December 28: Happy Birthday to me!

 How the hell did I get so damned old?  

Christmas Day 2017

My house on a snowy Christmas Eve

Last year at this time I was packing up lots of stuff in my house in Houston.  I had to make the house more appealing to potential buyers by making it impersonal.  I had so many beautiful things that I cherished.  I packed what "I couldn't live without" to take with me to Portland.  I sold many things on facebook market sites.  I donated even more.

Last night we celebrated Christmas Eve at my little house.  The kids opened their stockings and gifts.  I made spaghetti for supper.  Kenny and Miho are fussy so I had my fingers crossed.  They ate it - no complaints except I forgot buy parmesan cheese.

Then we watched a movie, "Get Santa."  When it ended the kids were in a big hurry to head home and go to sleep so Santa could come to their house.

Stockings at the fireplace

My little pink tree

I'm wearing my new Ninja Turtles Christmas jammies for the occasion.

in my living room

Barbie has a pink poodle, too!

I made a Ninjago puzzle for Kenny.

Miho is wearing her unicorn costume.

Today I got what I was working so hard to achieve - spending holidays with Kevin, Tomoko, Kenny and Miho.  I wish Andy could have been with us.  We all missed him.

I got up 5:30 AM.  The streets were icy and I was in the only car on the road.  When I got to Kevin's I had to wait while he and Tomoko poured hot water on their steps and scraped off the ice.  The kids waited until I arrived and then started opening all their presents.

Kevin's living room

My pink poodle Christmas sweatshirt

Opening a big box from Uncle Andy

The box held a scooter for Kenny.

And a bidet from Andy

Uncle Andy gave Miho a huge stuffed octopus.

The kids both received lego sets and were working on them throughout the day.  Kenny had a complicated set but he was putting it together almost all by himself.  Kevin was helping Miho.

Kevin took both dogs to the park.  Sweetsie got all tired out.

After our teatime at around 4 Sweetsie and I came back to our little house.  Bedtime is early for us tonight.

November 22, 2017

Tomorrow I am going to Kevin's for Thanksgiving.  Tomoko is making the dinner.  She is a very good cook.

November 14, 2017

Whew!  I've been busy.  Everyday I unpack a box or two, clean up the resulting mess and start again the following day.  I probably have at least 50 more boxes to go.  Why do I have so much stuff?

I sold and gave away so many of my things before I left Houston.  Now I'm continuing the purge.  I've already taken one big box to Goodwill and I have another big one packed to go.

Before I moved here I had planned on finding a part time job.  So I kept a lot of my work clothes. That was pre-bus accident.  Now I'm still recovering.  I get exhausted easily because of the pain.  Tomorrow is my 6 month follow up with the trauma surgeon.  I want to ask him what else I can do to get better.  I still go to physical therapy, stretch and exercise.  Have I hit a plateau or what?

This morning I went to a meet up group of 60+ singles.  They are a nice bunch of people and do a lot of activities together.  Unfortunately, most of their activities are hiking, biking, etc.  Every Tuesday morning they meet for coffee.  It's across town at 9 AM but I got up and went.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to the first meeting of a book club in my neighborhood.  I learned about it on nextdoor.com.  We're meeting just a few blocks from my house.

Sweetsie is enjoying her backyard.  Sometimes she runs back and forth.  I still am hiring a dog walker because she needs more exercise than that.  I'd rather be safe and let someone else take her.  She loves her new dog walker in our neighborhood.  They go around the park which is nearby.

Sweetsie and Stella are already in bed waiting for me.  Good night.

October 24, 2017: one more day

The house matches Sweetsie!

I have one more day living in the retirement home.  I've made several friends here and will miss them.  My physical therapist leases space here so I will be returning at least once a week for rehab.

 I do the stretches and exercises on my own.  My bones are healing.  But the trauma sent my right leg muscles, including my giant butt, into spasm.  (My secret super power is stopping buses with my butt.)  My physical therapist works on getting the muscles to straighten out and stop causing me pain.

Tonight I am taking a bit of a break.  I've been working so hard packing, getting my home repaired and preparing for the move.  It's a good time to document on my blog and then watch "Madam Secretary" on amazon TV.

Today I met delivery men at the house at 8 AM and they installed my refrigerator and washer/dryer.  I carried a few boxes and a suitcase from my apartment into the house.  Then I went to the bank and the post office.  I got totally exhausted.  It's very painful getting in and out of the car.  My legs are super long and the seats in my Subaru Crosstrek do not go back far enough for my injured leg.  Guess I should have bought a roomy American car.  I have to wait for the lawsuit to get settled first.  That could take quite a while yet.

Thursday the movers are coming at 9 AM to pick up my stuff in my apartment.  After they drop it off at my new house they go to my son's house to pick up my china cabinet.  And finally to my storage unit.  All my stuff will once again be united!  I don't even remember what all I have.  I haven't seen what I packed and is in storage for almost 6 months.  It'll be like Christmas!   Unfortunately, I can't be the excited little kid but the parent who's stuck putting everything away.  I'm sure my new house won't be able to hold all my possessions.  So, it will be a long process.

This whole move to Portland has been quite the harrowing ordeal.  I didn't apply for Medicare B immediately on the day I retired.  Then 10 days later the bus crashed into me.  My employer didn't give me the correct forms for Medicare.  My Medicare B didn't finally become effective until 10/01/2017.  My cobra retirement insurance (costing over $700/month) refuses to pay until all bills are first sent to Medicare B and denied.  Aetna is very much aware that my Medicare B just started this month but is refusing to pay nonetheless.  My different medical providers' billing departments are refusing to submit to Medicare B because they know the claims will be denied.

I hope the Astros win the World Series.  Houston deserves something good to happen after that hurricane.

Oopsie!  A bit of good news -I had the whole interior of my house painted pink.  I've attached a couple photos of it in process.

October 9, 2017

Busy, busy, busy!  I've been preparing my little house so I can move in soon.  First, I had an exterminator treat the crawl space.  He's coming back tomorrow to put down a vapor barrier.  Today there was a crew doing mold remediation in the attic and crawl space.  Day after tomorrow another crew is coming to put insulation in the crawl space.

