Last Day of June

 June 30, 2021

Zach was here for the last time.  We did some stretching and he gave me the information on the clinic that is very nearby.

I worked on plans for a trip to the UP for August.  I found a nice motel, but it's $200 per night.  It's better than some that looked rather seedy.

At 1:00 p.m. Briana drove five of us (Jack, Margaritte, Patti, Sharon and myself) to Onesto restaurant in the Third Ward.  I had pasta and meatballs; Sharon ordered mussels that we shared, also nice crusty bread.

I checked my voice mail and missed two calls from Laura.  She was not very happy.  I really need my phone near me at all times and check voice mail every day.

Winding Up the Month

Monday, June 28, 2021

 Zach will not be seeing me after Wednesday.  He will be going to school in Chicago and I will either have another therapist or go to a nearby clinic.  He recommended the clinic because it would have more apparatus than in my room and could accomplish more.  I'll give him my decision on Wednesday, but I'm leaning towards the clinic.  I listened/watched the Milwaukee Symphony at 12:30 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

A very miserable night; I don't think I slept at all.  Tossing, turning, out of the bed, in the bed with no relief.

I signed up to go bird watching at 8:00 a.m. with Eleanor and her friend Mary Ann.  It was at the Urban Center on 37th and Pierce.  It involved a good hike, so I sat outside the Center while Eleanor and Mary Ann did the hike.  It was pleasantly warm and overcast.  They were back just in time as the light sprinkle started.

At 10:30 a.m. a podiatrist came and cut my toenails.  This is a very nice service.

Now I'm going to plop down and take a long nap to make up for lost sleep last night.  I slept soundly for at least two hours without any pain. If I could only do that through the night.

I played sheepshead for an hour, then went to 4:00 p.m. mass.  

We had Chicago hot dogs, a salad and fries with apple pie for dessert for dinner.  

I'll watch the Bucks at 7:30. 

Never got to see the Bucks.  I lay down on the couch and the next thing I knew it was almost 10:00 p.m.  Unfortunately, the Bucks lost to the Hawks 110 - 88.

End of June, 2021

 Saturday, June 26, 2021

I did not call soon enough to make reservations at Fox and Hounds.  We could come either after 8 (too late) or before 3(too early).  Peter was watching a soccer games, so we decided to not go out.  It wasn't the greatest day either.  Laura called to join them for leftovers, which made a fine meal with hamburgers/brats and a seven-layer salad.  We talked over places for a family dinner.  My first choice was Lake Park Bistro, which Jay thought was getting pricier, plus a limited vegan menu.  We decided on Char'd for a Sunday.

Sunday, June 27.

I did not get my paper.  I saw a paper at someone's door, so the paper was delivered.  It was either not delivered to me, or left at someone else's door.

Janice and Brad came to see my apartment and hang some pictures.  That was a pretty big job getting them leveled out and centered.  But it makes a very nice finish to the walls.  I still can hang some other small ones.  Brad also set up my rack for me to put out some collectables.

We sat on the balcony and Brad was not able to remove the cover for the outlet on the balcony.  I really don't need it, but it would come in handy if I ever would.

 

Good-bye, Salon Marie

 June 25. 2021

I was able to take a good nap after breakfast, to make up for a restless night.  I felt refreshed.  I told Jocelyn that I've decided to have my hair done at St. Rita.  She and the other stylist were very supportive of my decision, thanking me for my business every week.  Jocelyn did not charge me for the waxing.  I really decided to change because Jocelyn is usually booked on Saturdays and most outings are scheduled on Fridays.  I would have to miss some good ones.  I am able to have my next two stylings with Mary.

After my hair I had a hot dog and Coke at the shopping strip on Layton Ave. before going to Bob's Furniture to shop for a chair that fits my dining table.  I really liked one that had a padded seat, but it would just squeak by in seat width.  I selected one that was narrower and solid wood.  It should do the trick.  It is on order and I'll probably have it in August.

I had dinner in the dining room tonight because Peter would like to go to Fox and Hounds tomorrow for prime rib.

I watched the Bucks overwhelm the Hawks 125 - 91 with Patti and Marci in the Club Room.  I don't understand why more people don't show up.

Very Busy Tuesday

 June 22, 2021

My both forearms really look bad. 

I apply hand cream as often as I think about it, but it hasn't helped.  I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Johathan Bonchak in New Berlin for 8:10 a.m. today; a very young pleasant doctor.  One look at my arms he determined was eczema and sun damage.  We discussed how it occurs, and stress usually triggers it.  Like I don't have stress.

