Today's Accomplishments

1) Got up

2) Exercised

3) Started Christmas letter. (yes, you heard me) Got halfway done by 11:00

4) Went to church to finish last 2 hours of cleaning. Changed all the clocks back, including the one at the back of the auditorium which necessitates a step ladder. Set it for half an hour fast so Pastor Jack would feel need to end his sermon earlier. (Just kidding, Pastor Jack :-) Also, changed NUMEROUS clocks in the pastor's office, some of which come from foreign countries and I consider a personal challenge not to be forgone. Put a few finishing touches on his sermon for tomorrow (just kidding AGAIN, Pastor Jack :-)

5) Lunched and showered

6) Took some of the kids on weekly shopping trip. Exercised amazing self control and did not stop at Goodwill. Also, did not buy almond M&M's (aren't I a good little girl?)

7) Bought small tape recorder at Walmart so I can tape some books and Bible Stories for the kiddies to listen to when I am gone for 3 months :-(

8) Allowed Kendra to drive home (the back way) so she could get some expeience under her belt. Obviously, we made it home in one piece

9) Promised Jason he could drive us all to church tomorrow so he will not become rusty in his driving skills (made mental note to take two Tylenol before leaving)

10) Actually peeled real potatoes to make real potato soup for supper. The children are awed and amazed that I still know how to cook

11)Refereed dispute over which movie to watch tonight

12) Worked some more on Christmas letter. Close to three fourths done

13) Made quick post on blog to let people know I am still alive (ran "spell check" and got perfect score :-)

14) Watched most of "Toy Story" with kids after finishing blog post

15) Will work some more on Christmas letter, or, read to kids before bed

16) Will try to wrap most of the birthday and Christmas presents while watching the Red Green Show

17) Will bask in the luxury of one extra hour of sleep in the morning

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Thank the Lord

Wow. I just got back from driving through the worst rain storm of my life. It was scary! Though I tried not to let on to the kids at the time.

We all went up to visit Loren today. He provided entertainment in the form of a movie on his VCR. The nurses brought in three more chairs and we were able to accommodate everyone, barely. With all those bodies, the room was a toasty 80 degrees by the end of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Trevor finally sacked out across Loren's legs on the bed. The giant squid and the cannibals were a hit with pretty much everyone, though the lame special effects (by today's standards) were noted by the older kids. But they didn't complain, having lobbied for it over "Mary Poppins."

The cafeteria experience was a little more organized this time. We sat down at two booths before eating and the little kids were given a couple of options ahead of time. Then we attacked the line in two separate waves. It was all a smashing success until Trevor spilled his chocolate milk, somehow managing to get very little of it on himself, a bit on me, and most of it on Kendra. She was a fairly good sport, though. It's hard to stay mad at Trevor the Guileless.

I'm not sure which created more of a stir: eight children walking down the hospital halls, or three boxes of computer speakers being carried in. Loren needed something decent and wanted to test several different ones. Jason gets his pick of the leftovers. We did get a few looks, but then, we're used to that.

Storm clouds threatened as we started back home, but I thought there was a chance we could outrun it. I'm thinking, now, that it works better when you are not heading into the storm. We were perfectly situated to hit the leading edge of the storm through half the journey. Tremendous amounts of sheet lightning. Then the rain started. A few blasts of downdraft air hit the van broadside. "Can that tip the van over?" queried Jason who was sitting up in front. "Nah," I replied. "I doubt it." (funny, I had just been wondering the same thing.......)

What had been light rain suddenly turned into a downpour, such as I have never seen. Visibility was very low, and I saw a car stop and turn around which had been ahead of me. I'm thinking he had heard something on the radio. (of course, this is purely supposition, but it sure makes for good drama) We crept along at 20-30 mph in some places. No shoulder of decent width to pull off to, without risking ending in the ditch. I think the kids were sorta scared, but I felt it would be just as safe to proceed slowly as to stop and get hit.

I did dally at a stop sign for awhile, until a car came up behind me. When I finally reached a decent town I pulled over again. It just didn't let up for a long time. After we'd recommenced travel we got a call from Loren on the cell phone urging caution since there had been tornadoes sighted running parallel with the storm. But by that time, the worst was over.

So, we are very thankful to God for keeping us safe. (Oh yes, those new windshield wipers came in very handy, Pastor John :-) :-)

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I Took John Kerry's Advice

That is, I searched my gut. I searched my gut and found it to be larger. Ok, that's it. No more almond M&M's! I've been walking halls up at the hospital, and I've been climbing the flights of stairs up to the fourth floor. But that's just not enough to counteract long periods of inactivity, whether it's trapped in a car on the way up and back, or hangin' in the hospital room. So, I've said "goodbye" to the defunct treadmill. At least, it went out to the addition. In came a sliding-board-thingy with detachable wing accessory, height bar, nifty pulleys, and the promise to make me look like Christie Brinkley. I'm wondering if the plastic surgery is included.

We are just on the cutting edge of technology, here. So much so, that when I was down at the church vacuuming, my son had to ride his bike down to let me know who had called me on the cell phone. I heard it playing Mozart, but by the time I fished it out of my pocket and turned off the sweeper, those magic words had appeared, "1 call missed." And when I called home to see if they had called me, it was busy. Busy from Loren calling them to tell me to call him at the hospital. (feel free to take an aspirin)

Of course, if I had remembered the info from the 1/2 inch thick manual (which I actually DID read), I could have retrieved the number to call back. But alas, no. And randomly punching buttons did not bring the number to the screen. I'm gonna check that manual tonight before I go to bed. It should put me right to sleep.

I thought for a moment that this might be THE CALL. Perhaps they had found a heart for Loren. But it was good news of another nature. The judge in charge of our social security claim for disability has finally ruled. Sort of. After more than a year of careful meditation and deep contemplation, it would seem "da Judge" might possibly declare Loren officially disabled. Perhaps it was being put on the transplant list that turned the tide. Maybe the judge decided that if he needed a new heart to live, he wasn't a slacker after all.

Well, these matters are too weighty for me. I must needs do a little more gut searching. Or is that gut stretching?

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Just this....

If you ever need someone to help you set up new exercise equipment, I must recommend my soon-to-be 12 year old, Melinda. She is very good at figuring things out. I was determined to impress the kids and put it together all by myself. I even snarled at her just a wee little bit when she offered advice. But after realizing the directions were slightly different from the actual hardware, I swallowed my pride and accepted her help. Really, she is so much like Ardith it is getting scary. She has even started teaching herself to crochet.

"Rod." "Rod Serling." "Is that you, Rod?"

The answer is out there, somewhere

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No Cavities!

Can you believe that with 8 kids in for dental checkups we came away with no cavities? "eeYESSS!" Course, I had a little one, but then, I'm not a kid, and it was fixed right then and there after my cleaning. The ladies at the desk told us to get out before they changed their minds. Is this a great country, or what?

Obviously, I am back home for a bit. Planning to take the kids up to see Loren again on Friday. Speaking of my dear husband, he had a haircut from a real barber yesterday. My, but he does look spiff. And I guess he should for the price the man charged :-( Absolutely cleaned out my purse. But then, being willing to come up to a hospital room should entail a little extra, I suppose.

The doctors have taken Loren off of his Heparin IV, his clotting parameters being controlled exclusively with Coumadin, again. Loren is feeling not too bad, all things considered. He is able to engage in about 30 minutes of exercise each day, spaced out over the day in the form of a walk, exercise bike, and bends and stretches, etc. The doctors are fairly pleased at the moment, but are probably going to increase his Sotolol sometime, or add in another beta blocker. He still has short runs of PVC's from time to time. He won't be allowed home at present.

I came home to find the kids had begun quizzing Trevor on the alphabet. He does really well up to about "G," whereupon he refuses to do anymore. Then HE wants to hold the cards and quiz Carolyn. They tell me he has done most of them, but when he gets to "W," he shakes his head. There's no rush, kid, there's no rush.

I am off to drink in a little of the "old days" and watch some Roy Roger's with the kids. Back in the days when cowboys sang, horses were named "Trigger," and presidents didn't look French.

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Three Poignant Moments

1) When Loren was being wheeled onto the CCU ward, (over a week ago) he had to go on a specially monitored bed. An aide pushed and a nurse came alongside. As we came up to the CCU doors, a constant tone was sounding. "Ut oh, that's not good," commented the nurse. "Why? What does that mean? " asked the aide. "It means someone's coding."

Not long after, I saw people crying outside the room. Well, I guess we know how that turned out.

2) Overheard conversation in elevator between three relatives: "Oh, those are pretty flowers. Where did you get them?" "The kindergarten teachers sent them over. Wasn't that sweet? " "Yes, and they'll look real nice at the funeral."

3) I was heading for the cafeteria yesterday to grab my usual take out salad for lunch. As I got near, I noticed someone slumped to the floor by one of the doorways. A doctor came tearing past me and I heard, "CODE 45, CODE 45," over the loud speaker. I knew I coudn't be of any assisitance, so I went in and got my lunch. When I came out of the door, there were 6 or 7 doctor types, a few nurses and two crash carts. I don't know what happened, but I guess a hospital is the best place for an unexpected emergency. And, now I know what CODE 45 means.

Going home tomorrow morning. I think I need a few days away from this place.

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Monday at St. Mary's

I am happy to report that the nurses saved my little roll- in fold-up bed for me. Comfortable enough, though it's just plain hard to sleep away from home.

Loren got the nursing staff to put a "Do Not Wake Patient Before 8:00" sign on his door. That gives me time to get up, wash hair in sink (a short hairstyle being crucial for this endeavor) and get some breakfast before doctors start their rounds. This morning I decided to go sensible: scrambled eggs, honeydew melon, and cranberry bran muffin. Wasn't I a good little girl? The eggs are not that great. In fact, I have my suspicions that they are not real eggs at all.

Got back and Loren was still sleeping, so, by the light of the IV pumps, I could just manage to read some printouts on asthma I had brought from home. I guess with this many kids, one has to expect illness to strike in some form or another. I only hope none of the children have inherited Loren's cardiomyopathy.

We went to the support group for transplant patients today. It's kind of an ordeal since they have to get a special wheelchair with a heart monitor and a post where they screw on the IV pole. Went by way of X-Ray, since they take them Mondays and Thursdays. This support group meets weekly at four o'clock, and is made up of those who have had kidney, heart, lung and sometimes multiples of those organs transplanted. There are usually a couple of people like Loren, who are awaiting transplant, but mostly it consists of those who have already had the experience, some going back as many as 10 years. It is an interesting place to ask questions about what will take place and get the real lowdown. But, it can be very draining emotionally too. It is just too overwhelming right now for Loren to speak up, so I did the introductions and asked a few questions.

Right in the middle of group they wheeled in a young man who had just had a double lung transplant within the past week. It just makes you shiver to think of what people are going through. He left early, but gave a clear testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ as being the thing that got him through it all. A lot of people echoed his sentiments.

Still, they do not have the same situation that we do. Mostly, they are the grandparent types (or soon to be) and do not have the concern of children in the home. The have the "luxury" of just being able to concentrate on what is right there, right then. They encouraged me to think of all the things we will be able to do together as a family once Loren is better. That's true, but it doesn't give me back the time I am missing right now with my two year old. That doesn't help me teach the kids I am (was) working with in school. They just don't understand. But they are all very sweet, anyway.

Well, Loren has handed me a list of the movies he wants to check out from the hospital library. It looks to be 35 or 40. Guess we'd better get started.

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Sunday

It was very good to get back to church yesterday. Saw some dear friends from Indiana, the Cornelius's. They expressed their love and concern and wanted our children to know they are praying for their dad. Really, I am so glad we set up this blog, for it seems as though we don't feel quite so alone in the midst of all of this.

After church I had to call upon Pastor John for help (again). I was parked at the bank where I had just deposited some checks and found the van would not start. Voltage was going, and there was a tell-tale "click," which supposedly means something to someone. Naturally, being a helpless female, the first thing I did was call my husband who lay in a hospital bed 2 hours away.

His diagnosis was either corroded battery connections or a bad solenoid. "You can try jumping it, first," was his long distance suggestion. It was about this time that we saw Pastor and his family drive by. I waved my hand out the window, and they cheerily waved back. "Ok, " I said to the kids. "All we have to do is wait for them to get home and call their house. " But then, to my relief, they pulled up beside us after circling the block. Apparently, daughter Rebekah had seen me continue to wave and wave and a warning light had blinked in her brain and she expressed her thoughts to her parents.

Rebekah, consider yourself in the WILL!

So, after futile attempts at jumping the consensus was to have it towed (MON) to a nearby shop, where the solenoid would be examined. (by the way, the term SOLENOID is Latin for, "robot fish") Really, I don't know where mechanics come up with these terms.

After depositing their family at home, Deb drove us back to our house and got to see our refurbished rooms for the first time. So, thanks to Pastor and Deb for another rescue!

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With the corn field harvested, now begins the Corn Wars. There is a small window of time between harvest and plowing when the children get to go play in the field. (only time of year I allow this) They divide into teams (sides) and set up forts, glean missed ears of corn, and instigate raids (and battles) on enemy hoards. Melinda, almost ten and a known pacifist (she steadfastly refuses to attack in multi-player computer games, constantly making alliances instead) has set up a trading post. She sells ammunition (corn) at rock bottom prices. I don't think the concept of "aiding and abetting" has quite sunken in, yet :-)

The kids search for "gold mines," places the combine has missed. Ethan (9) discovered 5 or 6 ears at once and was thrilled beyond words. No, I take that back. He had quite a bit to say about it. Jason and Trevor are naturally on the same side. Trevor was observed meticulously picking a cob clean, one kernal after another. But he was not so engrossed that he failed to notice Kendra sneaking up behind in an attempted raid. He quickly alerted his big brother with an urgent grunt and finger pointing at the offending party. "Good job, Trevor!" "Attack! Attack! " (raiding party thwarted)

Well, enjoy it while you can, kids. The plowman cometh soon.

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Other than losing track of Nolan for 10 minutes in Walmart, finishing off an adolescent rat that Melinda found limping around the addition, and feeling like crying half the day, nothing much has happened.

Daughter Sharon took some nice pictures of Loren and the family on our visit to St. Mary's this past Monday. Check out her blog.

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Happenings of Harvest, Home and Hospital

So nice to be home and partake of normal activities, like laundry, school, and discovering Melinda has asthma.

