Friday

Uber took me to Miramar Eye for my 9:00 appointment and I saw Dr. Trotter. He finds the changes in my macular degeneration "concerning" and advised me to see a retina specialist. I made an appointment for September 17 with Dr. Teel in Camarillo. I'm nervous about it, but determined not to obsess until I get more information and some kind of  direction.

I packed a lunch, Ellen came over with hers, and off we went to the pool at 1:30. We were there until after 5:00 and it felt glorious in the cool pool considering the temp in Ventura was  was 98 degrees. At 7:00 pm, it was still 80 here, but that was practically glacial compared to Ojai where El lives--the high yesterday was 111. 

Most of the day, only another couple was at the pool until late afternoon when a family with a few kids came. It was wonderful to be there, especially with my darling daughter; we talked and talked and talked. Greg will be back from Colorado on Monday and it looks as if he'll be here for El when she gets her knee surgery on the thirtieth, so that's good. Brother Larry and niece Terry will arrive on Monday and El's birthday is Wednesday--lots going on.  

After quite some time in the big pool, we actually felt a little cool and went in the hot tub, which felt great, too. We finally left, then chatted for a while back at my place. El left, then I showered and washed my hair.

Note: Jim is now recuperating at Victorian Care Center. I talked to the people there and have agreed to be his emergency contact. 

Thursday

Busy day.  Did a quick white wash while I showered, then took care of a few other minor chores. The social worker, Angel, called. to say would be moved to Victorian Care Center today if transportation if they can get funding for transportation. Later, she called to say Medicare would pay the hundred and fifty bucks. The idea is for him to be in the care center until he recovers from COVID and his various other ailments, notably the blood infection and kidney problem.  Started my balance exercises again; I had neglected them when I was down with The Plague, but don't want to skip anymore.

Brother Larry called to say he and his daughter, Terry, will be here Monday. They're going to be staying at the Best Western "at the pier," he said, but I'm only aware of the one on Thompson Street. Will look it up.

Walked the short distance to McDonald's and met Diane. I didn't get one of the specials, instead settled for a McChicken sandwich. Incredibly, that and a soda totaled $3.22. I'm so used to eating at actual restaurants, where I regularly spend $25 to $30 for lunch, I was astounded. Of course, I didn't get the soda, as I had my IPA with me. I have to confess I also got a sundae and treated Diane to one. Haven't had ice cream for months and it was good. 

Diane and I proceeded to sit there until almost 4:00, a marathon talk session even for us. As we parted, Ellen called to tell me about her contractor contacts  I sat on a bench in the shopping center while we talked for a half hour or so. Her birthday is on Wednesday and we'll work something out about that, maybe including Greg. I then went directly to Nails D'Elegance in the same shopping center for a much needed pedicure. 

Darn, I slept very poorly last night. It's now 6:25 and I have a 9:00 eye doctor appointment. Will probably want to nap later.

Wednesday And VCMC

I visited Jim in the hospital yesterday; left about 10:30 and bused to the transit center. I usually walk to Loma Vista Road, as it's only a bit more than a mile, but yesterday, I decided to take it easy. I feel fine, have no symptoms and, of course, have tested negative twice, but I thought it was prudent, just coming off from an illness. (Imagine me being prudent--hard to believe.)

I had never been at VCMC (Ventura Community Medical Center) before and found it shiny clean and, I got the impression, well run. I think it's fairly new. It did have a security set up at the entrance, almost like the airport, but unfortunately, I guess most large public buildings do now. 

I was directed to medical/surgical one, found a nurse, and was asked to don a cone mask, plastic covering, and gloves, which I did. Went into Jim's room and saw him, of course, in bed. He's in a private room with a large picture window and nice view of flowers and foliage, I guess because he has COVID. I brought him a book--a biography of Ira Gershwin--to which he had little reaction.  For that matter, he had little reaction to my visit, but that's typical of Jim. We chatted for a few minutes, I asked if he was eating, he said nothing tasted good, and I notice on his tray an unopened box of cornflakes and an unopened carton of milk. I stayed for only ten or so--I didn't want to tire him--then said goodbye and said I'd be in touch.

