Healthcare and My Husband

I want to be honest with my readers. The last year has been so tough! If you recall, my husband was hospitalized last year. Right before the holidays. We spent Christmas in the hospital. Praying for his health. It's all that mattered!

We never knew, just how much our lives would change. I'm not just talking the day to day. My husband is still on the road to recovery. He still struggles with his energy. Takes 2 naps a day. Some days, his balance is really off. I can see my husband getting frustrated with himself. I try to be extra supportive every day. But there are days, when he has little patients with himself.

But with my husband slowing down, all of us need to pick up the slack. Unfortunately, most days, it feels like it's just my daughter and I. My daughter doesn't even live close by. But she manages much of our paperwork for us, and helps with the bills and taxes. Yes, owning a business is crazy! I'm so glad that we have her to depend on. And she has made it a point, to spend a few weeks at a time, with us.

We are also blessed to have great employees. Who support us. And help wherever they can. But it's still rough. My husband and I, we had each taken care of one part of the business. And when he got sick, there was a lot to learn. Almost immediately. Suddenly, I was learning about the 30 different taxes we pay. About all the bills that I never knew how to pay. Thank God for our daughter. Who knows about and takes care of much of this.

But on top of all of this, we've never had health insurance. My husband is nearly 80 years old. So he had the basic medicare coverage. It just happened, that my daughter was able to get a new plan going. While my husband was still in the hospital. Right before the deadline.

It helped. But honestly, even with the new insurance, it's really expensive. The first prescription cost, we had to cover, it was $950. We never got reimbursed for any of it! We still paid nearly $10,000, for my husband's almost week stay in the hospital.

We were lucky. The ambulance was paid for. About 80% of the hospital bill was covered. We were able to pay off the doctors and hospital bill late in the summer. The other day, we got a bill in the mail. For $4,000! I about died! It's for an oxygen machine, that my husband has never used! The company dropped it off. Never serviced it. Nothing. But my daughter got on the phone, and medicare paid for it. We're still waiting for service. Good thing it's not life threatening.

My husband has always gone to the doctor, twice a year. We paid $120 for 2 medications that he'd been taking for over 30 years. But we weren't' prepared for $400 a month. On prescriptions and supplies. And that's our co-pay. It makes me wonder how other people do it. My husband is now going to the doctor once a month as well.

In so many ways, we've had to figure things out for ourselves. Our daughter has been such a great help! She knows so much about the health care system. Just the other day, she was on the phone for over 3 hours! Why? To get us some answers. One prescription that we get, went from $140, to $14. Wow!

That's what most of that last year has been. Nursing my husband back to health, taking care of a business, and learning about health care. It's a hard task. Especially with a small business. That my husband and I own and run. Pretty much on our own. Then maneuvering around the health care system. Trying to bring family together. Dealing with my own parents, and their failing health.

I'm hoping to get back to blogging. Reading blogs. Doing more crafts. Getting back to me. Just a little bit. I miss doing things that I enjoy. Things that just make me happy. Even if it's sewing for a half an hour. I need some down time. My husband and I need some down time. Time to get back to us.

Urban Rain

Do you see this beautiful scarf? I won it! From My Cakies. Urban Rain offered a $25 gift certificate in this giveaway. I never win anything. But I won this giveaway. I was so shocked!

It's beautiful. My favorite item from Urban Rain. And absolutely perfect for Fall!

I got this in the mail today!

There is a bit of a back story though. I emailed Ruby and a while later, Joanne emailed me. That email got sent to my Spam folder. And I just found it. Last Thursday. Months after the giveaway! So I emailed Joanne. And I was halfway expecting that I'd missed the boat.

No. Joanne was amazing! The $25 shop credit was still available. I picked the Clover Scarf. And it was in my mailbox today. Extremely fast! I would definitely recommend Urban Rain. The shop has some adorable items. And who can beat the incredible customer service and quick shipping?

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my dad's 97th birthday! And even more shocking than that, he is in amazing shape. Better shape than most people half his age! As in, he still climbs the roof. And feeds his animals. I can only hope to live as long as my dad. And be in the great health that he is.

I thank God, for letting me have so much time, with my dad. He's such an amazing man. So loving. So caring. Just a great dad. And a great human being. He's the first man that ever loved me. And the first man that I ever loved. I really think that our relationship has helped me so much in life. He taught me how men should treat women. And I owe my marriage to my dad. What an amazing man!

