I have a follow up on yesterday's missive
Julia's birth was no picnic, but Emily fared a little better.
We were living in Rochelle, on the south side. The doctor was in Rockford, as was the hospital.
Emily was supposed to be a bicentennial baby...July 4, 1976. But when July 10 came around and Jackie was as big as a house, some decisions had to be made.
The doctor gave us three days.
Like I said, we were on the south side. There was no overpass, yet. If she went into labor and a train blocked the tracks, then I was going to have to deliver in the back seat of a Chevy Nova. I did not want that.
In those days, trains blocking tracks were pretty common. I had a friend, Bob, who was an engineer for BN. I saw him one night at the high crossing, where the engine of his train was sitting, and had been sitting, and continued to sit, for a long time.
Bob told us he was westbound and all was well until the engineer in the caboose radioed up and commented on all the lumber along the tracks somewhere this side of Steward. Lumber? Thought Bob. I don't see any stinkin' lumber. And his being a westbound train, he knew he didn't have any lumber because that always came from the mills out west. When he hit Rochelle his train was flagged to a halt and could not move until the load was re-secured. Seems some wood does go west. It took hours.
We did not want to be trapped on the south side.
The point was moot when it was decided to induce labor. So we did a casual drive to the hospital and the delivery process began.
At one point, I thought Jackie was going to pull every hair out of my head and then yank off my skull for emphasis. After that, I went for coffee.
With Julia, going into the delivery room was not an option. It was for Emily and me, with my weak stomach, tendency to faint at the sight of blood, and not being very cool in a crisis, opted to wait in the hall. Or in the coffee shop, actually.
The nurse asked me again and I said they really didn't want to stop what they were doing because I passed out across the mother to be. The nurse thought I was joking.
Julia couldn't wait for us to bring her sister home.
We were reluctant to let her hold Emily, but all the tears convinced us to let her.
It was one of my favorite pictures: Julia, tears in her eyes, smiling as she holds a very content Emily.
It all seems so long ago. Hold your children closely, my young friends. They don't stay little for long.
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving. Peace and blessings to everyone.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
tis the season
Once upon a time, a baby was born
It's Julia's birthday tomorrow. Or today, if you live in Switzerland.
She was born at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, because the doctor who delivered Jackie also delivered Julia. Even though we lived in Rochelle, we would go to Dr. Freidman's office for checkups and sometimes spend the night with my parents.
We were playing cards when around 10 p.m. Jackie went into labor. John, Jackie, me and Janice, a friend from Rochelle who was in Chicago studying nursing, were at the folks house, having a pretty fun night.
Jackie had complained all night of a sore back. At three weeks past due, this should have been a hint.
When her water broke, we jumped into action.
John raced a block and a half to get the car because for the first time ever there were no parking spots by the house. But the car wouldn't start. So he raced back to the house, told me, and that's when I remembered I had flipped a kill switch hidden under the dash. That little switch prevented the car from being started. Theft prevention.
I raced back to the car, brought it around and we took Jackie to Columbus Hospital.
The next day, right before halftime, our little Julia came into the world. The doc came out and said we were pretty lucky, she had shifted and was sideways but another doctor also delivering a baby knew what to do and with that he was off to Wrigley Field for the second half of the Bears game.
John came by to visit, as did another childhood pal, Billy. In fact, Jackie and I saw Billy twice since we got married and both times she was pregnant.
The nurse came out and asked if I would like to see my beautiful baby.
I said yes and she came back with a little bundle. I looked at her and almost gagged!
She was covered in brown because she had a bm during the delivery process. There were huge red marks on her forehead from where they used the forceps to pull her out. And there was a general greenish slime mixed in with the brown.
The nurse assured me she was a beautiful baby and would look so much better cleaned up.
Well, she did. And she was a beautiful baby.
It seems like yesterday.
For you youngin's out there: Don't wish your life away. It passes too quickly as it is.
And spend as much time as you can with your kids....that is a regret I can't seem to shake.
Happy birthday, Julia!
It's Julia's birthday tomorrow. Or today, if you live in Switzerland.
She was born at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, because the doctor who delivered Jackie also delivered Julia. Even though we lived in Rochelle, we would go to Dr. Freidman's office for checkups and sometimes spend the night with my parents.
We were playing cards when around 10 p.m. Jackie went into labor. John, Jackie, me and Janice, a friend from Rochelle who was in Chicago studying nursing, were at the folks house, having a pretty fun night.
Jackie had complained all night of a sore back. At three weeks past due, this should have been a hint.
When her water broke, we jumped into action.
John raced a block and a half to get the car because for the first time ever there were no parking spots by the house. But the car wouldn't start. So he raced back to the house, told me, and that's when I remembered I had flipped a kill switch hidden under the dash. That little switch prevented the car from being started. Theft prevention.
I raced back to the car, brought it around and we took Jackie to Columbus Hospital.
The next day, right before halftime, our little Julia came into the world. The doc came out and said we were pretty lucky, she had shifted and was sideways but another doctor also delivering a baby knew what to do and with that he was off to Wrigley Field for the second half of the Bears game.
John came by to visit, as did another childhood pal, Billy. In fact, Jackie and I saw Billy twice since we got married and both times she was pregnant.
The nurse came out and asked if I would like to see my beautiful baby.
I said yes and she came back with a little bundle. I looked at her and almost gagged!
She was covered in brown because she had a bm during the delivery process. There were huge red marks on her forehead from where they used the forceps to pull her out. And there was a general greenish slime mixed in with the brown.
The nurse assured me she was a beautiful baby and would look so much better cleaned up.
Well, she did. And she was a beautiful baby.
It seems like yesterday.
For you youngin's out there: Don't wish your life away. It passes too quickly as it is.
And spend as much time as you can with your kids....that is a regret I can't seem to shake.
Happy birthday, Julia!
Monday, November 20, 2017
memo??
I missed the memo on lawn mowing today
Three of my neighbors mowed, and I felt guilty watching them.
I suppose I should mow one last time, then clean off the mower for the first time this year, and put it away until spring. But I just can't bring myself to do that.
Yes, the grass is a little long, but not bad. And maybe I should trim it up a little before it gets covered in snow.
But just the thought of mowing sends shivers down my spine, matey. It is cold. It is too cold to mow and too cold to bike, although I saw my neighbor out biking today.
Why do these people keep proving me wrong?
I did hang Christmas lights outside.
I actually got them up and in the right spot. I tested them, and they look nice.
While unpacking them, I tried all of them to be sure they worked. Imagine my surprise when one strand of my made in an Asian country lights didn't light. I paid good money for them (actually, they were half price after Christmas) and I just didn't think they would fizzle out after one year.
These are LED lights and I guess there is a fuse somewhere. Of course, I did not throw out the lights because in my wild imagination I fix them.
In addition to not mowing, I did not trim. I have some areas where the grass is pretty long and I should get out the trimmer and go at it. In due time.
On a positive note, weeding isn't necessary.
Come Monday (no, I am not channeling Buffet in preparation for the musical) the golf cart goes and I will have room in the garage for the patio chairs.
I suppose I will hang the bike too. I am thinking of a little ceremony when I do that, maybe hum Queen's "Bicycle" as I raise it to the rafters, signaling the end to another summer season.
It seems like just a week ago I was taking it down, and getting the mower ready, and calling for the golf cart.
Gosh...time flies when you get older!!
Three of my neighbors mowed, and I felt guilty watching them.
I suppose I should mow one last time, then clean off the mower for the first time this year, and put it away until spring. But I just can't bring myself to do that.
Yes, the grass is a little long, but not bad. And maybe I should trim it up a little before it gets covered in snow.
But just the thought of mowing sends shivers down my spine, matey. It is cold. It is too cold to mow and too cold to bike, although I saw my neighbor out biking today.
Why do these people keep proving me wrong?
I did hang Christmas lights outside.
I actually got them up and in the right spot. I tested them, and they look nice.
While unpacking them, I tried all of them to be sure they worked. Imagine my surprise when one strand of my made in an Asian country lights didn't light. I paid good money for them (actually, they were half price after Christmas) and I just didn't think they would fizzle out after one year.
These are LED lights and I guess there is a fuse somewhere. Of course, I did not throw out the lights because in my wild imagination I fix them.
In addition to not mowing, I did not trim. I have some areas where the grass is pretty long and I should get out the trimmer and go at it. In due time.
On a positive note, weeding isn't necessary.
Come Monday (no, I am not channeling Buffet in preparation for the musical) the golf cart goes and I will have room in the garage for the patio chairs.
I suppose I will hang the bike too. I am thinking of a little ceremony when I do that, maybe hum Queen's "Bicycle" as I raise it to the rafters, signaling the end to another summer season.
It seems like just a week ago I was taking it down, and getting the mower ready, and calling for the golf cart.
Gosh...time flies when you get older!!
Sunday, November 19, 2017
ping pong anyone?
I seem to have recovered
Thank you all for your good thoughts. My headache is almost gone, I feel like normal except I am very tired.
Jackie, on the other hand, has another infection. Heeding the doctor's advice, we went to the ER today for treatment rather than wait until office hours on Monday. She got a shot in the butt and some antibiotics and we will follow up with our doctor tomorrow.
This is the last post about medical issues. Promise. No more complaining about health, reporting on health, discussing health......light and airy, fun posts ahead.
At least that is the plan.
Ran into my bike riding neighbor who told me how to prepare for the cold when riding.
It was beautiful out today and if I had felt more up to it, I might have tried to ride.
Maybe later this week I will take the plunge.
I could ride my indoor exercise bike, courtesy John and Kathy. I do ride it during the winter while I watch TV in the basement.
I notice with the stationary bikes, it is harder to ride! On my bike outside I coast occasionally, especially when I think I am going too fast and will lose control and crash into a car, mailbox, or old lady.
But on the stationary bikes, if you stop pedaling, it basically stops. You have to pedal constantly. It is harder.
Six of one, half dozen of another. Ride outside and freeze my buns off or ride inside and watch TV while staying warm.
My momma didn't raise any idiots.
I guess as long as I ride and get the exercise, it won't matter.
Except for the frostbite.
Thank you all for your good thoughts. My headache is almost gone, I feel like normal except I am very tired.
Jackie, on the other hand, has another infection. Heeding the doctor's advice, we went to the ER today for treatment rather than wait until office hours on Monday. She got a shot in the butt and some antibiotics and we will follow up with our doctor tomorrow.
This is the last post about medical issues. Promise. No more complaining about health, reporting on health, discussing health......light and airy, fun posts ahead.
At least that is the plan.
Ran into my bike riding neighbor who told me how to prepare for the cold when riding.
It was beautiful out today and if I had felt more up to it, I might have tried to ride.
Maybe later this week I will take the plunge.
I could ride my indoor exercise bike, courtesy John and Kathy. I do ride it during the winter while I watch TV in the basement.
I notice with the stationary bikes, it is harder to ride! On my bike outside I coast occasionally, especially when I think I am going too fast and will lose control and crash into a car, mailbox, or old lady.
But on the stationary bikes, if you stop pedaling, it basically stops. You have to pedal constantly. It is harder.
Six of one, half dozen of another. Ride outside and freeze my buns off or ride inside and watch TV while staying warm.
My momma didn't raise any idiots.
I guess as long as I ride and get the exercise, it won't matter.
Except for the frostbite.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Rip Van Tinkle
I have slept a lot the past two days
Knock on wood, my head does not hurt. The room is not spinning. I don't feel terrible.
I don't feel great, you understand. I just don't feel terrible.
