Webster Update.

He's much better and on the road to recovery. As I mentioned, his appetite is fabulous but he's still stiff when he first gets up. Aren't we all? Anyway, today was one of his best days this week. He ate with gusto, went outside in the new snow that is falling at about an inch every hour, and "went" right away. Webster is such an easy dog. Then he wanted to walk around and sniff for the fox. I think that's a good sign. He came in and got a long drink of water before settling down for a morning nap. Sweet dreams, my pet.

He's able to move around so much better now and change positions under the covers.

Fresh Beets Daily for Me!

A bunch of fresh beets on my farm table.

Well, I could be telling you about how cold it is here but instead I'll blog about beets. I picked up a fresh bunch at the market yesterday and I'll be eating them raw. This has been part of my daily routine since mid-November. I should have taken the photo yesterday before the greens started to wilt in my refrigerator. These are nice big ones and I'm thrilled. Webster is too because I'll cook the greens for him. I already have plenty of fresh greens for myself. I decided in November that I should do everything within my power to keep healthy and decided to improve my eating habits. Maybe this article will convince you to add beets to your diet too. I peel mine with a potato peeler and cut into cubes which I shred in my food processor. I have perfected the method so it's not as messy as when I first started. One of my favorite dishes is hot wilted greens, topped with hot black-eyed peas, topped with cold grated raw beets. It's delicious! That's what I'm having for dinner tonight. Stay snug and warm and I'll be back later. xo

Time for an Aspirin Facial

Spa Day at the cottage. I decided to give myself an aspirin facial.

I have blogged about this beauty routine before here. First you crush 3 aspirin and then stir in an acid. I used a blob of plain yogurt. You can use milk, buttermilk, soy milk, lemon juice, or just plain water if you wish. I washed my face and dried it. Then I rubbed all of my potion on my face and neck. It feels grainy and good, like a deep scrubbing. I left it on for 30 minutes or more and then jumped in the shower. I got some new shampoo yesterday so I washed my hair too. I hadn't even combed it in the photos above while I was still in my pajamas. I should take an "after" photo but I'm too lazy. I usually use plain, uncoated regular big round aspirin but they are so hard to find. I bought a new bottle yesterday while I was at the grocery store and they have a very light coating that was easy to crush. I used a mortar and pestle but you can use the back side of a spoon. Actually, if you have time they will even dissolve by themselves in your preferred mixing agent. Enjoy your glowing skin if you decide to give yourself one too. I just looked at my old blog post where I used 5 aspirin. Today's recipe using only 3 was fine and I used much less yogurt so I had nothing left over. Have fun.

Lazy Sunday for Cottage Pets

Webster is on the mend and enjoying his dog bed in a new location. I brought the one down from the attic because it has an egg-crate foam mattress and a rectangular shape so he can stretch out. I put it in his favorite spot so he can see me in the kitchen and look down the hall into my bedroom. He's such a good patient. I'm still at a loss about what was wrong with him but I'm pretty sure he was stung by yellow jackets. I have to remember to replenish my supply of antihistamine capsules that helped his rapid breathing get back to normal. He had the same reaction once before when I witnessed the evil insects stinging him. 

Tabitha insisted on spending the night outdoors last night and she promptly crashed on the nearest chair this morning after she ate and she hasn't moved a muscle in hours. We are all enjoying the air conditioning. Hope you are too.

Sunless Days

This word describes the weather we've been having lately. Tomorrow is supposed to be very cold. I want to finish clipping my boxwood so they will all match. I sort of quit in the middle for some reason. I never put everything back in place after storing things before the hurricane either. I want to replace the tops on the birdbaths because they look nice filled with snow.

Thank you again for helping me with your wonderful words. We all have to deal with letting a loved one go at some point in our lives. My mother and I both knew her time was at hand and she told me she was not afraid. Even though her body was weak, she was strong of spirit up to the end. She was even able to climb into my big car with the running board to go to the nursing home. She walked inside with my help but we didn't get too far before she agreed to ride to her room in a wheel chair.

Because she was a nurse herself she was able to convey her appreciation of any kind care she was given and everyone admired her for that. There aren't many thank yous and hugs given to professional caregivers by the patients these days. My mother didn't forget. She made me proud and I always tried to make her proud too.

image source

My Mom has Become The Sleeping Beauty

Today is the second day my mother has been in an unresponsive deep sleep. She looks as beautiful as ever and very peaceful. I hope she knows when I'm there watching over her. Painting by Sir Edward Burne-Jones

Words for My Mother

I reached the end of my rope on Friday and made a call to a friend of mine to get names of local nursing homes for my mother. The one at the top of her list is the closest to the cottage; I could walk there if I had to. Luck was on my side that day as I gathered my mother's hospital papers to take to the admissions director without an advance phone call or appointment. I think she could sense my desperation and she worked miracles to get my mother admitted that very afternoon. I was not aware that after a 3 day hospital stay patients have a 30 day window eligibility for a generous number of days in a nursing home to recuperate. I can't remember the exact number but I think it is around 3 weeks. It's a great place and we are both happy with the decision. Of course my mother would rather be home but she's being well cared for by very loving people and the food is good too. It's a small facility so the food is home cooked and is really delicious. Mother eats every bite and sometimes asks for between meal snacks. We went to physical therapy yesterday and she's still being evaluated. I think my mother is the envy of all the people in her wing because I spend as much time there as I can. She was so happy to see me after her first night there. She said she cried and cried because I wasn't there. Each night will get easier. I'm catching up with all the things I neglected while she was trying to get better at home. I miss her and it's my pleasure to sit with her. I can't wait to see what's for lunch today! image source

My Mom would like this place.

