Visitors

Today was a quiet day. I think it was the first day since I got here that we didn't go anywhere! It has also been a full week since I have been here and I have so much to be thankful for!

Dad and G'pa were outside mostly doing odd jobs around the place. G'pa was out on the four-wheeler alot too! He seems to be doing better. G'ma said she didn't feel herself and blames them on the pills she has to take now since getting back from the hospital.

The day seemed to go by slowly until I started making supper...roasted tomato soup (and I must say it was very good!) Just before supper on of the neighbor came by. A very nice elderly bachelor wearing overalls. His name is Edgar and when I was introduced to him he said "pretty girl" and told my G'ma she had nice grandchildren!

He stayed for supper and when i served dessert, apple pie, he wonder why he got no cheese with it..."apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze" He said his momma always ate her pie like that and that what she always said. As you can tell he is quite and interesting character and it was a good evening. G'pa always seems better when people come to visit.

After supper Leanna Havlik stopped by cause her husband had been vaccinating calfs by the barn ( the Havliks are the people who lease G'pa's land). Had a short visit with her.

Before bed G'ma had me set her hair in curlers. She told me that when I was little and she came out of the bathroom with a towel on her head after washing her hair...I put one on my head and walked around declaring that I was G'ma (I don't remember that!) Lol!

I do remember G'ma setting my hair in curlers when I was younger...and now I do it for her.

It is hard to imagine a week gone by already. I am happy G'ma is okay. She always reads her bible in the rocking chair before she goes to bed...I am to learn alot from her!

Grandma is home!!!

We headed to Mitchell this morning. One of G'pa's appointments was changed to today so we left early.

G'pa's doctor for this appointment was a 60-year-old very BIG man who grew up in Boston so he totally had the accent! It was cool!
G'ma was able to come home today so I am so glad everything is all right. I praise God and thank everyone for their prayers!
After supper I took Ellie on another four-wheeler run...

The Outhouse ;-)

Root Beer Floats and Needles

Today I overslept and woke up with a sore throat! Blah! Dad let the cat, Fuzzy, in to wake me up. She started licking my face...that got me up. She is a crazy cat, and I mean crazy. She'll claw your leg when your walking and try biting your hand when you pet her. She is no mean...just extremely playful!

I started cleaning up after breakfast and learned we were going to Chamberlain for one of G'pa's tests and to run a few other errands. Made G'pa a fried egg sandwich for dinner and we were off!

All went well and we took the back roads home. G'pa pointed out a farm to me and told me awhile ago that the guy that lived their was getting on in his years so he order a mail-order bride! I didn't know they still did that! I guess it went well cause the have a few kids! Lol.

When we got home G'pa had a root beer float...I guess it was a whole soda which he should only have half for his diabetes.

I began planning supper and went on a walk...relaxed on the hay bales for half an hour, picked some apples for a pie tonight, and some flowers for a vase on the window sill! :)

Just was warming up some leftover casserole for supper when G'pa took his blood sugar and it was high! Of course from that ice cream and root beer! So I got to give him and insulin shot for the first time. It went okay...had quite a time getting the air bubbles out and G'pa said he was more trouble then he was worth! Haha, I told him he wasn't then gave him the shot!

He is watching a football game now. I'm gonna finish my pie. Tomorrow we go to Mitchell to bring G'ma home!

First Sunday

I didn't want to get up today. I was tired! But I did...lol! We went to church. It was different for me. Not what I am used to at all. It is a Methodist church I think with a woman preacher.

After services we went to Ditty's Diner...I learned that it is a tradition every Sunday. I think that most of the congregation was there! Lol! It was fun I had a good time! It was great to talk with G'ma and G'pa's friends!

Afterwards we went on a drive around the country. And G'pa showed me some old farms. It amazes me how everyone knows most everybody and what has become of them!

We got home and I slept for the better part of the afternoon. Dad and G'pa watch a football game on TV.

Then drove to the hospital to visit G'ma for awhile. Got home a little late so just warmed up some leftovers for supper.

A somewhat busy day...

Today my dad left early for Mitchell to visit G'ma at the hospital. I was woken up by G'pa...he had the TV too loud! lol!

