02.28.2025

41°F cloudy WNW30mph SR0640 SS1751

Morning Offering given

Village waking

No coffee this morning

Today
Read Psalms 91-93
RIAY Day 59 -The Nature of Sin
Rosary of the Dead Novena Day 4

Good Morning

*The Pope seems to be holding his own. May God’s will reign.
*The Government is moving forward at rapid pace to act upon their campaign promises before the liberal left closes or ties shut the doors available to accomplish something.
*Today I can say that, the knee is calming itself. After a day in hell, taking way too much ibuprophen because the injection given at the ER gave minimal relief and my PCP couldn’t find time to fit me in. The suggestion was to go to the ER again. So let me tell you how the last 2 years have been with the Mayo Health Systems. Proportedly one of the highest regarded systems in the USA.

July 2023 I met with my PCP. My main complaint was a bad left leg (there were other issues discussed) I was sent for further testing. Testing came back and I met with PCP again. I was told he would be agreeable to an injection in that knee but… but… it was on hold because of another issue. Once that was looked into we would move forward. On to other appointments, testings, etc. Results were discussed and referrals made. This took for ever to accomplish because somehow this great health system had difficulting setting appointments or testing. I waited, patiently, no really patiently because I was brought up to know the DR’s knew the best. August ’24 I made an appointment… new PCP, all the explanations, and I was teary which made me ANGRY to have to BEG for something to be done. So the leg once again on hold because heart palpations needed to be addressed first… ECHO ordered…cardiologist refural…suspect Afib…more testing…referral to different cardiologist…14 day halter…NO AFIB, no answers for palpitations. NO ECHO…PCP reordered ECHO….no call to set it up…. I called, and was told “when we are ready for you WE WILL CALL YOU. So I waited. November ’24… left leg swelling… trip to ER… sent on to ER larger town to have testing for blood clot. Taken to room, information exchanged, test taken, results told, no clot, results will be sent to PCP, get dressed and you can go. DR leaves the room. I waited, as the bed rails were up, I was hooked up to BP cuff, and the call light had been removed and was not within reach to push for help. When it became evident no one was coming I scooted to the end of the bed, and over the end, dressed myself and then left. No discharge papers, no instructions, etc. I waited for PCP to contact reference results, she did saying everything was fine no clot. I responded with so now what. Sending photo of now swollen left foot, left index finger, left elbow…. no response. I waited. Feb ’25 ECHO finally done… silly me, I was grateful I wasn’t dead. Results came, PCP response, everything is fine. No mention of leg. Feb ’25, another left leg issue, with pain so intense I wanted to vomit. ER visit, pain med injected, told to contact PCP next day for results of xrays and he said referral but first should have fluid removed for testing so that they could be sure there was no infection or gout. That it was infact bone on bone osteoarthritis flair. Came home, waited for injection to ease pain, it must have because I slept. But pain did not recede so at 9AM I called to schedule appt. I was told there was one the following day or Friday. I explained why I wanted to be seen today and was told I could not be seen. Received txt telling me to go make an appointment on line, there were no openings till next week. Meanwhile walking wasn’t manageable, 800mg of ibuprofen every 4 hours didn’t cut it. I replied to txt, that if I couldn’t be seen that I would have to seek another dr. They told me if the pain got too bad go to the ER… now I ask you, why would I do that AGAIN so that afterwards no one would see me or follow up. I continue to ice, heat, and take 800 mg of I ibuprofen every 4 hrs. This morning the knee is noticeably less swollen, and as long as I sit in the recliner and remain on pain killer, ice, and heat I can hobble to the bathroom when need. Oh wait, I have a new MAYO message. How nice, they are truly sorry for my pain and give me a number to call regarding my experiences. Oh and I cannot reply to this message. I think it is time to find another medical facility. This one obviously has no desire to help me.

Meanwhile, I cannot attend the prayer service each day for my dear friend who just passed away. I’ve had to cancel my obligations that had already be made, I hope to be at my friend’s wake, and I will be traveling to my daughter’s on Sunday. Perhaps another state has health care that will actually help me.

If you’ve gotten this far thank you for allowing me to vent. I will end my rant.

Know you are prayed for.

02.26.2025

34°F raining NE7mph SR 0643 SS1748

Morning Offering given

Village waking

Coffee okay

Today
Read Psalms 85-87
RIAY Day 57 Lets Step Away
Rosary for the Dead Novena Day 2

We all seem to be walking around in a fog thinking “What Happened? What Was That! Really? Are you sure?, Valerie, she died? Not possible, not Valerie!” If you are friends with her, yes you can still be her friend in death. You can still think about her, you can still mention her name, laugh with her, and most of all smile with her. Valerie was all about you being happy, you being who you are or could be. She listened intently, instructed lovingly, and always, always welcomed you, no matter what. She lit up a room, bringing strangers together, and always, always wanted things to go well, even when they didn’t. She had sorrows, pains, and regrets… she wasn’t afraid to share them with you if she felt it was something you needed. She loved her husband, her children, Jesus and His Church. Just the other night we talked about how hopeful it was to be able to be “CATHOLIC” again. Without having to be so politically correct. We discussed Pope Francis, his illness, and our hope that although we didn’t always agree with him he sat in the chair, he was voted in, and we needed to just move on. Jesus had a plan. We talked about so many things over the years and I suspect I will be talking with her in the future as well. Cause although she doesn’t physically live, she is still alive. One of the glories of the church, is the communion of saints, the souls in purgatory, and the ability to have conversation. Here’s to you my friend, may God have mercy on your soul, may your suffering here on earth shorten your time in purgatory, and when you have a moment send butterflies our way.

Know you are prayed for.

Rosary for the Dead Novena

https://everydayprayerco.com/blogs/news/the-novena-for-the-dead-9-days?srsltid=AfmBOoqwvDcVZ-c4NMuxmdVE6wf6dpSwlZIldRK1rPpUbK8YeBJ5NIHz

Day 1 was last evening at St. James the Less for my friend, Valerie Kircher, who died yesterday morning from complications of asthma bronchitis pneumonia

May she rest in peace.

Today, the Novena will be after the 530 pm mass at St. Mary’s Ridge. Bring a dish to pass for the gathering afterward.

02.24.2025

40°F W13mph SR0647 SS1745

Morning Offering given

Village sleepy

Coffee strong

Today
-Read Psalms 79-81
-RIAY Day 55 Wine into Water
-Memory Verse – John 4:23- “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.”

Pope Francis remains in critical condition. Regardless of our personal issues with the way he conducts his office we are required to pray for him. Not only for him but in the act of praying for ourselves.

The Ascension app has brought a pod cast to my attention entitled “Navigating Attractions and Lust in Relationships” (with Sr Josephine Garrett) It’ll take about 30 mins

Normal Monday, although I shouldn’t I will. Can’t just sit here and think about the leg issues.

Know you are prayed for.

12.23.2025

20°F cloudy S8mph SR0645 SS1744

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Coffee strong

Today
-Read the scripture readings from Mass.
-RIAY Day 54-My Beloved son

Health update…
-I lowered my CPAP to 1.3 events/hr. from 60 and increased it to 6-7 hrs. of sleep from 3. I still hate the dry throat and the entire process, but it is working.
-Weight loss, miserable failure. Nothing works.
-Foot neuropathy starting treatments over. They are so time-consuming I haven’t been doing them, progress had been made, and now without it, I am back where I started.
In a nutshell… I’m a physical mess and apparently have no willpower to keep at it. So, I begin again.
-Sinus/chest congestion issues finally breaking up.

My apologies to Katherine for not attending the shower yesterday. I had to decide between two options because I could not do both. My thank you to Mark & Val for a very pleasurable dinner and conversation. We played “Dodge-the-Deer” all the way home… won. Today, however, I will remain home for the duration. The legs are so bad walking further than the bathroom is not an option. Perhaps a good treatment will relieve it so that tomorrow I can do my responsibilities without too many issues.

Prayers go up today for GS, KS, and SS for the needs/issues in their lives. Prayers for Pope Francis… God’s will. For me to get with and stick to the health issues and wellness.

Know you are prayed for.