I'm praying and wishing that my dad has an amazing day! That he enjoys his birthday. And has another year of health and happiness. Happy Birthday dad!

Busy

It's been so busy around here! We have a very long day today. Our company has inspection. That's why I'm baking a cake at 6:30am. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Just preparing. That on top, of our regular work schedule. It's been super busy around here.

And we have family that came into town on Thursday. We met them for dinner. Which turned into a late dinner. They were late. Very late. We didn't have dinner until almost 8pm. We're used to eating pretty early. At least before 6pm. Because we go to bed early. My husband starts working at 3am. And I'm there by 5am. So it was a late night, for a "work night." But we did enjoy ourselves. Lots of catching up. And we're looking for another dinner. It did make for a tough Friday though. Both my husband and I were extremely tired.

At the moment, I'm trying to get ready for Halloween. I'm making a costume for my daughter. I also need to decorate. I've been slacking on that. I'm also preparing for a holiday Craft Fair. I think I might have too much on my plate. At least at the moment.

Work is also very busy. This is the time of year, that it really picks up. Lots of out of town trips. Lots and lots of paperwork. And in general, just a lot of work. But we're going to get through it all. Before we know it, it's going to be Thanksgiving. And I'm going to wonder were the time has gone.

Incredible Sadness

I just got off the phone with my daughter. She is back east. Where she lives part time. The Guy and her had to rush off last night. They were going to come here for a quick visit. Today. But Hills got hurt last night. And that was much more important.

Hills was 9 days past her due date. I'm thinking, that is actually pretty normal for a 1st pregnancy. But she went into pretty active labor yesterday. Her midwife stayed with her all day. And last night, Hills' water broke. And they were on their way to the hospital.

Unfortunately, they were involved in a bad accident. They were hit by a drunk driver. The baby had to be delivered almost immediately. Now, Hill's and her little girl are in the ICU. In very serious condition. From what my daughter told me, they've both had 2 surgeries a piece. And this just saddens my heart. Worse, they are now 3 hours apart from one another. At hospitals specializing in each of their care.

Innocent lives should not be touched like this. This woman shouldn't have to be in a hospital hooked up to machines, fighting to live. Neither should her innocent baby girl. Please say some prayers for them. Hills is like my daughter. My daughter and Hills grew up together. And she spent so much time with us. We could use all the prayers we could get for these two innocent lives. Anything to get mom and baby healthy.

Happy Birthday

Today is a very special day. Not just because it's October 10, 2010. I think that's incredible. But today is The Guy's birthday. He's my daughter's boyfriend. And I'm very grateful for him. He's taken care of my daughter for over 2 years. She's been through so much, in the last few years. And he's been so strong for her. He has also made my daughter so incredibly happy. That alone, makes me happy!

They travel a lot. Both of them work so hard. And this weekend, they happen to be in CA. Working. I wish that we could see them. Enjoy a nice dinner or something. But I understand. I just want The Guy to have an incredible day. One full of love and happiness. He deserves an amazing birthday. Not only is my daughter incredibly blessed to have him in her life, we are all blessed. Because he makes our lives better. Even if we've never met face to face. He's so special. Happy Birthday!

New Granddaughter

My husband and I have a new granddaughter! We actually just got back from the hospital. We went for a quick visit. Our granddaughter is a doll. She is just perfect. And looks so much like my husband's side of the family.

It's always so amazing when babies are born. It's a magical time in life. A new and innocent baby. A miracle. Our family is so blessed today. What a nice new beginning. Our granddaughter brings with her so much positive energy. And we just can't wait to see her grow up into a beautiful soul.

A Much Needed Break

This afternoon, my husband and I are going to our cabin. We have tomorrow off. It's "Fall Break." We can definitely use the time away. I'm also anxious to go visit my parents. They're getting ready to move. I'm ready to just enjoy them for a few days.

And I'm ready to be away from work. For a couple of days. And out of the city. At this point, you can feel the stress of the city. I'm ready for some relaxation. And time away from all of this.

We're not going to spend the entire weekend out there. But it's going to be a nice change of pace. Something that both my husband and I could use. And hopefully, we can come back more relaxed. Because we have quit a lot going on in the next few weeks.