All this work is for a house that is relatively recent construction for Portland - 1981.  So many of the houses in Portland were built in the early 1900's.  I'm used to all the new buildings that make up Houston.  My house there was built in the 1960's and was considered ancient.

The living room in my new house has a kind of pretend chimney and fireplace.  It extends about 3 feet into the room and takes up most of a wall.  The fireplace  itself was wood burning but is no longer working.  The "chimney" is just an empty shell with a pipe inside that leads to the roof to let out the smoke.  I am getting an estimate on removing the whole deal.  I'll replace it with an electric fireplace.  The house doesn't have gas.

I'm also getting an estimate on painting the interior.  The paint job is fresh but it's a dingy gray color.  Winter is coming with many dreary days ahead.  I'm torn between painting the walls a creamy yellow or a pale peachy pink.  The inside NEEDS to be cheerful.

My move is set for October 26th.  I'd love to have the fireplace gone and the house painted before I move in.  But then contractors run on a much slower clock than "normal" people.

The kitchen has new cabinets, countertops and appliances.  I do need to buy a refrigerator though plus a washer and dryer.

Then there's all the numerous minor repairs that will probably really add up to big bucks!  Some can't wait - like missing flashing and vents in the attic.

I've never bought a house for just myself.  My son, Kevin lived with me in my Bellaire townhouse.  Somehow, even though he was just a teenager, it wasn't as scary.  I wouldn't be living alone.  My next house I bought when I was engaged.

I'm excited but terrified about my new house.  I still have a lot of healing left to do.  Any activity wears me out.  Today I had wanted to go to Home Depot.  But, my physical therapy totally drained me and I had to take a nap.

Tomorrow I'm going to the doctor about my arthritis.  That was going to be my priority when I got to Portland.  But an irresponsible bus driver changed those plans.  Hopefully, I'll have enough pep to go to Home Depot after my appointment.

When I'm not trying to organize workmen, I am slowly packing up my apartment.  And I'm shopping on craigslist.  As my friends and family know I like things that are quirky.  I can either shop at really high end furniture stores (which I can't afford) or go to thrift and consignment stores.  But, I can peruse craigslist comfortably in my apartment.

I found a shocking pink bistro set on craigslist.  It's a tiny table with 4 chairs.  I'll use it for my kitchen table now and later on for the patio.  I also bought an unusual recliner.  It has cane sides.  The upholstery is yellow with blue birds and coral flowers.  It's so cool!  It came with a little ottoman and pillow.  I should have copied the photos on craigslist before they were taken down.  I'll take photos of everything eventually and post them.

September 26, 2017

This Thursday, September 28, 2017, I will be closing on my new home in Portland.  I've been busily setting up the utilities.

The seller agreed to reduce the price so I could have some repair work done.  I've scheduled an exterminator to work on the crawlspace under the house.  Here mice and rats are a big problem.  Gross!  Luckily, no roaches.  (I haven't even seen a mosquito since I've been here.)

Then a mold specialist will work in the crawlspace and the attic.  Mold is another problem here since it rains most days for nine months of the year.  Then I'll have insulation installed so I don't freeze my tuckus this winter.

I'm trying to get an electrician to do a couple of repairs.  They are so busy here.

There is a weird fireplace in the living room.  It's wood burning but not working anymore.  There's no chimney.  It has a pipe running from it up to the roof.  The fireplace and hearth take up a lot of space.  I'm going to have it removed and I'll buy an electric unit.

As long as I have to tear up the wall to remove the fireplace I may as well have the whole room painted.  Guess in what color!

My plan is to move in towards the end of October.  I have to pay another month's rent in the retirement home anyway.  That gives me another month to get better.

I don't feel ready yet to take care of a house on my own.  Today I was exhausted after only going to the grocery store.  So, I'll take the move slow and steady.

September 19, 2017

Yesterday was a sorry day for the city of Portland. 

It was the day of the hearing for the bus driver who crashed  into me on 5/22/2017. My lawyer picked me up and took me to the courthouse in case I needed to testify.

The driver didn't show up.  A lawyer came in his stead.  The deputy who issued the tickets didn't show up.  My lawyer wanted to show the judge the video of the bus accident.  The judge said that he could not find the bus driver guilty because the police officer did not bother to come to court to testify.

So, the driver's record will be cleared of these 2 tickets for reckless driving and not yielding to a pedestrian.

We don't know if he is still employed by the Trimet bus company or if he is still driving a bus for the city of Portland.

My lawyer discovered that this driver had previous reckless driving tickets before he was hired by Trimet.

Of course, I will continue my civil suit against the bus company which is city-owned.  It would have been more straightforward if the driver had been found guilty.

So, this irresponsible man gets away unscathed.

I have to go now to my physical therapy appointment.  The therapy is always painful.  My injuries will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I am rightfully VERY pissed off!

September 17, 2017

The house that I have a contract on was inspected last week.  Houses in Portland need so many repairs.  Hopefully the seller and I can come to an agreement on the repairs.  We have until this Thursday to settle.

It's a cute little house.  It has a nice yard - not too big, not too small.

I will have to pay for another month's rent in Russellville.  During October I can have the repairs done and move my stuff over slowly.  I get tired easy so it will take quite a while to make it comfy.

I just gave Sweetsie a bath and freshened up her pinkness.  She was still itchy from being at the beach last weekend.

Today Russellville is having a Brazilian party.  There's a special dinner that comes with an extra (high) special price and Samba dancers.  I'm going - why not? - it's something different to do.

Tomorrow the bus driver is going to court to plead not guilty for crashing into me in a crosswalk.  I hope the detective who gave him the tickets shows up.  He gave him 2 tickets and he also watched the video of the accident.  My lawyer is taking me to the courthouse.  I don't see how he could not be found GUILTY.  But then I don't see how a bus driver could run a stop sign and hit a pedestrian either.  I was wearing bright clothing and walking a hot pink dog. Why wasn't he watching where he was going?

In the meantime I still have to use a walker and go to physical therapy twice a week.  I try to use a cane around the apartment.  This whole ordeal just really sucks!!

September 11, 2017

Tomorrow is the inspection for a house that I have a contract on.  It's a small house but it has a 2 car attached garage.  That is so rare to find in Portland.  It also is on flat ground.

