Update and Random Notes from the Sandwich Life
March 28, 2025
It was a long week but I guess I say that every week lately. I messaged the doctor’s office on Monday. He is one of the only doctors that gets back to me quickly and I think that’s in large part to his nurse. We adore them both. I have a feeling she was out however because I didn’t get a response that day or the next. For a bit I thought Ernie was doing better, than not so much so I sent a pissy email first thing Wednesday morning and whaddya know? They got him in for an infusion of fluids and some bloodwork that day and yesterday they got him back in for an infusion of platelets. He’s not feeling absolutely wonderful but is better today, even has the tiniest bit of energy and is taking a shower as I write this. So things aren’t bad but the anxiety is a bit wearing and of course all of it is terribly exhausting for him.
I didn’t feel good on Tuesday, some stomach upset sidelined me, so I went into work on Wednesday instead. I was feeling pretty wobbly getting into the car in the morning but did ok, had my shiny new walker! Isn’t it pretty?
Ernie didn’t feel good enough to come get me so Leo came (the silver lining of needing rides is chatting with my boys as they drive me). Ernie usually insists on coming in and getting the doors for me although I have managed them on my own. This time, when I took my weight off the walker to push the door open, the walker, which was top heavy from my laptop bag in its basket, fell flat and I was left walkerless with the half open door. It made a somewhat dramatic crash. My beautiful colleagues came running, as did Leo. At that point I felt so wobbly I was scared. I decided it would be just as hard to turn around and go sit as it would be to just go for it. I fear I was less than gracious and I was swearing and yelping but I made it to the car. Just turning around so I could sit down was somewhat scary but I did it. I got in and cried pretty much all the way home. Part of the reason I made sure my new walker was light was because I wanted to see if I could manage getting in and out of the car with it by myself so I could drive and not depend on Ernie and the boys so much. When I sent an email thanking and apologizing to my colleagues, my boss suggested trying a different side door which makes sense so I will give it a try. What’s difficult in making plans is that the weakness in my leg varies so it’s hard to know what to expect. I’ll go along thinking that I’m doing great and then suddenly I’ll have a few days that are terrible. It doesn’t seem to relate to activity or lack of activity…I just never know. So, it was a somewhat disappointing day despite the efficacy of my pissy email to the doctor’s office. But onward, right?
Now on to some random notes as it’s that kind of day.
I am TRYNG to quit Amazon but damn, it’s hard. I fought it for a long time but finally caved and once my mobility went downhill it became easier than ever to depend on it. I’m trying, I really am. When I was looking for walkers I tried to find other places but some of the stuff on Amazon I couldn’t find elsewhere. Medical supply stuff is weird on top it. Anyway, I’m trying.
These cats truly amuse me. I’m so grateful to them for their entertainment value and so glad we got them. It didn’t really feel like our home without cats. Sack is the perfect lapcat for Ernie (and she LOVES the toys Eva brought over–wakes Ernie in the night with them but hey…he probably keeps her awake during the day). And Olney, well, he’s as much a unique character as his namesake.
She cleans him and he cleans her and then they try to decide whether to squabble or not.
My monthly Tooth Butter recommendation is the Seedy Porridge Bread. I don’t have good pictures but damn, it is wonderful. Soft and seedy and earthy and crusty on the outside. Hannah is so good. Her April orders are coming up soon—if you are in CU you should order. Peanut butter toasted sandwich below…childhood comfort food.
Ok, you can barely see the bread under this but it was soooooo damn good. The crust is always my favorite so it’s the toasted crust, topped with a fried egg and some salad greens and a bit of fruit on the side (thanks, Dennis). Comforting on a night I needed it.
I love the weird sky days.
And then there’s this.
My forsythia’s first full fledged blooming. It was a gift from Susan and it’s in honor of another Cynthia who wrote online as Forsythia. I miss her comments so. I’m glad to have this forsythia to remind me of her.
And yes, it’s spring. Our lack of care in the garden the last few years means the weeds have choked out some of my favorite flowers…well, that and lack of shade due to trees coming down. No bleeding heart, no tree peonies. Sigh.
OH, and speaking of plants. After the brilliant Carrie and Susan cleaned up our yard so beautifully I’m trying to think about the garden realistically. The big triangle where I always planted zinnias and other annuals is just not practical anymore. And honestly, I can’t use the front door any longer so I don’t see them much anyway. I’d like to fill it in with perennials and mulch it all. So, this spring…if you happen to be dividing plants or pulling any out, we are accepting any full sun orphans! Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Coreopsis, Bee Balm and the like. Then we’ll plant zinnias, nasturtiums and morning glories by the back door so I can enjoy them.
I swear I can tell there is bad weather coming. I am not just my mother, I am also my father who was a human barometer.
Onward.
Love,
Cynthia
Contact me for info on the Rod Picott show.
I love your cats!! They are so fun. Aida has spent the last three days and nights sleeping on my walker (I should say rollator). During the day when I go to use it, she just looks around like "Oh, we're moving." Last night she wouldn't even come up on the bed with me. She was happy with her walker and she was staying there!!!!!!! The last three mornings I've had to clean the seat with masking tape to get all the cat hair off!!!
P.S. Glad Ernie's a little better. My love to all 3 of your boys.