Beach Face!

 

Today was our first visit to the beach for the season.  It was wonderful.  There is something magical about sitting in the sun, listening to the waves break against each other and make a hollow churning sound as they splashed deep under the water.

 

The sky was clear, birds were out and it was a truly tranquil time.  It made medical bills, pain and doctors seem like a distant memory. 

 

We had wine and fruit and made a sand foot fort to keep the approaching water out of our territory.  To us, it was a re-run of the historical TV program we watched about Paul Revere.  The water was the red coats and our fort was Concord.  That's another great thing about being at the beach--you can do goofy things like that and it seems normal!!

It was a perfect day for the beach--70 and cool and I hope we many more this season.

A few weeks ago, we went to dinner with our friends from Strongsville, Corinne and Dan Pribula.  Our kids were in high school together and we were all on the Senior High Prom Committee.  Dan and I have absolutely no artistic ability, so while the rest of the committee were drawing, painting, stitching and creating memories for the seniors, Dan and I would be in the kitchen, talking about work and holding up the fridge. We talked for hours about how we were the moral support that held the committee together!

 

It was good to see them again.  We caught up on what our kids are doing and had a nice meal at Chianti South, one of our favorite restaurants.

 

And so, tomorrow, it's back to the real world--working, dealing with sick people and making the same money I did in 1978!  But, I will take memories of the beach with me, like I always do.

 

Blue sky and rolling water

Tony does a water temperature check

...and finds an ancient sea creature!

 

My wine and cigar guy

Playing on the beach

Ignoring the water

 

Bird against the pier

We build our foot fort....

 

The enemy approaches.....

 

Our foot soldiers reinforce the wall

 

We are breached.....our foot soldiers gave way

Beach face....when all is right with the world!

 

 

 

The Swegles and Pribula's at dinner

 

 

 

 

 

Well, We Know What It Isn't....

 

I guess you never really realize what having good health means until you don't have it.  As I have said many times before, I never thought I would live very long...I have also said that I'm the kind of person who doesn't get a headache--I have a stroke.  I don't have a stomach ache--I have appendicitis.   I don't get open wounds when I am bitten by a stray cat--I get a bacterial infection.  If you're going to do, do it big is my motto!

 

Anyway, my insurance company finally approved the second CAT scan and I had it yesterday...but, they only approved 93% of the cost, so the rest is on me.

 

I had the CAT scan yesterday.  It was odd. A moving table, the sound of a hum, holding my breath and feeling a warm sensation when they inserted the dye.  Very odd.

 

We met with my doctor today to review the results and hopefully come up with a diagnosis.  So, we sort of did...we sort of didn't.

 

We know now that it is not a tumor (yippee), it is not a blood clot.  It is not a pool of blood.  I got to see both CAT scans--the one when I was in the hospital and the most recent one.  The original, showed a blurry area on the left side of my body.  It was pretty  big; but you really couldn't see anything that jumped out and said, "hey, I'm a tumor!!"  The results of the one yesterday were different; first, we confirmed that I do indeed, have a heart--just in case anyone was confused, because it was right there on the scan!!  Next, while there was some blurry-ness in the same spot, you could not see a large mass like before. 

 

The doctor is leaning toward me having diverticulitis--little pockets that form outside of the intestines and have the ability to collect "crap" from your system.  If this pocket breaks, or explodes, it can enter your system and act like it does when your appendix breaks.   That would explain the large mass of bacteria, but, the doctor said that the mass I had was "up north" of typical diverticulitis.  So he really isn't sure he can call it that.

 

So, all in all, it's good news, but I am still full of questions.  I have a colonoscopy (yes, Tony, Rose, Donna....I am having one!!)    scheduled for the end of the month.  At that point in time, the doctors will see my body from a different perspective and will be able to tell me if there is a tear in the intestinal wall, if I need to have a section of my colon removed or if colon cancer has started to plant its ugly roots in my body. 

 

It's a hurry up and wait kind of thing, but I know it's not a cancerous tumor and that will allow me to sleep and function. 

 

It's funny, sitting in a doctor's office anticipating bad news.   I had a 2:30 appointment, but did not see the doctor until a bit after 3:00.  During the time in the waiting area, I just looked around.  I translated all of the doctor's names that were printed backwards as you look out the door.  Did you know that Mark backwards is KRAM?  Yep, I was that anxious.  Anything to keep my mind off of what the news may be.

 

I counted 110 ceiling tiles in the office--most of differing sizes.  I saw an anorexic palm tree with the stem being about as big around as my little finger with and all-to- white, wisps of leaves reaching toward the door as you entered.  The chairs were ugly--they sat on a rug with a floral pattern that seemed to be the shadow of the anorexic palm.  A washed out brown with olive shades made up the chair seat and very few of them had two arm rests.  It was uncomfortable to be there; both for the reason and the accommodations. 

 

But, finally we saw the doctor.  He says maybe diverticulitis, but wants to confirm a few things with the colonoscopy.  If they can't figure out what started the bacterial infection, they will have to do exploratory surgery--but that's a long way off.

 

I thank all of you for your prayers and for the Guardian Angels you sent to take care of me.

 

I will keep you posted!

 

 

 

Road Trip!!

March not only brings the promise of spring, but for the Swegles...road trips!

 

Tony Jr. went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for GMR Marketing to get started on the final planning of the summer Olympics.  Tony Sr., went to Charlotte to help Marie with the kids and David and Brenda came up from Tampa for Easter.

 

I worked on Easter Sunday, so we had our Easter on Saturday.  "Easter" morning started with an Easter basket hunt for David and Brenda and then coloring eggs.  It brought back many fun memories.

 

We had one of Tony's terrific Easter dinners, with ham and all of the trimmings and then the corn hole battles begin.  This time we're serious....Brenda and I are taking the guys down! 

 

Easter Morning was early mass for the Catholic Swegles and off to work for me.  The "kids" left shortly after that.  A short visit, for sure, but a fun one.

 

Bernie, Betty and Dixie got along well.  Bernie is getting his revenge by sleeping on Dixie's bed in the living room, while Betty has taken over her (Dixie's) throne...the hassock between our two chairs.  It's a good sharing lesson for Dixie, something she is not used to doing!

And so, as they say is the rest of the story...the Easter dinner was great, as was the company, but Brenda and I fell to the men in corn hole, 21 to 9...and I didn't contribute one point.  It was all Brenda.   We all had a good time.

Anthony bundled up for an Easter Egg hunt

Anthony unbundled!

Coleton is ready for the hunt!

 

 

Uh OH....Betty on Daddy's lap....this could be trouble...

Future Mrs. Swegle kicks Mr. Swegle's butt in corn hole!  She's a quiet winner!!

Our Corn hole Tree says, Dave and Brenda....Brenda says, "this is where I belong!"

 

OK, we're losers....but at least Brenda put points on the board...I didn't even get close!

Check out Brenda's egg coloring technique...and the bling!!

Some of the finished products...love the chick!

 

They found the baskets

Betty...just lounging around

Bernie says, "can anyone control these bitches?"

 

 

Dixie reclaimed her throne....she says, "send those dogs home, Daddy!"

 

 

 

 

 

A Grand Picnic

One of the best things about being in a relationship is knowing that the other person "gets you."  You know, they understand why you do things--or why you don't and they don't question it.  They know what makes you tick--what makes you smile and what makes you cry.   Tony gets me.  OK, sometimes I tell him he doesn't, but he really does.

 

He got me today.  I went back to work last Saturday--it was supposed to be a 4 hour shift, but they needed me for 12 hours.  I worked Saturday, Sunday and Monday--12 hours each, so by today, I was beat and didn't plan on doing much. 

 

Tony called from running errands and asked me if I wanted to have a picnic.  Did I ever.  I love picnics almost as much as the beach, but I tend to criticize flying, crawling and creeping bugs.  I don't like picnic with bugs.  They annoy me.  I could put an entire piece of whatever we are having to eat 10 feet away from us,  specifically for the bugs, and those damn creatures will come after our food anyway. 

 

But, like I said, Tony gets me.  We didn't eat on the ground; we had our picnic in the Grand Lanai here at Compass Pointe--a huge building dedicated to entertainment and social functions with tables and chairs and a sound system and all of the conveniences of home.   We enjoyed the view of the pool and man-made river and walked around in a beautiful sun filled day.  It was a great idea and a great picnic. 

 

I am back to work tomorrow; refreshed by our wonderful picnic--today, a picnic and soon....our first trip to the beach which will cause a million smiles!

Doesn't everyone have a picnic with a white table cloth, lit candle and wine in front of real palm trees, a stone fireplace and a huge mounted TV?

Tony says,
"Here's to our indoor picnic..."

Me too!

 

The view from the Lanai

The left side of the man made lake

The right side of the lake...still divided

 

Look at those clouds!

Tony by the lake

Golf lessons on the front lawn of the Lanai

 

 

Let Freedom Ring

I love clouds

Home Again!!

 

 

Update

There is nothing like feeling good--getting up in the morning ready to challenge the day; meeting what comes head on and ending the day happy and knowing that you were on the top of your game. 

 

I haven't had that feeling in a while.  A few weeks ago, it was pneumonia...or maybe a bacterial infection in my lungs...or maybe a severe flare of my skin problems...or maybe....the list was endless.

 

At about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, I had Tony take me to the Emergency Room,  from which I was admitted to the hospital and stayed until Sunday afternoon. 

 

Today, I did follow up appointments with my Primary Care Doctor and the physician's practice that saw me while I was hospitalized.   I will be having another CAT scan on March 31 to get a better idea of what is going on.  Right now, there is so much inflammation and bacterial infection that no one can see what is really making me have pain. 

 

I have another follow up with  the physician's practice who will read the cat scan on April 4 and then, hopefully, we will have a plan of action that will get me back to 100%.

 

I am a lousy patient.  I don't like being sick.  Tony has been a trouper driving me around and in general, taking care of me.  He knows that I growl because I don't feel well.   He is a much nicer patient than I. 

 

Thanks to all who sent prayers and good wishes to me.  More updates soon.

 

 

From My Team at Work

From Tony

A picture of Dixie that I put on  my hospital night stand to make me smile

New Addition--It's Official

A few things have to happen before you officially join the Swegle family.  There has to be a beautiful ring, a proposal, the promise of a wedding, and most important--you have to have your name added to our Corn Hole board. 

 

Introducing our newest addition to the board--Brenda!!

Tony does the finishing touches....

 

 

TA DA...the finished product!

 

 

 

We are so happy to have her in our family.   She not only adds much to our family, she looks good on the board!

 

Lots has been going on of late.  The nurse who lost her son in the car accident that I wrote about last week has returned to work.  We had a conversation last night about Caleb and finding a new normal.   The family is working through their grief and getting ready for the upcoming trial.  Both teenagers are being charged with misdemeanor manslaughter, car theft, and theft of personal items, as various things that belonged to Caleb were pawned and the pawn ticket was found in the possession of the teenagers.   It's one of those situations where no one wins and everyone loses. 

 

Donna and Bob went back to Cleveland after two months down here.  We had a great time and finished their visit with dinner at a new restaurant in Southport, Olivers.  It was right on the water and had great food.

 

Dave and Kathy Henderson came to visit as well.  Tony and Dave worked together at Parker Hannifin.  They are a fun couple who are celebrating the birth of their second grandson.  Their daughter, Lauren, and her husband live in High Point, North Carolina.

 

Work has been "crazy" literally.  12 hour days, 4 hour waits to be seen by a doctor and high volumes of people coming in every day.   It is sad to see children as young as 8 being admitted for mental evaluation, but we have had several.  Add older people who have taken serious falls and lots of car accidents and you have a stressful environment.

 

Spring is on the way and temperatures are on the rise.  I feel funny about complaining about two months of cold weather, after living in Cleveland for so long, but geez, January and February did get cold down here.   Pretty soon, it will be time to go to the nursery and get flowers for the yard, something that always makes me happy. 

 

March brings Tony Jr going to Rio for Olympic planning and Tony Sr will be going to Charlotte to help Marie.  The month will be gone in a blink of an eye. 

 

It's like the ash tray my father used to have; it had the saying:  "Time marches on, damnit."  Now I know what that means!

A Child Died

 

 

A child died the other day.  I didn't know him...I had seen him once or twice, but I never talked to him.  I never found out how bright he was, or how polite.  I never ruffled his hair or teased him as adults do to children to make them laugh.  I passed him in the cafeteria when he was with his mother.   He was cute--13 and gangly--all legs and elbows.  He wore a baseball cap that his mother made him take off when they sat down to eat.  He prayed before they ate and  his mother watched him and smiled.  He had his mother's blonde hair and blue eyes.  His skin was tan and I found out after he died that he played baseball and soccer. 

 

So how did he die?  He died in a car accident.   He died because another child made a bad decision.   A senseless, impulsive, decision to take a car, go joyriding and speed.  The driver lost control of the car and it went left of center, hit a bridge with such force that it  split in two and both pieces of the vehicle went into a canal.  This child couldn't get out of his seat belt and he died in 7 feet of water.  The driver walked away relatively unharmed.

 

When we heard what happened, we all walked around saying that the same thing could have happened in our family and that makes me afraid.   We treasure our grandchildren as I am sure this child was treasured.  But, his parents couldn't save him, his religious education couldn't save him, his achievements in school and as an athlete couldn't save him.  His life was over in a few tragic, fearful minutes--all because of someone else's bad decision.  I hope that children and teenagers in this area learn something from this.  It's in the newspapers and on the TV news.   I hope they see that being cool can change your life forever. 

 

A child died the other day.  I didn't know him.  I wish now that I did.