I slept until 2 p.m. today. I went to bed at 10. I did get up several times to use the bathroom, but fell asleep right away. I even had a great dream about a castle with fire spouting from the walls, and ramparts that reached high in the sky.
Yes, I took some meds for the nausea and dizziness, and maybe that made me sleepy, but I am really tired and I have not taken anything for about 8 hours.
To be honest, I hate to complain about my migraine. Many of you have worse problems than a headache and you are not complaining in a blog.
I salute you. I am being serious here. I don't know how people can put up with a long term medical condition. Just two days of not feeling well drives me up a wall.
It's hard sometimes to realize people around you are suffering, many times silently.
When I close my eyes tonight I will say a little prayer for those of you I know face some tough medical situations.
I know it's not much, but you are in my thoughts.
Peace to all.
Knock on wood, my head does not hurt. The room is not spinning. I don't feel terrible.
I don't feel great, you understand. I just don't feel terrible.
I slept until 2 p.m. today. I went to bed at 10. I did get up several times to use the bathroom, but fell asleep right away. I even had a great dream about a castle with fire spouting from the walls, and ramparts that reached high in the sky.
Yes, I took some meds for the nausea and dizziness, and maybe that made me sleepy, but I am really tired and I have not taken anything for about 8 hours.
To be honest, I hate to complain about my migraine. Many of you have worse problems than a headache and you are not complaining in a blog.
I salute you. I am being serious here. I don't know how people can put up with a long term medical condition. Just two days of not feeling well drives me up a wall.
It's hard sometimes to realize people around you are suffering, many times silently.
When I close my eyes tonight I will say a little prayer for those of you I know face some tough medical situations.
I know it's not much, but you are in my thoughts.
Peace to all.
Friday, November 17, 2017
well, crap
I seem to have lost 24 hours
A migraine will do that, if I had a migraine.
I got up and finished a small painting proect and felt great.
I read to a third grade class, (had a ball, by the way..nice kids, Mrs. P) and as I was finishing up, I felt a little woozy. Not a lot, just a little.
Went to the post office, then to the food drive where I dropped off a check and filled in some entry forms for contests I did not win. (They had a guitar signed by someone. I asked who they were, but not being a C & W fan had no clue who the performers were. I was told they won The Voice. I have no clue what that is either, so I entered the cooler drawing. Moot explanation, I didn't win.)
My head was a little fuzzy then.
I moved on to buy Jackie some veggies and in the middle of the store, I thought, Hmmm.....I'm gonna be sick.
Well, I never was. Until I got home, but we will skip over that part.
By then the room was spinning, my head hurt, my stomach left my body, and I felt like crap. No polite way of saying it.
Emily came over and helped get Jackie to her meeting, stopped at the pharmacy to pick up some meds that were called in, brought Jackie home...all of which was a big help.
I slept. Slept all night. Slept most of today. Did not go to the zoo or rehab, just slept.
Right now I feel OK, still have a headache and still a little woozy.
Friends, I had to be sick because I did not eat lunch or supper yesterday or breakfast today. I don't think I have ever gone that long without food.
Now I wonder if I will be able to sleep tonight, since I slept so much yesterday and today.
We'll see.....just hope I feel good tomorrow.
A migraine will do that, if I had a migraine.
I got up and finished a small painting proect and felt great.
I read to a third grade class, (had a ball, by the way..nice kids, Mrs. P) and as I was finishing up, I felt a little woozy. Not a lot, just a little.
Went to the post office, then to the food drive where I dropped off a check and filled in some entry forms for contests I did not win. (They had a guitar signed by someone. I asked who they were, but not being a C & W fan had no clue who the performers were. I was told they won The Voice. I have no clue what that is either, so I entered the cooler drawing. Moot explanation, I didn't win.)
My head was a little fuzzy then.
I moved on to buy Jackie some veggies and in the middle of the store, I thought, Hmmm.....I'm gonna be sick.
