Oh...What a week!

 Well, Campers, it has been quite a "Special" week down here. Special being the Swahili word for "Tough".  But, Mrs J and I managed to make it through and in spite of the "Challenges", there were some good outcomes.  So being the "look at the bright side" kind of guy that Beans has taught me to be, I'll start with those episodes first.

As most of you are aware, Summer isn't over until September 22 this year.  Now, I know, some of you are already breaking out your parkas and snow boots.  Down here in the great state of Texas, we start thinking about doing that when the temps get down in the 60's.  We had a 100+ degree last week, but at least it was a humid 100.  

Which wouldn't have been so bad if the AC in my woodshop hadn't decided that I didn't need any cool air anymore, but that I needed a sauna.  Silly machine!  So we called the repairman.  This was mid-afternoon, I was kinda expecting a visit in a few days. 

Surprisingly, he said he could be there at 5PM if that was OK.

Not surprisingly, I said "YES, Bless you!"

He showed up right on time and got to work.  Now, I am pretty religious about cleaning sawdust out of the filters regularly and they were only slightly dirty when he opened up the AC.   He blew them out again, just to make sure, but no bueno.

He said he'd have to go deeper into the machine, something I had no idea how to do, so hadn't.  Sure enough some tubular fan or something was pretty well covered in sawdust.  He said it shouldn't be a hard thing to get it working, but he'd have to take it apart.  Was I ok with that?

Why, yes...yes I am!

He got to work.  Since it was late afternoon and hot and the AC wasn't working, we were both pretty sweaty quite quickly.  I asked him if he'd like some cold water.  He said "Please".

So, I went into the house and got a couple of bottles.  On my way back, I ran into a slight problem.  Which brings us to the second topic of this post.

 

See that loop of yellow grass going across the middle of the picture. Well... That's when things last week started going south.

 

There I was...walking back to the Woodshop carrying 2 bottles of water.  Strolling along when I felt a tug on my right foot. No big deal, except about a nanosecond later I'm looking down at the rapidly approaching ground.

 

I realize I'm not going to stop the impact, so parachute landing fall training from Undergraduate Pilot Training sprang into my mind. I rolled to my left.  It was somewhat like I'd been trained in that the first thing to hit was my calf, then my thigh, then my hip, shoulder. Unfortunately, I must have forgotten the part about protecting the head as my forehead hit the ground.  I was stunned for a short while, more concerned about my head than anything else.  Took a look in the mirror I have in the shop to look under things.  Slight bleeding from my forehead, but not effusive.  Very sore, but alright.

 

Or so I thought.

 

The next morning I wake up sore (I wonder why) and go take a shower.  I'm soaping up and realize I've got a tennis ball sized bump on my hip.  A little sore and a little bruise colored.  No big deal.

 

Things get worse as the day goes on, finally that afternoon, I surrender and ask Mrs J to take me to the ER. I was the only patient there.   I explain my gymnastic episode to the Doc.  She sends me to the XRay/Cat Scan Tech who does his business.  Says nothing's broken.  Thanks, good news finally.

 

Now I'm still in a pretty high level of pain, so they give me some pain medicine.  Meanwhile, the ER has apparently gotten really busy and I don't see the Doc again for about 4 hours when I send Mrs. J out to see if they haven't left for the day or something.

 

They hadn't, they just got swamped.

 

We finally get released about 10PM, by the time we get home the pain and bruising has gone down from my hip past my thigh and knee and starting into my calf. The next morning there hasn't been a lot of improvement so I call my regular Doc and explain the situation and ask for an appointment.  I get one fairly quickly.  He takes a look and says it's not life threatening, nothing's broken, just painful. He also says I'm showing signs of Sciatica. So he bumps up the pain medicine and schedules me for a return visit this week.  I still have difficulty walking, my hip still hurts, so it's been a heckuva week

 

So...That piece of Texas grass was strong enough to bring a 195 LB 6' Guy to the ground.  But...There is a upside to that piece of grass.   We have 4 acres of lawn around our house.  My workshop is not in them.  Our two riding lawn mowers had broken down for the count a while ago. Mrs J had, unsuccessfully, been doing a bit of research on Lawn Mower repair guys in the area.  All we had found to this point required you to bring your mower to them.   We do not have a trailer to bring them to the repair shop and pushing a lawn mower through a couple of more acres is no longer on my "wanna do" list.  (Which can be and often is overridden by Mrs J's "gonna do" list.) Fortunately, after this whole "Flying Wallenza" episode went by, she found a guy who would make house calls.  He came by the next day, spent a few hours, and voila' we now have two working riding lawn mowers. That would be the upside of this adventure.

 

And that bastige hunk of grass is mulch now.

 

Oh, and the AC in my shop works perfectly now.  So...I'm back to woodworking.

 

Given all the "not so fun" we'd had last week, Mrs J. and I did manage to have a bit of fun Saturday.  We went to a wine tasting at our long time friends, the winemakers, at Texas Hills Vinyard winery in Johnson City.  The husband passed away a couple of years ago and the wife has since sold the winery.  The new owners kept the name and kept her on as an advisor.  She is retiring now and this was her Sawadee.  A tasting of 7 of their best wines going back several years.  They were phenomenal!

 

Given that most of the tasters were connoisseurs of Texas Hills wine and we all knew each other, the story (ok lie) tellings that went on, assisted by the wine. were phenomenal also.  Many of them are going on the upcoming river cruise Mrs J has set up.  It's in November on the Douro River in Portugal.  Looking forward to having a lot of fun with "the gang" again. 

 

One final bit of possible good news,  We had a couple come by a while back and look at our house and property a couple of times.  A few days ago, Mrs J got a call from our realtor who said that the couple had just called him.  He told us that they were in the final stages of signing a contract for the sale of their house, expecting that signed document within a week or so.  Once that was done, he said the couple would start the process of putting together an offer for us.  Mrs J had talked to the couple on their two viewings of the property and said they were very nice and upfront about liking the property.  

 

Still a long way from closing, but closest we've been so far.

 

We shall see what we shall see.

 

Peace out, y'All! 

 

"What a Week, huh?"

 Well, campers, I can't say it's been exactly a fun week. Details to follow.

Update on the BIG project, the move. The guest cabins are all but finished, just some junk that needs to be transferred to the dump. 

"You said that last week. juvat! you slackin?"

Not exactly, Beans, you'll see why shortly. Whatever you do, after reading this don't eat anything you don't want to see again though.

Mrs J has been ruthless in getting rid of things. My office is quite uncluttered now. Hers should be by the time this is live. Kitchen is about 75% ready, just the island needs decluttering. however, we're holding that for a bit, it's where we have meals, read mail, deposit packages and so on. Rabbits don't reproduce as fast as "Stuff" does in that environment.

But...as I said, progress is being made.

One of the projects at the old house was to remove the old lumber from the deck. It had been sitting on the lawn for a couple of weeks. So, I finally got around to it.

 

 

No, not that kind!

I decide to pick up an armload of the lumber and put it in the bed of my truck. Then return and get another armload. I'm on trip 3, reach down to pick some more up.

I feel a very intense sting on the tip of my left ring finger.  It felt like somebody had stuck me with a sewing needle. Hurt like hell, but the wound was extremely small and no blood. 

So my first thought was scorpion. Unlike James Bond films, scorpion stings are not very deadly, so I didn't worry too much and finished loading. As I moved the last piece of wood, I noticed a spider nearby, it wasn't black, but tan, so I didn't think much about it. Silly me!

By the time I got back from the trash bin, my hand was throbbing and the tip of my ring finger was numb . Called an end to the workday (it was about 3:30) and put it on ice. In and out for about an hour, the ice hadn't seemed to help, so I decided to go to the Immediate Care clinic. 

I got there just as they were closing. They sent me to the ER which was busy, so it took a while. When I got in, the nurse looked at my hand, which was now bright red down to the second knuckle. She called the Dr in who said this would fade away over the next few hours and released me.

RIIIGGGHHHTTTT!

Didn't sleep much that evening which didn’t help my mood much, so I called our Family Dr's office and talked his nurse into slipping me in. Including a picture of the hand might have done the trick as I saw him about an hour later.

In the interim, I did a bit of research on the symptoms. Didn't take long when a picture of a relative of my friend I had seen on the woodpile popped on the screen.

Source

Not a black widow, a Brown Recluse. Everything in the article describing the bite and symptoms was spot on.

And one of those symptoms, very concerning, is something called necrosis. All of this I conveyed to the Doc.

He takes a look at it. There is now a black line going through the red (Fiery both in color and pain). I ask about that necrosis thing. He says that is concerning and that draining might be needed. He  calls a friend who's an orthopedic surgeon, explains the situation and mention that he thinks necrosis might be starting. Can we get on his schedule quickly?

There"s a bit more doctor talk, then he turns to me and asks if the next morning will work.

Why yes, yes it will!

 

Wake up the next morning at 0600 for an 0645 prep and 0800 surgery. all goes well and by 0900, I'm woken from my beauty rest and prepped for release.

Dr was smiling when he came to check on me. 

 He also said to keep the wound clean and dry. Ziplock bag and duct tape seems to work.

Yeah, I know. Bandage needs changing. Mrs J is out running errands. This was taken as this post was being written

Well, 5 days into this adventure, how's it going?

I'll let you be the judge.

Looks kinda gross, but it doesn't have as much black on it, so i got that going for me

Follow up visit is a week from Wednesday. We'll see what's what then.

 

Borrowed this for the post title from this Source

Peace out y'all!

P.S. I apologize for any Typos, Capitalization errors, or uncaught misspelled wrong words in this post. Typing with one hand is a bit much, fingers on the left are still numb. Hope (and pray) that feeling comes back soon.

Some weeks are harder than others. For instance...

Well, Campers, it's been another "fun", "exciting", "suspenseful" week at Rancho Juvat.  I hope, by now, y'all can detect a bit of sarcasm in my online "voice".  

Let's just say that it's a VERY good thing that both Mrs J and I are retired military and therefore have a very good version of medical insurance. The numbers at the top of the bill are shocking to say the least, fortunately the "You Pay" section is significantly lower. 

Best 20 years we ever invested.

But, it ain't over til it's over.

Mrs. J's colonoscopy mentioned in last week's post went off without a hitch.  However, during debriefing, the oncologist said there might be some cancer cells still active and he would have to do surgery to remove them as well as any deceased cells in the area.

Well, that's taken a bit of air out from under my wings.

We'll meet with him tomorrow to find out more details.

Just to add to the "Fun", a couple of weeks ago one of the dogs (we have 5, 3 inherited when my Sister passed and 2 we've had for forever) got a little rambunctious and scratched Mrs. J's leg.  One of the drawbacks to Chemo/Radiation Cancer treatment is it severely weakens the immune system.  Today (Sunday) as we were getting ready for Church, she asked for help in replacing a bandage.  Now, she had had a mole removed a month or two ago and unfortunately the stitches broke leaving a hole.  I've been treating that for quite a while and it's starting to look much better.

2 weeks ago

This Morning

In any case, those were not the bandages she wanted replaced.  Nope,  She pulled up the leg of her PJ bottom and there's this huge bright red rash.  

 

So, I did my best with the ointments we had on hand, went to Church (Yeah, Beans, I did a lot of begging the Big Guy for help) then immediately followed that up with a trip to one of the "I don't think I need the hospital or an ER, just need someone to take a look and tell us what to do" facilities in town.  Turns out the NP had been in Little J's Boy Scout troop and I'd been one of the adult leaders.  He was very helpful and the chatting about old times while he was doing his treatment brought my BP down a few points.  

No, Beans, Mrs J didn't start laughing about some of my foibles as a scout leader he had told her until we got in the car and went home.

In any case, he recommended some OTC stuff to treat it for now, made sure that if any of the symptoms he described appeared we were to head to the ER most hastily. He also told us we needed to see our regular doctor as soon as possible.

Went over to our winemaker friends winery last Saturday.  It was a Birthday.  As you are aware, he passed away last July from colon cancer (see a connection? I'm somewhat sensitive to that version of the disease).  His wife managed to find a  buyer for the winery and it closed this last week.  They had their final bottling under their management recently and produced this wine.

Rest in peace, Gary.

Can't think of a better way to be remembered.  They sold out the first day it was released.  I managed to snag two bottles.  We'll see when they get consumed.

But...As I said, it's been a pretty crappy few weeks.  Faith that things will get better, is taking some hits, but I've still got faith in the Big Guy upstairs.  Never give up, Never surrender!

Now, not wanting to become known as Dougie Downer on Sarge's blog, there is a bit of good news in the near  future.  By the time this post actually hits the internet, Little J should be en route from HK to Austin.  Won't arrive until tomorrow PM, but on his way.  

 

Miss B and the Gang are looking forward to Little J's arrival.

He'll be here for a couple of weeks, then He and his family will travel to Jolly Old England for his next assignment.  While Mrs J and I will miss them, but without a doubt being together as a family is the best option for all three of them.  Thank You, Lord!

So, one of the thing's I learned in flying Fighters is it's hard to keep your airspeed & energy level up when you're always turning to keep out of your opponent's gun sight.  This last couple of months feels like that right now.  Think I'm going to go and join Mrs. J in taking a nap.

Peace out y'all. 

Just a quick update

 Well...First thing's first.  On the "How's She doin?" front,  Mrs. J is prepping today for one of the  favorite examinations for everyone on the face of the planet.  For any reader of this blog not under the age of 10, you're well aware that that's known as a colonoscopy.

Source

In case anyone is still unfamiliar with what a colonoscopy is, ask your self, why is the patient lying on his side, while the Doctor is on the other side and at the other end of the patient's body.  Yes, he's sticking something "in THERE"! 

The following is straight out of the source and describes exactly why Mrs J is getting one tomorrow.

"The purpose of a colonoscopy is to provide a visual diagnosis via inspection of the internal lining of the colon wall, which may include identifying issues such as ulceration or precancerous polyps, and to enable the opportunity for biopsy or the removal of suspected colorectal cancer lesions."  Source.

Now, all that having been said, all the testing and such so far are saying that the cancer is very much under control.  This procedure is intended to take a look and make sure that is true.  Nothing like actually looking at the bastiges than relying solely on tests and such.  

Assuming the best outcome, that will enable the Surgery next week.  There's still a lot of hoops to jump, but all the medicos are smiling.  With a little bit of help from the Big Guy and a smile from the surgeon after the procedure, so will I.

Off to happier adventures.  On the Woodworking front, I'm in the process of making a quilt hanger for one of my Sister's quilts.  This was the sole thing I'm taking of hers.  It has always meant a lot for me.

 

That would be my Parent's wedding photo in the center. Grandparents are in there.  Pictures of us as Kids.  Mrs J and I (back when I had hair and could fly), yep all in there.  

It means a lot to me.  "Things" don't interest me.  This isn't a "Thing", it's a family history book.  I want it displayed and visible to all who pass by.  It'll be hung in the hallway immediately outside of my office. 

Much like Sarge, I'm a very big history addict.  This fits my bill.

So,  I'm putting together a hanger for it.

Nothing really fancy, I don't want to distract from it, but I also don't want to dishonor it either.

It was fairly simple, I ripped a 2 x 4 into two 1 1/2" strips, then ripped out a channel on the strip that will be the back.  This is the load bearing strip so is slightly thicker than the front piece.  The channel will be where the quilt is tucked in.  Then the two pieces will be put together with 4 bolts camouflaged as drawer pulls on the front and the end of the bolt on the outside back.  This will enable the quilt to be taken down and cleaned if needed.

Yes, Beans, it'll be needed.  This is Texas and we live in the middle of a field.  Dust is a factor.

(Just ask my sinuses!)

I've got the first coat of stain on it right now (aka Sunday).  We'll see what additional stain/finish will be needed.  I am looking for a walnut like color.

I like this one. The picture is of the inside of the hangar, I wanted to make sure it wouldn't "act up" and surprise me as it dried.  Seems to be OK.  So a bit of sanding on the outside and a stain coat there, then maybe some gloss to seal it and bring a shine.  Or not!

Fortunately, that's about all I've got this week.  Things, with respect to Mrs J's health, seem to be progressing in the right direction.  We should be getting definitive answers soon and, with a little luck, be done with this bit of bumpy road.  I deeply appreciate all y'all's thoughtful comments as well as prayers.  

Y'all are great!

Peace out!

 

Seems like I've been on an "E* Ticket" Roller Coaster ride lately!

 First, let me say "Thank You " to our host.  Saturday was my 10th Anniversary of my first post here.  So, a boatload of posts later, I'm still having fun, mostly.

Thanks, Sarge.

As most of you frequent readers know, the last 6 months or so have been, well...stressful.  Mrs J was diagnosed with Cancer back in October and immediately put on Chemo which was then followed by Radiation.  Fortunately, we are almost out of that hole.  Both Chemo and Radiation have been completed, both Doctors in charge of their section are extremely happy with the results.  

As for me, if they're happy, I'm frickin' ecstatic!

We have a Surgeon's appointment this next week, to take the After picture of the cancer cells.  Then mid-June, she gets to have surgery and have them excised.  

Been a long road, getting from there to here (yes, Beans, I'm quoting the lyrics from a song)

And...Just Because.

Unfortunately, stress, worry, lack of sleep, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, took a toll on me also.

I was at my Doctor's office midweek last for my normal quarterly checkup that the Air Force thankfully pays for.  I like my Doctor and his Nurse, they tell it like it is and don't pull punches.  So there I am sitting in the Doctor's office.  The Nurse walks in and starts the normal pre-flight checklist (gotta involve flying here somehow).  She starts with the temperature scan, all normal,  reaches for my wrist and checks my pulse. 

There's a bit of an eyebrow quiver.  Puts the BP wrap on.  I know this is going to be commented upon, it's been that way for quite a while.  No exception here.  She then takes my pulse.  

She stands and says "Stay here, I'll be right back".

She isn't kidding, She's back in less than a minute with the Doc in tow.  He takes my pulse then listens to my heart.  Asks me if I'd noticed anything out of the ordinary with my chest.  

Well...I tell him my pectoral muscles seem to be quivering somewhat, just kind of a flutter, no pain.  Doc says, "Where's Mrs J?"

"Home"

"Do you want us to call her or would you rather us call an ambulance?"

I may have used the "WTF?" vernacular.

"You are going right now to the ER.  Your heart rate is off the charts and irregular. It's called AFib and it can cause a Stroke."

OK,  That got my attention.  Mrs J came and got me, we went to the ER.  They met me at the front door and escorted me back to a treatment room.  All sorts of needles and stuff were attached.  Medicine was administered.

 

After a few hours, my numbers were back to normal and I was released.  I asked the ER Doc what I should do if this happened again.  He said, get a pulse/Ox meter and check your numbers regularly regardless of how you feel.  If the Pulse is above 120 come back here immediately.  

They've got my attention.  I'm going to be a very good patient.  Get the machine, (it's about 2"x1"x1") it goes on your index finger. Nice to know numbers displayed in about a minute.

 

No Beans, it's not 194, what looks like a 1 is actually a cursor to show it's working.  94 is the Pulse Rate O2 level, 74 is the Pulse Rate.

 The next couple of days, the numbers are well below 100.  The third day, I wake up and, yep, 144 again.  

Mrs. J drives me to the ER.  Same Doc is on duty.  I get all poked and prodded up.  Meds are administered, he comes in and says, we might be admitting you for about 3 days or so, we're calling your cardiologist to see what he says.

Well...Fecal Matter!!!

We stay there for several hours, but things eventually settle out.  The ER Doc and the Cardiologist have a telephone chat.  The ER Doc says the Cardiologist is prescribing a new medicine for you.  We're going to release you.  You need to go over to his office and pick up some samples of the meds and we'll send the prescription to your pharmacist.

All proceeds as planned.  I get the samples.  Supposed to take one every morning and evening.  After doing that, if symptoms return take an additional pill, if symptoms still continue, return to the ER.

Thankfully, that hasn't happened so far.  My followup with the Cardiologist's Nurse Practitioner went well, my numbers were pretty well normal.  She formalized my prescription of the new med and I sent it to my normal pill dispensary for regular refill.  Knock on wood, the AFib symptoms haven't returned.

Frankly, I've been in some very stressful, threatening circumstances in my life.  None of them concerned me quite as much as this episode.

I'm paying VERY close attention to the Rules of Engagement in dealing with this situation.  Should any of you experience similar symptoms, go to a Doctor, the symptoms don't feel as bad as they actually are.

Suffice it to say, this is a pretty good excuse for my not commenting here lately as prolifically as usual.  With any luck at all, I'll be returning to the verbal foray...soon!

Oh! And I got an early Birthday Present!  Mrs. J got me a hat since I don't have much natural sun protection.

 

Peace out y'all

 *E ticket, not an A ticket....Duh!

Oh what a ...week or two!*

 Well, Campers, it's been a couple of weeks since I've updated you on my ongoing "retirement" projects.  So...Here goes.

Family Health and Safety 

Miss B and LJW had some good news on multiple fronts over the last few Doctor's Calls.  Weight is slowly going up.  The visit with the Surgeon was a good one.  Miss B is an excellent candidate for the G-Tube (the feeding tube inserted in her tummy rather than down her nose into it).  He also said that the probable cause for her throwing up and thereby not gaining weight was too much food going down for her to digest in one feeding.  Because there's no dial which determines how much to throw up, she wasn't getting enough calories, and because she's not getting enough calories, she wasn't gaining weight.  Less food in more meals with the G-tube should help solve that problem.  

On the breathing front (one of the even more important fronts), Miss B and LJW went to a different pulmonologist for a second opinion on how to get her to progress breathing on her own.  LJW had been slowly reducing the amount of supplemental oxygen she was receiving during the day.  While she did this, she was monitoring the O2 saturation percentage.  If it started going down, she pumped up the O2 supply for the rest of the day.  The first Doc wasn't happy with the process even though Miss B was down to 1/8 supplemental O2 for a few hours from 1/2 supplemental all 24.  Hence the second Doc. 

When LJW told the second Doc about what she was doing, she asked why she hadn't been doing that after the first month or two.  I'm not a Doctor, nor have I played one on TV, but that's been my question (kept in my head solely), for a while.  In any case, Miss B has a new Pulmonologist with the added benefit that she is quite a bit closer to us than the other.  Less time in the car commuting to appointments.

Win/Win.

In addition, not having to carry around O2, periods of no supplemental O2 opens up other life-enhancing opportunities. Like:

 

Taking the big stroller out for a walk with the two of them.  Much MO' bettah.  (Beans, it handles the gravel road better than the combo car seat/stroller they otherwise have.)

This progress is a big deal because in addition to the importance of the relationship between breathing and living, the primary holdup in reuniting LJW and Miss B with Little Juvat is the breathing issue.  So, lotta praying going on at Rancho Juvat.

College Station Doings

Over the past 14 days, I've been to College Station 3 times.  2 with Mrs. J.  Once flying solo.  (Yes, Beans, it's a wonder She approved it)

In ANY case...And as reported a few weeks ago, MBD and The Rev have purchased a house and are in the process of renovating it.  As I'm sure many of you know, being inveterate fixer upper show viewers, it's not what you see that's the problem, it's what's UNDER what you see that's going to be expensive.

That is becoming the case.  It's also apparent, based on several key indicators, that the house's previous role in life was as a rental to college students.  So, a lot of time discussing things with the contractors.  My role in this?

Not as much as I feared, thankfully.  MBD is pretty savvy and way tough.  I just tag along with my best "You better deal with her because you REALLY don't want to deal with me!" look.

Fortunately, no one's called my bluff.  

Oh yeah...I also am in charge of carrying things, painting things, visiting Lowes and picking up things we forgot.  I think that particular title is GoFer!  I've had lots of practice at that.  

As to Painting, when last we spoke, the kitchen looked like this.

The cutting in phase partially completed.

When I returned for the solo trip and walked in, the kitchen looked like this.

Report from the time of writing this is that the lowers are finished.  The doors have been removed and spraying the insides is in progress.  I've asked for a picture, but for some reason The Rev is somewhat busy on Sunday.

But, while he was doing that, MBD and I were adding a bit of interest to the boring walls in the master bedroom.

If you just imaging what that wall looked like with out the molding design on the wall...Mrs. J and I have been requested back sometime next week to begin work on this.

