Pain in the ... (12/16/08):
This time it's the elbow.  For many months I've had pain in my elbow when I move it a certain way.  Actually, the pain is in the front of the elbow, not the joint.  It started in my left arm, then I felt it in both arms for a few months, and now it is only in my right arm.

I thought the pain might be caused from riding my bike so much (God forbid), because that's the only activity that had increased substantially since I retired.  I also thought it could be from mowing the lawn, because it takes a lot of exertion to push the mower up these steep hills.  However, I never feel pain while riding a bike or pushing the mower.

When I saw my regular Doctor for a routine check-up a few weeks ago, I ask her about it.  She had no real suggestion of what to do but thought I should see a physical therapist who might be able to suggest something to help with the pain.  I saw a therapist 5 times over the span of 2 weeks.  He gave me ultra sound treatments, which helped the pain but only for a short time.  He also made me a couple of braces to wear on my forearm to restrict movement.  Nothing that he did seemed to help very much with the pain.  Therefore, he suggested that I see a Doctor and recommended an elbow and shoulder specialist at the Med Center.

I saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday.  He concluded that the supinator muscle or tendon was pressing against a branch of the radial nerve causing pain.  He said I should take Aleve (an anti-inflammatory drug) for a couple of weeks to see it that eased the pain.  Otherwise, he said he could operate on my elbow to take pressure off the nerve.  I hope it doesn't come to that.

Fortunately, the pain is not very severe and not constant.  I have to move my arm a certain way to feel pain.  However, one of my favorite activities, picking up babies, does cause pain.  I'm hoping that the pain will be better before we visit the babies again.

Mama has pneumonia (12/12/08):
Mama was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital yesterday with pneumonia.  She might also have a bladder infection.  

Last Wednesday, Mama went to her urologist, Dr. Jones, for a 6-month check-up.  During that visit Mama provided a urine specimen, which was checked in the clinic (with a dipstick), and that check indicated that she had no infection.  They sent the urine to the lab to be cultured.  That same afternoon, Mama saw her regular Doctor, Dr. Carttar, because she had been have problems with her bowels--a little constipation, then a little diarrhea.  During that visit Dr. Carttar did a blood test, which showed that she did not have an infection.

Tuesday of this week, 6 days after seeing Dr. Jones, the nurse called to say that the lab culture of Mama's urine was positive for 2 types of bacteria.  Dr. Jones called in a prescription for the antibiotic, Macrobid.  

Tuesday night Mama became sick.  When I saw her on Wednesday morning, she felt really bad and probably had a touch of fever.  I gave her some of the Macrobid, and she slept in the bed most of the day.  I had to wake her for lunch and dinner.  After dinner, she felt much better and stayed up and watched TV and read the paper until bed time.

On Wednesday, I got to her room about 7:00 am.  She was out of bed but still in her gown.  She said she had slept pretty well and was feeling pretty good.  She dressed and went to breakfast.  We went for a walk in the hallway.  She at a big breakfast.  

Not long after breakfast I decided to call the Doctor, because I could sometimes hear wheezing when Mama breathed.  We got an appointment with Dr. Holland (Dr. Carttar was away).  He did a blood test, which showed that her white blood count was about 30,000 (normal about 10,000).  He examined her and decided that she had pneumonia.  He said she needed to go the hospital for about 2 days so she could receive antibiotic by IV.  He wrote admissions order and we got to the hospital about 1:30.  Six hours later we got to her room.  But, that another story.

Ordinarily I take Mama to see the Doctor at the first sign of being sick.  This time because she had started taking antibiotic for a possible bladder infection before she started feeling sick, I thought that the antibiotic might stop the infection.

The positive urine culture was confusing.  I question the value of such a test and question the value of seeing Dr. Jones again.  First, it took 6 days to get the results of the test.  If Mama had an infection at the time of the culture, she could get very sick in 6 days waiting for the test results.  Second, how reliable is such a culture.  The urine sample was taken using an insert in the commode--not a cup, not a catheter.  Mama told me she defecated while giving the urine sample.  The odds of contaminating the urine sample seem pretty high to me.  Third, upon learning of the positive culture, Dr. Jones only prescribed antibiotic, but didn't suggest that Mama be examined further for a bladder infection.  That's why I'm questioning whether seeing Dr. Jones adds value.  Dr. Carttar's clinic can take urine samples and they often do when Mama goes there.  

Baby Shower (12/8/08):
We drove to Fort Smith for a baby shower for Chris and Amy.  Although Mama had been a little sick for the past week (a touch of diarrhea), she went with us and felt fine.  The shower was at one of the Coffee shops that Heather manages.

Most of Chris's family on the Bridges side were there except for Sara and the out-of-state cousins.  After the shower we went by Debbie's house for a short visit.

The baby, Damon Hayes, is due in January.  Amy says she is feeling fine.  She doesn't look huge, but she was kind of thin before becoming pregnant.  

Amy's New Apartment (11/18/08):
We spent a week in Washington DC helping Amy move to a new apartment. Actually, she had moved a few days before we arrived, so we spent our time helping her unpack and cleaning out her old apartment.  Her old apartment was in Georgetown; her new apartment is on Wisconsin Avenue in the Glover Park area of Washington, a few blocks from the National Cathedral.  Her apartment faces Fulton Street.  Here's a map.   It is less than 2 miles from her office in Georgetown.  She usually rides the bus to work.  A bus comes by her place every few mintues.  Her apartment has a kitchen, a living room with a dining area, a bedroom and a bathroom.  It is much bigger than her old place.  

