So much has happened since I posted that last update.  I spent 6 weeks on 24 hr a day antibiotics, and when I went back to the doctor, everything had healed nicely.  They pulled the pic line, and I was started on an oral antibiotic for an unknown length of time. It is May 1st, and I'm still on them.

My husband's only living sibling died on Feb 1st, he was 95, and I was able to go to his visitation and funeral as long as I pushed a walker with about 5 pounds of antibiotics strapped to it. 

March 1st my phone rings, the lady said Jettie, Belinda's dead.  Belinda was my youngest sibling, and the only one I had contact with for the past few years.  She had a wreck in September caused by a stroke, and had not been well since then, but no one expected her to pass.  She had chosen cremation, so we had a memorial service planned for March 16th.  It never happened because of the virus situation, it will hopefully be held sometime after all has quietened down.  

My last time being in a store was on March 13th, and I've only been away from the yard 3 times  since then, once to my daughter's house so hubby could deliver a rear end to replace the one that got broken when she slid into a ditch and broke the axle.  And once to just drive about 25 miles to get away from home for a few minutes.  That was to the school that I graduated from almost 54 years ago.  Since graduation can't happen, they have a beautiful sign that shows each of this years graduates for about 10 seconds each, and then goes to the next one.  And the other time, was to pick up my online grocery order at local Walmart.  

So we are here patently waiting for things to get back to something close to normal, and watching Bocephus, the 4 legged child, play with his new toys.  He is quite the handsome dude.

Best natured dog I have ever had the pleasure of belonging to, Minds well most of the time.  

2020 what a way to start the new year.

Just before January started my left hip, yep the one that has caused all the trouble started itching, a day later a hematoma developed, yeah another one.  I called my Orthopedic surgeon immediately and on January 3rd he said I'll see you Monday at the hospital, we're taking everything out and putting in a Medicated spacer.   Monday arrived, yes January 6th, I got to the hospital and was prepared for surgery.  I do remember being wheeled into the operating room this time. 
Tuesday morning my surgeon came in to see me, and told me that my hip ball was cold fused to the stem it fits on, and even a hammer and chisel would not budge it after 15 minutes of trying, and the alternative was not something we wanted to do, split the bone remove the stem then let the bone heal before they could put the new parts in, at least 3 months laying flat on my back, no way to get up.  So they decided to just put al back together and fill me full of all kinds of antibiotics, and staple me up.  I looked at him and said that I had prayed all the way to the hospital, and our church had prayed too, that God would take control, and I told him it was God holding that ball in place.  He told me that in over 8000 surgeries, he had never seen this happen, he had heard of it, but never had it happen in his practice. So I could very well be right. 
I'm home 24 hr a day antibiotics for 6 weeks, and 2 other antibiotics,  My doctor tells me I am a difficult patient.     I laughed.  yes I still have my sense of humor after 6 surgeries.   We are waiting to see how things go,  so I read and sit looking at the new paved road in front of my house..

Updating things.

I'm 5 months and 2 weeks past my last surgery, and the hip is doing good.  I finished my antibiotics in October, and saw the infectious disease specialist.  He released me, so all is good for now, well except for my back, which will probably never be good.

In September, we got word that Jerry's sister was ill and in the hospital, and things were not going well.  So Kim, our older daughter, told us she was ready to go see her Aunt Betty and we could ride with her.  I'm glad she did the driving, because she is a good driver.   We got there and Betty was alert and talking and happy to see us.  They allowed all of us to go in and see her, which isn't usually allowed in ICU, we got to be there when the doctors showed up, and told us that it was just a matter of days.  The meds were not working and she would get sicker as the days passed.  Betty had told everyone she was ready, and tired of being in pain. The family decided on Saturday morning to go for Comfort Care,  and she passed away Sunday morning.  That meant another trip to Missouri, and they had asked Kim's husband to be a pallbearer, and Julie, our other daugher was going too.  So we all loaded up the morning of the funeral and headed north again.   It was a good trip, considering the circumstances, and we got back home about 7pm that night.  and we were tired, but glad we had gotten a chance to say goodbye.

I dodged a bullet...

no, not a real bullet, but I was scheduled to have another surgery on July 9th, because of a problem with the hip.  I was on strong antibiotics, and thankfully they kicked in and started clearing the problem up in time for the surgery not to happen. Since then, I'm off the iv antibiotics, and the spot has healed up.  But I'm still on oral antibiotics until about Sept 4th, and maybe longer. I'm now walking with a cane, and hopefully soon I will be able to walk without that, but who knows.  I'll gladly keep the cane as long as I don't have to use the walker.  
School is about to start, in fact next week.  2 in high school, one taking colleges classes and the other one taking vocational classes, per his choice.  And one is halfway though his sophmore year in college.  all are doing well, keeping their grades up and participating in band and choir, or some other activity.  

He walked into the yard and

moved into the house.  Just before we lost Buddyboo, a new dog came into our lives.  He showed up and followed Jerry aound and down to the shop, where he stayed until Jerry came to the house.  Then he walked over and laid down beside the yard fence, next to Copperhead who was on the inside of the fence.  They played through the fence for a couple of hours, so I opened the gate and let him into the yard. 
When it was time for Copperhead to come inside, he walked into the house right behind CH like he'd always been here.  By that time, I'd decided if no one claimed him, he had a home.  Needless to say, no one claimed him, and he has been here since April.  His name is Bocephus, and I'm guessing he and CH are about the same age, he might be a bit older.   He is neutered, as is CH and they play for hours together. 
Where CH is long legged, curled tail like his Husky ancestors, Bocephus is slick haired, straight tail, and legs that are shorter than the hound/lab mix we think he is, so I am guessing some bassett or something with shorter legs mixed in.  Temperament wise, he's very laid back, as opposed to Copperhead who is typical Husky, in the middle of everything.  and the wonderful thing is, with a buddy to play with, CH has calmed down and isn't so needy of attention.. Nothing like an 80 pound dog wanting in your lap.

BuddybooWhodini

For the past 13 years we have had this little stinker, he was a 2 year old when we got him, his name was brody, which I disliked so I changed it to Buddy, then we added the boo.  Well shortly after he arrived he managed to get into our bedroom without making a sound, so we added the Whodini.  When he arrived, he had been crated his whole life, and we were his 3rd home.  I made him a promise he would never be crated again, and this was his home for the rest of his life.  Sunday night, that time came.  He was showing his age, and having some issues walking at times.  Other times he would take off down the steps like a young pup.  I hated losing him, but I know that he is at the Rainbow Bridge with all the others that have gone on before, waiting to see us again. 

So long until we meet again.

Replacement #3 and a flood

My surgery was on May 8th, and they sent me home the next day.  It is now almost 4 weeks post surgery and I am still using a walker per doctor's orders, all looks good but I'm still in pain, but that is to be expected. 

Oklahoma and Kansas and other places have received a lot of rain and all those places run into the Arkansas River at some point west of us.  A levee was breeched at Dardanelle, which has flooded a lot of farm land  and homes. Covered a lot of roads, too.  Our levee at the river just north of us almost collapsed, but hard work from many in the area have built a cofferdam and prevented it from happening.  If that had happened we would have been blocked in until the water goes down.  Thank you to all that worked tirelessly to prevent this.   Now Highway 64 to our east is underwater, and the interstate is in danger of being covered.  The water is supposed to be going down soon, but then we have a forecast of rain, so who knows when that will happen,

Here we go again.....

Yes, here we go again.  My hip has failed for a 2nd time, and I am being seen by an orthopedic specialist this time.  Even though the cup put in with screws, it has managed to partially come loose.  Anytime it moves, I am in pain.  So if all goes well, I will be having another surgery on May 1st, and hopefully this will be the last one.  None of the doctors can explain exactly why this is happening.
This is not what I had planned for this spring. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary 4 days before I enter the hospital.  
I have lost 3 cousins and an aunt since December 18,2018.  The cousins were all several years older than me, in fact one of them has a son my age. My aunt was 93 and had been in bad health for awhile, I was sure hoping to see her just one more time, but there was no way that I could go to Oregon in the past few years, so I talked to her on the phone, until she was moved into a hospice situation.
Seems like about all I post any more is deaths and surgeries, so if that bothers you, I'm sorry.  I was hoping to post about the trip I had planned to Branson MO to meet another Jettie, and go for a ride on the Branson Belle.  Maybe see a couple of shows and just relax and have fun, but that has to be put off now at least until fall. 

BELOVED, 365 DEVOTIONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN (book review)

Recently, I recieved a request to do a book review for this book.  I haven't done very many reviews lately, but thought this one was worth the time.

As the title says, it is 365 devotions, one for each day of the year.  All of the devotions are short, one page at most.  They are well written and very easy to understand.  I think this book would be perfect for young women between the ages of 10 and 16, and my granddaughter is getting one for her as part of her Christmas gift from us. 

Day 8 explains that we refer to God as Male, and since his son was made in his image, he cane to earth in a male body.  But, women were also made in God's image, just in a female form,  Since this books is meant for young women, it is explaining to them, that they should not feel less because they are female.

Days 184 and 185 cover Boaz and his treatment of Ruth, when she was gleaning the leftovers from his fields.  How he made sure enough was left, and she felt safe there.

This book is published by Zandervan
Written by Lindsay A. Franklin

It is available on Amazon  where I will also post my review.
I recieved a free copy of this book to review.  I recieved no other compensation, and my review is my opinion, only.

New 'Weenie" dog

I don't know about your other household members, but mine forgets to put things back where they belong, and leaves things to me.  Yesterday, he got a brand new package of hot dogs out, opened them and took one.   I had gone to mop my bathroom floor, and when I came back into the kitchen, the hot dogs were gone, but the grated cheese was still there.  I peeked in the living room and asked did you put the hot dogs in the fridge.  "NO" I said they are gone, bet Copperhead has them.  Yes he did, and he had managed to eat the most of them before we discovered they were missing.     You have to laugh, and hope they don't make him sick, which they didn't.   I'm guessing we won't have hot dogs for lunch today.

'Tutored' and then company.

We made his appointment, and took him in to get his surgery.  He was not one bit happy to be taken from Dad and out of our sight.  They told us we could pick him up about 3:00pm, and they would call when surgery was over.  He did great, and was ready to come home when we arrived and I don't think he was a bit happy there.  We finally got him into the truck, and when he realized where he was, he laid down in the seat between us, and relaxed until he got home,  Dad took him for a walk around the yard, so he would know where he was and that made him happy.  He came in, got a drink and then some food.   He never acted like he knew there was surgery involved in his 'trip.'

Our grandson, JD loves the Dukes of Hazzard show, he is now 15, but he has watched it, and collected things since he was small.   This weekend, in Gatlinburg TN, Tom Wopat, one of the actors from the show was there, signing autographs and visiting with fans.  JD has autographs of the other actors, so his mom took him to this event.  Yes, his mom drove all the way to Gatlinburg, 9 hrs driving, for him.  I'm sure they are having a great time.  So, while they are gone, Petey, JD's 9 year old dog, gets to stay with us, and he met Copperhead. Considering the difference in size, we were not sure how that would work out, but Petey  introduced himself and out the door they went, together.  Petey weighs about 10 pounds, and I'm guessing that Copperhead is over 40, maybe close to 45.  He whispered to me that they could bring Daisy, their Border Collie, here, and he wold take CP home with him.

Growing like a weed

Yes, he has changed a lot in the 2 months and 6 days he has been here.  He is getting his adult teeth, and those razors are coming out.   I finally held him down and trimmed his dew claws as he manages to hook them in my arms, and they sure hurt.

He has lost his pot belly. 

He will eat almost anything, doesn't like raw carrots, but will eat lettuce, pears, peaches, and almost anything else.  

He will be going to see the vet next week, to be 'tutored' as a friend said, said he didn't want his dog to know what was really going to take place.

Potty Training 101

Being consistant is the key, and I have tried but of course with my physical issues, there are days that it is tough.  He is doing pretty well, most of the time he goes outside so it is good.  

On the other hand, Buddy the weenie dog has an attitude,  you know the regular dog one, it is there, pith on it and walk away.  I've been told that weenies are bad at this, and I sure am glad that CH hasn't followed his example.

Copperhead again

Yes, he is still here and it has almost been two months.  He has decided that his job at night is to be right in front of our bedroom door and make sure nothing gets us.  He sleeps pretty much all night right in that spot, and if we get up he does look to make sure we are not going far.  He understands the word NO, but isn't fond of it and lets us know he thinks he is the boss.  He is very strong willed, but has learned the harness and the leash are his friends, with them, he can go out into the big wide world with dad and smell all the strange things that are not in his fenced world.  When he comes back from the walk, he wants inside the fence, before he comes into the house
I was warned, when we got him, that Siberian Huskies are difficult, they take lots of time, to train.  
Funny, but our nephew got one just about the same time we did, but his is full husky.   I'm thinking I might call him and check on his progress, because from what he said when I did talk to him, made me think that I'm glad mine is only half.

6 weeks later

His name is Copperhead, lol, he likes to bite.  He caught his first rabbit today, didn't know there was any in the yard, and when I called he would not come to me.  So I went around looking for him, and he was busy, he said.

He has been here 42 days and he is changing daily, losing that puppy look, and belly.  He doesn't mind getting out  of our sight, but we are supposed to be where he left us when he comes back.    I think he is about 4 1/2

months old, and getting his permanent teeth. 

Copper Update!

He has gotten over his shyness, and loves to grab the hem of my dress or gown and pull it.   I even got a belly rub in, last night.
He has a big personality, and now will even follow Buddyboo outside, and can go up and down the steps.  He is doing his jobs outside for the most part,  so he is learning quickly.

Here all 3 are in the middle of the floor.  Buddyboo is 14 so getting a bit cranky at times, with Copper.  The cat says as long as he doesn't pull his tail and eat his food, he is fine with him.

COPPER

Our new baby has a name.  Copper, because of his coloring.  He has had his first shots, and is a lot happier than he was on Monday when we got him.  He'd never been away from mom or his 5 siblings, and then the mean old woman who took him, got him jabbed with a needle first thing.  But he likes being in the house, and we are working on getting him potty trained.

He met 2 of our grandchildren yesterday.  Skylar just couldn't stand it that she hadn't seen him, so I drove over and picked her up, and we stopped at the store and got some toys and puppy food.  She insisted he needed a bath, so I let her bathe both him and Buddyboo. (Never turn down free help)  Then Stephen called, he was getting off work early, and wanted to come over and see our new family member.  Stephen started playing with him, and he flipped over on his back for a belly rub, when he will barely let me hold him. lol, but he will learn who butters his bread soon enough.   He has finally gotten to where he doesn't have to hide to sleep, he and Buddyboo

are stretched out facing each other, snoozing away.  Prettyboy, the cat, has finally quit hissing, and helps him eat his food.

New Baby

In early January, we lost our 12 year old lab mix, Flash, his story is on here. We missed having a larger dog, and Buddyboo the Weenie dog doesn't bark when people come in yard. I'd been looking for the right one to come along, and today, hubby heard an ad on the local trading time show, lady had 6 puppies that needed homes. I called and we drove out to look at them. Mother is a Husky or Husky mix, she was beautiful. There were 3 black, and 3 golds, their dad is a neighbor's dog. Anyway, I got the darker of the 3 golds, a male. He rode home without a whimper, but when we put him on the ground, he hid. Finally got him out from under the truck, and brought him in, and fed him. He had never been in a house, so he isn't sure what it is all about. He liked in the fenced yard. We haven't named him yet, will wait and see what his personality is, before doing that.

5th surgery

ON February 23, I went in and had surgery to find the cause of the fluid drainage. Turns out a hematoma had developed in the incision, and that was the issue. They cultured everything, and found no infection, but as a precaution kept me until Monday afternoon, and gave me antibiotics. I have stitches this time, because of my allergies to so many adhesives, and they used gauze and paper tape on me. Physical therapy came and walked me a couple of times, then kicked me out when I showed them that I could do the whole 'circle' of the floor with no issues at all and without help. Occupational therapy came and visited, but found I had all the bells and whistles already, after all my surgeries, and went on to pester someone else. I've been on that floor so much in the last 4 years, that the nurses spot my name, and come by to say hello even if I am not in their charge. And this time I was in the same room that I was in, in January, when I had surgery. I came home on Monday afternoon to some happy friends, Prettyboy had been missing his laptime, and Buddyboo, is always happy to see anyone. He even got in my lap for some cuddling and a doggie nap. He prefers sleeping in dad's chair so before long he was down and waiting for dad to sit down. Today is one week post surgery, I am doing well, and hopefully in a few days, the walker will be retired, and I can use the cane until hopefully it is no longer needed. No post surgery issues at all, except dealing with getting badc to eating the way I do, after all those big meals at the hospital. It takes awhile to get my system back to what it is supposed to have.

On January 24th, I had my 4th surgery in 4 years, and figured that was the end of it. turns out I am allergic to the bandages that they used and I had a terrible reaction. at some point, I ended up with a drainage issue, which has not gone away, dispite antibiotics. so tomorrow, I have my 5th surgery, to find what is causing the drainage, and hopefully take care of it. Other than this, I am healing in the hip well, and a lot less pain that I had before surgery, so this is a setback. I am sure after this, my healing will improve.