In the Meantime...2008

Vacation is Here!!

2008-08-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Vacation has finally arrived and I'm headed to California! One of the most exciting comforts I'm looking forward to is cooler temperatures. After a bit, the 105, 106, 107, 103 daily highs are simply too oppressive, both physically and mentally.

I'm planning to make up some time with young Joshua and get in lots of laughter, hugs, and kisses --- not to mention the rest of the family. I'll have most of Wednesday and Thursday to spend with Holly, Jeff and Joshua before Elizabeth, David and Jeannie arrive home from Ireland. I'm sure they will have some jet lag to overcome. Thursday, August 7 is Joshua's first birthday and we have a day planned in Berkeley to visit his daddy's office, take in a bit of lunch, and discover “Love at First Bite,” a cupcakery (they have a website). His party is to be held on Saturday and I've made surprise favors for everyone.

Today included a bit of drama of its own, but all is well. My blood pressure did not react favorably to a medication change at the end of last week and soared on Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. The majority of Tuesday morning was spent at the doctor's office and tracking down monitors and additional medication to bring it back down and reverting back to the previous medication until after my trip. Additionally, my Dad's affairs were squared away at the VA Center and contact information was given to his head nurse. He has been sleeping quite a bit lately but otherwise he is doing well and was happy for the restocking of pipe tobacco and lighters. (The blood pressure was back down to 133/60 late this evening!)

I'll have my cell phone, so feel free to send a text message as I have planned not to check my OU e-mail account! Maybe I'll get a chance to post before my return...or maybe not! The kitties are in good hands in my absence.

Stay cool, be well, and be safe. Peace!

Good Health Report...Countdown to Vacation

2008-07-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days with more than enough to keep me busy before vacation begins on August 6. You might say that I'm counting down to a 10 day escape to cooler temperatures. All is not lost in Oklahoma as the crape myrtles love the warm temperatures and show their splendor along the canal in Oklahoma City. The temperatures have crept into the triple-digit range and there's little respite in sight for the next week or so.

On the health news front, I received my first 3-month report from my physician this week regarding the management of diabetes. The good news could not have come at a better time. My average glucose dropped from 267 to 123 (his goal was to eventually get me near 150); my hemoglobin dropped from 10.8 (very high) to 6.1 (right on target); and, total cholesterol dropped from 184 (not bad to start with) to 156. I was not anticipating results to be this dramatic and the nurse and physician were delighted and very pleased. It's so nice to see your diligence pay off in a positive manner. I was congratulated for skipping a couple of target ranges on the way to bringing numbers down. My physician is also quite good in monitoring and choosing an effective plan of therapy. The only down-side is that I am iron deficient anemic and very low on B12, but we begin therapy on these issues this coming Monday for the next few months.

Did I mention vacation? My plans are for a trip to the West coast in part to celebrate the first birthday of my great nephew, Joshua. How can I resist that smile who can say my name?! I'll be visiting my sister, Elizabeth along with her family and their spouses in the San Francisco Bay area for 10 days. I can't wait to get away and find cooler temperatures.

My dad has recovered very well from his knee replacement surgery and has begun to adjust and make friends at the VA Center. It has been a long road to get to this point, but I'm very grateful that he is embracing the changes.

One of my other passions is scrapbooking photos taken from travels with friends. My current project is volume 2 of 4 for my trip to Spain last summer. I enjoy the research before and after the trips as well as retelling the story through my scrapbooks and reliving the moments captured in the photographs. I'll close this post with a photo from an area north of Barcelona, the second holiest pilgrimage in Spain, Montserrat. We performed a short concert after the Sunday morning mass. This is an overall photo taken just behind the last row in the sanctuary. Hope everyone is doing well and staying cool. Wishing you good health and happy days. Peace until next time...

Quick Update for Monday

2008-07-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Kitties have stomach ulcers too and take the same medicines! If they take their medicine regularly they respond to the therapy as well; a little smoked turkey helps too! All of this to thoroughly confuse and explain that Foster is responding well to therapy for an ulcer caused from the antibiotic taken after his canine teeth were removed. He had lost one pound in two weeks and weighed a mere 8.2 lbs. Thankfully, Dr. Miller was right on with her diagnosis and he has responded with only one protest to taking his medication. Smoked turkey cured that hiccup. He trains quickly and is eager for medication followed by turkey.