I just need to finish packing. And we still need to go grocery shopping. Eventually we'll get it all done. And we'll be on the road. Well, after the work day is over. :)

In Bloom Set

Another favorite of mine is perfume. And fragrances in general. I recently ordered the In Bloom Set, from Avon. It was a special. I'm pretty sure I got the set for $25. There is a body spray, lotion, and shower gel. It's a great deal. In Bloom is also a very nice scent. Very light. It's fresh, but slightly floral. I am really enjoying this set. Eventually, I'd like to get the fragrance as well. But I'm going to wait until it goes on sale.

Making Scarves

I recently watched an episode of Sewing with Nancy. It inspired me. The episode was about scarves. There were some amazing scarves. The scarves only use about a half a yard of fabric! They are also super easy!

I went to JoAnn's today. To take advantage of my coupons. And the sales that they were having. I bought 4 or 5 different fabrics for these scarves. And when I got home, I got to work. I actually made 3. But 1 of them came out a bit wonky. I'm going to have to take it apart and sew it again. I realize now, it's because the fabric was cut crooked. But it's not a big deal.

I was upset though. My favorite fabric that I purchase, it had a rip in it. A pretty large one. I'm not sure what to do. Can you take it back to the fabric store? The worst is that it's in the middle of the piece, something that I couldn't hide in the scarf.

For the 3 scarves that I made, I used one technique. And I tried to do another. But I forgot part of the steps. Probably the most important step. When you turn the fabric. Does Sewing with Nancy post videos online? I found the book. And I'm thinking about buying it. It's only $15. And I'm sure there are many more projects inside.

Getting Excited!

Tomorrow is Hills' due date. She is expecting her 1st baby. A girl. Hills is my daughter's good friend. And she is super sweet. Also very excited about her new baby girl!

My daughter and I have spent the last few months making sweet things for "Baby C." We've been so excited. I almost feel like Baby C is my granddaughter. That's how close my daughter and her friend were growing up. So sweet.

I was a little upset at the beginning of the month. When Hills' Baby Shower was. I wish I could have gone. But it was across the country. And I had work. I was just not able to go. But I did send all of my gifts with my daughter. And I got to talk to Hills.

Tomorrow is the "Big Day." But I highly doubt that Baby C will come tomorrow. First babies generally come late. But I'm very excited. Like I said, it's like I'm awaiting my granddaughter. I really wish that we lived closer. Especially since Hills has asked my husband and I to be grandparents to her little girl.

She's had a tough time. Hills is going through a rather difficult divorce. Her family has not been very supportive of her. And right now, she is pretty much on her own. What a strong woman. If you just read a little of her blog, you will know what I mean.

We're all so excited. And sending lots of prayers and good thoughts their way. I'm also counting the days until January. When they both come for a visit. I can't wait to meet Baby C. And to catch up with Hills.

King George

I've always been a fan of country music. And of George Strait. "King George." All of his music just reaches my soul. It makes me so happy. His music from the 80s was my favorite. But all of it, makes my days brighter. Do you have a favorite artist, type of music, time in history when the music really spoke to you? For me, it will always be King George.

She Surprised Us

Our daughter surprised us today. She called this morning, which is pretty normal. And before she hung up, she told me to listen to the radio. There would be a surprise for my husband and I. I had not clue what it was.

As I listened to the radio, I started to get a little nervous. What was my daughter trying to tell us? Was she getting married? Was she expecting? All of the songs that were playing, they didn't help either.

But no. It was none of those things. I was somewhat relieved. But also a little disappointed. I'm ready to be a grandma! Until I heard her dedication. It was super sweet. Something special that she did for my husband and I. And I just want to tell her Thank you! It meant the world to both of us. We are so lucky to have you as our daughter. Your mom and dad are so proud of you. We love you more than you'll ever know!

We'll Never Forget

9/11. It brings back so many memories. 9 years ago, my daughter moved out of the house. She was 18 years old. And on her own. Away at college. The moment that we saw the events unfolding, all my husband and I could think about was our daughter. And her safety.

That was a difficult day. It took us hours to get in touch. I could tell she was scared. We were scared. Our entire world changed that day. We all became victims.

But today, is not about our feelings. Or what changed us that day. It's about the lives that were lost. The families who never got to say goodbye. The men and women who sacrificed their own lives, just to help others.