She had a wheezing episode several years ago and was prescribed a little inhaler. With the return of wheezing and realization the inhaler was out of date, I decided to take advantage of a few days home from the hospital and take Melinda in to see a doctor. I didn't get my FIRST choice in docs, but, I felt compelled to settle. He took a listen, asked questions about history, and prescribed the old inhaler, plus a steroidal one. So, now she takes two puffs on one, four times a day, and one puff on the new one, two times a day. I put up a chart of times and am leaving it up to her. She is pretty responsible when it comes to breathing. Have to go back in a month. The hope is that she will only need therapy (eventually) at this time of year when allergies trigger symptoms.

When we returned home and the other kids heard of the steroid medicine, their immediate reaction was, "Well, she can't play baseball with us, now!" (oh BROTHER)

Jason's little stint up on the roof yesterday was to affix a ground wire. That way, if the antenna is hit by lightning, it won't hurt the house. But, it could very well fry my ferns on the north side.

It is harvest time. The corn field 'round our "acreage" has been cut, processed and driven to bins or market. I wish y'all could have seen the three little boys this morning, standing at the window in their jammies, watching the auger fill the wagons. Nolan in quiet observation, Ethan scooping Cocoa Wheats into his mouth while keeping his eyes peeled on Mr. and Mrs. F, and Trevor standing agog with Pooky Bear clutched in a death grip.

As to Loren, he is just getting along. They've brought in an exercise bicycle and they want him to ride it and do exercises 3-5 times a day, so his muscles don't atrophy. I think he might be up to two times. Every time he exercises it wipes him out for a while. Then too, the medications do their part in bringing on fatigue. So, it's a bit of a tricky business to find the right balance. Plus, Loren just needs more time to adjust to all the new medications. His heart still goes a little wacky every once in a while. But if he tells the nurse, they usually don't see too much. This morning, however, the transplant doctor happened to be in the room and observed what was going on. The doc said if it doesn't calm down soon, they will increase the Sotolol. That's one of the meds that makes him especially tired.

Back on the homefront, Trevor somehow got ahold of the potty chair that was stashed in the closet. He set it all up, with some help from Melinda, (thanks a LOT, honey) became disenfranchised from his diaper and proceeded to sit. By the time I got a look at him he was sitting there happy as a lark, perusing a Monster Truck book balanced in front of him on a wastebasket. Having become bored with that, he is now scooting around the house, still seated on the potty chair. (sigh)

I think I need a shot of that steroid stuff.....

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I Don't Care

I suppose some may find this hard to believe, but I truly do not care (much) that the Red Sox beat the Yankees. They deserve it after coming from behind as they did. And, I was not particularly impressed by Arod's ball slapping trick. (Course, I don't consider him quite a Yankee since he was just recently acquired) No, I don't care. But, I DO find it rather amusing that the antipathy toward the Yankees is so deep and widespread.

Even up at the hospital people were commenting, "Well, it's about time! Those Yankees are always winning." (Now, hasn't it been several years since their last World Series win?)

I can certainly understand someone who grew up in that neck of the woods rooting for the Red Sox. (Debbie :-) But I find the general ill-will mystifying. It's beginning to reach "class warfare" dimensions. Not that I care. Even though I've blogged far longer on it than intended, I really don't care.

I also don't care that they found a cavity at my dental cleaning this afternoon. It was small and Dr. G offered to fill it right then and there since he had a spare 20 minutes. He is a swell guy.

"No, I don't care if you go up on the roof, Jason. But let me tell you, if you fall, I am gonna be SO mad it won't be funny!" That was just my little way of saying, "Take care of yourself." Jason had one more job to finish for his dad in connection with the antenna. I am happy to report he is safely on the ground once more.

There is still one more game tonight between the Astros and the Cardinals. The kids have opted to pull for the Astros. Now we have a whole new team of names to learn. Course, there are one or two we already know:-) Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite used to play for the Yankees. I can only hope this will not meet with TOO much disapproval.
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Pooky Update: As of today, Carolyn has transferred ownership of Pooky Bear from herself to Trevor. The decision was a matter of practicality. Trevor figured out how to maneuver a chair to the door and unhook the latch, and the girls' room must remain sacrosanct. It was the "sacrifice of one, for the many." ("Spock,.... SPOCK! No!.... Spock!...... Spock.....)

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A Touch of the Ritz

Loren needed something sent back to Fed Ex, so I decided to incorporate the hunt for a drop box into my walk. I figured success might be found at the clinic buildings so I headed east. As a Fed Ex Ground truck passed me and turned the corner, I momentarily toyed with the idea of trying to run him down. "Nope," I thought. "Too grasping." These things must be handled DEL-icately.

It being a beautiful afternoon, I proceeded on my way and was given instructions from the lady at the information booth in the Gonda Building. "Across the street, in the subway level of the Kahler Hotel."

I walked inside and was immediately taken back to early 20th century ambiance. Plush carpet, polished brass fixtures. The feeling was that of old wealth and forgotten culture. I could just imagine men in tall hats with begowned ladies on their arms. There was even a bellhop. True, he had gray hair, but he was in uniform, on standby at the desk. I felt a little out of place in my vinyl sweatpants and tee-shirt with rolled up sleeves. My only claim to respectability was a long-sleeved shirt knotted about my waist. (sigh) Oh well, it was obvious a lot of clinic visitors stayed there. They probably just thought I was one of the mental patients. I accomplished my errand and proceeded back by a slightly roundabout route.

Our own little plush accomadation now includes a mini fridge and freezer. I can keep my stash of foodstuffs there and Loren can store his meal leftovers. The social services have been pretty good about giving me a food alowance, but, if I ate in the cafeteria all the time I'd start larding it up pretty fast. Must maintain some semblance of self-control.

Loren is relieved to learn they will not be giving him the Toprol again this evening. Once was enough, though the doctors are not convinced that is what made him feel badly. It's almost amusing to see the different approaches from the three teams. There are the electrophysiologists who deal with his pacemaker and related meds. There is the heart failure team who really try to push the beta blockers. And there is the transplant crew who oversee everything, and, ultimately make the final decisions. They all have their priorities and yet they all have to come to consensus and work together. We feel pretty good about everybody, but it does make for quite a flow of people through here sometimes.

Loren and I tried to watch "Daddy Daycare," which is one of the complimentary movies. Unfortunately, there is no way to pause it, so we missed two significant sections when talking with the Physical Therapist and the Heart Failure doc. Guess we shouldn't complain, though. At least Loren is safe up here.

Besides, we still have the computer and the fridge. And, I still have a couple of pieces of chocolate left.

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Livin' It Down at the Hospital

You know, it really IS possible to sleep on a hospital floor. For 3 or 4 hours at least. Course, you have to roll over every so often to keep the blood from being completely cut off by the hard linoleum. See, I was PROMISED a nice cot. It's a mattress on rollers that they wheel in. They look sorta comfy, though, I've only seen them from a distance. Some mix-up. Oh well. I folded up four blankets, each in fourths (their thickness being likened unto a sheet) But they owe me a bed tonight.

Around 11pm, Loren started having extra PVC's and jittery feelings from the new medication. We are hoping they will be taking him off this new med, Toprol XL, for he only slept 4 hours and they reported this morning that he'd had a short run of PVC's while asleep.

Having just now seen one of the transplant team doctors, it would seem that Loren will be here for a while. The doc said they would have sent him home, since he has a defibrillator, but his rhythm is still too unstable. Doctor also said that it would appear Loren's heart failure is progressing and this points toward the need to just wait it out for the new heart. At least he is higher up on the list, now.

That is the latest. More to come, no doubt. Excuse any errors, as the spell check will not cooperate.

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Livin' It Up in the Hospital

We come to you today from a little room on the cardiac floor. It is tan. Very, very tan. I think I will bring up a plant or two. Perhaps a few vivid cascades of fabric to drape over the medical equipment boxes on the walls. Maybe then, I won't run into them so often.

The desk lamp casts a homey glow upon Loren's computer. Yes, it works! We have contact with the outside world. Our life here is simply bursting with options. Especially since I have just installed a new 3-way bulb.

I am even logged onto AOL Instant Messenging. Now, if only I could have some "Instant Disciplining," options for a certain young man or two back in Iowa. Someone really needs to look into this area of technology.

Concerning Loren: The doctors have raised his level of Sotolol, which makes him very fatigued. They have also started him on Lanoxin, and there is talk of restarting his Coreg, which had been discontinued because of prolonged low blood pressure. Ah, the thrill of new, increased and constantly changing meds. (evening update: nix the Coreg, starting him on Toprol, which helps protect the heart muscle. Lanoxin helps the heart squeeze better.)

Coumadin has been started up again and they want to raise his INR to a level where they can discontinue the heparin IV. Apparently, the post-transplant docs (the third team of medicos to start following Loren) do not wish to draw blood from Loren's PICC line, since there is the risk of infection. If his PICC line has to be pulled out for a bit he would be downgraded in transplant status. So, the lab techs continue to poke and prod for a usable vein in the other arm. You know, the one that doesn's have good veins.

The children and I came up yesterday to have a visit as a family with Loren. The social workers had arranged for a complimentary lunch for everyone. This is really quite a nice gesture, though, I don't think they comprehend the logistics for taking that many kids through a small cafeteria line. We survived, (not so sure about the workers) and didn't slow down the traffic TOO much. As usual, the older children were quite a help with the younger ones. It was very good to have Sharon with us. Not only as a help with the little ones, but to give me someone to be silly and joke around with. The kids hated to see her go back, but she will return for Thanksgiving, and just a few weeks later for Christmas break.

Part of our afternoon visit to Rochester included me dragging the kids outside for a walk down to the complex of Mayo Clinic buildings, a 15 minute walk from St. Mary's hospital. I showed them all the exciting highlights: the waiting room for labwork, the subway level necessary to reach each new building. ("You're gonna see how far I've had to push that wheelchair, or my name ain't Ma!") The usual disputes arose among the youngest ones as to who got to push what elevator button. Walking the skywalk was popular, as was sitting down to rest and cruising for drinking fountains. It was on the walk back to the hospital that I remembered Derek had twisted his ankle the day before. Oops. Oh well :-( He was a good trooper despite some pain.

As we drove home, I was dismayed to find no radio station covering the baseball game. I was left with no recourse but to make two cell phone calls to Loren for updates. ("Whaddya mean you're watching another show? You're not watching the game?!") Assuming the game would be over when we returned, we had planned on an "I Love Lucy" festival. THREE episodes. But the game was not finished. What to do? WHAT TO DO? We compromised and watched two. Discovered the game was STILL going, so we watched the very end. By that time, we were too tired to care how it turned out.

Back to today: Arose at 6, left with Sharon at 7, dropped her off in Waterloo for her ride back to Grace. Proceeded up to Rochester on route 63. The first time I drove that road it was dark, so I was looking forward to seeing the scenery in the light of day. Today's drive confirmed my previous suspicions: there is NOTHING between Waterloo and Rochester. And no, the gravel pit doesn't count.

Got here after the THREE teams of doctors had checked on Loren. But that didn't mean more "visitors" weren't on the way. People kept streaming in, one after the other. I had made an appointment to take a tour of the "Gift of Life" guesthouse for post-transplant patients and their caregivers. I wasn't looking forward to it, but was suddenly thankful as the chaplain (he was fifth) came through the door. I had to get out of there!

It is more peacful now. I was able to get out for a walk, the first decent exercise in days. Up and down the tidy streets in back of the hospital. Taking an informal poll of lawn signs, I found Kerry ahead, 10 to 1. I am not worried. Just as the Red Sox will never come back to win the conference title after being down 3 games, neither will John Kerry overtake Bush. Course, if I had to choose, I'd gladly sacrifice the Yankees for a Bush win.

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Just a brief post today. I am home for Saturday after being up to Mayo for two days. I left at 9pm last night, drove to Waterloo to pick up Sharon who is home for a long weekend of Fall Break. We arrived at our house around 12:30, and sunk into bed. Well, at least I did.

Took the luxury of sleeping in until 7:45. Didn't even exercise this morning. Very cold outside and the treadmill does not work. It starts up, but after it cut out on me three times, I said, "Phooey!" Time to start looking for another alternative. Ma Hoyt is doing plenty of sitting and I fear I've already gained a pound or two. I've started walking up the stairs at the hospital to the fourth floor where Loren is staying. Now I know what it's like to be short of breath. At any rate, I managed to work in some exercise time by cleaning the whole church in one day.

Tomorrow Sharon will take the kids to our church and I will take myself back up to Mayo, returning home the same day. We plan a mass visit on Monday. Should be quite an experience. I'll show the kids all the famous sites, the parking garage, the library, the cartoon channel on cable TV. Hopefully none of the nurses will notice Trevor's runny nose. I will drug him up with the "purple stuff" and see if I can slip him by. I am pretty sure we have those delightfully drippy kids at the McDonald playland to thank for his current mucousal condition.

Time to get back to the ball game. The Yankees are up on the Red Sox, 2 games to 0. Up in tonight's game 6 runs to 4, though that will certainly change. I don't understand why so many people don't like the Yankees. We LOVE the Yankees. I mean, take Derek Jeter. What's not to like? (and NO, I don't want feedback on that)
Mostly, we just want the Yankees to win so we can rub it in to Mr. Jensen at church. At least I never go so far as to pray for one team to win or lose. I'm pretty sure that makes me more spiritual, not to mention more humble.

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News of the Day

Loren has just been moved off the CCU floor to a room in the transplant waiting section. There is a desk on one side so I KNOW he is going to have Jason unhook his computer from home and we'll bring it up very soon.

Loren was switched from Dobutamine to Milrinone because the former med works on the beta receptors. It was doing the opposite of what Loren's beta blocker, Sotolol was doing, and apparently this type of drug induced counterproductivity is frowned upon. The Milirinone is a stimulant, though, and perhaps that is why he is still throwing PVC's, though not as many or as often. But when they come in flurries, he feels pretty low, since an early beat does not profuse blood throughout the body in a normal fashion. (PVC-premature ventricular contraction) But the doctors felt he was ready to be moved. Naturally his heart is still monitored 24/7. There is this little room where several people spend their entire days just watching blip after blip after blip.

I may be able to stay in Loren's new room overnight. One is not allowed to have spouses stay all night in CCU. Have to leave at 9pm. I tried sleeping one night in the "family waiting room," which is conveniently located just beneath the helipad. I heard the helicopters come and leave 4 times that night. Thought I'd been relocated to a M*A*S*H unit in Korea. I got smart and stayed in a motel last night. After all the sedentary "activity" associated with hospital rooms and driving, I was looking forward to cable TV and the exercise channel. Got to the room and into my workout attire only to find it was..... YOGA. "Bleah." It seems "Michael" had just had a close encounter with his inner self. He was peaceful, yet tired. Calm, yet pleasantly fatigued. Well now, isn't that nice. I just watched Fox News and M*A*S*H and tried to keep mobile.

After Loren had a shower yesterday, he was feeling perky enough to go over the mail and bills with me. Really, it doesn't look all that hard. Throw a little meat to these guys, toss a few bones to those guys....etc. I did find that we have different criteria as to who gets paid what. Loren usually checks the date to see what is due and when. That's all well and good, but I like to go the extra mile and ask, "Yes, but are they nice? Have they ever sent us a Christmas card or free calendar?"

An extra meal arrived at dinner time, since a lady had just been transferred out. So I was allowed to join Loren in a hospital prepared Chinese dinner. (some of it was ok) But, the fortune cookies were the best part. Not eating them, but reading the fortune. Loren's said, "A book is in your future." "Hey," I said, "Gimme that! I'm sure that was meant for me!" All my cookie had revealed was the fluffy,"Your future is as boundless as the lofty heaven."

I think I'll save it and send it to "Michael's" inner self.

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The News As I Know It

I am back at St. Mary's in the little computer room. It houses a computer, a treadmill, and a TV and small table and chairs. The ambiance is just overwhelming to the senses. On one wall is a picture of a winter scene. On the other is a harbor with boats at anchor. You know, the kind they make all the picture puzzles off of. Also, there is a list of "Coping Stategies for Staying Well in Body, Mind & Spirit." (hmmm, I'll have to look at this.....)

#21. Cut back on caffeine.

OK, that's enough of THAT!

Before I go any further, a brief message to daughter Sharon: Yo, SHARON, please email me Sacketts phone # in case I have to call them on my way down to pick you up in Waterloo tomorrow evening. I tried to sign on to AIMexpress from this computer, something I have never done before. Either this computer is not capable, or it's your mother's fault. (and I was SO looking forward to bragging about how I'd figured something out on my own. *sigh*)

Loren has had a few changes since I last was here. He is still in CCU for another day, owing to the fact that they switched him from the Dobutamine to Milrinone. Not sure why, since I missed all the doctor visits. (didn't get here till after 1) So, through the picc line they are now giving him Milrinone, Heparin, and something called Aldactone (I think), which is just another heart failure drug (I think).

Loren called me last night at home to say he had a terrible headache and was running a fever. (around 101) The fever went away (I have no expanation) and the headache receded but now returns. One of the main side effects of many medications is headache. Loren wanted me to know what was going on and to pray for him.

The funny thing about the call was that I could not hear properly at first. His voice seemed to be coming out of where I was speaking. But after I turned on the light and woke up a little more, I realized I just had the receiver upside down. Well DUH! (and Ma Hoyt does not use slang loosely)

Came home from shopping yesterday afternoon and found two boxes inside the door. One for Loren and I, one for the kids. Lovely popcorns and snacky items from MoM, bless her heart. We broke some out for the kids to munch as we watched the debate. Hopefully, we'll have even more political reasons to celebrate in a few more weeks. Bipartisanlly yours, "Ma."

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The Latest....

Time for a quick post as supper heats and The Three Tenors sing.

We've had several meals brought in to the children. I say several, because, though meant for one meal, they usually stretch into more. It was very nice to arrive home last night and not have to cook. Kendra has been doing most of the meal preparation, and using some of her own ideas. I guess there is something to the idea of throwing kids into the water to teach them to swim.

Today we had some nice family times together, whether it was taking a splurge at McDonald's or just sitting around and laughing at Barney Fife and Andy Taylor. I did make the kids do their morning school, but we loaded everyone up in the 15 passenger van, picked up the PSAT testees and headed for a big shopping day together. Spent some time in McDonald's Playland. Trevor is a little daredevil and loves tearing down the tube slide. Two little girls took my kids' shoes out of the cubby holes and rearranged them in their "store." "Ha, ha!" laughed the grandfather. "I hope they know they have to put them back. Ha, ha, ha!"

I smiled and thought, "Ha ha ha! They are so cute. Especially their little runny noses. I hope they know they have to put that stuff back in their nose. Ha, ha ha!" (I'm already starting to get a little obsessed with germs. )

We hit the Walmart and Goodwill, :-) where Jason found a jacket. He has needed one for a while, but for some reason, guys never communicate these things until they are going out to take an important test on a 50 degree, drizzly and blustery day.

Also picked up "several" stuffed bears. Trevor, aka "Pooky Snatcher," needs to overcome his fixation with Carolyn's bear. Hopefully, he will be able to make the transition to another fur covered crutch.

Speaking of transitions, Loren will be moved out of CCU tomorrow. A room has become available in the Long Term Waiting section on the cardiac floor. That is where people who are not safe enough to go home stay awaiting transplant. The doctors say that if, in three or four weeks, he shows stability, he may be allowed to come home to wait. Course, there is always the chance that a heart will become available in the next weeks. It is hard to think about the circumstances surrounding this whole procedure. For the most part, I just put it out of my mind and try to cope with the short term items.

I have been able to plan ahead a little. I've achieved my goals of obtaining/ordering all the presents for Christmas and upcoming birthdays. The Christmas cards are on order, and all I have to do in that regard is address envelopes and tap out a Christmas letter. Now, I wonder what I should write about.....

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Home for a Bit

Home for a day or so. How will I ever catch up on all the blogs? (sigh)

Loren had a new device put in this afternoon, one that will give a 35 joule shock, instead of the 20+ he was getting. Part of the problem is that leads from the abdomen to the heart are so long that some of the shock value degrades before reaching the intended target.

I got a call from the Doc R. on the way home and everything went very well. There was no need for a massive hardware rearrangement, they just put in the new device. After implantation it was tested four times. (obviously the patient is "under") The new "can" was able to stop defib with one 35 joule shock each time. They tried it at 25 but that did not convert the rhythm. So, although they would like to have a bit of safety margin, they are pleased with how things turned out.

Lest you think I was callous to leave before Loren came back, all I can say is that we just didn't know what would happen or exactly when. The worst case scenario could have run 7 or more hours. But we didn't know that, and I had made plans to see the children, and procedures started later than hoped for......you know how it goes.

The PICC line (Peripherally-Inserted Central Catheter) was put in under sterile conditions last evening. Of course I had to leave the room, and they even frown on standing in the hall to watch through the window. :-( The nurse cannot see exactly where it is going, so they shoot some liquid up through it. The first time Loren felt it around his ear, meaning it had threaded itself down a detour. The second time he felt nothing, so they took an x-ray to get an exact idea. Proper placement being determined, they began a low dose of the drug Dobutamine. This apparently is less pro-arrhythmic than Milrinone. He got through the night with no adverse affects. Tonight I am sure he is a little sore from being opened up to put in a new device. Wish I were there. Glad I am here, though. No matter where I am, someone is without me.

I am guessing they will keep him in through next week. Now he enters 1b status for transplant, meaning it could happen in a little as weeks or as long as months. Shorter than the "years" that status 2 patients have to look forward to. If they are not assured of his safety from multiple shocks, Loren will await transplant in-hospital. I'm guessing he will come home, sometime. (I do a lot of guessing :-)

This must seem pretty boring but it's an easy way to inform folks of what is going on. Let me say, again, how much we appreciate your prayers and other help to the family. It was nice to come home and not think about supper, since a neighbor had brought over delicious homemade soup.