I had a very good morning! Ate breakfast and then spent awhile having my quiet time with God. I haven't been able to since we got here so it was very refreshing and encouraging. Gave me more energy.

The rest of the morning I took inventory of the food in the freezers. The one in the cellar is huge and old. I remember as a little girl being scared of the cellar...it is a creepy place. Lots of cobwebs! I was fine now though! Went looking back at all my G'ma's canned food she still has some down there from before I was born!!! Next I did the inventory upstairs freezer. Then it was dinner time. I just warmed up leftovers cause it was just G'pa and me.

He sat in his easy chair most of the day. It was rainy and drizzling so it was kinda gloomy...G'pa doesn't like the lights on in the living room.

After dinner I began making supper just so it would be ready. As soon as my dad got home I was going to see my Aunts and cousins in Platte...40 minute drive away.

They doctors found out that it was a blood clot that cut of the circulation to her kidney. She will be home Monday or Tuesday! Praise God!

After having supper ready to just pop in the oven. I did a few chores then sat down to knit the blanket...I kinda got stuck...those patterns are hard to understand. I think I will wait until my Aunt Pat gets here. She'll be visiting in a month I think and she is a pro knitter.

After I gave up on knitting I tried not to fall asleep, but did for about 45 minutes. I guess during that time G'pa feed the cats and got the mail. I woke up and it was time for me to go. My dad got back so I was good to leave.

My Subaru didn't do so good on these gravel country roads, but its getting better, I can at least hit 60mph now.

I had a good evening having supper with my G'pa and G'ma Surat, aunts, uncles,and cousins. Then my cousins in highschool I watched play tag football!

Got home and dad had G'pa Young in bed and all was well. I set his coffee up for the morning and now it's time for me to hit the hay!
Goodnight!

I love my grandpa

I woke up today at 9...G'pa had an appointment an attorney about the farm. So we left soon after...It is gonna be different having to leave an hour before an appointment because it takes forever to drive anywhere!

G'pa's hip bothers him so he always needs a back rub before bed. This morning he said i gave him a good one cause he didn't feel pain at all and was telling everyone too. :)

The time with the lawyer was interesting...there are alot of little towns around here that have old buildings that make up downtown. This lawyers office was one of these old buildings. With the simple title "Law Office" above the door. It was pretty old fashioned inside. My dad and the attorney talked about legal stuff and the farm. Me and G'pa quietly listened. When G'pa did talk he said that he was praying to God to let him die! He was no use anymore. I can see why he would feel that way...after being a farmer with so much to do to doing nothing. But I don't like it when he says that. It upsets me too much and I had quite a time controlling my tears! I just don't know what to say and i pray God will give the words to be encouraging.

They talked about other alternatives for care in the winter, because driving to the doctor in a blizzard would take a long time. G'pa said he views a nursing home as a place to die and that him and G'ma want to stay on the farm as long as possible! This made me feel that I want to stay with them as long as possible.

We then went to dinner at this espresso cafe...it is a really cool place, i love it! Then went to the hospital for a few hours to see G'ma. See is doing better but the doctors are keeping her longer for more testing. I suppose it's for the best.

Drove home then it was time to make supper. G'pa says I am a good cook. I am glad to be able and practice!

After supper me and G'pa went on the four-wheeler to get corn and put out for the wild turkeys...he said there was 6 in the yard this morning. Drove around the field and scared a flock of pheasant, took out the garbage, and then took the Thule and my now tires out of my Subaru. I let G'pa help as much as he could. It wore him out though.

Had a nice rest of the evening working on knitting my blanket ( I kept Fuzzy outside so she wouldn't mess it up). I'm using hunter green and a lighter green. I think G'pa wants it when I am done cause he asked who it was for and I said i didn't know yet and he said that he could use it to keep him warm once it gets colder. So I guess it is his when I'm done!

G'ma is still in the hospital

Well, today seemed busy. After nine hours of lovely sleep the cat, Fuzzy, jumped on me and woke me up. The morning went slowly just had breakfast and got ready to go to the hospital. We took two cars because my aunt was going to go home after who found out how G’ma was doing. It is about an hour and a half drive to Mitchell where the hospital is. My dad and me found a suhweet espresso shop and I probably will be going there when I can!

