Ready or not, here he comes!!!

Today was an appointment with my dad's social worker. It went really well. NOT!! Dad is at the end of what medicare will cover, still not walking, and is coming home next week due to no other solution available. We will get some CNA-type nursing care a couple days a week, but will probably have to pay out of pocket for it. No money in the bank, so not sure where it will come from. Guess I will have to pull it out of my a&^, like Tess always says.

Athena did a drive by on her bike and picked up the pendant I got her for her birthday and wanted to borrow a chain to wear it on. She wanted to know if it was a real diamond. I told her it was a semi-precious stone called quartz. That satisfied her. She just wanted to make sure it was a real stone, not some plastic or imitation thing. She definitely takes after her grandma!! She said, I really like this string better than the other string, Grandma. I had no clue what she was talking about. It was the sterling silver chain I had put the pendant on for her. She was comparing it to Soft-Flex stringing wire used for bead stringing. What a funny girl. Of course I was eating dinner when she came, and she said she was starving and could she have something to eat. I fixed her what Tess's SO calls a "horseshoe." It is either fries or mashed potatoes topped with a hamburger patty and topped with cheese sauce. You can use melted Velveta, white sauce with cheese, or nacho cheese sauce. We really like the nacho cheese "queso" best. Of course right after Athena got finished eating hers Tess called wondering where she was because her dinner was ready and Cassie wouldn't eat until she got back home. I told Tess she had just eaten a "horseshoe," and Tess said, what the he#$%? She just begged me to fix her some dinner!!! I said not to worry, the horseshoe was made with a tiny hamburger patty I had cooked for the cat, and I think she had about 8 fries. Tess was much relieved, and said, "Oh she had appetizers at your house." I said, "I really hadn't thought about it that way, but yes, I guess she was correct."

Have to get the house ready for dad's wheelchair to get through. Tess took the doors off the bedroom and bathroom to make the doorways roomier, while I put a lifted seat on the toilet. She then got into the wheelchair and tried going into and out of the bathroom and bedroom and said he should be able to do it on his own. Now I just have to get the clutter under control, and make sure he has a clear shot at it. Hope this will work. Not sure it will, but he can't go back to rehab for at least three months, then can stay another three, then back out for three. Unless we can find him an adult foster home in the area. Not much luck on that front, though. They had a few things available but about 60-75 miles away. NOT doing that!!!! Arrgh!!!

Now on a lighter note, here are some photos of rainy day flowers I took yesterday while waiting for Tess.







And then one of Cassie from when we went shopping. She discovered the three-way mirror and was so delighted by seeing herself from so many angles. She wanted me to take a picture of her in her wheelchair so she could see how fun she looked!! Ignore the fat grandma in the background!!! :) Just click on the small photo for a larger view!!!

Memorial Day-Thanks Vets-both living and dead!!!

As predicted the number of folks through the shop today was insane. I got there are 11. Thank God I had already eaten something or I might never have. I had tons of printing customers and tons of antique mall folks, too. And, also as predicted, they were spending money.

When I finally got all the customers out ¾ hour later than planned, I was beat and definitely ready to head for home. Also starving, since I hadn't eaten since before I went to work at 11. I got a call from Tess on the way home. She wanted to go out to dinner. So I stopped at her house. Tess went to leave Eric a note, and he was awake, so I just picked Cassie up and took just her out to dinner. Tess still paid, though, and helped me get the wheelchair into my car.

I let Cassie choose the restaurant and she wanted Chinese. I told her to let me know if I was going to the restaurant she wanted, since there are four different Chinese places in town. As I got ready to turn off the highway she said, right one Grandma. It is at the outlet mall here in town. It used to be nearly across the street from where we live, but it moved a while back. They do Chinese, Japanese and Sushi. She ate her first ever shrimp. It is going to be spendy taking her out eat if she really likes seafood. The guy whose family owns the restaurant fell in love with her and comped her dinner. So it was just my food we had to pay for. He also gave her fortune cookies and let her wheel her chair all over the restaurant.

Then of course, since we were at the mall, we had to go in search of a new “princess” dress. She wanted the “pink one,” and they were only $4.99 so we got three, a pink check, a pink floral, and a solid pink with bows. Bad girls. It was really fun, though. She also discovered how fun the three-way mirrors are in her wheelchair. Photos tomorrow!!

