Cabin Fever 101

Snow is beautiful, but enough already! I had to cancel two appointments since it all began. I had an appointment to get my jaw X-rayed two days ago, due to a pain in my jaw and ear. As luck would have it, the machine was broken, or someone didn't know how to work it, so the conversation went something like this . . . ."Hmm", said Mr. Techie, "The machine won't move for me". "Just a minute while I check something". He was gone about five minutes and returned with another techie, who scratched his head and tried desparately to move the machine, all the while muttering, "The machine seems to be stuck".

He shook his head and left me with Mr. Techie number one. Mr. Techie then said, "we'll have to try something else". So he positioned my jaw against the machine that takes chest or back X-rays, with me hanging on to my cane precariously, as he positioned my jaw pressed up against the machine and proceded to tilt my chin up and down. Although I was unbalanced, he said, "Now hold it that way and I'll be right back". He tried oh so hard to get four X-rays, two with jaw open, two with my jaw closed.

After several doses of radiation, Mr. Techie then came from the safety of the glass he was behind, pondered for a moment and then said, "Hmm" "that didn't work". "I'll be right back". He left the room, came back and said, "We'll try it this way". "Lie on your stomach and I'll use the overhead X-ray machine", he said triumphantly. "Did you notice I had a stroke and can't lie on my stomach?", I responded. "Hmm", he said nervously, "Maybe you should just come back another day when the machine is working". "Of course, you have to register again, but it would really be better for you to do that". Mr. Techie is getting smarter by the minute.

The Radiation department called yesterday to tell me the machine is working, but then added, "I don't think you should come in today, do you?" First smart thing they said.

When the music died

I haven't written anything for a long while; first, I was too busy planning a Christmas surprise for my kids and then the day after Christmas there were no words to describe what was locked in my heart.

Mary broke the spell with her great blog and I decided it was time to write again, and maybe sharing with all of you will help dispel some of the pain.

Christmas Day was wonderful for all of us as my kids learned "This Buds For You" was really true, as they each got a nice check when I had to cash in my Bud stock when Bud became InBev.

As for me, I got a new bannister and an airline ticket to anywhere when the rest of my Christmas wishes are granted. I asked to have the inside painted and furniture moved out so I could get some much needed carpet installed. Being very canny and smart, the kids all agreed I needed to be gone when they worked their magic.

Christmas night, Kathy headed to her sister-in-law's brother's house, where he greeted her with his own hat creation. Kathy was delighted and they had a fantastic time singing Karaoke songs all evening.

Back at home Kathy's daughter, Beth downloaded songs for her on the new iPod Kathy got for Christmas. Kathy sang and danced to Mama Mia" until almost midnight, went to bed and never again would wake up. They said it was a heart attack.

How I wish I could give her a hug once more. I take comfort in the knowledge that she died exactly as she wanted - in her sleep, peacefully dreaming of Christmas.