There are a couple stairs from the porch.  I'll have to install a hand rail for sure and maybe a ramp.  It doesn't have a covered patio.  There is a back deck and I hope to be able to install a roof over it.

The house meets most of my requirements.  Hopefully, the inspection will go well and the seller will make any of the needed repairs.

Andy was here visiting from Thursday night to Monday morning.  We went to Gearhart, Oregon on the southern coast.  Kevin and his family were sharing a house with 2 other couples with kids.  There wasn't enough room in the house for me so I stayed in a nearby condo.

The condo was great - I could see the ocean and beach from the patio.

at dusk

After the first night Andy decided to stay with me in the condo where there was a nice long sofa.  Kevin and family came over for lunch and played in the condo's big pool.

The next day we went to the beach.  The dogs had a great time chasing a ball and a frisbee.  Sweetsie liked rolling in the sand.

We drove back on Sunday.  Kenny and Miho love their Uncle Andy.  Andy got to watch cartoons and learn all about Ninjago.  Miho liked playing house with him in her little toy closet.

It was wonderful having both my sons together and spending time as a family!

Andy and I had breakfast in the Russellville restaurant.  Sweetsie had to sit in a box since I am trying to use my cane more.  Before she would just sit in my walker basket.
Andy carried her out of the restaurant in her box.  She really is a very well behaved little poodle..

September 2, 2017

Feeling very bummed right now.  I was checking emails this morning.  One from redfin.com announced that the house that I really really wanted had accepted an offer and it wasn't mine!

I'll keep on looking.  Maybe another great house will pop up.  A perfect house would be on Kevin's street.

August 31, 2017

My son, Andy safely made it through Hurricane Harvey.  He said it was "an interesting week."  That's one way of looking at it - especially if you don't own property.  He still is not back in his first floor apartment.

I heard from my old neighbors that the section of Dumfries Drive where I used to live in Houston did not have flooded houses.  The national news made it look like total destruction in Houston.  Luckily there a few pockets that are okay.

Meanwhile in Portland:  The house that I had wanted to buy on North Fowler Street needed quite a few repairs.  I requested that the seller make the repairs.  He countered with an offer to reduce the price by $10,000.  That would not be enough to cover the necessary repairs plus I did not want have to deal with finding and scheduling contractors to do the work.

I was not totally enamored with that house.  It had many features that I wanted but it was on part of the street that looked messy.  The next door neighbor was letting people camp out on his driveway and in front of his house.  There had been many complaints against this neighbor but the campers remained.  I terminated the contract.

In the meantime I kept looking at houses online.  I went to one of them.  It is SO much better than the other one.  It was lovingly cared for over the years and was beautiful.  The street was well kept. 

I put in an offer on that house yesterday.  I offered to buy it at the asking price.  The seller is supposed to review offers on Sunday.  Houses in North Portland often sell for more than the price listed.  I included a letter to the seller telling her why I wanted the house.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the seller will let me buy the house.  I think inspection would go well on this house.  The seller took good care of it.

August 27, 2017: Hurricane Harvey

I've been happy that I moved to Portland.  I get to see Kevin and family often.  But, I have had regrets - especially about getting hit by a bus.  Also I miss seeing my son, Andy, working at Rice and being with friends.

Hurricane Harvey has changed all that (except the part about the bus).  I would be terrified owning property in Houston now.  I always worried about the high water.  My house never flooded but all the construction has been causing more places to be in the flood zone.

In the past if I was caught out on the road during heavy rains, I could always pull into a mall parking lot or a fast food restaurant.  Now Harvey is shutting the whole city down.  My friend Bert said that the McDonald's in my old neighborhood already has 2 feet of water in it.  And it is supposed to keep raining heavily through Wednesday.

People that I talk to in Portland don't seem to comprehend the extent of Houston's flooding problems. Previous storms have had people drowning in underpasses, canoes paddling down freeways, houses being destroyed.

The most terrifying time is at night when you can't tell how high or fast the water is rising.

I hope that the predictions are wrong and that the city isn't destroyed.  Please may my Andy and my friends stay safe.

August 18, 2017

I had a busy day today.  Every morning I wake up, put on some clothes and take Sweetsie on a walk.  I figure she needs to go out as fast as possible after "holding" it all night.  She has only had one accident since we've been in an apartment.

Then we went to Walgreens and Fabric Depot.  I just needed some black wool blend felt.  Fabric Depot is huge and is only about one half mile from my apartment.  I'll have to go back and look around.  I was already tired from going to Walgreen's so I didn't stay long.  But, I did take a photo:

Yesterday I used my sewing machine for the first time in Portland.  I'm making a new bag for my walker.  Sweetsie has been tough on the bag that came with it.  Even though I plan on being able to give up the walker soon, it will come in handy for transporting stuff.

In the evenings I hand sew little kitty cats from felt while I watch TV.  This little kitten is on its way to Japan.  I gave my first kitty to my daughter-in-law's mother.

I had  physical therapy after lunch.  Then I was so exhausted the three of us took a nap.  (Getting in and out of a car is difficult and tiring with a broken hip.)  I only brought a twin bed with me to Portland so I have to fight the cat and dog for space.

I made an offer on the house that I mentioned in my last post.  It was accepted after some give and take.  Tuesday is inspection day.  If all goes well,  I'll move in in late September.  It will be the fifth place I've resided in since May 19, 2017 - first apartment, hospital, nursing home, retirement home and lastly my own house.

August 9, 2017

I was speaking to the receptionist about my trip to Walmart.  I told her that I forgot to pick up the batteries that I meant to buy.  Another resident overheard me and asked if the batteries were for my hearing aid.  HUH!  I don't have a hearing aid - yet.  I told her they were for my Amazon fire TV remote.  "What's that?"  AARGHH!

I miss being with young people or even people of my own age.  I like older people but it's hard being with them exclusively so much of the time.  When I moved in the average resident age dropped to 85.

Today I went to Kevin's side of town to meet a realtor.  I liked 6 houses that I looked at online.  Three of them already had sales pending - since this morning!  One had lots of steps from the sidewalk to the front door.  One was on a very busy street.  The last one was nice and if it doesn't sell before tomorrow morning I plan on making an offer on it.  It costs more than my house sold for.  It's tiny but on flat land, is one story and has a driveway.  These are big considerations for me.  It is also only a mile from my son's house.

Portland is tough.  So many homes are 2 to 3 stories and have no garages or even driveways.  Here's a photo of typical Portland townhouses.  It would take me all day to climb those stairs to the front door!

Portland-style townhouses

I check for new home listings every day.  The houses sell so fast here.

It's wonderful to be able to see my grandchildren often though.  I'm going back this Saturday for an early birthday party for my grandson.

My physical therapist says that I'm making progress.  I work hard at it and it is paying off.  I still have a long way to go and I'll keep at it.  My goal is to be free of the walker and move to just using a cane.

August 7, 2017

Today I had a break in the routine.  I went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription.  I got to shop while I was in there, too.

Sweetsie was just as excited to get out as I was.  She loves getting into the car.

Now it turns out that I need AAA batteries for my Amazon fire remote.  Maybe we will go on another outing tomorrow.  I love shopping but I tend to spend too much.  I could just order on Amazon.

I played trivia again today.  Even though I got a higher score than last week I only came in second.  All the Latin, German and Spanish I studied really comes in handy for trivia and crossword puzzles.  I didn't know any of the answers today but I can guess well with my language background.  The trivia players are much more friendly than the Rummikub players so I enjoyed myself.

The weather was better today.  It didn't get over 90.  I spoke to a lady who lives down the block.  I run into her every day while I'm out walking.  She said her air conditioner was running constantly and her electric bill increased by $10.00.  She needs to stay out of Houston.  My electric bill was $300-400/month.  I keep my apartment around 74 degrees.  I couldn't afford to keep it that cool in Houston.

I don't have much to write about today.  If going to Walgreen's is exciting, you can imagine how little goes on here in the retirement home.

As long as I take advil every 4 hours the pain in my leg is fairly well controlled.  Pain is exhausting and disheartening.  I'm feeling pretty upbeat tonight.  Soon I hope to fix up my sewing room and get back to the things I love to do.

August 5, 2017

Unhappy Anniversary to me.....

In a fair world this would be my 17th wedding anniversary.  The last anniversary I celebrated with my ex-husband was 2012.  That year my ex had already secretly proposed to another woman but still wanted to celebrate our anniversary.

The poor man had suffered a traumatic brain injury when he fell in November 2010.  The brain injury wasn't immediately evident.  At the time we were more concerned with his paralysis.

Most likely he continues to think that his brain is just fine.  That is part of the injured's problem.  I wanted to help him but he did not want my help.  So I let him go.

My life continues on.  I'm healing from the bus accident.  I am very angry that  a distracted bus driver has taken away months of the life I had planned on living.  I had looked forward to spending lots of time with my family and exploring Portland.  Instead I am on the other side of town from the kids and feeling trapped in a retirement home.

My anger is a good thing.  It might sound like I'm depressed.  Anger is depression's opposite.  As long as I'm angry about the accident depression can't set in.

I'm looking forward to getting better and starting my life up again.  In the meantime I enjoy conversing with some of the residents in the retirement home.  Everyone has a story to tell and I learn as I listen.

I'm also doing some hand sewing.  My apartment seems so bare without all my dolls and pink poodles.   Right now I'm making little felt kittens.  I want to make some more felt dolls to populate the place, too.

I don't have the energy to set up my sewing machine, table, etc.  That will come as the pain lessens.

August 1, 2017

Last Sunday I decided to skip Rummikub and play trivia with a different group.  Out of the 24 questions I only knew one answer for sure.  It was a multiple choice format.  I made some good guesses based on the choices given.  I got 13 questions correct.  The next highest score was 10.  I won!

Most of the questions were about people and events in the 30's and  40's.  I'm just a youngster here so it was surprise to everyone that I won.

I took a picture of the announcement board.  Woo hoo - I'm famous!

I took a photo in the restaurant here at the retirement home of some of my dining companions.  I didn't ask their permission so I'm not going to post it on this blog.  The photo would reinforce my statement that I'm a youngster here.

I picked up my car from in front of Kevin's house yesterday.  Tomorrow I'm driving back there again to meet with a realtor.  There are 2 houses that I want to look at that are within one mile of his house. I wish they were closer.  I think I should be able to move in a few months as long as  I take things slowly.  I still need the services provided here - the physical therapy, meals, the check-ins (every day I have to check in to prove I'm still alive), the mail service, gym, etc.  I feel safe living here.

This is a nice place to live if you're almost 90.  I want to get out and start my life up again.  I want to be near my family - the very reason I moved to Portland in the first place.

July 30, 2017: PINK!

Last night I gave my Sweetsie a bath and dyed her pink.  The last time I did that was the day before that damned bus hit me.  It makes me happy just to look at her little pink self!

I finally felt good enough to do it.  But, it totally wore me out.  It's aggravating to be so weak.  But, I'm coming along little by little.

The old people here must have never seen a pink poodle.  They are giving her more attention than ever.  She's just so cute that she's irresistible.

There are lots of dogs living here.  Sweetsie is one of the better behaved.  There are several little dogs who go insane when another dog is around.  I can control Sweetsie if I see those dogs coming.

I had dinner delivered to me today.  That was to protect Sweetsie.  She loves going to the dining room because I give her treats to keep her quiet while I eat.  She's already had so many cookies today.  So I ate in my apartment.

I write about Sweetsie so much.  She's my closest friend here.  I would be so lonely without her and my kitty, Stella.

This isolation is the result of the accident.  I should be living near the kids, going places and making friends.

It's supposed to get into the 100's here this week.  Yuck.  I could have stayed in Houston for this kind of weather.  At least it's cool in the mornings and nights.  I usually have to wear a sweat jacket at these times of day.  That's a lot different than Houston.

July 27, 2017

I had an appointment with my trauma surgeon yesterday.  He answered my questions and didn't rush me out the door.  I couldn't take a photo of my xrays this time because they have a new machine that shows the xray right on the doctor's computer.  It doesn't look much different than last time.

The doctor said that my bone was continuing to grow back - slowly.  I asked about what the doctor calls a "nail" in the xray.  It goes through a hole in the long rod going down to almost my knee to help hold all the broken pieces of femur together so that the bone will grow between them.  The top of my femur was badly broken by the bus.

