Oregon 2004 December Margaret & Susan
We are up and running (computer)--slow--dial up--tell people to write! ---Mom wrote some Christmas cards today/tonight--what a chore--Dad sat at the table and said yes dear, 100 times----then we sidetracked her to the TV--my favorite show--jeopardy! Good night--love Margaret
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2004 10:19 AM
Subject: howdy from G and G
We are online now--Dad is pleased with the computer set-up--Mom is
interested one minute in writing to her kids--then she gets
disinterested just as fast--
Mom and I are going to a baby shower
for my friend Margaret's daughter this afternoon--she had a nice shower
and has blue pants and a blue sweater on--because it is a boy--
Dad
had his letter about stem cell research in last nights paper--he is
happy about that-- he is going for a massage at noon--- MAry___DAD
WANTS TO KNOW THE STATUS OF HIS TICKETS--HE SAYS MOM IS GETTING BETTER
AND THEY MAY COME TO ABQ IN SUMMER OR NEXT FALL--at breakfast this
morning Mom said she wanted to go sooner than that but Dad said
traveling in the winter is not the way to go--it will be quite the
trip--when and if it happens---
Mary--your muffins and bread are delicious--from all of us---
CAROL--Dad said January is just fine for you to come--see you then--
Danny--I still owe you a birthday call-hang on--I will surprise you one day--of course of the 21st of another month!!!
Diane-- at breakfast this AM--Mom said out of the clear blue--I like Diane! --We agreed with her--and moved on--
happy Saturday to all--love Margaret
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 9:06 AM
Subject: yikes
This computer is driving me crazy--it is Jon's old computer and it has a mind of its own--I am getting to know it--but I miss mine--I typed everyone's address in the address book and that lasted a day--now I can't find them--seems to hold addresses better if you send a reply and then I add them to book that way----so Kathy, Danny, Susan and Carol--send a reply--so I can get you in ---(Diane--sooooo I took time to review the trust and file box early this AM--looks good--read some reassuring things in the trust--seems like all is in place and that we will have control even over stuff that is not in the trust-there is a clause that says if they forgot anything--then the trustee may place it in the trust--because it was their intent to include everything---soooo I feel like we are ready when necessary---will continue to browse through it at my leisure--hahahaha
Cute story to siblings about Mom--she asked Dad one morning if I was her daughter--and of course he said yes---but then she asked me if I was her daughter and I confirmed what Dad had said--but she was soo confused and told me that I could NOT be her daughter because I was her friend----so I said okay---and took it as an indirect compliment-- (after being yelled at several times this past week--) we all seem to get in trouble when we try to talk to Dad and she feels not included--although she is right there --she says we talk to Dad and not her---which is the total opposite of what usually happens--Mom gets 98% of all the attention--and Dad maintains his sanity in his own little world----he is sooo good with her and just agrees and moves on by changing the subject--or putting on the TV or music--she is easily sidetracked--most of the time---
We had a fun lunch yesterday--on the folk's 56th anniversary--my friend Helen and I went with them to sizzler and Dad picked on Helen throughout the meal and had a blast doing soooo--
Mom and I tried to watch some Xmas shows last night--but she feel asleep and so I went to reading--instead of watching black and white movies from the 1940's!!!!
Mom will have a massage today--then we will go to RR and pick up Shelby after school---grab a bite to eat---and hang out----
Mom’s legs have been a bit sorer than usual--although overall her health is maintaining--it is all the TLC she got from Diane that turned her around and now we continue--it is working out pretty good---missing work has been fine for me--once you make the initial adjustment---I am working about 2 days a week-school is out for good this Friday--then off until January 3--when we plan on having Carol here for the week--
--Love to all Margaret
Subject: greetings from GP
Greetings siblings---
I took over the shift at 4 PM this day. Susan is at a birthday party for one of her friends. She said she had a pretty good 2 days--in fact her best. So when I show up, Mom got mad cause we were here. She wants to know what is wrong and why we are here. We tell her but she thinks that everything is okay and that she and Dad don't need help. So we sidetracked to a movie that Susan brought over from the bookstore. In the meantime we had dinner --delicious tomato basil soup that Dad has recently fallen in love with from a restaurant downtown called Little Italy (I think). Now Mom is in bed. She was extremely tired tonight. Tomorrow she wants to bake cookies--and we certainly can.
