Perservering...

It was a beautiful evening last night, much cooler, slight breeze, with a few thunder boomers in a Vivaldi sky.

My grandson has been taking some great night photos. You can check out his photos on his website.

http://www.blackshield.photography/

photo by http://www.blackshield.photography/

 House...

No assessors report yet, so everything else is in a holding pattern. Hopefully it will be at my attorney's this week. I'm just kinda trudging along waiting for the next bomb to drop. I really have to be on point, cause sure as the sun is going to come up, my brother and/or his wife are going to launch another knife to the back. Even my attorney has said he's glad he doesn't have people like this in his family. Well, that's comforting as all get out. Enough whining already.

 MySean...

There will be a gathering of the clan, My Sean is getting married the end of this month. 

To see him happy,  and with someone that we all love, is so good. He's been through a lot the last few years.  I'm looking forward to driving up and spending a few days with them, the rest of the extended family, and possibly will get in some house hunting, as well. 
Just got a call from him, he has been head hunted again, so a new job starts two days after the wedding, to start with a 20% increase in salary, 40% increase in benefits, doesn't have to move, and doing something he loves. Yay Sean!

Dad...

The plan is for T to fly Dad & I up to hunt'n camp late in Sept.  Dad has been pretty quiet about being stuck in the den all this time, but then he's surrounded by flight logs, maps, pictures, and airplanes. Sure miss his hugs, quick mind, dry humor zingers, and advise.

Marymine...

Marymine called the other day, and as we were chatting away, she said to someone in the background. "It's nanny."  Then said, "here mom someone needs to talk to you." 

The masculine voice of a 26 year old came on and simply said, "I love you."  I am so humbled and blessed by those around me.

 

Just Country Folk..

The old saying is, "You can take the gal out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the gal."

There is no clothesline here, there really isn't much of a place to put one.  I asked Dad why that was and he said, "Your mother hated them, and thought they made a place look like poor white trash lived there!"  What!?!  I wondered if he was pulling my leg, but then thought back on it, and she never put one in at any of the houses she built. 

Guess I take after my granny Mid (who was far from being poor white trash), because I love a clothes line. (I even had a defunct ol hot walker as one for a while on the home ranch.) Not only is a clothesline much cheaper than running the dryer, it gets you outside, and it makes your clothes & sheets smell like sunshine. 

Pretty sure that Mother is spinning every time I do laundry and put this up...

Give me clean clothes, a clothesline, and some ice cold Luzianne in my travel mug

and I'm doing just fine...

Oh, and boots, specifically Lucchese boots!  Their sweet new polo boots are out. At $1,295 a pop, I won't be getting any, but I can still admire them from afar...  

 

Last, but certainly not least, I received this certificate from the POTUS yesterday. I think Dad would be pleased.

Sure miss Dad, the ol guy with mischief in his eyes...

Carrying on...

Spring has sprung in the back of beyond. The rains have gone, and the NORTH wind is howling round the place, drying every little thing out, and causing white caps on the bird bath.

Willie and I miss Dad a lot, there is so much to take care of and do that even if I weren't so inclined I would be constantly reminded.  I'm barely holding firm to not going full berserker on my brother & his wife. But friends, my kids, & the Cowman's family have been awesome in their help & support as I navigate my way through this.

 This last week I was called for jury duty, a small computer glitch at the court house, caused half of the county to be called up!  Four and a half hours to get from the security check in, into a courtroom, then told to come back the next day... 

a quarter of the line waiting to be processed for jury selection

 Back the next day, 2.5 hours later the jury was finally seated.  I wasn't called to be seated, and though I have no problem with doing my civic duty, this was a child molestation case, with no hard evidence.

Saturday, a friend and I went to the big quilt show at the fairgrounds. So much talent in our small community.

Saturday night my SIL, a few friends, and I went to the performance of Cinderella by Mercy High School. We laughed, cheered, clapped, and enjoyed every minute. (Didn't hurt that we had stopped off for a little wine tasting before hand.) The girl that played the fairy godmother, stole the show with her antics. Outstanding performance by the whole cast.

Sunday my niece, SIL, and I went to a bridal shower for my granddaughter, Ali.  Another good day, full of family, friends, and much laughter.

Today I met up with the guys to pickup the map with coordinates for the hunt'n camp where Dad wanted his ashes to be scattered. Their dad was Dad's best friend. 

T should be done with his Rubicon run, and a few other adventures by later this month. He will fly Dad and I up to hunt'n camp. Though I love to fly, I have a feeling that is going to be a hard day. 

An old friend came by the other day on her way taking some of her mares North, she has invited me to come stay with her for a few days when the others are foaling.  It would be nice to get away for a couple of days in the saddle, and shoot'n the breeze... 

Cleared to climb UNLIMITED...

