LIfe's challenges

 March 31, 2021

Summerfield, Fl

Dad just shrugs his shoulders as he really is unable to comprehend why it takes several days, numerous phone calls, and enough push and shove to move a mountain to accomplish his goal.  After all, we live in the days of modern technology with promises to make communication faster, easier and more efficient.  

It began over a week ago when fluid began building up (for the second time) in the shoulder that had replacement surgery last August.  The fluid collection began slowly and Dad figured by the time we returned home, he would need a visit to his surgeon to have it drained.  That thought was revised when the hard, red, lump of fluid began growing exponentially.   After contacting his surgeon and patiently (and if you really want to be truthful....impatiently as it took most of the day) securing an appointment, we cut our trip short and headed home.

Dad returned home from the doctor a tad disappointed as he still had his ever growing lump.  Measurements were taken and the doctor decided some further assessment and tests were needed to determine the cause.  Momma bombarded Dad with questions that he couldn't answer so she signed on to the patient portal and discovered that 3 items had been referred to Advent Health who would be calling to schedule.  1. A bone scan, 2. a Gallium Scan, and 3. (the procedure that would finally provide some relief) the Interventional Radiology Abcess Drainage.

No call that afternoon.  No call from the scheduler over the weekend.  No call on Monday.  And then we were into Tuesday late afternoon when the call arrived.  I heard Dad say, "you mean they can't do everything in one day?"  It seems the scheduler needed to verify and she promised to call back early the next morning....and that didn't happen....so.....by using the 'recent call list', Dad called back the scheduler who said,  "Oh yah, I knew there was something I needed to do this morning."    

Momma happened to be right there so Dad put the phone on speaker mode.  The scheduler began with ....well, next Monday....and that's when Momma got involved, explaining the discomfort and how long the process had been dragging on and voila!!  The bone scan is on the schedule for tomorrow and the Gallium for Monday.  When Momma asked about the Abcess Drainage proceedure, the scheduler said, I don't have any information on that.  WHAT?????  It's on his chart notes.  It says to be scheduled by Advent.  Thank goodness Momma read the on-line doctor notes summary.

Now you'll begin to understand why we said numerous phone calls.  A phone call to the surgeon's office and a promise to re-fax to Advent and label it as urgent.  Wait an hour.  Call the Advent Scheduler...we were beginning to bond....and nothing had come in yet, but she would call as soon as it arrived.  Shortly, the scheduler called to announce that a faxed sheet was received with Dad's name but no procedures. It was blank.  And so the cycle of phone calls began once again.

As I mentioned, Momma had bonded with the scheduler who showed compasion by doing some advance contacting with the department who would perform the drainage to see if it would be possible to schedule for tomorrow (ah, relief).....IF they received the needed order, faxed from the doctor.  Dad mentioned he could have walked the order from the doctor to Advent in a much shorter time than the modern, swift faxing took.  

So relief is actually half a day away.  Procedures 1 and 3 will take place tomorrow and the pressure will finally be relieved!!  The fluid is now beginning to build down his arm from the shoulder.  Ouch

The scheduler warned us that procedure 2 is a multi day event.  Dad will need to return in 24 hours, 48 hours and possibly 72 hours.  'They will explain it all to you when you arrive.'  Guess we better make sure he has a tank full of gas for his daily runs.

More good news.  The scab Dad was hiding in his hair is no more.  Healing is nearing completion.  

Dad is right on target to be healed up and ready to enjoy the next campout.

I'm Chloe

One last tour before departing Fort Gaines, Ga

March 27, 2021

Heading south today

Momma told me today was travel day so I had to gather all my toys and pack up.  She failed to mention I had ALL morning to do that.  This campground has set a departure time of no later than 3pm so.....

Momma and Dad decided to make the most of their morning while in the area. Momma had FINALLY gotten in touch with the right person to open up Sutton's Corner Museum for them for an 11 am Saturday tour.  