G’pa took us to dinner again then him and my aunt went to the hospital. My dad and me went to meet up with my G’pa and G’ma Surat. That was fun! My G’pa Surat has got about 5,000 acres of land and six semi-trucks...maybe I'll get to drive one ;-)

Then went to see G'ma Young at the hospital. She seemed to be doing okay. hopefully the testing will get done so she can come home tomorrow. My aunt went home to MO. G'pa, my dad, and me then drove home.

I fed the animals and made supper.

I went out with the four-wheeler and took Ellie (the dog) for a run. I came upon a lot of pheasants...they are populated more then usual this year I guess. Not for long cause hunting season is in October!

Then me and G'pa Young watched The Cowboys with John Wayne..woohoo! My G'pa Surat really reminds me of John Wayne...he is so big, and his voice, and the big bear hugs that squeeze the life outta me!!! lol.

I bought a bunch of yarn today and am going to attempt to knit a blanket. That's hard with Fuzzy continuously grabbing my yarn!

First Day

Decided to keep this blog and write on it. I wrote this yesterday...

Well after a 20 hour drive I arrived at my grandparents farm this morning. The drive felt like it went pretty fast. When I pulled up to my Grandparents front door, I ran inside and hugged them both. It felt so good to see them. Grandpa had lost more weight since I had seen him last which was Christmas. Both looked like they had aged alot on the last 9 months.

I was shown my room for the time I would be staying and began making more comfortable.My Aunt made us dinner and my dad, grandpa and her sat down to eat, but grandma wasn't feeling well. She had stomach pain since the morning. After lunch my dad, my aunt, and me were in the kitchen when grandpa called us in and said grandma needed to be taken to the doctors. So my dad took her and we stayed home.

I went and took a nap, I was so tired. When I woke up it was supper time and my dad and grandma still weren't home. Grandpa said he was going to take us out for supper so we didn't make anything.

At the restaurant we got cheeseburgers and my dad began sending my messages on how grandma was doing. That's when grandpa said if he ever got that sick he hoped he would die. I pretty much started crying and asked him why and he said that there was no reason for him to stay. I told him yes, I needed him!

It turns out my grandma has circulation cut off from one of her kidneys so 50% of it is dead and that was causing pain. She will stay in the hospital tonight and should be alright, I pray.

Back at home (I will refer to the farm as home now since it will be for me until further notice) grandpa sat in his chair, which I learn occupies most of his time. My aunt then began showing me all I was to do...Prepare 3 meals a day, make sure grandpa takes all his medication, check his weight and if he is gaining be warry of fluid build-up in his lungs and check blood sugar and give insulin if needed, do daily chores, feed cats and dog, make sure both grandma and grandpa exercise, make 3 shakes for my grandpa...at night make sure all his pills are taken, set him on his oxygen, and rub his back and grandma's legs.

This along with taking them to doctors appointments, and checking his heart monitor, and changing the oxygen filter, etc.

This first day might have been overwhelming for some, but I feel a great peace and tremendous love for my grandparents. I want to be an encouragement to my grandpa especially...he is always making comment about dying and how I am taking care of him...I hope he can see I am truly happy to be here, because I am!

Right now I am in my room drinking tea and being very tired. Both my grandparents pretty much go to bed around 9pm and wake up at 8am. After my aunt leaves tomorrow and my dad next week I will be alone...please pray for me!
Will write more later...goodnight!

Summer is gone

Wow! it has been a super long time since I have posted last! should not let that happen again! My summer just flew by and I can't believe it is over. My last day at the pool is on Thursday. Then I'll be packing up to go to South Dakota for at least 2 months to take care of my grandparents on their farm. I can't wait to go, I'm very excited!!! Also I maybe a new owner of a Subaru and that is so amazing! No more driving a granny van!! I have learned allot this summer again and someday will share all that. Had lots of highlights in my life this summer to...went jet skiing and wake boarding for the first time ever, also went on a motorcycle to...and almost went skydiving! I coached swim team again and our team was undefeated for the season and won Championships!!!
Well I will have a lot of time to write more later, sorry for the short update.