Update to health

This past week I had my third heart catheterization in the past three years. In Sept. 2006 I had a couple of stents put in an artery after feeling some discomfort and going to the ER at Billings Clinic after a 911 call. Later in 2007 I explored the idea of having a knee repaired since it is bone on bone many years after a pedestrian accident. The cardiologist suggested after the job that probabilities for survival were minimal at this time. I've had by-pass surgery twice - in 1972 and 1980. In recent time there has been angina following minimal activity. I suggested to my Cardiologist that it might be due to stenosis in the aortic valve which had been detected earlier through an echo exam. She had a thorough exam done in January 2008 and strongly suggested a valve replacement. I talked with the surgeon and decided to wait. Waiting is no longer an option. I called the Surgeon's office early this month and was told that I would need to see my regular Cardiologist before seeing him. I made that appointment and was set up for the Catheterization this past Tuesday. I then checked with the surgeon and they set up a conference with other medical personnel yesterday. The decision at that time was to have a CP X-Ray to determine the size of my aortic valve. I will then talk with Dr. Milliken about setting a date for the operation. He is rated as one of the best. It was also discovered that one of the arteries previously by-passed needs further repair. I'm assuming the mammary artery is available for the job. I was well taken care of by the people at the Clinic and have reduced anxiety about further procedures.

One of the most interesting things about Dr. Stephan Milliken is that he plays in band composed mostly of other doctors in town plus an Art Professor from Rocky Mountain College. The band is known as The Mid-Life Chryslers. They play mostly at charity functions and for their own enjoyment.

Love knows no end

As Pete and I were watching 60 Minutes this evening after a very good supper he had prepared we somehow got to talking about our life as Father and Son and something of what brought him back home. A friend he shared a house with was married and divorced and their daughter's mother didn't want their little girl visiting a "bachelor pad." The house they owned was put on the market so Pete moved back here since I was getting older and was living alone. I suspect his sibs encouraged him. He indicdated as much in commenting that they were more at ease knowing that I was no longer alone. And, as a matter of fact, I am myself more at ease knowing that he is here and can take care of the "big" jobs like snow shoveling grass cutting, gardening, etc. I still get to take the garbage out once in a while. It is all good because of my history of heart attacks and by-pass surgery.

Someplace recently I mentioned what my dear wife said to me in the recovery room after my 2nd by-pass surgery. I can re-member her coming in as I regained consciousness. It was very emotional as I had just gone through some deeply held thoughts about God's continuing care of me over the years. I had a tube in my throat so could not talk, but somehow got a pencil and wrote "I love you" and gave it to her. It was mutual, and then she said something to the effedt of "Don't you ever put me through this again." I remembered those words as we were gathered as a family in ICU as her own heart beat its last and she was gone from us.

Perte told me something tonight that I had never known, and it casts some light on the "Don't ever do this to me again" statement. He said he came home one night and the house was dark and he heard sobbing from the basement. His first thought was that I had died, but immediatly knew that if that were true he would have already gotten the news. It was his mother crying, I suspect from relief that I had survived. Pete held her, he said, as she "held me when I was a kid and had stubbed my toe or something." Love does not fail. And I love her still. As I told my brother-in-law the other day: I often still "kiss" her before I get out of bed in the morning. She is lying there half-awake and waiting. It is truly amazing how the air kisses back.

Lights, camera . . .

The "action" was yesterday. I was washing up dishes from the last 2-3 meals at the kitchen sink. Just above the sink is a window looking out over our backyard. At this time the yard is coverd with several inches of snow. Since the yard if fairly well protected the snow is still white. By mid-afternoon the sun lights the place up. It's a lovely sight. One I've admired for years. When Spring comes the apple tree will be in full bloom - also white. Well after over 40 years of this view I was not ready for yesterday's experience. The sun was bright, and I looked out on the snow for a bit to long. When I turned away there were flashing lights everywhere I looked. I got a brief experience of what it must be to go "snow blind". Fortunately, after a few minutes things began to clear up and I could see again. As long as I have lived this was an absolutely new experience. I suspect it has something to do with age and who knows what. I'll be seeing my Otician before long and we'll discuss this matter. The last time I saw him just over a year ago he prescribed some liquid to be dropped in the eye every night. There was some indication of possible glaucoma. So far, so good. But yesterday's experience has taught me not to look for long at a sun lit snow field.

