stroke. I think he deserves a stroke network hat! His last paragraph brought a tear to my eye.

I was wondering if some of those feeling depressed are just sick of winter weather! I remember how it used to affect my mother - she would be miserable by the time spring came. I think she had that light deprevation syndrome!

Hope you feel better real soon Bonnie!

Gosh Kimmie, this is really a hard week for you! I will keep you in my thoughts - call me if you want to vent! I won't have any magic answers, but I have good ears for listening.

As always Rich it is so good to "hear" your upbeat news. Denny has started the taking the herb treatment here through his acupuncture clinic. I love the way the aroma fills the house when I am "cooking" them. Be sure to take photos of your journey and post them for us.

Oh Kimmie, I am so sad for you! Letting a loved pet go to the rainbow bridge is always so hard! I will keep you in my heart this week! The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

Be sure to spost some pictures of the car! We will have to find some sunglasses for Bud so he can look like Mr. Hollywood riding along looking out the windows! My dogs love to go for car rides.

Good job Mema! It is encouraging to know that even if you haven't been to therapy for a bit and go back, you can see improvements! Keep up the positive attitude! WOO HOO!

That's great that you were there to encourage her. I am sure she was embarrassed about being afraid of the water and you took a scary situation and made it a good one for her. Pat yourself on the back!!! :cheer:

I love to watch dogs romp in the snow, especially if it is deep. They look like they aren't sure if it is water or what! I had a dog that would bite at it like he could get big chunks in his mouth if he tried hard enough. Fred is right. Make sure you are stocked up on food and water and drag out all those blankets to stay warm. We will be thinking about you when we listen to the weather. Be safe!

Yummy, fresh tomatos. I have never been successful growing them in AZ. Good for you for working with Jim and his arm exercises. Does he have a lot of tone in his arm? Does he take anything at night to help with that like zanaflex? If not, you might want to talk to the dr about that as an option.