Tonight her neighbor brought over some home made tamales. They won't eat them. I'll probably bring them for the boys tomorrow. The folks enjoyed chatting with the neighbor--she is a good lady.
Not much news today--except it is cold in this house!!!!! I have a nice blanket surrounding my body and keeping me warm.
---Love, Margaret
P.s. I will send messages to all siblings and if you want to, then you pass them on to your kids
Sent: Saturday December 18, 2004 9:30 am
Subject: life at 1016
O baby--what an adventure---
I got in trouble Thursday night from Mom cause I took her car out to go to Wal-Mart-- (1 mile away) and to get gas in it as I was told to do. It was 8 PM. Mom was supposed to stay in bed. When I got back after 9pm, she was up and waiting to tell me that I was sneaking out and running all over town in her car and that I was gone 3-4 hours (all night-according to her). I told her that we had discussed it and she knew I was going to get gas but she wouldn't go for it. She kept at me. So I said sorry and I wouldn't do it again. Then off to bed we went. She was up 15 minutes later--couldn't sleep--finally got to bed at 11PM. I was on the couch and Mom was sitting in her chair. I'm not sure what got into her that night--but boy o boy--I have resolved never to leave again at night--especially in her car--with permission!!!!! Oh well --it's a good thing there is no recollection on her part the next day.
She slept wonderfully last night after a rough day of sore knees. Her walking yesterday was the worst that I have ever seen but she seems to be better early this AM. Yes the current time of 9:30 is early for them. Today she wants to go shopping for yet another nightgown. So we'll do that later. We must exercise and eat first -- following the structure and routine set by Diane--which makes for a successful morning. Dad loves the fact that we are exercising with her daily and Mom does well with routine.
Dad's one leg has been bothering him yesterday--and again today.
Love, Margaret
P.s. Diane--I got the paper for the trust and filed it.
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 1999 11:27 AM (AKA December 19, 2004)
Subject: adventures at 1016
Happy Sunday morning to all!
Who wants to go out and eat with the folks?? Actually Joel is coming in to do so today. The folks are still sleeping. It is 8:50 Sunday morning. They like to sleep in. About the date and time on this computer-- I have fixed several times and it keeps reverting back to whatever it wants. Jon told me that this computer (his old one) has a mind of its own...and now I understand. It certainly has its own peculiarities.
So yesterday Mom, Lori and I went to Medford. Mom did awesome. We went to Costco and then to the mall. On the way home to Grants Pass, we stopped for a piece of fish for Dad, got a new blanket, sheets and nightgowns from Dad to Mom. Mom got Dad an awesome hooded sweatshirt -- plus she already has stuff here for the big Christmas exchange (book, bathroom rug and auto safety kit). Diane--she gave Dad the St. Vincent de Paul's stuff for their anniversary. He gave the Christmas hat to Raven. He loves the music video and Mom now claims the angel that she forgot she gave to Dad. She loves it. It is sitting in a Christmas sleigh on the coffee table.
So back to yesterday. Mom was a trooper. She was happy all afternoon that we shopped, stayed dry, and seemed to enjoy herself even amidst some crowds. We saw Sara at Costco and that always warms Grandma's heart. She was impressed with the decorations at the mall so it was a good day.
Last night we watched a love story/comedy --I want a boyfriend for Christmas. Of course Mom did not last till the end of the movie but she like the part that she saw. Dad had a lazy day yesterday. His leg hurts and all he did was take a shower and said he felt very tired. The day before his leg was extremely sore and tough to walk on. It was better though on Saturday although he did not go in for his massage.
