Slippery Slope

We're back home and oh so weary. After the adrenaline push of days of trying to keep it all together and being strong for others, we may come crashing down today. But it's probably only the beginning of a long journey.

Anyway, Mark turns 50 in June, so I thought I'd start a running list of things we need to save our money for. And because, well, I just love a good list on a Monday.

• Depends
• Pill box with the days of the week in large print
• Volume enhanced phone
• Shower chair
• Doorbell that makes the lights flicker
• Large print books
• Household staff

Did I mention that while in Wichita we went to the medical equipment supply store? It was like a wonderland of gadgets to help folks live independently. I'm telling you right now, and remember you heard it here, that's the business to be in. These stores are few and far between and the mark up it apparently very high. Actually, the business to be in would be for used medical equipment. Where does all that stuff go when it's no longer needed? Basements/garages? Craigslist?

One other thing I've been pondering for a few days. What is the origin of doilies? I'm gonna have to research that one.

The following blog entry is rated PG for brief nudity and immature subject matter

Still at the in-laws. For some reason today seems to have a high "ewww" factor. For example I ran down to the finished basement to make use of the facilities because the upstairs facilities were occupado. While, you know, doing my business, I started feeling drips on my head and hearing unusual sounds of water running in the wall behind me. Here's a tip. Never, I say NEVER, look up when you feel drips on your head.

Thinking the worst (did she pass out in the tub?) I raced like a mad woman up the stairs and knocked on the upstairs bathroom door, only to discover MPML (My Precious Mother-In-Law) helplessly trying to stem the tide, stop the flow, call down the plumber gods for assistance with an overflowing toilet...to no avail. I'm pretty handy with a plunger, but there was no quick fix here. MPML and her walker were scooted out the door, towels and a mop were applied, the plumber was called. Remember the drips on my head? Now I think I need a shower.

Another free tip because I'm here to serve. If you're talking to anyone from what Tom Brokaw called the greatest generation (and I have to agree with him), never ask them in an off hand way how their parents managed birth control back in the day. You might get a startlingly specific answer.

In other news...there is no other news. Nothing new from the cardiac care unit. Just lots of waiting while everyone's life is on hold and at the mercy of an apparently very busy cardiologist.

So that's been my day. How's yours?

It's not the Hilton

Hanging out in Newton with precious Grandma Dot (my mother-in-law) while Mark hangs out with his Dad in the Cardiac Care Unit in Wichita. Somebody, who shall remain nameless but whose initials are Grandpa Bob, ignored signs of serious heart problems for, oh a day or a week or, mmm, maybe a whole month. When he finally called the doc he was instructed to report to the emergency room stat. Isn't that how they talk in the medical field? We need 5 cc's of heptapheranagan and then push 4 cc's of globomadaphin stat. His BP is 200 over 950.

At least that's what I heard when we arrived in a rush last night. It's all so much gobbledygook to us lay persons. Except for the blood pressure being over 200. That was fo'real! Thus the all expenses (not) paid trip to a luxury suite in the cardiac unit.

Prayers are appreciated.