We helped Amy buy some furniture.  She borrowed a pickup truck and we drove about 30 miles south of Washington to a big mall and she bought a new sofa and chair with ottoman.  We bought book cases and shelves for the bathroom.    

She made a video of the apartment after she moved in but before she unpacked all the boxes.  We took a few pictures after unpacking the boxes.  

Big Dam Bridge 100 Bicycle Tour (9/28/08):
Yesterday I rode 100 miles!  Along with 1700 people, we started the ride at 7:30 in North Little Rock.  We rode across the river to Little Rock and west along the river so we could ride back across the river on the Big Dam Bridge.  From there we rode north to Mayflower and Conway.  For those of riding 100 miles the course took us on a big loop east and then west of Conway.  The course was challenging for me because of several major hills.  Many people walked their bikes up the steepest hills.  I rode all the way.  

The weather was nearly perfect.  The temperature at start time was in the upper 60's but rose to mid 80's before we finished.  There was not a cloud in the sky.

I rode the entire distance with a couple of women whom I had met during the training rides.  For part of the ride we rode with several other people from the training rides, but they eventually rode off at their own pace.  Unless you decide to ride the entire course together, it is unlikely you can do so.  Although I'm not a strong rider, especially on hills, I was little faster than my riding partners on the steepest hills.  I waited at the top of the hills while they walked up.  We also made a point to leave the rest areas together, another good place to become separated.

I finished the ride after about 8 hours and 40 minutes.  I was actually riding about 7 hours and 20 minutes.  That means that I spent over an hour either at one of the rest stops or waiting on my riding partners to walk up the hills.  

There were plenty of well-stocked rest stops serving fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, dill pickles, cookies, energy bars, and water and gatorade.  We stopped at most of the rest stops.  I was determined not to become dehydrated, so I drank lots of fluids.  I was certainly not dehydrated, because I had to pee at every rest stop and a couple of times in between in the bushes beside the rode.  (The women were way behind me at these times).  Although I was never hungry, I tried to eat something at each rest stop to prevent "running out of gas."
 
Ann and Judy were waiting at the finish line and took pictures as we finished.  I was pretty tired but had no terrible aches or pains.  The points where my body touches the bike (butt and hands) felt a little worse than other parts.  I feel fine today and will surely ride some tomorrow.

Bike Tales (9/21/08):
80 miles!  That's how far I rode yesterday as training for the Big Dam Bridges 100 ride next Saturday.  After having severe leg cramps 2 weeks ago while riding, I was a little apprehensive about the ride yesterday.  However, I paid a lot of attention to remaining hydrated by drinking lots of water and sports drinks.  That meant that I had to pee several times during the ride, but that's only a nusiance and much preferable to cramps.  The course was east of Little Rock and that area is very flat. The pace wasn't nearly as challenging as the ride 2 weeks ago.  

We stopped several times to use the bath room and buy food and drink. In addition to these planned stops, I had to stop once to pee on the side of the road.  It's very hard to ride with a full bladder.  We even stopped to eat lunch at a restaurant in Scott, a small town about 20 miles away.  I didn't really want to eat a meal, so like some others, I had a fried pie with ice cream and lots of water.

The riding time was about 5 hours and 10 minutes.  The total time including all the stops was over 7 hours.  Biking is basically all I did yesterday.

I felt pretty good after finishing the ride except for saddle sores.  I was basically raw where flesh meets bicycle seat.  That condition is much better today.  I believe I will be able to ride tomorrow without pain.

Bike Tales (9/7/08):
Yesterday I joined about 40 others for a training ride for the Big Dam Bridge 100 Ride coming up in a few weeks.  The ride was described as a "73 mile ride of rolling terrain" (i.e. some hills).  The temperature was in the 60's when we started--a great day for a ride.  I found the ride to be somewhat challenging, and I couldn't keep up with most of the riders.  However, there were several other "stragglers" among the group, and we would catch up to the main group each time we stopped to rest or regroup.  

After about 30 miles I begin to notice an unusual tightness in my legs.  At about 40 miles we stopped for a rest and my legs were really beginning to feel crampy.  I drank a big bottle of Gatorade and ate a granola bar.  Soon after we started riding after the rest stop, my leg muscles began twitching.  The problem was most noticable in the quadriceps--the top thigh muscles.  I really began to worry when during the upstroke when the quadricep is not exerting force, it would tighten up and twitch.  At this point I was pretty sure I would not be able to ride another hour and a half.

At about the 50-mile mark we stopped again at a Sonic to rest and regroup.  When I got off my bike, muscles in both my legs went into spasms and cramps.  I was barely able to walk; I thought I would fall.  A guy noticed my situation and took my bike, and I was able to walk a few steps to a bench at a table.  The spasms started to ease almost immediatly after I sat down.  I tried not to move for several minutes.  A guy bought me a milk shake, saying that the calcium in the shake would help.  Apparently it did, and I got better pretty soon after drinking the shake..  