Saturday morning David, Greg and Joel were here doing some touch up painting and yard work here at the folks. Mom brought them a sandwich for lunch. They have been working pretty regularly here lately since Diane and I started the yard work on the side. They have done a continuous thorough job on the back yard. It all started because Diane said the bushes were too high where we park the cars and she was concerned about getting in the car door. Boy Diane --that thought has taken on new meaning---good work!
I did get in small trouble last night for leaving toothpaste droppings in Mom' sink but quickly cleaned them and all was well.
Today's routine includes 11 AM Mass, then empty all trash cans, put trash and recycle out front, then out to eat, and then home to veg.
I got all the laundry done yesterday. We don't do that on Sunday here. I am on vacation until the first Monday in January. I'm looking forward to the break. If I think of more, I will write later or chat with you all in a day or 2.
Love, Margaret
From: Diane:
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 9:04 PM
Subject: Re: adventures at 1016 - continued
Amazing how our memories differ. I remember going to move Dad's car and being amazed at how little room there was to walk on the side of the car much less open the door and squeeze in. I think Margaret was moving another car so we both talked about the little space and MARGARET came up with the idea of 'let's trim the bushes on Thursday'. I was concerned that Dad might not like the idea but Margaret knew that he wouldn't care. Our 'trimming the bushes near the car' turned out to be a 3 1/2 hour bush trimming, bush removing, ivy removing, roll up the old hoses, trim the bushes in front, jam the trimmers on the fence trying to get rid of ivy (at Dad's request), etc outing. Margaret was persistent in cleaning up the car area and was the cheerleader who kept on going!! I didn't mind taking a break to help Mom outside to watch us and then helped put her inside too! The weather was perfect, the exercise was invigorating, and the satisfaction was grand. Downside -- now Mom can see the fence and wants it painted!!! There's always something!!!
Keep up the wonderful job your doing Margaret! Bill & I are heading to see our great offspring and their lovely families on Thursday and will return on Monday. I'll be checking my email while down there and look forward to your updates!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Love,
Diane
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 1999 11:35 AM (AKA December 20, 2004)
Subject: roof
We are getting a new roof today and tomorrow and then new gutters on Thursday/Friday. It is noisy! The roofers had a cancellation and so we got a 7:30 AM phone call and they were here an hour later!!!! The job was scheduled to be done in January but Dad is thrilled to be getting it done earlier. Dad went swimming. Mom has the TV blaring. I am taking care of some of my stufffff. Joel and David are here working in yard.
Carol your reservations came in--(5th through 12). They look good.
It will be a long day--but not a bad one. Dad's legs seem much better today. The sun is shining--just a bit brisk.
Love Margaret
From: "Scotner" <dcotner541@charter.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 9:07 AM
Subject: adventures at 1016 - continued
greetings..... I made the famous salmon and sweat potato dinner, watched
a grand movie...well worthwhile...secondhand lion and sorted through hundreds
of Dads papers...he gave me 3 bags full and I am sorting through...lots of his
letters...etc. you each will have folder....Dave is here. The roofers are
on roof and the folks remain in bed. Roofers will be working for 4
days.... Huge decline in folks and Margaret said when I arrived yesterday
that they were having a good day. Dad had night sweats last night. He
believes from the essaic tea he drank a cup two days ago...perhaps he's
right..... opps time for oatmeal and chair aerobics...the queen has
arisen...... q
From: "Scotner"
Sent: Friday, December 24, 2004 10:06 AM
Greetings this eve of Christmas..... alleluia.... Mom got in the shower....
always to prepare for Mass...it's the only time she's willing to shower.
Glad that Shelby is singing and we will all go to hear her at Mass.
It's important to never do Dad and Mom's wash together. Dad is adamant
about his laundry being separate. I dried clothes from the clothes hanger
because Mom likes to fold warm clothes.