MBD doesn't like the molding around the sides and tops and wants an arch across each of the three columns.  As one might notice, the bookshelves are wider than tall, so some kind of a ellipsis will be needed to make it look right.  We're going to attach a bit wider molding on the two interior braces so it will match the outsides.  Still trying to figure out how to cut it smoothly.  A router probably, but how to control it is being researched.  Suggestions from our brilliant readers would be much appreciated.

Projects at Home

As to the project for my good friend's retirement, it's coming along quite nicely.  The writing implements are finished and in safe storage.

Pencil's on the left, pen on the right.

The latest lesson learned on turning, was that the finish also has thickness.  Both were turned all the way down to the bushings.  The pencil, which I did first, I applied 10 coats of CA glue as the finish.  You can see that the edge on the tip and the edge on the middle band are a bit further away from the metal than on the pen which only had 2 coats of CA glue applied.  The finish on both is about the same glossiness, so...Another important lesson learned.

Next part of the progress is to make the pen & pencil case for them.  Learning from the finish lesson, I decided I'd try turning some of that wood in a separate project. Earlier, I'd made a pen using Olivewood and made a fatal mistake doing that.  So, I'd given it to Mrs. J who likes it very much, but  there was no where to put it.  I've also never worked with Bloodwood before, so I wanted to see how it looked after being worked.  Win/Win,  I made Mrs. J a pen holder and used Bloodwood in it.

Thought it turned out pretty well.

While in College Station, the juvat family's "Birthday Week started.  1, 2 & 6 June are all Birthdays.  MBD & Little Juvat are the 1 &2.  Some Old Fart is the other.  However, this year had a little extra "Specialness" to it, as Little J is in Hong Kong.

 

We decided to celebrate by taking MBD and gang to a Tapas restaurant they'd always wanted to try.  As we were talking, I realized that Hong Kong is 13 hours ahead and that while it was the 1st here, it was the 2nd there.  Gave him a call and wished him a Happy Birthday.  Suffice it to say, it's a good thing long distance overseas cell phone rates are what they are (nothing) as it was a good time.

Oh, by the way, their wine selection was extraordinary.

Yes, they had a $400/oz cognac. No, Beans, I didn't try it. It was MBD's birthday and not mine.  Suffice it to say, my palate isn't refined enough for $800 Brandy.

Mrs. J and I RTB'd Saturday, got up and went to Church Sunday then to our usual Sunday Brunch place.  On exiting, we saw this car parked nearby.  I thought the sticker was hilarious.  YMMV

We're headed back to CStat sometime later in the week.  MBD's a hard taskmaster.  That having been said, I love her very much and am having a pretty good time.  But, Ben-Gay is still my friend.

Peace out, Y'all!

* In homage to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Bellisima Bambina! *

 Well, it's been a pretty roller coastery week.  The good news is I'm a Grandfather again as of 2 PM on the 21st. The even better news is that Mom and Daughter are doing well.  The downside is she was born early and is VERY tiny.  

 However, the Doctors are very happy with LJD's** progress.   In fact, I just got a text from Mom and Dad, who are at the hospital visiting saying that they actually got to touch her knee.  She curled her hand in response.  Stimulus and Response is good!

 The NICU***, was an interesting place to visit.  They only allowed two people at a time to visit a given baby.  So, I waited my turn.  The first picture was taken when Little Juvat and I got in there.  The plastic bags in the picture were to 1) keep her warm and 2) minimize contact with anything bad that might be in the air.  The Blue Light is a preventative action to protect her from Jaundice.  That was started later that evening.  As a further preventative measure,  I had to scrub down pretty hard and wear a sterilized surgery frock in order to be allowed to enter.  I was good with all that.

Given her progress over the last three days, they've decided to take her off of "small baby protocol". Not knowing what that meant, I googled it and read this article. Talk about dodging a bullet.  Dad and Mom were told that the staff will check on her every 3 hours instead of every 6, and touch her to stimulate her, and they're putting her on breast milk.  Which I take it is a good sign.

She'll be in the NICU for an, as yet, undetermined amount of time and no, they won't give me a "guess".  I'm assuming it will be based on catching up to the capabilities of a full term baby.  She's not there yet, but she responded to a touch from her Mom.  I'm good with that.

Still a long way to go, but Thank You Lord!  And thank all y'all for your thoughts and prayers.  

