WHAT AN AWFUL FRIDAY

July 18, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

I've had another Irritable Bowel (IBS) episode.  It started last Friday morning and Barry had to call Tam to see if she could come early.  He stayed with me until Tam arrived.  When she got settled in, I told her I didn't think I ever got sick that I didn't need a shampoo.  She usually does my hair on Friday's.  But, I was so sick I stopped worrying about it.

Poor Tam!  All day, I called her on the intercom to help me.  I needed to have a bowel movement and it didn't want to move.  The doctor had told me to take a mild laxative.  But, Barry and Tam and I knew that it was too painful.  Something quick acting needed to be done.  We decided that I would try eating prunes and hoped for some action.  Wow!  I'll spare you the details, but the prunes worked!

For now, on Sunday afternoon, I'm feeling some better.  Tam will be here Monday and help me with a shower and shampoo my hair.  My "sponge baths" aren't very refreshing.  Please say a prayer for me.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER

July 12, 2016

IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER

By Olivene Godfrey

Our large crepe myrtle bush is gorgeous now that it is in full bloom.  When I ate lunch at the dining room table today, I smiled as I gazed at the beautiful blooms through the window and thought of my mother who passed away in 2000, at the age of 92.

My sister-in-law, Joyce, wasn't able to attend the funeral.  She sent me a check to use to buy a plant and any supplies that were needed to plant in memory of my mother.  So, I asked Ralph to buy a plant for a place in the front yard of our home.

My late husband, Ralph, had a green thumb.  That is obvious if anyone saw our yard when we moved here in 1978.  There was no shrubbery or trees.  He planted small trees and shrubbery in the yard.  Now the plants are lush and the trees are majestic and tall.  If we didn't have a landscaping service trim them every spring, they would be like a jungle.  He did a good job and now 16 years later, it's a thing of beauty.

My mother would be proud of the plant.  I can just hear her giving the plant a pep talk.  She wouldn't permit the crepe myrtle to die!

For awhile here in Georgia's high country, the weather we were getting was dry.  Then we started having afternoon rain showers and the flowers and foliage are beginning to perk up.  We were also having high temps in the mid 90's and the heat index was in the 100's.

I would like to thank my English friend, Annie for reading and commenting on my blog.  It means a lot to me to get any comments.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

MORE DOCTOR VISITS

July 7, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

I've been busy the past two weeks.  First, came my yearly eye exam which I told you about last week.  The exam was very tiring.  The new lenses are ready to be picked up now.  I've been using a pair of "drug store" glasses to read, and they tire my eyes.

Then, Tuesday I had my 3 month exam at my primary health care doctor's office.  Tam drove me to the office and was my "ears" as I have a problem hearing the doctor's voice.  Tam and I each made a list of my current medical problems and the doctor and her assistant gave us answers.

My major problems are constipation and as usual the doctor wanted me to take mild laxatives.  Tam explained why I cannot.  The doctor wanted me to eat more fiber.  I would love to eat fruit and salads but I am not able to because I appear to have allergies to them.  I pay dearly when I try.

A few of my problems and doctor's advice were daytime sleeping which the doctor said is typical for the elderly.  Also, I recently had a period of hallucinations which the doctor said was most likely due to near dehydration.  She said I should drink plenty of water and gator aide.  I've been drinking more which seems to be helping.  My neck and knee pain is due to arthritis.  We discussed treatments for my ailments.

My last blood test which was taken at our last visit showed my hemoglobin was just under 10 which means I'm probably eligible for a booster shot at my blood doctor's next visit.

It's awful to be old.  But, I thank God, that I'm in pretty good health.  If I hadn't smoked for many years, I might live to be 100.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

YEARLY EYE EXAM

July 1, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

After a good nights sleep, I'm still tired.  The reason is that I spent what seemed like hours having my yearly eye exam at Professional Eye Associates, in Dalton, Georgia yesterday.  I was one of the first patients when the facility opened many years ago when I was a young woman.  I've had eye exams there most years except during the 4 years when my late husband, Ralph and I lived in Florida.

Tam drove me to the facility and stayed with me while we were there.  Following the exam, came the dreaded and hated, for me, dilation.  Afterwards, I was "out of it".  When the doctor, my third since I've been using them, examined my eyes with his equipment, he had good news for me.

My eyes, he said, are pretty good for an 88 year old person.  One eye is 20/30 and the other is 20/25.  My eyes are free of any disease and I only need reading glasses.  My old glasses weren't quite as strong as they need to be which caused my eyes to hurt if I wore them too long.  I only need the lense changed as my frames are still good.  They will be ready in about a week.

This is July 1st and the country is preparing to celebrate the 4th.  I hope you all have a good holiday.  Barry and I plan to stay at home and grill 2 Omaha filet mignon steaks, and take it easy.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)