But before the museum tour, they took advantage of the time they had to view part of the Fort Gaines walking tour of some 1800's houses.  The Historical Society had put together a booklet with a short story about each location on the walking tour.  This particular house was built by Mr. Grimsley' widow.
   Two men were in competition  for the hand of a lady they were both courting.  Grimsley lost, but rather than try to find another woman to marry, he made up his mind to wait for the married couple's first daughter to marry.  Sounds like he was a patient man.  After the old man's death, his widow came to Fort Gaines and ordered this house from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog.  It was delivered by railroad and put together by local workers.

The house above was designed by a mail order architect in Illinois.  It was labeled the 'Suburban Chicago Home' in architect's Barber Catalog and constructed around 1900.  It has had several owners and upgrades over the years.

For the right price, you could purchase this house as it is currently for sale.

It is the perfect time to tour the area as the azealas are in full bloom.

The docent at the Sutton's Corner Museum was very knowledgeable and had some interesting stories and legends to share.

The collection of unique items in the museum came from Sutton's Corner General Store about 12 miles to the east.  Three generations of Sutton's operated the store until Warren Sutton crashed his auto into a tree and died.  His wife locked the doors and the foliage grew over the building.  

Years later, David Campbell purchased the building and contents but discovered the the current residents....rattlesnakes....had taken possession of the building.  That probably saved the building from being looted.  Campbell located a local, knowledgeable gentleman who was able to drive out the snakes, allowing Campbell to relocate the items in the current museum. 

Do you know what this item is?  

Just add coal and you have a buggy warmer.

How about the purpose of this board that has the shape of an ironing board?

It's called a cooling board.  When it appeared that someone had died, they would place the body on the board (yes, they were much smaller in statue back then) and let the body cool, verifying that the person was indeed dead before they buried them.

Notice how the bottom of the display case slants inward.  Do you know why?

It allows room for the large petticoats that the woman wore back then.  

Our docent stated that this sign is probably the item of highest value in the building.

Campbell was offered quite a sum of money for it, but he refused the sale. 

This scale is certainly interesting.  I'm sure it got the job done back in the day.

After the museum tour, Momma and Dad left their friends who headed off for lunch at The Lodge. They returned to me to hitch up so we could begin heading south.

We had a nice welcoming at our stop for the night.  

Dad said, 'No herding allowed!'   I was a good girl and just watched them.  But if they had decided to run, I might have had a hard time resisting!?!

They sure have shiny heads.

Tomorrow we will slide the rest of the way home so Dad can make his Monday appointment with his shoulder surgeon to have the lump drained from the shoulder that had the new ball and cup implanted last August (shoulder replacement).  I guess he is one of the 'lucky' ones that have fluid gather.  His doctor indicated that it sometimes happens.  We are hoping this is the end of it but they always say the third time is the charm and this is only the second occurrence.  Time will tell!  I know Dad is looking forward to relieving that fluid pressure.  

I'm Chloe

Another good day at Cotton Hill

 March 26, 2021

Still at Cotton Hill

Dad said it was time to sit down and take a load off so....

I ran right over to our favorite chair to take a load off.  Dad said, "Aren't you rushing things a bit?  I need to sit first!" 

 Oh yeah, I remember how that works now.

I sure can get comfy in Dad's lap.  

Speaking of laps.  Sue likes to sit on laps also, but she has a much larger butt than I do.....for sure.  And not all laps are large enough for her butt.....but she gives it her best shot.

Did you happen to notice the beanbag baseball board in the background?  The game had just finished and botchie was up next.  Momma was on the winning beanbag baseball team and even managed to get on base a few times with her teammates bringing her home a few times.  Then her botchie team had the winning score.  It was her lucky day!!  Go Team!!

And here are the cheerleaders.

Okay folks, can you settle the debate as to who is in the lead?  Is it Mother or Father?  It was quite windy with a bit of chop on the water but no one broke ranks.  Everyone held the straight line, following the leader,  as they traveled with the current....and continued to maintain that straight line when they returned moving up stream against the current.  