It was so cute!! Of course the fat grandma is in the background, oh well, at least the photos of her are great!! I am so tired I told my friend earlier, I wanted a giant Diet Pepsi and a bucket of pain medication. Wish I actually had some!!!

A big salute goes out to our military heroes who have gone to their final reward. Thanks for protecting our country. Proud of it or not, it is the only one we have, and we need to honor those protecting us.

Annual Art Show

Yesterday was interesting. The art show opening was fun, chatting with all my artist buds and of course looking at all the entries and seeing who won what. I got a first and second in Advanced Mixed Media, of course I only entered two pieces and no one else entered in advanced MM, so I won by default. But the judge didn’t award ribbons to anyone he felt didn’t deserve one even if they were in the category alone, so I feel okay about it. The best of show went to a newer guy in our group. I absolutely love his work and we were all excited that he won. His stuff is so amazing and colorful and almost abstract, but not. And his design sense totally rocks!!!

My paintings are called "Leaf Me Alone" and "Aubergine." The photo isn't great, but you will get the idea. The show hangs for two more weeks.

Then I went next door to the Cultural Center to an opening and got to see how the pros paint. $20,000 paintings and tons of very strange (my opinion) collages and such like priced through the roof. They were also having a pet rescue fundraiser which was great, with a big art and craft show on the lawn. A few jewelry booths, only one with anything that really appealed to me and I picked up her card, she sells on Etsy. Nice gal and her partner who make earrings mostly, and nice simple designs. Pretty reasonable prices, didn’t get to ask her where she is from, had to run back to our show.

Then off to gather up Tess from work and take her to a friends house to refresh her computer software and chatted with them for a bit. Then off to Burger King (I know, too many calories, but Tess was buying) and home. Whew!!! Hoping today will be a little calmer, but not expecting it to be so. Have to work tomorrow, too from at least 11 to 4 or 5, depending on how many people stop. Then maybe a barbecue with family which would be so nice.

I am planning to make some serious jewelry this week. At least four pieces, one each day I am off work. Will keep you posted! (hee-hee) I am really hoping for more than that, but will feel good if I get at least four. I want to try some new techniques and play with my soldering torch a bit. Love playing with fire!! I always have done, but haven't worked with silver in that way for a while.

Annual Juried Art Show

Today was interesting. Work was the usual. The art show opening was fun, chatting with all my artist buds and of course looking at all the entries and seeing who won what. I got a first and second in Advanced Mixed Media, of course I only entered two pieces and no one else entered in advanced MM, so I won by default. But the judge didn’t award ribbons to anyone he felt didn’t deserve one even if they were in the category alone, so I feel okay about it. The best of show went to a newer guy in our group. I absolutely love his work and we were all excited that he won. His stuff is so amazing and colorful and almost abstract, but not. And his design sense totally rocks!!! I will put in my entries and his so you can see both. Then I went next door to the Cultural Center to an opening and got to see how the pros paint. $20,000 paintings and tons of very strange (my opinion) collages and such like priced through the sky. They were also having a pet rescue fundraiser which was great, with a big art and craft show on the lawn. A few jewelry booths, only one with anything that really appealed to me and I picked up her card, she sells on Etsy. Nice gal and her partner who make earrings mostly, and nice simple designs. Pretty reasonable prices, didn’t get to ask her where she is from, had to run back to our show. Then off to gather up Tess from work and take her to a friends house to refresh her computer software and chatted with them for a bit. Then off to Burger King (I know, too many calories, but Tess was buying) and home. Whew!!!

Another soujourn to the VA

Well, my long day on the road yesterday finally ended at 11:05 last night. I got up before 7 yesterday (you know, in the middle of the night), showered, drank cold coffee, dropped my ballot off at city hall, and drove to my cousin’s house by 8. We were both mostly awake by then, but not exactly thrilled with the idea of spending hours at the VA hospital. We did our usual breakfast snag at the halfway point (McDonalds), and then as we got to the metro area I needed to find a branch of my bank. There are few in the Portland area, so I figured I would do best to google it on my phone. I pulled off the highway in Tigard, and as we drove a couple blocks to find a parking lot we pulled directly into the parking lot of . . . . A bead store!!! Whooppeee!! Had no idea it was there. Is that a meant to be or what!!! Of course Nick said, Rita you better get in there and shop!!! We have nearly an hour. I said, Okay, (well, duh!!) and did. As we came through the front door the lady said, “We are having a 30% off sale on all the seed beads and pretty much everything except things that are already on sale.” Well of course I had to stock up on some seeds and buy some copper headpins and a carved bone goddess and some green 18 gauge wire, all in all I saved neary $10.