On the other side of the care scale, my dad is doing very well and his knee has finally turned around (not literally) and is healing beautifully. My focus for him is to limit my visits to twice weekly and push him to be more independent and eat in the main dining hall. I'm working toward recovering some semblance of a life for myself though my digestive system has let itself be "heard" that the past few weeks were not acceptable and fatigue is not preferred.

I'm looking forward to a trip to California Aug. 6-15 to visit family and celebrate Joshua's first birthday. Hope all of you had a joyous Fourth of July!

Things are settling down a bit

2008-07-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a week or so since the last posting. My Dad is beginning to settle in a bit at the VA Center and his knee is responding to IV antibiotic therapy. The cellulitis is still there but is much improved. As for me, it's been a week of weaning him away from constant contact with me and working to have him rely on the staff of the VA to take care of him rather than expecting me to run out there every time he calls. It has been difficult to tell him "No!" and refuse to come and bail him out or simply to run out just because, but it seems to be working. His physician, nurses and I are in agreement that this is best for him and me in the long run.

Thankfully, Elizabeth arrives later in the day on Wednesday afternoon for a visit until Saturday evening. Her visit is a welcome respite for me and we plan to enjoy each other's company and share in that with our Dad, especially on Friday. While my father has been anxious for me to come take him out or bring him over to my house, the doctors agree that it is too soon. He is still receiving IV antibiotics daily and his knee is just not strong enough to navigate without assistance on a flat surface, much less steps and any uneven surfaces.

We are hoping to share a picnic lunch with him on Friday at spend time visiting before we take in a baseball game in Oklahoma City and enjoy a fireworks display after the game.

Here's wishing each of you a happy and safe Fourth of July. Thanks to our veterans for the sacrifices that make this holiday possible.

Doctor visit moved up a couple of days

2008-06-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

What was scheduled as a visit to the knee surgeon for Wednesday was moved to Monday afternoon. The PA and physician at the VA Center phoned the orthopedic surgeon regarding my dad's knee and increased redness and fever. The surgeon asked to see him this afternoon. After making a mad dash to the Center and picking up my dad (complete with wheelchair) we kept the appointment.

Upon examination, the doctor discerned that it was cellulitis around his knee and incision. X-rays revealed the joint replacement is perfectly in place, pain medication was adjusted along with blood thinner, staples removed, and we were on our way back. The doctor stressed that my dad should be sure to keep the knee moving.

En route we made a quick Sonic stop for liquid refreshment. When we returned to the VA Center I suggested that he use the walker to get around and he would be more sure of himself. He did so without incident and made it out to the patio to smoke his pipe. Dinner arrived and I came home for a peaceful evening.

I'm headed for an early night to bed.

Patience, patience, patients . . .

2008-06-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

My father's recovery is progressing now that he is back in residence at the Norman VA Center. The weekend has been a little bumpy but the staff has handled is beautifully. His blood pressure has been taking dips below 100 over the weekend and he developed a fever on Saturday prompting the medical director to give him IV antibiotics. The best of all is that he has been able to rest and sleep the past couple of days, hopefully making up for some of the sleepness and busy nights at the hospital.

His evening nurse (Mary) called me around 6 p.m. on Sunday stating that he had been asking for me and she promised to give me a call. We agreed that I would wait until Monday to visit unless his condition warranted me coming out. When I phoned her around 9 p.m., Mary indicated that he was "perturbed that I didn't rush right out to visit" but we agreed that this is precisely why I did not. Behavior change can be very difficult and he is having to re-socialize with others --- that is a very good thing.

The laugh for the evening was this. When I phoned her, she relayed that the staff had a busy evening. Just prior to my phone call, one of the other residents could not locate his call button so he called 911! Thankfully, the staff was laughing but it certainly broke up a somewhat routine evening. We must always remember to laugh at ourselves and with each other. We visit his knee doctor on Wednesday.

Discharged from Hospital . . . Back at VA Center

2008-06-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday was a monumental day of sorts with my father being discharged from the hospital back to the Norman Veteran's Center to continue his recovery and rehabilitation. As with any process these days, it's never as simple as one would think and there is more than enough paperwork to cover our walls and everyone's backside! Daddy was very confused when I arrived at the hospital though he had been very clear, especially so with the neurologist, on the day before. Change is always difficult and brings on confusion --- I think much is triggered by fear.

We finally got to the VA Center and they were ready and available to check him in. The first order of business was getting him some lunch and me unloading his belongings and unpacking. Of course, the staff there was required to do a skin assessment, etc. and all was well. The CPM (continuous passive movement) machine was a source of anxiety as it had been during the stay in the hospital. When physical therapy came up to check it out and put him in the machine my dad's anxiety hit with a vengeance.

I was the brunt of his anger at bringing him to "this place full of strangers" and "pulling a dirty deed" in checking him in without explaining it to him, etc. etc. (None of which is true.) At this point, with four nurses, one physician's assistant, and two physical therapists, he continued to yell and I told him to "Stop", to which he replied "No, you stop." I did so; I walked out of the room and he has not seen me since.

In the meantime, the PA gave him an injection to calm him down and he cooperated with the staff and has done so ever since. I did speak with him by phone this morning and he was fine. My dad had requested that I try to locate a different room for him with someone who does not watch TV 24/7 plus the doctor preferred he be closer to the nurses' station. In speaking with the RN on the unit, one bed was open that is 3 doors closer to the station and a very quiet roommate. This room is in the very center and is closer for him to access the dining room on the unit as well as his patio balcony to smoke his pipe. The move was completed without incident or my presence on Friday.

His nurse this evening gave me a rundown of his status when I called to check on him. (The plan is for me to stay away for several days at the suggestion of the neurologist and PA.) His blood pressure dropped late this afternoon and an IV has been started with fluids and his vital signs will be checked every two hours. His BP has risen and all is well, though he did pull the first IV out and another was started. I've been assured that if his condition warrants, the nurse will notify me.

Pray for a continued transition back into life at the VA and continued healing. We visit the doctor again to recheck his incision on Wednesday, June 25.

Early Start to the Day

2008-06-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

My day began at 3:45 a.m. with a call from my dad at the hospital wanting me to come up there right away, call Carolyn to come back from Kansas City, and get his doctor there who worked on his knee!! Not happening!! I received phone calls from him every few minutes afterwards until I unplugged the phone around 8:00 a.m. I made it in to the office close to 11:30 a.m., eating some lunch that immediately made me ill and nauseous. Did not bode well for my cranky pancreas the rest of the day.

Around 12:30 p.m. the neurologist phoned me regarding his visit with my dad. Suffice it to say, my father is functioning at a high level mentally and working in those fun little manipulation games. He is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital sometime Thursday, returning to the VA Center to complete his rehabilitation.

My bosses have been great and came up with a plan for me to work at home as tolerated for the remainder of the week, get some rest and take care of myself --- that is, after getting my dad out of the hospital. Tough love is going to be a bit tougher! Coping skills must be employed or developed and used to function.

My pancreas and system is still very unhappy and I'll pamper it as much as needed to regain some sense of normal. Rest is always the best medication for it along with gentle foods. I cannot thank my family and many friends for their loyal support, prayers, and words of encouragement. The saga will continue for a bit to be sure, but the damages can hopefully be minimized.

A big hug to each of you!

Dementia and Frustration

2008-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening late. Now I'm having trouble remembering which day of the week it is! As far as my father's knee surgery, the knee is healing very well and the crises for his overall health have seemed to work themselves out. Dementia on the other hand, is another story --- an ugly one at that. Dr. Moses has called in a neurologist for a consult to review and possibly adjust the medication currently being given to help battle the dementia. The confusion and frustration for my dad and his mental state has deteriorated in the past week.

He cannot remember for 5 minutes where he is and kept asking over and over today, claiming that no one else had told him. Though I firmly stressed that we had told him last night, he could always have an answer and then ask the same questions again. I was assured this afternoon and early evening that the neurologist would come by today but that never came to pass --- that is, as of 9:30 p.m. I left a detailed note for the neurologist asking him to give me a call. That the best I can hope for at this point.

The current plan (as of 1:30 p.m.) is to discharge my father to the VA Center on Thursday and allow him to work with the physical therapist there and accomplish as much as he can follow. I am mentally and physically exhausted and hope that after moving him on Thursday, my time can be lessened and the nursing staff at the VA will take care of him for a few days.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers on behalf of my father and our family. By the way, my four-legged patient is doing very, very well and is beginning to regain weight, purr for his mommy, and play a bit!