It appears that all that game playing created good appetites that were satisfied in neighboring Eufaula when the seafood buffet at Michelle's Restaurant opened up.

No one left hungry.

The good cooks at Michelle's sure put smiles on faces.

And did anyone bring me a doggy bag?  Nope, plain old, everyday dogfood on my menu once again.

I'm Chloe

My lucky day

 March 25, 2021

Cotton Hill COE Park

Fort Gaines, Ga

My lucky day!!  I got to play with two of my friends today.  Sue stopped by with her Dad, Bob.

I have to admit, Sue is quite a bit larger than me but she is a very gentle playmate.  She is used to playing with her tiny sister so she has been brought up to play with care.

My good friend Carol came by to toss my jug for me. 

  I think she likes to play as much as I do!!

Have you met another friend of mine, Bella?   She was showing off her freshly washed coat.

It could have been an even luckier day for me if only they had let me attend the birthday gathering for Jim.  His wife made Boston Cream Pie for the occasion that was enjoyed after a hearty song of Happy Birthday.

I think I would probably enjoy cake if I ever had a chance to try some.

The weather was perfect for the outdoor circle of friends.

Earlier in the day, several decided to enjoy the views offered at Providence Canyon State Park just across the state border in Alabama.

Dad and Momma were hanging close to the phone.  Dad's shoulder  is gathering fluid once again and he was attempting to get an appointment with his surgeon to have it drained once again.  What a hard lump that gets more uncomfortable as it grows in size.

  It took most of the day, but by mid afternoon, he had finally secured a Monday afternoon appointment.  Dad said that means we will be departing earlier than planned and be home by Sunday.

I guess we'll be thankful for the time we have been able to enjoy with our good friends.....the March trip in Georgia!!  Terrific time with fantastic friends in a lovely location.  It just doesn't get any better!!

I'm Chloe

Sugar loaded game day

 March 23, 2021

Cotton Hill

Fort Gaines, Ga

I can assure you that the two-legged are having a fantastic day if the hoots, screams and laughter are any indication.  They are down by the water in the grassy area working off their morning treats playing outdoor games.  

What treats?  Well, there is a donut shop in Eufaula just up the road from us called the Donut King....and they are named appropriately....as they certainly are the King of donuts.  Light, melt in your mouth glazed donuts that come as they are or filled with mouthwatering jelly or cream, frosted with a rich layer of chocolate or vanilla icing.  Are your taste buds quivering yet?  Well, just check out these pics.

Did you notice all the donut holes tossed in the box?  I think they put those in there so you can have a sampling while you are making your mind up as to which donut to lift out of the box.  And not all the donuts were round.

That elongated eclair was filled from both ends making it one heavy donut!!  It really needs to be handled with two hands.

What could go better with your morning coffee?  Absolutely nothing!!

After the early bird guys made a run and brought back the goodies from Donut King, there were smiles all around.

And how do you follow up that fantastic beginning of the day?  With a rowdy game of bean bag baseball of course. The game began with Team 1 scoring several runs, but as the game progressed Team 2 began their rally.   At the bottom of the ninth inning two more runs were scored when Tina tossed a homerun making the score tied 6 to 6.  No wonder they were so loud and boisterous.  And then slugger Floyd was up to bat.  'Give us a homerun' his teammates cheered.......and he did just that!!    

That game was followed up with a game of botchie.  Red team won!!  Go team...

Momma and Dad grilled steaks for dinner and offered me.....my same old dogfood.  I told them I was ready for a change so I flipped my bowl and looked at Momma to refill it.  Maybe I'll get something different....like steak.  But alas, I just wound up eating my spilled dinner off the floor.  

After dinner, an inside game of hand and foot was on the schedule. The first one to show up got to play with me first, tossing my inside ball for me to catch and fetch.  I'll bet she showed up just to play with me...but I won't tell Momma that.  But I am irresistible, and I KNOW IT!!

I'm Chloe