We made it to the VA just in time for his first appt. I dropped him off and had to backtrack about 20 miles round trip to go to my bank, but it killed time and I had beads!!! I got back parked in the usual area (so I could actually find the car again) and tracked him down. The lab had been backed up over an hour and his doctor had kind of pushed him back behind someone else so we sat in the waiting room and chatted with a couple from Longview, WA who were shocked we had to drive so far to see the doctors. They pushed Nick to apply for travel reimbursement and he got it. He got $40 for gas, and was totally stoked about finally getting it approved. He had tried in the past and been denied. Now he will be paid every visit so he is very relieved. His doc didn’t know about one of his other appts, so if he had seen her right then we would have effectively been over an hour behind getting to the next appts. Instead, she said go to the other appts. and when you are done come back and see me. She said she would be there until at least 5 pm. We went to imaging first for blood pressure checks of his legs and arms. Oh, I also went in search of a snack while he was having blood pressures tested in his toes (visualize little tiny blood pressure cuffs). They were having a $6 sale in the sky bridge between the hospitals and I bought Tess a new tote bag to use as a diaper bag and I was buying myself one, too. The guy said that one is 2 for $6 so I got 1 for Athena, too. She will be delighted, it is covered with butterflies. Mine is purple (duh!!) with sparkly bits and Tess’s is pink with tone on tone squares.

He is diabetic and has many issues. We went to pick up a quick sandwich before the next appt., and there was a jewelry artist couple set up in the dining area. Nice work, more expensive than I could afford to pay, but some great stone combinations to tuck away for future reference. We toted our burgers with us to the next waiting room and ate while we waited. We then saw wound care (he has ulcers on his legs), and I saw the worst ulcer (it is really bad) and they said it was healing nicely. Couldn’t prove it by me, but they had seen it before. Then off to the eye clinic to have his retinopathy checked. On the way up in the elevator Nick said wait until you see the view from this floor!!! The wall facing the Willamette River is all glass, and the panoramic view of the east side of Portland and the river is just unbelievable!!! How amazing and breathtaking. Nice breather before the appt. We saw a different doctor this time and Nick liked him much better. He actually explained the differences in his eyes, what he was seeing and why the treatment last time hurt more than before. Nice guy. Then back to his renal doc, who had put us behind. By then it was 4:50. Good job on timing. She had just seen her last patient and spent about ½ hour with us.

Man were we beat. Of course traffic was horrible at that time and we decided to find somewhere to shop or eat or just get off the highway. Nick wanted to look at new cell phones so we found a store, then went in search of dinner. We did our usual drive-by on Wal-Mart in McMinnville and hit his home around 10:45 pm. More info than you ever wanted, but you can see the day was full. I came in the house at 11:05, sat down at the computer to check out some things and fell right asleep. Got up at 12:45 and went to bed. Still tired this morning. May wake up with coffee and a nap. Cat woke me at about 7:30. Bad kitty!!!

Latest painting

Well, here is the lovely nest I painted yesterday. I worked on it for several hours and actually don't hate it, so it must be pretty good. I am my own worst critic.

Here it is for your consideration:

Artwork and Sunshine at last!!!

I actually went to an art class yesterday, and I finished a painting and framed two others. I really feel so great about getting some of that done!! I framed an abstract piece, and a whimsical eggplant I had painted last fall. The painting I did yesterday is a birds nest. I actually like it. So I think it is a success. Sometimes, I feel like if I don’t hate it I am doing pretty well. I will try to photograph the birds nest today. I forgot yesterday while I was at the studio and remembered after I got home. Well, a big old D’oh!! for me. After I got the pieces framed I went to visit my dad for a bit and take him some shorts in case he wants to wear them instead of long pants. He has been the type to wear shorts clear up until the first major freeze of the year, and put them on again in March. When I got there he was asleep, and breathing very wheezy. I was a little worried, and when he woke up he was coughing. I think he just doesn’t breathe deep enough, again. They said he had been a little sick. I think it is allergies, he has the same ones I do, I am going to take him some Claritan and see if that helps. I asked if he wanted to go outside since it was so nice. He said, no, maybe later. I said, Dad, it is really nice out there. He said, well, he guessed maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Had to get two orderlies to help him get up and in the wheelchair, so I know he is really weak right now. We went out the front door and headed for the garden area out front. I really love the curly willow tree!! If you click on the picture you can blow it up and see the little blossoms on the tree. I don't remember ever noticing the little blossoms before. I guess it is because they are green!!