Year's End

It has been a quiet few weeks. There was the large family gathering Thanksgiving Day with three of the progeny plus Jimmy's widow with Natalie and her mother. There was an additional 4 grandchildren plus a spouse and a great granddaughter and her Grandmother. There was brother John's family with Jean plus Mark and Rosanna and Ambrose. That plus Pete and myself. The NoDaks were here the next morning for breakfast.

For Christmas I was pretty much on my own. Pete and I had straightened up the house in case anyone came by. He worked his job Christmas Eve and I watched TV. Ann & Bill hoped to come in last week-end, but the snow got in the way. They did come over today to meet with son, Andrew, and take him home with them for the week-end. They hope to be back Sunday so that Andrew can get back to Bozeman for his job. They also bought presents to brighten the old man's life. I took them all out for lunch to celebrate Ann's and Bill's 29th wedding anniversary which is Saturday the 3rd.

New Year's Eve I did get over to the brother's house for a couple of hours. Last night I looked at my February 2006 Blogs. That's when this all started. My first entry mention that visit in 2005 just after Betty died, and my unease at the midnight hour at not having her there to kiss, and to wish a Happy New Year. It has been 4 New Years since, and I still miss her deeply.

So much for tonight's musing.

The Family grows!

Yesterday (12/16/08) I became a Great Grandfather for the second time in 10 weeks at the age of 84. In the morning paper the death of a woman aged 76 was listed along with the names of 5 great grandchildren. Betty and I have 7 children and 12 grandchildren. What took so long? Then I occured to me that for the most part our children did not begin to have children until they were through college. Indeed most of them were not married until they had finished college. The oldest remains unmarried at 58. Our only daughtrer was married at age 27. Her son was born when she was 30. The next son was married at age 31. Their first child was born in the year he turned 34. The next son was married at age 19. He and his wife have 4 children, but the first was not born until he was 24 and had two bachelor degrees. It is his daughter, aged 28, who is the motherr of the first Great Granddaughter; and his son, aged 26, who is the father of the second Great Granddaughter. And they are both college graduates as are their parents.

Our next son was married at age 27, and their first child was born when he was 34. The next son was married at age 23 with the first of two sons born when he was 26. The youngest son, like the oldest, is unmarried at age 47. The children have pretty much followed in the foot steps of the parents. Betty and I were both through College and teaching before we were married. She was 24 and I was 25. We were married in April and Kenneth was born the following February. Betty died at age 80 after over 56 years of marriage. I am truly sorry she is no long with us to share in the joy of these two charming Great Granddaughters. My God bless them as He has the rest of this extended family.

Age and memory

I was watching T earlier when one of the Alsheimers adds came on where the old man calls his young granddaughter by the wrong name. I have sometimes told people how I can in my evening prayer mention all of my family: brothers, sister, spouses of each, children and spouses; 12 grandchildren; and now two great granddaughters. Plus, when I put my mind to it, I can list before God all of my nephews and nieces and their spouses and kids.

The other night I got a phone call from a former student a generation ago. I immediately knew that it was Quilla, and I called him by name. He's a black student from Arkansas, and was (is?) a very fine musician. He played a role in the ministry of Wayman Chapel here in Billings. (African Methodist Episcopal)

On the other hand there is often a name or circumstance which does not come quickly to mind. Maybe later. Maybe lots later.
I guess that it not to bad at 84.

So? One muses.

As I was listening to the news last night the reporter stated that the attack on Pearl Harbor had occurred in 1941 - 67 years ago. I turned and said something to my son about that now being “ancient history.” An earlier story in the paper told of a local high school class being shown a collection of letters and pictures depicting the Nazi Holocaust. It then occurred to me that I was 17 December 7, 1941 and was sitting in the front room of my high school girl friend with her family when we heard the news. Today’s generation speaks of 9-11, and the paper has little mention of 12-7-41. A part of this remembering was brought about by a photo brother John sent the other day of brother Lee, 79; sister Dorothy Ann, 90; and himself at 84. This relates to a picture taken at Thanksgiving of three generations of our family: granddaughters Natalie and Stephanie with Stephanie’s baby (my first Great Granddaughter, Arianna) and me - Grandfather Taylor.

