Oregon Living 2024 – Blog #18 – Dealing With Weather & Some Life Changing News

 

Sunday, April 28^th., 2024…… Not much on the agenda today. We walked the pups and I went out and got us breakfast and coffee. After that, Cathye had church and I watched my races. Later, we went to Sweet Home to help at their beginner’s class. Tv and spa until bedtime. A lazy Sunday.

Monday, April 29^th., 2024…… Cathye was tired this morning and slept in a bit while I took the girls out for their walk. She didn’t feel like going to the gym or to breakfast so we passed on that. She can’t figure out why she is tired all of the time. She has been in to her doctor before and they had her do labs, but nothing’s changed. So, she decided to go into their walk-in clinic this morning. We took off and drove to his office. They looked at her but didn’t have time to do anything more because they had an emergency come in just before. Her doctor is very thorough and wants to spend more time and do a full workup, so they got her into the schedule for tomorrow. So, we came home to rest. Later, I spent some time out in my shop cutting and fitting shelf brackets for my cars. After all my additions, I have two continuous shelving units now – running around the entire room. BUT – I have more cars! So, I have been thinking about adding some shelves in the corner where there is wasted space. I got those done while Cathye transplanted some of the plants she bought last weekend at the plant sale. They look great and the planter box is also coming along well!

Dinner and tv and spa then bed.  

Tuesday, April 30^th., 2024…… We had an 11:30am appointment so we hung around the house today just waiting. We made it in and they did an EKG before the doctor came in. Well, it turns out that her heart rate is too low for her body needs when she is moving about and exercising. That makes her labored and weak and out of breath easily. That definitely explains it!  He had ordered a 10-14 day home monitor for her and that will determine next steps. He has also ordered an echo cardiogram for her. He said it wasn’t a major issue and most likely these results will indicate that she would likely just need a pacemaker. He said that would help when she needs a faster heartrate while exercising. She is to continue her normal activities and rest when she needs to.

On the ride home, we talked about all of this. Of course we were shocked and it will take some time to process all of this. But she has learned there are two friends at her church with pacemakers and they both lead normal lives and neither of us knew they had them!  Later, we drove to our Tuesday workshop. Cat danced part of the first bit then needed to sit down. We came home and rested and talked about the day. Tv and more talk while we tried to relax in the spa.

Wednesday, May 1^st., 2024…… We got a call this morning telling her she has an appointment for the monitor later this afternoon.  

We had decided to go try a new place for breakfast this morning. Well, it’s not new. Hangry Solutions started out here in town as a food truck, then moved into the old Seeds Italian place. Now, they have relocated yet again and have added to their schedule and menu items. We had heard they now serve a pretty good breakfast so we went to try it. Cathye especially liked the gravy. For me, it was just ok. In my opinion, both Kevin’s and Kristi’s are better. But we will be going back again. We ran into a couple of square dance friends there and they ate with us. They just got back from snow-birding in Arizona, so It was nice to catch up. From breakfast, we headed over to Costco and stocked up. Later, we drove over to the local hospital and went in for the attachment. It mounts just over the heart and records data. She’s not allowed to get it submerged (like in the spa) but can shower with it. There is a button to press when she feels exertion. Then she logs in a journal the time of day and what she was doing at the time. She pushed it after she came back in from the garden. Later that night, she said she had to adjust a little in bed to avoid the tape pinch but – trust me – she slept soundly through the night!     

Thursday, May 2^nd., 2024…… It was another normal morning. Walk and feed the dogs, go to the gym (Cat knocked down time and reps and did well), and go to breakfast. Another time to press the button. Jamie is back home now and she checked in on him. With med changes, he seems to be doing ok. The folks there will be monitoring him closely for a while. Later this morning, we spent some time working on the cruise details to add to my spreadsheet.  We needed to input the excursions as well. Our agent also asked us to resubmit our personal profile forms. Turns out I had left out our middle names on her forms which have to exactly match our passport because she will book everything based on that ID.  No worries – that was done in quick order. She also found us flights both going and coming home. As a bonus, they are on airlines with association with Cats Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program so we will each earn miles going and coming!  Great job!  After that, I went out and put a coat of paint on my shelf brackets.

Later, we watched our taped Survivor and Home Time shows and then went in the spa. Cathye sat in a higher seat so she could keep the device dry. It worked and that will help these next couple of weeks!    

Friday, May 3^rd., 2024…… Today was beautiful!  Blue skies and warmer temps (for us anyway!). Cathye continued with her plantings. I put another coat of paint on my shelf brackets. We both took it easy today. No plans this afternoon. There is a dance tonight and I will leave the choice up to her. Later, the skies opened up. It’s supposed to be rainy off and on for the next several days. We are sure looking forward to sun and dry skies!  Ok, it’s later now, we decided to go, even in the rain. Turns out they only had one square plus a few extra so we were able to sit out every other tip, which worked out for Cat. We left before the last tip and headed home to the spa and then bed.

Saturday, May 4^th., 2024…… More rain – just like they said!  A couple of our neighbors were out early yesterday mowing while the sun was out. For us, it takes a little more organization to get everyone out there. So, we missed that window of opportunity and will have to wait. But Adam came over for his weekly work and did most of it in the rain. We hung out inside for the day. We had signed up for tomatoes for Taco Night at our Club dance so I worked on that. The Club sets up and serves the meal 45 minutes before the dance and we had to get there early so I could help set up tables and chairs.  We also volunteered to bring cut up fruit for the munchy table during the dance and Cathye got that ready. The dance was fun and the Club has tons of Cinco de Mayo decorations and with the taco buffet, it all looked very festive. Once the dance was over, I helped clean up and we headed home. Cathye danced enough and was pretty worn out. She was very diligent and logged in when she was feeling labored. But we are watching carefully and she knows when to slow down. It will take some time to adjust but this data (which the instruction says will be gathered for 10-11) needs to get honestly recorded with everyday life and analyzed so they can see what next steps will be. Time will tell.