Interesting items...... Mom was so cute yesterday. She woke up at 4am
saying "I'm not going anywhere today." Ok with us. However, by noon she
was ready to go shopping with Dad who is just looking for a piece of time
alone and is not capable of taking her anywhere without help. He can't
lift wheelchair, etc. So after he leaves, Mom says "Let's go surprise him
and meet him at the store." (Market of Choice of course!) So off we go to
surprise Dad at the grocery store. She's like a young woman on a date --
very, very attached to him.
Now it's off to exercise time. Mom does chair aerobics and I lay on the
floor and do yoga stretches! So..time for those.... Merry Christmas
siblings....q
From: "mary pepper" <dmpepper19@msn.com>
Date: 2004/12/23 Thu AM 09:55:04 PST
To: "Scotner" <dcotner541@charter.net>
:Thanks for the tips on what's needed in the care of Mom and
Dad.....coughing
and choking by Mom or Dad are challenging for me to handle and so I
appreciate your info telling me that it sounds worse than it is and that
it takes care of itself...information is good on how to handle various
scenarios...so patience and prayer will be my mantra and rubbing the
back etc.....oatmeal and prune in the am.....sounds yummmy???.....walk in the
morning and Mass sounds delightful.....glad that you will have the
opportunity to get away for a short time......
waiting for Jeremy and Ceci to get in .....they were on the runaway in
Indianapolis for 4 hours last night.....never got off the
ground.....today looks more promising ......should arrive here in a couple of hours and
then Matthew, Tracy, Colleen, and Steve (friend of Matthew's) will arrive
tomorrow and then Tracy's family will arrive tomorrow night
etc.....fun......fun!!!
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
love, Mary
From: "Scotner" >
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 9:55 AM
So here it is 0900 and the folks remain in bed. They are indeed late
risers these months. So off to swim at 5:30 AM I went, then a bit of a
walk followed by Mass at 0745. Then home to do e-mail and finish papers
that Dad gave me last night to read. Feel free Mary and Carol to add or
delete any part of this early AM itinerary. It works well for Margaret
and I as long as one is quiet with no kitchen activity until you hear Mom
scuffling in and ahh you better have the oatmeal cooking, prune on
table, etc., etc.... we watch the movie..yes Virginia...there is a Santa
Claus...it is darling..... Mom had coughing spell last night just sit
her up and gently rub her back. It sounds terrible but somewhat of a common
occurrence..... Dad is limping less yesterday....gone swimming which is
good.... will plan on taking off a few days you guys are here.... to
meet Ken at Nick C home and then off to Maupin on Jan 11..work four days
prior.... going to make lasagna today with Mom and bring to my house!
for Christmas...folks will join us.... working Christmas eve for
Sean...can you believe it...first time in 4 fours years he ask me to
work for him....it is crystal's birthday...... Moms up.....hugs q
December 25, 2004
From: Margaret Peterson
Subject: MC from 1016
it is Christmas morning--9:30 AM--here I sit--the folks are still sleeping away---I wrapped their presents--Mom was terribly anxious about that getting done--so I told her Santa would surprise her and have them under the tree in the AM---Dad could care lesssssss---anyway--Mom got Dad a sweatshirt--really nice one (I picked it out-0-so I am a bit opinionated about it!)
and she got him a bathroom rug and an auto care safety kit-----
Dad got Mom--2 nightgowns, sheets and a new blanket for her bed--down of course--her other one is getting depleted of its feathers---probably should have got Mom a new sweater from Dad--will do so this week when they are on sale---
lunch at Susan's today--then everyone together for dessert---
Sheila coming down tomorrow- Andy is here. We all went to church last night in RR--Shelby was singing in the children’s choir and then the kids filled the stable with animals, baby Jesus etc--was cute----and of course long--but Mom did well-anything for her Shelby Rose!!!!!!