I called Ann to get me, and by the time she got there (30-40 minutes), I felt fine.  Since then, I've had no more cramps.  My leg muscles were sore in a few spots this morning.  But, I mowed the lawn today and felt just fine.

Hummy the Humingbird (9/7/08):
Yesterday a humingbird came into our garage and couldn't find it's way out.  This has happened before, and Ann used a broom to guide the bird to the door.  This time we closed the garage doors, leaving only the side door open.  We thought that she might fly to the light and exit.  I named her Hummy.

After several minutes, I fetched a broom to use to help Hummy escape.  I found her perched on a wire going into the garage door light.  I took the broom and waved it at Hummy, hoping she would fly out the door.  She didn't more.  I touched her twice with the broom before she moved.  But, she only would fly along the ceiling.  I guided her using the broom to the door but she was still flying along the ceiling.  Eventually, she went behind the door.  When I moved the door, I found her on the floor.  Since she wouldn't move I picked her up with my hand and took her outside.  But, when I released my grip, she didn't move.  I put her on the smoker, hoping she would eventually fly away.

After about 30 minutes, she still hadn't moved.  So, I made some sugar water and fed her some with a straw.  In several minutes after drinking the sugar water, she flew away.  You can see pictures of Hummy here.

Hurricane Gustav (9/2/08): Hurricane Gustav has taken a liking or disliking to the state of Arkansas, depending on your point of view.  He must like us a little, because he has been here all day and promises to hang around quite a bit longer.  He may dislike us because he has been pissing on us all day.  As the picture shows, few places in Arkansas have escaped his presence.

Washington Trip (8/25/08):
We have had a great time visiting Amy in Washington.  We arrived on Thursday and for the next 3 days attended functions related to Amy's friends, Molly and Jonathan's, wedding.  On Thursday night we went to the Tombs, a bar adjacent to the campus of Georgetown University.   Jonathan works there as a bartender and entertainer.  Molly works next door at the 1789 Restaurant as an event planner.  Jonathan performed on Thursday night and many of his family and Molly's family and wedding guests were there to hear him.  We ate dinner there and stayed for his performance, which started at about 10:30 pm.  

On Friday, Ann and I went for a walk in the neighborhood, but otherwise didn't do anything exciting.  Amy attended the rehearsal dinner Friday night.  We were invited to dessert and drinks after the rehearsal dinner.  Ann and I ate a light dinner at a sushi bar near where Amy lives before going to the party.

The wedding was on Saturday at 3:00 pm.  Amy had a hair appointment at 9:30.  She got an 'updo' but didn't like it so she combed it out, washed her hair, and wore her hair down. She looked gorgeous in her bride's maid gown--a long navy v-necked crepe dress. Amy rented a room at the Hilton where the reception was held.  We went to the Hilton hoping to check in and leave Amy's car there before going to the wedding.  However, we were unable to check in that early.  So, we drove Amy to Molly's apartment, which was 1 block from the church where the wedding was held.  We went back to Amy's apartment to dress for the wedding.  We caught a cab to the church.  The wedding was rather long--Catholic wedding, including a mass.  After the wedding we caught a cab back to Amy's apartment to get the car and drive to the Hilton.  

The wedding reception started with drinks and hors d'oeuvre.  That was followed by a sit-down dinner complete with the usual toasts and lots of dancing.  We had a great time.  After a night of eating, drinking and dancing, it was nice to catch the elevator to the room and go to bed.

We did nothing special yesterday and today, but enjoyed spending quality time with Amy.  Amy took off work today--kind of.  She had to go to a function this afternoon and evening.  The function was a reception at Virginia Congressman Davis' house for John McCain.  Amy's restaurant group provided the food for the affair.


Good Eats (8/20/08):
We went to the farmer's market at the River Market in downtown Little Rock yesterday and bought some produce--crowder peas, corn, speckled butter beans, turnip greens, tomatoes, peaches.  Mama and Judy came over last night for supper and we cooked the fresh vegetables.  We had butter beans (Mama's choice over the crowder peas), corn, mashed potatoes, squash, corn bread, sliced tomatoes, greens, and peach cobbler.  No meat was necessary.  I seem to be keeping my weight up.

Whitfield's Birthday Celebration (8/18/08):
On Saturday night we co-hosted (with Kay and Robert, Hinkle & Nancy, Tammy and Kevin, Cindy and Mike) a surprise 70th birthday party for Donnie Jean and Jimmie.  Ann and Kay did most of the planning.  We rented the Depot in Russellville and brought food that Ann and Kay and friends prepared--cheese balls, dips, veggie and fruit trays.  Robert smoked some pork loins, which was served with small rolls.  We provided beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee.  And, of course, we had a large birthday cake with a picture of the birthday couple on top (copy of a photograph ). (How do they do that?)

Some of the Whitfield's friends took them to dinner and helped arrange the surprise.  All the guests were standing outside holding a large "happy birthday" banner when they drove up.  Donnie Jean was sitting in the back seat of the car next to the Depot, and we watched her as she tried to make sense of what she saw.  A look of confusion morphed to amazement and surprise as she recognized people--it was priceless.

About 50 people attended the party.  We sang happy birthday and some people told funny stories about Donnie Jean and Jimmie.  