I got home, had some toast and jelly before meeting the group going to the zoo.  Had I not been holding on the the bus railing firmly, I would have fallen backwards.  One of the helpers braced me from behind.  My right leg seemed to collapse.  We rode on one of those excursion wagons and observed various animal habitats.  

We got out a couple of times, but it was mostly what we could see from the road.  The animals were not very active or visible.  But we did see elephants, a polar bear and monkeys.  It was a short jaunt.

My prescription for my arms was ready, the same as from Dr. Shy  I picked it up and was back just in time for sheepshead.  I was the big winner even though I came in late.

At 4:00 p.m. we went to mass.

After mass I had a delicious shrimp dinner with stir fried vegetable.  The new chef makes some beautiful presentations, plus excellent taste.  Everyone commented.

I'm too tired to go to the movie.  I've been up since 4:30 a.m.  Maybe I'll sleep better tonight.

Father's Day

 

Not the most restful night, pain mostly in my upper and lower leg.  I was able to take a nap after breakfast.

I picked up Peter to go to a Father's Day picnic at Fred and Sherry Kohlmann.  It started to rain as I was driving and continued most of the afternoon.  It was a nice gathering in their very large garage.  We had plenty to eat and drink.

Party Time

 June 18, 2021

There were two opportunities for Happy Hour yesterday: one in the Trattoria, the other a bus trip to Tess's, 2499 N. Bartlett Ave.  I opted for the latter.  We were seated in a lovely outdoor garden.  I had a margarita, others had various other drinks.  The waitress brought out delicious small loaves of warm Italian bread, and came with a second serving.  We all wished more would have taken advantage of this outing.

We had a later dinner.  I had a very good BLT.

I stayed up and read, hoping that I would be able to sleep, but that was not the case.  Terry let me use some of her cold packs, but I was fighting with them through the night.  And with all the twisting I had more pain than before I started.  A miserable night.  One good thing, we had a much needed good downpour.

I had my hair done today, picked up meds at Walgreen's on Loomis Rd. and came back just in time for the June Birthdays.  There were little pockets of meat and vegetables, relish tray with fruits and vegetables, beans, and of course, birthday cupcakes.  A trio was playing in the background and stopped for us to sing "Happy Birthday".  We have reservations at 6:00 p.m. at George Pandl's.  

We had a lovely table in the shade.  I had perch with pancakes; pancakes were nothing to rave about.  I had to ask for croutons, when people were offered them without asking.

Afterwards, Peter drilled holes in my balcony planters.

Easing Up?

 June 18. 2021

I had a good session with Zach, without weights or too much strain.  

Five of us Red Hats met for lunch at Dai Cafe in Greendale.  I had some problem walking without a walker.  Terry gave me two bags of coolant to put on my aches.  The paper shop is closed where I wanted to get some adhesive.  

I went to JoAnn Fabrics for a couple skeins of yarn and adhesive for photos.

Had chicken parmesan for dinner.  Watched movies on TCM.  I am not feeling any pain right now.  My left leg is slightly weak.  It would be marvelous if I could get a full night's sleep.

Therapy 2

 June 14, 2021

Zach had more strenuous activities, longer and with weight on my legs.  It seemed simple enough, but I felt it later.

I went to see South Pacific and didn't know how to sit or where to put my legs.  My upper legs are very sore.  I took a couple of Tylenol that I bought when I picked up my prescription.  I hope it helps.  I think I'm in for a miserable night.

Austrian American Picnic

June 13. 2021

 A beautiful summer day for the picnic, clear skies and a gentle breeze.  Peter arrived early to help Louie with the grilling.  I made smoked salmon deviled eggs, different and very good.  I got to the Rotary Park in Menomonee Falls shortly before noon and we were eating shortly after.  The chickens were done to perfection, without being dry.  There was plenty to fill our plates with all the side dishes and desserts.

It was too nice of a day to leave this lovely park.  Peter brought a chair for me while he sat at a picnic table and read the paper.  I fell asleep, which I badly needed after my restless night.  We left the park at 6:00 p.m.

Perfect Sunday

 June 12, 2021

I'm expecting St. Rita Ambassadors at 11:00 a.m. so I decided serving a little treat would be nice.  I went to the Metro Market and next time I'll remember to park at street level instead of going up a ramp from the lower level.  I bought a package of assorted small Danish, peanut butter, crackers and cat food.  I started a pot of tea and Sandi Medelsohn was the first to arrive with a little bag, followed by Connie Haas, Judy Engel and Cookie Anderson.  We visited and exchanged information about St. Rita.  Sandi said she will have to come back because a sun catcher that Jon makes was not included in the bag.  There was a book about Brady Street that Connie's son made, a pizza cutter and a small bottle of olive oil.  They were my first visitors.

