And you thought we were done with the possum

I slept in today, got up, took care of myself, Ron, and the cats.  Ate some breakfast and took my pills. 

Then I went to work on the front room.  It is basically the front half of the house, we have a modified "shotgun" style house with a larger room in the front and smaller rooms on both sides towards the back. 

I was interested in the entryway.  I have the bear on a rolling bookcase Ron crafted, covered by a skirt.  Then I had a sheet over the bear + stand because the cats were biting him. 

The bear was a live bear that was shot and mounted by my friend Corey.  He wanted us to have the bear and shipped it to us at no small expense. 

We kept it on the floor for a while but then Ron and I cut a bookcase in half, Ron mounted wheels on the bottom, and we put the bear on the top part of the case.  It has been a good stand.  

The bear was in the back corner, first I had to deal with other things in the way.  It took me a couple of hours to deal with them and get them moved properly.  Then I had to move the cat condo, it was sitting right next to the front door, which is where I wanted to put the bear.  

So far, so good.  I did notice the bottom of the sheet, covering the bear, was stained.  I had figured the possum was hanging out there when he lived with us so I wasn't too concerned.  I got the kitty condo moved and finally had a good look at the bear.  

The whole bottom of the sheet was stained, going about halfway up.  Well, I would not be using that sheet any more.  It looked unwashable.  I found a corner and lifted it up, and looked undenearth.  The sheet was longer than the bear, and had bunched on the floor.  

And, on the floor, on top of the sheet, was an astounding pile of possum crap.  Oh, shit.  Literally.  I shuddered and fled.  

I sat down with a diet lemonade and reviewed my options.  I would have to get my "rubber" gloves, pick up the sheet carefully, containing all the possum poop, and throw it away (I already had a trash bag).  It didn't reek, surprisingly, although I had noticed a musky odor coming from that corner a while back.  I just thought it was possum body odor, and would dissipate.  It did dissipate so I assumed I was right.  I found it interesting, I told myself, that the possum had apparently dumped all the poop in one place.  

But - YUCK!  I got the gloves (I need to get more) and donned them.  It reminded me of when Ron was in ICU and I would help his Dad don the gloves we were both required to wear.  

Then I got the garbage bag and headed for the mess.  I got the corners of the sheet loose from the bear.  The stain did not extend up to the bear level, and it looked and smelled fine.  I wadded up the sheet, carefully containing the mess.  Done.  Into the bag, finished.  Now I had loose poops on the floor that had to be retrieved.  I did so, still wearing my gloves.  

My mop is at work, I need to buy another one, but I got up all the solid mess and into the garbage can.   Ugh.  I made my list for Walmart tomorrow and laid down for a nap.  I didn't sleep, and got up at 4.  

I decided, since it was Tuesday, to do Ron's shot.  He said he would do it every other Tuesday (as directed, every other week).  I try to respect his wishes.  Sometimes, when you have a condition, it is hard to feel like it's "your" body.  Everyone else is medicating it, sticking needles in it, running procedures on it, etc.  

So I asked him if it was "OK", I didn't tell him.  He said it was OK and opened up a bag of chips.  I washed my hands very well, sterilized my tray, etc.  I got the needles (only a couple left, but more coming tomorrow), and selected one.  I got my cotton pads and dampened them - saturated them, with 91% rubbing alcohol.  I put the pads on the tray, along with the vial of medication and the needle.  I went over to a flat surface.  

I won't relate all the details, but I had a horrible time getting that damned b-12 out of the vial.   I finally got a full cc.  Then I tried to put the needle cap back on the needle.  

Did I mention Risperdal ALSO causes hand tremor?  I am a sight to see, at times, lithium, wellbutrin, and risperdal all causing tremors.  I kept missing the mark, putting the cap on.  I finally switched hands, held the needle in my left hand (quivering) and put the cap on with my "good" (better at least) right hand.  

Then I went in to Ron.  I asked him if it was a good time for his shot, I had it ready.  He ate some chips and said OK.  He likes to sleep on his back with his knees up towards his chest, he never sleeps flat.  I had to straighten him out a bit.  He didn't like that but was nice about it.  

Then I swabbed him with rubbing alcohol as he protested.  I reminded him we want to prevent infection, and a friend of ours ended up in the hospital because she did not follow sterile technique.  

Once I got him disinfected I let it dry for a few seconds.  They all say that causes less pain for the patient.  Then I grabbed a pinch of skin with my shaking left hand.  Ron could feel it.  

I lined up the needle with the fold of skin, and inserted.  It always takes more force than I think, to get that needle in.  I made sure it was deep enough this time, I have had problems where it wasn't deep and the fluid came right back out again.  

Ron realized my hand was shaking about this time.  "Maybe" (needle inserted) we should (plunger depressed) wait until your hands (needle removed) aren't (pad applied to injection site) shaking before we do this."  

"Already done" I told him.  I took my stuff out of the room and tried to put the cap back on the needle.  It took some time, but it didn't matter if I touched the needle itself, I didn't have to worry about keeping it sterile.  It had done it's job.  I got it capped and put it in my sharps container (it used to hold peanut butter filled pretzels, it is very sturdy plastic with a screw on lid).  

It would be a very long wait, waiting until my hands weren't shaking.  A very long wait indeed.  

Now I need to round up some dinner.  Not much of an appetite after what I saw earlier but food must be eaten and pills must be taken.  

The cats are good, food, water, litter all done.   Ron's been in a pretty good mood except for a little cranky when I gave him his shot - not because it hurt (it's a very small needle), but because I was repositioning him in the bed, etc.  

I ate some tuna salad for dinner and took my pills.  

My work here is done.  

"Now I need to wear a bra tomorrow!"

I didn't sleep well last night and woke up with a bad headache, around 3.  I went ahead and took some Excedrin, even though it would kill my chance of sleep, because I had hoped to get up in about an hour anyway. 

I lay next to Torbie in bed, until it kicked in.  Then I got up, worked on the computer for a while, took a shower, did my God Time, watched the weather, and got dressed.  Then I helped Ron bathe and dress.  I ate and took my pills, and off to work. 

Our ride to work was late, significantly so.  That was a problem: we had a new vending machine coming at 8, and it was well after 7.  Because she was so late, we got stuck in traffic.  Then she missed our exit and had to take the long way around, through a truly dangerous neighborhood, to get us to work.  I was still nice to her, gave her candy and a New Testament. 

Our sandwich guy called us on the way to work.  He was waiting in visitor parking.  I had the driver unload us in visitor parking.  I had my mop and bucket, a large bag, and Ron in his wheelchair.  I received the delivery, Ron paid for it, and I left everything in visitor parking, ran back into our area, got a cart, and came back out. 

Ron said Dr Pepper had called.  They said they would deliver at 8, and it was 8:05.  I was impressed.  I tried to have Ron hold onto the back of the cart, so I could drag both him and the cart into the building at the same time, but he almost tipped over in the grass.  So I left Ron (hoping he wouldn't get robbed) and went back into the building with the cart.  I met Dr Pepper, had them take the old machine, install the new machine.  The old machine leaked when they put it on the cart.  I was there with my trusty mop to clean it up. 

The last time we got a new machine, I was told I was not allowed to use a facility mop and was forbidden access to a facility mop.  I would have to find a manager and have them page a custodian to come with a mop, to do the job.  In the meantime I was frantically chasing people away from the puddle on the floor, and trying to mop it with paper towels. 

I said, @#$! that, and brought my OWN mop.  I am allowed to use MY mop.  They only told me I couldn't use THEIRS.  I had it all done in 15 seconds.  No problems, no slip.  No accidents and no lawsuits.  A custodian watched me do it, smiling, so no issues on that end. 

I put the mop/bucket in the stockroom. 

Then I got Ron and told him we had our new machine.  It looks nice and new.  I brought Ron in and got a specialty lock out of our toolbox.  About 15 years ago, we had Medeco make us custom keyed locks for our vending machines.  They all operate off the same key.  I had taken ours (well, the repairman did) out of the old machine. 

I have been a little iffy on removing old locks, but was certain I could install it.  I stuck the key in the lock and shoved it in the hole, then I twisted the key back and forth while aligning the "bump" with the hole in the cylinder.  I had it in a few seconds (thank you, Jesus).  I pulled the key out, no problem.  Good.  That was done. 

I helped Ron set up the machine, that took a while, especially the way he did it.  He wanted to take cold soda out of other machines and put it into the vending machine.  I thought that was inefficient, better to take room temp soda out of the stockroom, fill the machine, and put up a note "Cold in (3 hours)".  As it turned out, he filled the machine with mostly cold drinks but still had to leave the note about ALL of them being cold in a few hours.  I didn't "tell him so". 

I try to remind myself he has taken a whack with the pain pills.  It's like a setback in the head injury. 

He was not easy to work with, verbally abusive, derogatory, praising me, and then condescending.  All manipulator tricks.  I took it all the same, yeah, whatever. 

I barely managed to do snacks.  I also met the new Plant Manager (I think).  He was very nice and said when he wants to buy a snack he reminds himself he is supporting us.  I said thank you and told him we were BOTH disabled.  I have no problem telling people that. 

We finally finished and went home.  We had a nice driver.  Of course we drove past the house and then came back to our house.  The goal for them is to drive as many people around for as long as possible, that's how they get paid, "Heads" per mile.  Not by the trip.  So they try to make each trip as long, and as crowded, as possible. 

We finally got home and I took a nap.  Ron was still in a pissy mood.  I slept with Torbie for a little while and got up when someone rang the doorbell.  It was my package from Amazon, I ordered it yesterday.  It is a noisemaker - the kind you play when you are sleeping, to drown out background noise.  A couple of times, when we have traveled, we had trouble sleeping in a new environment with background noise.  When we had a noisemaker, we slept better.  I figure we can bring it with us. 

My old one is pretty large, and broken.  It is stuck in the "on" position.  I have it plugged in so it's not a problem.  It has a volume knob so I just turn the volume down when I get up, and turn it up when I go to bed.  It works pretty well for me. 

We went to the Waffle House.  Ron told me his back was really bothering him (that may be the cause of his nasty mood all day, I don't know) and took his pain pill.  He notes it on a digital recorder so he doesn't make medication errors. 

I ate, Ron didn't.  He said he wasn't hungry.  Fine.  He moped and made a big production of sadness while I cheerfully devoured my eggs, bacon, and waffle.  We did not have any problems with strange people.  Ron called a cab to go home. 

The cab driver was nice, but the vehicle reeked of smoke.  I don't think your average smoker realizes how offensive people find the smell of smoke.  Ugh.  We went home. 

I fixed up the shower chair and commode chair.  I had Ron call Jack and offer them on loan.  I know I would have loved either, or both, after my surgery, so I figured they would benefit.  He said they would call us if they needed it.  Sounds like a no, but I still have them "out" in the garage where I can hand them off easily if needed. 

Ron thought it was weird, but he doesn't remember, when I came home with him after the accident, his Dad loaned me an old commode chair from a deceased relative.  Then, under pressure from the other kids, he took it back. 

But we used it, and we needed it. 

One would have been a huge benefit to me after my ovarian surgery.  And the shower bench, I have used it many times when I was sick/tired/dizzy and it worked great.  It would be a great thing to have after surgery. 

And who has money to buy all that crap when recovery will hopefully not take that long?  That's why I offered to loan it to them.  I sterilized them.  They are ready if needed. 

And Ron dealt with an HOA issue.  Some of our trim is "broken".  It needs to be replaced.  He called our handyman, who is interested in the job.  It does involve a ladder, but Ron told him that.  We will see how it all goes.  He may come out tomorrow. 

I notice that many of the people who help us are 60+.  I don't know whether it is more mature generations were just taught better, or they have the time to help us, but I am glad they do.  I can't help but feel a little guilty about it. 

"Help" meaning we will pay him for parts and labor, with a good tip. 

A friend called us.  He is being forced to give up his outside cats.  He was hoping we would take them.  If we lived in the country and they had been vetted for FLV, I probably would.  I found him a rescue, and will make a list of more to give him when I see him again.  It's sad. 

We talked (Ron and I) about tomorrow.  I gave him a hard time about calling the handyman to come tomorrow "Now I need to wear a bra tomorrow!"  I had planned to stay home and do some cleaning: organize the front room so I can "do" Halloween, and work on purging stuff from the garage so I have a cleaner space and stuff for Salvation Army.  Ron called them to come out before I was "ready" - I like to have the bags ready and then call, but now I have an appointment and no bags.  Well, I do have Ron's old coat.  I will look in the garage, I have some outerwear out there and some clothes in the bedroom that are too small. 

Now, if I lose that much weight I will probably treat myself to a small spending spree, but I don't want to give away something I might wear, either. 

But I get to sleep late, which will be nice.  Getting up at 3 took a lot out of me.  And I had to take a total of 2 doses of headache pills today.  It's been a long day. 

Dealing with Ron was exhausting.  At times, though, he was appreciative so it wasn't all acid rain. 

OK, I'm tired.  I'm going for now. 

Take care and have a good one. 

Just watched the weather

Looks like it's going to rain on Halloween.  That puts a cramp in my plans, but I can always give the extra candy to my drivers and service providers.

Another roll of Smarties

It was a long, tiring, day and it's not over yet. 

I slept in (happily, #6 did NOT have a party last night), and got up at Biscuit's nagging, fed them, took my shower, etc. 

I checked my blood sugar before I ate or drank anything other than plain water and it was 95.  That is excellent, nothing to worry about.  HOWEVER Risperdal has been known to cause diabetes so I will be watching it. 

I ate some sunflower seeds and took my pills, then I got started.  First, I bagged up enough Driver Candy to get me through a few days.  Then I started a load of clothes.  Ron doesn't have a lot of long pants in a waistband he likes.  So I try to keep them clean until I can buy him some more. 

Then I cleared off my computer room couch (loveseat), put it in my computer chair (the candy I use for the drivers) got out the Halloween candy, opened it all, and put it on my couch.  I also got the Scripture Booklets and ziplocks, then went to work. 

Open a bag, drop a booklet inside, add a Snickers bar (full sized), Jolly ranchers, gum, assorted candy, end with Smarties, and then close, place in bag.  I did that times 100.  My back is a little unhappy right now. 

In the meantime, I finished the load of clothes (including pretreat-wash-dry-hang).  About halfway through, Ron took me out to eat. 

I was ready for some cheesy eggs and a pecan waffle.  The meal was good and they got everything right.  As we were finishing (I was eating a side of FANTASTIC bacon), a woman came in with her daughter. 

She was wearing a short, tight, low-cut red dress.  Said she had just come from church.  (!)  I have a friend who is a pastor, and he says the hardest part of his wife's job (as his helper) is teaching the other women about modest attire and gently calling inappropriate outfits to attention.  She could have used to attention. 

She flirted outrageously with all the men present, including Ron.  Her daughter seemed embarrassed.  She was talking very loudly and fast, moving around a lot. 

I hadn't figured out yet, she was manic.  We paid, tipped the waitress, and left. 

Ron had called a cab at my instigation, I wanted to get away from her.  She was roaming the restaurant, laughing loudly, getting in everyone's face.  Her daughter sat quietly, watching the spectacle. 

I have to add something here, in Houston at least there is one culture that does something I find odd on one's birthday.  The birthday person pins a dollar to their right shoulder, and carries a roll of paper tape on them as they go about their daily activities for the day.  It is a sign to others: It's my birthday.  And a plea: give me some money.  Friends and family will tape money onto the dollar bill, making, at times, a long tail of money.  I have seen it various places, and at work. 

Now, the way I grew up if family wanted to give you money for your birthday they just did it.  Asking for money on one's birthday was considered rude and offensive. 

I accept the custom but we don't practice it, for ourselves or for other people.  If someone is having a birthday I wish them a happy birthday, sometimes I buy them a gift if they are a friend or family. 

As we stood outside (oh, blessed peace) the woman came out and ran up to us.  She made quite a sight in her tight red dress (unless you weigh 80 pounds, a tight dress is not going to be flattering), breasts and thighs visible.  That's when I figured out she was manic. 

She grabbed Ron's hand and yelled "Howya doing?!"  Ron said OK in a lackluster voice.  She didn't want to hear that.  She started shouting (we were right in front of her!) it was her birthday.  Both Ron and I wished her a happy birthday.  She stood there staring at us for a minute.  She did not have money pinned on her clothes.  I realized she wanted money.  I really wasn't doing that even if I had any money to give.  I gave her a stupid smile. 

She finally went away and eventually, our cab driver came.  I loaded Ron as fast as I could in case the woman came back.  We went home. 

Back to work bagging candy, I had the other half to do.  I finished the clothes and hung them up.  Then I went back to bagging.  If I see another roll of Smarties, I will scream.  But, I did it ALL today.  That was the goal.  Doing a load of laundry was just a bonus. 

Now I need to clean the litter boxes.  They are pretty bad.  I admit: I am a bad mother.  But I will get it done. 

Tomorrow looks to be busy - we are getting a new vending machine and that will be interesting.   But I will at least (hopefully) get a nap tomorrow. 

Fewer side effects from the Risperdal.  I am not as dizzy when I stand up or move suddenly.  I think I will be OK. 

That's it for now, have a good one. 

Some good news

Got my coat.  Glad I got one size up from what they told me.  It fits well and looks to be nice and warm. 

When I checked the mail I found the proposal for my 2019 health insurance.  I was on the verge of cancelling it because I figured they would jack it up some extra hundreds a month, while reducing the coverage. 

They must have realized I was about to flee, they cut $40 a month off my premium and pretty much kept everything the same.  I can live with that.  The new policy will start automatically unless I say something. 

I am happy. 

Off I go to shop for Mrs. Jack. 

"You're not missing a cat, are you?"

I am finally sleeping better.  Not great, but better.  I'll take it. 

I got up, drank my Diet Mountain Dew (I bought myself a 6 pack as a treat, the other day, it will last me almost a week) ate, and took my pills.  I got dressed, helped Ron, etc. 

We went to the warehouse.  So far, so good.  I started shopping.  I was in the back of the store, looking at potato chips, when I heard a loud voice talking up front.  It sounded like Ron, I couldn't hear the words but it was very loud.  Then a laugh - yes, it was him.  I called him and told him I could hear him in the back of the store. 

I kept shopping.  He was quiet for a minute or two but then started up again.  If I didn't know better, I'd say he was manic. 

I got everything finished, checked out, and paid.  I asked him if he wanted a muffin.  I had bought some to share with Jack.  I will buy boxes of pastry, cookies, etc, eat a few and share the rest with him.  He is always delighted to get them. 

Ron decided he would eat a muffin.  He ate it in a peculiar fashion, picking off small bits and putting them in his mouth.  He ate about 3/4 of it before he said he was done. 

At one point, he kept yelling the word "Vitamins" at me and I couldn't understand what he meant.  Then he explained, the vitamins I gave him with meals - did I want to give him some at that moment?  I said no. 

Jack came, I went out.  He started loading, the helper showed up, they got it done.  Ron got into the truck on his own (unlocked).  We headed to work.  In the course of the conversation, I asked him about his dog.  He has a pit bull who is his baby.  Now, pit bulls make me nervous but Jack is about the best owner you could find.  He even puts up his dog in a doggy hotel when he travels. 

Jack paused, an expression I'd never seen on his face.  "Heather, you're not missing a cat, are you?"  I told him no, I just saw all 3 before we left the house.  "Oh, good". 

He then explained, when he let his dog out into the fenced back yard, a cat - well, you can finish the equation.  Important to note the dog was confined to a back yard so NOT her fault.  "And it had a collar, so I worried it was one of yours".  Poor Jack. 

No, we were fine.  It is the cat owner's fault - if you let a cat run loose, it is liable to get hurt.  Cats are assholes, they go where they shouldn't and they LOVE to tease large dogs.  Sometimes that backfires.  Then you have wildlife out there and creeps in cars who think it is "funny" to run over a cat - not a chance I am willing to take anymore.  Love my catio - they go outside, and they are totally safe.  It wasn't cheap but worth every penny. 

I didn't say all that but he got the gist.  I told him we might have trouble at work with security, and he said he wasn't worried "They all know me".  Not to mention the truckbed full of vending supplies makes it pretty obvious...

We went in, and sure enough a police car pulled up nearby.  Jack wasn't worried.  I went and got the carts.  When I came back he said the officer had come over and talked to him, he explained what he was doing, and everything was fine.  He did say they had [gossiped] about us and the officer was baffled why Ron was back in the wheelchair. 

Jack was a little baffled - he has ONLY known Ron in the wheelchair.  I explained Ron used to get around pretty well (so well, at one point, I tried to get him to use a support cane only), but his back, and the surgery, put an end to that.  I also mentioned Ron is not having more surgery. 

Jack mentioned his wife is having cancer surgery next week.  Please pray for them.  He also said he WANTS to come help us next Saturday.  I am very honored. 

Ron is paying an alternate (he was doing this anyway) to come and assist next week anyway, if he likes the look of things maybe he can help us out and give Jack a break now and then.  I don't want him to feel obligated.  I want him to know he can cancel without sending the business into a tailspin. 

I started putting things away.  Ron had asked me to bring him a case of cold water.  I looked at the bottled vendor.  In addition to water, we needed at least two cases of Coke, and a Dr Pepper.  I went to the fridge and put away the warm drinks, took out the cold drinks, and put them on the cart Ron likes to use for stocking (we now have 5 carts).  I went back to our area. 

I must have just missed him.  Ron came back, struggling, with a case of water.  I asked him why he got it when he had just asked me to do it.  "No, I didn't ask you".  He was busy playing victim and being a martyr, and shouted at me. 

I put the cart where I always put it.  Since he was being thorny, I decided to focus on granola bars.  I sell 6 kinds of granola bars.  He started shouting at me, asking where I had put the cart.  I told him, where I always do. 

He kept asking me simple questions, ones he knew, and I kept answering him.  Now, I wasn't perfect, I'm never going to paint myself a halo, but I was mildly baffled more than anything else.  He got progressively more upset and started shouting at me, which set the tone for the rest of the day.  I was a bad communicator, he said.  I didn't tell him I already had a water on my cart.  I told him yes, I had, he just didn't listen.  He went off on hearing that.  Started calling me names but I tuned him out. 

That's one I'm glad I learned, turning off what someone is trying to say to me, when they're being abusive.  The word of the day was "retarded".  I heard that one dozens of times. 

And, in front of your customers!  SO unprofessional.  I focused on stocking, ignoring Ron's abuse, and doing a good job because that's what I am here to do. 

I also thought of things I could do for Mrs. Jack.  I want to do something nice for her.  She must be in a rough state of mind right about now.  I want to help; I will do something, just not sure what. 

Ron finally wound down and went off to sort change.  I helped him without being ugly.  I tried to be calm, logical, and professional in my behavior.  Ron responded by calling me retarded and illogical, a few times, because he didn't like the way I helped him. 

But we got it done. 

I asked him about the arrival time for our trip home.  He cursed me out and said we were taking a cab home.  He was sarcastic, abusive, and ugly.  I told him I had looked at the trip computer (there is an online feature to examine your paratransit trips), and was pretty sure we had a ride home some time after 12.  He blew me off. 

I went and did something productive for a while.  I was making enough noise (vending is often noisy work) that he came over and sheepishly told me we did have a ride home at 12:20. 

I thought "I can be ugly and throw it in his face, what about the cab, stupid?"  but I'm better than that.  I just said "Wow, you just saved $40 on the cab!  You can spend it on Baby Girl!"  I hoped the mention of Baby Girl would cheer him up.  It did not.  He was verbally abusive again and I finally walked away. 

One thing I have noted: Ron is never verbally abusive to me in front of certain people, my family, Jack, etc.  I would think "Oh, it's the head injury, he can't control it" but he can.  But he won't.  

Everyone likes me better now with the medication.  I couldn't control my emotions before, but I think I do a pretty good job now.  I take pride in that.  I would never knowingly just crap all over someone just because "I could".  That's not how I view myself.  I view myself as a mature, professional, seasoned, kind, empathetic, loving person.  Not a hateful and bitter person playing headgames. 

Anyway, I put everything away and we left.  Ron asked for help in a couple of ways I cheerfully did it every time, because that's who I am.  A loving person, who is not bitter or vengeful.  I use Jesus as my model.  I don't get special credit for any of this. 

I did what needed doing and got Ron outside.  Our ride came.  Ron immediately asked him to turn down the radio, which, to me, wasn't that loud.  The driver did so.  Then Ron asked for A/C even though the driver had the windows down.  It was only about 75 outside. 

But I think, in that case, Ron was worried about car sickness.  Later on when we got home he said he was upset he didn't have access to the motion sickness pills for the ride home.  I reminded him I had already given him one, and they were good all day.  He didn't remember. 

I'm noticing a theme here that bothers me.  I wish I could say it was the pain pills.  Maybe I can look it up after I hit the publish button.  I'll go look now. 

OK, I feel better.  Confusion and memory problems are common side effects. 

We got home.  Ron started up again, I was "illogical" and "retarded" and a "bad communicator".  I had "shouted" at him that he didn't listen.  I corrected him on that.  I said I would never yell at him, at work, and I had simply stated "I already told you it was on the cart, you didn't listen".  Cue martyr, head games, gaslighting.  He would "help" me "become more logical" or was I "really so retarded I couldn't communicate".  Etc.  I ignored it all, it was obvious he was trying to provoke a response.  I told him I was taking a nap and he shouted at me some more for about 10 minutes, had a couple of shots of vodka, and then went off to his room. 

I think y'all would notice if I couldn't convey a thought.  I wouldn't have so many hits.  I am certain I have at least some regulars.  I didn't tell him that because he would have threatened to cut off my internet.  If that ever happens I can do short posts from my phone. 

I laid down with Torbie and actually had a short nap.  I am still waiting on my coat to be delivered.  I hope it didn't get stolen.  There was a note on my tracking that they had "given it to male customer".  We all know Ron didn't get it.  Why would they just give a $100 package to a random stranger?  Hoping that was a mistake. 

Although if I see any plus sized people running around in a teal Lands End Jacket I'm going to confront them.  "How did Heather die?" 

I'll post from my phone if it comes today, it was supposed to.  I have a community mailbox so they may have put it in the locker, and then put the key in my box.  That's what they normally do.   But for Ron's coat they put it on the porch. 

Ron is asleep and happily not bothering me. 

Tomorrow I bag up 100 bags of candy with a scripture booklet.  Some will have New Testaments, for the older kids, in addition to the Scripture booklet.  Worst case they get thrown away.  That's on the kid. 

But a full sized Snickers bar does a lot of talking, let me tell you. 

Crazy Train

Crazy day today.  Got up, went to Walmart - got there very late.  I managed to pick up the injection vials for Ron's b-12.  They did not have the needles, again.  Not impressed.  How many diabetics go through that pharmacy?  And you don't have 10 needles? 

I did my shopping, got Ron his stuff, me, mine.  Last on my list was socks.  I went over to the ladies' department and found some socks that looked good.  If I like them I will buy a couple more packages.  I tend to wait on buying things like socks and underwear, wait until I am manic and wanting to buy lots of something, and then go get the socks and underwear I actually need. 

But I wanted newish socks that matched, to take on my trip.  I will be wearing sneakers and will need socks.  I found some good ones, fit my big feet (not only are they large, but they are wide), and put them in the cart along with everything else. 

Then I cut through the clothing department to get to the cash registers.  I saw a cute fleece vest.  That is one thing I have been wanting, a cute fleece vest.  But I have a hard time spending money on myself. 

I looked at it - cute.  I looked at the price tag.  $10.  I looked at the size, one size up from what I normally wear (which is what I would have wanted).  I tried it on, warm, and cute.  It was a rose color, that fake fleece.  Washable.  It's only $10 and I wanted one anyway. 

I threw it in the cart.  I went to a register.  The cashier was very talkative talking to a woman in another language - something Asian.  They were having a good time.  Nothing like meeting someone who speaks your language, far from home, to make a new friend.  They finished and she left. 

Then we began chatting, he was very nice and rang everything up properly.  For instance, I had 4 boxes of granola bars for Ron.  He hit 4, then rang one up.  Most cashiers just ring one, two, three, four.  It is more logical to do it the first way, and the way I always rang my transactions (I was a cashier for some years at the start of my working career).  I finished up pretty quick and found Ron. 

We had a good ride home and Ron laid down for a bit.  He was depressed, I think, that he had to rely on public transit, and he could only sit there like "a blind lump" while I did my shopping. 

Torbie joined him and they had a good time for a while.  Then time for our next trip.  We went to Sam's Club.  I bought some soda to chill in the fridge, and be stocked tomorrow. 

We had time, so I bought a couple of hot dogs (and one for dinner) for us, we ate them.  I dressed mine up with some relish and ketchup, but it was slippery in the bun and hard to eat.  I was wearing a cream colored t-shirt so I was worried about messing it up.  I didn't. 

We finished up and our driver arrived.  She was a little odd.  She kept going on about bedbugs, sprayed herself with rubbing alcohol every time she got near a client, etc.  But she got us to work. 

And I saw the repairman coming towards us.  He scared the hell out of the driver.  He is a tall man, and solid, but no tattoos or piercings.  He is very mild-mannered although I have seen him upset. 

I ran inside with him and gave him the keys (he, Ron, and Ron's supervisor are the only ones I'd do that for) and he took the lock out quickly.  Ron wanted me to buy another lock "offa" him if I could, so I did. 

Then someone from the office came and shouted at me.  I forgot about the whole mail bomb thing - it's like the anthrax.  They are on red alert for security and cracking down on every exception.  That's not a bad thing, but like I told her,  "I've been doing it this way for 17 years".  So, I got metaphorically spanked.  I took it in good grace and took him back out. 

Ron paid him and he left.  I took Ron in the building, then loaded the drinks on a cart I'd brought out, and put them in the fridge.  Then the fun began. 

We now had a soda machine with no lock.  We HAD to empty it or the employees would, and happily.  Ron couldn't do it efficiently.  I could.  So I just did it.  He was a little upset and then got depressed again.  I told him to empty the "cash register" change bank so the employees did not get the money in the machine - but he couldn't do that on his own, again.  So I had to do it.  He got pretty annoyed. 

I got everything out of the soda machine, and most of it put into other vending machines.  Some of it went into the stockroom.  We finished up and Ron called a cab. 

We left.  Ron got very carsick on the way and, I believe, almost erupted a few times before we got home.  He collapsed into bed when he got home.  I need to start feeding him a motion sickness pill every time we leave the house.  I'm not crazy about adding more medication to the mix, but I can't have him vomiting every time we go out. 

I checked the mail.  We got a reimbursement check for something, that was nice.  Not a huge amount but it all helps.  A lot of political junk mail, some of it cheap tricks the people should be ashamed to use.  An example "If we give Firemen a raise, you may lose your garbage service".  One had a majestic photo of an eagle on the front.  Others had happy families.  I scanned them and chucked them all in the trash.  None of it changed the way I plan to vote. 

We got a collection letter for something back in June, one of Ron's medical procedures.  We will have to make a payment plan.  He has a lot of bills from June. 

I did find an open MRI from a huge hospital system in Houston, I am certain they take Medicare.  I will give Ron the number this weekend and then he can call them on Monday. 

Ron also got a talking book, he will be happy about that when he feels better. 

The cats are good, Torbie has been super cuddly today with both of us, she is so much fun.  I don't need a playful kitten running around, I just want my big old lump purring at Ron as they lay in bed together. 

Speaking of the cats, it is 6 PM, dinnertime.  I need to feed them.  I like to keep them on a schedule. 

Sea legs

Well, good news, I get to sleep in tomorrow.  That will be nice.  I still work, just later. 

Tomorrow was supposed to be a day off, but Ron forgot to take us to the warehouse today before work, and buy some soda.  And we have to go in for another reason. 

But first, we went to work.  I spent the first hour helping Ron, he was very appreciative.  I made a note I had to put it in my blog.  Whatever you want to say about what he's doing, he's a lot nicer and more appreciative on the pain pills.  And he hasn't fallen out of his wheelchair once. 

Since Risperidone can raise blood sugar, I checked it this morning.  It was up 20 points from my last reading.  I will have to be pretty strict with my diet until I can get my Haldol back. 

We did his work and then I did mine.  He wanted to take some quarters to the bank but I didn't have the right supplies (deposit slips and special deposit bags).  We did decide to "rob" the machines and take the money to the bank.  We did that. 

Sales were a couple hundred better than the last time we took money out, so that was encouraging.  We finished our bank business and called our standard cab driver.  He works the area around the bank and is often there in just a few minutes.  He was out on a trip, but said it would be 15 minutes.  15 minutes he called us back.  I didn't get the details, something about the customer wouldn't pay and he had to call someone to come out to deal with it. 

We called a regular cab - just called the cab company and put the trip out for anyone.  There's usually someone around the bank.  We got a ride home pretty quick but the cab was filthy.  It was the worst I had seen in a while. 

Remember the other day, Tuesday, when we came home and the cab almost lost a wheel to a huge hole in the street?  Well, when we came home today there was a fresh concrete patch in its place.  As Ron paid the driver, I teased the workman about letting Ron "write his name" in the fresh cement.  He laughed and told me no way. 

We went in the house, I laid down for a little bit but didn't really sleep.  I did, however, have Torbie. 

We left to go to Chilis.  Ron wanted a steak and I am not going to deny him red meat.  He needs all the red meat he can get right now. 

On the way, Ron found out they were delivering a new soda machine on Monday.  That's good, but we need to pull our lock out of the machine.  I am not 100% sure I can do that. 

New medication, hand tremor - I feel floppy and dull, not a good mindset to pull custom ordered cylinder locks out of a vending machine.  I told Ron he might want to call the repairman.  He arranged that. 

We got to the restaurant and ordered our food.  I liked my food.  I asked them to add bacon to my chili burger and it was fantastic.  They put like 4 slices of bacon on the thing, it was delicious.  Ron wasn't crazy about his steak, said it wasn't well done.  I examined it.  Not a trace of pink. 

I suggested he order it the way one of my relatives used to: "Bring it out black and smoking".  Or "A piece of leather"  To me, it ruins it, to quote the Gollum. but it's his food.  He did eat until full. 

He does something interesting with leftovers, all of them go into a single gallon sized ziplock bag.  All the leftovers, mashed together, potatoes, onions, and meat.  It looks awful.  But he's blind so what does he care. 

I told him I don't often think about him being blind.  I think about him needing help but not about him being blind.  It's just - him. 

We had "too long" but he made the trips for tomorrow, going to Walmart, home, going to Sam's, work, home.  I will try to remove the lock tomorrow.  I used to do it all the time, but not so confident now with this cocktail.  I just feel dumb.  And incompetent.  But I will adjust.  I will pray over it like I always do and maybe I'll get "a hand".  If not, the repair man can always use the money.  He's got 3 kids. 

While he did that (and that takes some skill, making good trips on the paratransit computer), I called the pharmacy.  They had the b-12 injectable but did not have the needles yet.  I still have a couple of needles left but - come on!  As long as they have the pointy part on the needle I won't complain.  Last time they were only $4, too, which isn't bad. 

The computer keeps calling Ron's cell phone and announcing they don't have the Haldol.  I already called them once and told them to delete it, but apparently that didn't work.  If I have time tomorrow I will have to go talk to someone in person, let them know, I have an antipsychotic, it's OK, and please delete the prescription.  I don't want the computer calling us every week until April.  We already have so many other prescriptions.  I have 4 I use regularly (not counting phenergan or naproxen), Ron has: 5.  We are always there picking something up. 

Then we go to Sam's and pick up some drinks, then go to work and put them in the fridge.  The goal would be to remove the lock, empty the change bank, and take the soda out.  Then we can unplug it and leave it 'till Monday. 

Not as ideal: have the repairman come and take out the lock and empty the change bank (he will be happy to do it) and then we pay him and he goes.  Then take out the sodas and put them in other vending machines.  We can do it if I help him, Ron can only reach so high, in his wheelchair.  It will take some time, more than we allotted, but we only get a new soda machine every couple of years.  I am willing to invest a little into making our customers happier and more satisfied.  Especially before the holidays. 

We got our ride home, and I saw a package on the porch.  I gave it to Ron, it's his coat. 

I got him in the house and told him to open it.  He said no, it would be hard.  It literally had 2 pieces of packing tape, I told him he could do it.  He opened it.  He admired it for a while and tried it on.  He can "dress" without any help, even getting his bad arm in the sleeve.  Nice.  He has always had problems "dressing" his right side due to the paralysis.  He liked the lining, the way it fit, etc.  It is a little big on him but he likes things oversized.  He wanted to hang it up and keep it free of cat hair (wise), so I got a door hook out of the bathroom and put it on his closet door.  Then I hung the coat on the hook. 

I'm glad he likes it.  Now I don't have to worry about him freezing this winter.  My coat should come the next day or two.  I went a size up just because I hate tight coats.  I am generally pretty active when I am outside, pushing Ron, picking up the wheelchair, etc. and I need some freedom of movement. 

Speaking of movement, I have been a little "floppy" getting around.  Not really clumsy so much as disoriented to where things are in space.  I have almost fallen a couple of times.  But, this morning, I read all the possible side effects to Ron and his eyes bugged out.  I am glad, for now, I am hanging onto the back of a wheelchair when I'm out with Ron.  It provides stability until I get my sea legs. 

I was OK getting around at work.   Good.  It would be embarrassing if I fell down in front of the customers.  They would all think I was doing something bad.

Tomorrow comes pretty early so I'm going to bed.  Have a good one. 

I told him so

About 3-4 years ago, Ron was making an "online" payment to our electric company, over the phone.  He got the number sequence wrong and it shut him down.  Refused to let him make the payment. 

He kept trying, and failing.  After about a year he tried and they said it worked, but they sent us a nasty "you bounced your check" letter with a cutoff notice about a week later.  That was 2 years ago. 

While I was paying the electric bill at the store, Ron decided to make another "online" payment with the help of a customer service tech.  I came back as he was finalizing it and TOLD him it wouldn't go through, and we would get a nasty bounced check letter. 

And I was right.  We got the letter today.  Now we have to pay a fee.  Thanks, Ron.  The only positive thing I see is that now we HAVE to go to the store on Friday.  Ron says he has learned his lesson.  I agree, he has - for a couple of years. 

All systems have glitches and God knows he has tried to get this "fixed" for years, to no avail.  At least it wasn't as bad as that big corporation making $1,200 payments to our account every month.  Some accounting clerk got the account number wrong and "gave" us the money (we gave it back). 

I slept better last night, with Torbie and Biscuit.  I got cold so I got my wool blanket, put it on the bed, and turned up the thermostat a little.  Not too much, just a few degrees.  I was able to sleep fine after that. 

Ron has probably ruined me for sleeping at a standard temperature.  Especially with his anemia.  I am used to a warm house by now.  We pay more in the winter but not too much, considering. 

So I slept OK, not great, not "oh, satisfying" but "it'll do".  I've stopped worrying about sleep deprivation. 

I got up and got on the computer for a while, helped Ron, and decided to take a bath.  I seldom take baths, even though I have a luxurious garden tub.  Love that thing, I can fit my fat self in there with room to spare. 

I didn't make the water too hot, because I was worried about overheating.  I have done that a few times on my medication and it was miserable.  I had a nice bath (I used a squirt of dish soap), drained it, and took a shower.  My hair was pretty greasy but my rose oil shampoo (from Suave) did a great job on that.  I finished up. 

I had a headache so I took something, then got back on the computer.  I got ready to go and we went to the Waffle House.  Our ride was late.  Ron got pretty upset. 

Then we discovered it was not a straight trip.  Not a problem, a quick pickup and off we go- right?  Wrong. 

It was "the guy" I have heard about a lot from the drivers.  He uses paratransit as a school bus shuttle for his kid - against the policy - by law they are not allowed to take kids to school.  They are not funded for that, the schools are funded for that.  Paratransit is NOT a school bus service. 

The driver told me the name of the school.  I recognize it is a muslim-funded school.  The teachers are brought in from the middle east, etc.  When I was there all the women had head scarves.  I mentioned this to the driver, and she said "Oh, the client is a muslim"

Great.  I am not a fan of their policies.  We'll leave it at that. 

It took us forever to get in there.  All 3 of the schools close at the same time, so there are hundreds of cars trying to get in and get their kids, then more traffic trying to get back out.  We finally got in and parked.  He saw us (not blind) and walked over (able to walk), kept trying to open Ron's door, and eventually got in with his kid (who was definitely old enough to ride a school bus).  Then forever to get out.  The driver actually went in the building and asked for help as no one was directing traffic.  She came out some minutes later with another woman, who began directing traffic. 

Probably a thousand kids at all the schools combined and no one directing traffic?  I was not impressed.  Ron was Not Happy and saying so.  He used some bad language, which I didn't think was appropriate around a 12 year ish old kid, but it wasn't up to me.  I asked him to stop, repeatedly, and he didn't.  And the father didn't correct him either "Please don't talk that way around my son" is all it would have taken.  Ron wasn't listening to me. 

We got to the Waffle House and unloaded.  Ron and I went in and he ordered the steak, well done (leather!  Yuck!), etc.  I ordered my eggs and a pecan waffle.  I seem to be getting headaches anyway so I might as well. 

We had enough time to eat and take our pills (I gave Ron his multivitamin and his folic acid supplement) before the driver returned.  She took us home. 

I checked the mail and found some political junk mail.  Everyone wants me to vote democrat.  Is it because I live in a diverse neighborhood?  They think anyone who lives here is a liberal?  Or maybe it is all Houston?  I don't know.  I gave them the "proper" treatment. 

I also found the nasty letter from the electric company.  Hopefully Ron has learned his lesson for the next couple of years.  Then I had the fun of reading it to him and explaining that yes, I had told him so.  He called the company and shouted at someone, then said he would pay it on Friday. 

So I have that at least.  I got a text my coat is coming Saturday, and Ron's should come tomorrow. 

The cats are good.  Baby Girl was very cuddly with Ron and even laid on the tub mat during my bath today.  That's unusual for her. 

Torbie has been awesome sleeping with me, and Biscuit has joined her in bed.  Both of them love my wool blanket so I have it on the top of my bed.  They like it, why not. 

Off I go to work up my Amazon wish list for Christmas. 

Stuck in traffic

At a Muslim charter school.  Oh joy.

Links to coats

Lands End coat, standard sizes:  https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-squall-parka/id_327562?sku_0=::EBL

Lands End coat, plus sizes: https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-plus-size-squall-parka/id_328955?sku_0=::BLA

Mine should arrive Saturday. 

Clang clang

I didn't sleep well the night before last, 

That's an understatement.  Wide awake, ferocious dry mouth.  Sick feeling.  Drinking water and getting up to pee every 10 minutes.  Wide awake.  Miserable. 

Not a good start to the Risperdal.  At least I know it is strong. 

I had a rough 2 nights on it.  The first night, I hardly slept at all.  The second night was better but still pretty light sleep. 

Yesterday I got up and went to work, stocked, helped Ron (not in that order).  Came home and tried to take a nap, but couldn't really sleep.  We went to the Waffle House, came home.  I went to bed early. 

Risperdal at this dose has kicked me harder than anything I've taken to date.  I didn't sleep well again last night, but it was better. 

Got up this morning, took Ron to the doctor.  Liver and Kidneys are fine.  Still anemic.  I told her his diet has been terrible.  She said he needs b12 every other week, folic acid every day, and iron infusions.   She said his insurance will approve the iron, because it is a lot cheaper than a blood infusion. 

So, we will be back to the hematologist to sit in one of the chemo chairs for "about an hour".  I'll be fine.  Ron can bring his talking book machine. 

We finished up and took a cab home.  Since we were paying for the ride, we went through a drive through on the way home and got some takeout.  Ron ate his tacos and fries, then took a nap.  Amazingly no heartburn or stomach upset. 

I ate when we got home, taking my time and enjoying my food.  I noticed, for instance, my cheeseburger had two slices of cheese and not the one the other store gives me. 

I ate, took my pills again, tried to lay down for a nap.  I was pretty tired and Torbie was waiting in the bed.  She's such a nice cat, it completely baffles me that someone could walk past her at the shelter.  Even worse many people did in the month she was there.  I remember the expression on her face when I took her out of my lap and put her on the floor, so sad and betrayed.  Then they put her in a box, gave her shots, and gave her to me.  Well, I like to think God gave Torbie and I to each other.  She loves Ron, too, loves to sleep with him. 

So I laid down with her and covered myself with the scrap of blanket she had left me.  I didn't mind, though, it was Torbie.  I had a hard time drifting off.  Hopefully that wears off, because I need my sleep.  Just as I was almost asleep, I heard noise.  Construction. 

We came home about a week ago and the water meter had been dug up and replaced.  They do that every several years.  I don't mind that, at least it is "fresh" and not degrading.  I do mind them coming in my yard to do it, and digging up the whole strip between the sidewalk and the street (not legally mine, I know). 

Anyway, when I got up, after a while, they were digging up the middle of the street.  They worked on it for hours and then left it with a big metal "clang clang" - that's what we call those metal plates they put over holes in the street - because they make a clanging noise when someone drives over them. 

Not real happy about that but I suppose something had to be fixed.  Our utility district has another subdivision, and when we made a pickup there a few days ago all the streets and driveways were torn up from construction.  I hope they are not planning to do that here.  But if the infrastructure needs the work, it needs the work.  They started building this neighborhood in the 80's so it isn't that old. 

I got up and got on the computer for a while.  I'm feeling uninspired, which I suppose I can blame on the new medication, but I am hoping it, and my other unpleasant side effects, will wear off after a few more days. 

I don't really have a choice about taking it.  By the way, Ron and I have decided to stop talking about my hallucinations.  We are getting too many drivers agreeing with us and telling us they, too, hallucinate.  It is very disturbing.  Not something I want to hear from a driver.  I would rather live in happy ignorance. 

Up all night

Hope it was the headache pills.  Horrible dry mouth, but a nice cuddle with Biscuit and Torbie.

"That will never happen again"

The last time I went to Walmart, I bought 2 hair brushes.  The first was a standard plastic bristle brush.  The second was a boar bristle brush.  I heard the boar ones are "better" for your hair, although I grew my hair all the way down to my butt using a standard brush. 

I always brush my hair before I take a shower, it gets out the tangles and dead hair.  Today, I tried the boar bristle.  It didn't seem rugged enough to penetrate my thick hair, and, when I got in the shower, it took me a lot longer to wash it because the brush hadn't gotten out the tangles and loose hair.  Frustrating.  I'm glad I took it for a test drive before I took it with me, out of town. 

I finished up in the shower, got dressed, and got my bus pass.  I wear it in a lanyard.  I walked up to the bus stop.  I saw an older woman waiting there. 

I realized she is the lady one of the drivers hates.  Some of the drivers like our subdivision and want to live here.  One of them found a rental a few streets over, years ago.  She loved the neighborhood but hated her landlord, who was a cheap, typical, slumlord (wouldn't repair the A/C, etc.).  She finally moved out. 

Her adult daughter lived with her and worked.  When they moved, they did not file change of address.  The slumlord rented to some people on "housing" and, when the w-2's came in, one of the women in the household stole the adult daughter's identity.  She racked up quite a few bills using her social security number and caused a lot of hassle. 

The driver was furious, blamed the old lady, and refuses to pick her up to this day.  She has made a lot of comments I can't repeat due to the fact she'd get fired if they got back to management.  She can't even pass that street to drop us at our place, without going into a rage. 

The old lady had been a paratransit client.  I used to see her on a walker, going to the bus stop.  I don't know if she actually rode the bus but she got around pretty well on the walker.  She got better (I try not to be resentful that Ron has gotten so much worse while she's gotten so much better) and now walks easily, anywhere.  I see her wandering all over the subdivision.  She likes to sit down next to the bus stop and watch the traffic pass. 

I can't help but think, she needs a cable program - one of those "for the low income" deals where she gets some channels to watch.  She also needs an adult day program to keep her busy during the day.  Wandering around during the day is a great way to get robbed. 

She was at the bus stop today.  I didn't speak to her and she didn't speak to me.  I waited a while, the bus arrived.  I boarded, she did not, and I went to my stop. 

I went to the bank and waited in line.  It took a while, a lot of people waited until today to do their banking.  Finally made my deposit. 

I went to the grocery store and bought a bottle of soda (flat, which is one reason I hate that store) and some granola bars for Ron.  Then I went to McDonald's.  I got a chicken sandwich meal. 

As I took out my pills, it dawned on me this was my first dose of a pretty potent medication.  Maybe I should have waited and taken it at home.  Oh, well, too late now.  I took it. 

I called Ron and went to voicemail.  I was checking to see if he wanted anything.  I arrived at the bus stop right as the bus pulled up.  "That will never happen again" I said to myself, as I boarded.  Very nice.  Nothing worse than seeing the bus pull away and knowing I have a half hour on the next one.

I arrived home in short order and Ron was still asleep.  I laid down for a short nap.  I woke up with a headache, I took some Excedrin.  Then the Risperdal hit me.  I had wondered if 2 mg was "enough" for my symptoms.  I felt very wobbly and affected.  I decided it was a pretty sure thing it would work for me, but I had to lie down for a bit. 

When I felt better, I gave Ron his granola bars.  He was very confused as to the layout of the house and kept getting "lost".  It is only 900 square feet but he went in every room but his own, went over by my TV chair, knocking things over, shouting at me, etc.  I told him he needs to go easy on "those pills".  Then I took him to bed.  I hope that isn't a precedent. 

He told me recently he will go to a nursing home without protest if I tell him I am done.  But I don't think he needs it yet, he just needs to be careful what he is putting into his body. 

I sure hope he doesn't get lost on the way to the bathroom.  If he could see I could paint a line on the wall "Follow the blue line to the bathroom" but that won't work for him. 

He did make our trips for tomorrow so we are going to work.  And I ordered my coat.  It should arrive in about a week, they say.  Good.  I got it in teal. 

Ron is back in bed and I need to go to bed.  It's an early wakeup tomorrow.   

Two days in one, again

I woke up tired yesterday.  We went to the warehouse.  I bought some cookies and shared them with Ron, and Jack.  I had a couple of plain sugar cookies, safe enough, I thought.  

We went to work, the usual, helped Ron and then did "my" snacks.  I was pretty busy but I got it all done.  

We came home, the plan to take a nap and then hit the Waffle House.  I laid down.  Ron did too, in his room.  I could hear him moaning across the hall; he was having a bad day.  Apparently he pulled/pinched something at work today (he did take a couple of cases of drinks out of the fridge, and stockroom).  He moaned.  I was gripped with severe headache pain - probably those damned cookies.  

I was miserable.  He was miserable, so much so I actually got up and asked him if he'd taken his Gabapentin.  He said yes, he had, "not long ago" so I think he missed a couple of doses.  It helps with nerve pain.  I told him we both felt like crap, let's cancel the Waffle House.  We wouldn't have had any fun and God knows I had no appetite.  He said OK and cancelled.  We got a penalty for that but I was OK with that.  

We went back to bed (respectively).  I kept taking Excedrin and eventually felt semi-human by 5 PM.  Not good enough to blog, to eat, or take my pills, but good enough to call and wish my adoptive Mom a happy birthday.  They (she and my Dad) like you to sing "Happy Birthday" so I did, on my own, badly.  I explained Ron wasn't feeling well of he'd have "helped".  We talked for a while.  Most interesting, they know the hotel where I'll be staying when we travel for business.  They said it is "very nice".  Interesting.  

We talked a while and hung up.  They like to be kept posted.  She told me once "I don't want to find out things on Facebook" so I try to give them the updates, good and bad.  

Happily, except for the pain, Ron has been OK lately.  

I hung up, watched some TV for a while, and went to bed.  I slept late (for me, 9 AM) and woke up with a headache.  

I haven't mentioned, but Torbie has been sleeping with me every night for a while.  I really love that.  Biscuit joins us in the morning.  He did and begged for breakfast for a while, off and on, getting on me, kneading, purring, etc.  I finally got up, brushed my teeth, used the bathroom, and fed him.  

Well, Baby Girl eats first, then Biscuit, then Torbie.  But Torbie is the most cuddly and my favorite cat.  It doesn't seem fair she eats last, but she has lost some (necessary) weight on her diet.  Biscuit has even lost some weight, he can clean his butt now.  He looked pretty bad for a while there, prancing around with a dirty butt.  Baby Girl is still pretty chubby at around 13-14 pounds.  

I need to get them some better flea medicine.  They are pretty uncomfortable, something I notice when they're sleeping with me.  The Advantage II isn't doing it.  They are very itchy.  The vet has something else, I will try that.  I just have to walk over and buy it.  It's a little bit of a walk but safe.  I pass a gas station on the way so I can buy a snack.  The stuff I already gave them expires on the first, so I will give them the new stuff, conveniently enough, after I get paid.  

I also need to find Ron and open MRI.  Doc wants those results.  And, of course, we see the Hematologist on Tuesday.  I am expecting to find he is still anemic.  He has the house pretty warm, gets cold easy, hard to tell if he is pale with his skin coloring but his diet has been terrible.  

And, if I want my coat, I had better take my shower, get dressed, and take the bus to the bank so I can make my deposit.  

That will be my big outing for the day.  Then I can buy the coat tomorrow when I am certain the deposit has cleared.  I want that rascal delivered before our trip.  It will probably be hot and humid, but I don't want to take a chance of freezing.  

The Last Haldol

I ate, that helped my headache.  Maybe the spices worked on it.  I took my pills.  Today is my last Haldol. 

Tomorrow: it begins. 

Then I did up my pills.  That always takes a while.  I always read the insert that comes with the medication, that's how I learned I can't take antidepressants and decongestants together (at least my brand).  I read through all of it. 

Man, Depakote is really bad stuff if you're pregnant.  The baby can be born slower.  The baby can be born with a penis defect.  The baby can have spinal problems.  Not good stuff. 

Good thing Ron is fixed.  Just goes to show, though, if something happens to Ron I need to get fixed.  If I remarried, I would want it to be clear: I'm not having kids and I had surgery to make sure of that.  No ambiguity or room for doubt "Well, maybe she'll change her mind".  Nope. 

So I did all that up, with the Risperdone (generic Risperdal).  Watched a little Law & Order.  Now I'm going to take a nap. 

Ron has been snoring all morning, he must have been up all night reading one of his books. 

Samosa and Lands End

I didn't sleep well, the night before last.  I kept waking up with a bad headache.  I had to take a couple of doses of Excedrin just to get through the night. 

After we got up, Ron took me to Walmart.  I finally go my pills.  I chatted with the tech about the shortage and she said it was worrying.  A lot of patients will not, like me, go to Doc and ask for something else. 

I did some shopping (I had a little time) and bought Ron the stuff he wanted, mainly pineapple.  I finally remembered to buy him some granola bars.  A couple of times we have been out and he tells me he's hungry.  I always ask him why he didn't eat at home: I wasn't hungry.  So I got some Salted Caramel nut protein bars.  I have not mentioned the word "protein" at all to Ron, and I won't. 

I bought a few things for me and paid.  I found Ron and gave him one of his "granola" bars.  He loved it.  Good.  Last night I caught him getting into the back of the wheelchair for more.  He ate a total of 3 yesterday.  I warned him they have some fiber but that didn't faze him. 

Taking his pain pills, he could probably use some fiber. 

We got picked up and went to work, did our inventory, and stocked.  We got home pretty late and I took a nap.  I had a headache all day but the Excedrin kept it at a manageable level. 

I took a nap, woke up feeling better.  I had done some research and found local "good" coats could cost half a month's pay.  I didn't want to spend that. 

Years ago (1998) I bought Ron a Squall parka from Land's End.  He worked in San Francisco and commuted every day.  He wore his coat every day of the year and it held up very well.  We brought it to Houston and he wore it every winter. 

He was wearing it January 7, 2003, when he got run over, and I noticed something interesting when they finally let me near him, at the hospital.  He had road rash everywhere (he was dragged down the street for a couple of blocks, he apparently got caught on the rear view mirror), on his feet, his legs (very bad on his legs), his hands, and his head.  But nothing on the areas covered by the coat.  Even being destroyed, the coat managed to protect him.  That impressed me.  That's a tough coat. 

So I naturally thought of the coat again.  My great grandmother (adoptive) told me once if the squirrel has a bushy tail, it's going to be a very cold winter.  The squirrels have bushy tails.  Not only that, even the Farmer's Almanac is saying it's going to be a cold winter.  Plus we are travelling out of town.  We are going to need some coats. 

I figured I might as well look. So I did.  With a discount, it would be a little over $100.  I didn't think I would find a good coat for Ron for less than that, in Houston.  I ordered it.  It wiped out my petty cash but he needs a coat.  His old coat is uncomfortable for him.  I bought it for him at a thrift shop and he says the arms are too tight.  He hates it. 

He knows the Land's End coat and loved it when he had it.  So that will work for him.  It should handle anything we encounter this winter. 

What about me?  I've been wearing cheap jackets that don't really work, or a hoodie.  I will order myself a plus side coat (they sell them) when I make a deposit and have some actual money in the account.  I have money in the account but it's for Bibles so I'm not spending that - ever - unless it's on Bibles. 

Both coats should arrive well before our trip.  www.landsend.com

Glad I did it. 

Then we went out to dinner, Indian food.  Ron had eaten leftovers and wasn't hungry, but I got him to take a couple of bites.  One of chicken in sauce, one of pan bread in sauce.  That is so good. 

We had a good cab ride home and went to bed.  Woke up with yet another headache (I am guessing it is the pan bread - wheat seems to be a headache trigger lately), took some Excedrin.  I was going to go to the bank and make my deposit but I feel too crappy to do it.  Once, I went out with a bad headache that devolved into a migraine.  It was hell getting home,and something I never want to do again. 

I have some samosa I ordered to go, I will eat that, take my pills, and go back to bed.  It's something when even the Excedrin doesn't whack the headache completely.  It tried. 

That's it for today.  I'm glad I won't have to watch Ron shivering at the bus stop this year.  And these coats last forever if my experience is anything to go by. 

Long day today

But I got my pills.  Will do a long post tomorrow.

Maggots in tomato sauce

No, not in my fridge.  More later. 

I didn't sleep very well and woke up tired.  I miscalculated when I reset the alarm so I had a very brief shower. 

Last night Ron was having some trouble I attribute to the pain medication.  He was having trouble with his digital recorder, and counting the money.  I finally had to wake him up this morning, 15 minutes before pickup. 

He later asked me to get him up 30 minutes before, if he isn't up already.  I can do that.  He told me he hadn't counted all the money. 

We got to the bank and had to sit on the sofas (his back hurt) and count the money out in public - some of it.  It was rather uncomfortable as people kept looking at us. 

We did our business and waited a while, but, happily, the ride home was really early.  I sprinted out there pushing the wheelchair and we left.  It was even a straight ride home. 

I got a brief nap.  The garbage truck woke me up.  We got a new garbage company at the beginning of the month, they gave us brand new cans.  I have been very careful to take good care of my can.  Apparently, others did not. 

We had a ride to the hematologist.  The driver was very rigid and difficult.  Ron almost lost his temper, but settled for calling him "Mr Perfect".  Happily that was a straight trip so we didn't have a long journey. 

We got off and got Ron his blood test.  Then he called a cab to go home.  He didn't want to deal with waiting on a ride or getting rushed to leave with a needle in his arm.  There was another man there, getting chemo.  He seemed sad. 

We had a good ride home.  Then we did more logistics for the trip out of town.  Ron had gotten a voicemail from the train company saying he hadn't bought his ticket, which truly freaked him out.  What happened: he made a over the phone reservation.  Did not pay for that ticket, but the clerk did a whole new one when she rang us up the other day.  I kept trying to explain it to him but it wasn't until he called twice and spoke to clerks, that he calmed down. 

Then the hotel for the 3rd night.  The original hotel, over $100 a night, overbooked.  The third night was completely booked.  So we had to find another hotel.  We like a certain chain, they are very reliable and I haven't had any trouble with them.  I like their rooms, the microwave and fridge, and the showerhead.  They are, in my opinion, better than hotels that cost 3x the price.  So we found one of them somewhat near the hotel.  I have a feeling we will be paying a FORTUNE in cab fare next month.  I will have a folder for all the receipts and hopefully they will pay us back for all of it. 

Somewhere in there, I called Walmart and verified that my $4 prescription is ready.  Interesting, he only did one month.  I hope it has some refills or I will be calling him back! 

Then it was time to go to the Waffle House.  Ron likes the Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Sandwich.  A funny story: when he ordered it, they asked if he wanted onions.  I said he loved onions.  Ron told me to be quiet, and reminded me of the time I ordered him a takeout burrito 20 years ago and told them he liked hot sauce.  They put something incendiary on the burrito and almost killed Ron.  He literally had his head under the faucet with tears running out of his eyes.  He still remembers that, 20 years later. 

He lost a lot of memories in the accident but he remembers that.  He doesn't, for instance, remember much of 2002.  Not good memories anyway.  He does remember my specials.  I had a different special for every night of the week, and they were pretty popular with the customers. 

Anyway, it was pretty much just us in the restaurant.  Much better than last time, when it was crazy.  We took our time eating.  The cook stuffed my waffle with pecans, it was delicious.  The Diet Coke brix was off but other than that it was a good meal.  Cheap, too.  We both ate, with drinks, for the cost of one entree at most places.  I like a good value. 

I was pretty lightheaded, but I still took my pills, and, to be honest, they didn't make me any worse.  It just took a while for it to pass.  Our ride arrived, and we paid and left. 

When we got home I checked "my" garbage can (remember I said I've been keeping it clean?).  Maggots writhing in a base of tomato sauce, with chunks of half-eaten watermelon.  It was #2's can, but I had just missed #2 taking "their" (my) can into their garage and locking the door.  Just on the off chance it was #6's can, I looked in their can, still sitting on the curb.  Not only did it still have trash but it was also filthy.  Am I the only one taking care of my garbage can?!

I decided to make lemonade and got my bottle of generic pine sol, and the hose.  I cleaned it out pretty well and dumped it in the gutter.  I at least got rid of the maggots and most of the tomato sauce, some of it is dried on the sides.  It will work for now. 

Even if I could get my old can back, #2 probably ruined it by now. 

Tomorrow we go to Walmart to get my pills, and then to work.  We have been at Walmart a lot lately. 

Work shouldn't be too hard, but I need to share something: when we went downtown to the train station they had 2 vending machines.  One was totally unstocked.  The second was out of change.  That is just awful.  How do you expect to make money if the customer can't buy anything?  I feel sometimes like I'm letting my customers down but I have never gone that low. 

Ron: Don't let that be your standard! 

I won't.  But I will be happy to fill "my" machines up and make them look good for the customers.  Even though, I don't think I shared this, the "healthy living advocate" put a scale right next to my vending machines.  Agh. 

Talk about sabotage! 

"In process"

So we left the house and went downtown.  It was a very long trip, we had to stop along the way. 

I called Doc and explained I really needed a Haldol alternative, as I couldn't find anything anywhere.  His girl called me back and said he was putting in a prescription for 2 mg Risperdal.  Good.  That is 4x the dose I was taking.  It should definitely work on my symptoms. 

Later on, I called the pharmacy and they said it was "in process".  As I assumed, no one wants me unmedicated. 

We got to the train station and bought our tickets.  Some characters at the station.  One guy kept rooting for the Red Sox.  In the heart of downtown Houston, rooting for Boston.  I couldn't believe it. 

Let me see if the Astros won.  Ah, no.  Well, there's always another game. 

We caught our ride home, it was a very long ride.  We ended up picking up a slow, manic, client downtown and taking her way out of town.  She kept jabbering away on her phone.  And squealing.  It kept making me jump.  I managed my annoyance by reminding myself I'm just like this when I don't take my lithium, and telling myself that, to her, this is "normal". 

I did make a comment about it being nice and quiet, when she got off.  FAS is the leading cause of mental slowness.  "Retardation" is not a popular word these days even though it's true.  Anyway, FAS is a leading cause.  Add to that 35% of people with FAS have bipolar disorder, it's a mess in the making.  A lot of of us running around un medicated. 

We finally got home.  I had found a total of 3 pairs of pants for Ron, in the size he likes.  He is too small for a 40 but he doesn't like a tight waistband.  I went ahead and threw them all in the wash, along with my jeans and some colored tshirts.  I didn't put the whites in the load, because I had a new pair of dark pants and I knew the color would bleed. 

I am waiting on them to dry, when they do I will give Ron his pants back.  The buzzer just triggered. 

Not dry yet. 

I am also packing a bag and trying to fit a week's worth of clothes for the both of us, into one backpack.  I need to figure out my footwear.  If I wear sneakers, I will need socks for every day.  But I can't wear flip flops and it will probably be too cold for sandals.  We will probably need 2 backpacks, one for each of us.  They can both fit on the wheelchair easily. 

I hate that they made the conference longer this time.  Now that I don't have to worry about my medication, I can focus on Ron and the cats, taking care of myself, and getting ready to travel. 

It's going to be a busy couple weeks. 

Oh no you don't (get your pills, that is)

Ron was moaning last night, kept me up.  He asked me to put on the wheelchair leg this morning.  Normally he hates it because it makes it hard to navigate, so I knew he was still hurting.  I got him dressed and ready to go to Walmart. 

They said they had his pain pills.  Now, it has been a nightmare getting Ron his pills the last couple times.  I was worried we would get there and they would GOTCHA sorry we don't have them, and I would have to listen to Ron moan and scream all night again. 

I'm at the point where pity outweighs frustration at his pain, but sleep deprive me another couple nights and it won't be pretty.  I am human.  Then I lie in bed listening to him scream and I think SHUT UP. 

I don't want that, I want to be the loving wife.  Our ride was late to get there.  But, when we arrived, there wasn't a line. 

The door lady looked a little askance at my tote bags (empty) on the back of the wheelchair, but they let me pass.  I knew they (security) would be watching me, and that was fine. 

We got to the counter.  Gave her Ron's name and birthdate.  "We have one for you".  Praise God.  I checked it out - it was what he wanted.  Ron got the money and paid, and I gave him the bottle.  He took one right there at the counter. 

I guess he was still hurting. 

Then we went over to the drop off/order window.  There was a woman in front of me so we hung back.  I saw a bottle of stool softener tablets and asked Ron if he wanted me to buy it for him. 

He thought about it for a second and said no.  I asked if he was still having problems with constipation due to the pain pills.  He launched into a graphic description of the difficulty passing the movement, how he felt like he was being ripped, etc., but he was "OK" and "Didn't need" it. 

[Sounds like he does!]  Anyway, I was dying laughing because the woman in front of us gave him a look.  I told him to shut up, we weren't alone, and then asked if I could put this in the blog.  He said sure.  I can't think of an incident he hasn't approved for blog inclusion.  We do have one or two secrets but they are Ron's to share, not mine. 

I got to the window and explained what was going on with my pills.  I also explained someone had called and said they were on order, I was just verifying.  She looked at her computer and said NO ONE had the pills.  She suggested "another pharmacy".  I explained none of hem had it, either. 

[SCREAM]  I reminded her what they were for (kind of a mean, cheap, shot but I am getting desperate.)  She said she was sorry. 

So I have to call Doc again (Wednesday) and get something else approved.  I know he wants me on this but I can't get it. 

We left the window.  It's not their fault.  I keep thinking about the naked lady on the truck, on 290.  She was off her pills.  link  This is what happens when you take people off their pills! 

So, Ron needed more pants.  He only had one pair at home in the size he likes.  We went over to the men's department and found another pair. 

Normally Ron has a bitter hatred of shopping, even if it's me spending my money. . Surprisingly, he asked me if I "needed anything else" and we went and got some travel toiletries.  He wanted his pineapple cups but they were out, so I just got a 6 pack of diet 7 Up (I was pretty queasy) and checked out.  I am sure security was watching our every move, I had Ron in the wheelchair and just piling things in his lap.  But I paid for everything. 

We bought some snacks and waited on our ride.  I ate popcorn with cheddar/caramel pieces.  Ron ate some Marinara chips (he wasn't impressed).  I drank part of a Diet Dr Pepper. 

Our ride came.  It was a driver we like.  She couldn't take the shortest ride home due to construction but we got there quick anyway. 

We went in the house.  Ron hung up his pants before he laid down.  I tried to take a short nap but I had 2 cats in the bed (Biscuit, and Torbie).  They took up a significant amount of room and left me no foot space.  I had to curl up in a fetal position, not the most comfortable.  But the cuddle was worth it.  Torbie kept pressing against my legs and Biscuit was lying on my foot, grooming himself.  Very sweet. 

I got up, getting ready to go to the train station to buy tickets.  Tickets are surprisingly affordable - $29 one way.  That's a lot cheaper than the bus.  The state will only reimburse Ron for his ticket, kind of a cheap shot considering he requires a caregiver.  I had to pay for the conference out of my own money, too.  I am not a slot machine. 

So I will have to pay for my own registration, transportation, etc.  They will pay Ron back for the hotel room and a per diem for meals (we can both eat on that).  [sigh]  It's just a big production. 

I want to focus on getting ready for the damned thing but I have the whole pill drama going on.  I can't go to the conference, unmedicated.  That would be catastrophic. 

But Doc won't let that happen, I just have to remind him: still no pills.  I know he doesn't want to take me off the Haldol (which worked very well) but we will have to do so. 

I'll just be glad when this is all over. 

Special order

I didn't get enough sleep last night.  When I got up, I was really craving a Diet Mountain Dew.  I had some powdered tea instead.  I got dressed and asked Ron if he wanted to wear his pants today. 

He has been wearing shorts every day for months.  Something told me it would be a cold one.  I have been wearing jeans for about a week now.  He said no. 

We went to work.  The driver was a speed demon, but safe.  They finally fixed "pothole" lane near work so we could take that exit. 

We got to work, I helped Ron first as I usually do.  This time, though, I got some grief from some of the customers because I hadn't stocked the snack machines by the time they got their break. 

And that horrible woman who tried to break the vending machine, and screamed at Ron, months ago, was hanging out in our area for hours.  She works nights (they get off at 6:30) but she didn't leave until 8:30.  She is certainly old enough to have a car and not apparently disabled.  Maybe she is lonely and wants to hang out in company, but the plant has a policy you have 5 minutes to get out when your shift is over. 

But she didn't bother us so I avoided her and pretended I didn't see her. 

I finally got my delivery, we have a new guy.  The old guy got promoted, so that's good.  Then, finally, snacks.  I did them up, enough to last for days.  It took a while but I got it all done.  Ron went somewhere quiet to wait while I did that.  He doesn't like the clamor of the area and the 2 loud televisions, even though I secretly turned them down during a rare quiet period. 

Finally time to go.  We went out and it was cold, and raining.  Just like the weather man on channel 26 had been saying all morning.  Well, crap. 

I put Ron in a covered alcove and waited in the rain.  I did not have an umbrella.  But it wasn't too bad.   Doc's office called me.  He doesn't want me off the Haldol.  I explained Mylan is not making it, and won't, for months.  She said "Oooh" and we finished the conversation. 

He came and we had a straight trip to the pain doctor.  We arrived about an hour before the appointment, but I would much rather be early than late. 

I gave her the new Medicare card and she thanked me.  They need the new number for the billing. 

We saw people come and go.  There was a man waiting with his wife and child.  There were limited seats.  The man did not have a pain issue, his wife did.  He made her stand while he sat in the chair.  I had wanted to like him because he was blind but that disgusted me.  She even said "It hurts if I stand more than a couple of minutes, but I'm OK, don't move".  I would have gotten up anyway. 

Not to mention, we had people on walkers, people with canes, people with knee braces coming in and trying to sit down because it hurt.  That's why they're there.  It hurts.  I thought it was beyond rude for him to sit there with people needing seating, and his wife told him about it.  But he kept sitting. 

Rude.  I was always told to get up for someone with an overt physical problem.  He was a young man, he (we had talked) admitted he doesn't have any pain issues, he was just selfish and didn't want to stand.  I had Ron out of the way (in his wheelchair, so he didn't need a seat).  Ron was actually the worst-off looking patient in the waiting room for that hour. 

I liked the middle aged Sikh man and his mother.  He was very attentive.  Other cultures have much more respect for family, the elderly, and disabled. 

They gave Ron his cards and a survey for me to fill up.  It was a risk assessment for narcotics abuse.  I had to read him the questions out loud and write down his answers.  Most of his answers fell in the "never" category ("Have you ever taken pain medicine from family and friends?").  I filled it out for him (using his answers) and gave it back. 

I thought it was interesting they asked about sexual abuse.  I know 'most every girl, and some men, on "Intervention" have a horrific tale of sexual abuse. 

They did not require a urine test today.  I drank Ron's bottle of water. 

They took us back about 20 minutes late and Doc came in quickly.  He is a very calm, peaceful, man.  He is about my age but looks like he is 25.  He asked Ron about the magnets and said he would get him some more.  Ron was happy to hear that. 

He discussed the pharmacy issue, how the pharmacy needs the diagnosis code to fill the prescription.  Doc made sure that happened this time. 

We left after scheduling an appointment for 3 weeks out.  We can't do it in 4 weeks, we will be out of town.  He can't go a week without pain meds.  So 3 weeks it is.  But it will be at a different office.  Hopefully that all works out. 

Our ride came, and a straight trip home.  I was craving something cheesy.  We got home and I looked in the fridge.  I had chicken strips from the other night.  I ate those, took my pills, and laid down for a nap.  I could hear Ron on the phone but he was pretty quiet. 

He said the prescription went through when I got up.  It was still raining and cold. 

I got online for a bit.  I am also trying to find Ron's winter pants.  I know we bought him several pair but I can't find but one pair.  I don't want to buy new clothes if we don't have to. 

Ron got a call from the pharmacy.  I am guessing Doc called.  When I wanted the Haldol it was sorry honey we can't get it.  Suddenly they are making a special order for me, and it should arrive in a few days.  I have a feeling Doc called and ripped the pharmacist a new one. 

I know he's well regarded but I didn't think he had that sort of muscle!  Impressive. 

That's it for today.  Tomorrow we get Ron's medicine (and maybe some new pants), and go to the train station to buy tickets.  The fare is surprisingly affordable.  Ron is very excited about riding the train, the dining car, etc.  And he has a narrow wheelchair so it should work.  If there is come screwup with the thing to get him on the train, he could probably haul himself up the stairs (it wouldn't be pretty, but he could do it).  We just need to get a hotel room for Thursday night.  We have a favorite chain so we will probably go with that one (a discount, but decent quality rooms). 

Lots to do!  Glad I cleaned the litter boxes last night so I don't have to do it today.  Although I need to add more litter to one box.  Baby Girl almost knocked it over.