RECOMMEND NEW BOOK, HOUSE PAINTING & JOY OF COFFEE DRINKING

March 31, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

Do you like to read about a person who has overcome the most horrendous adversity to become a successful person?  If so, a new electronic book, titled, "Broken Chords" by Georgia Morgan, may be for you.  The book has been published by Amazon and costs less than a dollar.

As I told you last week, I am recuperating from the stomach flu that I thought for a while was going to kill me.  I still don't feel good and am quite weak.  I don't know what I would have done without Barry and Tam to assist me.

We have hired a contractor to do a little construction repair work and paint the house trim and garage doors.  He power washed the house Friday and when the work is finished the house should look beautiful.  The white columns on the front porch will be sanded and then painted.

I quit drinking coffee a number of years ago.  Barry has a coffee maker that brews one or two large cups of coffee.  He uses Starbucks coffee and it is delicious.  I drank a large cup of the coffee today (Sunday) and really enjoyed it.  I may ask Tam to brew me a cup some days.  When I was drinking coffee every morning I was having trouble sleeping.  I may try drinking it again and risk insomnia.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

REPORT ON MY BOUT WITH STOMACH FLU

March 24, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

As I write this, on a cold Monday, I hope I am feeling better after a bout with norovirus, also known as the stomach flu.  I've been reading that this virus is highly contagious and can leave you feeling lousy for a few days.

I have only eaten saltine crackers until this morning when I ate a little oatmeal.  Since I eat a bland diet because of my IBS, I wasn't as sick as Barry, who had eaten a large plate of highly seasoned spaghetti and later a large bowl of hot chili, before he woke up violently ill and all day he vomited and had diarrhea.  His bathroom was a big mess.  He was too sick to clean it so Tam did.  He thinks that is the reason for her own stomach flu, and he feels bad about it.  Since this "bug" is highly contagious, I think that is why all of us have had it.

Barry read on the internet that research for a vaccine for the stomach flu is being done.  My doctor called in a prescription for nausea for me which has helped.  Since my doctor has arranged for me to have a home health nurse to visit me every week I feel safer.

The home health nurse came yesterday and Barry and I were concerned that I might be dehydrated, but after checking my vital signs and my skin, she assured us I wasn't.  Normally I drink a lot of water and since I've been sick, I've drank even larger amounts.

I think I've lost some weight and after I take a shower today, I plan to get out our scales and weigh.  See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

SPRING IS BUSTING OUT HERE IN GEORGIA MOUNTAIN COUNTRY, BUT SON, BARRY & I ARE TOO SICK TO ENJOY IT

March 18, 2014
By Olivene Godfrey
Spring is busting out here in Georgia's mountain country.  Our pear tree (which bears delicious fruit) and the forsythia bushes are blooming and there are buds on the trees.  All of this pollen in the air is causing we allergy sufferers to feel lousy.  We wonder if the signs of spring are too soon.  We still have the spell of dogwood winter, blackberry winter, Easter spell and a few more mornings for ole Jack Frost to visit us.

Some kind of "spell" has Barry and me "under the weather".  Barry has really been sick, and still is, with an upset stomach, causing nausea and diarrhea and weakness.  So far, I'm able to function but I'm not "normal" yet.  Barry said last night that he didn't know how we would have made it without Tam's help.  I hope she doesn't become sick, too.  There must be a special place in heaven for people like Tam.

Tam's daughter, Carrie, cut and set my hair last week, so I haven't had to worry with "too long" hair while I've been sick.  Please pray for us.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

WATCHED "COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER" MOVIE AT HOME & COMMENTS ON WALKING AND EXERCISES & DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

March 10, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

My all time favorite movies are "The Godfather", "Gone With The Wind" & "Coal Miner's Daughter".  I haven't been to a movie theater in years.  Recently, I started thinking about the movie, "Coal Miner's Daughter and realized I hadn't seen the movie in over 30 years.  I mentioned this to Barry and he ordered it from Amazon and it was delivered to me the next day.  Yesterday (Sunday), I watched the movie in the den with the draperies closed.  We have a large flat TV with Barry's outstanding sound system and the music in the movie was fabulous.  I enjoyed the two hour movie and was so engrossed with it, I hardly moved in my recliner.  The acting of Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones as Loretta Lynn and her husband Doolittle was superb.

While watching the movie, I forgot temporarily, Daylight Saving time went into effect this past weekend.  I don't care what time we're on if the government would just keep it year round.  As it is, most people I know say it takes them about two weeks to adjust to the time change.

I am still doing my exercises every morning and walking with my walker most of the time.  I have lost a little weight, which is a bonus for me.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)

REFLECTIONS ON WEATHER, KNEE PAIN & TRIP TO EYE DOCTOR

March 3, 2014

By Olivene Godfrey

The weather here in Georgia's high country is always changing, making life interesting.  As I write this on a Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining brightly and temps are pleasant.  But, the weather tomorrow may be colder and rainy according to the weather forecast.  Tuesday is supposed to be very cold but warm again in a few days.

The pollen count here is driving we allergy sufferers crazy.  Sometimes we have pollen counts in the thousands.  I love spring with all it's greenery and pretty flowers, but I can't seem to be able to tolerate it, having pneumonia year before last and almost having it last year.  I am being careful and praying I'll be well this spring.

I haven't exercised much this weekend but have walked a lot, even when I don't feel up to it.  It isn't surprising that the arthritis in my knees is causing severe pain.  I have been using my stimulator electrode (TENS unit) on my knees at intervals all weekend for temporary relief.

Tam drove me to the eye doctor's office in Dalton last week for my final exam of the eye lid surgery.  My eyes were dilated and some other eye drops were used, too.  The eye doctor said everything is fine.  He said my eyes are free of any signs of eye disease.  I don't have to see him again for a year.

Tam and I were exhausted after getting me in and out of her car for the trip.  I could barely see during the trip home from the effects of the eye drops and dilation.  I don't know what I would do without Tam.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam)