Doing So Much Better!

I felt so weak and finally was able to run a couple of errands Tuesday afternoon.  Though I was still weak, I had increased strength.  By Thursday, whatever I had, stopped. I feel "normal!"  This has actually been going on quite a while- the exhaustion  part. One of my nurses thought it could have been a virus that I recovered from on my own. I'm so relieved. I had been looking at canceling more events I had planned on attending.

A friend of mine's wife died recently. Actually, they were both friends. It was another friend who reached him and he told her she died two weeks earlier. I feel so bad I haven't been in contact as much as I would have liked. I think I talked to both of them four weeks ago. Others want to have a dinner to remember Mimi which I understand, but I felt we should be okay if Marc doesn't want to go. I remember being invited to a gathering soon after my mom died. I found this gathering more than I could handle. I put on a fake smile, but then I had to get out of there. I would like to be there more for Marc, but at the same time I want to abide by any limits he would set. Right now he isn't returning my call, so it is a moot point. We want him to know he and Mimi are loved by us. Whatever we could do we would. 

I cut off talking with most people when I felt so bad.  I said we could talk when I was feeling better. It is hard to do this, but I have to take care of myself.  Each day I have gained energy.  This may be similar to Marc. 

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After all the plumbing work, one toilet kept running on. They came right away and found still more rust in the line clogging the mechanism in the toilet. They recommend a water pressure valve, but the part is around $800. I can't do that. 

The following day, the owner of the masonry company came to check on the wall they did. He assured me that the white is salt in the water and in time it won't be obvious. He also will have a cap that broke off glued back on. I am pleased with responsible companies who take their work seriously. 

My new washer and dryer were delivered and I had a lot of washing to do.  They couldn't connect the dryer because the gas pipe line was not up to code, it needed to be higher up. I called a Handiman who came out the next day.  It has a steam component in both the washer and dryer. One of my readers felt it was necessary to wash using the heavy load to truly get clothes cleaned. So I'll be checking that out. I have had front loading for 10 years now which uses much less water, so I may already know how it will work. 

This is my new washer and dryer. My house is over 55 years old and at that time it was common for the washer and dryer to go in the garage. They are so modern, I'm thinking of moving in them. 

At least the pedestals they sit on are drawers.
A lot of laundry supplies can be stored there.

My cousin Steven called. I put him off until I felt better. He has been responsible for the trusts for his mother who is 98 years old and in assisted living, and his brother who is in a special home in the Bay Area  for those with mental illness. He is very worried about finances. But while there is any money, no one will talk to him about plans. His brother is getting Medicare/Medi-Cal, but Steve says he has enough money to supplement this through the trust for one more year. He panics his brother could be on the street or put in jail. His brother has schizophrenia and he needs a protective environment which would monitor his medications. It seems that all the people and agencies who promised to help him have disappeared or refuse to respond to his requests.   He tried him living in his home but his brother went to all the neighbors saying he was being imprisoned. As a result, several police cars came with guns drawn. So his home is no longer an option.They wanted the money, but as that is depleted, they don't want to deal with another person with no money.  I'm a sounding board for him and hopefully someone will work with him who knows the resources in his area. 

Here is my most recent picture of my friend Barbara's dog Patti. It is the best I've done of her. I think the proportions are much better.  I'm about to start on my friend Janet's dog Poopy. It was a Bichon Frise. The challenge for me will be doing white hair.  I need to work further on my skills of negative drawing (filling in the area around the form, like a lock of hair).

Patti Re-done.

               

Here is a link On Being "Chapter Two"   This man describes entering a relationship with a woman who's first husband died in a tragic accident. He talks about different loves. Worth reading:   http://www.onefitwidow.com/on-being-chapter-2/http://www.onefitwidow.com/on-being-chapter-2/

Here are seven powerful pictures of terminally ill patients getting their last wish fulfilled. 

http://www.upworthy.com/7-powerful-photographs-of-terminally-ill-patients-living-out-their-final-wishes?c=ufb2http://www.upworthy.com/7-powerful-photographs-of-terminally-ill-patients-living-out-their-final-wishes?c=ufb2

Thank you for reading. I'm feeling much better this week. I hope you are doing well and I will see you next Sunday.               Rachel