More Biking Tales (8/16/08):
I rode 51 miles with about 40 other folks this morning. The weather was nice—cloudy and cool but no rain. We rode a familiar route east of Little Rock, in and around Scott. At about 17 miles into the ride, one man was injured when he bumped the bike in front of him and crashed. He bled a lot from an abrasion on his forehead, but otherwise he seemed fine. Two members of the group are emergency room nurses, and they tended to him. He lay on the ground for about 30 minutes until the ambulance arrived. He was a 73 year old man from Brinkley (80 miles east of Little Rock).

I heard today that the man that crashed last week broke two ribs and punctured a lung. He spent one night in the hospital. I don't know the details of the accident, but I know it involved a snake.  

It seems as though biking can be a dangerous sport.

Church (8/12/08):
I got a call last night from Marilyn at Good Shepherd.  On my phone I could see that the call was from Mama's phone.  When Marilyn's spoke, of course, I had a flush.  But, Marilyn immediately said Mama was fine, there was not a problem, she just wanted to speak to me about something.  (Marilyn is the activities director at Good Shepherd).

Marilyn wondered if I could play the piano at a "church service" the next day (Tuesday).  I wonder how she knew that I could play the piano?  I claimed to be a little rusty, which is true.  I haven't played hymns for a long, long time.  

I covered the phone and asked Ann if she could play for a service the next day.  She said she would.  That's what I told Marilyn.  I was off the hook.

When I visited Mama today and took her to see the Doctor for a routine visit, she said that Marilyn had announced to everyone at Good Shepherd that her son would play the piano tonight for the service.

I concluded that the surrogate (Ann) would not suffice as the piano player.  I had to play at least something.  During our initial conversation, Marilyn said that 3 songs would be sung, but I could choose the songs.  I figured that surely I could find 3 hymns that I could still play, even after all these years.

After our visit to the Doctor, I quizzed Mama about what songs are usually sung at these services.  She happened to have a song book in her room.  I went song to song and asked if the song would be appropriate.  Her response was either: "They sing that a lot. They sometimes sing that.  They don't ever sing that."

I knew without asking her that she wanted me to play.  Ann could also play, but she would be disappointed if I didn't play.

Armed with knowledge of what songs they sing at Good Shepherd, I went home and practiced.  When Ann came home from grocery shopping and hear me playing , she laughed at lot.

While I was practicing, Mama called.  Ann answered.  Mama wanted to be sure we came early enough.  More pressure.

We got there about 15 minutes before the start of the service.  We actually rode the elevator with the preacher (we assumed she was the preacher but didn't really know).  

I went over the list of possible songs with Mama. I had gone through the song book and picked the ones I could play reasonably well.  She agree that all the songs on my list would work.  About that time, Marilyn came into Mama room asking about what songs we wanted to use.  I gave her my top three, and she wrote them down on a sheet that would serve as the "bulletin" for the service.  It listed the song titles and which verses we would sing.

While the residents were coming to the service, Ann and I took turns playing hymns as background music before the service started.  

For the service, I played 2 songs and Ann played one.  We did pretty well.  I believe our playing was at least as good as the singing.

I'm sure Mama was pleased.  However, excitement of the occasion was dampened a bit by her bladder issues.  When we saw the Doctor today, he thought she was retaining more fluid than is healthy.  Therefore, he doubled her diuretic medicine (Lasix) for 3 days.  She got an extra pill this afternoon, and complained that she had to urinate every few minutes.  So, she sat on the back row for fear that she would have to go to the bathroom during the service, which she did.

Nevertheless, the church service was fine.  Marilyn acknowledged the preacher and us.  We got the most applause.  One of the residents gave us a Thank You card addressed to the "Bridges Fingers".  

I personally hope this doesn't lead to many more requests for performances.  I was also pretty pleased that tonight, I didn't hear these words. "Bob, would you please lead us in prayer."


Bicycle Tales (8/9/08):
A couple of weeks ago when I was finishing a 20 mile ride, a man passed me.  He spoke as he passed but was riding faster than I, so he went on ahead.  In about a 200 yards, I stopped at my car.  In a few minutes he appeared again and stopped.  He commented that he had seen me on the trail before and wanted me to know about a ride on Thursday mornings for retired people (I either looked old enough to be retired or he assumed that anyone riding at that time of day didn't have a job).  I was unable to ride with the old people for two weeks (biopsy recovery and trip to Mt.View), but this week I went.  The man that told me about the group didn't come, but five other people showed up, and we rode for about an hour on the River Trail.  Unfortunately, it rained and we had to cut the ride a little short.  While we were riding, I asked about the man that invited me to the group.  I was told he is 70 year old.  I know he is in good shape, because he has passed me several times before.