Well, I never was. Until I got home, but we will skip over that part.
By then the room was spinning, my head hurt, my stomach left my body, and I felt like crap. No polite way of saying it.
Emily came over and helped get Jackie to her meeting, stopped at the pharmacy to pick up some meds that were called in, brought Jackie home...all of which was a big help.
I slept. Slept all night. Slept most of today. Did not go to the zoo or rehab, just slept.
Right now I feel OK, still have a headache and still a little woozy.
Friends, I had to be sick because I did not eat lunch or supper yesterday or breakfast today. I don't think I have ever gone that long without food.
Now I wonder if I will be able to sleep tonight, since I slept so much yesterday and today.
We'll see.....just hope I feel good tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
numbers
My head is reeling with numbers
I went to the NIU football game tonight. Thanks Dave W. for the tickets and Jimmy for driving.
The score was 35-31 NIU, in a game played in a temperature of about 34 degrees with a 102 mile an hour wind coming out of the northwest. I am surprised the balls didn't freeze on the field. (For you pervs, I am talking footballs...it was a game. Get your mind out of the gutter! You know who you are.....)
The game was exciting. The food was amazing. We ate in the practice center, a buffet with a ham, potato, dressing, dessert, vegetable offering....courtesy of Dave's tickets.
We also had access to the Coaches' Corner during the game. This is on the upper level and was a room lined with TVs and food....chili, tacos, salad, cookies, hot chocolate, cookies, chocolate pretzels, cookies.
I ate too much. And I drank too much hot chocolate. I think I am peeing chocolate.
All the work I have been doing on the treadmill and rowing machine....out the window.
I was cold. I put on long underwear and that kept my legs warm but my toes were cold. I have been home for almost 2 hours and I am still freezing.
I may wear my long undies to bed. Hell, I may wear my sweatshirt and socks to bed.
I wore a pair of mismatched gloves. I don't even know where one of them came from. They were not warm enough.
Found out when I got home one of my little buddies from church was a tee boy tonight. That means he ran out to pick up the tee after a kickoff. If I had known ahead of time, I would have yelled his name at least once.
All in all, it was a pretty darn fun time.
Now I am going to bed to try to warm up.
I hope I dream of exercising...maybe that will burn off a few pounds!
Oh, this little blog is up to 100,198 and that is the last time I mention it. For a while.
I went to the NIU football game tonight. Thanks Dave W. for the tickets and Jimmy for driving.
The score was 35-31 NIU, in a game played in a temperature of about 34 degrees with a 102 mile an hour wind coming out of the northwest. I am surprised the balls didn't freeze on the field. (For you pervs, I am talking footballs...it was a game. Get your mind out of the gutter! You know who you are.....)
The game was exciting. The food was amazing. We ate in the practice center, a buffet with a ham, potato, dressing, dessert, vegetable offering....courtesy of Dave's tickets.
We also had access to the Coaches' Corner during the game. This is on the upper level and was a room lined with TVs and food....chili, tacos, salad, cookies, hot chocolate, cookies, chocolate pretzels, cookies.
I ate too much. And I drank too much hot chocolate. I think I am peeing chocolate.
All the work I have been doing on the treadmill and rowing machine....out the window.
I was cold. I put on long underwear and that kept my legs warm but my toes were cold. I have been home for almost 2 hours and I am still freezing.
I may wear my long undies to bed. Hell, I may wear my sweatshirt and socks to bed.
I wore a pair of mismatched gloves. I don't even know where one of them came from. They were not warm enough.
Found out when I got home one of my little buddies from church was a tee boy tonight. That means he ran out to pick up the tee after a kickoff. If I had known ahead of time, I would have yelled his name at least once.
All in all, it was a pretty darn fun time.
Now I am going to bed to try to warm up.
I hope I dream of exercising...maybe that will burn off a few pounds!
Oh, this little blog is up to 100,198 and that is the last time I mention it. For a while.
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