Peter came at about 1:20 p.m. to go to the Dorns' for our combination Mother's Day, and Claude and Janice's Birthdays.  We hit a very brief shower on the way that didn't even need the wipers.  No rain at all at the Dorns'.  We noched on chips and dip with wine/beer until time for Brad's grilled hamburgers and brats, Laura's potato salad, Jay's green beans and Janice's molasses beans.  Laura furnished cupcakes with strawberries and assorted ice creams for dessert.  It was lively and fun.

Gifts were mostly gift cards; but Laura included jars of pickles and an orchid for me.

Since this was our first get-together in over a year, we had to have a picture without being in Zoom squares.

Sleepless

June 11, 2021

I wish that I could be up all night doing what I have to do and sleep during the day.  I went to bed too early last night and didn't have too much trouble falling asleep.....until the pain awakened me.  I was up and about trying to find a place that didn't hurt.  I finally got up at 5:30 a.m. and started my day.  I did a good vacuuming that showed nice results.

I had my hair appointment at 12:30 p.m. and will continue seeing Jocelyn; it's not a very long drive.  I picked up Where the Crawdads Sing from the Franklin Library.  I was able to take out and load the walker.  It's a little clumsy, but doable.  I drove to Walgreen's for my prescription, but it was at the Loomis Road store; it will be transferred shortly.

A small group was at dinner.  I created my own salad by adding a piece of chicken to the Caesar salad, also a very good pecan pie.

Walker Replacement

June 10, 2021

 I was considering not going to the Austrian American picnic because I would not be able to load the walker I have from Claude into my car.  Actually, I'm confined to use it only in the building for that reason.  I called Dr. Waheeddooden's office to see if he could put in an order for one.  Only my primary care physician is able to do that.  I called Dr. Gundamraj's office and she won't be in until Monday.  I would have to make an appointment to see her for her to evaluate my condition to see if I needed a walker.  The nurse suggested that I look into Walgreen's or Walmart.  I followed up on that with varying results.  Walmart in New Berlin seemed to have something that I was looking for and had one left.  Peter was over in no time and we took off.  After lifting the box, he thought it was just as heavy as the one I have.  I did my grocery shopping while I was there and we met Eunice.  I told her why I was in this store and she suggested Kneuppel's on Greenfield Ave, not too far from where we were.  Peter was familiar with that store also.  It was out of business.  Next we went to    on 76th St.  There were a few models to choose from.  The clerk chose the lightest one and fitted it for me.  I think it should be just right.

We drove home, Peter unloaded the groceries and brought them upstairs for me.

I was just in time for Happy Hour followed by dinner.

Warm Wednesday

June 9, 2021

 It was pretty hot having breakfast on the balcony, plus the sun was blinding.  My leg hurts very bad, also the area around my knee.  My feet look like balloons.

I attended the Town Hall meeting that discussed current topics, followed by a talk from a person at Cass Street School encouraging us to volunteer.  I stayed after and filled gift bags for graduates.  Each bag contained a little bag of favors, a tee shirt, water bottle and a diploma.

Off To a Very Bad Start

 June 8, 2021

Peter was picking me up at 9:30 a.m. for my appointment at West Allis.  San Camillo called to arrange an evaluation of my condition.  The man said he could be over at 10:30 a.m.; a very bad time, because that's exactly when my appointment was at WA.  I took garbage to the refuse center and still had to get my devices from my car to take to Spectrum.  As I was leaving my apartment, Peter was at my door, furious that I wasn't waiting for him in the lobby.  He had to check in, plus put on a mask.  He used some very strong language and would not quit.

Peter dropped me off and I was taken well before my appointment time.  I thought I was going to have another biopsy, but the radiologist said she was not aware of it.  I was going to have a very thorough ultrasound to check some questionable areas.  It was a very long procedure and surprisingly, I was not that uncomfortable lying on my back.  The radiologist sees some area that needs further looking into, but perhaps the recent biopsy is making that harder to detect.  She suggested either having another biopsy very soon, or waiting a couple of months and having another ultra sound; I opted for the latter.  I called Peter to pick me up while he was having coffee.