In the middle of the night I began to think about ages. Both twin brother, John, and I have become the oldest Taylor males at 84. Grandfather Taylor died a few days after turning 83. Our own Dad died from a heart attack at 59. Older brothers died at 63, 50, and 56. The latter two of heart attacks. Dorothy Ann is now in line to become the oldest survivor of the Taylor females. Grandmother Taylor died at 90 years, 10 months. The oldest of the Aunts died at 89 years, 8 months. There’s not much history on the Petit side of the family, but Grandpa Petit died at 69, and our Mother’s mother (Mary Cart) died at age 36. None of us ever knew her and there was little discussion of that side of the family that I recall.

So much for ancient history. It is remarkable that at 84 with a massive heart attack at age 33; two rounds of by-pass surgery; a couple of stents recently and with aortic stenosis I survive and can still remember and relate to all this. Sorry you had to read all this!

Family Thanksgiving

This was my year to host Thanksgiving. I never thought that I would live to see the day that I was holding a Great Grandchild. This is Arianna with her Cousin, Natalie and her Mother, Stephanie. Steph and husband, John Huss came over from Minnesota so that both of her Great Grandfathers could meet her. In addition we had Ken, Annie and husband Bill, Pete, brother John, Jean, Mark, Rosanna, Andrew, Nathan, Geoffrey, Janet (Stephanie, Nathan, & Geoffrey's Mom), Cecilia, her mother Maggie, Natalie, Mark's son, Ambrose.

While I cooked the turkey (it didn't get quite done. It was over 22 lbs) on the grill Pete did most of the set up and cooking. Others, of course, brought in various dishes. No one went away hungry. It was a true joy to have 3 of David's 4 children with us along with John's family and to have Cecilia bring her mother to share with us. We, of course, missed Jimmy and Betty. And other out-of-towners are always welcome.

In the meantime I've been busy avoiding anything that smacked of work.

Compulsive?

It is our turn to host the family Thanksgiving Dinner. I have always gotten a frozen Butterball in the past, but this year decided to order a fresh 18-20 pounder from a regional Hutterite Colony. For the last few days I've constantly been thinking of what needs to be done. Get the table ready; make sure there is enough dinner ware for 18 or so guests; make sure the utinsels are clean; make sure there is enough seating capacity; get the mantel cleaned off and set for Christmas with the Creche I bought for Betty many years ago; have Pete get the artificial tree out of the loft in the garage; etc., etc. Then it occured that most of the family that I mail Christmas Cash to will be here so I can save a lot on postage by having the "gift" wrapped and ready. That meant a trip to the Card store and then to the Bank and making sure the right amount gets into each card. Then there is trying to figure out how many will be staying over night, and where to put them. As I sit here Tuesday night most everything is done. Pete has been an invaluable help Sweeping rugs, dusting furniture, getting our part ready to cook. We get the turkey Wednesday so there will be some preparation of that so I can pop it on the outdoor propane grill in time to have it done for a three o'clock dinner. Maybe I can relax in about 48 more hours.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and may God bless us evdryone.

Accent

O.K. Philipa, you started it. My accent is Midland.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland   "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The South
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Northeast
The West
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

To do or not to do

About a year ago my Cardiologist had an Echo test done when I suggested that my increased angina might be due to a previously diagnosed aortic stenosis. The test showed an opening of the valve about the size of the opening of a ball point pen. She indicated that I should have surgery right away and made an appointment for me to talk with the outstanding heart surgeon in Billings. I told her that I had a wedding to go to in Texas in February, and she said surgery in December should not hinder that. I was told a couple of years ago that my chances of surviving knee replacement were 1 in 4 so I was not enamored of heart surgery. I did talk with Dr. Milliken and we discussed the odds, He seemed to agree that such an operation was problematic, but that he would be willing to do it. My decision at the time was to not have it. Lately I find the angina getting, if not worse at least more prevalent with less activity. Nevertheless today I was able to do several errands including walking around Wal-Mart and Costco with no real trouble. Then Studs Terkel died.

What does that have to do with it? An article in the Chicago Tribune included the following: "In August 2005 Terkel added another item to his lengthy list of accomplishments, undergoing a risky open-heart procedure at 93 to replace a narrowed aortic valve and redo one of the five coronary bypasses he he'd undergone nine years before." He died three years later at the age of 96. If I were to have such surgery and live to 2011 that would take me to 86-87. And I'll never be any healthier than I am at this present time. There is, of course a decision to be made, but my "musing" tells me that such decision should be made, plus or minus, by the end of the year or no later than January. Actually I would not choose to have any surgery before Christmas.

