Saturday, June 18, 2022

A vey involved week................

 





Since my computer got fixed a few weeks ago my Picasa doesn't work so I have to download photos from iCloud, and put them in a folder and submit them here.  No editing, no watermark, which really bums me out but there you have it.  You see everything like my phone camera sees it.

Lots of crazy things have happened this week.  The electricity in Little Buddy's room and my garage went out on Monday.  I knew it was the circuit breaker but did not know how to fix it.  I asked my next door neighbor to assess the situation so I knew what to say when I called someone and he offered to fix it.  He is an interesting guy, quite a bit older than me, loves his motorcycle, lost his wife of 39 years to cancer 6 years ago.  His house is a bit messy, he is always fixing things right out in his driveway. He is a bit scary looking at first glance, but the sweetest man ever.  He went to Home Depot, bought the breaker and put it in.  But the system was still tripping so he called a friend.  His friend came at 9:15 and they started over.  At 10:15 they felt it was still being tripped so had to come in and unplug things to see what happened.  I had two guys I really don't know in my house at 10:15 at night and I wasn't at all concerned.  I figured they were either going to murder me or I had two new guardians, or at least Little Buddy does.  It was all fixed by 10:30 with me promising to contact them if it went out again.  No payment was wanted, just a, "this is what we do, we help people when they need it."  Turns out when we pushed the garage fridge back in place we knocked the old socket off the wall so everything in the freezer went bad. I of course did not know about it until Thursday so you can imagine the mess and clean up duty.  And Little Buddy's ceiling fan did not work after the power went back on, so it ends up I do have to get an electrician after all, but that's okay, it will be nice to have everything safe again.

I missed my headache Botox shots on Thursday because I have shingles yet again.  My fifth time to be exact.  The first time was years ago and it was all over the bottom of my face, neck and chest.  It was missed diagnosed as poison oak so they kept giving me steroids.  It kept getting worse and worse, actually cracking in areas but I just got more steroids.  What I would have given for anti viral medication to make it stop itching, hurting and cracking.  Each time I get it it looks different so I take a while to realize what it is. This time was on the back of my neck and on my head on both sides.  I can't see back there so I had no idea what was going on until way too late.  I thought it was bites, a reaction to new city water, or poison something.  Mine hurt a bit but mostly they itch like the dickens.  My neurologist asked me why I got them so bad, did something happen?  Was I stressed?  I could have manically laughed but held it together.  He is adorable, 37 warm and lovely.  I keep telling him if his mother ever disowns him I will adopt him and I mean it! But no shots mean more headaches until I can get these shingles to disappear.  He did give me nerve pain medication he swears will help, I am crossing my fingers it does. 

Little Buddy had his Botox shots for his tight leg muscles yesterday.  It was good that his computer was delivered yesterday to help him be distracted enough he did not think about them.  Actually it is his biggest brother's computer that he used in college.  He has not used it for several years so when we moved I thought it was a good idea to get it updated and ready for this guy. $300 later it works like a dream and should last him for years.  

We went to the park near us this morning for one very hot hour.  The feel like temp was 105 degrees today so we did not stay long.  It is 3 minutes from our house and is an inclusion playground fit for kids of all different ability levels.  It has been closed for renovation since we moved it.  We spent a very hot hour there and then headed to the grocery store where I had help from a cute little boy who pushed my cart and scanned all my food.  Now if I could just get him to bag things I think he might have a new job!

There has been little knitting this week, way too much emotional ups and downs that continue to wear me out.  I have no reserve anymore so it is not taking much to make me feel depleted.  When I was feeling better last week I made the stone path and the stone border in my backyard.  I have since added the last two flat stepping stones making it a total of 10, and moved those rocks around to fit around the new stones.  It looks better and prevents me from stepping in dirt as I round the corner to my side yard.  The backyard is full of weeds, dirt and a bit of grass.  It needs to be mowed a lot as the weeds have those pieces that cling to dog fur. That was my job early this morning before the heat set in.