We drove to Spectrum to drop off my devices and terminated my service.  Going to the car, Peter said he heard of people in wheel chairs and walkers for many years and all of a sudden they are able to get rid of them and are perfectly fine.  Their pain is only in their heads.  Suggesting that my pain is purely mental.

We had cheese sandwiches at Oscar's, then took a slow ride home, very slow.

When Peter dropped me off, I asked him how did he know when to pick me up when I was through at WA.  He said, "Don't you remember?  You called me". That's my point.  This entire episode could have been avoided if he had parked the car, called me and said he was outside.  He would not give up.  I did not have the courtesy to be in the lobby waiting for him.  He had the last word.

Zach arrived at 3:00 p.m. to evaluate my condition.  He had a positive outlook and I should get better with a few exercises.  I did a couple of stretches, one on the bed with my knees stretching over my hips and another stretching across the table.  He will see me twice weekly: Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Busy Monday

 June 7, 2021

Today started sunny but became overcast and cloudy the rest of the day.  I had breakfast on the balcony; no wind, more pleasant than having to contend with the A/C.

I changed bedding and did all the laundry.  I ordered a laundry sorter so that I don't have to spill all the clothes on the floor to sort them out.

I wrote a letter to Don and Masako, mailed a check to DMV for $30 that I mistakenly shorted on my license renewal and a birthday card to Janice.

Saint Camillus called that I will be getting a call tomorrow to arrange my therapy.

The dining room was empty when I went down to dinner; dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday.  I had a hamburger in the freezer.

Beautiful Sunday

June 6, 2021

 I had the devil to pay for probably exerting myself too much yesterday.  There was no way I could find a position in bed without agonizing pain.  I was up and about many times during the night.

In the morning I slowly limbered up, made a nice breakfast of eggs with mushrooms, red pepper and onions, and cleaned up the kitchen.  I was able to move about with minimal discomfort.  As I'm cleaning up I found the phone that I thought was left on the moving van that I replaced.  The fastest way to find something is to buy a replacement.

It is too beautiful to waste the day indoors.  Peter is finishing up at his house and we'll spend the afternoon outdoors somewhere.  He always manages to find a nice spot.

We drove to Klode Park and were lucky to find parking.  We sat on a bench until a table became available.  We had a lovely vista overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan.  It was very enjoyable.  Next, we drove to Estabrook Park beer garden.  The walker helps a lot, especially when I can sit and wait while Peter parks his SUV.  The band was just finishing playing a little after 6:00 p.m.  Peter had a brat, I had a hot dog that we ate with soft drinks; we had beer and wine at Klode Park.

First Saturday in June

June 5. 2021

I went to Walmart on Capitol Dr. for my phone and some groceries.  I was surprised they did not sell liquor; I wanted to buy wine for Jay and Laura, plus I would need wine and some beer.  I looked up the closest liquor store which was on Brady.  I put a quarter in the meter and at first went to the wrong store, which was out of business.  A man directed me to Smith's Liquor store which was up some stairs and very narrow with a Middle Eastern woman at the counter.  She helped get me what I needed, but I was not able to carry all of that down the stairs to my car.  A man graciously came to my aid.  Thinking back, I could have gone to the Metro Market.  Walgreen's was right across the street, so I picked up my Rx.

I had a snack of cheese and crackers and tried to rest for a while.

Peter came a little after 5:00; fortunately there was a cart available, he said there were two.  There wasn't any when I came with my groceries, or a little later when I went to my car for the rest of my groceries.  I changed my thinking about feeding the birds; storing seed and the mess made me decide.  I packed up the rest of my seed, dishwasher powder and three reams of computer paper to give to Jay and Laura.

Laura was thinking of eating indoors because it was quite warm.  We decided to enjoy the outdoors.  It was warm, but not humid, and there was a slight breeze.  Good choice.  We noched until Laura put chippotle shrimp on the grill served with green bean salad and bread that Jay made.  We had angel food cake with strawberries and ice cream (butter pecan for me) for dessert.  A most enjoyable evening.

Peter took Oakland Ave. as far as Brady, but we somehow missed Van Buren and got very far north.  We had to find SRS with the GPS.  Peter called much later saying he got held up by the bridge going up for the boat.

Closing

June 4. 2021

 It was pleasant and breezy on the balcony for breakfast.  I'm getting along well with my walker.  Unfortunately, I bumped something and the tray fell to the ground breaking my most favorite items: My MG mug, coffee brewer, juice glass and cereal bowl.