He said that as I continue to heal the pain will lessen.  He said that I will be feeling better the next time he sees me - in TWO months!  It's been 2 months since the accident.  I know I shouldn't complain too much.  I did live through being crashed into by a bus.  It sucks that I have to suffer because the bus driver decided to run a stop sign.

Maybe I will feel relatively normal after a year goes by.  I probably will have to do rehab for almost that long.

After rehab I hurt so much.  It hurts if I sit, stand, walk, lay down.  I'm not looking forward to the many more months I'll have to do it.  I know it's the only way to get back to "normal," my new "normal" anyway.

The doctor did say that I can drive again.  I have to get over to Kevin's side of town and pick up my car that's parked in front of his house.  Going places will be difficult because I need to take the walker.  I will be so happy when I can graduate to a cane.  I can walk a few steps with a cane in therapy.  It's tough because I have to learn a new way to use a cane.  I walked with a cane for 7 years while I waited to get old enough to have a knee replacement.  I held the cane with my right hand because it was my left leg that needed help.

Now I have to switch the cane to my left hand for my weaker right side.

I want to moan about being bored now.  The retirement home was having a talent show today.  By the time I went to the theater where it was being held there wasn't even standing room only left.  Why did they build such a small theater here?  There are 2 large buildings full of people but only a small theater.

I'm used to lots of activity and socializing.  If it wasn't for Sweetsie, I'd be so alone.  I can't wait to get well enough to leave the retirement home.  I feel cut off from the rest of the world here.  The 80 and 90 year old residents have made this their world.  I've tried to join in some of the activities.  It's difficult when there is such an homogenous group of people.  My "young" age makes me different.

July 25, 2017

Today I tried leaving Sweetsie alone for a few minutes.  She has to learn to stay alone in the apartment.  I came back and she was scratching on the door.  I'll have to put something on the door to protect it.  Tomorrow I'll try leaving her for a little longer.

I had dinner downstairs today.  I like to eat with somebody.  There was an old dude sitting alone so I sat with him.  He was 87 and had only been here a month like me.  He is in the assisted living section because he said he has pre-senile dementia.  I told him that was good because that meant he didn't have dementia.

He told me all about his wonderful wife of 60 years who died recently.  I guess he must have thought I was coming on to him.  In his senile dreams!  I had a similar experience with another old man.  I'll stay away from the old guys from now on.

The woman in the apartment next to me appears to be about my age.  She usually gets her meals delivered.  I'm too cheap to pay the delivery charge.  Maybe I'll just order my meals and then go down and pick them up.  I'd prefer to make friends here.  But I won't be living here after I get better anyway.

I looked at a cute little house last week.  It's a mile from Kevin's house.  Kevin was too busy to drive by it to check out the neighborhood.  The realtor picked me up and took me over to see it.  I think it's smaller than the apartment I'm in now.  This apartment has 3 good sized closets for storage.  The little house didn't haven't much storage space.

It turned out that the house is right across the street from an elementary school.  I researched the school and found their instructions to parents on how and where to drop and pick up their kids.  It was on the street where the house is.  They even turn the street one-way during these times.

That would drive me crazy.  I'd have to schedule my comings and goings around an elementary school schedule.

I liked the house because it had something rare for Portland - an attached garage.  Many of the older homes have no garages and many have no driveways.  The people just park on the street. Plus they are building so many apartments here with no parking facilities.  The renters are now parking in the neighborhoods along with the other residents.  It's crazy.  The idea must be to force people to take public transportation.  That also assumes that everyone is young and/or healthy enough to walk to metro stops.  I'm scared to cross the street here since buses seem to be exempt from traffic laws.  No way would I walk to a bus stop and risk getting hit by another bus.

I will keep up searching for the right small house or condo.  It has to have at least a driveway but preferably a garage and an outdoor space for the pets.  It has to be one level and on flat ground so that there aren't stairs to climb to get in the front door.  These are difficult requirements in Portland but not impossible. I should be able to drive and can scope out the properties on my own soon.

July 24, 2017

I've been sleeping better the last couple of nights.  Not tonight.  I was feeling good this morning.  So I overdid- too much walking and using the recumbant elliptical machine.   Now my hip hurts in whatever position I try.  I just took some advil and I'm waiting for it to kick in so I can sleep.

Overall I'm feeling better.  I get tired easily but not exhausted like a couple of weeks ago.  The better I feel the more I resent not being able to explore Portland.  I'm a prisoner in a retirement home.  Once I can drive again I think I'll be much less bored.

I played tile rummy again today.  Sweetsie is such a good girl.  She napped in my walker basket most of the time.  I wished these ladies played more often.  It's only once a week on Sunday at 2 PM. We play about 90 minutes or so.  I remember playing almost 8 hours with Jimmy and Lupita on a holiday a few years ago.

Bridge is played more often.  I'm going to have to get better at it.  If they play by changing partners throughout the games, then I don't need to remember all those bidding conventions.  I just to need to pay attention to what cards have been played, how many trump are left, etc.  People get so serious when they play bridge.  I like to win but playing is fun win or lose.

Time to see if I can lay down and fall asleep.

July 21, 2017: 4:30 AM

My legs are aching and I can't sleep.  I had physical therapy today plus I did the recumbent elliptical machine.
Last night I slept well.  But the night before I had the same aches, though not as bad.  I had PT on this day, too.

I think the problem stems from the pain from physical therapy.  I've taken advil, tylenol and even an oxycodone.  But the pain continues and makes my legs jittery.  Laying down makes my legs throb more.

I don't need to get up tomorrow morning until almost noon.  My dog walker, Tracy picks up Sweetsie at noon.

I felt so good today after a full 8 hours of sleep.  I wish I knew what to do to get to sleep tonight.  I've aways been more of a morning person.  I hate sleeping in past 9 AM.  Then it seems like I've missed the entire day.

July 20, 2017

Not many of my decorations and wall art made it over to my current apartment.  I'm limited on crafting supplies, too.

But I had lots of colored paper in my filing cabinet.  I looked through Pinterest for some ideas of what I could make with paper to decorate my apartment.  I cut butterfly shapes from paper of varying shades of pink and orange.

I  bought double-sided tape, glue and black foam core board from Fred Meyers to complete the project.

I drew a large J on the black foam core board and followed the shape with my butterflies.  It's came out very colorful and cheerful.  It makes me happy to look at it.

I might just have to go out and buy some fabric.  I want to make a new basket for my walker.  The one I have now is a little small for Sweetsie.  She's wiggly in the basket and has broken one side.  I don't have the fabric or thread to make one.  Guess I have to go shopping.....

July 18, 2017

I went to Fred Meyers on the Russelville bus yesterday.  The bus driver put my walker outside the east building.  When the bus arrived at the store he brought over a grocery cart.  I put Sweetsie in the cart on top of a towel that I brought along.

There was an employee at the door who told me that Sweetsie couldn't ride in the cart.  Someone had complained about dogs in the carts being unsanitary.  Does one person's complaint make the rules?

I tried to have Sweetsie walk beside the cart.  Her leash kept getting tangled up in the wheels. I tried holding her.  I couldn't handle that.  So, I held Sweetsie with my arms resting on the handle of the cart.  I was getting exhausted but I wanted to find the things on my list.

Finally I had to put Sweetsie in the cart.  No other store employee said anything to me.  We were probably in the store for over an hour.

Sweetsie and I got back on the bus.

The driver stowed our groceries.  The other riders told me that we are supposed to bring large bags with handles so it would be easier for the driver.  It would have been nice if such information was posted in the newsletter or information packet.  

That little trip to the store exhausted me.  I went to bed at 9 PM and actually fell asleep.  I slept till 9 the next morning.  

I have to catch one of the bus drivers to ask about their routes on the doctor appointments days - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Next week I have an appointment with my surgeon.  His office is not on the list of destinations.  But it is nearby.  If I can't take the bus, there is always uber. 

Hopefully, the doctor will say it is okay for me to drive.  Then I can go where I want, especially visit the kids.  I just have to be careful.  I get tired so easily.  It is taking forever to get my strength back.

This is a picture of my apartment door.  The little Mexican doll is one of the odd bits that escaped the storage unit.

I bought a plat of hydroponically grown grass for Sweetsie.  It lasts a couple of weeks.  But Sweetsie has no interest in using it.  I was hoping that she would use it in the mornings.  It would be so nice to have a cup of coffee before having to get dressed and take Sweetsie outside.  

Stella enjoys eating the grass.

If I get a condo, it has to have a patio.  I'll put a couple plats of grass on it.  Maybe Sweetsie will use the grass since it would be outside.  Or maybe I can find a small house with a yard to buy.

I keep looking at property online.  But, I can't go look at it.  After I can drive again I go look at places in person.  The photos online do not provide enough information about the property.  One place looked great online but it was on a steep hill.  I need to live where there is no sharp incline.  It's difficult in Portland since it's hilly here.

I will need to remain in Russelville, the retirement home while I continue to recuperate.  There's no way I could do all the tasks necessary for total independent living.  It's hard enough living here and taking care of myself.  I need to remain patient and heal.

July 16, 2017

It's 1:30 AM.  I was sleepy at 11 PM, took Sweetsie out and went to bed.  It didn't last.  I couldn't turn off my brain.  So, I'm back in the living room.

I took 2 tylenol PM and a pain pill at 11:30.  My thoughts were all over the place- Houston, Mama, married life, playing cards, etc.  I don't know what to do to make myself fall asleep.  My legs weren't even jittery tonight.

I want to get up early tomorrow so I can take the Russellville bus to Walmart at 10:30 AM.  If I can't get up in time I can always take the bus to Fred Meyers at noon.  I need a bunch of little things.  If I go on Amazon to buy them I know I'll get distracted by the "suggested purchases" and spend too much.

I'm going to start making stuff.  Crafting makes me feel like I'm being productive.  I'm working on a large decorative "J" to decorate the apartment.  I have tons of decorations packed up in my storage unit.  I have a few odd bits here now.  A birdhouse, Kliban cat piggy bank, the store mannikin that I decoupaged and a crewel project from the '70's are some of the weird items that didn't go into storage unit.  I'll post photos of this place soon.

99% of my fabric stash and oodles of craft supplies are all in storage.  I have to get some glue and poster board .  It kills me to buy things that I already own but are inaccessible.

July 12, 2017

Today I managed to escape from the retirement home for a couple of hours.  I had a senior helper come over today.  I was going to have her help me put my stuff away.  But, Tomoko did that for me last week.  (Thank you, Tomoko!)

So, instead we went shopping.  My helper, Judy, drove me to the bank and the grocery store.  The grocery store, Fred Meyer's, is huge.  It sells everything from clothes to yogurt.

Sweetsie came with us.  She wanted to be carried so much.  Instead of being my comfort animal, I've become hers.  She has become so nervous from the bus accident and then 6 or so weeks living with Kevin's family.  Now she wants to be with me constantly.

I'm nervous about leaving her in the apartment by herself.  I don't want her barking and crying.   Hopefully, she'll calm down with time.  She is adjusting well to being here.  I get up in the morning, put clothes on and take her on a short walk.  Then we go upstairs and I feed her and Stella.  About 4 hours later her dog walker shows up.  She doesn't even want to leave me to go on a nice walk with her.

It's 11 PM now and I have to take her out for her last potty break.

We're back now.  Sweetsie was great.  I took her out to the courtyard, let her loose and she did her business and was ready to go back inside.

Unfortunately, I don't sleep well here.  It's probably the pain.  I have to really get into a deep sleep so I don't wake up if I move my leg.  It's 1:30 AM.  I was in bed for about an hour, woke up and couldn't get comfortable.  So, I'm back in the living room.

Someday I have hopes of being pain free.  At this point it seems like just a dream.  My world has been turned upside down.  I'm in the 4th place I've slept in since I moved to Portland.  First, it was 3 nights in the apartment in Marvel 29, then the hospital, next the nursing home and now the retirement home.  I can't even dream of being back at home in Houston.  It seems like my former life happened ages ago.  Like I've said before this accident has made me feel years older.

I started physical therapy yesterday - at last.  I was supposed to get therapy from the company that owns the nursing home. I called and left messages but no one ever returned my calls.  I was able to change to the therapist who has an office in this same retirement home.  I was really hurting after the first session.  My second one is tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'm also going to an internal medicine doctor's office.  My first appointment is with the nurse practitioner.  Maybe the patients have to be pre-screened before you get to see a doctor.  I don't need any prescriptions filled.  I think it's a good thing to find a doctor in case I get sick.  I only know trauma doctors in Portland now.

