TAM'S THANKSGIVING DINNER TASTY AND FRIGID COLD WEATHER ARRIVES IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA AND GOOD DOCTOR'S REPORT

November 26, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

Tam's Thanksgiving dinner was served about the middle of the afternoon.  So, we were able to see more of the family compound this year.  Barry and I attended Tam's dinner last year at the end of the day.  And this year the dinner was delicious again.  Tam's chocolate cake was sinfully delectable.  She said her daughter, Carrie, helped cook the dinner.
Tam has a cozy efficiency apartment in her dad's house and she showed Barry and myself around.  We met her pet dog, Sadie, which is some kind of golden retriever mix.
After dinner, Tam's 8 year old granddaughter, Hallie, took Barry on a tour of the family compound in their golf cart.  He was impressed with the swimming pool with it's picket fence and rose bushes and the dressing room, decks, etc., and also Tam's dad's large shop.  Tam pointed out the homes of her daughter, Carrie and family and her son, Corey, and his wife Angela, to us.
Carrie's husband, Marlon, cooked the delicious deep fried turkey.  I had never eaten deep fried turkey before and I liked it very much.
I also want to mention that Tam's 13 year old granddaughter, Hannah, is a little beauty!
As I write this a cold front is moving in and the temperature is suppose to drop down in the 20s tonight.  This cold weather causes my arthritic knees to hurt almost more than I can bear.  I've been using the "TENS" electrical treatment which gives me some temporary relief.
I had an appointment with my primary care doctor last week for a check up.  Everything checked out fine which caused Barry to ask why I complain so much about my aches and pains.  I think the doctor thinks that is just part of being 85 years old, which I don't like at all!
See you next time.  (As told to Tam)

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

November 16, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day, including life itself.  I spent several weeks in the hospital with double pneumonia this past spring and was seriously ill.  I was determined to get well and to return to my beloved home.  And with the help of God and prayers of family and friends, and some say a stubborn will, I did come home and am happy as I look forward to my 85th birthday December 10th.
I am also grateful to have Barry, a devoted son, who does so much for me every day.  And, my dear Tam, who has become an integral part of my life, seems to be a gift from God, just when I need her most.
I'm also thankful that Barry has work he enjoys and an employer and co-workers he likes.  And, I'm thankful for my neighbor and friend, Genevelyn, who visits me and does so much for me year round.
Tam has graciously invited Barry and me to share Thanksgiving day dinner with her and her family this year.  We also attended last year's dinner with them at their beautiful home and enjoyed it very much.  We are looking forward to this year's dinner.
I'm also thankful for friends, Larry B. and Jeanette G. and Annie in England, and Kym and my sis, Jeanette and niece Charlene.
I hope each of you have a happy Thanksgiving holiday.  See you next time.  (As told to Tam)

MY LUNGS ARE CLEAR AND I'M WELL; FEELING LIKE LIVING IN TV SCENE AND THOUGHTS ON TIME CHANGE AND OUR GHOST IN THE GARAGE

November 11, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

My lungs are "clear as a bell", the home health nurse assured me last week, and I'm well.  My allergies had been acting up which may have caused the "gurgling" sound the nurse heard when she listened to my lungs earlier.
Have you ever felt as if you are living in a TV scene?  I felt that way one recent day when Tam was doing my hair and one of the home health therapists came to check on me.  Tam had finished washing my hair and was drying it, and the fellow started taking my vital signs.
Then the home health nurse joined us in my bedroom sitting area, Tam was using the curling iron on my hair and the nurse drew blood from my arm for a test.  During all of this, Tam never missed a beat.  But I knew she was upset, as we had told all of these people to come in the mornings.  I'm grateful for their help, especially the balance treatments.  But when they come in the afternoon, if they work me hard, I don't feel well and am too stimulated to sleep at night.
Son Barry and I have about adjusted to the time change.  But, for several days, our systems were out of whack.  We don't care which time zone we're in, but we wish we would remain in one year round.
Since we moved to our home in 1978, we are convinced a ghost haunts our garage.  The ghost seems to be harmless but, its annoying when you're trying to take a nap and you keep hearing a car door slam in the garage, even when the garage is empty!
See you next time.  (As told to Tam)

HOME HEALTH NURSE HEARS GURGLING SOUND WHEN SHE LISTENS TO MY LUNGS A FEW DAYS AGO

November 4, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey

While my home health nurse took my vital signs a few days ago, she told me she heard a gurgling sound in my right lung.  I asked her what that meant and she told me it may indicate an accumulation of fluid or mucus in the airways.  She said it could be a virus or bacteria, such as a cold or some other illness.  And it could be a warning of the start of pneumonia!
Since I had double pneumonia this past spring and had a long hospital stay, her words struck terror in my heart.  Tam was with me and we exchanged a worried glance.
The nurse told me to increase the breathing treatments with my nebulizer and inhaler.  She, or another nurse, will come by and check me, probably tomorrow.  I will have a blood test early in the week which should indicate if I have an infection.
I have an appointment with my doctor, but may need to see her sooner.  I have oxygen in the house and I pray I can stay out of the hospital.  Please include me in your prayers.
See you next time.
(As told to Tam)