Cool and Where's the Snow

They still have that mighty strong bond. Sure the others play with her but something special about the 2 how they play. She is getting very used to the grooming and the treat at the end.

Here is the gallery.

Nothing like capturing the shake. Nothing like Harlows! She loves to roll and catch the wind!

Toys - lost or not. They take them out and sometimes they disappear till spring. Then they get heaved from being out so long. Stormy thinks the toys are the very best!

Going to do a short blog tonight. They say snow is coming and I surely hope so. I need some magical photos in the white stuff.

Dare Devils

It used to drive me crazy having them walk the edge but they are mountain goats. This was the dug out I designed so the kids had a safe way to get out of the basement. Before we put a walkout they would have had to climb up to these small windows. I didn't feel it was safe and not sure how the builder 30+ years ago felt it was okay. We put it in at the same time as the pool eons ago.

Nathan and I was talking about it and he said his heart is full with everyone that has helped, gave well wishes - all of you. He sincerely means it and so do I. Thank you truly. No one wants surgery especially during covid but to know we have many that care - wow. Thank you!

Here is today's gallery.

We start the day at 645am these days. Bring the dogs down, put out the waters, make Nathan breakfast. Then meds, shower, nitro patch, check blood pressure and send and now check rate with an EKG mobile unit. We get to do it again at noon and at night. I am learning. LOL

Nathan is better each day in small increments. It is only 6 days since he got discharged. It takes time. I am tired all the time. Just work but it will get better. I dropped 10lb. Don't know if that is all as I don't weigh myself and just started weighing a week and a half ago. Maybe those stairs are making me work. I hate them by the way. LOL

If Nathan walks a minute or 2 more we say bravo! If he needs less pain meds - we say bravo. He so wants off the hydromorphone.

I did comb out all the dogs. I decided I am going to wash mine 1 at a time here and there.

The washer is fixed - oh my gad it is fixed and no cost as it is under warranty. I had damp smelly blankets that need 2 washes but they are coming clean! I am now doing load after load. LOL It feels so good to not hand wash items. Thank you to Julie and Sherry that offered to do clothes for me but I just felt mighty guilty and no one needs to do laundry for someone. In a non covid day we would have went to the Laundromat. In a non covid day we would have had family coming in from Ottawa etc to help with Nathan.

The dogs today - most had Nathan time. We are getting into a rhythm as to how to have them snuggle with him without hurting him. He just had Rebel as she is so light on his side but then it was too much. A few minutes at a time is good for his soul, he says.

A friend says her temps got up to 50f today. She lives in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City and she was in a t-shirt. Here it was hovering around 0. Who is lucky? It all depends on your perspective. The right mindset matters. Tough to get there at times but so important.

Misty and Raven have morning sickness.

Relationships

Ellie comes once a week and usually I comb her out but time got away from me. So very sorry! Next week for sure!

I wanted to wash 2 of my own dogs today but never happened. Got to fit them in and I will as it bothers me not to.

Here is the gallery.

The repair guy comes tomorrow for the washer. He told the company that sends out their parts that they had someone that needs their washer going as he just had surgery so they expedited it. Wow a stranger being nice. Yes - wow!

I thank Sherry for sitting in a car today getting Nathan's prescription after he had a very long day from doctor to the lab. Our pharmacy doesn't deliver. I can't begin to tell you... I really can't. Those doing food or picking up food - and I will do it back in return in a heartbeat. I owe you so much and I think this caretaking is overwhelming with the rest that I have on my plate but I find myself laughing how crazy it all is.  Thank you! I asked Nathan would he do the same? He said I would hire someone.

Nathan has too much fruit. He so appreciates it but I need ideas on how to sustain its freshness.  I may start making mixed drinks - fruity margarita - heh. So send me recipes on making juice or maybe I can freeze for drinks later? Yes, send me ideas, please! Did get chocolate covered fruit and that I am eating. Thank you!

Ellie, Reggie, Harlow and Brewer had a blast. I mean a ton of fun today. Ellie is truly better off through this pandemic to have these wild play sessions. I can see her blooming! Harlow comes off and on throughout the month and really happy to come, really happy to go home. Perfect... Brewer is the same.

