Kathy's Blog

We still have the snow from the weekend although there was drizzle after it fell so it got heavy and icy. There is some fresh snow on top of that plus the Alberta clipper is to bring more. There was sunshine this morning when I got up and it was 10°F (-12°C) without wind. I applied some Musher’s Secret to Bode’s paws and did the dishes then put a large potato in the toaster oven to bake while we went out. It wasn’t too bad outdoors, although it clouded over and was starting to snow lightly by the time we got back. That baked potato smelled like a bit of heaven when I opened the front door.

I got bills made out on Monday, then did errands on Tuesday morning, including pumping up the tires on the car. I checked email when I got back then signed off to make a pot of tea preparatory to taking a rest when my dad called from the hospital. My mom was admitted again, but this time she was sent there from the doctor’s office instead of going through the emergency room. She, like many older people, is being treated for a number of different conditions and it appears that she needed her medication regimen adjusted. Anyway, she is in good spirits and fairly comfortable and hoping to get home soon.

Should put in the title subject before I forget. I noticed that the ice doesn’t seem to present a problem for taking walks. When I thought about it, decided that because of the metabolic mess, I have to walk slowly and deliberately all the time so that I don’t get spasms in my legs and feet. That is exactly what you need to do on ice to keep your footing.

Well, that is my excuse for a late new year’s post. Mother was hospitalized between Christmas and New Years after a seizure, but it was a short stay.

Saw a notice on the Ford City Borough site that people should put their discarded Christmas trees out but not to expect them to be picked up before “russian christmas” on January 7. That reflects the cultural makeup of this former mill town. We have both a Roman Catholic and a Ukranian Orthodox Catholic congregation here.

In the smart pets department, the tactic of spelling words in front of the dog is no longer useful. Over the holidays while I was at my parents house, Bode was stretched out on the floor napping when I said something about when he last went OH-YOU-TEE, he immediately raised his head and was ready to go out.

We had snow over night, was ice underneath after the rain yesterday. The snow makes things look brighter. We have had very little snow stay on the ground this winter.

We escaped the huge snowstorm on Friday, got lots of rain instead. It is 7 °F (-14 °C) here this morning and snowing with strong winds. Yesterday morning what looked like a light snowfall turned out to be the residue of freezing rain and sleet from Saturday night. It is seriously winter!

Mother returned home from the hospital on Thursday. I wasn’t feeling well that day and when my dad called from the hospital at noon to say they were experiencing delays, decided to stay put. So it was good that we only got rain on Friday. Don’t think I would have had the energy to shovel out the car and go to their house. I picked up some things for them and in the afternoon helped mother prepare Christmas cards. This is the time of year that she hears from friends and relatives. When we were busy, it gave my dad some time to take a good nap to catch up from lost sleep through the night. When he got up he helped sign cards and look up addresses.

I went there again yesterday afternoon — it was sunny but even at that time of day it took a while to clear the ice from the windshield of the car and it was hard to open the doors. Mother worked with me doing some more cards while my dad drove to NuMine to shop at DiMaio’s. We decided to take a break and I was putting the things away when there was a knock at the door. The Elderton Parish carolers and Pastor Joyce came to sing for mother. They filled the room and she was very happy for the visit. As they were leaving my uncle and aunt stopped by to visit with the exchange student from Brazil who stayed with them in high school. She is now in her final year of medical school and had returned to USA for a visit.

Mother looked better and seems to be feeling better than any time since last summer. It is really good that she got home in time for Christmas.