I guess I'll try to go to sleep again.

July 8, 2017

I'm still working on putting my things away in my new apartment.  Everything I try to do exhausts me.  This injury is really kicking my ass.

My body is (hopefully) busily growing back the bone and muscle that the accident took away from me.  Plus, I still have lots of pain.  Standing hurts, sitting hurts, laying down hurts, etc. etc.  My mother used to tell me that pain saps your strength.  She was definitely right.

I've been thinking about my Mom a lot lately.  There are so many residents here that remind me of her.  Plus, I think back to how my Mom took care of me back in the '80's when I had major surgery.  She would be telling me right now "stop trying to do so much and sit down and rest."  Plus she'd tell me to eat properly.

Eating properly is pretty easy here.  Some meals are included in the rent.

Sweetsie is here with me for a trial reunion.  She fits into the basket in my walker.  I put her there when I have to go through a no dogs allowed area.

She is such good company.  I got up and dressed this morning already and took her for a short walk.  She barely made it out the front door and had to pee right on the sidewalk.

I take her on the leash to the elevator.  But when we return upstairs if no one is around I let her loose. She runs down the hall and back to me and runs some more.

I think I will complain to the management about the lack of dog bags here.  I pay pet rent and there are no pet amenities.  There is no place set aside for dogs here and no disposal bags.  Marvel 29 said that my pet rent there went for the disposal bags and emptying the special can.  The disposal bags here are down in front of the apartment complex next door.  It is not associated with Russellville Park.

Yesterday I had the "concierge" drive me to PetSmart.  The "concierge" is a young woman who drives residents around and does errands for them.  Unfortunately her service is not included in the rent.  She waited in the car while I dropped off Sweetsie for her hair cut.

I took Uber on the way back.  I asked the driver to wait and he did.  I tipped him $10 and he said it was rare that he got a tip.  I said I appreciated that he waited for me.  The bill for the trip was over $25.  Maybe I will be able to drive myself the next time Sweetsie needs a hair cut.   It certainly would be the cheaper way to go.  I'll have to take a photo of Sweetsie with her haircut.

I was worried that the trip back to PetSmart would exhaust me so I took a pain pill.  I can easily see how addictive they can be.  When I returned home I had enough energy to clean the apartment some more.  I am only allowing myself an occasional pain pill.  I'm saving them for physical therapy.  I sure wish there was an alternative non-addiction option.  Extra strength Advil takes the sharper edges off the pain but it doesn't give me the ability to do more.

July 4, 2017

My furniture finally arrived yesterday.  What a mess I have on my hands now.  So much to put away.
And then after I get better I will most likely be repacking everything and moving to a permanent home.

Getting hit by a bus is costing me a fortune!  I need the extra assistance that I get at the retirement home.  But, it certainly does not come cheap.

I paid almost $7,000 to move to Portland from Houston.  Yesterday the move across town cost me another $1,000.  I have always tried to live frugally and save for my old age.

I feel like my old age is already here.  After Jim's accident I felt like I aged at least 10 years.  Now with my hip and leg injury I feel like I've added another 10 years.  That would work out okay financially, if I had aged actual years.  But, I could have another 30 years to go.  I can't live this way that long.  Needing care is extremely expensive.

Tomorrow I have a "senior helper," Judy coming in for 4 hours.  She worked out well last Wednesday.  I just can't get all the unpacking and arranging done alone.  My whole right leg starts throbbing and I have to rest it.  I certainly don't want to injure myself so I'm taking it slow.

I've opened every box looking for the parts to put my shelves back together.  No luck!  Maybe Marvel 29 held on to them for me.  Otherwise there goes more money.  I like to keep my stuff organized and that means I need shelves to store clothes, shoes, etc. etc.

Stella is having a wonderful time being the only pet.  She'll be mad because Sweetsie is coming on Thursday and Friday.  If I can handle her okay, she can stay with me.  I have to hire a dog walker since I can't walk very far.  I ordered  a plot of real grass for her.  It is hydroponically grown and comes in a cardboard box.  I'm not sure where I can put it in the apartment.  After 2 weeks you toss it it away and get a new one.  It has good reviews.  I think Sweetsie will use it.  Nothing better than dirtying clean grass.

If I had a patio I could use a fake grass one and clean it outside.  It would be too difficult and dangerous for me to try to clean it in the shower.

I have to go clear off my bed so I can go to sleep.  Oh my bed- what heaven to have it again!  First the nursing home had mattresses that were covered in plastic that bunched up and poked me in the back.  Then the cot I had to borrow here was like sleeping on bare springs.

My mattress is nice and cozy.

July 3, 2017

My things from apartment # 1 are coming today!  It's noon and the movers are still at my old apartment packing stuff.  I didn't think it would take them more than 2 hours.  They've been there since 9 AM.  I thought all I had left was furniture and clothes.   Hopefully the management at both apartments won't give them a hassle about using the freight elevator.

I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.  Since I've been in the new place I haven't been able to sleep.  At 2 AM Stella kitty and I are still up looking out the window at the metro train station.  There wasn't much activity last night, a Sunday.

I hired a caregiver to come at 11 AM this morning to help with the movers.  By the time they get here she'll be leaving.  I don't have anything else for her to do so I sent her to the liquor store to buy me some vodka.   I'll try that tonight and see if I can fall asleep.  I'm just so exhausted from not sleeping well.  I did a lot of walking yesterday and I thought that would help me to get to sleep.  It didn't work.

Yesterday I got to play Rummikub with a group here.  I haven't played that in ages.  We used to play for hours every weekend and holidays with Lupita and Jimmy. These ladies play for about 90 minutes.  They only play on Sunday afternoons.  I will keep playing with them and maybe someone will want to play more frequently.

I finally had to call the moving company's main office to find out what was up with movers.  They said they had truck problems.  And then they were going to lunch.  They estimated that they would be at Russellville at 3:30 PM.

They finally arrived at 4:30 and left around 8 PM.  I have so many things to put away!

June 30, 2017: WHAT???

People at my new over 55 retirement home do not seem to realize that the majority of them are 20-30 years my senior.  As I walk around the property I see people who are just a few years younger or even the same age as my parents would be now if they were still living.

I do not mind older people.  Hell, I consider myself old.  But what bugs me is the pervasive loss of hearing among the residents.  I thought hearing aids had improved.  I know that it used to be hard for the users to turn down the ambient noise.  Hasn't that problem been solved?  So, then why won't deaf seniors use hearing aids?

Yes, I'm cranky.  It's late.  My right leg hurts from the hip to foot.  I can't sleep in the rickety cot that this retirement home has lent to me.  So, I'm complaining.  I am tired of yelling at people to have them hear me.  I'm tired of listening to other people yelling to be heard.  It is a mad house in the dining room with all the raised voices.  There's no loud background music like there is in some restaurants forcing the diners to holler.  It's the deafness of the residents.

Tonight I went to a movie in the group theater.  It started at 6:30 PM.  It was almost over when one woman stood up and went to the window.   She pulled back the blinds to check who was phoning her.  Then she started speaking loudly into it.  She described how she would call them back later because she didn't want to bother the other viewers.

She was talking in a very LOUD voice.  Was she the hard of hearing one?  Or was it the person on the other end of the line?  Does it matter?  Be quiet!

I may have to delete this post if I share my blog address with any of the people here.  I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.  I need to vent to keep my sanity.

I have met 3 women who live on my floor who hear well and are about my age.  One woman says that she usually eats in her apartment.  I'm very social.  I want to eat in the dining room.  But, I am starting to understand her motivation.

June 27, 2017

I'm not so scared anymore being alone.  I still miss my nursing home buddies and the staff.  It's difficult to go from being woken up at 6 AM to have my vitals checked to no one popping in at all.

Today I woke up hungry and ate my leftover cold oatmeal.  It had thickened up in the refrigerator.  I've found that when I take a pain pill I stop feeling nauseated and want to eat.  I only wish I didn't have to ration myself so much.  I understand lots of people misuse oxycodone.  But, I really need them so I can move around and heal.  But, that's the way doctors treat major injuries these days.  I wish someone would invent a safe alternative medicine.

A new home health worker came this morning.  I had her cleaning and organizing what stuff I have in my new place.  My furniture etc will be delivered next Monday.  It will be nice but more work to do.  I will have to hire more help.  I feel like I'm bleeding money.  Being injured is very costly.

I don't know what has been moved to my storage unit.  Hopefully, some of the essentials will make it over to my new apartment.  I've had to buy things on Amazon that I know I packed but I have no idea where they are now.

I decided to walk outside with my home health worker today.  It was a lovely 61 degrees so I sat out in the courtyard.  I met my next door neighbor out there.  I walked over to the east building and took an art class.  It took my mind off the pain for a while.

I was returning to my apartment and someone told me I should attend the residents' meeting.  I met a couple more women from my floor there.  I met one for dinner in the restaurant.

Residents are given a $300 credit towards food every month to spend in the restaurants.  I ordered oriental chicken with vegetables and rice.  It was okay.  I could only eat half of it.  No appetite again. My meal cost about $9.00.  $300 will cover about one month of dinners.   Not too bad, I guess.

There were a variety of activities today but it seemed like all started at 2 PM - the art class, mah jongg, some other game, bridge.  Tomorrow's schedule has a lot fewer activities.    If it's nice, I can sit in the courtyard again.

June 26, 2017: not perfect

I moved into the 55 and over apartment complex this past Saturday.  Kevin and family picked me up from the home and brought me to my new apartment.

I'm paying very high (unspeakably so) rent.  I moved here because I think it is safer than my other apartment.  It is bigger so my walker fits through all the doors.  There are people at the reception desk 24 hours/day.  There are 4 emergency cords in the apartment. Many meals are included.  Once I can move around there are daily activities.  After all the pain I have been in I don't consider living here a luxury.  It's important to be in a safe environment while I am still in a weak condition.  The lease here is month to month.  Once I've recovered I can move closer to Kevin.

I was disappointed when it was 100 degrees outside and my main air conditioner was not working.  I had to stay in one room that did have working a/c.  Today a repair man fixed it and I can go into the other rooms.

There are no support rails around the toilets.  I was told that is because the apartment is for independent living.  It's weird because the average age here is 80 something.  I think that at least one rail around the toilet should be included even for independent octogenarians.  I was so scared using the bathroom during my first night here.  Luckily I had bought a thing with rails that fits around the toilet.  Kevin installed it the next day.  It has really helped.

There is a walk in shower with hand rails.  I don't understand why the shower has rails included but the toilets do not.   The management has loaned me a "stand up" bed.  It is a cot with wheels.  It's very uncomfortable.  But since it is so hard I am able to get out of it fairly easily.  They also loaned me lamps, table and a chair.

There is no microwave oven in the kitchen.  I just purchased one online from Walmart for $35.00.  It would be nice if that at least was standard for the apartment.

I don't have any appetite.  It's probably because I'm in a new place and I'm lonely.  I even miss the nursing home.  I haven't liked the food so far.  It is "Portland" food, for example roasted beets and sweet potato salad.  I think that since I'm sick I want some comfort food.  I just ordered peanut butter and jelly from prime now at Amazon.  It will be delivered tomorrow.

Today I walked with my walker to the elevator and went downstairs.  I crossed over to the other building and spoke to some people.  That cheered me up.  One woman told me that I was lucky that the bus accident happened while I'm still young and can heal fast.  It's weird to be considered young.  That woman is 90.  She's lived here for 12 years and is very happy.

If I take my pain meds, I can move around and that is so important.  No physical therapists have called yet but at least I know walking is important for my recovery.

I hope this post doesn't sound too poopy.  I know things will improve here as I recover.  I think when my furniture is delivered next week I will feel like I have a home again.  I had started feeling comfortable in my first apartment even though I only stayed there for 3 nights.  I had my Sweetsie for company.  Then the nursing home felt like home since I stayed there for a month.  I will probably stay in this apartment for a few months.  Hopefully I will find a permanent place in Portland after that.

Here I have my Stella kitty for company.  She has been starved for affection after living in the apartment alone for a month.  She is very happy in the new place.