There is much to be thankful for. Sometimes we don't realize it until we are in the midst of an extreme trial.

On a somewhat lighter note, here's something else to be thankful for: in four months and three weeks we will no longer have to hear how many days Martha Stewart has been in "jail."

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Update

I am now communicating from a very flickery computer in the CCU wing. Hope I don't go blind.

Loren has just been transferred to the Critical Care Unit, room 730, but they will be moving him to another when one opens up. He has been transferred for the following reasons:

1) to moniter him while adjusting his meds
- He is being changed back to Sotolol from Mexiletine. When antiarrhythmias are altered, they like to watch patients, since the rhythm can be whacky for a few days.
-They've decided to put in the PIK line as well. (see previous post) The docs always talked about Milrinone before, but now they are talking Dobutamine. Same basic thing. Heart failure drug in continuous IV.

2) tomorrow Loren will have an EP (electrophysiology) study. They will take him in the lab, check on all his leads and hardware and stuff. And EP study always involves deliberately starting a bad rhythm to test the device's ability to stop it.

The docs are giving him a new "can" or defibrillator device, one with the capacity to shock up to 35 joules. They feel this additional power will enhance Loren's safety. They had wanted to do the test today, but didn't have the new device in hospital. Plans are for tomorrow, but as we've learned, they can always change.

The mexilitine is being discontinued because it raises the threshold of the shock needed to bring someone back. It has worked well in eliminating PVC's, at least it did for a while, but when a shock is needed, MORE shock is necessary. (if I had more time, I'd try to make this less hazy)

The transplant docs wanted the PIK line in before the EP study tomorrow. And the PIK line raises Loren's transplant status to 1b. He could be transplanted in a matter of months, or less. Everything seems to be happening so fast! But thank the Lord He is in control, even though we are ignorant and not always as faithful as we should be. I want to say how very much we appreciate everyone's prayers.

The EP docs want to try to reconfigure Loren's setup with as little disturbance as possible. If they can change the electrical pathway to one more optimal without removing leads and such, they will. But, they might just have to take everything out and put it in anew, in his shoulder. Just have to wait and see.

This morning we were told the test would be today, so Loren was not allowed to eat. But then plans were changed. He celebrated with a hamburger, green beans and chocolate ice cream. Does this guy know how to live it up, or what?

I do not think they will allow me to stay in a CCU room overnight, and, in truth, I would get even less sleep than in a regular room. Bloodwork at 3-4 in the morning, weighing at 5:30, adjustments of the heparine drip he is on, pills to take at different times, doctors starting their rounds at 7am promptly. As you've all heard, a hospital is no place to rest.

I plan to return home sometime tomorrow after the EP study. Jason and Kendra are scheduled to take the PSAT test on Wednesday. Jason for real, Kendra for practice. I need some time to be with the kids, kiss and hug and scold them a little. After that we shall see. I suspect Loren will be in here a week or two. They have to be certain he is protected from cardiac arrest before going home. Arrhrthmias are one of the potential side effects of the IV drug.

I should go and check my email, check on Loren, and maybe, just MAYBE work in a nice, long stress-reducing walk. Followed by a little chocolate, naturally.

And to think, we had just refilled his Mexiletine prescription.

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A Shocking Situation

Okay, this is the real scoop. (sigh)

Loren received six shocks in succession from his defibrillator around 11:00pm, Friday night. Thankfully, he was in a hospital at the time.

On Thursday evening, he felt some irregular beats. This is not unusual, but, the irregularity took on a regular form. His heart produced irregular beats in a uniform way, for minutes at a time. We debated whether to go in that night, but it subsided and Loren declined my offer to take him to the ER.

Next morning, it started back up again. We called Mayo, but in waiting for their consultation and return call, decided to go in to the local ER. It is a small hospital, but several doctors know Loren and have seen him on NUMEROUS occasions. A PA was on call and she detected irregularities. (You have to remember, Loren is pacemaker dependent, and every beat is paced, and it should be quite regular) She consulted with one of the docs and they decided to put him in for 24 hours of observation. I am SO thankful they did. It was that night that things went awry again. I was home with the kids, but received a call from the nurse saying Loren had been "unresponsive" but was ok now. (Unresponsive? Like, he didn't feel like chatting? Guess I'm not used to all the medical lingo yet) The doctor said he thought Loren had been shocked 3 times. (he was being monitered by telemetry from the nurse's station) As they got to his room, they saw him jump twice, and the doctor figured he had been shocked as they were running down the hall.

"This is not good, this is not good!" I said. The doctor decided to e-vac Loren by helicopter to Mayo. The copter was coming back up from Des Moines anyway and could swing over. By the time I could have gotten there, they would have left in minutes, so I decided to stay home and try and get rest for the day/week ahead. Loren and I talked and commiserated on the phone for about 30 minutes. He thinks he felt a pacing treatment, but he then went unconcious until he awoke with people shouting his name.

In all this process, Loren did not receive a wink of sleep that whole night. The trauma would have been enough, but he didn't get processed to his room till 5am. I had extra work at the church due to a funeral, so, when I couldn't sleep past 6:15, I put in a little time at the church, leaving the rest to my two wonderful fill-ins, Jason and Derek. (thanks, guys :-) I arrived at Loren's room around noon, where he informed me that he was told he had only been shocked once, with burst pacing attempted before that.

Well, I was thinking maybe this wasn't so bad after all. It was a concern, but not the multiple shocks that the docs, and especially Loren (and I) cringe at.

This MORNING, however, we saw the real electrophysiologist, who read out the real interrogation printout, which didn't really happen until yesterday. That is when we found out about six shocks. This is "not good" times ten. Loren's device cannot give more than six shocks. It can't recharge that fast. Of course, since he was in the hospital, they would have defibrillated him anyway. If he had been at home and required more....

I thank the LORD for preserving Loren's life.

Obviously, things have changed, and he cannot return home until he is assured safety.

They are considering two angles: reworking the hardware, which would mean taking out a lot, if not all of his wiring and putting the device in his shoulder. (it was put in his left abdominal area, because, at that time, he has dwindled to 115 pounds, and the older device was larger so they thought it would be too bulky for the shoulder area)
altering medication, Loren responds well to some meds and not to others. Also, he seems to develop a tolerance to them over time. (my evaluation, not the doctor's) They may take him off Mexiletine (current antiarrhythmial) and put him on something else.

I am confident that the EP doctor, Doctor R, will find the best solution. He is consulting with Loren's regular EP, Doctor H. from Iowa City. Apparently they are good friends. (thank the Lord, again :-) Doc R needs to find out all the dope on the hardware that Doc H installed in Loren so they can get a good idea of how to work things. It has to do with vectors and other terms incomprehensible to Ma Hoyt. These doctors are both "smart cookies."

Well, that is about it for now. Sorry for the unintended misinformation. I reported what I was told. Sometimes things are misunderstood over phone converstations, but, this is the straight dope as I know it. Today. For now.

Tomorrow (Monday) should bring some definite plan of action. All this is overseen by the transplant doctors as well. I believe they are letting the electrophysiologist take precedence at this time, as therein lies the immediate danger.

A word to my children at home: I know you miss Mommy, and I miss you all terribly. But please remember that Daddy has no one if I am not here. At least you have eachother. Sick husbands need their wives especially at this time. (in fact, I have taken up residence in the hospital room) You must try especially to get along with one another, watch out for the little ones, and yes, even entertain the annoying ones. You know who they are :-)

A word to my college girls. Keep working hard! I know if you were home you would be a tremendous help in bossing, excuse me, taking CARE of the kids. But you have your responsibilites where God has placed you. "They serve also, who stay up late and work on papers."