The next day I rode alone for a 20 mile ride.  With about 8 miles to go, a woman came up beside me and started talking.  She wondered if she knew me.  I didn't recognize her, but I thought maybe she had seen me riding on the trail, which I do quite often.  She was quite the chatter box and talked about several things.  But, the most interesting story she told me was that in June she had ridden her bike across the country--from LA to Boston.  That impressed me, especially since she was not a spring chicken.  She's 51.  The story is that she and several other people made the ride to raise money for Boy's and Girl's Clubs.  She told me how to find her blog where she chronicled the experience, all 49 days.  I haven't read all of her blog, but look forward to doing so.  She told me some things about the ride, including that they rode 80 to 100 miles a day with a day off every 7 or 8 days.  She said most of the riders got "saddle sores".  At one point she asked if I had ever ridden in a nearby industrial park, which I had.  She asked if I wanted to ride there with her, but I declined.  After hearing that she had ridden across America, I was a little intimidated.  I felt that she wasn't gasping for breath quite as much as I while we talked.  

Today I rode 40 miles on a "training" ride with about 25 other people.  The training is for the Big Dam Bridge ride in September and/or the Hotter than Hell 100 on August 23 in Wichita Falls, Texas.  We met in North Little Rock at the end/start of the River Trail and rode east out in the country near Scott.  Today was relatively cool for here this time of year and the pace was pretty slow (I averaged 15.3 mph).  My average heart rate was 112.  That's low for me.  When I ride alone my heart rate is in the mid 120's or more.  The highest average heart rate for me for an extended time was 141.  That was during the Tour de Pumpkin in Russellville on a 30-mile ride that took about an hour and 45 minutes.  I'm pretty sure that will be the record for me.  I don't expect to ride that hard again.  But, I digress.  I enjoyed the ride a lot and can't wait until next week for another ride.  

Speaking of the Hotter'N Hell.  Apparently, many people from Little Rock participate, because I hear lots of people talking about it.  I must admit, I would kind of like to do it sometime.  Last year, over 11,000 people rode.  Imagine what an event that was.  

Prostate Biopsy Negative!!! (8/4/08):
I talked to the nurse at Urology clinic who gave me the results of the prostate biopsy I had last week.  All 12 samples were benign.  Obviously, that news lifted a big burden. These results don't rule out that I have cancer, because the cancer could be very small and not hit by one of the 12 biopsy needles.  I will go back in 6 months for another PSA test.

More Baby Pictures (8/2/08):
Ann and Matthew posted more pictures of Nathan and Madeleine--Last bath in Virginia and Where's Waldo.

We're in the dog days of summer around Little Rock.  It seems that every day the temperature is in the high nineties or above 100.

I've noticed I've gained a few pounds, so I am on a sort of on a diet.  I hope that over the next couple of months I can shed several pounds.  I'm posting a chart of my weight.  I hope that by allowing everyong to see my progress (or lack thereof), I will be motivated to succeed.  You can see my weight chart here.  There's also a link to the graph on the left side of this page.

Busy Summer (7/28/08):
We have been pretty busy during the past couple of weeks.  We spent a week in Houston and had a great time playing with Madeleine and Nathan.  I posted additional pictures we took during the visit.  

You can see the latest pictures of Kane here.  He's a big boy now.

The day after we got home from Houston, Ann's cousin Dennis Ruby and his SO Dianne from California came for a visit.  They spent one night with us before we went to Mountain View for Juanita's 85th birthday.  Dennis' visit was a surprise.  We spent two nights in Mountain View eating some fried foods and experiencing the country life.  We came home on Saturday, and Dennis and Dianne spent the night with us.  They returned to California on Sunday.

Yesterday I had a biopsy of my prostrate because I had an increase in my PSA readings.  The procedure was not very painful, but I am on light duty for a couple of days.  The Doctor said I could ride my bike in a couple of days.  I won't know the results for about a week.

Videos of the Babies (7/18/08):
We are having a great time in Houston with Matthew, Ann, Nathan and Madeleine.  We bought a Flip Video camera and have been making videos. Go here to see a list of videos.  I also added some more pictures--go here.

Visit with the Babies (7/16/08):
We came to Houston on Monday 7/14 to visit Matthew, Ann, Nathan and Madeleine. The babies are so cute!  They just turned 6 months old and are very responsive. They are really good babies and very, very smart.

We drove to Houston and will leave our car for Matthew and Ann to use.  We will fly home next Monday.  The drive from Little Rock took about 7 1/2 hours.  We never stopped for very long, because we were anxious to arrive.  

We are taking pictures from time to time, which I will post.  Check here to see pictures we have taken.

Mama Came Home From the Hospital (7/15/08):
After spending 2 nights at St. Vincent, Mama came home today.  Apparently, the Dr. thought that the antibiotic she received was effected against the infection.  She will continue to take antibiotic for another week.  She is feeling pretty good considering that she is 92 and has been in the hospital.  

Judy took Mama home today.  We are in Houston visiting the grand babies and having a great time.  We will new post pictures sometime this week.


Mama Admitted to Hospital (7/13/08):
Mama has a urinary tract infection and was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital this afternoon.  When I called her this morning, I could tell she was confused.  She missed breakfast, but said that she went downstairs at breakfast time, but nobody ever told her it was time to eat.  She also complained about hurting all over.  When I got to her place, I took her temperature, but she had no fever--she seldom does.  It was late morning, and since she skipped breakfast, we waited for her to eat lunch.  Her appetite was very good.  She complained about having to go to the hospital, but I think she realized that she was sick.  

We got to the hospital at 1:30.  She saw a triage nurse after about 2 hours and went out of the waiting room to a bed in the ER after about 4 hours.  She had blood tests, an EKG, and a chest X-ray.  The Dr. determined that she had a urinary tract infection and admitted her.  She got to her room after about 7 hours.  She was given antibiotic by IV in the ER.  

She seemed to be in good spirits and was feeling pretty well considering that she has a bad infection.  She had a bite to eat after she got to her hospital room.


July 4th  Celebrations (7/9/08)
We had a lot to celebrate during the Independence Day weekend in addition to the usual patriotic stuff. First, Mama celebrated her 92^nd birthday on July 4. Not many people get to do that. We had a great birthday celebration with lots of family.

Second, Amy came home for several days and that was a huge treat. She arrived on the 3^rd and went home yesterday.

Third, we spent Friday and Saturday nights on Petit Jean Mountain State Park for the Breashears Family biennial reunion. All of Mama's immediate family was there except for the Bridges of Houston (Matthew, Ann, Madeleine, and Nathan), James Couch, Luck Xayavongsa, and Chris Bridges. Mama was the oldest person at the reunion and Kane Xayavongsa was the youngest and the cutest. Pictures will be posted.

More Baby Pictures (7/1/08):  
Thanks to Madeleine and Nathan's great, great Aunti Ro, we have some more really cute pictures to share.  Click here to view the photos.  I uploaded the pictures to Walmart so I could print them for the babies great grandparents.  If you would like to print them, one way is to click on the link to the WalMart site (on the left side of this page) and follow instructions.

Down in My Back (6/28/08):
Bob has been having pain in the lower back for about a week.  It's nothing too severe but it has limited my activities.  I've only had a couple of bike rides this week--short and slow.  This kind of back pain happens from time to time.  It usually goes away without much treatment in several days.

Mama's Hairdo (5/30/08):
Mama usually has her hair washed and set on Fridays.  Today when I ask if the beautician did a good job, Mama replied with a chuckle, "Well, I guess she did a good job.  I don't look a day over 90."

As you know, Mama will be 92 in about a month.

Mama's Schooling (5/23/08):

Mama grew up at Sunlight, a community a few miles south of Plainview, AR. Mama completed the eighth grade at Sunlight school, which had only eight grades. She didn't attend high school. The closest high school was in Plainview, which was too far away to walk each day. When she finished the school in Sunlight there were no buses or other transportation available to take her to Plainview. The other option would have been to stay in Plainview, but she had no place to stay and didn't really want to be “boarded”.  None for her brothers, all older, completed high school. Uncle Odell attended high school for one year by riding a horse to Plainview. Aunt Hazel (six years younger than Mama) and Aunt Ernestine (8 years younger) both completed high school. Aunt Ernestine said she attended Plainview High School for 2 years, before they moved to Ola, where she finished high school. I assume that Aunt Hazel also finished high school in Ola. The family's move from Sunlight was prompted by the construction of Nimrod Dam, which was completed in March of 1942. All the land around Sunlight was bought by the government forcing everyone living there to move. Although Mama's formal schooling ended after the eighth grade, as she says, she almost has a PhD based on life experiences.

Basketball, Bike Ride, and Homecoming (5/19/08):
We had a very busy weekend.  Friday and Saturday nights we had house guests.  The Decker clan was here to participate in a basketball tournament.  The brothers-in-law (Bob, Tim, Jake, and John) played in the tournament on Saturday and Sunday.  Bob and Susanne came Friday night for a late dinner; Tim came by bedtime.  Hinkle and Nancy and Leslie and the kids came to see one of the games on Saturday and they came by our house.  Tim and Leslie and Bob and Susanne spent the night Saturday night.  The boys didn't win the tournament, but I believe they won about as many games as they lost.  

On Saturday morning I went for a 40-mile bike ride to train for the Tour de Rock next month.  You can read about that ride on my blog.

Saturday afternoon Ann and I drove to Plainview to attend the annual homecoming at the school.  We saw lots of old (and I do mean old) friends and ate supper there.

Good Eats (5/15/08):
I made a fresh batch of tempeh yesterday.  This is the first tempeh I've made since we lived in Louisiana, circa 1985, and it turned out to be good eats.

Tempeh is an Indonesian food made from soybeans.  The process for making tempeh is as follows.  Split and dehulled soybeans are cooked for 1 hour.  After cooling, the beans are inoculated with a fungus and incubated for a day or more.  I put mine in sandwich bags and placed the bags in the oven with the light on to provide a little warmth for the fungus.  The fungus grows throughout the soybeans to form a dense cake (see pictures of mine).  After about 24 hours the fluffy white fungus covers the soybeans and starts to form spores, forming gray areas.  That's when it's ready to eat.

I know that it is tasty fried in a little oil until golden brown.  I look forward to trying other recipes.  Ann doesn't seem to be a big fan at this point.

Happy Mother's Day (5/12/08):
We hope all you mothers had a great day.  Ann was with her mother in Mt.View.  Judy, Sara, and I took Mama to lunch.  

Mama continues to feel pretty good.  She still has aches and pains, but she is pretty strong and hasn't been sick for quite a while.  Today, I will take her to see the Doctor that replaced her knee several years ago.  This will be a 2-year checkup.  Last week she saw an ENT Doctor to evaluate her sinus infection.  Her primary care Doctor has thought for a long time that she has an infection and has given her antibiotics from time to time.  The ENT Doctor said she didn't have an infection.  She has a chronic runny nose, but the Doctor said that is very common in old people--that's why you see lots of old people with a tissue in their hands.