Monday evening late

2008-06-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

You just never know what each day will bring. Okay, so it's not rocket science or an earth-shattering statement. Sunday evening was another wild adventure with my dad at the hospital with my sister Carolyn taking most of the "hits." We went through another day of anger and him uttering outright mean and hurtful comments for no reason. My morning was spent resting and trying to calm down a very nauseous stomach and angry, hurting pancreas. My results were more satisfactory and calming.

It appears that the rehabilitation unit of the hospital has accepted my father as an inpatient once they have available space this week. Carolyn leaves on Tuesday morning to return to Kansas City and I plan to at least be in the office on a part-time basis. At this point, his life is not in danger, unless of course we spend more time with him and take on or rather get our fill of childish behavior. Dementia is one thing but all behavior choices cannot be attributed to early stages of dementia. He was not too fond of my tough love approach, but verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

’Nough said!! Hopefully, diplomacy will rule.

(Thanks for all of the calls and messages of concern and prayers on our behalf. We couldn't do it without you.)

Wearing me out

2008-06-15T20:23:00.001-07:00

It is Sunday evening after a long afternoon and evening with my dad and Carolyn at the hospital. While there has been no confirmation, all signs point to a mild stroke or TIA on Saturday evening. His speech is still difficult for him at times, though others it seems to be okay. We've pushed him to stay awake today and forced him to eat with us. Finally this evening, after ripping out the IV in his upper arm, he told me that he wished we would just let him die and get it over with. My response, was "No, that's not going to happen." At another time before this last statement, he asked if they were going to cut off his leg. There is still considerable confusion though he is not nearly as belligerant as was the case last week. His blood pressure is quite high for him today.

I'm home to get some sleep and try to settle my pancreas and stomach. It is no surprise that my body is reacting adversely. Carolyn plans to stay through Monday and we'll just take it day to day from here.

Thanks for the many offers of prayers and concern; it means a great deal. God is in charge indeed.

Late Saturday/Early Sunday Update. . .

2008-06-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we moved Travis from ICU back to the Ortho/Neuro floor of the hospital in one of the rooms closest to the nurses' station. For approximately 2 hours in the afternoon, all was calm and everyone rested a bit. Unfortunately, the doctor on call for the weekend decided to change his pain management medications after we had struggled this week to get him stable. Why do these guys do such foolish things, especially when dealing with dementia patients?! Carolyn and I made a quick run to my house to deliver dirty laundry and pick up some things she had previously left there for Father's Day. Late afternoon, he began shaking violently and cried that the machine (CPM -- continuous passive movement) was "getting him" and for us to help him and get it off. We turned the machine off and nurse gave him some Xanax to calm him. One of the changes made by the weekend doc was to extend the length of time for the pain med (Darvocet) from 4 to 6 hours which does not hold the pain, and he also added a muscle relaxer.

After a bite of dinner for me in the cafeteria, I made a run to Wal-Mart to pick up some things for Carolyn and work on laundry. While exiting Wal-Mart, Carolyn called and asked that I return to the hospital ASAP. As I returned to his room, he was having great difficulty talking which upset him because he knew what he wanted to say but could not speak it. After a while, he calmed down and bit and Carolyn went for dinner (10:15 pm). In the meantime, my dad began complaining of chest pains again and still had trouble speaking. I had the nurse come in and he added oxygen, checked his pulse, etc. My dad's heart rate began dropping again and his blood pressure up. Next, he complained of intense leg pain.

Just before Carolyn returned, he settled down again. As I began to leave around 11:20 or so the nurse called the "on-call" doc who further drew out the pain medication! Go figure this one when the nurse told him that he was having breakthroughs! We'll see come the morning. Carolyn in staying the night while I take care of laundry and get a bit of sleep.

Laundry calls. . .

pulmonary embolism confirmed...remains in ICU

2008-06-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

It's 7 a.m. on Friday, June 13. A pulmonary embolism was confirmed by the CT scan. I've just spoken with his nurse and he pulled all IVs and other lines out last night. Confusion and dementia kicked in full force. Carolyn has been allowed to stay with my dad for a couple of hours this morning to calm him.

I am wiped out this morning as well as dealing with nausea. In addition, I apparently clenched my teeth rather tightly and my right jaw is killing me this morning.

When the docs make rounds in ICU, the nurse has suggested a more permanent IV line be placed in his upper arm. They will call me for permission and I can sign the forms later in the day. I'm hoping to lie back down for a couple of hours. Later. . .

Latest Update on Travis Cain (my dad)

2008-06-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

Not everyone reading and receiving this blog knows my father's name, Travis Cain. It's nearly 2 a.m. Friday morning and this is the latest report. This morning around midnight he was moved to ICU (at Norman Regional Hospital) for a suspected pulmonary embolism. At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Carolyn phoned my and asked that I come to the hospital ASAP. His blood pressure had dropped to 55/38 and heart rate was around 35 with him complaining of difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea and upset stomach; we had commented that his skin color was not healthy and deteriorated throughout the day. After I arrived, Carolyn again pleaded with the nurses to contact a doctor and the nurse finally obliged.

While she visited with the nurses, my father again complained to me of chest pain, it felt as if someone was standing on his chest, and he described that he was seeing pretty lights of many colors. Yes, it was difficult to hear and know what was going on yet try to comfort and stay with him. I finally left the room (when Carolyn arrived) to regroup and realized that I was not just upset but very angry. Thankfully, Jenny Wynn (youth minister) arrived about that time and became our angel and comfort.

The doctor assessed the situation and gave orders for him to be moved to ICU along with a CT scan to confirm or disprove his diagnosis. A heart attack had been previously thought to be the cause but pulmonary embolism is the more likely culprit as stated by the physician (a pulmonary specialist). After getting my dad settled into ICU, we were allowed to visit a short time and have a brief prayer with him, led by Jenny. My father was alert, talking and knew each of us and no longer talked of pretty lights, though the chest pain persisted. His blood pressure had raised to 80/40. The nurse strongly encouraged us to let him take care of him tonight and to get some rest, but Carolyn preferred to stay in the ICU waiting room and I came home.

My sisters and I have dealt with pulmonary embolism in the past --- that's how we lost our mother.

I thank each of you for your love, concern and prayers on behalf of my family. Regardless of the outcome, I rest assured that God is always in control and gives us strength for the journey. May God's Peace abide in each of us.

Successful Surgery

2008-06-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's a day late for the report, but the knee replacement surgery for my father was successful, though I wish his recovery had “followed suit.” To say that it has been difficult would be a gross understatement. He has been extremely confused, agitated, irrational and totally out of character. To keep it brief and allow me to get to bed quickly, this evening we finally had to put on physical restraints and followed these with the third chemical restraint, finally using a large dose of Haldol.
Carolyn arrived on Tuesday evening around 7 pm, driving in from Kansas City. Though she had initially planned to leave on Thursday morning, she phoned her office and her husband and plans to stay until our dad is moved into a rehab unit. I will be staying at the hospital as well the next couple of days. Hopefully the doctor and nurses will narrow it down tomorrow as to what medication is causing the extreme confusion and agitation and we can help restore his mental state to a more normal level. The man we've been sitting with the last couple of days is not the father we know and love, but rather someone behaving as a child and caged animal.
Now for a bit of sleep...

Early June Sunday evening update

2008-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy 10 days since the last post and I hope all is well with everyone. Last weekend my niece, Jeannie came to visit on Friday, leaving Sunday evening. Her granddaddy was surprised and very tickled to see her and touched that she took the time to come for a visit. We crammed as much as possible into the short three days: touring the OU campus, scrapbooking with friends, minor league baseball game, church, shopping, visits. Whew! Her visit was a breath of fresh air and mental break for me as well as boosting the spirits of her granddaddy.

This past week included doctor appointments and taking care of pre-op bloodwork, x-rays, etc. in preparation for his knee replacement sugery on Tuesday, June 10. On top of taking care of Daddy, one of my kitties needed dental surgery on Thursday to remove his canine incisors, thus leaving him with no teeth though he is not yet 6 years old. Unfortunately, he's had ongoing problems with stomatitis, a very painful condition in their mouth affecting approximately 2 percent of cats -- the only cure is removing their teeth. The bacteria from the plaque in their mouth causes the problem. Foster is a very sweet boy and is very good to take his medication without a struggle. (Foster is the kitty in the back, Tux is his buddy.)