I then talked to his nurse--a very nice young man--who said Jim had actually improved and, in fact, was eating a little more than he had. That was good to hear, I thanked him and left. When I went out to the lobby, I asked the receptionist to call Angel, the social worker. I spoke to her and she mentioned that Jim would have to apply for Medi-Cal (for low-income people instead of Medicare) in order to recover in a care facility. She asked if I'd help with that and I agreed, of course, although I have no idea what Jim's income is. 

I left, bused back to the transit center, went to Target and got three big grapefruits and some nice tomatoes, then bused home. Made a sandwich, took it and an IPA to the complex center along with my book (I'm re-reading one on the perils of the Grand Canyon) and enjoyed myself in the beautiful sunshine.  Lorraine called in the evening and we chatted a bit.

Tuesday

Tested again--negative. And now, with this latest, plus ten days after infection, plus no symptoms for several days, I've finished with COVID. Unless I show symptoms again, I'm not going to obsess over it. Hearted by that news, I walked over to VON'S for bread, a frozen pizza, and a few other things, including five pounds of carrots...

...What was I thinking??? Five pounds is a lot of carrots, so I had to spend some time preparing them. After washing and trimming, I put half in the slow cooker with a few tangerines, a dash of cinnamon, and set it on. The other half, I seasoned and olive oil-ed and roasted in the oven. I had some with lunch, but it's a good thing I have room in the freezer.

On the serious side, I got calls about Jim from two social workers: Cheryl from the Agency on Aging and Angel, from the hospital. I gave them some basic information (his home address and so on) and we talked over the situation. Angel will recommend that Jim enter a care facility to recover from his current condition, then possibly there'll be a permanent placement.  At this point, I agree that this is best situation possible. 

💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢

                                  

This appeared on Instagram: my (soon to be ex) daughter-in-law, Paula, who will be participating in the Run for Hope in Singapore in November.

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runforhopesg

 6d

Introducing our first ambassador for Run For Hope 2024, Paula O’Callaghan!

Paula's journey, marked by her own battle with breast cancer and the loss of her former helper to the disease, underscores the critical importance of early detection and regular screenings for women, particularly those over 40. As an ambassador of Run For Hope 2024, Paula uses her experience to advocate for cancer research and raise awareness, sharing her story to inspire others to prioritize their health and support the fight against cancer. 
Join Paula in supporting Run For Hope as we work together to raise awareness and combat cancer.                             

Monday

Darn, I tested myself with the new test kit and got a positive again, so I guess I'm rebounding as Suzanne did. Spent the day hanging around and not doing much. Back and forth on the phone with Ellen, Suzanne, and Vickie; took a nap after lunch. 

I was awakened by a call from the doctor at VC to give me the latest on Jim. She said he has some problems besides COVID. His electrolytes are too low and he has muscle loss resulting in kidney malfunction. Worst, he developed sores from lying immobile the floor for so long, they became infected and the infection entered his bloodstream. Doc said the social worker will call me today and will discuss placement.

I was pleased when Shannon, of Fractured Actors, called me in the late afternoon. She and her husband, Jeff, are the founders of, and run, the theatre group. She was concerned when she found out that I had gotten COVID and wanted to check up. We then launched into a warm, half-hour conversation about teenage angst (they have a 15-year-old son), the problems in marriage, religion (we both more-or-less ags) , and other pithy topics. She and Jeff were, of course, devastated by the spread of COVID to cast and crew at the show, not to mention the audience. She, Jeff, and their two children got it, plus 15 other cast and crew members, and a number of those in the audience, too. She suggested that once we're both free of the plague, we meet for lunch, say a week or two. Great and I'm looking forward to it.

Called Jim in the evening, but he didn't pick up. Talked to the nurse and was glad to know he seems to be improving, so said I'd call today.