Dad passed away this afternoon, here at home, very peacefully. He lead a good long life. He was a farmer who hunted and fished and golfed all over the West, but his greatest joy was to kick the tires and light the fires in a fighter jet. 

Love You, Dad.

 

Cowcamp news...

It has been crazy around here, what with hospice people, friends, and family in and out. Dad is still with us, but weaker.  My brother blew in for a day an a half, and has gone back home to Ideeho.  It was so good for Dad to get to see & talk to him. They went through old photos, and told hunting stories, and loaded my brother up with things that Dad wanted him to have. Now if Dad will just hang in til my Sean gets here to see him. 

I love my kids, they are straight up awesome. When I put the word out to them that Grampa was on Hospice care they went into action.  Marymine rounded up her brood, loaded'm up in her crewcab pickup, and headed up to spend the day with Gramps. 

My Sean texted to say he and Amy would fly down and spend the weekend with Grampa and I.  If I thought he needed to come sooner, he would make that work, too. I didn't think that was necessary... So they are flying in Sat and staying til sometime Monday, Yay!

In the Best News department... 

My Sean has popped the question to his girlfriend Amy and her response was "Oh Hell Yes!"

She is a really nice gal and Sean and his girls love her and her boys. 

I'm pretty excited, she just might fit pretty darn well in this crazy clan.

 

Buttercup days...

I am finally over my cold, but tired beyond knowing, and my get up and go seems to have left the corrals. Time to Suck it up Buttercup!

Dad was doing well at home, and then last Wed got some bug. High temp, oxygen low, white count high... so the home health nurse and I shipped him to St E's.  After spending eight hours with him in the ER, with blood draws, x-rays, IV's etc. they got him turned around, and stable enough to take to the regular floor.  He was there til Sat. when I brought him home. They never did figure out what was causing the problem.  He's on antibiotics for a few more days, and the home health nurse checked on him yesterday and was pleased with his progress. I quit giving him all the meds they sent home with him from rehab, which I think caused some of this. The home health nurse agrees with me, so now he just has antibiotic, aspirin, & oxygen. Will take him to his VA doc next week for a checkup.

He is a bit bull headed and tried to get to the bathroom by himself the other early am, and ended up on the floor. No harm done, but I could not get him back in bed by myself so had to call the fire dept.  They lifted him with ease, and we got him settled back in bed.

He is back on his computer spreading cheer and wreaking havoc with his women friends, so he's feeling a little better.

I, on the other hand, seriously need to Suck it Up Buttercup...

Happy Valentine's Day...

Dad & Willie 02.14.2017

Happy Valentine's Day from Dad, Willie, and I.  

Dad is spending it with his favorite daughter, and his girlfriend!

Dad is doing better little by little, Monday was a very full day for us: oxy man, two nurses, social worker, friends, home help, friends, etc. He did eat better, and managed to walk much longer with his walker. 

Will keep you posted, have a good day, Brig 

Dad's Home...

He's home, the sun is shining, and he says he is very happy to be Home.  Willie was thrilled to see him, and required being in his lap for extended periods.  Dad's fine with that, and sneaking treats to him.

 The following are just random notes.  I'm posting it as more of a journal for me than anything. Please don't feel you are required to read on, though you are welcome to comment.

The new hip is working nicely, scar has healed well, and he has no pain from it.

He managed to get some orange chicken with rice and a small amount of a protein shake down after he got home. I fixed him corned beef hash with an egg last night, it was his request. It was good, but he struggled to swallow even a few bites. I've talked with his oncologist and the ENT surgeon, and this difficulty swallowing some things is part of what is at this stage. His coughing to clear his throat is about the same. It is frustrating to him that he can't eat many of his favorites without his choking. And we face the aspirating problem.

He is very weak and only manages very short distances with his walker. Then he sets in it and I push him where he wants to go. We have a wheel chair (left over from Mom) and a hoveround that he used to get back and forth to the mailbox(we live on a hill).  I'm not sure about him getting too dependent on mech things to do things for him, need to talk to PT & his doc about that, hopefully Monday. 

This morning he was up for a while, got him changed, his three E's in, meds and eye drops in, and gave his legs a massage, and got part of a banana protein shake down him. He wanted his favorite CD of Roy Orbison on the whole house stereo system, so we were rock'n the house, and he spent some time in his den on his computer. He's back in bed now, and comfortable.

I have a dear friend that has been occasionally going to see him with me. She talks to him like this is just a minor bump in the road. I know that she means well, but it isn't the reality, and he & I know it. 

He and I both know why he has been so adamant about getting home.

Monday, his home health caregiver will be here, as well as PT and a few others, that he enjoys interacting with. Hopefully they will cheer him up. 

