OUR FEAST

December 28, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

Barry and I had a good Christmas despite our worries.  Barry cooked a delicious Christmas dinner.  He had watched me cook Butterball turkey breast roasts for years and did a fine job.  He prepared several side dishes and Tam cooked him some green beans.  It was truly delicious.  We had Ingle's bakery pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies and my niece, Charlene, sent us a package from Figi's with blueberry muffins in it.  We had a feast!

My sister, Jeanette, also sent a Figi's package of sweet goodies, too.  I also received a beautiful Christmas flower bouquet from my good friend, Genevelyn, who delivered it and stayed for a visit.

Before Tam left for the holidays, she left a large gift bag under the tree and told me not to open it until Christmas morning which gave me something to look forward to.  Barry peeked in the bag and said, "you are going to like this," and I did!  It's was a pretty blue winter robe and nail polish.  Since I came from the hospital a few weeks ago I've worn sleepwear all day.  It's much more comfortable.

I will stop writing now as I need to rest.  I don't feel well and I need a good night's sleep.  Tomorrow (Tuesday) is when my neurologist gives Barry, Tam and I the results of all the tests that were performed.

Wednesday:  We went to the neurologist Tuesday.  He diagnosed me with dementia.  He is wanting to try a couple of medications to see if it helps my symptoms.  He has also referred me to a pain specialist for my arthritic knees.  He wants me to come back to see him in 3 weeks to see how the new medicine is working.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 16, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

I've always tried to be honest with my wonderful readers.  For some time I have been having tests to determine why I have an extreme nervous condition.  I've been told that some doctors suspect I have dementia.  But, other people wonder how I am able to write a blog if that is accurate.  I'm 89 so I know that is a possibility.  But I don't like it!  I still have goals I want to achieve.

Last week, Barry, Tam and I had an appointment with a doctor who was a charming gentleman.  He conducted a series of tests.  I was very nervous but, I called on all of my willpower and asked for prayers.  My second son and Barry's childhood friend, Larry Ballew, sent a beautiful prayer .  I knew Barry and Tam were pulling for me also.  Somehow, I pulled myself together and I thought I did well on the tests.  The kind doctor told me I did good.  Afterward, he interviewed Barry and Tam and told them I did well.

After Christmas we have an appointment with my neurologist and will be given the results of all the tests.  I ask you to remember me in you thoughts and prayers.  I pray that I'll be able to face the facts.  I also suffer from arthritis, COPD, and IBS.

When I was discharged from the hospital a few weeks ago, I was given oxygen fulltime.  We have had oxygen here for a couple of years but haven't had to use it.  I was a heavy smoker from my teenage years until 1999, when I quit cold turkey and haven't smoked since.  COPD is a hellish condition.

Meanwhile, Barry and I have celebrated birthdays and are preparing for a quiet Christmas.  Today, Tam put up a small Christmas tree for us in the dining room, so we can enjoy it while we eat our meals.  Barry and I did some of our shopping on the internet.  For his birthday I gave him a nice leather dress belt.  I'm giving him a dress jacket for Christmas.  Barry gave me a neat gadget, a toothbrush dispenser mounted on the wall in the bathroom.  Tam made us a cake and gave me a bag of small gifts.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!  See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (Edited and typed by Tam.)

MISERABLE WEATHER

December 5, 2016

By Olivene Godfrey

The weather today (Saturday) is cold and cloudy and utterly miserable.  My old arthritic bones ache so bad it's almost more than I can stand.  Tam has told me when I feel like this to write and try to get my mind off of what's bothering me.

At 89, I no longer sit at my typewriter and compose my blog.  I keep a legal pad by my side and write as I get the energy.  Barry says he doesn't know how Tam can read my writing.  Somehow, she always does.  She's had practice over the years with my novels as well as blogs.  If she can manage to get time to finish the typing, we have a book almost ready for publication.  We think it could be the best one yet.  We have high hopes for it.  The new book is set in the 1980's against the backdrop of the local carpet industry and the theme is divorce and how it affects every member of the family.

In my last blog, I told you Tam's daughter, Carrie was coming to the house to cut my hair.  She came last Friday and did a super job.  It is very short and looks great.  She is a beautiful woman, inside and out.

Soon, I have more testing regarding my nervous condition.  I'll be glad when they are all over and hope something can be done to help with my nerves.  This has been the worse time of my life.  Please say a prayer for me.

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

BUSY WEEK

December 1, 2016


By Olivene Godfrey

Since Professional Eye Associates of Dalton, Georgia opened an office my late husband and I had our eyes examined and cared for, and later glasses were prescribed as we aged.  Later, our son, Barry had yearly examines.  Over the years by trial and error, Barry started wearing "store glasses".  He continued having his yearly check ups.  I wanted him to have prescription glasses.  Earlier in the week, he had his check up and was prescribed glasses.  He selected some frames and his new glasses will be ready in about a week.

I have an appointment with my primary care doctor this week.  One question I'm going to ask, is why in the afternoon no matter the temperature do I just "burn up"?  I've written in a past blog about being treated by a neurologist, which are still testing me.  I am unable to be completely still.  Before this became so bad, my hairdresser and Tam's daughter, Carrie did my hair in her salon.  The last time it was cut, Carrie came to my home.  With not being able to hold my head still to be curled, Tam and I have decided to see if Carrie could come out again and cut my hair shorter so it won't need to be curled.  Carrie, a lovely person, has agreed to come over soon.  I'll let you know the result.

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