An Ear-ee Feeling

Today we took Zach to see the doctor to check for a possible ear infection. He's had two infections recently , and since he hasn't been himself lately, Mom wanted him checked out. Nope: ears were fine, so there are other mysterious causes behind the lack of sleep at that house.

Meanwhile, I have also enjoyed two ear infections in the past few months. When we were discussing making a appointment for Zach, I thought I detected a tiny ache in my ear. "Is it the power of suggestions or what," I wondered. It was hard to tell because I'm all lopsided in the head from the hearing aid in that ear (the left) being broken. This aidless ear tends to feel plugged up anyway when there's only amplification on the other (right) side. So, I took the hearing aid out of my right ear for awhile and tried to discern whether the left ear still felt plugged. I thought it did but not too badly. So, should I try to see the doctor too?

In the end, I opted to ask for an appointment. It was quite the scene in the doctor's small office: Cuppa, me, Nikki Dee, Zach, and the doctor, herself. The kids get revved up, and want to get into everything; meanwhile, one tries to have a semi intelligent discussion with the doctor. Cuppa swears that it's worse than trying to herd chickens. However, I really don't think it's any worse than trying to herd cats! However, we all persevered; the doctor was able to render her verdict, and we were just barely able to hear it over the distractive din and melee.

In the event, the boy was cleared, but I was diagnosed with an infection. In a way I am relieved because I was really wondering if I was being led by the power of suggestion. On the other hand, however, I'd just as soon not have to deal with this again and go through yet another round of antibiotics.

I don't know what's going on in me 'ead. Historically, I have not been prone to ear troubles. In fact, I can only recall two other episodes in my whole life, which is getting rather long, I hasten to add before you do. But as it stands I am rather flummoxed to be celebrating my third ear infection in five months, not much more than four months really.

For the good news, I must say that I am pretty happy with the level of medical care that we are receiving. When we moved to this area almost five years ago, we weren't sure of finding a doctor since there is a wee bit of a local shortage. However, we were lucky to get on Thesha's doctor's roster, and have found that we can often get in to see her on the same day as we call. I guess it helps that she frequently has student doctors working with her to bear some of the load, but I'm okay with that as the younguns tend to take their time and be as thorough as possible.

Bet really now: three ear infections in less than five months? Let's get serious here!

Exposure and Perplexity

It was a week and a half ago that I posted photos of crocuses at my daughter's house. They have been wilting for over a week now although a few still show a bit of color in the foreground of this picture.



Meanwhile, her daffodils are blooming beautifully, spreading their own sunshine.



On the other hand, my crocuses have yet to open in this their first year. While a few have shown a bit of color, most look as though they won't bloom at all this year.



While I'm not sure of all the possible reasons, one thing I do know is the Thesha's flowers enjoy a fine southern exposure while mine receive some morning sun. It makes a difference.

Proper exposure is good for plants. For kids too. A little object lesson there.

On another note, I'd like to point out the three larger spring plant behind the tree. When I bought bulbs last fall, I vaguely recall purchasing and planting three more expensive ones in addition to the crocuses and daffodils. Now, I can't remember what they are, and apparently I didn't keep the package. Now among other traits, such as dimwittedness, I'm perplexed.

Leftovers

These photos all got lost in the shuffle over Easter and guests and life, but on looking through my files just now, I decided to put them out there, starting with a little tv watching. Despite his age, or maybe because of it, the boy generally seems to be more engrossed in the tv than the girl.




I posted a series of Zach on the floor earlier but found that I missed this one.



In our front porch.



Just before Easter weekend, on a very fine day, I took Nikki Dee for her first outing to the park this year. Among other things, she found a great rock to climb on and we also did a hat exchange.

Silent Sunday

More Pictures from Easter Weekend

Wheelers




BIL, Dog and Pizza in Lanark



Perth





Home

Wild Ride

On Easter Weekend my BIL was able to shoot this rapid fire sequence with his super duper camera.



Watch on YouTube

Mindless Moments

Last night, just before bedtime, I determined that my nose could use an application of Rhinaris since it's been getting dry and stuffy these past few nights. Unfortunately, a tube of Preparation H was lying just beside the container of my desire. The two tubes were approximately the same size and color, which is probably an unimportant detail since I indiscriminately reached and applied and would probably have grabbed the inappropriate one even if it had been large and purple and the other tiny and yellow.

...

This reminds me of a similar thoughtless grab many years earlier. Many many years earlier: in our second year of marriage in fact.

We had a budgie named Flubber who enjoyed a time of flying freedom every evening. One of his favourite perches was the cup in the bathroom. Flubber would sit on the rim and look in the mirror and jabber away at himself to his heart's content. As is a bird's habit, he dropped his ... er, droppings ... frequently. It was a good situation for all, as his offerings fell harmlessly into the glass that was set aside specifically for this purpose. Meanwhile, Cuppa and I used disposable paper cups. It was a satisfactory situation for both avian and Homo sapiens.

Until one night when I mindlessly reached for the bird's glass upon needing to rinse after brushing. I was okay for a second or two ... until I noticed the lumps.

...

Back to the present ... I have heard it said that our noses and ears don't stop growing as we age.

This morning, however, I noticed that my nose had actually shrunk. Why would that be? I wonder.

A Farewell

My most inspirational blogger has passed away. That's Pam in her wheelchair in a trip to the ocean in August 2008. She had battled long and hard with ALS for years, but there weren't too many blogs entries in Mind Trips after that posting in which she described having a wonderful time and not being self conscious about her infirmities.

"I discovered that I was not embarrassed at having to be fed out in public ... but my friends made it all seem very natural so I was quite relaxed and just went with the flow. And I didn't feel too terribly self-conscious when tourists stared at me as I was efficiently maneuvered in and out of the van ... My lungs even cooperated and remained strong enough for me to be out of the hotel and away from breathing assistance for long stretches of time. I think it was all that beautiful sea air!"

She did wish us a Merry Christmas that December (2008), but only posted twice after that to let us know, both times, that in her words she was "Still Standing."

As the following picture demonstrates, Pam was a great artist, and even though she had to change her methods due to her illness, she still produced inspired and uplifting work.



And who among us, her blog friends, could fail to be inspired by her attitude and words, such as these?

"This past June marked the end of my fourth year with ALS and I am celebrating. Celebrating because I am beating the odds as I move into my fifth year. I am celebrating because this weekend is my 66th birthday and I am still alive, still squeezing everything that I possibly can out of each day. I am celebrating the joy of family and as I watch my grandchildren grow and blossom I am happy that they never shy away from my illness but continue to share their lives with me."

Let me close this weak tribute to a courageous person with her own artwork and verse in a post she titled In Dreams (May 19 2008).

I had a wonderful dream last night
It filtered through my sleep
Subconscious thoughts made all things right
A dream I'd like to keep

In my twilight world I was held no more
By bonds of chairs and wheels
I moved with freedom along the shore
Blue ocean at my heels

Salt stung wind blew through damp hair
My arms swung light and free
The fragrant tang of moist sea air
Caressed and lifted me

With morning sun my dream was spent
No longer what it seemed
But I know where my vision went
It's there within sweet dreams

Remarkable.

Goodbye Pam. You and your Mind Trips were inspirational.