 Lots of orders for his care came home with him.  He is on nocturnal oxygen, so they showed up not long after he got home and explained the equipment to me. I rearranged some things in his bedroom and that's all in place.  He is to use it when he naps, as well. That gets a little problematic as he is prone to just dozing off in his chair.  Last night was a process to get him ready for bed. Remove the 3 E's:  ears (hearing aides), eyes (glasses), eats (false teeth), put in his eye drops, turn on the big oxy machine, adjust it, put the nasal cannula on him, and the finger oxy tester thingy...  but we gott'er done and him tucked in for the night. Oh, and put the other things that he thought he might need on his night stand, including the big Donger (cowbell/handle)!

 (I told him he better damn well be dying if he rings that thing in the middle of the night. He laughed, and said "Aah I Love You, Sissy, Thank You for taking care of me."   "I Love You Dad, and you are most welcome.")

 

The Dad Report...

Sometimes you just have to push through, and keep plugging along.

Dad has had me fairly busy taking his favorite foods, the mail, newspapers, etc, up to him, daily. He won't eat the food at rehab, says it doesn't taste good to him.  I have been concerned about his not eating, or eating very little, as he has dropped 6 lbs (he didn't have to spare) since he got there.  The staff are very good about answering my constant questions on his care and status.
 

He has had loads of cards, balloons, phone calls, and visitors.  Still he is depressed, he just wants to be home, were he totally runs the show.  But he has needed to be strong enough to come home, a vicious circle. I've met with his social services lady several times, and finally the other day told her, "He's 93, he's lived a good long life, now do what ever arrangements it takes so I can take him home, soon".  He can do PT at home, he can have home help, I can make sure he eats, and he has Willie and friends to help keep his spirits up.
  

He had an interesting table mate in the dining room. Old P38 driver from a ranching family in Arizona, that went on to keep flying and ranching in N Calif. I have adopted him, he's 94. He has great stories of ranches, and cowmen we both knew. And his flying stories are just short of unbelievable. I have given him our info and told him when he's ready for a breakout I'll come get him.

They are releasing Dad to me to bring him home tomorrow, Sat. He has really missed his home routine.

Things never go quite the way we sometimes think they should... and to stick another spoke in the mix I have come down with a whooper of a cold.  I'll get over it, but Dad can't afford to get it.  Will do my best to see that that doesn't happen, but dammit! Then I hear from the staff that Dad says he wants to go home because my cooking is the best, and that I will take good care of him.  Bless his heart that's more than a bit of a stretch on the cooking...

Horses, Dogs & Bull...

Taking a second to catch my breath after another week of daily trips up to see Dad, (He's doing well, and hopefully will be home in another week) and watching events at our annual Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale. 

Lots of good working dogs this year. I sorta keep an eye out for what I like in a working dog, and after watching them in the trials, my favorite was Crazy 8 Twit (bred & consigned by Mason Winebarger of Post, Oregon).  Twit ended up being the Champion high point dog, and sold for $14,500. A tad beyond my budget.  

GS Farrah, topped the sale at $20,000 the second highest amount ever paid for a dog at the sale.

Champion Crazy 8 Twit

The geldings did well.  "Walter" was the top selling horse at $39,000.  Rumor has it that "Walter" is going to a ranch in Hawaii...

I didn't get to watch the bulls sale, but I understand they all did well, too.

 

Col Rick Machado sell'n right

Much to see at the trade show, and art show. North Valley Hat Co was there, Yay!  Met some lady vendors that were a real hoot.  Lots of shared laughter.

John Growney (Growney Bros Rodeo Co) with  Kathy Branco at the Branco Ranch Furniture booth

So many friends to catch up with that I sometimes only get to see once a year.

This'n that...

Dad is doing well, considering he thinks he should be home already. Willie has been up to visit him!  They had a visiting 4-H project baby goat at Dad's PT the other day. 

 

Dad liked the baby goat, so much so, that I said, "why don't you get a baby Nigerian dwarf goat?  The back yard is fenced with no climb, so it should be doable." Dad lit up and said, "Yep, I need to get a baby goat." Meanwhile, I have been taking the newspaper, milkshakes, and ribs from the locally famous 2 Buds BBQ up to him. Pretty sure the CNA's and RN's are tired of me showing up at all hours, and addressing his care issues with them.  But, I'm his advocate and don't take that responsibility lightly.

When I visited him yesterday, I asked if he had gotten to watch the inauguration of President Trump, he did and he was well pleased!  We got to calculating and Dad has been alive for the inauguration of 15 presidents!

We have had a lot of rain, Yay! and a lot of high winds, damn!  Lost the Ceanothus to the wind last night. 

 and the ceiling lights in the garage don't work when it rains, but the automatic doors do!?!  There are no leaks that I can find, but I'm sure not an electrician.

A dear ol cowboy friend of the Cowman's has given me the go ahead to post some of his N Calif. wildlife photos, so here ya go...

