Count Your Blessings

Apache Junction, AZ   High 65  Low 44

On this Thanksgiving morning I was remembering a hymn we sing each year at Thanksgiving time.  I think we need to keep this in mind all year long.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold. Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high. So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Text: Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922 Music: Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921

AZ gave us a beautiful sunset last night to begin our Thanksgiving.

And a beautiful moon.

Jim and I want to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love and good food. We will be sharing this day with Retired Rod and creating more wonderful memories.

Thanks Everyone

AJ, AZ  High 68  Low 42

Jim and I really appreciate all the words of encouragement. Sure makes our hearts warm and filled with love.

mb c – Really want to thank you for the heat suggestion. We pulled out ye olde hot water bottle and the heat is making a big difference on Jim’s leg. I don’t need to adjust the seat when I drive the truck. My problem is not being able to see over the front end of the truck so I can’t get it into a parking spot easily. I’m usually at an angle or hanging over the lines.

They’re having military air maneuvers and we saw this jet this morning. Pretty incredible sight. 

Jim Update

Apache Junction, AZ  High 67  Low 41

We made a visit to the surgeon today because Jim is still having a great deal of pain in his upper right leg and we weren’t sure if that was to be expected. His incision is healing nicely and isn’t very sore unless one of the girls jumps on it.

The doctor explained that the soreness is from the removal of the vein that was used to create the bypass around the blockage. He couldn’t give us a timeframe for how the pain will last but it could be awhile. That means Jim is still taking the pain medication which means he still can’t drive.

And that means I still have to drive. Gives me the incentive to get out and to Walmart by 7:00 am before the crowds arrive so its easy to park the truck.

The pain medications have taken away Jim’s desire for food so making sure he has something to eat for his diabetes can be a challenge. I’ll know he’s getting better when he wants to eat dinner again.

Skittlez makes sure he gets outside every day. It’s his job to take her out and she runs and hides behind his legs if I suggest I take her out. Scooter doesn’t care who takes her as long as she gets to go outside.

It’s been cold and windy here. Sure not typical Arizona Fall weather. Supposed to have sunshine and 70’s the rest of the week. Pretty nice considering what many other states are going through. 

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week. But boy am I looking forward to having some turkey.

It’s Not A Good Thing

AJ, AZ

I was so out of it yesterday when I made my post that I completely forgot about one of the funniest incidents yesterday at the hospital.

The young woman who escorts the patients to the pre-op prep area came down to get Jim. Really a pretty blonde. She looked at Jim and said “I remember you. You were here a couple of months ago.” She must see 30 to 50 people a day and she remembered Jim. Sure made him feel good.

Then when we were in the prep area and the anesthesiologist came in to get Jim’s info. He says – I remember you. Sure enough. Same doctor as we had last July.

But you must admit it’s really not a good thing to have these folks remember you that well. I told the anesthesiologist that as good looking as he was – I hoped I didn’t see him again for many years.

But the really great news is – Jim is home and asleep in his own bed.

So Very Grateful

Apache Junction, AZ   High 79  Low 51

We were up at 4:00 this morning and got to the hospital at 5:30. They took Jim into surgery at 7:30. He had a blockage in an artery in his groin. About 9:30 the surgeon came out and told me that everything went great. He actually did a by-pass on that artery rather than open it up, clean it out, and then put a patch on it. (Isn’t he just cute!!!)

Then it took forever for them to get him a room in the Telemetry Unit so he spent a lot of time in recovery. They finally moved him to a room about 1:30. I visited with him for a little while and when I left he was complaining about being hungry. I knew then he was just fine.

I’ll be bringing him home tomorrow. Oh joy – I get to drive through all that traffic again. But he’s worth it.

I want to thank everyone for all their love and prayers. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all His love and protection.