Valentines came early

Nothing like a cup full of kisses to brighten your day.  A cute little surprise with chocolate ---- perfect.  I go to a little bible study group with a few ladies on Wednesdays at noon.  I haven't been there in about 2 months so I picked a good day to show up ;)

I'm one of "The Babes"!   This may be the most happiness anyone has even gotten from a styrofoam cup.  Lol 

And then I came home to find special mail.  Last month I won a giveaway from Felicia at Raggedy Creations blog.  I love it!  A beautifully stitched candle mat.  Her work is perfect.

I think this is going to look perfect on top of Mom's dresser.  Thank you Felicia 

Starting a new chapter

It's now official.  Mom was transferred this morning to her new "home".  I am struggling with no longer thinking of her as a patient and now as a resident.  Things went reasonably well but honestly I'm heart broken.  I am trying hard to accept things and not dwell on it.  I know we will all adjust but it's hard to have been completely responsible for someone's care for so long and now to completely hand it over to others. 

I need to get some more photos for Mom's room and I want to put more hooked rugs on the wall.  So "pretty" will take some time.  One of the first things to go in the room was her special angel.  

A friend brought her to the hospital on Christmas Eve and she has watched over Mom ever since.  And of course there's a picture of Millie there too. 

It seems that they are not really eager to move Mom's room so for now it looks like this it.  Mom's bed is on the right.  I bought that new recliner for me when I visit.  The window at the foot of bed looks out to a couple of bird feeders and the staff told me that deer and pheasants are frequent visitors.  I think I may find a low, narrow stand for the foot of the bed and buy a small TV.  I found that it entertained her when she was alone in the hospital.  Until she is assessed for a proper Geri-chair she is not mobile and I don't want her laying there all day bored. 

Sorry I didn't take better pictures but it was a bit chaotic, moving and meeting all new people.  

Dark picture but she loves the butterflies on her new quilt. I need to quickly hook a larger rug to go next to the birdhouse rug.  Any suggestions?

I will say the staff were very helpful and welcoming.  The residents are not lacking for attention in this wing.  That is a good thing.   Thank you all for the encouragement and support.  It has helped me so much as I try to figure out this next new phase in life.  It was a very long day.  I think I will sleep like a rock tonight 

Pretty is a slow process

Another busy few days.  Last time I posted I was getting ready to finalize things at the Long Term Care Facility for Mom.  I went on Friday morning to complete all the paperwork.  Lordy, there were about 20 pages to the agreement etc.  I have never held back on telling you how I feel here so there is no point stopping now.  It was quite an emotional time.  It seemed like with every paper I signed I felt a little worse.  Well, mixed feelings really.  I know I'm doing the right thing, but each paper I signed felt like I was selling her or just handing her off to be someone else's responsibility.   I know that's silly but the paperwork was getting out of hand.  

We discussed Moms condition and limitations and then it was time for me to see the room.  We kept walking and walking down the corridor and I kept getting this sinking feeling, especially as we neared the end.  Sure enough, the room was the last one at the end of the hall.  I felt sick, but decided to hold emotions in check and just let see what happens.  I knew the rooms were small but.......small barely qualifies.  Tiny, more like it - for 2 people.  I tried to introduce myself to the lady in the room but it wasn't going well.  The more I tried to talk to her the more she gave me "the stink eye".  Shit, this isn't going well, I'm thinking.  

Then the staff member with me said that maybe the room at the end of the hall wasn't the best idea for mom as she doesn't communicate well and is unable to understand the call bell and how to ring it.  Perhaps she needs to be closer to the front or middle of the ward.  YAY!!!   That's what I was thinking but didn't want to start out complaining in the first 5 minutes.  

So she was going to try and see if someone would agree to trade rooms before Tuesday.  So that was great but it also means I can't get the room set up yet.  I did ask if it was ok if I bought a small recliner for the room so auntie and I would have something comfortable to sit in while we visited.   No problem so I did go put one on hold to be delivered this week.  