    

The Crazy Petunia and The Hipster Dad...

Willie catching a bit of sun this morning, January 11, 2017, next to The Crazy Purple Petunia. That dang plant has been blooming non stop since last summer. It's been frost bit, snowed on, had freezing rain fall on it, and it still keeps coming back with more blooms.

Much like Dad...

(note: my FB page and the blog are not tied together, I like it that way!  I can say what I want on the blog, FB not so much.)

"Dad fell at home early Sat morning, broke his right hip, after a brief stay at St E's, he was transported to Feather River Hospital. He had hip replacement surgery that afternoon, and did well. He is there til given the go ahead to transfer to rehab. A big thanks to all our wonderful family, friends, and neighbors who have stepped up to help in any way possible. And a Huge Thank You to orthopedic surgeon Dr DeFrancisci, and the surgery dept staff at Feather River Hospital, who have all gone way above and beyond the norm with their many kindnesses."

Dad is doing well, they have had him up and walking. He will be transferred up to rehab in Anderson, 20 miles N of home, sometime today. I will meet him up there, and try to sneak Willie in for a quick hug, it would do them both good. Dad is milking this more than a bit with all the cute young nurses hovering around him. 

Dad's girlfriend called and asked if she should send him flowers.  I said, "Nooo, flowers just wilt and then make you sad, send him a blowup dolly to keep him company!"  I heard a choked giggle and then the line went dead,  I guess she's working on that...

A Blessed Christmas...

Celebrating the season in our small town church. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who likes unadorned trees.  The Latin is John 14:6.

The family news: 

We have a new member in our extended family via my niece, Rachel.  Welcome to the clan, Emet James.

My Sean and his adorable Amy having a good time on the slopes. (You would not believe how much he looks like his dad.)  When did my son get old enough to have grey hairs instead of giving them...

The Gingerbread house wars are on at Marymine's. Though I must admit I didn't quite get the aliens coming home to the pyramids at first. Yes, we have an outside the box thinker!

Marymine and crew are coming here for Christmas! Dad doesn't know, so keep it under your hat.

Dad said he didn't want a Christmas tree, not even the small one, stored in a box in the garage.  I don't always listen to what he says, as much as what he doesn't say..

So, instead of getting a new rug shampooer, that I had been saving for, I went and got an 8' lighted Christmas tree. Didn't tell Dad, til I got it setup in the living room window. Plugged it in, and watched Dad's face light up as bright as the tree.

"It's Beautiful, Sis!"

Made my Christmas.

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas.

Hazards aplenty...

Dad flew home from his successful trout fishing adventure in Ideeho, Monday. 

Just down the hill from my brother's house, is a nice golf course, that no one seems to play. 
 

I asked Dad if he played the course while he was there, "No, I was there to fish. Besides, there are always herds of elk on it."

Dad was an avid golfer til a couple years ago when his legs started to fail him.  He has tried a couple of times since I moved up, but it is really not that doable, as he can't stand unaided, much less swing. I have tried holding him up, but he really can't swing like he wants to, and his balance is thrown off.
Yesterday he said, "Let's go play nine holes tomorrow. We can rent a cart." 
Tomorrow became today. The weather was cold, but there was a clear blue sky, and we are ringed on three sides by snow covered Mt Shasta, Mt Lassen, & Yolla Bolly. A beautiful day to be outside.
We went to the nine hole course on the edge of town. 

  
I got a cart, loaded up our golf bags, and a corona with lime wedge for me (Dad didn't want anything). Stuck the score card on the steering wheel and away we went. It was mid week, we have had rain daily until today, so there was only a couple other people on the course.
First hole, I talked Dad into going first, he barely made it to the tee, using both drivers as walking sticks, and my holding him steady.  He teed up, took a couple practice swings, and then swung, only driving the ball a short distance. He started to fall from his momentum and I grabbed him to keep him from going down. He promptly elbowed me in the nose. He said he was done, this wasn't going to work, but he really wanted me to play, and he would coach from the cart.  I felt so sorry for him, it has to be terribly frustrating to mentally be so sharp, and physically not able to do the things he used to do with ease.
I played four more holes, and then we ran out of daylight.
Dad's a good coach, and my game got a little better with his tutoring. I did miraculously manage to find the water hazards a couple of times. 

I walked the course while Dad drove the (beer) cart. By the time I finished my beer I had gotten my driver under control, and the walking was great.
On the way home I realized, for all the years mom and Dad played nearly every course on the west coast, they never asked me to play with them. Most likely because I was busy working, pushing cows, riding horses, and raising kids.
The things I like best about golf: you are outside, on green grass, and usually near water.
Dad says we are going to start golfing weekly. Now he's a crafty ol cuss, so there are undoubtedly hazards aplenty...