News...

I am currently takings classes at the technical college. I've concentrated my efforts on that, and getting lots of sleep.

I am trying to learn the tricks of MicrowSoft Word in the latest incarnation. But its hopeless. Now I am told that there is at 2010 release. It cannot be too much different from 2007 -- Can it?

October 2010 General Conference

October Conference transcripts found HERE

Living the Life 5

The days pass...

Disturbing news from my friend Patricia -- her husband suffered a hemorrhagic stroke last week. Patricia, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will pray for you...

That said, there is much to do that will help with rehabilitation. Mark may require a lot of help with mobility. Some stroke survivors regain a lot of their former function over a period of time. Establish a regular exercise regimen. One of the greatest hazards is accidental falls. You'll need to evaluate your living space to minimize the risks.

The hospital has probably already started things like physical therapy and other rehab treatments. You could find out what they've been doing and take it from there. A lot will depend on what neurological deficits you need to work with.

I don't understand why you needed another such trial Patricia, but you are obviously a very strong woman. There must be some reason we seem to get more than our fair share.

Next instalment:  Snail Hollow - The Dark Times

Ants

Ants filter in and invade the home space, scavenging for food and water. They form a single file marching across the kitchen floor, emerging from a crack in the wall and spreading through the space.

Their seemingly random walk, departing occasionally from the rank and file, leads each worker ant on a journey of chance. Who can tell what wealth of crumbs lie waiting to be discovered?

The ants communicate using a scent that biologists call "pheromones". They lay down the invisible track apparently at will, allowing others to track and easily follow.

The ants form an uneasy relationship with human hosts. Their human benefactors don't like them much, but the ants are rather insensitive houseguests. They seem to take it in stride. They continue about their industry despite every rebuff.

April 2010 General Conference

The April General Conference addresses are available online HERE, now appearing in many multimedia formats for your convenience.

Health Care image

The image of service in health care is somewhat tarnished by the current debate. Should the quality of care be dictated by government bureaucrats? How good will that work? Who gets what, and who decides?

Health Care Debate

Becky, guest blogger, here with a question.

Should age and/or mental state (ie; dementia) be considered when deciding intensity of care as in CPR, dialysis, ventilator support, etc?

Any opinions?

Pheasant

A rooster pheasant appeared in the back yard yesterday. Sister Beth was here with grandson Isaac, and he chased it around until it grew nervous and flew off. It is a bird!, he announced, after watching it fly. The skeptical 4-year old, he doubted it was a bird until it spread wings and took off. Much to his wonder and delight.

He was never in any danger of catching it.

Snowpack

The local SNOTEL station tells the typical story for the Wasatch Plateau, and the rest of northern Utah. Snow is where it should be in the mountains, but not in quantities we hope for. The plot shows us to be about 2" short of average in the north Sanpete area. That's enough to get by, but not as full as we'd like. We'll see what the rest of spring brings us.

Down south, in parts of southern Utah, they are floundering in record deep snow. Watch out for flooding this spring!

New Home

We are established in a new home this week.

It breaks the comfortable routine and makes me uneasy, but it is a nice house and a nice neighborhood. I will grow with time, and no doubt become as comfortable here as at Snail Hollow. I'm easily pleased.

Schistocyte

Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells. I learned a new word today.

Living Notes 4

Time has slipped by, and I have neglected to update this blog for many months. I cannot write what I do not have, sorry.

Change is the only constant factor life brings. The old saying "If you don't like the weather, just wait awhile...it will change," is a good one, because it applies so universally to living and to life.

I note, first, that we are preparing to move north to Utah County, to the city. Should be within weeks. More about that when it actually takes place.

In addition, things I have noted have changed slightly about my physical disposition. A lot of numbness and lack of sense data from my body have returned some function. I can feel with my arms and legs now. The skin of my scalp and face have become somewhat more sensitive. Some of these things have drawbacks as well, as I learned from standing in the cold wind, and feeling the chill for the first time in a long time.

It has been a long, cold winter here in Hideaway Valley. I cannot recall the last winter that we had deep snow for such a length of time. I think I would like to comment more on that subject, but this is enough for now.

Thanks to my friends who have waited through the quiet spell. I will try to do better.

Routine

I am not as adventurous as Calvin; nor as sensible as his mother. Perhaps the break from routine will wait for some well-considered measures.

It appears to have reached the deciding point - Snail Hollow is moving to a new location in town. Mom and dad have listened to reasonable voices urging them to give up the rural life with its far-flung reaches, and move into the city with more accommodating services ready at hand. The plan is to be executed within the next couple of months, as the new house is made ready for occupancy. I am going along.

Absent Minded

To followers of this blog...

I apologize for the interruption of posts. My mind is not focused. I excuse myself, drugs are to blame, at least in part.

I should add that other things are in the works, and may change Snail Hollow. More on that as it happens...