Then I went to find a pretty new comforter or bedspread.   Arrgh. What a pain that was.   Good luck finding something in a "twin bed" size for someone over the age of 12.  There was nothing but kiddy stuff.  I figured I was going to have to drive into the city Saturday morning and try my luck. But then about 11pm Friday night I remembered Amazon.   I went online and found all kinds.  I bought a very nice, cheery quilt and it should be delivered Tuesday.  

So I'm hoping that tomorrow they will have the actual room location confirmed so I can start bringing a few things in. The ambulance is transporting her Tuesday at 10:30 so that doesn't leave me much time.  I've picked out a handful of outfits for her and they are packed in the car.  I need to buy new slippers and pick out a few pictures for her room.  And I want to hook a few smallish rugs for her wall.  

Auntie and I are trying to adjust to the fact that we are getting some time back to ourselves.  We did something today we haven't done in a long time.  We went out for brunch together.  

That's what is happening here. I had thought that by tonight I would have had Mom's new room all fancied up but nothing ever happens as fast as I want.  A few more emotional days and hopefully we are embarking on a stable period.  

Simple things

The truth is I'm not very hard to please.  I have read over the comments on my last post several times and they just make me so happy.  It's so nice to know we have so many people in our corner.   I didn't get to reply to all of you but please know how much they meant to me.  

Yesterday I had the afternoon off and it was starting to snow.  I was talking to one of the nurses mid afternoon and my stomach was growling. So we got talking about how I haven't cooked a meal at home since before Christmas.  I decided I would stop at the grocery store and then go home and make a nice supper for me and auntie.  

Beef tenderloin, fried mushrooms, scalloped potatoes and peas.  Nothing fancy but oh so good.

Today one of my friends was laughing at me.  She said she's never heard of anyone so excited about having to cook their own supper!  Lol. I guess she has a point.  But I'm simple and easy to please.  :)

Tomorrow I go to fill out Mom's paperwork and I will get to see her room and meet her new roommate.   I'm excited about it.  It looks like the transfer day may be Tuesday. 

Hold on to your hats, I have good news!

Good news, and the timing of it couldn't have been better.  My Mom has a placement in a long term care facility in our town!  (Insert choirs of Angels singing here). 

The transfer date is early next week and she will be able to remain in the hospital until that time.  So that means I don't have to disrupt her and move her twice.  (I was supposed to move her home on Thursday).  And I don't have to have a hospital bed in my living room. 

I just can't help smiling.  After all the ups and downs it looks like things are turning around.  I will get to see her new room this weekend and can decide what I need to pretty it up before she moves.  I feel like a giant weight has been lifted.  

Once again I am reminded to have patience and a little faith and things will work out.  I seem to need to remind myself of this a lot ;)

 

Weekend wrap up

Sorry but I couldn't think of a more imaginative post title.  First want to thank you for all the comments and emails of support the past few days.  I'm sure everything will work out in the long run, but it would be nice to have a little down time between one crisis or another.  

Now it's time to focus on moving forward and say goodbye to that horrible, long, cold, snowy January. Hello February -- the month of hearts and love.  Our local groundhog Shubenacadie Sam was out this morning and did not see his shadow.  Early spring perhaps??  Let's hope so

This is an older photo I borrowed.  You'll notice there's no snow in this pic so you can guarantee it wasn't taken this morning :)

I finished hooking the Sassy Sunflower pillow top (pattern from Red House Wool Studio). Now I need to find a suitable piece of wool for the backing and get sewing. (My least favorite part)

And soon I can start my next project.  I joined up with Deanne Fitzpatrick's Mystery Pattern of the Month Club.  New patterns are ready on the last day of each month.  

I picked up mine on Friday.  BUT I was sworn to secrecy for a few more days and was warned not to post a picture yet until all the people receive theirs by mail.  

Hahahaha, I know the secret!  Lol. Sorry.   Now I need to get my tea and chocolates ready for tonight's episode of Downton Abbey.  I hope it's more exciting than last weeks episode. 

One step forward, two back

I am going to give you the condensed version of my week since I don't have the strength to go into all the details, but we have had a set back.  My worst fear happened Wednesday.  I got the call that they had a bed for Mom in a nursing facility but the problem was it was almost a 2 hour drive away, in a very remote village in the middle of nowhere.  Especially with this terrible winter, it would be lucky if I was able to get to mom once a week.  