 

*Beautiful Baby Girl  

** Little Juvat's Daughter, Beans.  I know you and acronyms!😉 GD2 just didn't ring my bell.

***Beans told me last week that NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Which Doctors?* Update #3

 Well, Campers, it's been a pretty "Special" week at Rancho Juvat since last we spoke.  LJW/DIL arrived safely a week ago Sunday.  We've got her ensconced in our guest bedroom for the time being.  Guest reservations in both cabins til next weekend, doncha know.  The whole Baby ETA change thing has thrown the planned schedule off quite a bit.  

She had an appointment with one of the local OB-GYN Doctors.  The Doctor had reviewed her records from HK and after giving her a look over agreed with that Doctor's diagnosis.  Unfortunately, the 'Burg's hospital doesn't have a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beans.  A term I've known less than a week, so don't feel bad!) so she highly recommended that LJW/DIL meet with a colleague of hers.  That Doctor has privileges in a hospital in San Antonio that does have a NICU.  His office is in Boerne (Burn-eee) which is about halfway between here and San Antonio.  

Doable. Especially given the circumstances and rewards.

The good news is while LJW/DIL thought she was only ~25 weeks along, the Doctor in Boerne (henceforth "The Doctor") said she was more likely (as of today) about 27 weeks along.  This is excellent news as the viability of the baby goes way up if birth occurs after 28 weeks and continuously gets better after that.  Again, that knowledge has only recently been inserted into my brain.

She has another appointment in Boerne today.  Depending on answers given at that appointment, LJW will be boarding a flight and coming home.  While I'd love to have him home, I hope Grand Daughter #2 (GD2) gives him another couple of weeks or more.  

Please, Lord?

On lesser drama, medicine wise, both Mrs. J and I have had positive reviews from our respective Doctors.  She had that "special" check up that involves a clear liquid diet to prep for.  No news is good news.  I had a follow up with my ENT Doc.  Everything checked out good, although I still have virtually no sense of smell.  That caused them to schedule another appointment in a few weeks to see if it has returned.  If not?  Who Nose?

The leg is still a bit bruised, but much less so than last week.  Aches at night a bit, but again better.  I have found that I'm much more situationally aware of my foot placement than I used to be.  Pain seems to be a pretty good teacher. 

On a more pleasant note, this week was MBD and SIL's anniversary.  They came and stayed in one of the cabins during the week.  They were hoping for a little privacy for some reason, so MG stayed with us and we got to play Grandparents for a few days.  All by ourselves with no parental supervision.  Man, did we have fun!  We also had forgotten how much work almost 1 year old's can be!  

Not much longer until re-childproofing the house is needed!

 

Still...wouldn't have traded a minute of it for all the money in the world.

Also this week we got a bit of something I believe is called...rain? Or something like that.

Got a couple of inches but the winds were gusting to 70MPH.  One of the clinics in town lost their entire metal roof.  We, thankfully, didn't have any damage.

Heck, juvat, even cows know to come in out of storms like that!

Lots of oars in the water, so please forgive my lack of comments on Sarge's story or his Portulaca postings.  I do read them, most of the time in a waiting room. I just don't like to comment using my phone.  My speling is bad enough with a regular keyboard.  Using the phone would render them Swahili-esque

Peace out y'all!

Update: Just got word from the Ladies.  The appointment went well.  The Baby's heart rate is normal and she appears to be doing fine.  LJW/DIL's blood pressure was a bit high. (I wonder why.) But other than that the Doctor seemed happy.  Thanks for all y'all's prayers.  Still got a way to go yet, but I'll take good news any time I can get it.

Update #2: The Doctor and the Ladies have decided that LJW/DIL will be staying in the hospital until delivery.  Little J has modified his flight reservation and will be here day after tomorrow.  Lots of somewhat minor things that I think were starting to add up.  I also think the drive time to Boerne was a factor.  Probably a good choice.

Update 3#:  All is well. GD2 was born about 2 PM yesterday.  Mom is doing well and the Premie Doctors are very happy with GD2's size, weight and organ functioning.  For those of you with Medical savvy, her APGAR rating was 6.7.  We were told that was very good.  More to follow on Monday as more development occurs.  Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

* a more politically correct way of spelling.