I am not going to spell check this, since I am on the hospital library computer. (besides, once I did that before saving it and lost the whole post) Pardon any "mal mots," I can always edit it later.

Thank you for all your prayers. Love, from "The Ma."

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The March of Technology

Great. Now I have one MORE thing to display my technological incompetency.

Loren used his crafty bidding technique to acquire three two-way radios on eBay. I have it hooked to my belt loop at this very moment. It could be a better way for him to keep in touch with us, or contact us if an emergency arises.

Loren will keep his radio on throughout the day, and I will also. If I leave the house, Jason will turn HIS on. If Jason leaves the house, he will give his to Kendra.....and so on down the line, until we get to Trevor, who does not speak. This should be interesting.

With a two mile radius, I can supposedly be contacted even on my morning walk. Up until now, Loren has utilized this time to go back to sleep after taking his morning meds. Something tells me tomorrow will be different. I would be willing to bet any amount of money that I will be receiving a "ring" from "he who cannot pass up a test opportunity."

I am already loaded to the gills with techno gear. There are earphones for the transistor. The little radio has to be repositioned on my belt every time I turn the corner, or the already tenuous radio connection is lost. I have been carrying the cell phone with me each morning. (when I remember) Now, should I leave the cell phone at home? Hmmm. Also, I've started carrying hand weights for added intensity. (they double as anti- skunk missiles ) If I get a call on the two-way, I will have to put down the hand weights, remove the earphones, detach the radio from my belt, and proceed with the stimulating conversation, "Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?.... This is 'Big Fat Mama,'.... OVER" That's assuming I even HEAR attempted contact over cranked up Glenn Miller.

It's all so confusing. I'm just a simple person. With simple tastes.

Perhaps a piece of chocolate will help.....

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Pooky Goes Missing, and Other Calamities

Yes, it's true. Pooky has been misplaced. But before the bear report, several other occurrences deserve mention.

1) Trevor came in from outdoors very concerned about a newly acquired sliver in his foot. Luckily for him, Nolan and Ethan were nearby to offer moral support.
Nolan: "Don't worry, Trevor. Don't worry. It won't hurt, Stay still. Stay Still!"
Ethan: (eagerly) "Do you want me to hold him down?"
Nolan: "Don't you want the needle, Mommy? Don't you want the NEEDLE?"
Despite their help, the sliver was exhumed without too much trouble.

2) Lady Bird Beetles have launched a massive assault! After being nearly invisible for most of the summer, they are swarming on the sides of the house, around doorways, and crawling in and out of crevices. They are thick enough in the air that one can hardly avoid them when walking across the lawn. I HATE it when they get on your hair. And, they bite! Plus, when you squish them they stink to high heaven. I hope the farmers who brought them here to battle the soybean aphid are happy with what they have wrought.

3) I was sitting at my computer this morning when I heard a few sharp words and screeches from the addition. Immediately an upset youngster came in to plead of injustices performed. (No actual names will be given)
(crying) "Mommy, ______ HIT me!"
"Why did ______ hit you?"
"Because I hit _____."
"Well, why did you hit _______?"
"Because ________ slapped me."
"_________ slapped you? Why was that?"
"Because I slapped __________." By now my head is beginning to spin, and then "the other party" comes in. "Mommy, THIS is what happened....."

You know, "she whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed" doesn't sound so bad, anymore.
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DATELINE: IOWA

A medium-sized brown teddy bear was reported missing by a tearful nine year old, late Tuesday evening. The bear answers to the name of "Pooky," and was last seen clutched in the arms of a two-year-old sibling, who goes by the name of Trevor Hoyt. The bear's owner, Miss Carolyn, was clearly distraught at the thought of going to bed without her beloved comrade. It is even reported that Miss Carolyn's mother, Rebecca, (who goes under the aliases of "votre chère maman, " "Ma Hoyt," and The "Ma,") ventured out in the dark with a failing flashlight in two brief and fruitless searches for the stuffed animal.

A valiant attempt was made by older brother, Derek, who offered his own bear, "Pooky Killer," as a substitute for nocturnal snuggling. The offer was accepted and sleep ensued, but not before the shedding of more tears and longing looks out the kitchen window.

Morning light revealed no new evidence of the missing bear's whereabouts, despite a semi-thorough search of the house and surrounding grounds. The owner is said to be "bearing up" reasonably well, under the circumstances.

Investigators have received permission to tail Trevor Hoyt, who is considered a "person of interest." (Thus far, they have found his interests to revolve primarily around bugs and play-doh) Verbal questioning of the child produced vague, pointing gestures, but little in the way of tangible assistance. The tot is said to communicate with a unique gruntal language, developed only to the point of demanding sipper cups of juice and milk. The situation remains fluid.

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Notes From the Homefront

"Eating chocolate makes your energy level rise quickly. But if you stop, your energy level will drop just as rapidly. Break the roller coaster cycle, just don't stop eating chocolate." --Oct 1, from 365 Reasons to Eat Chocolate by Sherrie Weaver

I shopped at a different grocery store yesterday, and much to my chagrin, I discovered I have inadvertently purchased chocolate flavored chips. Ugh! How could I have been so foolish!. We were picking up Loren's new glasses and I decided to take advantage of the time to stock the larder. In trying to get the job done fast and cheap (failed at both) I managed to lay in a supply of brown morsels masquerading as chocolate. Maybe I shouldn't wait until next summer to get those bifocals. (Perhaps I will just palm them off on unsuspecting students somewhere....)

Played a new 3 CD set this morning, "Bluegrass Gospel Highway." Not too bad, I guess, though it kept Carolyn hanging about my computer. She loves bouncy music, but with her nearby it is hard to finish up that online Christmas shopping. And, apparently Nolan (5) has a tremendous memory. He heard "Wayfaring Stranger" one time and has been humming it over and over and OVER ever since. Unfortunately, he only knows the first two phrases. I am suffering from an extreme case of "non-closure syndrome." ("Ok, Nolan, give it a REST!") oh no....he stopped, and now Melinda has picked up the theme.....

I made mention in our family letter of Carolyn (9) and her sudden attachment to a previously cast off teddy bear. She has named him "Pooky," after Garfield's bear in the comic strip. She talks to it, takes it to bed, lets him help her with her schoolwork (?) and such. For some unknown reason, Trevor (2) has taken a sudden shine to this new companion, though he is fond of Carolyn as well. He bides his time, waiting for the witless bear to be set down for a moment, whereupon he hustles over and absconds with it. Jason (16) had to put little Trevor to nap yesterday and found that "Pooky" has a wonderfully sedative effect on little brother. Adding to the intrigue is another sibling, Derek. (13) Derek has recently brought his 8 year old birthday bear out of retirement and renamed him, "Pooky Killer." It is the classic love/hate triangle, involving three people and two bears. I'm thinking Emmy Award Winning Reality Show.

Kendra (15) received her first driving lesson this afternoon. Loren instructed the oldest three, but he has not been up and about as much of late. SOoooooo, I guess that leaves ME :-) Everything went just fine. The doctor said all the broken bones will be healed in 3 to 6 weeks. Just KIDDING.