I so love the dogs. Isolation with dogs is good for us but they too need the play. It is all so hard. Pandemic - GO AWAY.

Nathan goes to dr visits weekly so Monday is it for 6 weeks. He has a referral for his arthritis to get his pain under control, visits with Cardiologist, Surgeon and I have to do blood pressure twice a day and heart monitoring that gets send to them. Wednesday I have to redo pill slots and tomorrow I need to call cardiologist about the meds and changes. It's supposed to be the GP but he sais they want me to do it?

Nathan saw more dogs. Sage reacted to him like Rebel did at first. Ella was crazy over the top so we had to hold and contain her. Ellie was way excited. Brewer sniffed and sniffed. Murphy had a major tail wagging. Jeannie wanted her belly rubbed. Harlow wanted to lick his wounds. Poor Nathan relishes being the dog whisperer so it bothers him - the reaction but he will regain that. He's confuserd by the Rebel like reaction.

2 Years Old Hooray

LOVE of our live (Meadow) turns 2 today!  ...and she wishes a very happy birthday to her sisters Misty and Beni and brother Cory!

From me: What a beauty - special hat!

Flying Havanese: Reggie Style

Reggie FliesHere is the gallery.

The dogs got sopping wet today and I did manage to wash 2 of mine and comb out the rest. You won't see it in the gallery as Dennis took the photos early and I have to groom inbetween Nathan etc. They say the northeast of the USA is getting 18 inches of snow. Can you believe? Where is our snow? Not that Dennis needs to shovel and I hate driving in it but would be nice to see dogs on pure white snow.

Pablo's mom sent a nice card - so cool the design. We appreciate the well wishes to Nathan. He smiled and enjoyed.

I changed the bedding for Nathan and he gave me blow to blow how to do it. I am laughing. He did get to see Rebel and Hallie today and Nami. It's getting cold again so it's not so wet out there but icy now.

Be sure to check out the Birthday blog!

Nathan is getting better but in tiny increments. He's not sure about that but that is my observation.

Fun Today Plus Gallery 10:05pm

Lots of fun was had today but having an issue with creating the gallery. I will post as I can.

Gallery below:

Thank you goes to Valerie and Stella for a beautiful fruit basket. Nathan has already dug in. Most appreciative. He loves fruit. I promised to make him a fruit juice from some if I can figure out how to in a blender. :-) Thanks goes to Sherry for dinner - so thankful. The meals are the toughest as there are simply too much to do. We still have not got in a groove yet on how to decrease stairs.  Nathan forgerts what he needs. It is almost comical.

Nathan did call down to the dogs today from the landing to Misty, Rocco and Meadow while they were eating. They happened to be eating in the front hall when he was doing his daily must walk regiment. waggy tails and excitement!

I will keep trying to get the gallery done but if it doesn't occur, it will get done along with tomorrows. We are trying. Here is is at 10:05PM. Lots of Meadow, Rocco, Reggie playing.

Ty photo added in the next blog today!

Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th birthday Ty! It’s been an interesting year and I am sure you’ve enjoyed having your family with you every day.Kona is 10, Sophie, Ty - wow! The treasured one sends her love!

T.G.I.F.

14 stairs up and down about 10 plus times a day. Thank gad for friends. Dorothy left cookies for Dennis. He is quite pleased and thankful. He so loves sweets and doesn't gain. How can that be? Sylvia is doing a Costco run for me with items needed. Plus getting takeout food for us. I am so thankful. I am actually so tired I am not capable of driving. I usually don't recognize that.

As soon as I get my energy up I am going to bring Tenshi up to see Nathan. They have this thing going. Oh, she loves me but nathan.... hmm wonder if she will react to his smell. It has to be getting better as Rebel is just crazy excited and no tail down at him but she is really bonding with me and I am so trying not to have that happen.

Marcie and Shlomo was here playing like crazy getting spruced up. I need to do my own dogs. Oh well, that will come.

It's rather cold so we went from 68f to 70f in the house as Nathan was too cold with lots of blankets on. I did heat up some blankets for the dogs when they came in. They loved it! Here is the gallery.

Oh and pretty sure Misty and Raven are pregnant.

There is a Method

Upstairs, downstairs - dogs crying to see Nathan and grooming, pills, showers, handwashing as washer not working but need the clothes as he only has 2 pjs.

No deep cold yet. Hope to not go out as yesterday was crazy. I am getting a workout going upstairs. It's 9am and have been up 5 times.

Dogs had breakfast. They had a morning run. May or may not get combed out. We will see how the day goes but will do one here and there. Soon another play and run. Other than wanting to see Nathan they are good.

Soon boarders arrive and I must give them a spa day.

Crazy busy and cooking - it's laughable. Must have quick stuff. We will figure it out.

Gallery

This helps to do the blog in stages. I need sleep. LOL

Sorry So Late

Here is the gallery.

Sherry was going to send me a photo of Murphy but it didn't arrive so here is mom and daughter.

Everyone had a ton of fun but I am adjusting. I had to go get Nathan, then do everything that one has to do to get his care done. I also had to go to the pharmacy 3 times as he had so many meds but critical ones for pain that he had to have soon then I just got back with the 13 others. I also had to look at a chart and put them in am/pm boxes and certain days he had to have them with certain meds and then stop x on one day and stop x on one other day and reduce to 1 for others. I have never had to organize so many pills and patches and all the fun stuff that he has. So - I am late and tomorrow maybe I do not have to run here and there. I need to catch a breath.

Dogs either saw Nathan from a distance or we held up certain dogs to say hello. He is far from ready but he had to see them. The bed is too high so Dennis and I may have to remove the metal part the boxspring sits in so this blog needs to be short.

He's home thank gad but he hasn't slept a wink. Hope he sleeps tonight. Dennis has dogs and I have watch.

I also deleted my mail someway - it just vanished so if you are doing a grooming or boarding WRITE TO ME AGAIN please!

Two Updates Today

Snow arrived today. This is Tenshi and Rebel playing today.

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had wonderful fun in the white stuff. It was great to see. Dennis and I both took photos.

Harlow departs at 8 tonight. In about 45 minutes I get her ready - her spa day! Brewer's dad is going to help Dennis get the recliner upstairs. So appreciative!

Nathan may come home tomorrow. We shall see. He had a couple of heart racing moments but he's done stairs, walking etc. He said I walk faster than the others here but I walk like an old man so don't get concerned when you see me. I said he has 2 months to start doing jogs lol.

Going to be a lot of work but will be good to have him home. Facetime doesn't cut it during covid times.

Oh and we got the guestroom ready and as you do, you wash all the bedding etc and I did the dog beds and I think one must of leaked as my washer is not working but the error says plugged. I have tried everything they suggested then by hand wrung out the clothes and drying and drying and drying. As it is under warranty they will come perhaps Friday. Me and washers - heh

Happy 2nd Birthday

Hello Darlah,

Hope everyone is well, we have been following along with the website so wishing Nathan good health and a speedy recovery!

Just wanted to send a big THANK YOU! in recognition of our Charlie’s second birthday. The time has just flown by and honestly I don’t know what we would have done this past year without her to brighten up each day. She is a big personality in a tiny body our family and friends all love her. We are forever grateful to the entire Talemaker family. And a happy second birthday to all her puppy friends as well!

Puppy Play Today

It was a great distraction to have Brewer, Tenshi, Harlow, Daisy, Rosey and Ellie here today. Ellie comes once a week for play. Tenshi departs tomorrow and Harlow tomorrow. Brewer already departed tonight. So did daily, Rosey and Ellie.

Here is the gallery. Dennis took them all as I had a full day of grooming.

Nathan is now out of ICU. He was hoping he would be home tomorrow but that was his wishful sleeping. They are getting better at pain management. Not there yet. They took him off oxygen. His heart raced and he started sweating so back on oxygen. He is getting a sleeping pill and he is sleeping. Not tons as they keep bugging him (LOL) but better. Catheter still in. Tomorrow we get his room ready. Michael - Brewer's dad said he would help Dennis up with the recliner. I am so appreciative.

I have not recovered but the dogs are getting us by and great people. Thank you!

Happy 2nd Birthday

Happy 2^nd Birthday to Tanner, Poppy, Kora and Pablo! 