Busy

Watching the World Series last night I was truly amazed that they kept playing. What a storm! True to the old saying : "when it rains, it pours." Then I looked at my own plans for this Tuesday night. My Alma Mater, Marshall U. is on ESPN2 tonight from the home town playing Houston - 6 pm mountain time. The Yellowstone County Democrats are having the monthly dinner at 5:30 pm. And a friend has encouraged me to attend a meeting at Rocky Mountain College at 7:30 tonight - sponsored by her son.

I guess that I'll skip the dinner and watch the first half of the game and then go to the meeting. I do have some lasagne left from last night so will certainly not go hungry.

By the way. It is a beautiful day here in Billings, Montana today.

A growing family

Knowing that Stephanie was in labor and that it was prolonged I waited until after noon (CDT) to call her Dad to find out if the baby had been born. YES. Son David is now a Grandfather and I am a Great Grandfather. Then I got there e-mail with further details. Arianna Elizabeth, welcome to the Huss and the Taylor family. You will have many Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents to love you. May we simply love and then let your be yourself. I will have to admit that when I read the e-mail that this little girl was to carry her Great Grandmother's middle name - Elizabeth, I felt a deep emotion knowing the my Harriet Elizabeth would never hold her, but she will surely be a guardian angel. And there is still to be born, Sophie Harriet Elizabeth Taylor later this year. That, too, will be a time of great joy. We Montanan's and North Dakotan's are looking forward to meeting Arianna at Thanksgiving.

Shopping

I have been able to pretty much save my Social Security income so it had built up in a typical savings account. I checked the Credit Union and found that I could get a 6 month CD with 3.0% interest so half of the savings have been so transferred. I caught my favorite "banker" just before she headed out to lunch.

Then I went to Costco for some lunch stuff and whatever. It turned out to be more whatever. They had a collection of chicken legs and wings with mesquite. Very good. I anticipated an Eggo omlet for supper, but it will be chicken instead. I also got some bread, English muffins, mixed nuts (Pete seems to like them - too), and a couple of books: Garrison Keillor's latest: "Liberty", A novel of Laker Wobegon; and "Blue Man in a Red State" - the story of our Governor, Brian Sweitzer. While I have met the Gov. I have not met Garrison except on NPR.

So much for the economy.

Politics

I commented on Facebook the other day wondering what McCain was afraid of while making plans to ditch the first Debate. Today I noticed that after FOX carries the Presidential Debate it will be followed by "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"

Widower-hood

As I sat in Church last Sunday I noticed two of our retired clergy sitting together. Hugh has just recently lost his wife, and Paul was widowed 3-4 years ago when Mary Lou died. She had been wheel chair bound for some time. Mary Huntley died soon after planned surgery which resulted in a massive blood clot to the brain. She never recovered, and was dead within a week. Ahead in front of me was A layman, younger than myself, whose wife died after a long battle with cancer. Today I went to the College to attend an Art Exhibit of current teachers work. There was some pretty nice work n display. One of my colleagues, now retired, was also there. Bob Morrison's wife died from a massive clot which lodged in her brain just over a year ago. I had not seen Bob since that time so it was good to have a chance to talk with him. He also expressed that it was "good" to have a chance to talk. He commented that he was still adjusting. He though early of selling the "big" house they were living in, but the children all said "no". "Where would we stay?" I, of course, know that feeling. I want to always be available to house any of the children who are able to come for a visit, and with Pete living with me taking care of things is no problem.

I guess that what started all this in the realization that it is not always the husband who dies first. And just like Bob, we soon come to the realization of how much the wife has been doing and we were not quite aware. And in recent weeks I have thought often of how often I was on the road - out of town - and Betty was left to raise the kids, and take care of things. Now I wonder if I did not miss the most rewarding part of being in a family.

Are you grown up?