That's what today is about. Remembering. Not the horror of that day. But the lives that were lost. The joy that they brought to the world. All of those people who had to lose their lives. Promising lives that were cut short.

On this day, every year, I pray for those people. For the families. For all of the loved ones who still feel that void. I pray for them. We'll never forget the day and the events of 9/11. Let's not forget the innocent people that were also lost.

Frosted Flakes

Today is Wednesday. The tough day of the week for me. It's "early day" for our company. But it's the day that I seem to have more work to do. And no time to do it in. I'm on the go all day long. Most Wednesdays, I'm lucky to get 5 minutes to sit down.

That's were Frosted Flakes come in. They're my favorite cereal. I know, I must sound like a child. But between stacks of paperwork and going to drive, I eat a bowl. On Wednesdays. It's my snack/lunch. The only thing that get me through the day.

I'm telling you. Wednesdays might be "early day." But it's the day I work the hardest. It's the day we eat dinner the latest. And the day I usually fall asleep watching TV. At 8pm. Frosted Flakes, they definitely help me get through the day!

I Watch This...

Do you promise not to judge me? Ok, then I'll confess. I really like to watch I Didn't Know I was Pregnant. It's my guilty pleasure. One night a week, I sit there and wonder how it's possible to not know, that you are pregnant. Isn't that the craziest thing ever?

I try not to miss this show. I've been watching it for months. My daughter and I talk about it. And the stories still shock me. But this is good TV. I find it interesting. And what else are you going to watch? There's not much on, until the end of the month. When all of the shows start up again. So I watch my favorite summertime show. And I really enjoy it!

Pearl's Cardigan

I came across this pattern at Lion Brand. There is something about it, that I really like. I'm not sure if it's the color, or the actual sweater. But I'd like to make it. In this rosy pink color. I enjoy crocheting clothing. But I haven't made myself anything in such a long time. This might just be that project, that I've been waiting for.

Driving South

What are you doing for the holiday weekend? My husband and I have decided to drive south. Just go spend a few days in the southern part of our state. No real plan or destination. Just a drive. And some time away from everything.

We have a few places that we want to stop. There is so much going on this weekend. Lots of festivals in the southern part of our state. I want to try and go to some of the Craft Fairs. And the Farmers' Markets. I think those will be the most fun.

I'm not sure what my husband has planned. Or where he'd like to visit. But there is so much to do this weekend. It makes me wish that the holiday weekend were more like 7 days, instead of 3.

I should probably get to packing. I don't really know what we're going to need. But we have to make stop at the store too. For snacks. No road trip is complete without them. This should be a fun and relaxing weekend. One that I'm very much looking forward to!

I Could Use...

I could really use a cup of tea, a warm blanket, and a good night's rest. It's been a crazy and busy couple of days. And I'm pretty sure, they're catching up with me. I'm very glad that this coming weekend is a holiday weekend. Both my husband and I can use the break.

Many people think that we have it easy. Because we own our business. But it's stressful. And very difficult. Something that takes so much time and energy. I'm not complaining. More of just getting it off my chest.

All I know, is that I'm exhausted. I haven't wanted to craft in days. And right now, I could easily go to bed. Fall dead asleep. Maybe I will do that. And just get up early in the morning. I'd probably do a better job with a little rest. But a cup of tea, it would be heaven!

Where Did My Lilies Go?

Sometime in the Spring, I planted about 5 Oriental Lily bulbs. And I've watered them all season. Along with some other bulbs. And even seeds for that matter. Yes, I made sure that they were all going in the right direction.



And by now, I should have some pretty blooms like these. Or at least a green plant. Heck, I'd settle for a sprout coming out of the ground. But I got nothing. Nothing at all! My other bulbs, they've all grown. Some of them have flowered. But not the Oriental Lilies.



It makes me wonder, what happened to my lilies? If all the others came up, were these bad bulbs? Was this a tough year? Because I lots of plants and flowers that didn't make it. Just from talking to family and friends.

This was the first year that I planted Oriental Lilies. But like I said, I've planted other lilies in the past. I have an entire flower bed filled with Tiger Lilies. But these lilies, they just don't want to grow. I'm wondering if our climate is just not good. Or maybe, it was just a tough gardening year.