tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8789786993149538222012-02-16T18:24:05.043-06:00My Crazy Life as a caregiver to my husband.peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-57864714931549779492012-02-04T10:11:00.000-06:002012-02-04T10:11:21.165-06:00

Bergan & Carrie have taken Lance for 2 weeks to give us a break.  Though I do miss my hound (hugging him, kissing him, cuddling with him on the couch and in bed), it is very nice to have only Gary to think of and care for.  I kind of feel like we're honeymooning. These past couple weeks, I have been addressing Gary's swelling legs.  He has always had the swelling in his legs and feet due to

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-13650204125993822512012-01-31T08:05:00.000-06:002012-01-31T08:05:10.306-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yN-6PbqAPM&feature=bf_prev&list=PL9706258C0341C0B5&lf=results_main Okay.  you all must watch this video on YouTube.  Gary sent this to me and it is perfect for us 50's + people!!!!! this is my blog for today.  Nothing else needs to be said and this explains it all......

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-36910731157190302322011-12-29T10:41:00.000-06:002011-12-29T10:41:01.306-06:00

Finding leisure time and relaxation activities are always a topic of dismay for caregivers.  This week is a good example. Knowing that Monday was shower day, Tuesday was spent with odds & ends with Gary (I was also extremely tired and called into work that night, sleeping a total of 14 hrs), Thursday would be our date day and Friday would be shower time again, I thought I would take off on

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-64451334472280115892011-12-18T01:19:00.000-06:002011-12-18T01:19:25.322-06:00

Greetings this Christmas holiday season from Gary & Peggy! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 This has become the verse I have clung to for the past 6 months as we watch Gary’s & my health problems evolve. Gary’s MS has continued to progress this year, as we now use the lift

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-13145860841526627282011-12-06T11:13:00.001-06:002011-12-06T11:15:48.140-06:00

It is past time to write again.  It seems that when I have something to write, I don't have the time and when I have the time, I don't have something to write. At the present moment, I have the time, so let's see if I can some up with something to write. I am almost done with my work week and am fairly proud of myself-I haven't called in with fmla once this week. That is very rare for me.

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-47430371225627840782011-11-17T08:06:00.000-06:002011-11-17T08:06:36.914-06:00

I've been promising my facebook readers that I would update them on the past 2 weeks of busyness since I have not had time to post much.  Here it is: Fri-Sun 11/4-6 Bergan & Carrie came with the kids Sun 11/6 Gary & Monte went to the deer safety mtg in prep for the hunting trip Mon 11/7 I had my mammogram.  All is normal. Tues 11/8 I had my yearly physical and pap done.  All my blood lab tests

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-4041795460365719242011-11-03T08:21:00.001-05:002011-11-03T08:22:45.065-05:00

This post is long overdue.  It seems I have been more busy with facebook (checking in on my friends there) and crocheting lately, than with the blog world.  So much that I haven't even checked in on my favorite bloggers for at least 3 weeks.  I many times came up with something interesting to write about, but usually was not at a place to type it out-like at work, walking Lance, helping Gary-or

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-15627373177067932452011-10-04T12:26:00.000-05:002011-10-04T12:26:59.852-05:00

We've had a lot of good times in the past few weeks. Bergan & Carrie have been here for their weekends with Isabella.  We always enjoy them and I especially, as Carrie usually takes over the cooking, Bergan takes over with Gary and I am the recipient of many hugs and kisses from the grandkids! Last time they were here, I took Carrie off for a day at the Craft Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-70272702421385444582011-08-26T11:05:00.002-05:002011-08-26T11:08:43.212-05:00

The last couple nights have been filled with stressful dreaming.  Last night was this: Mark & I took Jamie to a super huge zoo.  We kept losing Jamie and would then find him again.  then we realized Mark needed to be at work soon, so we had to find the front entrance to leave.  We couldn't find it.  Every direction we chose ended up a dead end and then we separated to try to find it with the idea

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-88909430210609765662011-08-14T12:36:00.000-05:002011-08-14T12:36:14.036-05:00

"It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." We all have problems. We all have problems in life. We all have problems in our relationships, jobs, families and marriages.  Does that mean we should never have engage in any of these activities because the problems caused us grief, stress, fights or the ultimate, disengagement from the other party?  No. We all have learned

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-44466430305020606932011-08-05T10:43:00.000-05:002011-08-05T10:43:58.155-05:00

After posting something on facebook this morning about my kids, I knew I had to write my blog about them.  This is what my fb post said: "I'll always need my children no matter what age I am. My children have made me laugh, wiped my tears, hugged me tight, watched me succeed, seen me fall, cheered me on, kept me going strong, and drove me a little crazy at times! Mark & Bergan will forever be my

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-66047127246779427822011-07-19T13:17:00.001-05:002011-07-19T13:22:55.257-05:00

This is a long overdue posting on my blog.  Life has been wacky, crazy, busy, distressing and fun. We've traveled, seen family and friends, sat at home, had 'almost catastrophes', started projects, finished some projects....well, you get the picture. In June, we took a very fast & furious short trip to Wisconsin.  The main goal was the Yeager family reunion. Gary so wanted to go since he hadn't

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-88854269617339268922011-06-08T11:07:00.003-05:002011-06-09T09:23:35.147-05:00

June 8, 2011 I took fmla this morning. I didn’t need it for Gary but for myself. I needed a ‘me’ night, an ‘I need rest’ night. I have done very well with not calling in for 2 weeks. I have made sure I have my sleep; being able to sleep 3 hrs in the afternoon and then again 4-5 hrs in the evening has been good for me. It is a new step I have accomplished....to put aside the tasks and ‘diversion’

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-82127599414322412482011-05-30T18:27:00.001-05:002011-05-30T18:28:27.718-05:00

A couple weeks ago we went to Branson for a short mini-vacation and had a great time. We drove Hwy 65 on the way down and came back on I-35 to see different scenery.  Among our various sight-seeing, we went to Branson Landing and the RiverWalk. We also saw the Veterans War Museum.  It looked like a small building but there are many rooms there just full of things to see and read: items from the

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-63950985402992831982011-05-06T01:54:00.000-05:002011-05-06T01:54:03.519-05:00

Gary and I were talking last night on the deck and discussing why I am always so tired and worn out. He suggested that it was from all the projects that I like to do. In actuality, taking care of Gary does not wear me out any more than if I was a working mom with a toddler under my feet during my waking hours. On good days, it is no problem; but then there are the shower days, bodily function

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-61503347571492585002011-04-30T05:17:00.000-05:002011-04-30T05:17:00.827-05:00

This morning I got up at 3:30am so I could get my turkey hunter up for the day.  I had originally planned to sleep only a few hours in the evening and then stay up all night so I wouldn't have to arise at such an ungodly hour.  However, I stayed up until 10pm, then crashed in bed.  I have decided that it is much easier to get up at 12:30am for work than it is to arise at 3:30am for a hunter. :)

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-54731689136217555572011-04-23T19:01:00.001-05:002011-04-23T19:06:32.378-05:00

I promised on facebook to elaborate on my dilemma of the dog or Gary. Please take this all as comical. I would be too lonesome without the dog or Gary, but somedays....... They other day, Gary fell while I was transferring him from the toilet to his wheelchair.  Lance goes hysterical when Gary falls and then even more so when we use the Voice of Help call box as it makes all these loud buzzing

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-78100390525285653532011-04-21T16:58:00.000-05:002011-04-21T16:58:26.473-05:00

I have been way too negligent on blogging the past few weeks.  It seems that all my soul is going into facebook right now and I forget the friends I have here that are not on facebook.  I the past few weeks I have made dark chocolate fudge, bread, cookies.  I finished crocheting a sweater top and am planning on doing at least 2 more. I would like to get more done on my quilt, but am working on

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-75262451587859192782011-03-24T13:42:00.001-05:002011-03-24T13:56:50.129-05:00

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-48945554367177775292011-03-19T19:04:00.000-05:002011-03-19T19:04:20.568-05:00

MS: it does not conform to most people’s prior experience with illness. MS does not go away. Nothing is the same and you can’t tell how different it is going to be from one day to the next or even one hour to the next. One day you function well, and the next-phlatt!. One afternoon you are having fun with friends and 2 yrs later at home you hit your brick wall-Kaboom! MS: exercise and therapy may

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-14866131598215167992011-03-18T11:47:00.000-05:002011-03-18T11:47:43.008-05:00

chapter 1 summarization: Entering our midlife is a time of re-evaluation, re-calculating, and re-inventing of our lives, of everything we’ve known and held close onto thus far. It is a time of letting go, cutting loose, throwing away ideas, goals, thought systems, behavior that we clung to with dear life, afraid that the world would stop if we did not do it, control it, act it. Entering midlife

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-21458636577069023912011-03-10T09:07:00.000-06:002011-03-10T09:07:41.287-06:00

Gary had a really good week this week. I didn't need to call in with fmla at all!  It was nice to work a full week; but then, it was also long.  I have gotten so used to working 2 days, calling in, working 2 days, have 2 days off, OR working 4 days, calling in, have 2 days off, OR calling in, working 3 days, calling in, having 2 days off....you get the picture. My paycheck will be nicer for it,

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-11535943020726796772011-02-27T19:03:00.000-06:002011-02-27T19:03:31.960-06:00

What a week! But then every week with MS is a 'what a week' week. I can't even remember all that happened. But I will highlight what I do remember. Date night: Gary & I went to the High Life Lounge Thursday night for cheeseburgers, fries and 'crappy beer' night, where they serve they old-time beers like Schlitz, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc for $1.25 each.  it was fun just to sit there and relax.  We

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-38105674840241928322011-02-21T11:35:00.000-06:002011-02-21T11:35:29.675-06:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-78931995156352373502011-02-13T12:11:00.001-06:002011-02-13T12:12:34.548-06:00

Why is it that people take offense so easily at others? Why are people so insecure with themselves or needing to be the ‘upper’ person so much, that they must use any avenue they can to promote themselves and demote others just to stay on top? On January 20, I wrote a blog that was unedited, not proofread, but just random thoughts going out of my head as I felt them; this was to give the reader

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-85028702726418835092011-02-07T21:32:00.001-06:002011-02-07T21:36:21.639-06:00

It Is Your Life I have spent my life giving to others going out of my way to be there; offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, an understanding arm, only to be told when scolding a wrong action, “It is my life” I work very hard at home and at work trying to be faithful, dependable, reliable in both places. I help when needed, do the extra ‘thing’, tell a joke, smile, be understanding;

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-5868026679307473432011-02-06T11:06:00.054-06:002011-02-06T13:47:02.824-06:00

It snowed again last night, this time only an inch.  I was expecting the worst: you know, 0 deg, wind and such, when Lance wanted me to walk him this morning. So I dressed for the cold.  It was warm...so nicely warm. So much so, that after our walk, I shoveled the 1 inch of snow off my sidewalk and driveway, then proceeded to the parking spot that didn't get cleared by the snow removal crew since

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-718773466246705792011-01-26T09:58:00.017-06:002011-01-26T10:20:49.206-06:00

I am currently reading Life Interrupted, subtitled "Its not all about me" written by Chris M. Tatevosian, who has MS and wrote in 2008 about his disease and its effects on his life and marriage. He had developed the very common 'poor me' attitude that eventually took his great marriage to a wonderful woman to divorce.  Now, he has written about the lessons he has learned about his own attitudes

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-49515357565762986582011-01-20T16:13:00.000-06:002011-01-20T16:13:09.680-06:00

A POEM Written By: Roy V. Currier Sr. As couples nonchalantly promise through sickness and in health little do they realize what could happen to themselves It can break you down a crippling disease and has led many spouses to desert and leave For some, it would be easy to bolt and run out the door leaving your lovers soul to hurt even more... So, what would you do? What would you do to

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-46516971540680346302011-01-20T11:08:00.002-06:002011-02-13T11:59:36.616-06:00

(unedited & not proof-read) Just took lance for a walk...its friggin cold out there (9 deg) but luckily no wind so it didn't seem so bad.  lance wanted to stay out...i wanted to come in.  was trying to catch up with facebook friends, but fb kept running dinosaur slow for me...everything else on my pc runs ultra fast, except fb! so I restarted my pc and took lance for his walk need to workout

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-60371877972837428282011-01-12T18:55:00.000-06:002011-01-12T18:55:01.948-06:00

My personal goal this year is fitness. Why? This past fall I gained 10 lbs and my middle section rounded out some more.  I also do not have much muscle strength in my arms and back.  So, after Christmas I joined Anytime Fitness http://www.anytimefitness.com/ .  They are open 24/7 and provide keys to their members to let themselves in whatever time of day is practical.  They have treadmills, step

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-67325175751913451852011-01-06T09:58:00.000-06:002011-01-06T09:58:38.086-06:00

I sat down at my laptop to write this over an hour ago, but I was side-tracked by a headline I saw on Stu's Views & MS News blog headlines-about Montel Williams having to pay a fine for possessing a cannabis (marijuana) pipe on a random traffic check. This led me to checking out his website http://www.montelms.org/ where every dollar donated on the site goes directly to ms research.  This, then,

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-21305918033042521222010-12-24T08:25:00.003-06:002010-12-24T09:11:12.715-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, except my husband In his wheelchair calling out ‘Sweetheart’; (our foxhound was soundly asleep on the couch). The stockings had been hung by the chimney with care, The contents had already been given out before Santa was there; The grandchildren were nestled all snug in their beds (in their own homes),

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-63047951250704762862010-12-16T09:22:00.015-06:002010-12-16T09:33:37.578-06:00

Okay.  This time my blog is about allergies.  I have been plagued with them.  Not all at once, but slowly sneaking up on me like a frog in increasingly hot water, until they (the allergies) become strong enough and persistent enough that I finally say "Enough! Something has to be done once and for all!".  And I did. The last 4 weeks. It all started sometime in my early 20's.  A little 'hayfever'

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-8422942044472551392010-11-19T06:44:00.000-06:002010-11-19T06:44:05.841-06:00

Twas the week before Thanksgiving,  and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a ..... Oooops! Wrong story! This house was a flurry of activity. Monday - I took an early out from work. I made use of the time by doing projects on my computer, during which I royally messed it up (I'd rather use stronger words here but have decided to keep this blog 'family friendly'). I

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-36056065004329641262010-11-04T14:28:00.001-05:002010-11-04T14:29:10.984-05:00

Last week we met with the immigration rep for Senator Grassley. Mark had tried to obtain a tourist visa for Ana to come to the US for a visit while he worked here. They had all the documents required but was denied. Process taken: they were informed by the US Consulate that obtaining US citizenship for Ana was practically impossible, so the best route to go would be to obtain a tourist visa for

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-42791187863373053432010-10-14T12:19:00.001-05:002010-10-14T12:19:43.952-05:00

Life has had a variety of experiences and happenings over the summer and this fall. It started off with taking Lance to On With Life, in Ankeny, as a pet therapy dog. The people loved him there and he did okay, though he would rather have been outside scouting for a new critter scent. I was a little disappointed with him though, mainly because on our walks outside, he always wants to meet people

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-4353308403272357012010-10-02T17:47:00.007-05:002010-10-02T17:52:47.205-05:00

Where do the days go? It has been so busy these past 2 weeks, that I'm not sure whether I am coming or going.  Kids, grandkids, parents, friends......all have spent time at our house and its been great! Gary bought a new surround sound for the tv and had friends hook it up; the old one died and it was going to cost too much to fix it.  I rearranged my side of the office to make more room for

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-20209200423583340442010-09-27T13:08:00.000-05:002010-09-27T13:08:01.896-05:00

I almost wrote my blog last week. I had a topic, but then got busy doing "things" and lost my inspiration. I almost wrote my blog this week. I had a topic, but then became busy doing "projects" and lost my inspiration. Now I have another idea and I decided to follow through before it leaves me too. I had started one 2 months ago and never finished it. It is "Wisdom from friends, both via

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-3673775597582655772010-09-10T14:51:00.001-05:002010-09-10T14:53:04.433-05:00

Sometimes in life you just have to wonder 'why?'.  I joined my co-workers this noon for a get together for Joe, who has been diagnosed with esophogal cancer. He is in stage 2 and at this time will only need radiation. He is an older man, is very sweet, loves music and has been playing in a band since his teens years. He's an excellent singer & musician. I know; I went and saw his band a couple

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-44827471585552741262010-08-25T21:07:00.000-05:002010-08-25T21:07:39.507-05:00

Yesterday we went to see Gary's neurologist for a brain-storming session.  I had been reading about the new and controversial CCSVI treatment for MS. In Italy, Dr Zamboni had discovered that many MS patients have a blocked jugular vein and that by doing a stent, they were able to turn back the progression and move freely again. It seems that a blocked vein keeps the blood from flowing out of the

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-50400161989478734602010-08-13T13:00:00.006-05:002010-08-17T14:18:00.658-05:00

Do you ever get those times where you are in a very meditative, melancholy, reflective mood?  If you're a woman, I can almost guarantee you do.  If you are a man, you are probable only in touch with your feelings if you are the sensitive type, as most men think analytically & logically. Anyway, I can easily be reflective as that is part of my personality.  Most people don't see that side of me

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-548754120158274892010-07-28T22:52:00.000-05:002010-07-28T22:52:00.767-05:00

I just read one of my college friend's blog. I have lost contact with most of my college friends over the years due to my own negligence. (Life was too busy & rough to keep track of others.) After getting on facebook these last couple months, I've started reconnecting with people again. One of them does blogging also. She was always a very sweet girl and kind to everyone.  Not a mean thought in

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-20911308835867627482010-07-05T19:19:00.005-05:002010-07-06T18:35:12.220-05:00

Gary's favorite sayings: I'm finer than a frog's hair. I'm singing in the rain. (while taking a shower) OK, pick up my hoodykie. (footrest on the wheelchair) You didn't put THAT on facebook/in your blog did you? Dryer than a popcorn fart. We'll make do. You gotta laugh cuz you can't cry. Just when I think I have it bad, I find someone worse off than me. Me: plays the violin & viola and used to

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-73276940045411293682010-06-25T10:18:00.000-05:002010-06-25T10:18:50.720-05:00

Okay., so many are wondering "you are so busy now with work and Gary and kids and grandkids and a dog... and you took on ANOTHER dog?????? what are you thinking?" Here's the story: DeAnne had to give up her house and is moving into an apartment that doesn't allow pets.  She could no longer keep Chloe but didn't want her at the humane society or ARL. Nothing against them, she just loves Chloe and

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-85543164855885556022010-06-24T13:58:00.000-05:002010-06-24T13:58:05.556-05:00

I am sitting at my garage sale watching podcasts on PPMS (primary progressive MS). http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/webcasts--podcasts/ms-learn-online-progressive-ms/index.aspx#FeaturePresentations Part 1 highlights: progression is steady and slow, day by day changes; you lose a function NOT because you are just sitting in your chair being lazy, but because the disease takes

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-78571326230922442482010-06-08T12:14:00.003-05:002010-06-08T12:20:00.308-05:00

This week is devoted to ways that we get help with Gary (and me) at home: Friends, friends, friends and more friends...... Marty has had more time on his hands lately, so he has been coming over alot. Monday night he was here later in the evening.  I was totally exhausted, so I called in with fmla, went to bed (slept 12 hours!) and Marty took care of Gary and transferred him to his recliner for

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-20398552268348011132010-06-05T01:23:00.000-05:002010-06-05T01:23:48.483-05:00

Twenty Ways To Care for Caregivers Twenty of the best tips and ideas collected from Caregivers and care managers of the Medicare Alzheimer's Project in Broward and Dade Counties, Florida. •Laugh about something everyday •Take care of yourself physically. •Eat a well-balanced diet. •Talk with someone every day. •Let family and friends help. Give them printed material on memory

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-82113364565746444202010-05-30T10:47:00.000-05:002010-05-30T10:47:04.095-05:00

What a week! Bergan came for a few days (Tues-Thurs) and finished painting our house. Nina came with him and played, watched Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, ate cheese sticks, played some more and then crashed. Our Kitchen Our office We love having color!Marty came over and was doing computer stuff with Gary. Then they snuck off to the store together and this is what they brought home. It was

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-9096250919717491262010-05-21T18:48:00.000-05:002010-05-21T18:48:39.856-05:00

I asked Gary what to write about this week, and he said it was an uneventful week, so write about how nice it was.  So.......our uneventful week started on Saturday night with Gary's castor wheel falling off the wheelchair. The bolt that holds it on broke. I was sleeping at the time and Marty was here with Gary. It happened outside, in front of the house. So Marty get a couple of our neighbors

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-55269166270746979522010-05-14T09:37:00.000-05:002010-05-14T09:37:07.470-05:00

Ryan's graduation: MY step-son Ryan just graduated from UNI on Saturday with his masters degree in Accounting!  What a challenge.  He pushed himself very hard and completed a 6 yr study in 5 years! Can you believe that? While a full time student load is 12 credit/semester, he was taking 16-18 credits each semester.  Then, a year ago he did his internship early, which qualified for college credits

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-18237899241712530402010-05-07T13:13:00.001-05:002010-05-07T13:14:24.205-05:00

To me, facebook was a place where people gossiped and wasted their time. I was never interested in it. Never, ever would do it.....OK - so I took the plunge last month and got on facebook. I didn't think I would do much on it, except read some of my friends' comments.  Boy, was I wrong! I have tons of photos on it, a birthday calendar, cities where I've been.......I've written about daily

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-52635814839328828582010-04-20T15:27:00.000-05:002010-04-20T15:27:50.474-05:00

Dad & I had a great time in Honduras visiting Mark, Ana & Aaron. We flew there in Thursday, April 8. We had 3 flights with layovers: Des Moines-Chicago, Chicago-Miami, Miami-San Pedro Sula. The entire trip took around 13 hours. It was dad's first flight and he did very well. Ana's cousin, Jonathan, picked us up at the airport along with Mark, Ana & Aaron. Ana & her sister, Olivia share

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-38868436477123662342010-04-20T15:05:00.000-05:002010-04-20T15:05:47.708-05:00

The Bardales' are the family of my daughter-in-law, Ana.  They are a very loving, caring Christian family.  All the siblings live next to each other with their aunts, uncles and cousins mostly within a block range. Ana is the youngest in her family. She has 3 older sisters and one brother. Telma, the oldest sister lives in another town and comes to visit them. We enjoyed her visit over the

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-87332009074555047422010-04-20T14:42:00.001-05:002010-04-20T14:43:07.734-05:00

Honduras is a very poor country with some modern conveniences, but also primitive type of living, depending on where you are and how much money your have. The Bardales' live in San Isidro de Yojoa, province of Cruz. San Isidro is on the mountain, has dirt & rock roads, small family owned stores called Pulperias, and bus transportation (an old van) to the next town of Santa Cruz de Yojoa, which

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-63990152820766297512010-04-02T09:13:00.000-05:002010-04-02T09:13:03.679-05:00

So...what happened this week and why do I feel so tired and worn out today???????? Let's see: Gary feels good this week (not sick), is in good spirits, spending most of his (free) time on the computer :), only thing wrong is that he hasn't has much physical energy, so it has taken twice as long to do necessary daily tasks with him (dressing, toilet duties, getting in recliner....). It is spring

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-55436856653118138682010-03-25T19:15:00.000-05:002010-03-25T19:15:31.825-05:00

Sunday: Gary & I went to our MS support group mtg. It was very good. Most of them have RRMS or SPMS. Gary is one of the few with PPMS. We always enjoy this group of people. After arriving home, I went to sleep for the evening/my night, so I could go to work; but upon waking, found out Gary had felt sick all evening but didn't want to wake me; so I called into work and stayed home just in case he

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-20237115490634289072010-03-17T20:36:00.000-05:002010-03-17T20:36:29.574-05:00

Spring has sprung or will soon.  I know.  My eyes told me so.  Last Friday & Saturday I had a massive 2 day headache.  Then on Sat my right eye started in with allergies; so much that I had to take out my contacts and wear regular glasses until Wed. When this happens in the spring, it means the trees will bud out in about 3 weeks. So........ Sat I told Gary about how the trees will be budding. "

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-84678061051028337702010-03-12T09:52:00.000-06:002010-03-12T09:52:29.835-06:00

We've had Nina for over a week now.  By the time she goes home, it will be 10 days. It all started out last week when the kids took a 3 day mini-vacation to Branson, MO. Grandma kay took Jamie and we took Nina & Sarah (the dog). We had a blast with them.  When it came time for Nina to go home, I opened my big mouth and teased them that we were going to keep Nina for another week. She loved the

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-66645015428056964362010-02-28T18:12:00.002-06:002010-02-28T18:15:02.161-06:00

It was another basically normal week at the Yeager's.  Gary was fine, I was tired (with PMS), work went fine and no catastrophes on the home front. Wednesday, after a week of work, I took some down time and went to the mall after work to relax and unwind. Then I came home and crashed on the sofa. Thursday, I helped Gary with his shower. Both of us had excellent energy that day and it turned out

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-41778859558315633972010-02-22T12:22:00.002-06:002010-02-22T12:26:34.248-06:00

Okay, so I haven't blogged for at least 2 weeks, maybe going on 3.  I apologize.  I just didn't feel like it. So now I will get you caught up......... Feb 7-11: We had another snowstorm on trash day and very few of our neighbors put out their trash, including me. Gary was just fine all week. No problems there! But I was exceptionally tired. I kept signing up for early-outs at work, not wanting

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-39042016839657168042010-02-07T18:08:00.003-06:002010-02-07T18:19:33.437-06:00

Well, I guess I should write something for those to keep up on this blog. Nothing new really. Same stuff, same routine, different day & week. Gary is pretty well over his cold. Just has a cough left, though sometimes it does sound congested.  But it hasn't been bad enough for him to ask to go to the doctor. I came down with a sore throat this week (I blame Gary). So I pretty well slept through

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-10410079860082095002010-01-30T13:44:00.000-06:002010-01-30T13:44:28.252-06:00

Gary has not been sleeping as well at night but has been sleeping longer during the daytime.  Last Friday, he came down with a head cold. On Saturday and Sunday he slept practically the entire day, getting up around 4pm, in time for me to make a me and then I needed to go to bed for the evening before work. I did try to sleep during the day while he was, but I am afraid my body is on a set

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-79756260883679535562010-01-20T16:18:00.001-06:002010-01-20T16:19:48.937-06:00

What a nice, boring week! Yea! The only excitement is the ice storm.  We had 1/4 inch here. I was at work. Three of us got off (early) at the same time, and it turned out we were parked next to each other, so we helped each other scrape our cars. Forrest arrived first and had his mainly done by the time Betsy & I arrived at ours'.  I had to enter through the passenger side because the driver's

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-22266078583440418962010-01-16T08:16:00.000-06:002010-01-16T08:16:42.418-06:00

It is 8 am as I write this. I did not go to work last night; I had sliced the end of my thumb while cutting potatoes for a chicken pot pie and it was still tender and would bleed whenever I bumped it.  The casino really takes offense at blood on the cards - they bring in the hazmat guys with their gloves to bag up the tainted cards, check the table top for blood and if there is a spot on the felt

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-91470886820406493692010-01-13T18:48:00.064-06:002010-01-13T19:23:31.422-06:00

I have felt pretty aggressive the last few weeks and my mind continues to whirl up ideas of things I want to accomplish this year.  To do them all, I would need to be at home full-time and not work at all. HA! Okay, so I need to be a little more realistic. But it is soooo hard; there is so much I want to do..... Between working, walking & playing with the Lance, taking care of Gary, and housework

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-11723901218772534702010-01-13T18:34:00.000-06:002010-01-13T18:34:24.435-06:00

This past year was filled with reading and craft projects. On the list of books I read was: Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson Dogs I Have Met & The Dogs Who Found Me both by Ken Foster American Foxhound by Robert & Polly Smith Eat,Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Nothing Was the Same by Kay Redfield Jamison Three Cups of Tea by Greg

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-63321549987315820522010-01-08T04:25:00.001-06:002010-01-08T04:27:08.447-06:00

The interest in MS has 'blossomed', as it were, and much research is planned for 2010. More scientists than ever are committing themselves to the study of this disease and the hope of better treating it, even curing it, if that is possible. Research must take on various forms as the disease is not all-inclusive, but takes completely different forms, thus making it actually several different

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-37844109832425936502010-01-04T02:05:00.011-06:002010-01-04T09:15:05.949-06:00

When I wrote the "looking back" post, and was also thinking of a "looking ahead" post. I delayed writing both because I was not quite sure what to write and how to write it. But starting the new year, 2010, is a good time to evaluate life and refocus. I think the looking ahead post will include at least 4 writings: Caregiving, MS, Books & Projects, Personal Goals.This one will be of Caregiving. I

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-68294106492324630082010-01-04T01:38:00.010-06:002010-01-04T08:32:25.755-06:00

I have a 6 day work week this week due to having to work New Year's Eve/Day. Now it is half-way through the week. Last night I was so sleepy at work. It took a caffein pill and Mountain Dew (lots of it) to get me alert and moving. After work, I walked in the house and said "ew! It smells like a dirty diaper in here!" "Its me" said my sweet husband. Oh No! He had spilled his bucket on himself

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-22802097796978288072009-12-29T11:44:00.005-06:002009-12-29T12:19:17.505-06:00

Do not be afraid or too worried about me and my blog yesterday. Today, I am back to normal (basically). One thing I have learned about caregiving: you have to take care of yourself first before helping your loved one. When traveling in an airplane, the stewardess will always tell the passengers that if the oxygen masks drop down, put yours on first before helping the person next to you. The

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-26122414291394040762009-12-28T16:35:00.006-06:002009-12-28T17:30:28.352-06:00

Today, I ran away. Just for the afternoon. I've been very tired the last 2 days. Nights at work seemed extra long and last night my 'floor' person (person in charge of our pit) was extra tedious on the rules of the game, nit-picking on the minute details, making mountains out of molehills. He harassed me alot when I first went to sunrise shift, but then we finally started getting along and now

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-33022191919688541952009-12-24T17:17:00.028-06:002009-12-24T18:24:01.869-06:00

We have received many Christmas cards and letters this year and found a special place for them on the baker's rack:Lance found a way to make use of the envelopes from the cards:Here is Lance's Christmas present:Here is Gary trying to take it away:And Lance taking it back:WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-30683492365387703302009-12-22T13:51:00.004-06:002009-12-22T14:19:10.825-06:00

Okay. So yesterday was a day to rest up and recuperate. I was really tired, though I don't know what from. After working, I came home, walked Lance & gave Gary his shower. I laid down to sleep and slept for 4 hrs instead of my normal 2 in the afternoon! I got up, walked Lance, ate leftovers and went back to bed because I was still so tired. I slept another 3 hrs. Then Gary got me up to help him

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-28566780049563596982009-12-19T18:14:00.007-06:002009-12-20T17:35:07.463-06:00

These next 2 blogs are subjects I've been mulling around in my head for over a week now. I would like to write them but haven't known quite how to go about it. So I guess I'll just take it one subject at a time.I've wanted to give a summary/update of Gary and his progression of MS since I met him, which would be in December of 2004. Can you believe I've known him for 5 yrs and been married to him

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-75130570433298662632009-12-09T07:29:00.006-06:002009-12-09T13:29:51.597-06:00

Last night, Tuesday, I took Lance out for his walk before going to work. It is now in the middle of the horrific snowstorm in the midwest. The snow plow crew the association hired for the winter is hard at it here, pushing aside drifts of snow from the streets and driveways. What a blessing! They did my driveway before I needed to leave for work! Lance went outside first in a rush to go for his

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-73843222861106498192009-12-08T18:32:00.000-06:002009-12-08T19:10:32.418-06:00

Okay. So 'the dog' keeps us on our toes, for the good and bad in life. They other night I put Gary in his recliner and went to work. When I arrived back home in the morning, he was sitting in his wheelchair, in the middle of the living room and totally 'out of it'. I was horrified! Then he told me his story and I about cried. Lance had diarrhea before I went to work but he has made it before

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-13772620625921086802009-12-04T07:25:00.000-06:002009-12-04T07:36:17.842-06:00

We took Gary to get his H1N1 vaccine Wednesday. Polk county opened it up for more 'at-risk' groups. So I feel good now knowing that he is safe. That is one flu that could land him in the hospital. However, I could not get it. I tried. As his caregiver and the fact that I work in a casino and am exposed to germs constantly, I tried to convince them that I needed it also. Apparently, taking care

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-22675860254469734212009-12-01T18:34:00.000-06:002009-12-02T05:42:58.086-06:00

I am sitting outside on the front porch. It is 6 pm and it is dark. The Christmas lights are on and it is very quiet and peaceful. The interstate traffic makes a dull background noise. I like to imagine that it is the waves of the ocean and that I am sitting on the deck of my beach house.I would like to have my dog out here with me, but I tried that an hour ago and all he did was bark at any

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-2384570674332697462009-11-25T11:17:00.000-06:002009-11-25T11:48:47.519-06:00

Usuually when I get home from work around 10:15 am, I walk Lance, get Gary dressed, do a couple things or relax and then am asleep by 1:30pm. I will nap for around 3 hrs, then get up, make supper, walk Lance, do housework or relax. then I'm back asleep from 7pm to 12:15 am, when I get up, get dressed for work, walk the dog, put Gary in his recliner and then go to work for the next 8 hrs.But today

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-68773584517512610742009-11-23T18:49:00.000-06:002009-11-23T19:30:37.781-06:00

Mark has returned to Honduras after 6 mths in the US. He was working to earn money to finish building their house. Before coming back, they completed the foundation, cement block walls and metal roof with steel beams. While here, he regularly sent Ana his earnings and she hired laborers to start the inside of the house. Ana's brother Rodolfo was one of the workers, along with a couple cousins.

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878978699314953822.post-4502273356763943612009-11-22T11:50:00.000-06:002009-11-22T16:25:37.258-06:00

Okay - so I'm joining the blogging community. What a great way for family and friends to keep track of us! The name: Mi Vida Loca? (my crazy life). I love Pam Tillis and this is the name of one of her songs. I do seem to have a crazy life, sooooo... why not name it this? I've known about blogging a long time, but didn't have time to devote to it and didn't think I ever wanted to do it. But then

peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461588240996870890noreply@blogger.com