This week promises to be very busy -- my Dad's surgery on Tuesday combined with a three-day training session Tuesday-Thursday on a new student system we are developing at OU. Naturally I will be missing the training session on Tuesday. Thankfully my sister, Carolyn from Kansas City, will be driving in on Tuesday evening to stay and help with my dad until Thursday morning. Today (Sunday) my dad and I made a trip to Target for last minute shorts, shirts, etc. which should help in his rehab coming up later this week. The doctor anticipates his stay in the hospital from Tuesday through Friday and he will then be moved to the rehab unit of the hospital for approximately 7-10 days.

My dad is looking forward to getting the surgery behind him and seems to be in much better shape mentally. We had a great conversation Friday evening discussing the VA Center as his new home and various financial details --- a conversation like I've not had with him in a number of years. I'm very grateful that he is responding positively. This last image is one taken last week with him on the patio outside his unit at the VA Center.

Tux seems to have decided that this post is long enough as he has positioned himself as a statue on the mousepad and storms are moving toward central Oklahoma. More later. Hope each of you has a great week!

Every Day is a Challenge...with Daddy

2008-05-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so what I really mean, is that every day is a new one when it comes to dealing with Daddy! While I have to believe that his outbursts are not personal, they are none the less, wearing me out. Today was especially challenging. After moving him to a new wing of the VA Center over the weekend because his former roommate cursed any and everybody, now telling my dad to take a bath sets him off. This has happened twice this week and today was a corker.
The RN in charge of his wing called around 10:30 a.m. to tell me that he was packing his things again because it was bath day and it made him angry for someone to tell him to take a bath. When he got on the phone his response to me was "come get me" and when I responded that I couldn't at the moment he said that he would wait until I got off at noon; when that was not agreeable, he didn't want to talk with me any longer and said that he would leave anyway. After several conversations with those in the administration, I hauled it to the Center meeting the RN in the hall and moments later the social worker. Obviously the pain medication and Ativan had done nothing for his disposition! If God had intended to for me to have children, it would have been the normal way, not taking them to raise at 80!
At any rate, the social worker (Martha), RN (Liz), me and my dad went into an exam room that the door could be closed. Trying to be gracious, I went to sit on the rolling stool and it kept on rolling across the floor --- meanwhile, I found myself quickly hitting the floor and everything on the way down. That's one way to get his attention diverted, though very painful. Here it is four hours later and I can hardly move and now sport a huge bruise on my left thigh and everything else is rattled around.
My dad was angry that he was told to do anything, could not be convinced otherwise, proclaimed that he had no rights, etc. etc. I explained to him again that he could not return to "the house" and it was no longer home. Of course he proclaimed that no one cares and everyone is too busy and he is in the way. THAT MAKES ME VERY ANGRY!!!
I told him that I did not want to hear him say that ever again and that it was not true. Basically we put the ball in his court (thanks to the social worker) and asked him for a discharge plan. Martha explained that he would have to prove that he could cook, take care of himself, get himself to OKC for his medications (the VA provides those) and doctor appointments, etc. He didn't have much of an answer and told us just to put him wherever we wanted him.
We left the room with him making sure to kiss both Martha and Liz on the cheek. I was ready to swat him on the butt cheeks. This is my vent!
After going out to get us a sandwich, chips and drink his adrenaline had apparently worn off and he could hardly move --- and he didn't fall. (We had explained to him that he had earned the right to live there and be taken care of by the staff.) Unable to walk to his wing from the front of the building, the receptionist offered a wheelchair and I pushed him back for our "picnic lunch" and asked the nurse for pain medication. By the time I left, his phone was hooked up in the new room and he was outside smoking his pipe and talking with the two members of his "bath team" getting ready for his bath. He was happy again!
Now if I can just move the rest of the day and tomorrow.
Stay tuned.

Here's Joshua!

2008-05-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

The photo promised in the previous entry of young Joshua did not load. Here the latest on the young guy!

One Year After Spain

2008-05-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

As you may notice, it is no longer Travel 2007. It is hard to believe yet it seems so long ago, that one year ago many of us were preparing for a two-week adventure in Spain. But, life moves on and so shall this blog (but not the scrapbooks yet).

An exciting event in the life of my family has been the birth of my great nephew, Joshua Daniel Schmierer, on August 7, 2007 in Castro Valley, CA. He was a joy and delight as I joined Elizabeth and her family for Christmas this past year. Since then, my life and that of my father has changed dramatically.

In January 2008 it was discovered that he suffers from age-related memory loss as well as vascular dementia. After enduring a great deal of turbulence, he moved into the Norman Veteran's Center on March 13, 2008. The turbulence was lessened with a visit from Elizabeth and Holly in late January for Joshua to meet his Great Granddaddy. His great grandfather fell in love with the little guy and enjoys frequent photo updates and stories of Joshua's development. (recent photo of going to his first rodeo parade)

My father seems to be settling in to the center and adjusting very well. He now reads a great deal and enjoys visits and outings to baseball games, out for meals, or just a ride in the car. I see him several times each week and am available anytime. He truly enjoys the interaction with people again and the staff of the VA center.

My niece Jeannie O'Brien is visiting May 30-June 1; her aunt can hardly wait!

I promise that updates will be more frequent than one a year. And yes, the next trip abroad with our traveling group is planned for France in 2010.

Moving the blog away from Spain

2007-08-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone as summer is winding down and heat is rising! Of course, summer is not over but the fun will change and the pace will quicken as routines change for many. I just wanted to let the subscribers know that I will be updating the blog soon with more personal information in relation to my travel and activities and migrating away from Spain 2007. My guess is that some of you who are friends and family members of my fellow travelers to Spain may want to unsubscribe. You are more than welcome to stay on, but I wanted to give you a chance rather than you receive e-mail and information that doesn't pertain to your close acquaintances.

Congratulations to all of the parents, grandparents, family and friends to the many babies who have joined the world in the last couple of months. How exciting as we celebrate new life and participate in these young lives and offer our support.

Enjoy the remaining days of August!

Good bye to Madrid for Some

2007-06-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all, it is Monday June 11 and I (Lynne) have just siad goodbye to the rest of the group, they departed the hotel about 7;30 am after a truly wonderful gala good bye dinner last night at a wonderful restaurant on the Plaza Major--many tapas including lightly fried asparagus with a parmesan dipping sauce, olives, tortilla espagnole (potato omelet), some little sausages, bread with olive oil and, of course, wine. THe main couse was albondigas (meatballs) and vegetables and then chocolate mousse. Vewry festive and a little sad too; we have enjoyed our time together so very much and came to love Oriol our guide. He was the best guide evey.

but to back up a bit. Our last formal concert was Sat night after a very busy and tiring day and a LONG walk to the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We were afraid it would not be well attended and that we would be too tired to do well. Wrong on both counts. The crowd was huge and so very respònsive and we responded to them It was a wonderful concert on all sides. And afterwards they provided cokes, water, cookies and BEER. I am am pretty sure they ran out and got that sometime during the concert because it was so hot and they loved us. Also they gave the group two very beautiful plaques--- one a silver holy family that is elegant.

the next morning we celebrated the mass of Corpus Christi at the same church and again they welcomed us so warmly--the presiding priest spoke to us in English for a few minutes. It was really a moving experience to celebrat this holiday which is very important here in Spain

Next we went to Aranjuez, one of the royal palaces of Phillip II but restored later. The gardens were open, the day was glorious, terrific pictures to come. Then on the Toledy where we had a tour or the cathedral, the 2d largest in Spain. It is magnificent inside. We also watched some crafts people make damascene and wandered the streets all decorated with flowers and banners for Corpus Christi
I am about out of internet time so adios from Spain. Lynne

El Escorial, Segovia, Alcazar

2007-06-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Saturday, June 9 has been a very full day. We began by boarding the coach and making our way toward El Escorial which houses a monastery, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and the pantheon (burial site) of Spain´s kings. The entire structure, its logo, and many areas are in the shape of a grill (or 9 square grid, 3 across and 3 down) reflecting the way that San Lorenzo was martyred --- he was grilled to death. It is a long 15 minute walk from the station where all buses must park to El Escorial and only 20 groups per day are allowed to tour. We were very lucky. There are many stairs and it is considered to be austere (it is a monastery after all), though the bottom half of the walls are covered with intricate blue and white tiles and original art work, mostly of the nobility. While most of the group toured the pantheon and endured the 100 steps, two of us took the less steep route through the cloister and lucked out to see the basilica. A wedding was about to take place and by the time the remainder of the group made it upstairs, the basilica was closed. The basilica must be booked 2 to 3 years in advance for weddings!
We then reboarded the coach and took to the highway toward Segovia. The highway has a 2 mile tunnel through the mountain to get to Segovia. This city was very beautiful and charming but you cannot miss the Cathedral and its many spires and intricate details. Another feature is an incredibly long and tall Roman aqueduct --- unbelievable! Our group had approximately 1.5 hours for lunch and some quick shopping. Another 10-15 minute walk took us to the Alcazar castle. This is the castle that inspired Walt Disney and the structure known in the U.S. as the Magic Kingdom or Cinderella´s castle. The real thing is awe inspiring and quite beautiful. We took photos inside as it is full of armor, gold ceilings, stained glass, and a moat that would be quite difficult to cross. Photos later.
Tomorrow, our last day will be spent singing in a mass in Madrid in the morning followed by the afternoon in Toledo (former capital of Spain) and a farewell dinner. We will post photos as soon as we can return to stateside. Love and hugs to each of you who are following our travels. See you soon!