Tanner’s first birthday came really fast and his second came even faster. Wow, what a year it’s been!

Happy 2nd Birthday to this Big Boy today!

No other blog tonight but here is the gallery.

A Breath

Dogs slept last night. Me, not so much but that was okay. Tonight we may all sleep as Nathan has the breathing tube out just a bit ago and sat up on the side of his bed. They taught him how to roll. He has not walked yet but depending on how he is doing they may try. HUGE improvement from last night.

Here is today's gallery.

I am breathing now.... Thank you everyone for caring. What a ride this has been.

Ongoing...

Well we have had a heck of a ride.

This is how it went:

Mixed emotions today. Nathan is in hospital. I did get to go in with him till surgery time. He was supposed to go in at 1. The surgeon had a difficult surgery before him and it took more time than expected. Then they had to sterilize the OR and another hour or maybe it was 45 minutes - have to look at phone timestamps the surgeon came out to tell us that he had a patient coming in with an ambulance and depending on if he is viable or not he may have to reschedule Nathan after telling us Nathan was a severe case. Only blessing is Nathan slept through that. Then more time goes by and they come out to grab his bags. I said not this one. I asked what was going on. They were taking him in for surgery. I asked about the ambulance patient. He said he was diverted. I said diverted? Yes, he died. I have no idea if it happened in the ambulance, at the hospital - what. I didn't know how to feel. I felt awful that someone could die then did and awful that Nathan may get cancelled. But I walked out of the hospital a mess. I await a call at 8ish. I paid for my parking with my debit. I walked to the other side with his heavy jacket, boots and all that fun stuff. Someone was parked too close so I couldn't get into my car except via the passenger seat. Drove to the station to depart and I only had my receipt not the actual ticket to depart with (no attendee) so I buzzed them. They wanted me to go back to get the ticket. I had cars behind me. I said REALLY? He finally let me through. Then I went the wrong way to get to the QEW and then instead of getting to the 427 ended up on the 401 at rush hour. It is a miracle I made it home and here I am trying to breathe and wait for the call. What a day and I best get a call that he sailed through surgery.

Update: Just got a call - he made it through faster than he expected. Said he had a tremendous amount of plaque. They are just moving him to ICU now and I am to call close to bedtime to see how he is. He will not be able to talk tonight nor part of the day tomorrow. I asked how many days till home. He says lets just get through tonight and figure it out. He will be seeing him late tonight and in the morning.

At 230 they said they can’t control his blood pressure. Seems they have fluid in his lungs and his surgeon decided to go back in to see what was going on. So, here I wait for the call scared out of my mind.

I just got a call from surgeon. He is out of surgery yet again. Says he has been on aspirin for sometime and was not clotting. He says a double edge sword. But he says no damage to his heart. The bypass looks good. I am to call at 530am to see how he is and if he is well enough to take the tube out. He never got it out from the 1st surgery. His surgeon is doing another emergency and will check on him after the surgery he is now on. This surgeon is almost 24 hours in surgery. I can’t sleep. I want to believe he will be okay now. I am waiting to hear if they take the tube out - a clear sign he is progressing positively.

They will not take out tube till fully stabilized. He is and will remain heavily sedated till they feel they can start waking him up. I am to call again around 830 or they will call me if any changes.

Noon they are waking him up and will take out the tube if all progresses well. Vitals are now stabalized. I am to call back at 5 to see if they were able to get the tube out but looking positive.

It has been an awful ride. But he's alive, progressing and I did get an hour power nap. The dogs slept last night. LOL They are sleeping now - all of them after Dennis taking them outside and playing with them.

