Oregon Living 2024 – Blog #35 – A New Car for Sis & Covid for Cat!

 

Sunday, August 25^th., 2024……  We were up early to get Josh off to meet his 8:26am departure. We had time to stop at McDonald’s so he could get some breakfast to take on the train. It was sure nice to have him here not only to see family but he was a big help to me getting things setup and taken down.  After we said our goodbyes, we stopped in at Elmer’s and had breakfast. Once we got home, I texted my sister asking if she got her car yet? She did and would be by later to show it to us. A bit later, we headed off to church. I was able to unload 22 of the chairs that I had in the truck. We stayed for the meal afterwards and then made our way out and got back home. When we got back, I loaded the remaining 22 chairs which we will take back on Wednesday, when Robin will be at the church. I got the truckster out and brought the tarp bags and bungees out to the tarps. When Penny got here, Cathye and I were unclipping the tarps from the frame. Penny pitched in and gave Cat a break and we got everything packed and I took them back to stow them away. I can’t count the number of times I’ve used this tarp. Yes, it’s old and some of the pipes are bent and will need replaced eventually, but it still works well and will probably outlast all of us! We stopped midway and checked out the car. It’s really nice!  All the bells and whistles. The only thing she’s sad about was letting her trusty Lexus go in on trade. She kept her plates as souvenirs. But she said she did that because she didn’t want to spot it on the road with someone else!  “With new plates, maybe I won’t notice it!” 

 After we got everything checked out and Penny left, we settled in for the day. We are beat and Cathye is especially tired. Tv and an early bedtime. Next up tomorrow is her first consult with a cardiologist. Finally!   

Monday, August 26^th., 2024…… Cat’s appointment isn’t until 11:30am so we were in no hurry to get up early! We ate then headed off to Corvallis. She is in the same cardiology clinic that I am, so we knew where to go! But getting the appointment kicked up a month, meant she would see another resident there. Dr. Dimitri Greschner, who has 21 years in the field. He was very clear and concise and explained everything and answered all of our questions. He says she has arterial blockage and will need ‘coronary angiogram intervention’. During that procedure, they will check for blockages and put in a stint(s) - unless the blockages are too numerous. That would mean heart surgery. He said her blood flow (and lack of leg swelling, numbness, tingling, etc.) and blood pressure are both good, which indicates there probably are only 1 or 2 culprits causing her issues, and she should be good to go after the procedure!  The other good news was, when I mentioned the horrendous scheduling process we have to get through, he ducked out for a minute, and said, “the scheduler is here today and would be in in 5 minutes”!  We got a date (9/23) for the procedure before we even left the office!  Yaay!  Since we both knew that she would need surgery, we felt better and left with peace of mind and I could see the relief in her eyes. We will get through this! Tv and conversation in the spa before bed.        

Tuesday, August 27^th., 2024……  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!  We had plans for lunch with him and friends at his favorite pizza parlor today. But Lona and Misty had family issues and wouldn’t be able to go. I went to the square dance workshop and Cat took him there and had a one on one lunch and had a good day. When they got back, I got leftover pizza so I was good. Cat wasn’t feeling well. She said she had a headache and some sinus discomfort. She used her nettie pot and went to bed early. During the night, she started coughing and went into the other room so she wouldn’t disturb me. Guess I didn’t hear any of that but when I woke up later to go to the bathroom, I saw she had left.    

Wednesday, August 28^th., 2024…… This morning was no better for Cat. I was up early because I had a follow up appointment with my gp. I had to leave early to make my 7:15am check in time. When I got back, she was just getting up. I made coffee and brought back breakfast. She managed to shower and eat, but was wiped out. The plan today was to take the rest of the chairs back to the church and then work on getting the trailer out and start packing for our weekend trip to Frank and Marianne’s Labor Day weekend at their farm. Well, that wasn’t going to happen! She tested positive for covid! So, the weekend was now set. I took the chairs over and met Robin, while Cat stayed home.  No fever, but she feels terrible. She called her doctor to see if she could get that early-covid shot. He is not in today but will most likely call in a prescription for her tomorrow morning. The nurse told her that the covid variant going around now here feels more like a light flu and doesn’t last too long. They recommend only 5 days of quarantine. But that doesn’t mean she will be going to the farm this weekend – unless she tests negative in a few days!  Lynn had plans to cook one of her Italian meals for Cat and Judy. When she heard the news, she decided to just pack and bring a meal over for her (and me)! I met her outside and got a full course meal enough to feed us for days! What a sweet lady! Thank you and love you Lynn!  We ate separately and watched tv separately and went to bed separately!  Jama left me last night and found Cat. Tonight, she started out following Cat to bed so I only had a 1-dog night with Rylee!       

Thursday, August 29^th., 2024……  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAIT!!  Cat was out of it yesterday so much that she came in and said, “Let’s call Tait! It’s her birthday today” We called and got her voicemail and sang to her.  Well, she missed it by one day! Oh well!  For Cat, the rest of today was spent in bed. She got a prescription for Paxlovid called in from her doctor and I went to pick it up. No charge with our insurance - but the pharmacist said the normal cost for the 5-day supply was $900.00! Yaay insurance! This drug is supposed to help reduce the effects of covid so she needs to take it twice a day for the full 5 days.  Of course we called and texted friends and family. Among them were Frank and Marianne who were hosting their annual Silo dance weekend. We were planning on going over with the Shasta on Friday (staying thru Sunday) but that isn’t going to happen now. I was thinking about going over by myself to make an appearance but, after thinking it over, I don’t want to make everyone there uncomfortable because I am in the same house with a person with covid! 

Today we had two appointments. Groomers for the girls and massages for us. I took Princess and the Butthead and dropped them off for their spa day. Later, I went in for my massage. Cathye, of course, had to cancel.  I brought teriyaki home afterward. We still have plenty of the Italian food from Lynn for lunches and dinners for the next few days.

Later, I went out and watered Cat’s flowers and then came back in for the day. The weather is turning hot here again so it was nice to get back to the ac.  TV and separate beds again tonight.

Friday, August 30^th., 2024…… Not much change for Cat. She still feels terrible. Her voice is a little better and the congestion is lifting a bit, but is still tired and has a headache.  More bed rest later today, but she did manage coffee and breakfast on the back deck.

The warm fresh air helped and a shower did as well.

Later in the day, she said she felt much better. She called and talked to her son and daughter and then Corey, who said he also has covid. He was calling friends and family and my sister told me he told her that they found out the culprit was a baby or child who was at the wedding!

Saturday, August 31^st., 2024…… A much better morning for Cat! She has her voice back again and sounds and feels better!  Of course she wants to go to the party now!  I told her not today – maybe tomorrow – if she tests negative in the morning. I have been walking and feeding the dogs and fixing m own breakfast, and for the most part, leaving her to rest and relax.  She did feel well enough this morning to make an egg sandwich for herself. So, that’s good! Appetite is back! For the rest of day, we hung around the house. Cat spent some more time outside soaking in the nice warm day on the lounge out there. Later, we ate leftovers and watched tv until bedtime.