Monday Morning Jan 31st

Well this has been a month to remember for the New Year. I've lost two uncles and been hospitalized twice. I've not been able to pay my respects to either uncle especially Billy who raised me from a wee lad and who my kids called Paw Paw as their grandfather, oh well. Bobby may try to attend the funeral which is this Friday at the old church we attended as kids. It's a blessing he is gone as his health had really gone down hill these past couple of weeks and was on morphine which is no way to live and he lived life to the fullest. He taught me a lot but mostly how to work and be responsible for my actions which I have tried to pass on to my kids.

The lungs are not there just yet but I'm doing less and less coughing. The body is starting to heal from the fall but the black and blue bruises are quite evident thankfully in unseen places. I had a good time with Bobby and the twins as they came for the afternoon and then supper. They are such a blessing and just makes your day. They now love grandma's cookies and have grown a custom to asking for them which just melts Nancy's heart. We watched our church service on the internet and had a grand time of worship and then Bobby and I watched some football which wasn't quite the same without the Bucs playing. Never would I have thought the Bengals would beat the Chiefs in their stadium but it happened and the Ram's who beat the Bucs won in a close match against the 49'ers.

A health care nurse game around 10 and checked me out and set up a schedule for checking on my progress with these covid issues. The lungs sounded good to her and the vital's were O.K. as well. It was cold here this morning but no freeze or frost so the garden held on. Nancy and Bobby harvested beans and greens for him. Bobby next door came over as well to check on me and then some friends from church who have chickens brought us some farm fresh eggs. you would think I'm a celebrity. I'm humbled by all the well wishes and prayers shed for me on the social media network many of which brought tears to my eyes, LATER

Sunday Morning in Seminole Jan 30 th

 Well I'm back at this keyboard after a harrowing ride through the ER and several days once again in the hospital at Morton Plant. They were magnificent once again with their diagnosis and care for me. They had me on a sodium free diet which wasn't quite as tasty as the original diet last time but it was probably a good thing as I had to pass up this delicious strawberry delight cake which was decadent and surely added to the spare tire. They discharged me around lunch time after a couple of small hikes within the floor of the facility and once again my O2 levels held and came back up up after the activity. I never would have imagined I would be so cognizant to my activity and the O2 levels in my body but I have a new awakening after seeing what came out of the lungs and to get the message from several nurses that I'm very lucky or just plain a miracle for surviving this event.

I'm really starting to see the results of the fall from blacking out with a huge black and blue stripe across my torsos around the groin and buttocks area and the knot is still visible on the side of my head as well as the jaw still has difficulty opening completely; but I'm very fortunate otherwise because without that fall I would not have received the CT scan which exhibited the blood clots immediately in my lungs. The heart enzymes also reflected the strain on the heart to move oxygenated blood from the now corrupted lungs and this too started to decrease back to normal after the removal of the blood clots. I'm very fortunate I didn't have a stroke and or a heart attack during this ordeal. It was the quick diagnosis and actions by the medical staff which gave me back thus far a some what start to a complete recovery. I did upset Nancy so much she is not letting me out of her sight for now shadowing me every step. Thankfully she quickly call 911 and got help on the way as well as our awesome fireman neighbor who was with me until I headed off to the hospital.

I was a little dismayed at the cost of this drug that I may be on for the rest of my life called Eliquis at over 600 bucks a month but if it keeps me alive then its worth it. It was good to be home and neighbor Carol sent down a pot of soup, crackers and brownies which fit the bill on the cold winter day. We are supposed to have the coldest night this year this morning. I sure hope the garden makes it through this spell. Son in law Tyler came by and mowed the yards for me as the weeds and stickers were becoming evident. Today Sunday a health care worker is coming to access me once again. This Bay Care outfit is awesome. I do not think I would have survived with using the VA completely as there was no follow up with my primary care provider or any x-rays of the lungs after the initial visit, LATER

Saturday Afternoon Jan 29th

Well, I'm back home after being back in the hospital since Monday when I went down for the count. That was the first time ever in my life that I have blacked out and believe me it was an experience like no other. My body is black and blue thankfully in most unseen places except for a knot on the side of my head and my jaw is limited in its opening. I've been off O2 since yesterday and all night long as well as this morning. I took a couple of walks inside the hospital to check on my O2 levels before being discharged. The O2 levels held and returned back to its normal levels after walking.

Its great to be back home after the hospital stay once gain under Nurse Nancy's care which is quite demanding to say the least. She has once again made it her mission to calm me down, so I'll go with the flow for this first week and take it easy. This medicine called Eliquis is as costly if not more than gold at 600 bucks a month, wow, but if it keeps me alive so what.

Its cold here with the temps in the 40's but with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. It's supposed to get close to freezing here tonight but we are surrounded by the gulf and bay waters which should keep us from freezing like the inland areas which will receive a hard freeze if the predictions are correct. It hasn't been this cold in close to 40 years, oh well. At least we are not in the northeast of the country, LATER

Friday Morning Jan 28th

Well I made it through an operation of the lungs having some many blood  clots removed. I was amazed to see at least 40 pieces removed and I'm sure they were part of a much longer clot but still to see so much removed was very heartening to think they got the big clots from my lungs and now they will heal and I can get back to being full time once again. Thank all of you who prayed me through this event and at times I was worried when just speaking caused me to be so short winded and breathless. I still have some clots in the legs but the blood thinner will take care of those I hope and its looking good thus far.

On a sad note Paw paw passed this morning around 8 and its not as if it was unexpected as he was 94 and had some severe health issues the last couple of weeks. I'll not be able to attend to pay my respects for a man who took me into his family when I was a wee lad and raised me as the brother of his three daughters. He out lived all of his siblings since his youngest brother passed a couple weeks ago. I think my son Bobby will try to attend his service depending on the weather and his schedule.

I'll be here in the hospital for at least another day as I start some physical therapy and get off this O2 and start exercising again. It's looking like I may start my first script for life which maybe a blood thinner called eliquis. Since I have used it before its looking like that might be my first daily script.

Well that about it and while the lungs seem to be some what better I'm ice packing the knot on the side of my heads from the unconscious fall on Monday which is what brought me back to this hospital. I'm being seen by a cardiologist due to the damage the lungs caused to the right side of the heart  from the lack of O2 which caused me to black out as well as a pulmonologist. I'll be doctored up as is Nancy, LATER

Thursday Morning Jan 27th

 Well its another morning in the hospital and the shortness of breath persists despite the 24/7 drip of heparin which is supposed to help break up and dissolve these blood clots from the lungs and now located  in the both lower legs according to the sonogram which just blows my mind, since all last week I was walking the neighbor with no adverse breathing issues. Unbelievable things changed that quick with in hours. The home health care nurse was there Monday Morning and was amazed at how quick I had recovered since being discharged and now I was back in the hospital after having a a total black out. Thankfully, excepted for few bruises and bumps and a skinned elbow no real damage to the body.

The folks(medical personnel) are as great as the ones I encountered on the pneumonia Covid ward and the only issue I have which is for my benefit is I can not use the bathroom and must have someone with me any time I attempt to get our or into bed as well as the sit in a chair or use the potty chair. (Good BM's only a little embarrassing from the odor). The food is still the same with lots of variations except due to the heart issues assigned next to the lungs they have me on a sodium free diet. Its not bad thus far and just maybe I'll have a few pounds lees when I leave.

Nancy and Amy were able to visit yesterday which makes the visit here a much more enjoyable stay. I finally got in several hours of rest although not interrupted due to every 4 hours a nurse was in to take my vitals. I had a breakfast of French toast, chicken sausages, yogurt and a blueberry muffin and of course hot green tea, LATER

Wednesday At the hospital January 26th

 Well had a little set back yesterday and I know why. I have developed blood clots in both lungs and in the legs from Covid. This is one of its trademarks for this disease. I thought having pneumonia was bad but this new issue had taken away my ability to have any energy, stamina and I wakened on the bathroom floor after going completely blank. First ever for me being totally wiped out I was transported once again to Morton Plant Hospital by ambulance last evening and I'm now a residence until only GOD knows when. They have me on a 24/7 anti blood clot drip as well as back on steroids albeit a much lower dose well as on constant O2 in the nose. Anyhow lots of test this AM, tons of blood draws and not being allowed to either stand or walk around alone after falling unconscious last evening in the bathroom. I gave Nancy a huge fright as she heard my head strike the tile and found me unconscious lying flat on my face. She immediately called 911 and they were there in minutes according to her. Thats about all I remember but I did notice that over night on Monday I has started having some rapid breathing and feeling some what tired in my lower legs. It's because the blood clots occurs naturally and is associated with this insidious Covid which infiltrated my body.

Well rained all day on Tuesday which thankfully keep my garden wet but the cool temps aren't the for their growth, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 25th

 Well it was another chilly day here in usually warm sunny Florida. We turned the heat on for the first time this winter and its been on all day and all night. Most unusual but its nothing like what happening at our mountain cabin with snow still on the ground and below freezing temps according to our friends there. I did finally get out of the house during the noon hour as the sun which we hadn't seen in days warmed up the back yard and I was able to hand water the gardens for the first time in a couple days. Nancy didn't want me breathing in the cold air with my lungs as tender as they are.

The home health care nurse came by and checked me out and said I was doing quite well despite the coughing. The lungs checked out and the BP and O2 levels were within standards. She said it could take several weeks because of this strain of the virus I contacted that attacks the lungs. All in all she seemed pleased that had appointments for chest x-ray's next week and then pulmonary doctors the day afterwards. She will release me after those are carried out. I'm still having shortness of breath after any exertion but I seem to be recovering a little quicker than at first. The O2 levels stayed above 90 most all day.

We ate good again with a fresh garden salad for lunch and then leftovers from the family dinner on Sunday evening. My oh my were they as ever delicious as then. We tuned into Fox News for the real news and then watched our old friend Jesse Watters. He is hoot and not afraid to tell the truth about this inept Biden administration. Let's hope pray that Putin doesn't take advantage of him and start another war but it looking like that as we speak. We need a real leader who stands up to these power hungry tyrants and the dems

On a somber note paw Paw is till hanging on but barely as he is injected with morphine every few hours to help lessen the pain from the infection within his body. We spoke with Dee yesterday and Mike is down to N.C. helping to care for their grands for the week. That seems to be about all the news except one of my pickle ball buddies came by for a visit and brought me book. We are close in age with me being maybe a year older. It was good to see someone from the gang and he is hoping I will recover and be back in action, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 24th

Well Sunday was a good day with worship on line from BridgePoint in the morning and then the whole family came for a delicious dinner. The only sad part was the Bucs let a win get away from them with just seconds to go and are now out of the playoffs. There will be no repeat super bowl winners this year.

I' m still coughing and get tired easily from the pneumonia but I did vacuum the house before everyone came. The older kids just love these twins and Eliza is like a little mother around them. They are so cute together. They both are counting to 10 or more and are knowing their letters as well. They were so cute dressed in their cool weather clothes.

Nancy spent the morning getting ready as we had fresh green beans out of the garden, a huge fresh garden salad, parsley tatters and Bobby brought and grilled 3 flank steaks which were just melt in your mouth delicious. Nancy made a delicious dessert as well and then there was garlic bread. 

It was chilly all day long and we seldom seen the sunshine except briefly for just a few moments. The nurse called and said she will be by this morning to check me out before releasing me from their care. I just hope I continue on the road to healing but at times I wonder when my O2 levels drop and I get shortness of breath, oh well. Everyone left around 7'ish as it was a school evening and Bobby was flying out to Columbus Ohio for his work at 4 in the morning, LATER

Sunday Morning Jan 23rd

Well Saturday found us with much cooler temps, over cast skies and even a drizzle of rain. I never went out of the house as the cool air isn't good for the lungs and while I slowly think I'm getting better I didn't want to take a chance. Nancy has her sore throat again but is able to talk. I'm still coughing some what especially when I practice these breathing techniques to strengthen the lungs. I'm just amazed at how much this pneumonia has taken out of me both with loss of energy and shortness of breath.

I read and watch videos for most of the day until the NFL playoff games came on TV and then I tuned into to watch where the cold and the snow was a factor in each game. Both home town teams lost and today the Bucs play here in Tampa. Let's home the home town team wins today. The Packers lost which I thought would be the biggest obstacle to the Bucs repeating as champions, especially playing in the frozen north; but since they are gone I think our chances have increased to repeat.

 Bobby and Amy's families are coming for a family dinner and to watch the game. It will be good to have all the grands here together. On a somber note it not looking good for Paw Paw as he is on morphine these last couple of days. Seems his infection is through out the body and its just a matter of hours and maybe  days. Pat brought him back to her house so he wouldn't pass in the hospital. There isn't much they can do for this 94 year old body except keep him comfortable as much as possible. I spoke with her yesterday and she is making arrangements. I mentioned I had better not travel with these lungs especially in the cold temps and take a chance on this pneumonia recurring. She agreed completely so we will pay our respects come summer time for both Uncle Frankie and Paw Paw respectfully.

My O2 levels fluctuate through out the day but mainly are in the middle 90's. I'm now I'm officially off the steroids which I hope makes a difference in the lungs ability to heal themselves. Shortness of breath occurs when I'm doing anything physical which just annoys me and makes me wonder if and when I will regain my love for physical activities, oh well. I should just appreciate the fact I can breathe and at least function some what, LATER

Saturday Morning Jan 22nd

Well the weather here has been awesome with mild mornings and beautiful afternoons and evenings with just a slight chill in the air after dark. That is supposed to change this weekend with another cold front moving into the area and maybe some frost on the horizon for Monday morning. I think the big oak in the back yard will prevent any real damage to the garden but I do have plenty of old sheets to cover if need be. 

I'm still fighting this pneumonia with shortness of breath at time especially if I really exert myself but I'm recovering much quicker with some breathing exercises. I feel as if I'm starting to see some improvement with my energy levels and with being able to do more physical activity. I did manage a trip to my local barber which I was in dire need of an ear lowering before Christmas but had to put it on hold until yesterday. It was good to converse with some one other than Nancy and her laryngitis which seems to improving some what.

I spent the biggest part of the day watching documentaries on every thing from Vietnam to travel guides through out the world. It's amazing at your fingertips there is so much info especially in videos which put you right there. I've just about finished a read titled ALONE ON THE ICE which is about an Antarctica exploration in the early 1900's by Mawson. What a read and the agony he suffered in the elements but he made it out after losing several friends and fellow explorers.

I grilled a couple steaks we chopped off from our huge Christmas loin roast that was just too big to serve all at once and they were tender and juicy along with some leftover garlic noodles and beets. I took what I hope was my last dose of steroids yesterday morning and now can hopefully purge my body of these meds and get back to only whole foods, vitamins and supplements. I'm still fighting this rash on my buttocks but I think it has something to do with these meds, LATER

Friday Morning Jan 21st

 Well its been two weeks since I've been home from the hospital and yesterday was a better day after a tough evening on Wednesday when I could not get my O2 levels stabilized. I figured out that I wasn't hydrated enough so yesterday I poured the fluids practically in my body and wow what a difference that made. I've still got a ways to go with getting my energy and strength back but I feel as if I'm on the way. I did sit in the sunshine during the afternoon for an hour reading as the temps were awesome with a nice gentle breeze.

The garden is growing like crazy with cucumbers, beans and leafy greens in abundant. The Roma's are large enough to harvest when they ever begin to turn red. The Celebrities tomato's are getting some size as well as I started these 4 plants from seeds and the Roma I purchased already a foot tall. The onions I transplanted from seeds look as if they will make as well and I'm still waiting on the egg plants to set fruit after blooming while I was in the hospital.

Well not much to write about except I'm hoping for good bodily functions after taking my last dose of steroids yesterday. I have wanted to eat everything not nailed down and the spare tire is showing it with an extra roll. I'm hoping to get back with some weight loss soon but Nancy has been great at cooking and keeping me filled with good stuff. She is under the weather with laryngitis and a scratchy throat and is afraid she may have contracted the virus again. Our friends the Tracy's both tested positive and she is back in the hospital with low O2 levels. No word on Paw Paw as he is in the hospital as well with some serious issues.

Nancy was able to watch Ava play basketball on her cell phone. Seems You Tube picked up the game. They won big again and Ava played great and was the top scorer, LATER

Thursday Morning Jan 20th

 Well Wednesday started out on the chilly side but quickly warmed up by mid morning to short sleeve temps and by late afternoon just delightful as I took a second hike around the block which I probably shouldn't have as it set me back considerably with my O2 levels around supper time and into the evening hours. I managed to get it back in the low 90's with out the auxiliary O2 before bedtime, oh well. Maybe I'm pushing and rushing this recovery too hard.

I piddled around in the garden doing little chores, hoeing some weeds and hand watering as well as setting out my tender young green onion shoots I started from seeds. Most of the day was at the computer or reading outside after lunch setting in the bright sunshine trying to cook this pneumonia out of my lungs. The O2 was very good throughout the day until I took that second walk and then it was doing breathing exercises to help restore the levels above the minimum levels. I'll skip that second walk for a couple days, LATER

Wednesday Morning Jan 19th

Well it was really nippy here in usually warm sunny Florida this morning with temps close to the upper 30's and it stayed rather brisk and chilly for most of the day. I did get in an afternoon walk around the small block alone which is helping me get back some of my strength and hopefully a full recovery. I also piddled around out side in the gardens after the walk picking green beans and transplanting some tater plants that had come up in my compost pile. I'm taking it easier by  monitoring my O2 levels and sitting when they get down close to 90 or less. Thus far I'm getting mostly 95-96's through out the day. I still get shortness of breath from time to time but quickly recover with some breathing skills. This road is going to be longer than I anticipated before I fully recover and get back to playing pickle ball.

We had Sam and Eliza for the evening and they loved the Zuppa for supper and we also gave Sam a nice piece of left over salmon fillet as they don't get any seafood in their diet due to Ava being allergic from the mercury from when she was poisoned by the dentist at an early age. Afterwards we played Kings on the Corner with them and then they had their baths as Amy, Tyler and Ava were at a basketball game until close to 9. It seems Ava's team lost against a very good team as did the varsity girls. I could barely keep my eyes open after 8 so I too hit the shower and was soon in bed when the kids left. I'm not sleeping great and arise around 5'ish for some reason but last night we put an extra blanket on the bed which made a huge difference and I slept better until 5'ish. I can not imagine trying to stay warm at the cabin with snow on the roof and the wind chill in the single digits.

Well it seems Paw Paw is back in the VA hospital with some severe issues. I'm surprised if he gets out anytime soon and at all as his 94 years of age is catching up with him. He is the last of his siblings and thus far have turned out to have lived the longest in his family. Well that was about it for the day as Nancy made a fav of mine for dessert, banana pudding. With this virus I've had nothing but eating on my mine and I think the steroids are partly to blame that I'm on. I have a few more days as I wind down their use. I did call a first cousin of mine who heard my name mentioned at the funeral for Uncle Frankie. Betty Richards and I graduated together in 1964 and she was the daughter of my grandmothers sister who lived near Mountain Falls. She actually went to work at Cather's Farm market where I worked during high school on weekends and eventually became close friends with the Cather's as I did. We caught up on some class mates and her family since we graduated some 58 years ago, Wow where did that time, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 18th

 Well this month is over half gone and while I''m still some what under the weather with this lung issue I'm feeling a little stronger each day and doing a little more putzing around in the garden and helping with the dishes, etc. Not much to write about except I did harvest two large colanders of greens, lettuces, Swiss chard and kales for the salad bowl while Nancy was out shopping at both Wal- Mart and Aldi's. I got in some reading and documentary watching as well and even took a 10 minute nap after lunch.

The weather here was basically cooler with stronger breezes and mostly overcast until late afternoon when we took a rather brisk walk around the small block. The O2 levels dropped some but stayed well about the limit where I would need the O2machine. Thus far since being home I've not needed to charge the O2 machine and have maintained the levels with certain breathing practices.

Nancy made a delicious supper of fresh salmon, fresh asparagus and garlic pasta all of which are my fav's. We will have Sam and Eliza for Zuppa soup this evening as it is one of their fav's, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 17th

 Well Sunday started out with a huge front moving through the area with lightning and thunder and heavy down pours of much needed rain It stayed over cast for most of the morning and then by game time around 1 PM the skies cleared somewhat but then eventually clouded back over for the evening. The wind was strong out of the west as we took a walk around the small block after game as I wanted to work on getting back into shape for more physical activities. The O2 levels are up and down but mostly in the middle 90 range which is really good according to everyone. So far I haven't had to use any O2 from the machine and I have just 1 more week of steroids before I go off all meds.

We watched our church service on line once again as I didn't want to put myself at risk for infection in a group. We even took communion together at the end of our service and once again heard a good message on truth which seems to be slipping away from America and the biblical principles that support this ideology. So sad to think the liberals are destroying all that made America great and has now issued that everything was good is now evil and just the opposite. I can not for the life of me understand their thinking to destroy the very fabric that made US(A) great and separated us from the rest of the world. How we ever elected some of these folks to the government is beyond my comprehension.

I headed out after breakfast and harvested a nice mess of collard greens and had them on the slow cook the rest of the day. They were so delicious for our supper with hickory smoked bacon, chicken broth and onions and Nancy made a delicious buttermilk corn bread with honey to accompany it. So good and good for you. We finished up the venison meat loaf on sandwiches for lunch with mayo, onion and sliced tomato another favorite of mine. We definitely have been eating high on the hog as the old timers mentioned. We will have Sam and Lele  for supper on Tuesday as Ava has an away basketball game and they will spend the evening with us.

The Bucs won big over the Eagles in their first play off game. Brady was great and the oldest QB in the league and they won with many of their players injured. I watched some of the other games but we face timed with Jake, Kaitlyn and Skylar for nearly an hour. She is expecting in August and they are quite busy with raising puppies, farm animals and of course Jake has his wood shop which is doing well. He managed to come out to the cabin and take down several of those big oaks that surround the lower part of the yard as well as the huge leaning pine tree in the back yard. He burns the wood in his wood water stove for heat for their house. Jake is quite the innovator and can do just about anything that requires some muscle and creativity with wood, metal and precise measurements like cabinet making.

Well that was about it for the day as by 8'ish I'd had my shower and must have fallen asleep watching the game. I'm going to try to stay away so as not to wake up at 3'ish in the morning and lay there until 5, oh well, LATER

Sunday Morning Jan 16th

 Well Saturday was another beautiful day with great temps and so much fun to be around family as we celebrated Eliza's 8th birthday with a a delicious supper at Amy's and a cake made by Nancy and of course birthday presents. Eliza is such a sweet child and so full of life. Bobby came over in the afternoon with the twins and we headed up to the Rec playground so they could burn off some energy and believe me they are full of it as they climbed the slides, ladders and just ran and played for an hour or more. Nancy came along and helped keep them corralled as I sat basically in the sun and regained my  strength which I think is starting to come back.

I started the day with a well before 6 roll out to my usual routines, cup of hot tea , quiet times and then a great breakfast of fruit and cereal. I have another week on these steroids which have me eating any and everything for some reason. I did get out after breakfast and sit and hand water the gardens which are doing as well as can be expected without much help from me. I have a ton of weeds that need pulling and  chopping that have taken up residence in the patches. Everything looks great thus far and the Roma tomato should be turning any day as they are loaded. I did notice a celebrity tomato set as well.

Well the mountains are in for a big snow according to the weather folks. We are have a few thunder rumbles here this morning as a front moves through bringing some much needed rainfall. Thankfully my well is strong as I use it everyday for the gardens and yards. Not much to write about except the O2 levels are in the middle to upper 90's which is a plus and the ability to walk and piddle around seems to be getting stronger each day with the shortness of breathe finally going away. My voice is gradually coming back after all this coughing, LATER

Saturday Morning Jan 15th

 Well Friday was another of firsts since I came down with this pneumonia on New Years Day and was admitted to the hospital. I walked around the small block in our neighborhood and the O2 levels seemed to stay in the middle 90's. That's a great start to getting back to full lung capacity. I sat outside in the sun for a couple hours, hand watering the gardens which usually tires me out, but I was invigorated to say the least. My vital's are holding up with good BP despite still on the steroids. I have about a week to go as I wean myself off of them. Nancy is holding my feet to the fire while constantly checking on the O2 levels and cooking up some great delicious meals.

I was able to harvest another cucumber and the last of the radishes which were huge. I'm piddling a little in the garden and enjoying being outside as much as possible. I'm still getting tired by 8'ish after my shower and can barely make it to 9 before sleep hits me.

Today or this evening we head over to Amy's for a birthday supper for Eliza Faye. She is such a sweet cutie and very excited about being 8 years old Amy always has a great meal like Nancy who made a cake specifically for Eliza. Bobby will attend with the twins who we haven't seen in a couple of weeks. Should be a fun day as well. The weather here is almost perfect with cool mornings and then shirt sleeve temps as the day goes on. I'm hoping after the doctors appointment on the first of February I can slowly get back to bike riding and even some pickle ball, LATER

Friday Morning Jan 14th

 Well Thursday once again gave us another beautiful winter day here in sunny Florida with temps in the 50's and it stayed around the low 70's for most of the day with just a hint of coolness in the air. A perfect winter day much unlike what our friends are seeing in the mountains at the cabin. There is a warning about some heavy snow fall coming their way with cold temps. 

I had another good day with the O2 levels holding toward the higher side of 90's and did reach 98% a couple times. I'm regaining some strength and some endurance but still have that ever nagging cough which brings up clear phlem which is what the Dr's want as the lungs clear themselves. I did get in an after noon walk and some small garden chores at times during the day but did stay out of bed and was usually at the desk reading and watching documentaries.

Nancy has been feeding us great which is a big help in getting back my stamina. I made a couple of doctor appointments and now I'm all set for February and hopefully will get back to some more physical activities especially on the pickle ball court. My desire and mind want to be there now but my limitations are evident with this pneumonia and my ability to breathe.

Today was our youngest sweet grand daughters 8th birthday Eliza Faye and she was so excited. We are having a family supper on Saturday evening with the whole family to celebrate. Bobby will bring the twins but Annsley and Gabe will not be there. All else seems well. I harvested another long skinny burpless cucumber from my 4 hills and the tomato's continue to grow and are large enough to start tuning red. We had a venison meat loaf along with fresh green beans from the garden and split a sweet tater for our delicious supper. We will now have cold meat loaf sandwiches for a day or so as they are one of our favorite lunches and oh so good for you. many thanks to neighbor Gerald for suppling us with this delicious meat that comes from our hills, LATER

Thursday Morning Jan 13th

 Well Wednesday was another beautiful day here in sunny cool central Florida with tons of bright sunshine and blue skies. I'm progressing albeit rather slow to what I'm use to as I want to run and play. I'm walking a little longer and sitting in the sun longer but sadly I give out quicker than I'm use to. We did take a trip to Sam's Club but I stayed in the truck while Nancy shopped and she actually filled the gas tank for the first time in years.

My vital's are good with the O2 level hitting 98 % a couple times during the day which is awesome. My appetite is awesome with the fresh garden salad's daily as well as tons of fresh fruit and I'm trying to suck up more fluids than usual. I can tell it will take a couple more weeks before I even think about running and playing. I'm sitting in a chair while I hand water the garden and even that tires me out and drops the O2 level at times. But I'm regaining it quickly which is a promising sign, LATER

Wednesday Morning Jan 12th

Well I actually hit 97% O2 yesterday for the first time. What a mile marker and I also feel more strength returning a little at a time. The vital's are holding and despite the steroids the blood pressure is below 120 with good respirations by the heart and the lack of the evidence of pneumonia in the lungs seems to be dwindling according to the home health care workers. I had another come by yesterday for a visit and she said in two weeks after a final visit if nothing gets worst they will release from their care. PRAISE GOD They have been more than satisfactory with their care for me.

I'm sitting outside as much as possible soaking up the sunshine and staying out of any bed, but yesterday I took a deep 10 minute deep nap which is the first in a couple of day. I'm hitting the sack around 9'ish and of course awakening around 5'ish so I'm getting plenty of rest and Nancy is feeding me so well. She of course keeps monitoring the O2 levels and makes sure I'm taking my meds and just being in control which I sort of like at times. She has been marvelous to say the least with great concern for my health and well being. I'm blessed thats she still after nearly 43 years show so much care for me. I guess it would be too hard to train another at her age so she is sticking with me, LATER

 

Tuesday Morning Jan 11th

 Well Monday was another beautiful day here in central Florida to start with but by the afternoon the a/c was back on. I did manage to sit in the sunshine during the morning for an hour or so while I hand watered the gardens which is doing quite well. Nancy harvested a nice mess of green beans from the side garden and I harvested some herbs for our supper of fajitas, black beans and jasmine rice. The cilantro is growing like weeds along with the fresh dill.

I'm progressing but ever so slow with little or no energy and the cough is still there at times. I did do a 10 minute hike up the sidewalk during the morning hours and then a small hike up to the Botbyl's later in the evening. I'm eatin' great as Nancy makes sure I'm getting good wholesome foods along with my meds but I'm over this being incapacitated. I had another health care worker come by and then another one is planned for a visit today to see how I'm doing. I must say the follow up care is awesome to say the least and I'm scheduled for Dr's appointment the first 3 days of February. I'm hoping by then to be close to 100% as I miss the physical activity especially being on the pickle ball court, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 10th

 Well Sunday was another great day to be alive and out of the hospital and a day to worship albeit at home. I managed a nice slow walk down the sidewalk, sitting in the back yard and hand watering my gardens and just general being home with nurse Nancy. She has been over accommodating with me as I recover from this pneumonia keeping a check on my O2 levels, preparing great foods and just being supportive. I'm blessed with her concern.

We did worship together watching and hearing our campus pastor for BridgePoint Seminole Campus Bryan Hay who gave a magnificent heart felt message and the praise and worship was so inspiring as well. I'm a blessed man and we are a blessed family.

I did get in some NFL time and watched our local team once again beat our local team from the Carolinas convincingly in the second half of play. I would love to see a  repeat of the big game come back to Tampa after so many years of dismal records. I must say I'm pulling for the old guy Brady who keeps setting records. We had a good chat with youngest sister Dee and Mike who are planning a trip down in February to visit us for a spell. She and I have always clicked since she was just a kid. She was about first or second grade when I left home in '64 but over the years have really drawn close, LATER

Sunday Morning Jan 9th

 I feel myself getting a little stronger each day although the lungs are still coughing and spitting out secretions from time to time and there is still the shortness of breath but all in all I'm totally encouraged with my progress and of course Nancy is on me like white on rice, constantly reminding me of my limitations and taking my O2 levels. I'm sure glad they didn't send any needles home for her for me.

I had a good report from the physical therapist who released me after a through evaluation with ways to help improve my lung capacity and get stronger. He was really amazed for a person of my age to be in such decent shape after being in the hospital for 6 days and just getting getting home with still the remnants of pneumonia in both lungs. After he left we sat outside in the sunshine which is a big plus to help with drying up this disease and neighbor Bobby came by for a visit as well. Such a great guy and now he is medically retired from the fire department and a fantastic neighbor. We are so lucky to have great neighbors.

Patrick and Kathryn came by around 5'ish and visited but stood outside as he has been exposed once again by church friends with the virus. Neither of them have been vaccinated as neither of us in the Cool Peoples Club especially Kathryn with her lungs being at one time in need of a transplant. She has amazed me with her ability to fight this insidious virus and looks great. They were at the first birthday party of their grandson along with our two grandsons in Tampa during the afternoon. Well we had a good chat with our mountain mom and while its very cold there she is holding her own, going to the weekly beauty parlor and still living and driving on her own. She is another amazing tough lady and despite some circulation issues with her legs manages her daily living all alone, LATER

Saturday Morning Jan 8th

 Well Friday things were really busy around here with a health care worker checking me out for an hour or two setting a plan for some physical therapy today Saturday and basically taking it easy as nurse Nancy kept a check on my O2 levels. It did fluctuate from time to time but stay above the bottom line so as not to need any additional O2 help. I even managed to hand water the gardens but took it in shifts and sat in a chair and I could feel the O2 levels decrease. I did get in a few minutes of bright sunshine on the body in the fresh afternoon air.

I'm really surprised this is going to take awhile to overcome this pneumonia as I tire easily and the O2 levels drop precipitously from time to time. Physically its so demeaning to not be able to run and play, oh well. Nancy had a delicious supper of baked salmon with asparagus and garlic pasta after a breakfast of fresh fruit and waffles and then a sandwich for lunch. She is keeping me well fed. I'm still on some meds for the lungs but the vitals are doing well and they are regimented for a couple of weeks. Praise GOD I'm doing as well as I am despite the seriousness of this pneumonia and what it can do to your heart and lungs, LATER

Friday Morning at Home Jan 7th

 Well I made it through the week of being hospital bound with no visitors and really except for missing the Nancy and the kiddo's it was a most pleasant stay except for the several daily needles in the tummy, blood draws and needles in the arms. I must say the Bay Care staff is the best I've ever experience both professionally and filled with TLC nurses and support staff. I felt at times as if I were some VIP on vacation.

I got discharged around 4'ish and it felt good to breathe fresh air and of course hold Nancy physically after being gone for nearly a week. She was pampering me completely through out the evening and eventually after a supper it was time to have my first shower since last year. I did take sit baths as there were no shower in my room but that was the only draw back with my stay. Oh what a great shower, hair wash and just over all general feeling of cleanliness.

On a sad note I learned my Uncle Frankie passed away over night. He was 9 years older than me and now only Paw Paw uncle Billy is the last of his siblings at 94. He leaves two daughters and several grand kiddos.

Nancy has the garden looking great as she watered every day and we are excited to start harvesting green beans, cucumbers and lots of leafy greens. The hospital food was one of the high lights but nothing compared to Nancy's cooking. Bay Care has a physical therapist coming in this morning to assist with my recovery as well. It will take some time for these lungs to heal but I've maintained 92% oxygen through out the night with no help from the machine which is good since I've been on it 24/7 for the last week, LATER

I want to THANK ALL who kept me in your thoughts and prayers for  recovery as I was very concerned when Nancy took me to the ER on Saturday. Losing a nephew at a young age to this lung disease is a real eye opener as well as several friends who are battling this insidious virus.

Jan 6th Thursday Morning

 Well I'm supposed to head home today some time before lunch. I had a decent nights rest with my vital's looking good this morning. I'm still having some congestion in the deep lungs but that will hopefully take care of itself with some rest and meds and just being under Nancy's care, that will be a big difference in many ways. I must say they took great care of me here at the hospital and I'm doing so much better since they admitted me on Saturday, LATER

Wednesday Morning Jan 5th 2022

 Well I'm still in the hospital and making some progress but still have this shortness of breath from the pneumonia. The treatment has worked up to this point but I can still feel it deep down in my lungs. I have a feeling since tonight will be my last dose of the remesivir(sic) I will go home tomorrow. I just hope its nots too soon.

My other points of interests are doing well and this food here is absolutely resort style and the care is unbelievable as well. Not much to write about as I try to get stronger day by day. Sure miss Nancy, the kids  and the grands as there are NO visitors allowed due to the virus, LATER

Tuesday Morning Jan 4th 2022

 Well things are starting to improve with the old body racked by pneumonia. I'm doing everything asked by the medical staff which are fantastic with their care of me. I have a private end room with great views and the food for a hospital is excellent; missing is having Nancy around to keep my grounded. I feel as if I'm on vacation to be honest. I'm still some what light headed at times and the cough is still there but improving. I have two more treatments of remderivi(sic)r which is an anti viral infusion which they say 5 treatments should put me on the down side of the pneumonia. I'm feeling stronger daily. Not much else is going on when stuff in a hospital room but luckily Nancy was able to get me the lap top some books and of course I have Fox news and the sports channels. I must say a big THANKS YOU to all who are keeping me in your thoughts and prayers for healing, GOD Bless Ya'll, LATER

Monday Morning Jan 3rd at Morton Plant Hopsital

Well what a way to start a new year but the care I'm getting is fantastic. These folks are very involved with all of the updated protocol's and very careful about entering your room  fully covered. They sure have bled me with every day withdrawals, needle sticks in the tummy and of course vitals every couple hours. I'm also doing as much walking within the room as well as several lung exercises to help with ridding the lungs of the pneumonia.

I must say for hospital food its the best ever and I choose from a long menu to what ever I desire and I'm on the 7h floor over looking the Clearwater harbor with lots of boat activity and the beach hotels on this famous beach evident in the back ground. I can sure feel the prayers for me from so many folks all the way from Arizona, Las Vegas, Virginia, North Carolina and of course from so many local churches, friends and neighbors. THANK YOU ALL

Jan 1 2022 Saturday Morning

 Well it seems Friday evening was a set back for me with this virus as my O2 levels have dropped from 96 to 88 this morning. The cough is persistent for some reason and just will not go away so I gave myself a couple puffs on the albutterol in hopes that will open the lungs for better O2 gain. This so strange for me as I'm not one to lay around and be miserable, LATER