So, naturally I refused for her to be transferred.  That response is unacceptable in our system.  I did not make many friends that day.  So, since we refused the placement, Mom will have to be discharged from the hospital and come home.   A hospital bed has been ordered and will be delivered next week.  My living room is being reorganized to become Mom's bedroom.  We will require quite a lot of home nursing support.  I haven't heard from them yet as to how much support we can access.  

But it doesn't matter.  We will find a way to make it work somehow. I could not live with myself if I allowed Mom to go to that facility.  I do not believe it is in Mom's best interest to have her isolated from her entire support system of friends and family.  I knew there was a chance she would be placed outside of town temporarily but not in the absolute furthest distance allowed.   I'm not sure how long she will be home before we can get back up near the top of the placement list for a better facility.  Hopefully it's not too long. 

So things are in quite a tizzy right now.  I took the day off work today to try and meet with some people and take care of some business.  Then a spent a few hours with a good friend who listened to all my ranting and ravings over a glass of wine. 

And one my way home I stopped to pick up a few necessities and found these....

Chocolate helps everything, right?  

It's a tough week for a control freak

If you've been following along here for awhile you know that I'm a bit of a control freak.  OK, it's more than a bit.  I don't like surprises.  I like to know what's around the corner.  I plan and over-analyze most things.  I'd rather be prepared for the worst and then be relieved when it doesn't happen.  For me it's better than thinking everything is coming up roses and then getting smacked in the face by a thorny branch. 

So, this was NOT my week.  Issues with Mom's eventual placement are out of control.  I have to just wait it out and pray for the best.  Because many of the options before us are ugly.  I had a meeting today at the hospital.  I talked, I argued, I pleaded, I stated my case and I cried.  Ultimately it doesn't matter.  Things will just happen and I need to try and come to terms with that.

Not easy for me!  But based on today's mental state, it's important that I learn - and quickly.  

So tonight I tried to settle down and hook on my pillow.  I've replaced the bright orange with a darker shade.  The difference is subtle but works much better.  I think it's hard to see in the picture so you will have to take my word for it. 

I think this may be the longest pillow project in history.  Sighhhhh!  I "really" need to finish this and move on. 

Where did the week go?

Not sure where the days went but it seems I haven't posted since Tuesday.  Oops!  Although I didn't get the full storm day I was looking forward to on Wednesday, I did get half a day.  Our office, and most others closed at noon.  It was a lazy snow day.  

Millie and I spent most of the afternoon like this

Don't you love her eyes?  Since I'm not home as much lately, when I am here she barely takes her eyes off me.  If I move, she is on high alert in case I leave again.  Such a loyal little buddy. 

I did drag myself off the sofa long enough to make this batch of "boozy brownies" (enhanced with some Baileys) 

Before you ask for the recipe, I don't have one.  This was a gift with all the dry ingredients layered in a pretty jar.  All you had to do was add the eggs, butter and liquor.   (I just realized I should have taken a picture of the jar before I dumped it in the bowl.  Bad blogger!)  

I ended my work week with a laugh.  A friend invited some girls over for a Pajama party.  There was wine, lots of candy, fancy center pieces (lol)

And so many laughs.  You know the kind where you're doubled over with tears streaming down your face, generally over some really inappropriate story.  Gotta love a good old fashioned girls night.   

Now I'm ready to fix a hooking issue that has bothered me.  I wanted a warm rust, or deep gold for the leaf and a swirl in my pillow.  I didn't have that in my stash so I thought I could get away with some orange 

It is just too bright for this piece.  I found a more muted piece of wool at Deanne's studio this week so tonight I'm ripping and re-hooking.  I hate doing that but since this piece is already sold, I want it to be perfect.  If I was keeping it myself I'd probably leave it as is.  I'll show you the after pic when it's finished.  

Ok, you're all caught up on my news now.  I will be around to visit you later. 

Here it comes again

More snow!  A blizzard in fact.   I predict much shoveling in my future tomorrow. 

So sick of winter.  Soooooo sick of it