I've never been to Amsterdam but this might be a good reason go go. My mother would love the "housekeeping themed house". She grew up doing chores before school every day and she never lost the habit of keeping a nice house. Lately she goes around "dusting" and "washing windows". She always considered housework to be a form of recreation. Listen to the audio portion within the following link...it's very uplifting.

The village where people have dementia – and fun
Click on the washing windows link for a good laugh.

The Caregiver

Replace the kitten with my mother and this is me without the strangle hold around my mom's neck. The symptoms of the stomach flu she had have disappeared thanks to the BRAT diet but her mind is shot. She's still sweet though and appreciative of my efforts to care for her. It's a lot easier now that there aren't so many bathroom breaks. via

Handsome Webster

Webster is so handsome, isn't he? He really is the world's best dog and a such good babysitter for my mom. We have follow-up appointments with two doctors tomorrow and Tuesday. I haven't had very much to say to all of my readers regarding her condition because I am usually too upset. I need a support group for caregivers in the worst way. I'm not very good at it and I hate myself for being so impatient with my lovely mother. She deserves better. Nights are the worst. We'll get through this trying time hopefully and I'll get my mom back or at least a tiny bit of her. Webster is worried too. [my photo]

Shift Rotation: Webster's On Duty Now

Tabitha's shift is over and Attending Physician Webster just took over. He's keeping an eye on my mother and the cat too. He loves to sneak her food and maybe he'll have a chance while she's not looking. 

Greetings from the Infirmary

On Duty: Nurse Tabitha

This is the proper way to monitor the vitals. If you sleep on top of them, all of those wires are not necessary. Tabitha says she can feel everything this way.

Mother is Sitting up

Waiting for the two thumbs up to go home later today. I hope it will be during the daylight hours. See you later.

Thanks so much for your prayers and get well soon notes. xo, Rosemary and Anna

Nice Tree Bark

I took this photo when Webster and I had our dog duty with his two little friends a few weeks ago. I loved the shadows on the bark of this old tree. We have bright sun and crisp cool air outside here at the cottage today. Our town is giving free flu shots this afternoon and that's the only thing on my calendar. The grass in the front needs a good mowing so I'll fire up the push mower after the morning dew evaporates. See you later. 

My Hula Hooping Progress

I'm still enjoying the weighted hula hoop I ordered in March. I've worked up to a 20-minute routine that's perfect for me. I can only go in a counterclockwise direction though. I am trying to learn how to go in the opposite direction but it's very difficult and I don't know why. I'm not worried though. I will master it sooner or later.

I listened to this book author recently on NPR's Fresh Air and it was very interesting. Click here to read the article and listen to the podcast, (listen to the podcast called 'stand up walk around'), this is Part I of the interview. It seems that the 'health benefits' from exercise are achieved in the first 20 minutes. Sounds good to me. Listen and learn.

HERE IS A GREAT DIY TUTORIAL IF YOU WANT TO JOIN FORCES WITH SOME FRIENDS AND MAKE YOUR OWN HOOPS USING IRRIGATION HOSE IN DIFFERENT SIZES. Have fun! LOOKS EASY TOO!

DIY Great Healthy Snack | Chocolate Dipped Nuts

 

What a great simple idea for the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a good dose of protein and energy without all the unhealthy sugars. These easy to prepare nuts would make great gifts too. via goodlifeeats

Sleep Solves Everything

I agree. I haven't been getting enough lately either. I stay up too late and get up too early. Yawn. via Goodnight. (I love this font!)

Webster Jumps Through Hoops for Treats

 

My new device of torture arrived yesterday and I think I'm going to love it. Webster is a little scared of it though. He watched me and all of my failed attempts to get it going yesterday and he knows to watch out when it falls to the ground. I did manage 49 consecutive twirls with this 4 pound weighted hula hoop. A friend of mine has a daughter who swears by hers. I ordered it less than a week ago for $38 and I think it's going to be perfect when I master getting it going for 15 minutes straight. I'm told this will take about 2 weeks.

Webster stood on the other side of the kitchen opening and barked and barked and stuck his head through and pulled it back a number of times before finally being unable to resist a Trader Joe's biscuit. Isn't he brave?

I can just hear what he's thinking now that he has retired to the vestibule: "I hope the thing won't fit in this small space so I can nap in peace."

My New Year's Wish for Everyone in 2012

Health, Peace, and Sweet Content Be Yours. Shakespeare
I scanned this image from one of my antiquarian books and sent it as my Christmas Card several years ago. It is still my favorite. I think it works beautiful as a New Year's Card too.
Click to enlarge.

Count Down to Bed Time

I had a full day in the outside world and cannot wait to jump into my bed. I was at the free rabies clinic at public works garage this morning with Webster and Tabitha for dog and cat rabies shots. They were both very brave and didn't even flinch when the vet shot them in the neck with a long needle. I'm glad that's over for another 3 years. Then we stopped at the post office and I had to run in my real estate office to pick up something for afternoon showings with customers.

I told you I was going out yesterday but had second thoughts and decided to nurse my cold for one more day. I'm so glad I made that decision because today was perfect. My head has dried up and my sore throat is completely gone. I am beyond thrilled. I was on the go all day and I felt fine. Have a great rest of the weekend and I'll see you tomorrow.