Mystery Baby Pictures (5/5/08):

Can you identify the baby in these pictures? Does this baby resemble any babies you know? Go here to find out who the baby is. Go here for more pictures of this baby.

Update on Mama (5/4/08):
Mama is doing pretty well considering her age. She came over tonight for dinner. We had roast pork tenderloin, creamed potatoes, green beans and fruit salad. It was a nice day and we sat out on the deck for a while before dinner.

Mama has been at her home at Good Shepherd for over a month. This is her longest stay at home, since before December. From December and for the most of March, she was either in the hospital or the nursing home rehabilitation center. Her last visit to the Doctor was last Tuesday, April 29, to test her urine for an infection. That test showed that she did not have an infection. She discovered she had a 'mild' urinary tract infection on a visit to the Doctor on April 23. The Doctor gave her antibiotic for several days and that apparently cleared up the infection.

For the past several weeks she has had occupational and physical therapy. The occupational therapy ended about a week ago, when the therapist decided Mama didn't need his help any more. The physical therapist arrived at the same conclusion this week.

Mama continues to complain about soreness and pain, but she is able to move around pretty well. Overall, she is doing pretty well.

We Survived the Storm (5/3/08):
Several tornadoes swept through Arkansas yesterday, killing several people and destroying or damaging many homes. A couple of tornadoes touched down in central Arkansas, but none came very close to our house. One woman from Pulaski county (our county) was killed by the storm. I was at home when the thunderstorm passed through, but I didn't even realize the storm might spawn tornadoes. I received a note from my previous secretary in Philadelphia asking if we were OK. That was when I realized that bad storms were in progress. At our house we got thunder and lightening and about 1.5 inches of rain.

New Baby Pictures (4/30/08):
Babies blowing bubbles
Kane at almost 4 months

New Pictures of Kane (4/27/08):
We had a short visit to Fort Smith to see Kane, and of course, Heather and Debbie.  Luck was asleep because he works nights.  Kane is pretty special and had matured a  lot since we saw him last.  Heather posted some pictures here.

More Baby Pictures (4/13/08):
We have posted more baby pictures that we took when we were in Newport News. Matthew's camera.
Amy's camera
Ann's camera  
Kay's camera

Update on Mama (4/13/08):
Mama has been home for over 2 weeks.  For most of the time she has been a bit weak; she fell a couple of times.  But, I believe she is getting stronger day by day.  For 2 weeks, a nurse came to her place and took blood so the Doctor could monitor her anemia.  Last week she began home therapy--physical and occupational.  She has been to her doctor twice since being home from the hospital.  He is treating her with antibiotics for a sinus infection.  She also saw the hematologist and the gastroenterologist last week.  Neither had much to say in terms of the cause of her anemia, except that she probably doesn't have cancer.  She worries about taking so much medicine.  

I took my laptop to Mama's room and showed her all the pictures we took of Nathan and Madeleine. That cheered her up a lot.  I also printed some of the best ones so she can look at them every day.

Mama came home from hospital (3/27/08):
Mama was released from the hospital yesterday.  She went home to her place at Good Shepherd.  Sara took her home; Judy was out of town on business.  We are visiting the babies!  Mama will have a blood test every day for 2 weeks to check her blood count.  She will also need to have followup visits with the Doctors who saw her in the hospital.  I'll probably shedule those visits next week after I get home. 

Mo Babies, Mo Babies (3/26/08):
The babies having so much fun playing with their grandparents, great grandmother, and great Aunt.  They smile all the time.  When they are not playing with us, it's ESP--eat, sleep, poop.

Of course, we took more pictures!

Babies! Babies! (3/25/08):
We arrived in Newport News about noon and before long we were playing with the babies.  They both woke up soon after we arrived, and we took turn holding and feeding them.  They are cuter in person.  

Our flights left at 6:00 this morning.  Ann and I went through Charlotte; Kay and Juanita flew through Atlanta.  We arrived at about the same time.

We took pictures.

Update on Mama (3/24/08):
This morning Mama had an upper GI examination (Endoscopy)--the Doctor put a tube down her throat and looked at her esophagus and stomach.  I went with her and talked to the Doctor after the test.  He said that she had some inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and some inflammation in the lining of her stomach (gastritis). He didn't think these conditions could be a cause of loss of blood to account for anemia..  

She was given a sedative for the procedure and doesn't remember having it.  She was a bit sleepy for a while afterward, but after about an hour, she was alert and ate a big lunch.  She had not had solid food since she went in the hospital on Friday.

I talked with her primary care doctor, who had not seen her since she has been in the hospital this time.  He said he had be sick with the flu for 5 days and said he wouldn't go to Mama's room, just in case he was still contagious.  He didn't have much to say except he was waiting on additional information from the hematologist.  He suggested that if the cause of her anemia could not be determined, she might go home from the hospital in a couple of days.  (I've heard those kind of predictions before.)  

On the positive side, she does not have a catheter, and she is able to get up and walk to the bathroom.  She doesn't seem to be as sick as when she came to the hospital.

Mama says...(3/23/08):
Yesterday, when one of the Doctors was taking medical history, he asked Mama about various part of her body to ascertain whether she had ever had any problems. When it came to breasts, she said, "Well, they're too big.  But, I'm too old to have the cut down."  She left it like that.

After a pregnant pause, I told the Doctor that to my knowledge she had never had any problems with her breasts.  With a loss for words, he moved on to the next question.

Update on Mama (3/23/08):
Mama seems to be about the same this morning.  She is sitting up in a chair reading the newspaper.

Three Doctors visited her this morning.  The hematologist came early this morning before I arrived.  Mama said he talked about a bone marrow test.  I talked to the GP Doctor, who is on call for Dr. Carttar, said notes in her chart indicated that the hematologist will give her a bone marrow test, probably tomorrow.  The gastroenterologist also came by.  He will look inside her stomach early tomorrow to see if she has an ulcer.  He said her most recent blood tests indicates that her blood counts are stable.  Her white count is still elevated, but he said that is a normal side effect of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, but he couldn't rule out an infection.  He also said that her frequent bowel movements could also be due to bleeding.  

Update on Mama (3/22/08):
A hemotologist came by to see Mama while I was there.  He asked her a lot of questions--standard Doctor talk.  He said her blood was "out of balance"--low red cells, elevated white cells, low platelets.  He provided no seat-of-the-pants diagnosis but said he would runs tests and examine her blood to figure out what was wrong. Later in the day Mama said they took more blood--from both arms at once.

She is hungry, because she is on a clear liquid diet, but otherwise seems to be doing pretty well.

Mama is back in the hospital (3/22/08):
It's deja vu all over again.  She came home to Good Shepherd on Thursday and had to return to the hospital on Friday.

I went to visit her at about 7:30 on Friday morning to find her still asleep.  When I woke her, she said she hadn't slept very well and complained about hurting all over.  She was also a little confused.  Her temperature was 99.3.  I helped her dress, and she walked to breakfast.  Although she begged me not to take her to the Doctor's office, I decided she needed to go.  Her Doctor's office was closed, so I took her to the Emergency Room.  

After I checked her in, Sara came to take over (Thank you, Sara), because we had tickets to the NCAA basketball tournament.  We went to the games Friday afternoon and Friday night.

Blood tests revealed that she was anemic, and she received 2 units of blood.  She also had slightly elevated white blood cells, but apparently not enough to indicate an infection, because she is not receiving antibiotics, thank goodness.

On Saturday morning, I talked to the Doctor on call for Dr. Carttar.  He had nothing to say except that she was anemic and they will try to figure out why.  According to Mama, the gastroenterologist came by before 7:00 am; he left no notes in the charts.

Mama is back in her room at Good Shepherd (3/20/08):
Mama left the Nursing Home and Rehab facility this morning.  She thought she had stayed there long enough and felt strong enough to go home.  She got home about 10:30, and we spent some time unpacking her clothes.  She also tried out her new hospital bed that we got from Aunt Ernestine.  It has motors so she can adjust the bed.  She sometimes has problems sleeping while lying flat in a bed, so now she can raise the head of the bed to be more comfortable.

She finished taking antibiotic on Sunday and had a urine test a couple of days later.  That test was negative for bacteria.  She will see her regular Doctor on Monday of next week for another test.

She had a busy day on her first day home.  She got her hair washed and set right after lunch.  She also attended a residents meeting to discuss the food service.  She participated in (mostly watched) an Easter egg hunt by children that came for a visit.

New Pictures of Kane (3/17/08):
Check out these pictures of one very cute baby!

Fight the Man (3/17/08):

From the babies' father: "You can never start too early fostering in your children the spirit and determination to fight The Man.  Ain't no way these babies are gonna be held back from going after their dreams.  The Man tries to get in your head sometimes and bring you down.  Maddie and Nathan know that you have to keep your head up (at least as high as you can while sleeping in your boppy),  raise your fists, and Fight the Power!!"

Amy's Blog (3/16/08):
Check out Amy's Blog!

Mama feels pretty good (3/16/08):
Mama has been at the Pleasant Valley Living Center (Nursing Home) for a week and 3 days.  Let's recap why she is there.  While in the hospital with a urinary tract infections, a blood test revealed that she was infected with a antibiotic-resistant bacterium--Vancomycin Resisisant Enterococcus (VRE).  She when to Pleasant Valley to recuperate from the infection, be treated for the VRE, and gain her strength (aided by physical therapy) so she can take care of herself at Good Shepherd.  The standard treatment for VRE is 10 days of expensive antibiotic (Zyvox).  She took the last pill of that today.  She will wait 3 days for the antibiotic to leave her system and then have a urine test to see if the VRE has been eliminated.

Mama has had a "frog" in her throat for several days and hasn't felt great.  But, today she felt better, not only physically, but mentally--she didn't have the blues as she has had for several days.  Actually, she was in great spirits.

I gave her a manicure--one coat of nail hardener, 2 coats of polish and 1 top coat.  Her nails looked really good.

I believe she will leave Pleasant Valley some time this week.  I hope it will be sooner than later.  But, she will leave when she feels she is ready.

Happy Birthday Babies (3/11/08):
They are 2 months old today!