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

"Iconic" is one of those damn cliché words that people love to use, thinking they sound as if they went to Harvard, but I have to label this picture--ICONIC! I've always been fascinated by it--with a combination of amazement and horror in equal parts:

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

Sunday

Did the Sunday things, plus a color wash, stopped over at Suzanne's to tell her about Jim, and called Vickie for same. Talked to Ellen several times during the day. 

I called the hospital and spoke to Jose, the nurse on Jim's floor--yes, male, which I think isn't too unusual nowadays. He was very cordial and forthcoming, and I got some information on what had happened. I told him about Jim's cardiology doctor, then he switched me over to Jim's room. Jim sounded pretty fuzzy and confused, which didn't surprise me, but we talked for twenty minutes or so. Poor guy, he has nothing to read, doesn't know how to use the television (he doesn't watch, anyway), and, of course, has no cell phone, so is just kind of isolated. 

I did, indeed, test negative, but decided against going to see Jim. I was still feeling a little tired, so I'll go today after lunch at Stone Fire Grille. I walked to CVS for another test kit, as I want to be sure I'm free of it. Also stopped at Von's for grapefruit. 

Called Jim in the evening and he seemed pretty much the same, but not worse, at least.. Told him I'd stop in tomorrow. Also spoke to the nurse and she suggested I call at 6:00 am today when her shift is almost over, otherwise wait until 8:00 or so. (Well, I didn't wake up until the alarm rang at 6:30, so I guess I'll wait.) All the staff have been very pleasant and accommodating. 

Vickie called to suggest Jim might be able to use the services of a caretaker she knows. I get the impression the woman works under the table, but I wonder if Vickie understands how low on funds Jim actually is. What I hope to do is talk to a social worker at the hospital to find out what services are available. Actually, that will probably have to wait until tomorrow, as I doubt if they work on Labor Day. 

On a cheerier note, here's a pic of my beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy yesterday. He was at the halfway mark of his sixty-mile bike ride on the island state of Singapore:

Saturday And Jim

It was a phone-y day: Sharon and Diane called in the morning to check up on my condition. Doing okay, I told them, and they were congratulatory. Sharon then talked my ear off, naturally, headlining her grandson's college careen, her husband's cataracts, and her own UTI. That was all right--we all understand Sharon. Diane asked if I was available on Thursday for the four-dollar lunch deal at Mc Donald's. I was charmed--I haven't been to Mc D.'s for at least fifteen years, so never in California; I'll be interested to know if the fare has improved. Of course, Diane and I will bring our own libations, incorrigible law breakers that we are.

Lorraine called and commiserated about my malady, but also filled me in on how incompetent everybody in the universe is. I thought Jim was negative, but he's the soul of optimism compared to her. 

Noreen called and we had a nice, convivial chat. We'll get together some time soon. 

Mike called in the middle of his morning bike ride of--get this--sixty miles. We had a good talk and he filled me in on his and V. and V.'s doings.

I looked up how long one is contagious with COVID and it looks like five days. I tested positive last Sunday, so decided to chance a trip to Von's. I had my mask, of course, just bought a few items, and used the self-checkout, so didn't come near anyone else. I've been isolated so long, it felt like an adventure-got there and back home with no problem.  

I felt so much better yesterday that I stripped the bed, washed and re-made, then jumped in the shower and washed my hair. I think part of my fatigue may have been just the result of boredom--I'm not used to being confined inside, I guess. 

The alarming calls: Ellen called and we compared notes--both recovering okay. I told her I had called Jim and still got no response. She said she would call him and if the same, would ask the police to do a wellness check. I understand they then notify to fire department. After dinner, though, we still hadn't heard and I called one hospital and she the other. Bingo: Jim was admitted to Community Memorial after he was found unconscious on the floor.  Ellen talked to the admitting doctor, who then called me. She asked what medications Jim took, which I don't know. I did mention that he was being treated for some kind of heart problem. If I test negative today, I'll go see him.