An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for Friends & Family
On This Day In History……
Eleven years ago today, almost to the minute, I married the bestest guy in the whole world. He’d have to be, wouldn’t he! I mean, after all, he hasn’t killed me yet, has he? 
…..until the day the Good Lord takes me home!
Recovery Envy
It’s been a fairly bad 3 days. So, I haven’t had myself glued to either the TV news, or the computer. Why? I didn’t feel like it. 
Well, truth be told, it all started Tuesday morning. I was having some back pain, and as the day progressed, it seemed to get worse. Luckily, physical therapy didn’t bother me too much, but by bedtime, not only was my back killing me, but I was having shooting pains coming around the left side, to what felt like a fiery explosion from the left side of my abdomen. That’s the only way I can describe it. So, after spending sleepless night of complete agony, I finally decided ENOUGH…and let the Mr take me to the ER. What fun, eh? The pain just kept increasing, and honestly, I think I’d rather give birth and have a root canal, sans Novocaine, at the same time, than ever feel that horror again. It was bad, ok?
When I finally got into see the doc (there apparently were multiple emergencies going on in our little Podunk county), they sucked a bit of blood, made me tinkle in a tiny cup, whisked me off for a cat scan, and stuck an IV up my arm, after blowing one vein in the other. sigh… The results came back. They have NO idea. Initially, they thought it might be kidney stones, but that didn’t show on the CT, so now….I get to go for a consult with the same guy that the Mr saw last December, that started THAT lovely path of invasion. UGH! Ok, I’m not going worry about that….yet. I don’t have a gall bladder. I don’t have an appendix. And there are a couple of other things I don’t have, so those were all ruled out.
Yep…still in pain, but some meds they gave me is keeping it at a dull roar, and hopefully, I’ll survive till Tuesday when I go in for the consult. After seeing the knee doc yesterday, my attitude improved a bit. He is quite pleased with my progress. 
And since I apparently ‘enjoy’ getting the crap beat out of me by the rehab de Sade triplets, he wants me to continue for another couple of weeks. Hmmm… Well, it’s good for me….I think.
I had PT this afternoon, and since I was feeling a bit better….well, at least functional, I thought I’d pop over to my friend’s house before my appointment, and see how she was holding up after having BOTH her knees replaced. 
I will freely admit it… I have a MAJOR case of recovery envy! Two weeks, and that woman is walking around like nothing happened. Ok, yes, she’s waddling a bit, but not even using a walker? No cane? And going up the stairs???? UGH! How??? I know it’s wrong to envy, but still…. It’s been two months since my ONE surgery, and she’s functioning better than I am. Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration, but not by much. Yep….recovery envy! 
And after my PT this afternoon, I am even more envious. I’ma hurtin’!! All swollen up, and yes I ‘iced’.
So, between the odd pain, and the knee pain, I haven’t much felt like posting a whole lot. And now, with the Mr up in Wisconsin for Volksfest, I think maybe I’ll play catch up with what’s going on in the world, or….just ignore the world completely. I haven’t decided yet. Heh.
Drinking Right – Lakeside Edition
It was that time again! And what better reason to come up to Wisconsin than to spend the day with some great folks? If you weren’t there, you missed one of the best times EVAH! And if Chris ever gets the DRQ up, I’ll link back to it. Heh. Now linked. Just remember….they’re all totally out of context.
Donna & Jamie
Patrick & Cindy
Prayers Please
A very good friend of mine is having surgery tomorrow morning. TWO total knee replacements! So, if ya could, spare a moment or two to pray that God guides the hands of the surgeon. Her name is Yvonne, and she is very special. I mean other than being the only adult at church that is shorter than me.
My Present
Since Brat was annoyed that I didn’t post her present to me yesterday, I brought it in, took it’s picture, and now she will be happy, right?
Yeah…it’s a t-shirt. Heh.
Typical Male Teen
Phone and earbuds. Makes for some interesting attempts at conversation. Heh.
An Explanation Is In Order
Yes, it is true, I AM an idiot! What on earth made me think I could drive over 700 miles and not suffer too much?? Gracious sakes!
My intent was to stop frequently, but what do you do if there is no where to stop? Interstates are mostly on, but did you know on U.S. highways, there aren’t nearly as many C-stores as you’d think! Of course, when you aren’t looking for them, they are all over the place. When you are in desperate need……ZILCH! sigh…
So, yes, I am an idiot!
Day one was the worst because I had to make numerous stops before I could even get on the road. There must be a law or something that if you are in pain, the person in line in front of you waiting to check out is going to be a total bozo, or the person checking them out has no clue what they are doing. After 20 minutes of waiting, basically patiently, I had to gather my stuff up, and go to a different line. Naturally, that check out person was slower than molasses, but at least I finally got out of the store. In tears, but out! By the time I had my needed purchases loaded up in the truck, I had turned into a massive puddle! Temperature of 102 with humidity ranging somewhere around Turkish bath!
I decided I would make it into Louisiana, and find the first available motel. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! Are you aware that there is about 40 miles of NOTHING? Now, ya know. Finally make to some town that starts with an A, not all that far from New Orleans, and the first place I stopped was totally non smoking. Yeah, like THAT’S gonna happen. Informed the young lady that if Holiday Inn keeps that crap up, we’ll be doing business with a more rational chain. She had the decency to look embarrassed. I wasn’t rude. Just explained that if I am paying for something, then I should be able to decide whether or not I want to smoke, and whether or not I want to use my husband’s hard earned money with their credit card. Funny how the parking lot was mostly empty. Hmmm…
I found a Comfort Inn who has not bowed to the politically correct nannies, and booked the room. Of course, I was starving by this time. I hadn’t eaten anything in about 7 hours. McDonald’s, right next door! So, instead of going up to my room with my stuff, I…yeah…I drove over there. Did you seriously think I was going to walk? Pfft! Pain is NOT my friend!
Now, I don’t mean to disparage the good folks of Louisiana, but if you have a machine that does all the work for you, and you don’t really have to think, why does it take 5 minutes to figure out the change? *shakes head* Friendly folks there though, so I didn’t get my knickers in a twist, although I was more than ready to end that day ASAP!
I get back to the motel, after having to turn the opposite direction and find somewhere to turn around. Got my stuff, grabbed my bag of Michelle Obama’s disapproved fast food, and waddle myself up to my room. The key didn’t work. sigh… I waddle myself back down to the desk, explained to the nice lady, got a new key, and waddled myself back up to the room. The key didn’t work. Ok, I’m getting a tad stressed. I waddled myself back down to the desk, pleading my case, got another new key, waddled back up. There was a little guy I had seen outside cleaning the entrance area that rode up the elevator with me. I smiled. He smiled. I got to the room, tried the key…..nothing. The little man kind of chuckles, indicates he can help. Ok. at this point…kicking the door open wouldn’t have bothered me. Remember, I am exhausted, and in a great deal of pain. He took the key, turned it over, and opened the door.
Not ONE word Chris!!!!! *glaring*
Yep….idiot!
A good night’s sleep would have done wonders at this point. Well, one of these days, I just might get one.
Day 2, I was going to be traveling along I-10, so there should be plenty of rest areas where I can stop, get out of the truck, and walk around a bit. Makes sense, right? Two words – Atchafalaya Basin! It goes on FOREVER! I was outside Lake Charles before I could actually make a pit stop. I suppose I could have attempted to exit before then, but when you are constantly surrounded by HUGE semis, it’s a little difficult to even see an exit until you are right up on it. Where on earth did they all come from, and where in the world were they all going in such a hurry? Jeeeez!
Well, I made it my destination, basically in one piece, and haven’t moved much since. Couch. Bed. Back to couch this morning. But hey….I’m showered and dressed and ready for a day of…..couch! Can’t believe those kids are still asleep and the dogs are outside! Thank you Lord!
Road Trip!
Yep! 5 weeks after having trauma done to my bod, I am getting behind the wheel of my trusty ol’ truck, and heading towards the Southwest. That would be Texas. I will be making frequent stops, and taking lots of Tylenol Arthritis, and stopping for the night when I can’t take it anymore. It typically takes me 2 days of 6 hours behind the wheel to get to Brat and Ick’s, but this time? Who knows. Might not have any trouble at all, and it’ll still take me 2 days of 6 hours of driving. Then again, I might find myself taking a week to get there. MIght as well take a covered wagon. Heh. Yes, I’m aware, it can be done in one day. I’m old. I don’t drive straight through anymore. I don’t have to. Motels are our friends!
Odds are, I won’t be posting anything while on the road. Well, especially when I’m driving, but I think I’m going to leave the computer in the back end. Trying to lug me, plus an overnight with a cane is going to be interesting, as is.
Road Trip and Stuff
Went to see the doc yesterday. Not a trip I’d recommend if ya aren’t exactly ready to sit in a car for a couple of hours if ya can’t get comfortable. I never knew the passenger seat of my truck was so….uncomfortable. No one ever said, and it’s not a spot where I sit. I thought by the time we got there, I would be ready to scream a few obscenities, but I managed to maintain some decorum, and behaved like a lady. Now, what facial expressions I shared, I have no idea, but I did get a sympathetic grin or two. I must be quite facially expressive. Hmmm….
Doc said I’m doing rather well. Uh huh. Now, I know he’s the expert, and all that, but seriously? These horrific cramps are normal? That just doesn’t seem right! But, I’m going to take Maggie’s advice and try Gator Aid. Hey…if the upped dosage of pain killers isn’t helping, maybe that will. One can only hope! Seriously, did he have to do into detail and describe the procedure? I felt a strong need for one of those airline barf bags. It was icky! Cut down the middle, pull the skin over, cut through the side…..no, I could have really done without THAT!
Also, I am officially OFF the Marquis de Sade’s torture device! WHOO HOO! The bad part….I have to actually do the physical exercise myself, with no aid from the machine. Oh joy! More pain. That’s ok. In the long run, I AM tough, and I CAN handle. I just enjoy whining. Hey…I’m female, and I do it well. At least I whine with a smile, right? Needless to say, I was stretched out in the backseat with a pillow for the 2 hour ride home. Heh. Wasn’t a whole lot better, being goosed the seat belt, but I could handle that by shifting around frequently.
I’m not going to push myself past the breaking point, but I have got to hurry up and get back to some semblance of humanity. That’s a fairly long drive to S.E. Texas, and I have to be there at least by the 7th of August, preferably sooner. That should give me enough time, right? I WILL be doubling the time it take to get there, stopping frequently to stretch and such. Even with these dadburn shots I’ve been getting in my stomach on a daily basis, blood clots are still a serious concern. So, I will take all precautions, and then some.
You see, I have a grandson to meet face to face for the first time in 17 years, and I am NOT going to miss this opportunity! NO WAY!
He would be the one of the left. Short Person, who I’ve mentioned many times before, is the one on the right. She’s pretty ecstatic to finally have the big brother she always wanted. They have been texting back and forth pretty much nonstop since she got his number. Truthfully, we’re all extremely thrilled he is back in our lives! The strongest memory I have of him, other than him peeing on me when I changed his diaper, was shortly after he was born, he was laying in a bassinet in Brat’s hospital room, sleeping. His older sister, Jr, was about 2 at the time and was totally enamored of the little ‘doll’. Then….he moved. You have never heard such a screech come out of a small child in your life. The nurses came running, thought someone was hurt. You see, dolls aren’t suppose to move. That little girl was darn near hysterical! It scared her SO bad! I’m sorry….I had to laugh. From an adult’s perspective, it was hilarious!
So, you see, I have an excellent motivator to get it in gear, so I can go! I have a LOT of work to do, and little time to do it. Computers will be an after thought for a while longer I guess. Well, unless something seriously strikes my fancy, or makes my blood boil….then I just might have to insert a rant or two, for good measure, don’cha know.
A couple of down sides….I’m going to miss Britaney’s baby shower! 
I was actually looking forward to it. I love buying baby stuff, especially when I know I won’t be the one having to deal with it on a regular basis. Now, I won’t mind baby sitting if she needs me to, but the 24/7 baby smell…..been there, done that….PPPPPP UUUU!!!
I also had to cancel my reservation for the Smart Girl Summit in St Louis. I was sooooooooooo looking forward to the gathering this year. Lots of terrific conservative ladies, great speakers, great sessions, and good times. I would have had to leave this coming Wednesday, and unfortunately, I am just not ready for that. And Herman Cain is one of the speakers! Double ! Oh well, next year.
It’s still ugly, but I gotta admit, it IS getting better! I just wish I’d stop running over my own feet with that silly walker.
I wonder how much of this old lady equipment I’m going to have to take with me so I don’t hurt m’self? Hmmm… Brat’s house isn’t exactly old woman proofed! sigh…
Farewell My Friend
Betty Smith was born in Hardin County, Tennessee on June 28, 1938 the daughter of the late Ed and Virginia Opal Alexander Highland.
On October 10, 1953 she was united in marriage to Billy Franklin Smith, who preceded his wife in death on April 25, 2007.
Mrs. Smith was a seamstress for Angelica and had worked for years in garment factories. She was a member of Carmel Heights Baptist Church in Crump, Tennessee. Mrs. Smith enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and yard sales.
She departed this life on July 15, 2011 in Jackson, Tennessee at the age of 73 years and 17 days.
Mrs. Smith is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Ann Smith Dennis of Newnan, Georgia, 3 sons, Steven Kent Smith of Niles, Michigan, Michael Franklin Smith and Brian Keith Smith, both of Savannah, Tennessee, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, one sister, Ruby Mack of Savannah, Tennessee, one brother, Jerry Highland of Arkansas.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by 3 infant children, 2 brothers, Phil and Larry Highland and 3 sisters, June Highland, Janie Highland and Leona Highland.
Service:
Sunday, July 17th, 2011 1:00 PM
Shackelford Chapel – Ph. (731) 925-4000
450 Church Street
Savannah, Tennessee
I had a really bad night Wednesday, so got little to no sleep. Obviously, no sleep means no rational thought. No blogging is a good idea. I had another bad one last night. This cramping business is really the pits.
The first thing this morning when I turned on my phone, I received a text from my pastor. A sweet lady, dear friend, and his mom Lost her battle with cancer this morning. I guess you could say I don’t feel much like posting anything today either.
It’s a joyous day for her, but a very unhappy one for the rest of us. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Ol’ Broad Updates!!!
I’m sure many of you are wondering how the Ol’ Broad is doing after her surgery. Well one thing the blogging world doesn’t want is the Ol’ Broad blogging while sedated because we’d have to add subtitles and it would probably get kinda ugly. So Chris From Racine asked me to redirect all of you to to her site…… WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT to find out WTF is going on with Kate!!!!
From The Heart
We know as well as anyone how tight things are right now. Between just day to day living, and all the medical bills, with more to come, we’re pretty strapped. But I figured if we reached down deep, did without a ‘luxury’ or two, we could manage to help out those who, right now, have nothing. They’ve lost almost everything. I say almost, because, where there is life, there is hope. I know things seems kind of hopeless to many in Joplin right now, but I think if we show them the same concern that we did to Alabama, and other parts of the country in recent months, practice what Jesus taught us, perhaps, their hearts will begin to heal.
My favorite is Samaritan’s Purse. But of course, there is also the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and others. You choose which feels right to you. Or maybe your church is interested in taking up a special collection, or items that are of the greatest need, like water, nonperishable food, clothes, and maybe even some toy type things for the kids.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
May God bless and watch over all of those affected. They ARE our family and friends.
A Heart Breaking Experience
This morning, I went to a funeral. I pray no one ever has to experience the pain that was so evident. Children are suppose to bury their parents, not the other way around. But it does happen, and we must learn to deal. We’ll never know why things turn out the way they do. It’s not for us to know. God’s ways are not our ways.
This was the first child’s funeral I have been to, and I hope I’ll never have to go to another. The number of people who were there is a testimony to just how much Brad and Brooke have affected the lives of so many. Two of the most precious people you’d ever want to meet…. kind, loving, giving their all to the Lord. I pray they will lean upon each other, and the many family and friends who love them, but especially, I pray they will lean upon our Savior, and turn to Him in their hour of need. There will be many in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.
May God bless the Marlar family.
Rylee Marlar
2 November 2010 ~ 30 April 2011
Resting in the arms of the Lord.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:16
Added: I had forgotten about this video Brook made, and am adding it, and her comments.
“We found out at 20 wks pregnant Rylee had hydrocephalus. We were first told that she would not live becuase she didn’t have a brain. She was born 6 weeks early and is now almost five months old. We have since learned that she also has a genetic disorder called 3P deletion syndrome that probably has something to do with the hydrocephalus. She has had two surgeries already: shunt and a feeding tube/fundo. She has had many ct scans to show that she only has around 10% of her brain and the doctors can’t give us an expected life span for her. They just tell us to take care of her the best we can. We are so thankful and blessed to have her and know that God is going to allow us to have her as long as He wants. He has a plan and a purpose for her!” – Brook Marlar