Came back here last night--made dinner for all and Mom and I tried to watch miracle on 34 street and we both fell asleep--o no it is wearing off on me already!!!!!!---
yesterday afternoon took Andy and Shelby--(me and Mom did ) out to Bacci's for lunch---invited others--and Jon, Joel and heather showed up--so it was good for Andy to have a visit--he will see everyone else today--
Mom was up 4 times last night--to potty and cough---the house was frigid--but she never complains of the cold at night---hmmm????? she is tough!----
okay--enjoy the day--enjoy the season--love to all Margaret
December 26, 2004
From: Margaret Peterson
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 1999 11:44 AM
Subject: the day after
had a good sleep last night--Mom was up several times--but did well on her own--I watched from the corner of my room/ got up and checked on her --and she did fine--funny some days/nights are good--others are lousy---o weelllll
so the folks had a delightful meal at Susan's--they have been raving about the lasagna all night and again this AM--I went home and took a nap while they all ate and felt much better after--just in time for desserts---no problem there---yummy----
last night we tried to watch a wonderful life--but did not make it much past 7PM---o well I like to go to bed early toooo----Mom had a nice shower this AM and now she is curling her hair for church--Dad getting dressed and doing his thing---
today will be the usual, church, get trash out and go out to eat---come home and veg--actually Susan relieves me sometime this afternoon--after Brian heads back to Corvallis---
had to be a part of the Christmas exchange yesterday AM with the folks--what an experience---Mom loves to receive-(she couldn't wait--BUT wait we did while Dad got ready!!!)-Dad could care less---Dad gave me a little book with scriptures in--then it was over--thank goodness----I went for a cold walk---and Mom and I exercised--another daily routine--in fact I better get off this computer now and start exercising--before Dad reminds me of the routine---chat later--love Margaret
From: Mary pepper
To: Chirrick Diane ; Glennon Tom ; Glennon Paula ; Glennon Danny
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 1:53 PM
Hi,
Susan said that I could pass around this info.....Mind has too much amniotic fluid and this could be a problem or things could be okay ....so she's asking for prayers for Mind and the baby....Mindi has an appointment next Thursday and so they'll know a bit more then......so read below for more of the details.....and pray for a normal delivery etc without any complications
love, Mary
From: Scotner
Sent: Monday, December 27, 2004 10:07 AM
greetings...folks remain asleep...been up to swim, walked and
mass... soon a nap.....the best time for yourself is early am.....rest
of day is Mom time.... bring earplugs all audio sound is several octave
higher than our ears need...so with Mindi... too much amniotic
fluid...cause unknown for 50% of cases,,, 20% are fetal
abnormalities....10% chromosones abnormality 20%of cases are diabetic
related..... so it appears as their are no fetal abnormalities as per
ultrasound. She is not diabetic.... we are praying too thanks for
yours.... problems occur with prolapsed cord at delivery caused by
fluid gashing out,,, no oxygen to baby.... not good.... another big
problem is increase risk for amniotic embolic (clot) its like a blood
clot except it a amniotic clot...kills mother soon after delivery.....
so as you can see we need lots of prayers.... Mom getting up.... seems
this computer get her up .... love and hugs q....
From: "Scotner" <dcotner541@charter.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 2:42 PM
oh boy...what a day... it started with beating the drums...you all
will have the opportunity to do it as you become part of the living
arrangements......fear not.... Diane has probably done it..... so hear
hear... Dad is exact on so many things...so helpful.... closet door
stays open as coats go on and off ....every time I closed it he opens
so I stopped.... went to St Vincent’s... Mom chatted with ladies and I
looked for cast iron pots for Crystal..as her iron count is low....on
our way to Kathy's for grab bag... got in trouble for not peeling the
skins off potatoes enough...so be careful girls....tens minutes later
we were on our way to stores and she wanted to buy me a sweater.... Dad
leg continues to bother him.... walking is decreasing... swimming ok if
he can fit it in between eating...... ah the life of our aging
parents.... keep up the vitamins and exercise my siblings.... hoping to
head down to Kenny Covell at Nick's for a wee bit of a break...hope the
snow keeps abating!