The Tenant Handbook said my phone number is 414-249-3208, but I didn't see a phone jack.  Maggie said there should be a jack; it was behind the couch.  I found a phone, but it was the extension from my bedroom; another item from the missing box.  Mark needed my insurance card so I could begin therapy, and I also told him that I don't get DirectTV.  He came up to get my insurance info, looked at the TV and got the same error message we've been getting.  All he did was press the channel button up or down.  Such a simple solution after all the time spent trying to get the TV to work.

With all the time spent on the above activities, Salon Marie called me at 11:09 to remind me of my 11:00 am perm appointment. Fortunately I was dressed and ready to go, but that was terrible and put Jocelyn having to juggle two appointments.

Because I rushed out for my hair, I did not take the home closing materials; I really didn't need everything, but I had the keys attached to the folder.  I hoped to pick up a phone and some groceries at Walmart, but decided against that and went right home and back again, arriving at Title 100 at exactly 3:00 pm.  Gary was in the process of signing papers, presently Jean came and I had to sign a number of papers also. Jean and I chatted while Gary was finishing up in another room.  I walked out with my check of $178,384.01 at 4:07 pm.  I deposited the check at ECU and went home.  

A group was eating; there was one space left.  I went up for my wine and by the time I got back down the table was full.  I ate alone at an adjacent table, and still felt part of the group.  Spaghetti and two meatballs with a side salad.  I also had a scoop of ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Peter and I passed on eating out tonight, but he suggested Pandl's tomorrow.  Laura called and invited us to a cookout tomorrow, which will be a whole lot better

Another Day of Pain

 June 3, 2021

At about 9:30 am an inspector came, followed by another, to take inventory of my apartment and to see if anything I need.  The right blind on the balcony window seems bound and does not pull up all the way.  He will adjust the vent for the blower so it does not blow on me when I eat.  He also said that I would need another adapter that will be compatible with the dish and smart TV.

Then I had my appointment with Dr. Waheedooden.  I'm so glad my pain began so recently that he was able to do something about it.  He said that I had a pinched nerve and would prescribe physical therapy.

I had a chicken salad at Culver's before checking the condo.  The cleaners did a very good job; the refrigerator and stove look spotless.  I can't believe I left some things in the drawer: steel measuring cups and a Phillip's head screwdriver.

I called Claude to bring a walker.

When I got home I met Mark who faxed my therapy order to St. Camillus that I'll have right here.

Claude came with a real dandy walker, streamlined, very sturdy.  Claude adjusted the height and I can really maneuver without too much pain.

PAIN

June 2. 2021

I had a very restless night.  I had to use the bathroom almost every hour and getting there was extremely painful.

I managed fairly well in the morning, organizing my desk, mostly sitting.

We had a great group of Ladies of Lee-sure gather at Alioto's, but it is so noisy when everyone is talking at once about different subjects and I can't hear any of them.  I asked for one person at a time to talk and that improved things for a while, but then it went back again to conversations across the table.  Maureen uses a cane and I asked where she got hers; her son got it for her, but they are available at Walgreen's.  I was thinking of asking Claude to bring a walker, but I'll try the cane first.  Walking back to my car after lunch was agony.

On the drive I got a call from West Allis with the results of my biopsy; it was benign, but Dr. Rapp saw something else that he wants to look at more closely, so I have to have another biopsy on Tuesday at 10:15 am.

I had a prescription to pick up so that was a good opportunity to get other things I needed.  I got a cane plus cotton balls and cosmetic rounds, also three composition books.  I'm crazy to buy more paper with all the paper I have, tons!  But I really liked using those composition books that don't fall apart.

Walking to the car with the cane wasn't much of an improvement.  Then I had to walk back to the store because the clerk forgot to pack the composition books.

I hobbled to mail the check to the Granny Cleaners, then to my room.

A new month

 June 1. 2021

I had only V8 and Cheerios for breakfast because of my biopsy in the afternoon.  I worked on sorting and putting away. I am missing one box with my composition books, book club binder and other little things that I notice are missing.  

My hip is extremely painful; I can barely walk.

I got to book club, but I missed my notes.

I arrived at West Allis at 1:18 pm. The nurse explained what would be done.  I relaxed until Dr. Rapp came and explained what he would be doing.  The doctor prepped the area and I was given something to numb it.  The radiologist guided the doctor on the location of the area that was in question.  It was rather painless.  I had another mammogram to see where the chip was so that area would be later identified if further study was needed.  The nurse gave me instructions and I had an ice pack on my breast that fit into my bra.

Then the agonizing walk to my car.  My right leg is really hurting.