It was so beautiful. He sat with his back to the sun next to the fish pond, and we chatted for over an hour. He scooted his chair all around to look at the different vegetation. And we talked about all our family and things going on. We talked about the fact i actually finished a painting. I know he had a good time. He said I was right all along, he really did need to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while we had the chance.



I am off to the art studio again today. I am going to clear out my storage space in the studio, organize my art supplies, and get ready for an enormous art project I am starting next week. It is huge, and I have to paint in public!! Aarrgh!! Scary thing, even just thinking about it scares me. Feel the fear and do it anyway! (a book I once read)

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you mammas, aunties, pet-parents, and nurturing types. You don’t have to be a mother to add joy and value to the lives of those you encounter. My friend (since passed) told me it is a special gift to be able to pass along our wisdom to those who follow. She called it croning and was a loving, giving, sharing crone of the first order. I dedicate this Mother’s Day to her, Joann. My best friend, mentor, and surrogate mom. The gifts she gave me were beyond compare, both the visible and the invisible. One of the best gifts she gave me was her unconditional acceptance and love. Please pass it along to those you encounter, it is a wonderful gift you give to them and to yourself.

Cassie's BD with Chuck E.

One of the best things about having a party at Chuck E. Cheese is meeting him. Cassie loved just about everything there, the slides, the rides, the games, the pizza and most especially the giant costumed mascot!! Here they are:













Photos courtesy of mommy.

Connie Hansen Garden & Fun with Grandgirls

My day was more bizarre than usual, due to having to get Tess’s prescription filled, AND figure out how to pay for a tank full of gas. Jeez, $40 for my tiny Dodge Neon. Of course I didn’t totally fill it, that was all the money I could come up with today, aside from a few bucks grocery money. Tess’s family needed bread, milk, and something for dinner which Athena could fix. I took my dad a delicious Marion berry muffin, since they are one of his favorites, and had a serious discussion with the PT gal. She said he has one or two days in five or six where he is able to go more than one trip out one door and around and in the other, what amounts to about 40 feet total. She said today he only made it halfway before he was nearly falling to sit in his wheelchair which accompanies him on his loops. She says when he was in there a little over a year ago he was able to gain strength from his exercises and she says now he really isn’t improving much at all. I know she is trying to let me down easy, but it was pretty obvious the day we took him out to lunch that he is just plain 88 and not getting any younger. She says it is time to talk about long-term arrangements. I said, I had no clue what to do at this point. He has a limited income and none of the assisted living facilities are taking new patients if they are not self pay, and the rehab center is only taking new long terms as old ones either die or move to another facility.

While I was out I also picked up cupcakes for Cassie, Athena and I to have a little birthday party the day before Cassie's BD. So when I got back home I brought Athena and Cassie to my house, that was at about 4:45 pm. We ate cupcakes and laughed and drank tons of bottled flavored water. Athena thought it was great fun pouring flavoring in her bottle and mine and shaking the daylights out of them. Cassie drank so much of it she soggied her diaper. Fortunately I had an extra here, but not before she had wet her new jeans, onsie top and my jeans. So she and I both stripped down and put our clothes in the wash. I told her it was okay, she could run around in her jacket. Suddenly she decided a bath sounded like a better idea, so I worked on making some dinner while Athena kept her entertained in the bath. They just went home at about 8:30, and I am one tired grandma. I think everyone had a great time, and there were plenty of cupcakes to take home and share with mommy and Eric. Athena’s biggest entertainment while she was here was going up and down in grandpa’s lift chair. I had never let her “play with” it before, but she was so hyper I figured correctly it would entertain her.

While i was waiting for the prescription I figured I would spend some time at our local version of a Botanical Garden, the Connie Hansen Garden. There were some lovely things in bloom Rhododendrons in a variety of colors and some pale lavender azaleas (just click on the thumbnail photos for a bigger version):









There was also some fascinating skunk cabbage, and even some tiny minnows, the first of the season: