February 28, 2011-End Of Another Month-Closer To Spring!

Well. My flange did not hold up for more than one day. I had to change it yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do about this. It gets me depressed. I mean not really "depressed" but down a little. I've never been a depressed type person. I just wish I could keep these things on for at least three days at a time. So now I am waiting to see how long this one will last. I don't feel any stinging yet. So maybe, just maybe I will squeeze one more day out of it.

It's a very rainy day here. At least some of that snow might melt. But it's not getting as warm as they predicted and this could all turn to ice. It is going to freeze up tonight. I'm hoping I can get out tomorrow. It's supposed to be about 32 degrees and some sun so maybe I will.
I'm staying in and taking it slow again today. My knee pain is letting up a bit so I'm happy about that.
Yesterday I was watching that squirrel by it's nest and there was a small hawk just above him on a branch. As I was videoing them, in flies a bigger hawk and lands on top of a huge Pine Tree to the right of the squirrel and small hawk. The squirrel got down on the trunk of the tree and did not move all the while that huge hawk was there. The small hawk sort of hid behind the branch also. He can be prey to that larger hawk too. It was neat to see both hawks like that. The little hawk had tried to get one of the birds in that bush but he missed earlier. I was happy. The two cardinals were sitting in that bush knowing he was out there and flew away fast as soon as the hawk hit the bush. I do get to see lots of activity out there anyway... Never a dull moment!
I'm adding a picture of the hawks and squirrel. I'm not sure what kind of hawk that big one was.
Have a nice day everyone.

Saturday February 26, 2011-Quiet Day

It was a nice, quiet day. Didn't do much. Watched a couple movies on TV. Didn't talk to anyone today. But I did talk to my little sister, Pam, last night. She called. It was nice to hear from her. She has two new puppies in the house. A Golden Retriever and a St. Bernard! Ha! She had taken the day off from work because she didn't want to drive all the way to Vernon. She works at the casino. I don't blame her. The roads were not drivable.
I'm having some pain in my right side in the back. Upper area. I've noticed lately that my right ankle area is swelling up all the time. Even loose socks leave marks on my lower ankle and leg now. That's not good. But otherwise I still feel okay. My flange is holding up but might have to change it tomorrow. Doesn't feel quite right. Such a pain. Oh well. It could be worse.
That's all I have to say for today.
As far as the weather goes, it was a bit colder today. Only about 26. Some light snow flurries. It's going to snow heavy during the night tonight but only about 3 inches will fall. Then it will be clear during the day on Sunday. Lots of rain coming for Monday. Have to wait and see. It could be all ice by that time. But I hope not.
Take care everyone.
I'm sticking in this photo of Pam's puppies playing in the back yard yesterday. They love the snow.

Friday, February 25, 2011-Heavy Snow Falling All Day

Our parking lot early in the day.

Some pretty Cardinals that were out there today. And a couple Sparrows.

We are getting lots of wet, heavy snow today. It looks pretty to me because I don't have to go out in it. There sure are lots of birds around today. They know they can always get food here..LOL
I had to change my flange this morning. It was leaking bad. Guess those Adapt Convex Barrier Rings won't be doing me any good. That was a waste of $50 ! I put on an Eiken seal with the Convex Moldable Flange by Convatec. Hope it lasts for at least three days. I'm irritated bad again around my stoma. When these things work good I feel so much better.
I'll be back later. Going to watch the snow build up and keep an eye on the critters. Have a nice day wherever you are.

Update:
According to the girl who lives on the hill next door (Tamara), we got 11 inches of snow today. It's very heavy though but sure looked pretty all day. Saw a few deer just as it was getting dark. It must be hard for them to walk in all that snow.. They couldn't get at any nuts but I had thrown out some apples for them. I took lots of pictures during the day. Have to get some onto my other blog tomorrow. Got to get to bed now. I'll leave one here.

February 24, 2011-Went Out Today Before The Snow Comes

I went out to get a few groceries today. It was cloudy but not too bad. It was around 29 degrees when I left at 11:00 am. It got up to maybe 33 today and a few flurries now and then. I figured I'd better go because tomorrow we are expecting some heavy, wet snow. Six to twelve inches in some places. if we are lucky it will turn to rain and we won't get too much. To the south of us it will be rain. All depends on how far north it comes. We are right on the border of it all. I'll be all safe and sound inside no matter what happens.
I've been having a problem with my hot water tank blowing the breakers for the past two days and late this afternoon I heard an awful loud noise coming from the tank. The breaker had blown again. So I called the maintenance man at home. I hate to bother him but..... so he came over around 6 pm and cleaned out a lot of the lime and replaced the bottom element. He could see where it had burned. Now I won't have to worry about that for a while.
Other than going out and having the hot water tank fixed it has been a quiet day. Not much going on around here. Or if there is I don't know about it. I don't go out of my apartment that much anyway. It's more exciting to me to stay in and sit by the window and watch all the critters outside.
My upper back is bothering me today. I noticed it while lying in bed last night and I also had a strange pain in my liver area. It went away but it makes me nervous. I don't want it to start breaking down on me yet. I know it's going to but I would like to get one more summer in.
I don't think this flange and barrier are going to last for three days like I hoped. I guess the Eiken seals work the best and I will now stick to them, along with the Convatec Moldable convex Flange. I put that new Adapt Convex barrier onto the moldable flange this time. I did not add the Eiken seal. But it didn't stick to my skin as well as the Eiken seal does. I'm learning. The only thing I will change is the Convatec bag. Right now I am using the clear drainable bags with the clip at the bottom. I want to change to the fold up bottom with the velcro. It's called Invisiclose I think. The clip is too hard and gets in my way.
It's my bedtime now so I'll be back tomorrow. Take care everyone.

February 23, 2011-Was 9 Below This Morning But Sunny

It was 9 below zero this morning! When will this cold ever end?? But it is a beautiful, sunny day and it's heading for 30 degrees. It will be warmer the next few days but it will be cloudy and maybe more snow and rain... The little Chipmunk was out there today. He disappeared into the rock wall too fast for me to get a photo. It was still very cold when I saw him too.
I'm just relaxing today. The electricity went off at midnight last night. Came on a short time later. I've been having a problem with my hot water tank. Yesterday the pressure in the bathroom was making the noises loud in the pipes and it was spitting and sputtering out of the faucet. Seems like the pressure is too high or something. This morning the hot water ran out too fast. I found that the breaker had gone off so I turned it back on and the water got hot again. I left a note for the maintenance man and he stopped in to check it at 9 am. He turned up the top element a bit but that's not the problem. He said he'll need to clean it out. There's a ton of lime built up in that thing. He hasn't cleaned it in a few years. Back then he unloaded about three big pails full of lime. No wonder I run out of hot water so fast. I've been telling them all along but they never do anything till something happens. Next thing I know I won't have any hot water at all then they will have to give me a new tank. The landlord won't spend any money till he absolutely has to in all his buildings. He gets all these Government handouts and pockets most of the money for himself. He half-ass fixes things so nothing is ever working the way it should and the roofs are always leaking because he won't have the job done right to begin with and hires the cheapest contractors. This building is only 14 years old. What a shame.
I'm not going out today but am going to go sit next to the window and watch all the critters outside in the sun.
Have a nice day everyone.
My flange is holding up so far. I will change it tomorrow morning probably. The pharmacy delivered my stuff yesterday and the barrier rings that I ordered came also. I will be trying one of them next time. Medicare won't pay for the adhesive remover either so I will have to buy that myself also. That's about $15 for a pack of 50 wipes. I have enough for now, thanks to one company that sent me samples. I'm all done with samples now though. So now it's up to me to get what I need. Sure am glad Medicare pays for the flanges and bags and seals. They are real expensive!
I might be back later if there's any news. Otherwise I'll be back tomorrow.

Picture Of Daughter And Kids-February 21, 2011

This was one of the better photos of us all. Hard to get them all to smile at the same time and look at the camera..Ha!

Brrrrr! It sure is cold today. Was 3 below this morning and right now at 2 pm it's only 17. One more day of this and then it should start warming up a bit but with more snow.

Monday, February 21, 2011-More Snow

After a nice, sunny day yesterday we woke up to more snow this morning. It was cold yesterday but it was a pretty day. I didn't do much. My left knee is killing me so I try to be careful.
That Coloplast Flange lasted till this morning only because I forced it to. I could feel a bit of stinging yesterday but waited till this morning to change. Now I have a Convatec one on. The Pharmacy hasn't delivered my supplies yet. Hopefully they will tomorrow. I'm out of my Adapt Lubricant that I squirt inside the bags to make it slippery. It's a deodorant also. I have to pay for that myself. It's $20 a bottle for 8 oz. I try to make that last for one month. Some of this stuff Medicare doesn't pay for so I have to buy them myself. And they only allow you so many flanges and bags a month also. That is why I am so glad I can get these to last for at least three days now. Or I'd have to buy the rest. I did order some barrier rings that the Hollister Co.makes. Adapt Convex Barrier Rings. Since I'm already getting the Eiken Seals I can't get any more from Medicare unless I switch but I don't want to switch unless I like them. I'm still in the testing stage of all this stuff.
I chopped my hair off last night and colored it a bit. I was going to let my hair grow but it's a pain. It's so much easier when it's short. I can just finger comb it and it's good to go.
Brrrr! I am a bit chilly this morning. Guess I'll turn on the heat just to get the chill out of the air.
Got to go for now and get my birds up and get breakfast. Have a nice day everyone.

Update:
My daughter, Nina, and the kids finally came to see me today! I told her it was about time. She said either one kid or the other has been sick and so was she for a while and then if they weren't sick then Jordan wasn't at her place that weekend. The kids have the whole week off for winter break but Nina has to go to work tomorrow. She said the college will close for spring break soon though so then she will have a week off.
The kids finally got their Christmas presents. They were happy! Of course..Ha! Jessi couldn't wait to hand me the little note and drawings that she had made for me. So cute. I'll scan that soon and put it on here. Salena wrote me a note before she left to thank me for the gifts. She wrote it on the note paper I bought her.
We had some spinach balls and snacks and I popped one of my Flatbread pizza's in the oven. Jessi didn't like that too well though. Not like those pizzas that you get from the pizza places..Ha!
I made them all get in a group to take photos before they left. First time I've had them all together in ages.
They left around 7:00 PM. Now I'm pooped out..Ha! Ha!
I had a bad thing happen just before the kids came. I heard this loud noise from the living room and knew right away a bird had hit the window. I hurried in to look out and there was a beautiful male cardinal laying there dead. It had broke it's neck I think and blood was coming from it's nostrils. It was already dead so it didn't suffer any. I feel so bad for it's mate now. She will be all alone. I only had five pairs here and now I don't know what will happen to that female. The poor thing. I'm going to do a search and see if she will get another mate or be a widow for the rest of her life.
I think the hawk must have come down and that's why the cardinal hit so hard. Because there wasn't a bird in sight and that is usually a sign that it;s around. Not one squirrel was around either. It was quite a while before any of the birds came back and all the cardinals were out there with all the females. One male came down right next to the dead one. I didn't see if a female came or not because the kids were here. It was so sad to see that happen. No cardinals have ever hit the windows here before. Not sure if he hit the window or the side of the building. maybe the hawk hit him and just didn't catch him. But whatever happened he died fast and I am glad of that.
It is only 4 degrees here tonight. Very cold. Didn't get out of the teens today but it was sunny.
Now I am going to unload my camera onto the computer to check out my photos. I'll put some up tomorrow. Then I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted.

Saturday, February 19, 2011-Brrrr!!

What a difference a day makes! Woke up to a few inches of fresh snow and it was blowing and cold. What a blustery day! That wind gusted up to 50 miles an hour at times. It started out at 25 degrees and slowly went down all day. The wind didn't die down till after dark tonight. But now and then I still can hear it. During the night last night it was wicked. I'm surprised the trees are still up out there.
I was watching this squirrel frantically trying to repair it's nest. The wind had damaged it. That poor thing worked for hours tearing off twigs and carrying them back to the nest. I'm not sure how well they weave them. I've seen quite a few break apart in the wind. And this one is right in the open, way up high in a tree. At least the ones who have their nests in the tall pines seem to have more cover. Hope there isn't any babies in it yet. They do have their babies in February sometimes.
I didn't do much today. I felt okay though. My flange is still holding up, thank heavens. I'm going to let it go as long as I can. Tomorrow morning will be the third day for this one too.
My left knee is killing me though. Can't walk too well when I first get up. Maybe I walk too much on it. I never sit very long during the day.
Jordan answered me on Facebook. I had asked him if he got my card. He said they want to come over on Monday. I told him it's about time they got their butts here. Of course it's not the kid's fault. It's their mom's. Nina's birthday is tomorrow. She will be 42 years old. Can't believe she is that old. Seems like I was just that age. Ha! Anyway. It will be good to see the kids finally if they do make it here on Monday. They all have that day off from school, being President's Day. It's supposed to snow again that day. Hope it doesn't keep them from coming. Or they'll never come for another month or two. But they do have winter break soon also.
So now it's after 10:00 PM and I'm going to bed. Take care everyone.

Friday, February 18, 2011-Real Warm Here Today!

Wow! It was 55 degrees or better here today!! It felt so good. I only went out to my car to get the bags of bird chow out. The snow sure has melted a lot. It was nice while it lasted because by tomorrow we will be having snow again and it's only going to be in the low 20's. It was very windy today also. That makes the ice and snow melt faster.
I spent a relaxing day at home. Puttered around. Cleaned my door and hung a different sign out there. I still had my Christmas one on the door. I've got Spring ones but it seems too early for them so I hung a sign that says, "Ginny's Coop" on it. A girl I know from Georgia sent that to me a few years ago because I used to make her slide shows of her Granddaughter. They all get a laugh out of it here. I only leave it out for a short time. maybe till March 1st. Then I'll hang a Spring one.
My flange is holding on so far. I wasn't quite sure about this one since it's the Coloplast but not using the Stomahesive powder is doing the trick and it's holding longer.
One of the women upstairs asked me if I'd make her an 8x10 copy of a picture she has of her Granddaughter when she was a tiny baby so I told her I would but it would cost her $5. I'm not using my ink and good photo paper for nothing any more. That stuff costs too much. So she brought it down and it was an oval one so I had to copy it and fill it in a bit to make a regular 8x10 out of it. But it came out nice. I haven't given it to her yet. Later tonight I will. I have to call her.
Didn't see any deer early tonight. But they will be down after dark probably. But since the snow is melting so fast they can get at more food now in the woods. I still throw out some apples for them though. After the snow is gone I won't be doing that any more.
That's all for now. Not much to talk about today. Take care everyone.

February 17, 2011-Went Out Today

It's in the lower 40's here today! I went out to do some shopping and to get my critter food. Seems so nice to not freeze. There were sprinkles in the air though when I came out of the store. But a little rain is better than sleet and snow.

I did change my flange this morning but after i got it off it hadn't really been leaking so I probably could have worn it another day. But I could feel just a tiny stinging and that was right next to my Stoma so I guess it's better to get it off. But I am so happy I got to keep one on for three days. I put a Coloplast one on this morning with just the Eiken seal. no powder or anything. So i will see what happens. I don't have the faith in it like I do the Convatec one though.
I am having my prescription filled for the Convatec moldable flanges and clear drainable bags. They are my safest ones so far to keep using and fall back on.
Not a bad day. I feel good. I just threw some apples pieces out for the deer and waiting to see when they come down. I did see the hurt nosed one last night. he was out there all alone. He has a cute face and I just observed him without trying to take any pictures. I have plenty for now.
So that is all for now. Going to go watch Judge Judy and eat a bowl of soup. Take care everyone.

Getting Warmer!-February 16, 2011

Even though it was only 17 degrees when I got up it is going to get up to 30 or 32 today. By tomorrow it will be in the 40's and maybe 50 by Friday!! They are saying it might rain Thursday and Friday but I don't care. I'll be going out anyway. It's not going to last of course. Will be back in the 20's by Saturday. But Spring is getting closer and the days are longer. And I'm still here to enjoy them!
My flange is holding up!! Knock on wood. But I think it will have to be changed either tonight or in the morning. But at least it's lasted longer. Two days are better than one and if I can make it to three days I'll be so happy!! I think it's the powder. I guess maybe I better not use it any more. Even though it heals up the irritation fast. It breaks down the flange and seal faster. I will keep putting the flanges on without any barrier or powder for a while. If they stay on for more than a day all the time then I'll know I can't use it any more.
I haven't felt any stinging either till just this morning. I can feel a very tiny bit of sting. Not enough to worry about and hope it doesn't get worse so I can leave this on for one more day. I'm using the Convatec one right now. Might have to stay with them. The bag is much easier and faster to clean too.
I don't plan on doing much today. I did two loads of laundry last evening. Not sure why but my right hand is hurting a lot today. On the wrist joint. The wrist that got broken. Maybe I lifted or twisted it somehow yesterday. Might have even slept on it. Who knows? It's always something. And my back bones are really aching when I am in bed. That's when I notice it more. Especially when I lie on my back. I never had hurting bones like this before. I better get doing some exercises. I really have gone to "pot" since the surgery, not wanting to over do myself. Now that I'm healed I better get to it!!
Saw a few deer yesterday. I'm happy to see them every day now.
Have a nice day everyone.

Update: 7:20 PM
I've had a quiet day. Have not talked to anyone. Nice. I think my flange will hold up till morning. Yaaayyy!! Three whole days!! And if it isn't stinging in the morning I'll leave it on longer. These are supposed to last for about 5 days at least. Sure would be nice if I could only change them once a week! I'd change the bags more often though. After I clean them so many times they get worn out. But I have closed end bags to use also. They are only to be used one time though. Couldn't use them all the time. Medicare wouldn't pay for all those. I like the drainable ones that I can clean a few times a day. I can take them right off the flange and flush them out good with soap and water then put them back on. These fit like a Tupper wear top. I guess I'm better off sticking with the Convatec Company. I seem to have better luck with them.
I plan on going out tomorrow to get a few things. It's going to be up around 47. It got up to 37 today.
I think I know why my wrist is hurting today. I made a batch of Oatmeal cookies last night and it was the stirring of the dough that made it hurt I think. When I was doing it I thought about my wrist not working too well. I still need to use my left hand to do things. What a bummer.
Anyway. I'm going to go to bed early tonight and try to get more sleep. I never sleep too well and that's not good.
Take care everyone.

Brrrrr!

It's only 6 degrees this morning after that 48 degree weather we had yesterday. But at least the sun is shining brightly!!!
My flange is holding so far!! keeping my fingers crossed that I won't have to take this one off till Friday at least. I'll be back later this evening.

February 14, 2011-Had To Change The Flange Again

This is getting to be a real pain in the you know what! I had to change my flange again this morning. It got to stinging too much. I'm all irritated and all out of my barrier film to protect it. So I put the old standby Convetec flange and bag on this time. They used to stay on at least two or three days so I am going back to them and see what happens.
I called the doctor's office today to get some prescriptions for barrier wipes and adhesive remover and changed my Convatec flange prescription to the moldable convex ones. I also called the Pharmacist to ask him if he carried the other brand if I decided to go with it and he does. But I still have to test that one again. I have one more and will try that another time. And I won't put anything under it just to see what happens.
I felt pretty good today. Not as many pains. But I stayed inside my apartment. Didn't really feel like talking to anyone. But Wanda did come down to ask a favor. She gets so nervous when she has to do anything and she didn't want to call to change her PIN number on her card. She gets all confused with the automated stuff these days. So I did that for her. Then she went to the store with her nephew and when she got back she had bought me a box of chocolates and a loaf of Pumpernickel bread that she knows I like. That was so nice of her.
The people here in the building were having a Limburger Party. I never go to those. The neighbors were invited also. The guy who lives across the street and the couple on the hill next door. They are always invited to the parties here. They enjoy it.
It sure was warm today! Got up to 48 degrees! But tonight it's dropping down to 3 degrees! can you believe that! And only going to be in the teens tomorrow but warming back up for a couple days into the 40's before it goes back into the high 20's again by the weekend. Weird weather!
One of my Chipmunks were out there today. He came out of his den early. I was surprised, especially with the deep snow. But he has the rock wall for protection. Hope the hawk don't get him. Saw the deer again today. They were down here at 1:30 this afternoon. That's real early. Now if I would just see a fox. I'd be happy! Ha! Can't wait to see if any pups come this year. It's so much fun to watch them.
Well, it's my bedtime. Take care everyone. Hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day

Made this for a lady I met on Webshots a few years back. She made these beautiful "Fractals" and I asked her if I could make a slide show with them and she said yes so here it is. I added the verses and music.

February 13, 2011-Getting Fed Up With These Flanges

Well, that flange from Nuhope did not last at all. I had to change it yesterday. So then I decided to put on one I had left from the Marlen Company. Bad idea. It was leaking when I was in bed last night so I had to get up at 1:30 in the morning and spend an hour in the bathroom cleaning the glue off my belly and getting it real clean so I could put another flange on. My belly is so red from all these changes. I have a Coloplast on now but right now at 10:30 in the morning I can feel that it is not going to last either. I did not get any sleep after I got back in bed at 2:30 am. I'm starting to get depressed over all this flange and changing stuff. I so wish I could just find the one product that would stick but with the flab and movement of my belly when I sit and stand and the Stoma being so inverted it just seems hopeless to me. But I will keep trying. I tried the wafer thin seals that the Salts Healthcare Co. sent me. They go on like a second skin. They stuck real good around my Stoma but then I had to add more seal to that and put the flange on. Then I could see it all pull right back away from my skin. So that isn't working. I have that on right now. The Nuhope flange has the deepest convex to it and seemed to work the best but then it had to go and leak in one little spot at the bottom. All my leaks are at the bottom because that is how the stuff flows into my bag when I am up and about all day. And my stoma just doesn't stick out enough to let it go out and into the bag. It lays there inside the flange area too much and then runs into the bag. It breaks down any glue that is on the flange I guess.
I wish I could come up with a solution to all this. I keep thinking why can't I just insert a cone shaped device and let that stick out far enough to drain into the bag? They do irrigations of these things and do have cone shaped devices that they insert. It seems that somehow they could make something soft enough to insert into my stoma. Sort of like a mini funnel that could stay in all the time. And some people where caps on their Stoma's because they are regulated so much to when they go that they don't even need a bag on all day or maybe at night. That must be nice! I'd have to quit eating all together so that nothing would come out. I can't do that!! And I've never eaten just three meals a day so that I could be regulated. I eat mini meals all day long about two or three hours apart.
So I am going to keep researching. Maybe I'll find something somewhere.
My back ache has just about gone this morning. I do feel much better than I did yesterday. Now if I could just get my knee to stop hurting and my head to stop feeling like I'm about to have a stroke or something. The pain in my right side around to the back was bothering me a lot last night too. I still think that is from my crooked spine. It bulges out too much in that area.
But I'm alive and still here to see another day and I'm happy! The squirrels and birds are all over the place outside. It's snowing a bit but it's going to get up to about 30 today and maybe up to 40 and rain tomorrow. What a difference!
Only saw one lone deer last night. It was the one with the bashed up nose. The more I look at him he looks like the same one from last year. Wonder if his nose just stays like that all the time. Maybe he is constantly scratching it. It does look raw and bloody. Poor thing. And it looks like he still has the Burdock stuck to his rear like last year also. And he was always by himself a lot back then. So I do think it is the same one.
I don't know how this day will go but I will make it the best I can and try not to let anything get me down too much. I've never been a depressed type person.
Have a nice day everyone!

February 12, 2011-Trying A New Flange

Cloudy out there this morning. No snow yet. But it's supposed to sometime today. But at least it's warmer! It's 28 degrees!! They say we might get into the lower 40's by the end of next week!! It will seem like spring after all this below zero weather we've been having.
The new flange is still holding up okay. It's the one from the NuHope Company out of CA. I was a bit worried because it's only foam but it's real comfortable. And it has the deepest convex I've ever had so far. I didn't use any seals on it either just to see how long it would last. Although I am still irritated around my stoma. I did put some of the stoma powder on just once and dabbed it with the skin barrier wipe before applying the flange. I sure have enough samples now to try. But I'm still looking for that right one. And when I do find the right one I hope that medicare will pay for them. I'd be so pissed if I finally found something that works and then Medicare wouldn't pay for it.
I have a bad back ache this morning and can't walk very well. Must be from going out yesterday. I did try to shovel some of the snow and I couldn't get at it very well. It's all packed in around my car this time. That guy upstairs wiped all the snow off but then left it all around the car. And Mark didn't get around to snow blowing between them because he's been chopping ice from the roofs. They finally got a couple men to help him shovel the snow off the roof the past two days. Now I have a hill outside my living room window.. I don't throw the seeds and nuts on top of it because the Hawk would have clear sailing at them so I still throw it along the edge of the building and out my bedroom window. That hawk is out here all the time now.
I ran out of salt to put around my car but figured it would be getting warmer anyway so it should all melt away around it in a few days. I had a hard time pushing my cart through the snow to get up onto the sidewalk and I think that is how I hurt my back. It will be okay by tomorrow I hope.
I'm still having those weird feelings in my head. I think my blood vessels are screwing up. And my left leg hurts, especially around the knee. It's real bad today. That's from all the walking I did also. I think I have a blood clot in my leg. It's been having a pain in the same spot for a couple years but it's getting worse. I guess all kinds of things might start happening to me with this cancer in my liver. That area behind the liver in my back bothers me more now. I feel it more when I lie down at night and there's been a bulge in that area for a couple years. I and the doctors never seem to know what it is. I told them it's probably from my crooked spine and they always agreed but I never had any x-rays. But I would think the cat Scan would have shown that. Maybe not because they were only doing the lower half of my body. I'm not going to worry about it. I'd be lucky to die suddenly from a heart attack than suffer the last days from the cancer.
What a day in history for the Egyptians yesterday!
Have a nice weekend everyone!
I was so happy to see the deer come down earlier last night. They were all out there at 4:30. Got some better pictures.

February 11, 2011-13 Below Zero This AM

Yikes! Can't believe it got down that low. But the sun is out and hopefully it will warm up a bit today. I was thinking about going out but now I'm not. It's supposed to be in the 30's on Sat. and Sunday so I'll wait. I don't need my olive oil that bad..Ha!
I'll be back later. Have a nice day everyone.

Well, I did go out. The sun looked so nice and it got up to 21 degrees. But by the time I left the sun had disappeared and stayed behind the clouds the rest of the day. I went to Walmart and Aubuchon. Walmart was packed of course, being a Friday. But at least now I have my olive Oil and everything else I needed so I'm happy.
The deer came an hour earlier than the night before so I got some good pictures of them!

I had to change my flange and bag before I went to bed. I could feel it stinging more. It had leaked quite a bit under there. Now I'm trying a new one out. It has a deeper convex to it and is made out of foam where it sticks to the belly and is supposed to mold with you. It feels good.

Thursday, February 10, 2011-Very Cold Here

It was sunny today but only in the teens. I almost thought I'd go out but then decided not to. I'll wait for a warmer day. I had gone out the other day to Walmart because I was running low on my Olive Oil. I use it in everything to keep my Gall Bladder from acting up. It works too. I haven't had a problem for a year and a half now. I read online how to take care of that.
Anyway, yesterday I went into my cupboard looking for the olive oil and it was nowhere to be found. Then I remembered I had bought another box of green tea also and I couldn't find that. It's then that I realized that I might have forgotten a bag when I left Walmart. I called their service department and it was there. So now I have to go back and get the credit for those two items and buy them all over again. They don't keep your bags behind the desk. That's why I wanted to go out today. I have just enough olive oil for one more day. But I do have a little gift bottle of olive oil mixed with lemon. It's not the same but maybe it would work. I only use extra virgin olive oil. I'll live..Ha! Ha!
A crew of men have been knocking the ice off the roof here and shoveling snow off. It was starting to get bad. So many huge icicles hanging. They are dangerous.
I got samples from two different companies in the mail today. The flanges and bags that I need for my colostomy. I'm anxious to try them. One company is from the UK though so I guess I'd never be able to get Medicare to pay for them. The Salts Healthcare Company. They sent me a lot of samples to try. The other company is called Nuhope and they are from CA. They have the deeper convex bags but theirs are one piece but very soft and comfortable because the flanges are only made from a foam material. Not hard like I have been using. I'm alway willing to try new ones in case I finally find something that will work. I had to change my flange again yesterday morning. I made it last two days but it's not good to do that when I can feel the sting. I am all irritated around my Stoma. So tomorrow morning this one will be on two days and so far I don't feel the stinging like I did before but I know it's still irritated because I can see my skin where it didn't stick around it when I take the bag off to clean it. So I will probably be changing it again in the morning. I'm still using the Coloplast ones. That girl will be calling me tomorrow to see how everything is going. She calls me every Friday. That company is trying their best to help me. Very helpful. None of the other ones are. So that is what is going on with that part of me..
My right hand is really bothering me today. The top of it itches. I'm not sure why it does that but every now and then it will bother me like that. The bones hurt and the hand is stiff. Breaking that wrist sure left a lot of problems. Guess I should have let them break the bone again and reset it. But I still think I broke one of the bones on top of my hand and they never addressed that part. My hand folded under me when I fell onto that cement floor making that area the worst to be injured.
My left knee and leg hurts all the time. I ordered a new pair of slippers and sneakers. maybe that will help. But I still have to put all my home made lifts in that shoe to keep my foot from falling over. It's just too much pressure on my leg. That's why I am using my walker all the time now. been using it since I broke my wrist exactly one year ago today. I can't take a chance on falling again. it's so scary, especially when I can't get up off the floor if I do.
And I still get these weird feelings in my head when I'm sitting here in this computer chair. The circulation is getting cut off in my leg area I think. I try to put one of my legs up on the bed while I'm sitting here. My computer desk is next to my bed. But I'm still feeling pretty good!!

I saw a lot of deer out here around 5:15 tonight!!! A few of them were right outside my window on top of the rock wall. I tried to get some clear shots of them but they keep moving all the time and it was hard but I did get quite a few pictures. hopefully they will come again and one of these days I'll get my perfect photo. It's staying light out longer now so each night will be better for taking photos through my window.
I am going to bed now. Take care everyone.

Aren't they beautiful!!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011-Electricity Went Out

This was early this morning. The squirrels were all over the place. You can see the snow all over the trees. It looked so pretty.

This day started out bad right from the start. The electricity went off at 6:30 am and didn't come back on till around 10:30 am. It was 27 degrees at 6:30 and started dropping fast all day. Very windy and snowy also. I got right up because I knew everyone would be lingering around the community room. The alarm was going off in the front entrance box. It won't shut off till someone unlocks it and pushes the button and I am the only one with a key. So I went in the bathroom with a flashlight. No windows in there and it was not very bright out yet. Washed up and got dressed and went right out to shut that alarm off. No one knew what happened but the couple upstairs got a phone call and said the power would probably be back on by 9:30 am. It was off in some areas of Mohawk and Herkimer. Then another lady came out and said that a snow plow hit a pole. She's the sheriff's mother so we believed her. Ha! Should know better though. Found out on the evening news that it was a tower that broke near the thruway. Herkimer got their power back by 9:30 but we didn't till after 10:30. It was getting cold in the building by then. I had looked at the thermometer in that room one time and it read 60. Any longer and the landlord would have had to bring a generated heater down. It sure felt good when it came back on. One couple had gone to Dunkin Donuts to get a box of coffee. It's sort of like those boxes of wine.. and they got donuts for the women also. That made them happy. They were all bitchy because they didn't have their morning coffee..Ha! Ha! I don't drink coffee. Just green tea but I always drink water with fresh squeezed lemon first anyway.
Ricky, my bird, didn't like it much because he didn't get his egg till late and he wanted the kitchen light on..Ha! Ha!
What good those emergency lights do. The batteries had all run out and the halls were pitch dark in some areas. The maintenance man came but not much he could do. He was outside snow blowing anyway.
I stayed in my apartment most the time. Just wandered out now and then to see what they were all up to.
I'm tired tonight from being awake so early. I had been awake at 5:30 and hadn't gotten back to sleep when the electric went off. At least I have a portable radio and could listen to that. They had to close the Mohawk School and the college in Herkimer till noon I think but that was all.
It sure was a pretty morning though. The snow was covering everything. That's because it had been warm yesterday so the snow stuck good to the trees. But now we are in for some real cold weather again and snow showers each day. It's that wind that is bad.
I didn't see the deer tonight. I was waiting, hoping he'd come again. I'll be patient. One of these days I'll get some good photos. And I have not seen any foxes yet either. Maybe they are holed up. I think the females have their babies soon also. When I see them in May they are already 3 months old. The babies.
As far as my health issues go, I am feeling a bit weird in the head sometimes like I'm losing my equilibrium. Sure hope it isn't leading to a stroke. Might be in my neck. It hurts a bit lately too. Maybe a pinched nerve. Hope that's all it is.
And this damn flange will not last past tomorrow morning. I'm leaving it on even though I know it's stinging underneath. But I don't want to change it till tomorrow morning. They are only lasting a day or two. Not good. I got my samples in the mail today and will try one of those tomorrow. Same company so they won't be too much different but one flange has a deeper convexity to it. Just have to wait and see what happens.
Oh. My sister, Jeanne isn't leaving for Florida till Monday, Valentine's Day. They will be in Punta Gorda??? Not sure if that's how it's spelled.
Talked to Jane today. She ordered the new cabinets for their kitchen that my brother will be putting in for them. She's working in Savey's office a few days a week now that it's tax season. He always needs the help. She delivers payroll checks for a couple companies tomorrow so I asked her to pick me up some quarters when she goes to the bank. I need them to do laundry. She will drop them off.
Steve's daughter, Alysha, was in town for the weekend I guess. She went to see Gavin. She's back home in NH now. Gavin's birthday is today. He's 24. My Grandson, Jordan's birthday is Sunday. He'll be 13. I made him a cute card and will mail that out tomorrow. Still haven't heard from Nina.
Well. I'm getting off this computer. My neck hurts and my head is feeling weird again. I better go to bed I think. Take care everyone.

Monday, February 7, 2011-Went Out Today

She's licking her chops after finding some nuts to eat..I hadn't put her apples out yet.

The icicles were melting like crazy today and falling. I am feeding my critters from just my bedroom window to keep them away from the falling ice. I wouldn't want to see one of them die out there.
I decided to go to Walmart. I was real low on my olive oil. I use it with all my meals now to keep my gall bladder under control. It really works too! Haven't had a problem since last year.
I am having a problem keeping these flanges on though. I had to change it again this morning. It only lasted one day. I was so disappointed. And my belly was real irritated again. It will never heal up if this keeps going the way it is. Maybe these Coloplast flanges are a little too flexable and all the moving when I'm in bed makes them come unglued. Not sure. But I put the last flex one on. I know it isn't going to last. I can already feel a slight sting. If you can feel anything at all on your belly it means it's leaking. because the Stoma itself has no feelings. I've got two other companies sending me their samples and will try them. Just might find the right one someday.
When I went out today I had to shovel a path on my driver's side and behind my car. That ice and snow was still out there. I just shoveled as little as I had to because it was hurting my hand and my back was hurting and also the left side of my belly when I got done. I picked up a few other things at Walmart. They have sales now so I got some lounging pants and a shirt and some socks. Got more candy of course!! When I came out someone had parked in the striped area right next to me and I had a hell of a time getting in my car. I was so pissed that I left the cart right next to their vehicle and I didn't care if it hit it or not. It's a handicapped spot and they aren't supposed to park in that area. But I got in and home okay and was glad I went out. Because now it's snowing again tonight and will be tomorrow also. going to get much colder again too.
I finally saw a deer out here tonight just before dark. Couldn't get a real clear photo but good enough to see her. They will be coming in the daylight more now as the days get longer and we get all this snow.
Yikes! It's past 11:00 pm. I better get to bed. My head feels funny too. Take care everyone.

February 6, 2011-Catching Up

Not much to talk about for the past few days. I did get out on Friday though. It was sunny in the morning so thought it would be a pretty day but the clouds moved in before noon. But it wasn't a bad day. maybe about 25 degrees. I went to Aubuchon Hardware to get my squirrel and bird food. Then I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. I've gained so much weight back that I had to buy some bigger underwear..Ha! And a few tops also. The ones I bought that were a smaller size last year I can't get into now but I'll put them away because when I start getting sick I'll get skinny again.
I' still having problems with my Flange sticking. I did manage to keep one on for two days and the one I got on right now will be two days tomorrow morning. Going to see how long it lasts this time. I have the Coloplast ones on. I like their flanges the best. Not too thrilled about the bags but they are nice ones. Cloth on each side so they are quiet. The irritation and bleeding on my belly had cleared up a bit when I changed it. I was sure happy about that. That powder that I use helps and this time I did a double layer of it. First I put the powder on and shake any loose off then I dab it with the skin barrier then powder it again and then the barrier wipe again and let that dry real good. Then I put an Eiken seal on the flange around the hole to make a better seal and stick it on. The lady that I talk to on the phone from the Coloplast Co. told me how to put the powder on like that. She calls me every Friday to see how I am doing. She's sending me a few more samples too. If I can get these flanges to stick good then I will get a prescription from my doctor for these kind because I do like them the best.
Yesterday (Saturday) was a messy day here. It snowed then sleeted and then turned back into snow. It looked pretty last night. There was even thunder and lightening! Weird. Made for some real heavy stuff to shovel though for everyone. Today it was just a cloudy day and it was quite warm. About 32 degrees. Tomorrow is going to be even warmer. Up to 37. So hopefully some of this snow will melt. because by Tuesday we are back into the freezing weather again. I won't have to go out for a while though. Maybe later in the week. I got everything I need for now.
My sister Jeanne is heading to Florida with a co-worker on the 8th. One of her bosses is sending them on a little vacation. I think for a few days or maybe a week. Not sure. Jeanne is all excited. The other girl is driving to Albany and from there they will fly straight to Florida. They are staying at her boss's condo down there. I can't remember where it's at though.
Well, I have to get off this chair. My legs are starting to feel funny. I've been having weird feelings in my legs when I sit here to long and it makes my head feel strange. The circulation is getting cut off or something. I'll be back soon.

February 3, 2011-Snow-Irritatation

The past couple days have been real snowy here. We didn't get the amounts that were first predicted but I'd say all together there is a foot of it out there now. It was from that bad storm that went through lots of the states. The sun is shining out there right now but it's cold. Only in the teens.
I haven't been sleeping well at all since that lady moved in upstairs over me. She is up almost every hour to go to the bathroom and when she flushes the toilet it makes an awful rumbling noise down my bedroom wall. It's always been real noisy when the upstairs people flush their toilets. There is absolutely no insulation between the walls or ceilings in this building. I was so tired yesterday that I wasn't feeling well. I was awake from that noise at 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30. I got so mad because I wasn't getting any sleep so I turned my radio on to try and drown out her noise at 5:30. Never could fall back to sleep and I am up at 7:00 or 7:30 every morning anyway.
I was expecting not to get any sleep again last night but for some reason she didn't get up all night till 6:00 am. So I got to sleep more. Maybe she's been sick. I don't know. Have never talked to her or seen her yet. But when she never got up all night I was thinking maybe she died or something. Wouldn't want that happening so it was good to hear her get up this morning.
I'm having problems with irritation again around my Stoma. I had to change it again yesterday and it was bleeding in spots. Now I have put the Convatec flange back on. I still don't like the bags that come with the Coloplast Flanges. Guess it's back to experimenting. The Coloplast Flange is easier to get off my belly though. Doesn't pull the skin as much.
Now this morning I can feel the stinging again and know that I will have to take this one off sooner also. Don't know what to do about that. Guess I should call the doctor's office in Oneida to see if there might be something else I'm missing but I have researched all of this and there doesn't seem to be any other choices. No one makes real deep convex flanges like I think I need. Other than having surgery again to pull that Stoma out further I can't think of anything I can do. I'd hate to go through another surgery. It wouldn't take long and probably wouldn't be too much pain involved since I didn't have too much in that spot anyway.
I'm not going to think about that stuff right now.
I plan on getting out to the stores tomorrow. It will be sunny and about 25 degrees. More snow coming in on Saturday so I have to do everything tomorrow.
That's all for now.