Made it to Madrid

2007-06-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hola! We are now in the capital city of Madrid for the final three nights of the journey (for most of us). Yesterday was a magnificent day in the Pyrenees Mountains followed by a concert in a lovely church, St. Steves, in the principality of Andorra. The only attraction for Andorra is shopping --- designer labels, that is. Most of us purchased very little as items were very expensive though it is tax free. The concert was lovely and very well received; it was our first concert with a real organ! Erica played beautifully and we sang quite beautifully as well. Our driver and guide gave us the option of taking the long way around through France and to the top of that portion of the Pyrenees. The view and drive was magnificent and breathtaking. We saw snow and actually went above the snow which had fallen only 15 days before. The air was clean and fresh with the temperature around 46 to 50 degrees.

Today was the bullet train from Lleida to Madrid. The train was very cool and quite fast. We all took something for lunch and ate on the train, purchasing drinks in the train cafeteria. We arrived in Madrid in approximately 2 hours traveling at 180 mph on "The Duck" as it is affectionately referred to by the locals. We have checked in to the hotel and many are walking around the area about the hotel (McDonald´s is next door) to check on available shopping. We have dinner in a bit at 8:15 p.m. local time at a nearby restaurant.

Will try to write again soon. We see El Escorial and Segovia tomorrow!

Solsona

2007-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

We are in the lovely walled city of Solsona with a beautiful hotel. Yesterday was a full day making our way through the mountains with stops in Vic and Cardona. We saw a great deal of the agricultural region of this part of Catalonia and market day in Vic. The market was over by 3 p.m. Many have had gelato every day, similar to that in Italy. When we arrived at Cardona the group was met with a downpour as we tried to make our way up to the castle. All of us were drenched as our driver deftly managed the hairpin turns both up and down the mountain. This morning we gave a master class to high school students and special needs adults at a school auditorium very near the hotel. Students behave the same regardless of nationality and the interraction between our students and those attending was very special to witness. We have a concert this evening at 9 p.m. at the Cathedral of Solsona. Tomorrow we go to Andorra. We are having a marvelous time experiencing a different culture and struggling to find our way where English is not spoken by many. We usually manage sometimes with gestures or the local leading us to see what they are trying to tell us. We miss our family, friends and furry babies and will try to update again in a day or so. The wifi connection at this hotel is free though somewhat intermittent. It is approximately 5:40 p.m. for us in Spain at the time of this post.

Gorgeous Girona

2007-06-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, we are in a truly wonderful hotel near the old city of Girona and it is even nicer than our last hotel. Oriol our guide gave us a nice tour of the old city after we arrived and then left us own our own for dinner and exploring. The medieval part of Girona is quite manageable and after dinner as we were sitting at the foot of the steps to the cathedral, a lot of our kids came down the steps, counting to see if there were indeed 92--there are 90-- and we just kind of ran into each other. That was a nice feeling.

Prior to Girona we went to Montserrat Monastery---wow. It is hanging high up on the mountains which we could see as we approached them and which our driver skillfully managed to switchback up. The monastery houses about 80 monks and 50 choirboys. We attended mass which was truly packed and then directly after mass the choir boys sang and then we did both of our Ave Marias and Psalmo 150--our offering to the Madonna, the Moreneta--a small statue of the virgin which is housed in the basilica and is the subject of several legends, including that the original was carved by St. Luke and brought here by St. Peter.

Today we have a boat ride on the Costa Brava from one sweet town to another. What a trip we are having. We did remember our home choir friends at about 6pm here when they were just about singing the anthem. We miss everyone!!!