That was my week my friends.  I hope yours was better.  Still with all that has happened I am so grateful for my family, my fur boys,  my new home, work and my friends and that includes all of you!

Have a wonderful Father's Day tomorrow if you are celebrating.  I miss my Dad, he would have been a rock for me and helped me get through all this mess. 


28 comments:

Anita said...

Oh gosh what a story you have about the electricity!!!! That would be the sort of luck I would have. Our week was one of the hot water system blowing at night and all the water had to be turned off to stop the water flowing. I hope your health improves because it really does hinder things. I really do love your garden path though, and it's just the best therapy getting out there in the garden....I love it. Sending you big hugs and good wishes. xx

Betsy said...

Hello Meredith, It did have another full week. I'm glad you have new guardian angels in your neighborhood. That's very important and maybe they'll be able to teach LB some things about working on things. Most little boys love that.
Shingles again! I'm so sorry. I've had them and I know how uncomfortable they can be. Have you had the new shingles shot? Dennis and I both got the two shot series this past winter. I hope it keeps shingles away. I'll pray for them to go away quickly.
I hope the week ahead is better for you.
Blessings,
Betsy

Anne M said...

You certainly have a right to be stressed after the months you have had. Have you considered getting the shingles vaccine? Once this bout has cleared. It may save you much discomfort in the future. Take care, Anne

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Those are two wonderful guardian angels. You sure picked the right neighborhood. I'm so sorry about the shingles. . . .those are nasty. I hope you get relief soon. I also hope they leave faster than they ever have in the past!!--Terry K

Babajeza said...

It's lovely to have helping neighbours, it makes life a lot easier. Hopefully, your weekend is relaxing and the medication is working.

All the best! Regula

linda said...

Bless you Meredith my goodness what a week! How lovely that you have such a kind and helpful neighbour it makes all the difference when your neighbours are like that. My friends husband came to help me with my garage door last week too, you just want to cry with gratitude sometimes. I hope that your shingles improve and gets better quickly. Well done on making that garden path that is heavy work, take care not to hurt your back. I hope you have a peaceful Sunday and a better week ahead. xx

Christina said...

I am glad you have nice neighbours, looking out for you. Next week will be better, I am sure it will. I really hope your shingles are healing so that you can get your Botox injections. Sending you hugs xx

Nance said...

Amid all your troubles, you have met some great neighbors and LB has learned how valuable helpers and kindness are. But who needs all these trials and tribulations? You've certainly had more than your share, and I hope you hit a lot of smooth road soon.

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness for kind neighbours. You have my sympathy for the dreadful headaches - it's hard too keep going with the every day tasks and stuff when you are in pain.
Thinking of you and yours x
Alison in Wales

Ellen D. said...

You have certainly had more than enough to deal with. I hope you feel better soon and things calm down for you. You deserve some peace! Wishing you the best...

Dee said...

It is good to have neighbors you can go to in an emergency.

Hope this upcoming week is a good one. LB looks like he enjoyed that new-to-you playground.

Araignee said...

I guess you do know what The Big Itch feels like! Shingles are awful. My grandmother and father had them and they look miserable. I am so sorry you have that burden on top of everything else.
At least it sounds like you've got some good neighbors. You can't beat that. I've been here 30 years but I never knew how nice my neighbors were until my car got crushed two weeks ago. They were coming out of the woodwork to offer help and sympathy. Nice to know.

Kim in Oregon said...

Oh wow if it doesn't rain it pours. I'm so glad you have a great neighbor!

Delighted Hands said...

Hmmmm, the adjustments are going to keep you busy! I'm sorry for the shingles attack again! Misery. Hope the new meds are helping!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Neighbours like that really are the best!
Hope this week is a little bit easier on you!

Anonymous said...

I had shingles years ago and another bout with them six months ago. I would not wish them on anybody!!! Terrible Terrible!!

I so hope with your move you have found peace and with each day more and
more stability. Moving always brings a few headaches but I hope you have
most of them over for you.

Wishing you the best.

Marion

Vera said...

Little Buddy is looking so GROWN UP!!! So nice that you have friendly, helpful neighbors - that is a blessing for sure. Hoping the coming week is easier for you.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Meredith, it was so good to know you have kind neighbors to help you with electrical issues. Shingles sound no fun to have. I may get a shingles shot next time I go to Dr. appt. Never had one. Phil and I went to McGrath's fish house restaurant for lunch after church today. It was delicious and we took some of it home. Quiet house this week as daughter is house/dog sitting for friends who are gone away to another state. I am sure she likes that as well. Take care and praying you feel better soon. Hugs and blessings, Becky

CJ said...

That sounds like a long hard week, but hurray for your lovely neighbour and his friend, how kind. So sorry about the shingles, I hope you are on the mend soon and that you can get the injections for your migraines. I agree that Little Buddy is looking very grown up. Great that you have a park so nearby, that will be nice to go to throughout the year. It's always so hard to stay on top of things isn't it. I am trying to be okay with the garden being weedy. I need to prioritise things! I hope you have a good week and that it's easier than last. CJ xx

karen said...

God bless you and your life's journey! I hope this week is good to you :)

Anonymous said...

What a week!!! Really, what a past many months you have had. I just recently came down with Shingles after a few stress-filled weeks. I didn't know what it was at first, but once I did, the Dr prescribed the Anti-virals ad some Gabapentin. The anti-virals made me crazy dizzy. I am not one for taking a lot of drugs, but I was ready to try ANYTHING to make the pain and itching stop. I am going into week 3. I guess "normal" is 2-4 weeks. I am hoping for once I will be normal and this will be on its way out. Claudia mentioned to me that you also just came down w/ your case. I had the 1st Shingles shot, but not the latest one. We will get that set up for ASAP after this is on its way our!! Chris K in WI

KSD said...

Well, you seem to have a not-too-terrible sense of humor about it all. I have a breaker that trips all the time, and it knocks out power in completely random places. So weird.

Judy S. said...

So sorry to hear that you have shingles again; it sure sounds though like you've had a lot of stress, too. Glad that you found a nice new place to live, and it was great to see new photos of LB. You are right, kid's grow up way too fast. Sending hugs from WA.

Melanie said...

Just what you need on top of everything, is electrical problems and now shingles! I am so sorry. Of course it's all the stress in your life that triggered the shingles. I hope that the medication that your neurologist gave you helps lessen the pain and itching.

Good to hear you at least have a nice next door neighbor who was willing to help you! There is one blessing, right there.

xoxo

Jeanie said...

It sounds like one heck of a week! But shingles are the worst. I've only had them once and that was enough. Five times? Stress? I would have broken down and cried!

Nice neighbor you have. I see a batch of cookies in his future the next time you bake or something equally tasty! I hope the new week treats you far better.

JanL said...

My sympathy on the repeat Shingles. I've had Shingles three times, the last time was on my forehead and down into my right eye! As soon as I realized what this had to be, I got into my doctor right away. She sent me on immediately to an ophthalmologist. A few days later the pain hit with super-intensity and no narcotic would relieve the pain. On 2nd visit to ophthalmologist, she told me before becoming a physician, she was a pharmacist, & prescribed Elavil, shingles pain is an old 'off-label' use of this medication. This helped my pain tremendously. Maybe check with your doctor if that might be helpful to decrease your pain. [I have two scars (from shingles)on my cornea that thankfully are not in my line of vision.] My thoughts are with you with all the challenges you are facing along with all the emotional ups/downs!

Connie said...

Happy Birthday little Buddy!

Jean Winnipeg said...

How lovely that you have such a lovely neighbour, just a super kind guy and his friend.

I’m sorry for the other problems. Yes, what possible stress could you be under!
But you are grooving on through and you are a survivor, Hoping that your troubles are behind you, and things will settle more in place…you have achieved a lot in a short time. Good wishes for better times, from Winnipeg, Canada.