g..... the watchkeeper.....q...Dad often puts
on TV to calm Mom...so if anyone has good movie that she will like
bring them up girls.... she does not like cartoons... finds them
insulting....Margaret resume duty tomorrow at 4 as I have the next 4
days at hospital...... ahhh an then our siblings
arrive.....yahooooooooo
12/29/04
From: Margaret Peterson
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 1999 11:28 AM
Subject: I’m back
Susan was here Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and now it is my turn. I will be here for the next 7 nights. Susan has to work 4 days then she and David are heading down to Sacramento area to hook up with Ken (from Alaska), Nick Covell and Diane for about 3 days. So my relief is you Carol. See you in a week! When are you going to be at Nick's house, Diane????? (answer - Tuesday only -- worked over the week to swap the time instead of using vacation).
Mom is getting ready for bed 8PM. She was in rare form this evening--very pleasant and light hearted which is a side of her I haven't seen for a while ---a much different mood than her usual temperament. Of course she complained that she couldn't hear the TV and Dad had to turn it up 6 times before she was satisfied! Carol and Mary bring earplugs or be ready to deal with loud TV and loud radio.
Sheila is down from Portland with little Joey--he is a cutey pie--chunky--built like Joel--healthy looking as Grandpa says. Sheila looks real good and loves being a Mom.
Grab bag was a success - a little more mellow than usual but good food and good company. Nobody's gift was really outlandish. Henry got sidewalk chalk and a can of soup. Mom got peanuts and a shamrock coin. Dad got a used book. I got a book on faith. Lori got a candle. Shelby got some type of snowcone thingy. Andy got a ball, card and marbles. Sean got a pink candle (he will soon be the papa of a daughter) and he got some candy stuff that he likes. Joel got hot chocolate. Can't remember the others or maybe it was too hectic and I did not see some of them. Oh yes - Kathy got wrapping paper with her name on it. We ate ham/bean soup and potato soup and lots of snacks with hot apple cider that Kathy put in her crock-pot.
So the festivities end for the season. I am sure we are doing nothing here at 1016 for new years. It will just be another church day for the folks and me.
Okay - will keep you posted.
love to all Margaret
Susan prepared the dinner and left. Joel cooked it all. Dad raved about the dinner said it was delicious but it was nothing except the normal salmon and potatoes! Dad got back from swimming at 5ish and was thrilled that it was all ready to sit down and eat.
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 1999 11:22 AM (AKA 12/30/04)
Daily adventures continued----
Mom and I went grocery shopping today--2 stores to get it all. We also went to St. Vincent and she got a new warm top and I got a jean jacket. We also got Shelby two little things. I pushed her around in her wheelchair downtown Grants Pass for a bit - good fresh air - time for the both of us.
Also got gas -- long lines!!!
A pretty uneventful day but she was very tired and went to bed at 6:30 PM. Hope she sleeps all night. She may - she was exhausted.
Dad is still eating lunch at 6:30 PM. He'll have his dinner about 9PM. Such a contrast! He finished breakfast around 2:30 PM today.-
Carol--Dad said to tell you we have barley grass here and goats milk yogurt for your enjoyment!
He also joked all day today that he and Mom were going to hop on the 1st flight to NYC and stand in the cold with 100,000,000 million other people for hours on end and watch the ball drop and then come home. He was tickled with his outrageous idea.
Diane--I am getting really good at the chopped veggie thing and other kitchen chores. We haven't stopped eating the veggie thing (broccoli/coleslaw) since you left. Dad loves it with variety. I put some radishes in it tonight. Mom put salt on it and nearly ruined it but I got it fixed before she mixed in all the salt. Believe me it was alot of salt!
Okay --- goodnight from me toooo--I am tired--got up early for the big swim!
love Margaret