In cleaning out some files today I came across the following from my ancient file for a course in Healthy Personality at Rocky Mountain College. I labeled the course that instead of "Mental Hygiene." This list is based on "Ten Marks of A Disciple" by The Rev. Rod Romney, an American Baptist Pastor who served in Seattle many years ago. I don't know if he still lives or not. I label it "Ten Marks of Maturity:

1. A loss of interest in judging the self.
2. A loss of interest in judging others.
3. A loss of interest in conflict in any form.
4. A loss of interest. More seriously, a loss of ability to worry.
5. An unmistakable tendency to enjoy each moment.
6. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation and thanksgiving.
7. Tendency to think a and act spontaneously and lovingly rather
than from fears based on past experiences.
8. Contented feeling of being connected to all of life.
9. Increased ability to let things happen rather than trying to make
them happen.
10. Increased susceptibility to love extended by others, as well as the
the uncontrollable urge to extend love in all directions.

Phillippa follow-up

Got this from a niece the other day and since things are kinda slow I've given it some thought.

1. Where is your cell phone? ……………… No phone
2. Your significant other?……………………. She’s gone
3. Your hair? …………………………………….. shaved off
4. Your mother? ……………………………… died 1946
5. Your brother?………………………………… two living
6. Your favorite thing?……………………. eat well
7. Your dream last night?…………………. had none
8. Your favorite drink? ……………………….cold pepsi
9. Your dream?………………………….. live longer
10. The room you’re in?………………. living room
11. Your ex?…………………no such
12. Your fear?……………………………………..no more
13. Where do you want to be in 5 years?………….right here
14. Where were you last night?……………at home
15. What you’re not?……………………………very young
16. Muffins?…………………………………… home made
17. One of your wish list items?…………..Great Grandchildren
18. Where you grew up?…………………… Huntington, WV
19. The last thing you did?………………. Computer Search
20. What are you wearing?………………… blue jeans
21. Your TV?……………………………………not on
22. Your pets?…………………………………. have none!
23. Your computer? ………………………… use regularly
24. Your life?……………………………………..old guy
25. Your mood?………………………………pretty relaxed
26. Missing someone?…………………My Harriet
27. Your car?……………………………………Honda Accord
28. Something you’re not wearing?………………my shoes
29. Favorite Store?……………………………. Costco market
30. Your summer?…………………………….. all done
31. Like someone?……………………………my family
32. Your favorite color?…………………….. Kelly Green
33. Last time you laughed?…………………this morning
34. Last time you cried?………………….August 2006
35. You are with?……………………….. son Pete
35. Who will re-post this?……………………hopefully someone!
 

Housekeeping

Early in the week I called Pro-Steam to get my carpet cleaned. Thursday at 8 o'clock o.k? Fine. Then I called Pro-tech about servicing the furnace. Thursday at 8:30 o.k.? Fine. So last night I was awake off and on to make sure that I was dressed, pilled, and had breakfast before 8 a.m. The carpet guy came about 7:45 and worked diligently with his assistant, and they were on their way by 8:30. About 8:25 the furnace guy called and was running a bit late. Good! One truck out of the way before the next one shows up. I was really surprised to get them both here so quickly, but according to the carpet guy, people are putting a lot of this sort of stuff off. He was truly glad to get the job.

The furnace guy tells me that there is a small amount of CO2. Not to worry, but I have budgeted for a new furnace next year. I was thinking yesterday about a 2009 budget. This year the big expense has been hearing aids. At least my income should not be much different from this year. Social Security should increase due to inflation, and my Equities retirement will decrease due to market forces. Annuities and Bond income will remain constant. I've increased amounts for Utilities, groceries, auto expense, Medicare, Medical Insurance, etc. It looks as if I'll survive.

Time marches on. Today people are remembering 9/11. Every day I remember 12/3.

Family Gathering

I've been writing on Facebook about Sour-dough waffles for breakfast. Saturday mornings brother John's family along with Pete and me have been having late morning breakfast. We call it "Farmer's Market" because the 9:30 time gives those who wish time to get to the local Farmer's Market before hand. John and Jean are the usual hosts, but this last Saturday Pete and I did it. I have a sour-dough starter I got in Jackson Hole, WY in the early 1960's. From this I make waffles on occasion, and sour-dough wheat bread. Both are very good. The picture above shows this past week's gathering with the one of little hair being brother John - my twin. And I have less hair. Clockwise around the table are Jean, Lisa, Pete, Mark and Rosanna. Lisa is not often with us since she lives in Red Lodge. It was good to have her. Dennis could not be with us as he was visiting his mother in Cody, WY. She is not well, and is in our prayers. Of course, in addition all the human types we had Rosanna's two large dogs. They are very well behaved, and love human contact: that is "scratching".