December 31, 2010

Today sees me going to visit Mom in the hospital. Today we are going to talk about palliative care. This will make her comfortable for as long as she has left. It also helps the family cope. Not a way I wanted to end the year, but a necessary thing to do.

On the stitching front, I am happy that I am stitching again. It is such a stress reliever for me. I read blogs where people have finished over 40+ projects, some even had over 60! Me, I am happy with whatever number I get done. For me, saying I will get so many projects done at such and such time turns stitching into a JOB and not a hobby. I get heartburn when I read other people's blogs about how they think they failed because they did not meet monthly/yearly goals. My goal is to stitch!, to be able to sit the wing back chair, turn on the OTT light and relax by having a needle in my hand.

So tonight, I will ring in the new year just like that... in the chair with the light on stitching in some project. Cannot say if it will be a new start or a finish, but I am leaning towards a finish... maybe a new start as the clock strikes midnight. Who knows, no pressure, no goals, just stitching.

Happy New Year everyone!

Joanne

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a day filled with peace and love. 

Joanne (PhotoJo)

Mom's Tree

My world has been turned upside down and gone sideways. Since the 2nd, Mom has been in the hospital. The diagnosis is multi organ failure with metabolic encephalopathy. She also had positive blood cultures (positive for VRE). This past Friday she was unresponsive (not even to sternum rubs). As her POA I had to sign her into comfort care. THE MOST DIFFICULT THING I HAVE EVER DONE. My brother and I said our goodbyes to her and left knowing we would be getting that dreaded phone call. All meds were stopped (mainly dobutamine). The staff told me to come back on Saturday to sign papers to put Mom in hospice care. I got there around 1 pm and asked her nurse how she was. Much to my surprise, MOM IS AWAKE AND LUCID! I walked into her room and she asked me how I was. Asked about the dogs and how the decorating of the house is going. I was in utter shock!. The nurse got me out of her room and said the entire nursing staff was in as much shock as me.

My brother and I had been told on Friday that she has 48 to 72 hours left. Now, no one knows. She still is terminal, no way around that, but the 180 degree turnabout has us all confused.

Because she is a medicare patient, we have to play by their rules. Since there is nothing to do medically, she could no longer stay in the hospital. She has been moved to a skilled nursing facility that shares property with the hospital.

As far as Christmas is concerned. Yes, the tree she wanted has been put up and decorated. It is a white tree with teal, silver, white and pearl colored ornaments.

Wishing you and yours and beautiful holiday season;
Joanne

Snow

Yes, you are reading the ruler correctly, 14 inches of snow. From 7 am to 5 pm this evening.Taking a vacation day tomorrow because another 12 inches are predicted for tonight. Time to turn on the fireplace and grab some stitching.

Joanne

It's Snowing!

I, for one, love snow. Missed it when I lived in Florida for 18 years. This morning, while rushing Mom to the ER for shortness of breath, it started to snow. Those big huge flakes. Lovely. Sort of calmed me down as I was driving. Once she had her paracentesis done, her breathing returned to normal. She is now taking a nap and I am waiting for the guy to hook of the gas fireplace. Cannot wait to get that puppy fired up. Photos will definitely follow.

On the stitching front, I am still trying to decide what to do about the "unique" Blue Santa. Leaning towards tossing it. Just placed an order at 1-2-3 Stitch for a couple of Little House Needlework and some Belle Soie Threads.

It's December and the madness begins. Wondering home many Buckeyes I will roll and how many dozens of Christmas Cookies I will bake.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday weekend.
Joanne