Nathan Update

Mixed emotions today. Nathan is in hospital. I did get to go in with him till surgery time. He was supposed to go in at 1. The surgeon had a difficult surgery before him and it took more time than expected. Then they had to sterilize the OR and another hour or maybe it was 45 minutes - have to look at phone timestamps the surgeon came out to tell us that he had a patient coming in with an ambulance and depending on if he is viable or not he may have to reschedule Nathan after telling us Nathan was a severe case. Only blessing is Nathan slept through that. Then more time goes by and they come out to grab his bags. I said not this one. I asked what was going on. They were taking him in for surgery. I asked about the ambulance patient. He said he was diverted.  I said diverted? Yes, he died. I have no idea if it happened in the ambulance, at the hospital - what. I didn't know how to feel. I felt awful that someone could die then did and awful that Nathan may get cancelled. But I walked out of the hospital a mess. I await a call at 8ish. I paid for my parking with my debit. I walked to the other side with his heavy jacket, boots and all that fun stuff. Someone was parked too close so I couldn't get into my car except via the passenger seat. Drove to the station to depart and I only had my receipt not the actual ticket to depart with (no attendee) so I buzzed them. They wanted me to go back to get the ticket. I had cars behind me. I said REALLY? He finally let me through.  Then I went the wrong way to get to the QEW and then instead of getting to the 427 ended up on the 401 at rush hour. It is a miracle I made it home and here I am trying to breathe and wait for the call. What a day and I best get a call that he sailed through surgery.

Just got a call - he made it through faster than he expected. Said he had a tremendous amount of plaque. They are just moving him to ICU now and I am to call close to bedtime to see how he is. He will not be able to talk tonight nor part of the day tomorrow. I asked how many days till home. He says lets just get through tonight and figure it out. He will be seeing him late tonight and in the morning. Now to have a drink. LOL

To lighten the move, here is today's gallery. Look at Tenshi playing!

Holding Pattern

Keke and NathanNot sure what the day will bring so not sure about galleries but I never miss a blog day. My hosting operation might have glitches but I write one daily. So this is it.

Dogs just finished eating. We have some snow flurries.

I had my muffin and coffee. Nathan can't eat. Soon we will depart and the day will unfold. Nathan will drive as he won't be able to for 2 months they say and that will drive him crazy.

Rebel, this morning is so full of life - going to take a video as she bounces around like crazy expelling more energy than I have for sure. Love the dogs...love the Nathan.

I can't update the blog unless I am home but may ask Murphy's mom to post in the comments on an update. We shall see.

Tenshi's mom brought us curry for today. We ate it last night. Nathan's last supper for a bit. LOL Thank you!

Long Day

Today's gallery.

Long day grooming but we had Leo who is in the photo here visiting. Maui, Ollie, Chloe, Harlow and Reggie. Did I forget someone? heh The dogs played their heads off and I mean so played. Ignore the yellow - if you see any in photos. I am just not up to looking at every photos. It is what it is.

We didn't get a call cancelling surgery so at 8am we are heading to the hospital. Dennis will be holding down the fort. I packed for Nathan and this way if I forgot something he can blame me. LOL

Tomorrow will be a long day for all so tomorrow's blog may be late and short too.

Memorable Day

Here is the gallery.

Rebel was not sore after her shots and she was her usual fun self. I have to say the last 2 additions to our home, Rebel and Nami have been a dream. They are amazing as they are fun and so enjoyable the way they embrace life. I feel so lucky.

As this was such a momentous day for the United States and the world, I felt this photo was appropriate. This was Marco with his dad. I had to laugh. Today I breathe after 4 years of insanity. As an American/Canadian, I am so glad a change occured down south. Just the lack of lies will be refreshing. Enough of that...

The dogs had an amazing amount of fun today. It was play, play, play!

Tenshi arrives tomorrow till Saturday. How fun is that. It is way fun to me.

Nathan has his cardio handbook now, a call from his surgeon as to when to stop his meds etc. It is a go for Friday. We are told that they are expediting people out of the hospital in 4 days after surgery (half the time), if the patient is up to it due to covid. He must be able to do stairs for a departure. Oh boy means more care on my shoulders but will be great to have him out of hospital. I guess I will be cooking a lot. :-) I hope he pulls it off. I guess it means Saturday we will set up the guestroom for him for all his needs.

Tomorrow is very busy. I have grooming all day. Packing for Nathan, laundry and get his pre-op papers into the van as he will seriously forget them.

Nathan is trying to spend all his waking moments with me and the dogs. Me, he will see. The dogs he won't unless I hold them for them to say hello as they can't jump on him. That will be tough on him. Me bouncing him off the bed due to being restless - he won't miss. LOL