We started out in the driveway and adjoining grassy area, just getting the feel of things. No, wait, FIRST we learned where everything was, brake, gas peddle, lights, etc. Adding my own little touch, we spent 15 minutes adjusting the rear view mirror for maximum makeup and hair combing performance. (there are some things a man just can't teach) After a period of idling and braking and coasting and braking and turning and braking and backing and braking, we ventured out onto the gravel road. One complete lap around the mile was made, meeting no cars and traversing no ditches. I think, overall, it went just fine. Next lesson: donuts and wheelies.

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Mockery

I learned a new word today. Throughput: n. the amount of material put through a process in a given period, as by a computer. (courtesy of" Webster's New World College Dictionary" - third edition)

I espied said word in a comment on a collegian's blog. I was sorely tempted to pounce upon that person at their obvious (to me) misuse of a non-word. But I thought to myself, "No, this fellow is not given to making casual or inebriate-like errors. I shall look this up in my old fashioned dictionary book. " (you know, the kind held in one's hands, and, incidentally, copyrighted 1997)

Imagine my surprise, nay SHOCK at finding this word (throughput) listed. I tremble at how near, how incredibly CLOSE I came to leaping off the cliff of respect, and into the abyss of bafoonery. (mops brow) Well, a near miss is just that, a *win.*
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On a totally unrelated topic, the last M.O.C.K. bulletin has met with underwhelming results. In fact, there have been no birthdays volunteered, or other dates of note. The one brief contact I had in this regard was not to report information leading to the sending of birthday cards. It was to propose suspicion. Yes, our altruistic overtures were met with suspicion. So young, and yet so cynical. I think I can speak for all the ladies of M.O.C.K. in saying we are deeply saddened by this obvious lack of trust.

My first reaction was to don my black, hooded cloak and say with emperoric finality, "So BE it!"

My second reaction was to crawl into a corner and whimper, "Well, if the remote but unnervingly intelligent collegians do not WISH to be honored by cards on their birthdays, we shall leave them alone. Let them attend to their academic duties in the peace, quiet and utter abandonment that they desire. (*sniff* "Lor' bless 'em.")

Fortunately for the world and ungrateful wretches at large, we are not without resources. If we have to spend months backtracking old blogs to discover birthdates, we will do it. If we have to bribe fellow students with offers of fresh, succulent foodstuffs, we shall bake it. Whatever it takes, where e'er we search, M.O.C.K. shall be not mocked.

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Of Sweeps and Things

What a lovely, lovely day. I was able to get the remainder of my work done at the church in less than 2 hours. That was important, since I had to be back at a certain time to place a bid on Ebay. Still trying to nail down the last of the Christmas/Birthday presents. And the result? I won! HOT DOGGIES, this bidding and winning is FUN!! WHEEEEEEE.......(tosses plastic money in air and twirls chair around.....) *KLUNK!!* Oops, forgot. My chair doesn't swivel. Oh well, I am still happy. I have acquired something that isn't made anymore, but will provide hours of fun for one or two people in my charge. Can't go into any more details, it's a present, after all.

Speaking of cleaning up, the church where I work has purchased a new vacuum cleaner. It is a wondrous invention, of which I, the janitor, benefit more than anyone. The old model was a heavy upright that required pushing with non-arthritic elbows. This new one is a lightweight canister that is strapped on backpack fashion. It has to be less than 20 pounds, because I have personally carried kids that heavy, or more, in a backpack. While mowing. With a push mower. For an hour or more. Trust me, this vacuum is a LOT easier. Plus, it doesn't spit up on the back of your neck.

Sweeping stairways is a breeze. (the church has three staircases) And, there is the added bonus of looking really cool. The hose comes out just behind my head, from the top of the canister, reminiscent of the assistant to Jabba the Hutt. ("Master Jabba will see you now, O pathetic victim.") Accessories hang on a nifty little belt with loops of wide elastic.

But the BEST part, is the long, high quality extension cord that came with the vacuum. Unlike the previous rubberized variety, THIS one does not constantly roll up and catch on itself, shrinking cord length and ultimately yanking the plugs out of sockets. I cannot TELL you how many times I have sat on the basement step, patiently stripping back the insulation on wires to fix a broken connection. But, NO MORE! And, as if this were not enough, there is a little velcro strip attached to the cord, so that when it is all rewound, the coil can be snugly secured from unwinding. Really, it is a janitor's dream come true.

Well, enough rhapsodizing about cleaning machines. But, it never hurts to be content with the mundane things. Joy needn't be dependent on magnificent accomplishments.
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In other"sweeping" news, Loren has Jason and Kendra up on the roof. They are setting up a new antenna for him, complete with rotor. Just picture that baby turning 'round to pick up new stations. It is not unlike the radar array atop a battleship. I'll be glad when the setup is complete. In the meantime, (sigh) I'd just as soon not watch them.

Oh, and one more thing, they are keeping in communication (roof to sickbed) by little kiddie walkie talkies, from Walmart.

Ma Hoyt, over and out. ("kchhhhhhhht")

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A Bit 'O Mayo and Duh-bate

Loren had another visit to Mayo on Thursday. It was primarily a routine follow-up with the gall bladder surgeon. Everything looks good in that regard. We were a little concerned for a while since he didn't bounce back very fast from the surgery, but given his heart condition, that was not unusual. We were informed that five stones were removed. Now, I'm not trying to start a controversy or anything, but I only received two. The questions of course are: where did they stow them and how did they stow it? Who's "in the know" and when did they know it?

Unfortunately, they still have the need for those annoying blood draws at 7:00am. This is especially hard if one has only gotten 2 hours sleep the previous night. That is why Loren is hanging out in bed all day today.

We did have an interesting talk with the nurse practitioner. She wants to increase Loren's dose of Coreg. This drug is used in heart failure patients to slow down the progression of the disease. It seems the drug of choice for many, but in the past, it has lowered Loren's blood pressure to such an extent, that he became uncomfortable, and once, nearly passed out. However, the drug's track record makes it reasonable to try again.

We also found out an interesting tidbit concerning his pro time level. Loren has been sub-therapeutic for several weeks. He never got back to normal after the surgery. (when they want it low to prevent excessive bleeding) The intake of vitamin K rich foods has to be watched, since this vitamin increases blood clotting. It is very difficult to find multi-vitamins without it, and green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach should not be eaten in excess. Not a problem for most people :-) Loren has been eating raw vegetables each day and I had happily boughten cauliflower for him. But it, too, is abundant in vitamin K. Guess we'll have to ease up on the raw veggies. It brings to mind that old adage: "If God had intended for us to eat like rabbits, He wouldn't have invented steaks."

(Receiving some additional info, I have added one little paragraph to the post on PIK lines if anyone is interested.)
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Watched some of the debate last night. Personally, I find them a bit tiresome. I think they are too long. I can relate with it being past President Bush's bedtime. Then too, I think it would be a lot more fun if the moderator just gave out one question to each person: "If you could have three wishes, what would they be?" I don't think it would be any more out of the ordinary than the question Ardith was asked for a scholarship competition, "If you could describe yourself as a color, what would it be, and why?" ("Blue, because I'm just sooooo cool.")

But I think what I miss most of all is Al Gore. I miss his commanding presence. I miss his soulful sighs. And most of all, I miss his little game of "Space Invaders."

Now, if we really wanted to liven up the presidential race, why couldn't we have a debate between the wives?

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